Structural and Seismic Behavior of Transfer Beam Systems in Flat Slab and Solid Slab Buildings: A Comparative Study Using ESA, RSA, and CSA
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents a comparative investigation of the seismic and structural behavior of reinforced concrete flat slab and solid slab buildings incorporating transfer beam systems as vertical irregularities. A numerical parametric study was conducted using ETABS Ultimate 22.0.0, adopting Equivalent Static Analysis, Response Spectrum Analysis, and Construction Sequence Analysis to capture seismic demand, construction sequencing, and time-dependent effects. Investigated parameters include transfer beam cross-sectional dimensions, continuity conditions, in-plan location, and basement inclusion. Reference flat slab models exhibit substantially higher roof displacements than solid slab systems, reaching 120.91 mm and 168.30 mm in the X- and Y-directions, respectively, compared to 17.46 mm and 26.59 mm, corresponding to increases of approximately 593% and 533%. Increasing transfer beam depth significantly improves local serviceability performance, reducing CSA vertical deflections by up to 84.95% in flat slab systems; however, this improvement is accompanied by higher internal force demands, with bending moments and shear forces increasing by up to 190% and 130%, respectively. Transfer beam continuity proves more effective than section enlargement in controlling global displacement, achieving maximum roof displacement reductions of about 7.78% in flat slab systems and 4–6% in solid slab systems. Transfer beam location has negligible influence on global displacement in flat slab buildings, with variations below 1%, whereas unfavorable intermediate placement in solid slab systems amplifies roof displacement by up to 29.44% due to stiffness incompatibility with the lateral load-resisting system. Overall, global seismic response is governed by shear wall action, while transfer beams mainly influence local force redistribution and serviceability behavior.
Authors: Mohammed S. M. Saleh, Yasser R. Tawfic, L. M. Abdel-Hafez, Naglaa G. Fahmy
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7142167486