LECTURES NOTE ON STRUCTURAL DESIGN 1(REINFORCED CONCRETE) FOR

CUIB
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION TO REINFORCED CONCRETE

I. Generalities:

Reinforced concrete (R.C.) is a composite material made from several materials. It consists of two
principal materials: concrete and steel, arranged in a way that economically utilizes the strengths
of each. Concrete is defined as a mixture of the following elements in suitable proportions:

❖ Hydraulic binder (cement)

❖ Aggregate (sand, gravel, etc.)
❖ Water
Reinforced concrete is the material obtained by adding steel bars to concrete. These steel bars are
commonly referred to as reinforcement. In the combination of concrete and steel, concrete resists
compressive forces, while steel resists tensile forces, and potentially compressive forces if the
concrete fails to handle all existing compressive stresses.

CONCRETE:

❖ Compressive Strength = 20 MPa to 40 MPa

❖ Tensile Strength = 2 MPa to 4 MPa

STEEL:
❖ Tensile or Compressive Strength = 200 MPa to 500 MPa
A structure is termed reinforced concrete if both materials contribute to the overall strength.
II. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF REINFORCED CONCRETE:

Advantages:

➢ Economic Interest: Concrete is the least expensive material resistant to compression and
can be combined with other elements. Steel is currently the only material used for
reinforcement because its tensile strength is less costly than other materials.
➢ Flexibility of Use: Concrete is poured (in molds) in a paste-like state, allowing for the
creation of structures in various shapes. Reinforcement can be easily assembled, and
connections between different concrete elements are achieved by simple contact.
Reinforced concrete can be easily prefabricated in factories.
 ➢ Maintenance Economy: Reinforced concrete structures require no maintenance, while
metallic constructions need regular painting.
➢ Fire Resistance: Reinforced concrete performs significantly better in case of fire compared
to metallic or wooden constructions. Due to its poor thermal conductivity, concrete delays
the effects of heat on the reinforcement, allowing for the structure to be returned to service
after superficial repairs, which is impossible for metallic constructions.
➢ Resistance to Accidental Loads: Due to its significant weight, reinforced concrete is less
sensitive to variations in loads than other construction methods.
➢ Durability: Reinforced concrete is resistant to water and air, with the only condition being
the protection of the reinforcement.

DISADVANTAGES:

➢ Weight: R.C. structures are heavier than other construction methods.

➢ Execution: Constructing a reinforced concrete structure requires:
▪ Preparing formwork, which takes considerable time and involves significant carpentry
work. This formwork must remain in place until the concrete reaches’ sufficient
strength.
▪ Placing the reinforcement.
▪ During and after the pouring of the concrete, precautions must be taken to protect it
from freezing and evaporation.
▪ Quality control of materials during mixing.
➢ Brutality of Accidents: Accidents in reinforced concrete structures are generally sudden or
brutal, often due to calculation or construction errors.
➢ Difficulty in Modifying an Existing Structure: Modifying an already constructed element is
challenging.
 CHAPTER II: SAFETY REGULATIONS

I. Generalities:

Safety is defined as the absence of risk, and in the field of construction, this implies stability,
durability, and fitness for use. Absolute safety does not exist; a non-negligible probability of
accidents must be accepted. The design of structures and the verification of safety cannot be done
empirically. They are based on precise calculation rules.

II. Classical Regulations - Safety Coefficient (C.C.B.A):

These regulations use the method of allowable stresses, which consists of verifying the calculated
stresses according to Strength of Materials (R.D.M) at every point of a structure under an allowable
stress obtained by dividing the material's failure stress by a predetermined safety coefficient.

III. Probabilistic Theory of Safety:

Engineers have defined safety by a probability threshold; a structure will be acceptable if the
probability of failure remains below a predetermined threshold. This value varies based on the
structure's lifespan, risk, and cost. This method has multiple difficulties:

➢ It is impossible to define the probability of failure and its evolution over time.
➢ It is impossible to account for all random factors of uncertainty.
IV. Semi-Probabilistic Theory - Limit States (B.A.E.L) 83-91:
This new theory consists of:
✓ Defining the phenomena to be avoided (limit states), which are:
▪ Crack openings due to:
a. Successive compression in concrete.
b. Successive tension in steel.
▪ Significant deformation in the assembly.
✓ Estimating the severity of risks associated with these phenomena (distinguishing between
ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states).
 ✓ Sizing construction elements so that the probability of reaching any of these phenomena
remains low.

1. Ultimate Limit State (ULS):

This corresponds to the maximum load-bearing capacity of the construction, beyond which
displacement leads to structural failure.
Example:

a. Ultimate limit state of static equilibrium: loss of stability of a part or the entire construction
(overturning).
b. Ultimate limit state of resistance of one of the construction materials: loss of resistance of
either concrete or steel.
c. Ultimate limit state of shape stability (buckling): slender elements subjected to
compressive forces experience significant deformations and become unstable.

