Tables For The Analysis Of Plates Slabs And Diaphragms Based On The Elastic Theory Pdf !!better!! ❲FRESH❳
I found the book "Berechnungstafeln für Platten und Wandscheiben = Tables for the analysis of plates, slabs and diaphragms, based on the elastic theory" by Richard Bareš (1979). It's available on the Internet Archive (item identifier: berechnungstafel0000bare). Would you like a direct link or instructions to access/download the PDF?
3. Diaphragms (In-Plane Loading)
- Plates subjected to in-plane shear or edge forces (membrane action).
- Stress concentration factors around openings.
- Stiffness coefficients for equivalent orthotropic plates.
Bibliography & References
- Citations of original elastic theory papers (Navier, Levy, Timoshenko).
- Reference to building codes (Eurocode, ACI) relevant to the tabulated coefficients.
Unlocking Structural Precision: A Guide to Richard Bareš’s "Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs, and Diaphragms"
In the world of structural engineering, while modern Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software dominates the landscape, there remains a profound need for reliable, classical methods for verification and preliminary design. One of the most enduring resources in this field is
Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs, and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory Richard Bareš
Originally published in 1971, this 676-page compendium serves as a bridge between complex elastic theory and practical engineering application. The Core of the Elastic Theory Bareš’s work is rooted in the classical theory of thin plates
, which assumes small deflections relative to the plate's thickness. The analysis typically relies on the governing fourth-order partial differential equation:
nabla to the fourth power w equals the fraction with numerator q and denominator cap D end-fraction is the transverse deflection, is the distributed load, and is the flexural rigidity of the plate. Why This Resource Remains Essential
Even in an era of digital modeling, this handbook provides several critical advantages for engineers: Manual Verification
: Engineers use these tables to perform "sanity checks" on complex FEA results, ensuring that software outputs align with established elastic behavior. Rapid Preliminary Design
: For standard rectangular or circular slabs with common boundary conditions (pinned, fixed, or free), the tables allow for the immediate determination of moments and deflections without building a full digital model. Diverse Boundary Conditions
: The book covers a wide array of support scenarios for plates and diaphragms, including in-plane and out-of-plane loading. Comprehensive Scope : Beyond simple slabs, it includes analysis for diaphragms
(deep beams or wall-like structures) where in-plane stresses are dominant. Key Content Overview
The handbook is structured to guide a designer through various individual structural problems: Basic Theory of Plates and Elastic Stability
Title: Looking for Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory – Any modern alternatives?
User: StructEngineer_87 Posted: Today, 11:42 AM
I keep coming across references to the book Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory by Bares (or sometimes attributed to Czerny/Bares). From what I understand, it’s a foundational collection of influence coefficients and closed-form solutions for elastic plates under various loadings and boundary conditions – essentially the pre-FEA handbook.
Does anyone still use this (or have a PDF they could share)? I’m aware it’s long out of print. I’m particularly interested in the diaphragm tables for lateral load distribution in concrete structures.
Also curious – for those who’ve used it, how does it compare to:
- Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain (Chapter 11 on plates)?
- Theory of Plates and Shells by Timoshenko & Woinowsky-Krieger (Appendices with tables)?
- Modern software like SAFE, ADAPT, or even FEM tools like SCIA or RFEM?
Is there any value left in the Bares/Czerny tables beyond academic/historical interest? I’m trying to avoid blindly trusting FEA for preliminary design of unusual slab geometries.
Reply 1 – Senior Member, PE I’ve got a scanned PDF of the Czerny tables (often mis-titled as Bares). The proper reference is usually: Czerny, F. (1976). Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory. Ernst & Sohn.
Be careful – there are two versions: one for slabs (bending moments) and one for diaphragms (in-plane shear/axial stresses). The diaphragm tables are rare.
Key limitations:
- Only linear elastic, isotropic material.
- Limited to simple support, clamped, free, or elastic edge conditions.
- Mostly rectangular or circular plates.
Why still useful?
They’re excellent for sanity-checking FEA results, especially for moment coefficients in two-way slabs. I’ve caught many modelling errors (wrong boundary conditions, mesh issues) by comparing mid-span moments to Czerny’s coefficients.
Reply 2 – Junior Engineer Why not just use the Eurocode 2 tables for two-way slabs? They’re essentially simplified versions of the same elastic theory.
Reply 1 again – Senior Member, PE Eurocode 2 tables are for ultimate limit state with redistribution. The Czerny tables are purely elastic (serviceability). For example, if you need deflections or crack control in a complex bay, the original elastic coefficients are more accurate. Also, EC2 doesn’t cover irregular shapes or diaphragms.
