Civil Engineering Association

This document presents information on the design of slabs-on-ground, primarily industrial floors. The report addresses the planning, design, and detailing of slabs. Background information on design theories is followed by discussion of the types of slabs, soil-support systems, loadings, and jointing. Design methods are given for unreinforced concrete, reinforced concrete, shrinkage-compensating concrete, post-tensioned concrete, fiberreinforced concrete slabs-on-ground, and slabs-on-ground in refrigerated buildings, followed by information on shrinkage and curling problems. Advantages and disadvantages of each of these slab designs are provided, including the ability of some slab designs to minimize cracking and curling more than others. Even with the best slab designs and proper construction, however, it is unrealistic to expect crack-free and curl-free floors. Consequently, every owner should be advised by both the designer and contractor that it is normal to expect some amount of cracking and curling on every project, and that such occurrence does not necessarily reflect adversely on either the adequacy of the floor’s design or the quality of its construction. Design examples appear in an appendix.