PROBABILISTIC ASSESSMENT OF ACI 318 MINIMUM THICKNESS REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE-WAY MEMBERS

In this paper, a probabilistic model is developed to assess the minimum thickness requirements for 1-way members corresponding to 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 1-way members. Effects of design variables on the minimum thickness values are shown by results from a parametric study. The span-depth ratio equation, proposed in a prior study, is improved based on the probabilistic analysis providing minimum thickness as a function of the specified deflection limit. The proposed expressions are more realistic and adequate for deflection control, and are directly applicable to engineering practice.