Solution for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Plates and Shells

Abstract

The use of finite-element packages by practioners as a design tool for reinforced concrete structures has increased considerably in the last few decades. All structural codes of practice recognize the assumption of linear elastic behavior at a design stage. However, the problem remains of calculating the required reinforcement in plates and shells. The amount of reinforcement is determined locally, i.e., for each sampling point, from the equilibrium between applied and internal forces. The formulation of the method includes biaxial behavior of concrete and different lever arms for all the internal forces. Ideal plastic behavior is assumed for both materials. A reference is made to the absence of universally accepted solutions for the design of these structures and, therefore, scarcity of provisions in the structural concrete codes. To appraise the validity of the method, a comparison is made with experimental tests on slab and shell elements. Additional numerical results for practical structures are also given.