SOLUTION FOR THE DESIGN OF REINFORCED-CONCRETE PLATES AND SHELLS

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 assumptio n of linear elastic behavior at a design stage. However, the problem r emains of calculating the required reinforcement in plates and shells. The amount of reinforcement is determined locally, i.e., for each sam pling point, from the equilibrium between applied and internal forces. The formulation of the method includes biaxial behavior of concrete a nd different lever arms for all the internal forces. Ideal plastic beh avior is assumed for both materials. A reference is made to the absenc e of universally accepted solutions for the design of these structures and, therefore, scarcity of provisions in the structural concrete cod es. To appraise the validity of the method, a comparison is made with experimental tests on slab and shell elements. Additional numerical re sults for practical structures are also given.