About this course
Learn the StrucEx Concrete Slab workflow, then read the bundled design guide on the Coefficient Method. Choose a lesson from the course content panel — progress is saved in this browser as you complete lessons.
What you'll learn
- Design one-way, two-way and cantilever slabs
- Enter geometry, materials and load conditions
- Compute moments with the Coefficient Method
- Run shear and deflection serviceability checks
- Detail slab reinforcement — bar size and spacing
- Produce code-compliant calculation reports
Report samples
Examples of the calculation output StrucEx Concrete Slab produces.
Two-way Slab Calculation
One-way Slab Calculation
Cantilever Slab Calculation
Slab design with the Coefficient Method
The Coefficient Method (the Direct Design Method in many codes) is a fast, code-compliant approach for regular two-way slab systems under uniform loading. Tabulated coefficients give the design moments directly.
Historical timeline
Turner's experimental studies
Early lab tests and elastic theory build a foundational understanding of slab behaviour.
Moment-coefficient tables appear
Empirical and analytical work is condensed into practical design tables in early ACI documents.
Direct Design Method codified
Idealised continuous slab systems yield the familiar interior / end-span coefficients (ACI 318).
Still in major codes
Retained in ACI 318, NSCP and Eurocode for preliminary design, verification and repetitive layouts.
Step-by-step design
- Define inputs: spans, initial thickness, f'c, fy, dead & live loads.
- Confirm applicability — regular geometry, uniform loading, supports.
- Compute the factored load: wₐ = 1.2D + 1.6L.
- Get design moments: M = C · wₐ · l².
- Design reinforcement, then select bar size & spacing.
- Check serviceability — deflection limits, crack control, spacing.
- Produce detailing — top/bottom steel, development, laps and cut lengths.
Typical moment coefficients (illustrative)
Always use the coefficients from your governing code (ACI 318 / NSCP).
| Span condition | Negative moment coeff. (top) | Positive moment coeff. (bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior span | 0.041 | 0.031 |
| End span (continuous end) | 0.041 | 0.026 |
| End span (free end) | — | 0.037 |