Performance-based slenderness limits for deformations and crack control of reinforced concrete flexural members. (15th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marí, Antonio; Torres, Lluís; Oller, Eva; Barris, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 187(2019)
• Page Start: 267
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2019-05-15
• Subjects: Slenderness limits -- Deflection -- Crack width -- Serviceability Limit State -- Reinforced concrete -- Reinforcement ratio -- Performance-based design; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.02.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Slenderness limit concept is generalized to incorporate crack width limitations. Slenderness limits incorporate the main parameters influencing serviceability. Cracking and long-term effects are accounted for through simplified coefficients. Good agreement when comparing to a non-linear time-dependent analysis. Slenderness limits are a useful tool for performance-based design of RC structures. Abstract: The use of high strength materials allows flexural members to resist the design loads or to cover long spans with a reduced depth. However, the strict cross section dimensions and reinforcement amount required in ULS are often insufficient to satisfy the serviceability limit states. Due to the complexity associated to a rigorous computation of deflections and cracks width in cracked RC members along their service life, an effective way to ensure the satisfaction of the SLS is to limit the slenderness ratio l / d of the element. In the present study, the slenderness limit concept, previously used for deflection control, is generalized to incorporate the crack width limitations in the framework of structural performance-based design. Equations for slenderness limits incorporating the main parameters influencing the service behaviour of RC members are derived. Cracking and long-term effects are accounted for through simplified coefficients derived from structural concrete mechanics and experimental observations. The proposed slenderness limits are compared with those derived from a numerical non-linear time-dependent analysis for two case studies, and also with those obtained using the EC2 procedure for deflection calculation in terms of constant applied load and constant reinforcement strain. Very good results have been obtained in terms of low errors and scatter, showing that the proposed slenderness limits are a useful tool for performance-based design of RC structures.