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Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

(OP)
What do we consider to be the minimum camber that can be specified without getting silly? Here's what I know:

1) I see default specs often with L/1000 specified as a minimum camber. This seems to lead to a lot of very small cambers (<8 mm).

2) The first clip below from structuremag suggests that cambers less than 6 mm (tolerance) should be ignored because contractors will just ignore them since 6 mm is less than tolerance. Of course that's not how tolerances should be used but that's another thread.

3) The second clip below from ACI 302.1 seems to suggest that 1/2" is the lower bound camber. This is consistent with what I've been doing in practice.

So, what do we like for a minimum camber?

For what it's worth, I'm not a fan of camber in general and try to avoid it whenever possible.




I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

RE: Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

Sorry, irrelevant content deleted.

RE: Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

I think KootK is talking more about concrete slab/beams. I was taught that 1/2" is when you start to consider camber over additional reinforcing.

For steel beams current firm is a rebel and will spec cambers of 1/2".

RE: Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

KootK, I'm in agreement on 1/2" being the lower bound. I don't have any references but this is what I hear from concrete subs.

As you said, I only use it when I absolutely need to.

RE: Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

(OP)
Thanks for the feedback gentlemen. And I was indeed referring to cast in place concrete slabs as opposed to steel. Sorry I didn't clarify that from the get go.

Quote (sandman)

I was taught that 1/2" is when you start to consider camber over additional reinforcing.

To clarify, do you mean:

1) When specified camber would be 1/2" or greater, you consider using it rather than adding reinforcing or;

2) When long term defelection exceeds 1/2", you start to consider using camber rather than adding reinforcing?

I'm fairly certain that you mean #1 but I want to be sure.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

RE: Minimum Practical Concrete Slab Camber

Long term deflections

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