Figure 9.33 can be used to estimate quantities of reinforcing steel, concrete, and formwork for flat slabs, as affected by load and span. It also affords a guide to preliminary selection of dimensions for analysis, and can be used as an aid in selecting the structural system most appropriate for particular project requirements.
BEAMS
Most requirements of the ACI 318 Building Code for design of beams and girders refer to flexural members. When slabs and joists are not intended, the Code refers specifically to beams and occasionally to beams and girders, and provisions apply equally to beams and girders. So the single term, beams, will be used in the following.
