Nonlinear Design of Reinforced Concrete Frameworks

Abstract

A nonlinear design method for reinforced concrete framed structures is developed. Both the strength and ductility criteria for reinforced concrete design are simultaneously and explicitly satisfied at the specified service and ultimate load levels. The strain‐hardening effect of high strength reinforcing steel is also included in the design. An optimal design approach is adopted, and the design formulation becomes a nonlinear programming problem that can be solved by suitable mathematical solution algorithms and related computer codes. The design solution includes the set of member cross‐section dimensions and steel percentages for which the members have sufficient plastic moment and rotation capacities at the specified ultimate load level while ensuring adequate serviceability at the specified service load level, and for which the total cost of steel and concrete is minimum. A one‐story two‐bay frame example is presented to demonstrate a practical application of the method.