Description:
<jats:p> Slabs with continuous drop panels between column lines facilitate formwork, make long spans possible in addition to increase punching shear resistance around supports and provide unobstructed spans with minimum structural floor depth resulting in lower floor-to-floor heights. The moment distribution in such slabs is different from that in conventional flat plates or slabs with drop panels systems. Dimensioning according to the current provisions in CSA A23.3-94 is problematic because the continuous drop panels are subject to moments exceeding the minimum values allowed by the Code for conventional slab systems. This analytical study presents the moment distribution in slabs with continuous drop panels in an attempt to provide more realistic transverse moment distribution factors.Key words: reinforced concrete, slab systems, slab design, drop panel, moment distribution. </jats:p>