What is the purpose of distribution bars in one way slabs? Is it possible to eliminate them by increasing reinforcement at the support level?

In one-way slabs, the main purpose of distributing bars (or distribution steel) is to handle shrinkage and temperature stresses that can cause cracking. These bars run perpendicular to the main reinforcement and help to:

1. Control Cracking: They help to control the width of cracks that may form due to shrinkage and temperature changes.
2. 2. Distribute Loads: They aid in distributing any loads that may not be aligned perfectly with the main reinforcement direction, contributing to the overall structural integrity.

Eliminating these bars by increasing reinforcement at the support level is generally not advisable. The distributed bars are crucial for maintaining structural integrity throughout the slab, not just at the supports. Increasing reinforcement at the supports does not address the need for crack control and load distribution across the entire slab area. Therefore, while support reinforcement is important, distributed bars play a distinct and necessary role that cannot be entirely replaced by reinforcing at the supports alone.