ABSTRACT
In the definition of force flow, the evaluation usually begins in plan, with elevations and sections following, and foundation systems last. Forces superimposed on floors migrate from elements with least stiffness to those with greatest stiffness. The typical migration originates in slab framing to floor beams or trusses, to floor girders, to columns or walls. This behavior is the same for all materials; however, in some structures floor beams or girders may not exist with systems only incorporating flat slabs or “plates.”