2. Serviceability Limit State (E.L.S):

This constitutes limits beyond which normal operating conditions are no longer satisfied without
structural failure.

Example:

i. Serviceability limit state of concrete compression: this limitation aims to prevent crack
formation.
ii. Serviceability limit state of crack openings: ensuring that reinforcements are adequately
placed in the section and that stresses do not exceed the limit value.
iii. Serviceability limit state of deformation: ensuring that deformations are below certain limit
values.

V. Algerian Regulations (C.B.A.93) -(R.P.A.2003):

These are the technical regulations specific to Algeria that replace the accepted practice of B.A.E.L
(Reinforced Concrete at Limit States), providing special recommendations for Algeria in the field
of seismic regulations (R.P.A - Algerian Seismic Regulation).

VI. Actions and Loads:

 1. Actions: Actions are the forces and loads applied to imposed deformations. Three types of
actions are distinguished:
✓ Permanent actions.
✓ Variable actions (from usage).
✓ Accidental actions.
i. Permanent Actions (G): These are continuous actions with constant or very little variation
over time. Example: self-weight.
ii. Variable Actions (Q): These are actioning whose intensity varies frequently and
significantly over time. The duration of application is very short compared to the lifespan
of the structures. The values of these loads are set by regulation based on the conditions of
use of the construction.
iii. Accidental Actions (FA): These are actions resulting from phenomena that occur rarely
with a short duration of application. Example: wind, earthquakes.
2. Solicitations: These are normal and shear forces, as well as bending and torsional moments
calculated from actions using Strength of Materials methods.
3. Combinations of Actions: To determine the solicitations, the combinations of actions
proposed by the CBA are used:

a. Ultimate Limit States (E.L.U):

γQ1: multiplication coefficient = 1.5 in general cases.

Generally, the combination is written as: PU = 1.35⋅G+1.5⋅Q
When including accidental actions, it is expressed as:
 Where: FA: accidental action.
Serviceability Limit States (S.L.S):

γQ1: multiplication coefficient.

Generally, the combination is written as: Pser = 𝐺+𝑄
CHAPTER III: COMPONENTS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE

I. Concrete

Definition: Concrete is a mixture of:

➢ Hydraulic binder (cement)
➢ Aggregates (sand, gravel)
➢ Water
➢ Admixtures: chemical products added to the mixture to improve quality.
Desired qualities for good concrete:

➢ High mechanical resistance (25-40 MPa).

➢ Water impermeability and no chemical reaction with steel.
➢ Good workability (easy to pour).
➢ Good long-term durability.
➢ These results will be achieved by adjusting the following parameters:
➢ Quality of cement and aggregates.
➢ Dosage (quantity).
➢ Good mixing (homogeneity).
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete:

A. Density:
➢ Normal aggregate concrete density: 2200 to 2400 kg/m³.
➢ Lightweight aggregate concrete density: 700 to 1500 kg/m³.
➢ Heavyweight aggregate concrete density: 3500 to 4000 kg/m³.
 ➢ Density of reinforced concrete: 2500 kg/m³.
➢ B. Deformations of Concrete Independent of Applied Loads:
➢ Thermal Deformation: The coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete varies from
7×10⁻⁶ to 12×10⁻⁶, while that of steel is 11×10⁻⁶, leading to a reinforced concrete value
of 10×10⁻⁶.
➢ Hygrometric Shrinkage: Concrete contains excess water after production. If curing occurs
in open air, evaporation will lead to a reduction in volume, known as shrinkage.
Factors Affecting Shrinkage: Increases with:

▪ Finer elements.
▪ Higher cement content.
▪ Addition of admixtures.
▪ Drier air conditions.

For typical constructions, the effects of temperature variations and shrinkage can be neglected if
expansion joints are provided every 20 to 30 meters.

C. Deformation of Concrete Under Short-Term Loads (< 24 H):

➢ Compressive Strength:
✓ Test performed on concrete cylinders.

Evolution of compressive strength with the age of concrete: The compressive strength varies
over time according to the following law
 ❖ fcj: the compressive strength at day
❖ fc28: the compressive strength at 28 days; this is also called the characteristic strength of
the concrete.

➢ Tensile Strength:
✓ Split tensile test.

✓ Flexural tensile test.

 Where;
a is a given value
Fr is force due to rupture

Characteristic tensile strength:

❖ fcj : the compressive strength at day

❖ ftj : the tensile strength at day
➢ Instantaneous Modulus of Deformation: Concrete is not an elastic material; during
unloading, the unloading curve is offset from the loading curve.

