For this general thumb rule, we will assume a structure of G+1 floors high, using standard 6

walls.
Minimum size of an RCC column should not be less than 9x 9 (225mm x 225mm) with 4 bars of
12 MM Fe500 Steel.
These days the minimum I use in my projects is 9 x 12 (225 mm x 300mm) with 6 bars of 12 MM
Fe500 steel. You can never go wrong with strong columns. I also recommend use of M20 grade
concrete for the structure (ratio 1 part Cement : 1.5 parts Sand : 3 parts Aggregate with 0.5 parts
water by volume). I recommend use of 8 MM stirrups at a distance of 150 MM center to center
throughout the length of column.
This setup of 9 x 12 RCC columns is safe for G+1 Floors. There are a lot of other considerations,
but this is just a thumb rule.

Span (distance) between two columns

For the above column setup, a span of up to 5 meters is quite safe. One can use beams of
size 9 X 12 (225 MM x 300MM) with a slab thickness of 5 (125 MM) cast in M20 concrete
for spans up to 5m. There are other considerations like secondary and tertiary spans, point
loads and wall loads which have to be considered. It is complicated, but thumb rules can
work if the structure is simple. It is always recommended to use structural design software
like ETabs or Staad pro for design.
In a beam of up to 5 meters length, secondary spans of up to 4 meters, wall loads of up to 8
kN per running meter, I can use steel as below.

Top Steel 2 bars of 12 MM

Crank bars 2 bars of 12 MM, cranked at an angle of 45 at a distance of L/4 at both
ends of a simply supported beam
Bottom Steel 3 bars of 12 MM.

This configuration can change depending on a lot of factors.

Alignment of Columns
Placing of columns depend completely on the plan. A planner has a very important job. A
grid column placement is always preferred in order to reduce point loads and unnecessary
complications while construction. This reduces the cost of construction as well as time
required for construction. Beams which have continuity with other simply supported beams
have reduced bending moments, and thus require less steel and concrete depth to be safe.
Columns have to be connected with each other for smooth transfer of loads. An
experienced planner will keep such things in mind when planning the structure.

What are Simply Supported Slabs?

Simply supported slabs are classified as One way slabs and Two way slabs.
One way slabs bend in one direction only and transfer their loads to the two support beams
in opposite directions. Their main steel in on shorter span length. L/B ratio is generally less
than 2.

Two way slabs bend in both directions, and transfer their loads and stresses on all four
sides. L/B ratio is equal to or greater than 2.

Simply supported slabs dont give adequate provision to resist torsion at corner to prevent
corner from lifting.
The maximum bending moment will be given if the slabs are restrained. But atleast 50% of
the tension reinforcement provided at the mid span should extend to the support. The
remaining 50% should extend to within 0.1Lx or Ly at the support as appropriate.
RCC Slab Design depends on the on the dimensions of the slab after which the slab is
termed as a one-way slab or a two-way slab

Basic Rules followed in the design of simply supported Slab

Thickness of slab
l/d ratio should be less than the following:

Simply supported slab

Continuous slab, l/d = 26
Cantilever slab, l/d = 7

In any case of the above, the thickness should not be less than 100mm

Effective span

Distance between centre to centre of support

Clear span plus effective depth

Minimum main reinforcement

0.15% gross c/s of slab for MS bars

0.12% gross c/s of slab for HYSD bars

Spacing of main bars

The spacing or c/c distance of main bars shall not exceed following:

Calculated value
3d
300mm

Distribution or Temperature reinforcement

This reinforcement runs perpendicular to the main reinforcement in order to distribute the
load and to resist the temperature and shrinkage stresses.
It should be atleast equal to;

0.15% gross c/s of slab for MS bars

0.12% gross c/s of slab for HYSD bars

Spacing of distribution bars

The spacing or c/c distance of distribution bars shall not exceed the following

Calculated area
5d
450mm

Diameter of bars
The diameter of the bars varies from 8mm to 14mm and should not exceed 1/8 th of the
overall depth of the slab.
For distribution steel, the diameter varies from 6mm to 8mm.

Cover
The bottom cover for reinforcement shall not be less than 15mm or less than the diameter
of such bar.