Just wrapping up a suspended slab design for a client and wanted to share some thoughts on structural integrity reinforcement.
AS 3600:2018 introduced specific rules for this—essentially, steel bars placed at the bottom of slabs and running over the tops of columns. Why? To hold the structure together, even if one part fails. Think of it like a safety net under a trapeze artist. If one section gives way, the whole system doesn’t come crashing down—this prevents progressive collapse.
It is important in slabs, especially where slabs connect to columns, to help prevent the slab from collapsing if the connection fails (like from punching shear).
You don’t always need integrity reinforcement, though. If your slab is supported by beams with shear reinforcement and at least two bottom bars running through every span into the column, you’re exempt (Clause 9.2.2, AS 3600:2018).
The reference to beams is intended to refer to members that cannot punch and are designed in accordance with Section 8 of AS 3600. Slab bands are specifically mentioned as not being considered beams in this context for the purpose of this exemption.
I can see how integrity reinforcement could be a challenge in flat plate transfer slabs for high-rise buildings, due to reinforcement congestion. What do you think?
Just something to keep in mind next time you’re working on slab-column connections.
PS: Our third BengLab cohort was sold out this week and applications are closed. Thank you all for the incredible support.
BEng The Brazilian Engineer in Australia
Hey everyone,
Just wrapping up a suspended slab design for a client and wanted to share some thoughts on structural integrity reinforcement.
AS 3600:2018 introduced specific rules for this—essentially, steel bars placed at the bottom of slabs and running over the tops of columns. Why? To hold the structure together, even if one part fails.
Think of it like a safety net under a trapeze artist. If one section gives way, the whole system doesn’t come crashing down—this prevents progressive collapse.
It is important in slabs, especially where slabs connect to columns, to help prevent the slab from collapsing if the connection fails (like from punching shear).
You don’t always need integrity reinforcement, though. If your slab is supported by beams with shear reinforcement and at least two bottom bars running through every span into the column, you’re exempt (Clause 9.2.2, AS 3600:2018).
The reference to beams is intended to refer to members that cannot punch and are designed in accordance with Section 8 of AS 3600. Slab bands are specifically mentioned as not being considered beams in this context for the purpose of this exemption.
I can see how integrity reinforcement could be a challenge in flat plate transfer slabs for high-rise buildings, due to reinforcement congestion. What do you think?
Just something to keep in mind next time you’re working on slab-column connections.
PS: Our third BengLab cohort was sold out this week and applications are closed. Thank you all for the incredible support.
For those of you who missed out this time, click "Join Group" to get on the wait list
www.skool.com/benglab-7692/about
7 months ago | [YT] | 5