We accept the following relationship under normal stresses with a duration of application less
than 24 hours."

Where; j= day and

i instantaneous
D. Deformation of Concrete Under Long-Term Loads (Creep):

❖ Definition: Creep is the increase in relative deformation over time under constant stress.
 ❖ Factors Influencing Creep: Increases with added water and drier conditions; decreases
with increased cement content and with the age of the sample.
❖ Differed Modulus of Deformation: Given by the relation for long-term conditions.

E. Stress-Deformation Calculation Diagram: Includes service limit states (S.L.S) and ultimate
limit states (ULS).

U .L .S; We adopt the parabolic-rectangle diagram

 F. Conditions for Concrete Penetration into Molds: During placement, concrete must pass
through the spaces created by the reinforcement. The difficulty of filling a mold increases with:
▪ Maximum grain size.
▪ High gravel percentage.
▪ Angular gravel.
▪ Firmer concrete consistency.
▪ Lack of vibration means.
The B.A.E.L regulations provide guidelines for proper concreting.

G. Workability: Defined as the ease of handling concrete for perfect filling of forms.
Workability depends mainly on:

▪ Resistance.
▪ Coverage and adherence of reinforcements.
Workability is measured using the following tests:
▪ Abrahams cone test.
▪ Vibration table.
▪ Mailability meter.
II. Steel

Generalities: Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. There are soft steels, medium-hard steels, and
hard steels.
▪ Soft steel: 0.15 - 0.25% carbon.
▪ Medium and hard steel: 0.25 - 0.45% carbon.

Tensile Test: Record force and elongation to create a stress-deformation diagram.

The stress-strain diagram for mild steels will have the following appearance

The corresponding stress at the proportional limit between stress and strain is called the elastic
limit or yield strength, denoted by 𝐹𝑒

In the hardening zone, the stress reaches a maximum; this is called the rupture stress, denoted by
𝐹𝑟

Different Types of Steel:

▪ Smooth Round Steel: Typically, in 12m lengths and circular cross-sections, used in
various diameters.
▪ High-Adherence Steel: Has ribs to improve adhesion between steel and concrete.
▪ Welded Mesh: Used for reinforcing slabs and walls, composed of crossing wires welded
at intersections.
Smooth Round Steel: The steel is formed into bars, typically 12 meters long with a circular
cross-section, and has a smooth surface. The diameters commonly used are as follows:6, 8, 10,
12, 14, 16, 20-, 25-, 32-, and 40-mm. Smooth rounds are available in two grades (categories),
which are denoted as:

❖ FeE220 or FeE215 (where 𝑓𝑒=215 MPa)

❖ FeE240 or FeE235 (where 𝑓𝑒=235 MPa)

2. High-Adhesion Steel: High-adhesion bars have a significantly circular cross-section with ribs
that are 0.5 to 3 mm high (the height depends on the diameter) to improve the bond between the
steel and the concrete. The diameters of the high-adhesion bars used are: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20-,
25-, 32-, and 40-mm. High-adhesion steels are divided into two grades

The stress-strain diagram for high-adhesion steels is as follows

Welded Mesh: Certain elements in reinforced concrete, such as slabs and shear walls, are
reinforced in two perpendicular directions. For this purpose, welded mesh is used, consisting of
crossing wires that are welded at the points of intersection. The welded mesh is made up of larger
diameter main wires arranged in the direction of the principal stresses and smaller diameter
distribution wires arranged perpendicularly.

The commonly used diameters are as follows:3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 mm.

The spacing between main wires is: 75, 100, 125, 150, and 200 mm.

The spacing between distribution wires is: 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mm

Designation of Steels:

▪ Smooth round: n φ d (e.g., 4 φ 16 = 4 smooth round bars of 16 mm diameter).

▪ High adherence (HA, T) (e.g., 3 HA 12 = 3 high adherence bars of 12 mm diameter).
 ▪ Welded mesh (TS): Designated by spacing and wire diameters.

Stress-Deformation Calculation Diagram:

5.1 Ultimate limit state (U.L.S.):
At the limit of elongation of the steels at a value of 10%.
▪ 𝛾𝑠 =safety coefficient
▪ γs =1.15 in general cases.
▪ γs =1 in accidental cases.

Service limit state (S.L.S.):

We adopt the following linear diagram:
Es; The modulus of elasticity will be limited only in the limit state of crack opening.
❖ Minor cracking (Cracks less harmful) ⇒ limitation to Fe(no verification required)
❖ Prejudicial cracking (cracks are harmful):

❖ Highly prejudicial cracking (cracks are very harmful):

η: Crack coefficient ⇒
𝜂 = 1.6 for high adherence bar
η=1 for smooth round steel
ft at 28 days.