CEN 330 - Concrete Design I

Introduction

T. Salem

Reinforced Concrete Structures

Reinforced concrete is a dominant structural material in engineered construction.

Fig. 1-1 Massive reinforced concrete oil drilling structure. Fig. 1-2 Concrete arch bridge.

Mechanics of Reinforced Concrete

Concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension.

Plain concrete beam fails when cracks form. In reinforced concrete beam, tension forces for equil. are developed in the bars.
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Fig. 1-3.

Reinforced Concrete Members

RC structures consist of a series of members that interact to support the loads.

Factors Affecting Choice of RC

The choice of material (RC, steel, timber) depends on:
1. Economy.
RC floor systems are thinner than steel systems overall reduction in height of building (lower wind load, savings in claddings). But pay attention to construction time.

2. Suitability of material for architectural and structural function.

Concrete can be given any desired shape and texture by means of the forms and finishing techniques.

Factors Affecting Choice of RC

3. Fire resistance. 4. Rigidity.
Concrete has 1-3 hour fire rating without fireproofing. Steel or timber must be fireproofed to attain similar ratings. Due to the greater stiffness and mass of a concrete structure, vibrations are seldom a problem.
Concrete members require less maintenance than steel or timber. Sand, gravel, water, cement and concrete mixing facilities are widely available, and steel bars can be transported easily.
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5. Low maintenance.

6. Availability of materials.

Factors Affecting Choice of RC

Some factors may cause one to select other material:
1. Low tensile strength. 2. Forms and shoring.
Tensile strength = (1/10) Compressive strength. Construction of cast-in-place structures involves: (a) construction of the forms, (b) removal of these forms, (c) shoring the new concrete to support its weight until its strength is adequate.

Factors Affecting Choice of RC

3. Low strength per unit of weight or volume.
Compressive strength of concrete = 5-10% that of steel. Unit density of concrete = 30% that of steel. Concrete structures require larger volume and bigger weight.
Deflections tend to increase with time due to creep.

4. Time dependent volume changes

Building Codes and ACI Code