Most typical nonstructural partitions are specified and constructed in accordance with the industry or manufacturers’ design tables and would not require additional, formal engineering input on a project-by-project basis. The manufacturers’ design tables are based on engineering principles and tests. However, there are projects where the requirements are outside the limits of the manufacturers’ design tables. …

Considerations to Prevent Premature Concentric Punching Shear Failure in Reinforced Concrete (RC) Two-way Slabs

Two-way slabs are unique to Reinforced Concrete (RC) construction. The most common type, due to its ease of forming and speed of construction, is the flat plate, a slab of uniform thickness supported by columns without beams, drop panels or capitals. Flat plates are common in building construction, and can also be found as deck components in waterfront piers and wharves. …