Reply 3 – Structural Analyst I have a PDF titled “Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory” by Richard Bares (1979, translated from French). It’s ~250 pages. Happy to share a link (mods: is that allowed if it’s out of print/abandoned copyright?).
In terms of modern use:
- SAFE/ADAPT use finite element methods but often embed these classic coefficients for their “strip method” or “coefficient method” checks.
- For diaphragms specifically, the Bares tables are superseded by simple hand methods (e.g., the “strut-and-tie” for deep beams or “cantilever beam analogy” for horizontal diaphragms). But for perforated or L-shaped diaphragms, the tables give you a quick elastic stress distribution without FEA.
Honestly, if you do any work with concrete shell roofs or bridge deck slabs, these tables are gold. I keep a printed copy in my office.
OP’s follow-up:
Thanks everyone – especially @Reply3, yes please DM me the PDF link. I’m mainly after the diaphragm tables for a non-rectangular transfer slab. I’ll cross-check with a simple FEA model, but I want the elastic baseline first.
Also, for anyone else looking: I found a partial preview on Google Books, and WorldCat lists it in a few university libraries (signature: TA660.P6 B3713 1979).
Reply 4 – CAE Software User
Worth noting: If you have access to MATLAB or Python, you can generate many of these tables on the fly using Navier’s solution (double Fourier series) for simply supported plates. For clamped edges, Lévy’s method. The Bares tables just saved everyone the computation time in the 1970s.
But for diaphragms (in-plane loading), the governing equation is the Airy stress function – the tables essentially give you coefficients for membrane stresses. Modern FEM is far more flexible.
Final thought from OP:
Sounds like the PDF is worth having for historical reference and quick checks, but don’t rely on it for final design without a sanity check. Thanks all.
If you’d like, I can also summarize the actual content you would find in that PDF (e.g., common coefficient tables for moment and shear).
Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs, and Diaphragms based on the Elastic Theory
Introduction
The analysis of plates, slabs, and diaphragms is a crucial aspect of structural engineering, particularly in the design of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. The elastic theory provides a fundamental framework for understanding the behavior of these structural elements under various loads. This document presents a compilation of tables for the analysis of plates, slabs, and diaphragms based on the elastic theory.
Tables for Plate Analysis
The following tables provide solutions for various plate configurations and loading conditions:
- Table 1: Deflections and Moments in Rectangular Plates with Uniform Load
- Plate dimensions: a x b
- Load: uniform load q
- Boundary conditions: simply supported
- Deflection: w = (q/4D) * (a^4/b^4) * f(x/a, y/b)
- Moments: Mx = -D * (∂^2w/∂x^2), My = -D * (∂^2w/∂y^2)
- Table 2: Deflections and Moments in Circular Plates with Uniform Load
- Plate diameter: d
- Load: uniform load q
- Boundary conditions: simply supported
- Deflection: w = (q/64D) * (d^4) * f(r/d)
- Moments: Mr = -D * (∂^2w/∂r^2), Mθ = -D * (1/r) * (∂w/∂r)
- Table 3: Deflections and Moments in Plates with Point Load
- Plate dimensions: a x b
- Load: point load P at (x0, y0)
- Boundary conditions: simply supported
- Deflection: w = (P/4πD) * (a^2/b^2) * f(x/a, y/b, x0/a, y0/b)
- Moments: Mx = -D * (∂^2w/∂x^2), My = -D * (∂^2w/∂y^2)
Tables for Slab Analysis
The following tables provide solutions for various slab configurations and loading conditions:
- Table 4: Deflections and Moments in Rectangular Slabs with Uniform Load
- Slab dimensions: a x b
- Load: uniform load q
- Boundary conditions: clamped
- Deflection: w = (q/4D) * (a^4/b^4) * f(x/a, y/b)
- Moments: Mx = -D * (∂^2w/∂x^2), My = -D * (∂^2w/∂y^2)
- Table 5: Deflections and Moments in One-Way Slabs with Uniform Load
- Slab span: l
- Load: uniform load q
- Boundary conditions: simply supported
- Deflection: w = (5ql^4/384EI) * f(x/l)
- Moments: M = -EI * (d^2w/dx^2)
Tables for Diaphragm Analysis
The following tables provide solutions for various diaphragm configurations and loading conditions:
- Table 6: Deflections and Stresses in Diaphragms with Uniform Load
- Diaphragm dimensions: a x b
- Load: uniform load q
- Boundary conditions: simply supported
- Deflection: w = (q/4D) * (a^4/b^4) * f(x/a, y/b)
- Stresses: σx = -D * (∂^2w/∂x^2), σy = -D * (∂^2w/∂y^2)
References
- [1] Timoshenko, S. P., & Woinowsky-Krieger, S. (1959). Theory of plates and shells. McGraw-Hill.
