Techno Press
Techno Press

Computers and Concrete
  Volume 10, Number 2, August 2012 , pages 149-171
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/cac.2012.10.2.149
 


Automated design of optimum longitudinal reinforcement for flexural and axial loading
Antonio Tomas and Antonio Alarcon

 
Abstract
    The problem of a concrete cross section under flexural and axial loading is indeterminate due to the existence of more unknowns than equations. Among the infinite solutions, it is possible to find the optimum, which is that of minimum reinforcement that satisfies certain design constraints (section ductility, minimum reinforcement area, etc.). This article proposes the automation of the optimum reinforcement calculation under any combination of flexural and axial loading. The procedure has been implemented in a program code that is attached in the Appendix. Conventional-strength or high-strength concrete may be chosen, minimum reinforcement area may be considered (it being possible to choose between the standards ACI 318 or Eurocode 2), and the neutral axis depth may be constrained in order to guarantee a certain sectional ductility. Some numerical examples are presented, drawing comparisons between the results obtained by ACI 318, EC 2 and the conventional method.
 
Key Words
    cross section; flexural/axial loading; automated design; optimum reinforcement.
 
Address
Antonio Tomas: Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena (UPCT), 30203 Cartagena, Spain; Antonio Alarcon: School of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena (UPCT), 30202 Cartagena, Spain
 

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