Design of Concrete Structures - Part I
Answers
1. Write the assumption of the working stress method.
The working stress method (WSM) assumes that:
- The relationship between stress and strain is linear, meaning materials behave elastically.
- The factor of safety is applied to ensure that actual stresses remain within permissible
limits.
- The structure is designed to resist service loads without any visible deformation or cracks.
2. Write the objectives of structural design.
The main objectives of structural design are:
- Safety: Ensure that the structure can carry applied loads without failure.
- Serviceability: Ensure the structure performs its intended function without excessive
deformation, vibration, or cracking.
- Durability: Ensure the structure can withstand environmental and operational stresses
throughout its design life.
3. What are the limitations of the working stress method of design?
The limitations of the WSM include:
- It doesn’t consider material inelasticity or non-linear behavior.
- The method may be overly conservative, leading to excessive material use.
- It lacks consideration for failure modes under ultimate loads, unlike the Limit State
Method.
4. Define characteristic strength and characteristic load.
- Characteristic Strength: The strength of a material below which not more than 5% of test
results are expected to fall. For concrete, it is typically denoted as f_ck.
- Characteristic Load: The load value that has a 95% probability of not being exceeded
during the life of the structure.
5. What are the different limit state methods of design?
The Limit State Method (LSM) includes:
- Limit State of Collapse: Ensures safety under maximum load conditions.
- Limit State of Serviceability: Ensures usability under normal service loads, controlling
deflections, vibrations, and cracking.
6. Write the value of limiting depth of the neutral axis (NA) for different grades
of steel.
- Limiting depth of the neutral axis (x_lim/d) varies with steel grade:
- For Fe250: x_lim/d = 0.53
- For Fe415: x_lim/d = 0.48
- For Fe500: x_lim/d = 0.46
7. Write the value of partial safety factor for load considering different load
combinations.
The values of partial safety factors for different load combinations are generally:
- Dead Load (DL) + Live Load (LL): 1.5
- Dead Load + Live Load + Wind Load (WL): 1.2
- Dead Load + Wind Load: 1.5
8. Draw the design stress-strain curve for concrete.
The design stress-strain curve for concrete is a non-linear curve. In LSM, concrete is
assumed to reach an ultimate strain of 0.0035 in compression. The stress-strain curve
typically rises steeply initially and then plateaus before reaching the ultimate strain.
9. Draw the design stress-strain curve for steel.
The design stress-strain curve for steel shows a linear relationship up to the yield point,
followed by a yield plateau. In LSM, steel is assumed to reach a yield stress denoted by f_y,
followed by a strain hardening phase.
10. Write the different types of reinforcing steel.
Types of reinforcing steel include:
- Mild Steel: Typically has lower yield strength and is denoted as Fe250.
- High Yield Strength Deformed Bars (HYSD): Higher strength with grades like Fe415,
Fe500.
- Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) Bars: Commonly used for reinforcement due to their
strength and ductility.
