360R-06 Design of Slabs-on-Ground

ACI 360R-06 supersedes 360R-92 (Reapproved 1997) and became effective
August 9, 2006.
Copyright © 2006, American Concrete Institute.
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 360R-1
ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and
Commentaries are intended for guidance in planning,
designing, executing, and inspecting construction. This
document is intended for the use of individuals who are
competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its
content and recommendations and who will accept
responsibility for the application of the material it contains.
The American Concrete Institute disclaims any and all
responsibility for the stated principles. The Institute shall not
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Reference to this document shall not be made in contract
documents. If items found in this document are desired by the
Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they
shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by
the Architect/Engineer.
Design of Slabs-on-Ground
Reported by ACI Committee 360
ACI 360R-06
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, fiber-
reinforced 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. Conse-
quently, every owner should be advised by both the designer and contrac-
tor 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.
Keywords: concrete; curling; design; floors-on-ground; grade floors;
industrial floors; joints; load types; post-tensioned concrete; reinforcement
(steel, fibers); shrinkage; shrinkage-compensating; slabs; slabs-on-ground;
soil mechanics; shrinkage; warping.