Reinforcement Design Using Linear Analysis

Abstract

Design of reinforced concrete structures can be described by the following consecutive steps: 1. Select the initial dimensions of all the structural elements using simple rules of thumb or experience. These dimensions should be able to satisfy the serviceability and ultimate limit states, and should fulfill the requirements for adequate site execution and any other applicable requirement (e.g. acoustic isolation, fire protection, etc.). 2. Perform a global structural analysis to calculate the internal forces (or stresses) due to the combination of loads defined in the codes. The method almost used exclusively today is the finite element method and the behaviour of the structure is assumed to be linear elastic at this stage.