- [2] Cook, R. D., & Young, W. C. (1985). Advanced mechanics of materials. Macmillan.
This draft provides a basic outline of the types of tables that can be used for the analysis of plates, slabs, and diaphragms based on the elastic theory. The actual tables and solutions will depend on the specific problem and the desired level of accuracy.
The analysis of reinforced concrete structures requires precise calculations to ensure safety, serviceability, and economy. For engineers working with two-dimensional elements, Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs, and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory serves as an indispensable reference. These tables simplify complex differential equations into manageable coefficients for everyday design. 🏗️ Core Principles of Elastic Theory
The elastic theory assumes that materials return to their original shape after unloading. In the context of plates and slabs, this involves: Linear Elasticity: Stress is proportional to strain.
Small Deflections: The displacement is small relative to thickness.
Kirchhoff-Love Hypothesis: Straight lines normal to the mid-surface remain straight and normal after bending. 📘 Why Engineers Use Design Tables
Manually solving the Lagrange biharmonic equation for plate bending is time-consuming. Reference tables provide a shortcut by offering pre-calculated coefficients based on:
Boundary Conditions: Fixed, simply supported, or free edges. Aspect Ratio: The relationship between the length ( ) and width (
Loading Types: Uniformly distributed loads, hydrostatic pressure, or point loads. Key Benefits Efficiency: Reduces calculation time from hours to minutes.
Standardization: Ensures consistency across different engineering projects. I found the book "Berechnungstafeln für Platten und
Verification: Acts as a "sanity check" for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software results. 📐 Components Covered in the Tables 1. Two-Way Slabs Tables provide coefficients for bending moments (
) and shear forces. By selecting the correct ratio of spans, engineers can find the maximum stress points at the center and supports. 2. Rectangular Plates
For plates subjected to transverse loading, tables help determine: Maximum deflection ( Torsional moments at the corners. Support reactions for foundation design. 3. Diaphragms (Deep Beams)
Diaphragms act as structural elements transferring lateral loads to vertical resistive elements. The tables assist in calculating in-plane stresses, which differ significantly from standard beam theory due to the height-to-span ratio. 🔍 Notable References and Authors
While many seek a "PDF" version of these tables, several classic texts form the backbone of this data:
Richard Bares: Known for "Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms," a definitive collection of coefficients.
S. Timoshenko: "Theory of Plates and Shells" provides the mathematical foundation for these tables.
Pucher: Influence surfaces for plates, essential for moving loads. 💻 Transition to Digital Analysis
While physical tables are excellent for simple geometries, modern engineering often utilizes software:
FEA Integration: Software like SAP2000 or STAAD.Pro uses the same elastic theories but handles complex shapes.
Hybrid Workflow: Engineers often use tables to verify the "order of magnitude" of computer-generated results to catch modeling errors. 🛠️ Practical Application Example
To find the bending moment in a simply supported square slab with a uniform load ( Identify the Aspect Ratio ( Locate the Coefficient ( ) from the table (e.g., 0.04790.0479 for specific conditions). Apply the formula:
If you are looking for a specific calculation, I can help you further if you provide: The dimensions of the slab or plate.
The boundary conditions (e.g., all edges pinned, or two edges fixed). The type of load (uniform or concentrated).
The reference you are likely looking for is " Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory
" by Richard Bareš. This seminal engineering handbook provides a comprehensive set of tables and formulas for calculating stresses and deformations in various flat structural elements. Overview of the Book
Purpose: Designed as a practical tool for design engineers to analyze structural components without requiring complex, from-scratch differential equation solving.
Scope: It covers rectangular and circular plates, slabs (plates loaded perpendicular to their plane), and diaphragms (plates loaded in-plane).
Theoretical Basis: The calculations are rooted in Classical Elastic Theory (typically Kirchhoff-Love plate theory for thin plates), assuming small deflections and linear elastic material behavior. Key Technical Contents
The handbook typically categorizes solutions based on the geometry and boundary conditions of the element: Rectangular Plates: Tables for various aspect ratios (
) and support conditions (e.g., all sides simply supported, clamped-clamped, or mixed conditions). Slabs: Focuses on bending moments ( ), twisting moments ( Mxycap M sub x y end-sub ), and shear forces.
Diaphragms: Focuses on in-plane stress distribution (plane stress theory).
Loading Conditions: Includes solutions for uniformly distributed loads, hydrostatic loads, and concentrated point loads. Digital Access and PDF Resources
Physical copies or digitized versions of this handbook can be found through the following platforms:
Internet Archive: Offers a digital version of the 1971 edition, titled Berechnungstafeln für Platten und Wandscheiben.
