How load is distributed from slab to beam to foundation

By going through this exclusive construction video tutorial, you will learn how load is transmitted from the super structure to the sub structure that means from slab to foundation.

When any load is enforced on any structure, then structure will transmit and disperse this load to its subsequent elements. When load is delivering to the slab, it will convey the load to beam, then from beam the load will be transmitted to column, column will move this load to footing. Finally, the footing will bear the entire load that is directed from structure. Below the footings, there is soil.

Given below, the details of load transmission process :-

Load transmitted to slab

The slab will retain various types of loads like the dead loads from covering material and wall partitions and it will also provide support to the live load mainly generated from the peoples on this slab.

Load transmitted from slab to beams

The forces transmitted from slab to beams usually occur either in one way or in two ways. The entire system totally depends on the geometrical dimensions of the slab in which if the proportion of long side / short side is under 2 it is treated as 2 way slab, and if the ratio of longer side to shorter side is in excess of 2 then it is treated as 1 way slab.

Load transferred from beam to columns

As the columns provide support to hold beams, they will transfer the load already retained by them from supporting the slab to the column itself. This load transmission will be primarily axial force and in eccentric column, it will transfer moment also to the column.

Load transferred from columns to foundation

As the columns are supported on the foundation; the load reassigned from all the components to attain the columns it will be transferred from the column through the column necks adjoining to the footing in the form of axial force and in exceptional cases or lateral loads employed, it will transmit moment and shear also to the footing.

Also Read : Details about desired overlapping length in beam, column and slab

Load transferred from Footing to soil

Soil is the base of the footing. All the forces that keep in touch with the footings will be delivered to the soil, that will bear this force with its bearing strength that differs from one type of soil to another. The size of the footing mainly depends on the bearing strength.