Title: Probabilistic Assessment of ACI 318 Minimum Thickness Requirements for One-Way Members

Author(s): Bong-Seob Choi, Byung Hwan Oh, and Andrew Scanlon

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 99

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 344-351

Keywords: deflection; reinforced concrete; strength.

DOI: 10.14359/11918

Date: 5/1/2002

Abstract:
A probabilistic model is developed to assess the minimum thickness requirements for one-way members corresponding to the maximum permissible deflections specified in the ACI 318 Code. A Monte Carlo simulation is performed to infer probabilistic descriptions of span-depth ratios for reinforced concrete one-way members. The effects of design variables on the minimum thickness values are shown by the results of a parametric study. The span-depth ratio equation, which was proposed in a previous study, is improved based on the probabilistic analysis that provides minimum thickness as a function of the specified deflection limit. The proposed expressions are more realistic and adequate for deflection control, which are directly applicable to engineering practice.