Scribd: Some users have uploaded full PDF versions of the 1979 English edition for viewing or download. Plates subjected to in-plane shear or edge forces
Google Books: Provides a preview and bibliographic details for the book. Basic Theory of Plates and Elastic Stability
"Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory" by Richard Bareš is a comprehensive 1969 reference work featuring formulas and tables for structural design. The text provides extensive coefficients for rectangular and circular elements, covering various loading and boundary conditions. Access the 1979 edition on Scribd or borrow the 1971 version from the Internet Archive.
Richard Bareš's "Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms" serves as an essential, classic engineering manual for calculating internal forces and moments in planar structures based on elastic theory. The tables provide comprehensive, practical formulas for various load cases and boundary conditions, allowing for rapid, manual analysis of plates and slabs. Access a digital copy of the text through the Internet Archive.
Tables for the analysis of plates based on the elastic theory
The seminal work titled Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs, and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory Richard Bareš
(first published in 1969/1971) is a critical reference for structural engineers. It provides practical tables and formulas to simplify the often tedious and error-prone analytical derivations required for solving plate and slab problems. Google Books Book Overview Richard Bareš Publication:
First English edition in 1971 by Bauverlag (Wiesbaden/Berlin) and Macdonald & Co. Typically around 626 to 676 pages.
To provide design engineers with ready-to-use formulas and tables for the analysis of structural elements under various loading conditions, based on linear-elastic theory Internet Archive Scope and Content The manual focuses on three primary structural forms:
Thin, flat structures where the thickness is significantly smaller than other dimensions, primarily resisting loads perpendicular to their surface.
Often used in reinforced concrete design, typically acting as two-way systems supported on columns or walls. Diaphragms (Deep Beams/Wandscheiben):
Elements where in-plane loading dominates, often treated as plane-stress problems in elasticity theory. IQY Technical College Basic Theory of Plates and Elastic Stability
"Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory" is a seminal engineering reference by Richard Bares
. It serves as a vital bridge between complex mathematical elasticity theory and the practical requirements of structural design. The Core Premise: Simplifying Complexity At the heart of the book is the Classical Thin Plate Theory
(often referred to as Kirchhoff-Love theory). Analyzing plates and slabs involves solving fourth-order partial differential equations (the Lagrange equation), which is notoriously difficult for everyday engineering practice. Bares’ work provides a comprehensive set of pre-calculated coefficients
that allow engineers to determine bending moments, shear forces, and deflections using simple arithmetic instead of advanced calculus. Key Components of the Analysis The tables are categorized based on three primary factors: Boundary Conditions:
Whether the edges are simply supported, clamped (fixed), or free.
Detailed analysis for rectangular and circular slabs, as well as more complex diaphragms. Loading Patterns:
Data for uniformly distributed loads, hydrostatic pressure, and concentrated point loads. Significance in Structural Engineering Before the ubiquity of Finite Element Method (FEM)
software, Bares’ tables were the industry standard. Even today, they remain essential for: Preliminary Design:
Quickly sizing structural elements before running complex computer simulations. Verification:
Providing a "sanity check" to ensure that software outputs are within a logical range. Educational Foundation: Helping students understand how different aspect ratios ( ) affect the distribution of internal forces in a slab. The Role of Elastic Theory By basing the tables on Elastic Theory
, Bares assumes that the material (usually reinforced concrete or steel) behaves linearly—meaning it returns to its original shape after loading and stress is proportional to strain. While modern design also considers "plastic" or "limit state" analysis, the elastic approach remains the primary method for ensuring serviceability
, such as preventing excessive cracking or deflection in floor systems. Conclusion
Richard Bares’ work transformed theoretical elasticity into a functional tool. By condensing thousands of hours of manual calculation into organized tables, he enabled a generation of engineers to design safer, more efficient buildings and bridges with high precision. or a specific coefficient table for a particular slab geometry?
Unlocking Structural Efficiency: The Enduring Value of "Tables for the Analysis of Plates, Slabs, and Diaphragms Based on the Elastic Theory PDF"
Part 6: Limitations of Tables – When to Use FEA Instead
No tool is perfect. The elastic theory tables assume:
- Homogeneous, isotropic, linear elastic material – Not valid for reinforced concrete after cracking, or for large deflections.
- Small deflections (less than half the thickness) – Otherwise membrane action develops.
- Thin plates (no shear deformation) – Thick slabs require Mindlin-Reissner theory.
- Constant thickness – No stepped or tapered sections.
- Simple load patterns – Complex moving loads or sequential construction require advanced analysis.
For these cases, the tables provide a starting approximation but not a final answer. Bibliography & References
Part 7: Finding Reliable PDFs of These Tables – A Practical Guide
Searching online for the exact keyword yields mixed results. Here is how to identify trustworthy sources: