MINIMUM COST DESIGN OF GRID FLOORS

Abstract

This study has been done to achieve the minimum cost design of grid floors . The effect of several parameters of grid system on the structural behaviour and cost are required to be known to achieve this object . The influence of the parameters such as spacing of grid beams? ratio of d: pth of beam •to short span of the grid, length to breadth ratio of the grid floor etc on the cost of the structure has been investigated. By the judicious selection of these parameters, for a given situation, savings -upto 22 per cent in cost of grid floor can be achieved. A graphical method of determining the design forces is also presented. The method is not only direct and time saving but also satisfies the desired accuracy, the results being different by less than 7 per cent only. An illustrative example explaining the use of these graphs is given. The various construction methods of grid floors are described.