Reinforced Concrete Frame

Definition of the Frame

A frame is a structure in which the rigid connections between the girders and the
supporting columns are utilized so that the internal forces due to the loads are resisted
by the combined action of the girder and the columns i.e. the bending moment Mo is
distributed among the girder and the columns as shown in fig.(1.1). In a simple girder,
vertical loads are resulted in vertical reactions (Fig.1.1b), while in a frame; vertical
loads give vertical and horizontal reactions (Fig.1.1a).
The magnitude of the bending moments resisted by the columns depends on the relative
stiffness Kr of the girder with respect to the columns. The bigger the value of Kr, the
smaller is the moment resisted by the columns.

𝑯 𝑰𝒃
𝑲𝒓 = .
𝑳 𝑰𝒄

Where,
H = height of the column.
L = span of the girder.
Ib = gross moment of inertia of the beam.
Ic = gross inertia moment of the column.
The choice of the form of a frame is generally governed by the external
and internal architectural considerations as well as the purpose at which
it is used. The statically system depends on the conditions at the
supports.
Two hinged frames are generally used on medium soils as they are not
sensitive to displacements of the supports.
Statically determined three-hinged frames as shown in Fig. used on weak
soil that may be subjected to small horizontal or vertical movements of
the bearing hinges.
On good firm soils, fixed frames may be used. In this system, the internal
stresses due to temperature changes and shrinkage are relatively high and
must be considered.
Continuous Frame
Continuous Frame
 Layout of a Hall supported by R/C frames
In big covered halls, reinforced concrete frames are usually used as the main supporting
element. In order to get relatively reasonable dimensions of the frames, the spacing
between frames should be in the range of 5.0 m to 7.0m.
Reinforcement Detailing of Rigid Frames
a) Two hinged frame

Two hinged frame is used for span (12 to 25)

- Steps of design
1. Get the loads on secondary beams from load distribution and get their reactions on the frame.
2. Get the distributed loads on the frame

𝛴𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
𝑤 = 𝛾𝑐 . 𝑏. 𝑡 − 𝑡𝑠 . 1.40 + . 𝑤𝑠
𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛
1. Solve the frame using virtual work Method or Moment distribution Method
2. Draw B.M.D, N.F.D, S.F.D of the frame
3. Design sections (1-1) & (2-2) & (3-3) and get reinforcement needed