HND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DESIGN

ASSIGNMENT 1

Question 1

a. Write down the Fundamental Assumption upon with the mechanics of reinforced
concrete is based (10

The fundamental assumption upon which the mechanics of reinforced concrete is based is the
plane sections remain plane assumption. This assumption states that plane sections (cross-
sections) of a concrete beam or slab remain plane after deformation under load. In other words,
the deformation of the concrete is assumed to be linear, and the strain distribution across the
section is uniform.

Detailed explanation:

1. Plane Sections: The cross-sections of a concrete beam or slab are initially flat planes.
2. Deformation under Load: When the beam or slab is subjected to loads, it will deform.
3. Assumption: The plane sections assumption states that even after deformation, the cross-
sections will remain plane. This means that the original flat shape of the sections will not
warp or twist.
4. Linear Deformation: This assumption implies that the deformation of the concrete is
proportional to the applied load. In other words, if the load is doubled, the deformation
will also double.
5. Uniform Strain Distribution: The assumption also implies that the strain (deformation
per unit length) is distributed uniformly across the cross-section. This means that all
points on a given cross-section will experience the same amount of deformation.

Why is this assumption important?

The plane sections assumption is crucial in the analysis and design of reinforced concrete
structures. It allows us to simplify the complex behavior of concrete under load and develop
relatively straightforward equations for calculating stresses and deflections.

Limitations of the assumption:

While the plane sections assumption is generally valid for most reinforced concrete structures
under normal loading conditions, it may not be accurate in certain situations, such as:

 Large deflections: When the deflections of the beam or slab become significant, the
assumption of linear deformation may no longer be valid.
 Complex loading patterns: For complex loading conditions, such as dynamic loads or
torsion, the assumption of uniform strain distribution may not be accurate.
 Material nonlinearity: If the concrete exhibits nonlinear material behavior, the
assumption of linear deformation may not be valid.
In such cases, more advanced analysis methods may be required. However, for most practical
design situations, the plane sections assumption provides a reasonable approximation of the
behavior of reinforced concrete structures.

b. Derive the design formulae for reinforced concrete section subject to ultimate limit states using a
rectangular parable stress block (15)

The design formulae for reinforced concrete sections subject to ultimate limit states using a
rectangular parabolic stress block are derived based on the assumption that the concrete section
behaves in a ductile manner, with the steel reinforcing bars yielding before the concrete reaches
its ultimate compressive strength.

Experimental observations:

 Strain-stress relationship: Tests conducted on concrete specimens have shown that the
strain-stress relationship for concrete is nonlinear. The initial portion of the curve is
relatively linear, but as the stress increases, the strain rate also increases, indicating that
the concrete becomes more compliant.
 Stress distribution: Observations of the deformation of concrete beams under load have
revealed that the compressive stress distribution across the cross-section is not uniform.
The maximum stress occurs at the neutral axis, and the stress decreases towards the
extreme tensile fiber.

Theoretical considerations:

 Equilibrium of forces: The sum of the compressive forces in the concrete and the tensile
forces in the steel reinforcement must be equal to the applied load.
 Moment equilibrium: The sum of the moments of the compressive forces in the
concrete and the tensile forces in the steel reinforcement about the neutral axis must be
equal to the applied moment.

Assumptions:

1. Plane sections remain plane: This assumption states that plane sections of the concrete
section remain plane after deformation.
2. Linear strain distribution: The strain distribution across the section is linear.
3. Rectangular parabolic stress block: The stress distribution in the concrete is assumed
to be rectangular parabolic, with a maximum compressive stress at the neutral axis and
zero stress at the extreme tensile fiber.
4. Steel yielding: The steel reinforcement is assumed to yield at its yield strength.

Derivation:

Consider a rectangular concrete section with a width b and depth d, reinforced with steel bars of
area As at a depth d' from the top fiber. The neutral axis is located at a depth x from the top fiber.
 1. Strain distribution: The strain distribution across the section is linear, with a maximum
compressive strain of εc at the top fiber and a maximum tensile strain of εs at the bottom
fiber.
2. Stress distribution: The stress distribution in the concrete is assumed to be rectangular
parabolic, with a maximum compressive stress of fc' at the neutral axis and zero stress at
the extreme tensile fiber.
3. Equilibrium of forces: The sum of the compressive forces in the concrete and the tensile
forces in the steel must be equal to the applied load.
4. Moment equilibrium: The sum of the moments of the compressive forces in the
concrete and the tensile forces in the steel about the neutral axis must be equal to the
applied moment.

Equations:

1. Equilibrium of forces:
2. 0.85fc'(bx) = Asfy

where:

o fc' is the compressive strength of the concrete

o As is the area of the steel reinforcement
o fy is the yield strength of the steel
3. Moment equilibrium:
4. 0.85fc'(bx)(d - x/3) = Asfy(d - d')

Design formulae:

1. Neutral axis depth:

2. x = (Asfy) / (0.85fc'b)
3. Required steel area:
4. As = (Mu) / (fy(d - d'))

where:

o Mu is the applied moment

This formula provides a simplified representation of the actual stress distribution in concrete
under compressive loading. It is commonly used in the design of reinforced concrete structures,
as it allows for relatively straightforward calculations of stresses and deflections.
It is important to note that the rectangular parabolic stress block is an approximation, and the
actual stress distribution in concrete may be more complex. However, it provides a reasonable
estimate for most practical design situations.