Course syllabus for Concrete structures

Good understanding of the behaviour of reinforced and prestressed structural members, and ability to design and analyse such components, for instance through the courses Structures and Structural engineering and Structural concrete. Basic knowledge about the finite element method is required, for instance through the course Finite element method - basics. The course Finite element method structures is recommended.

The course is an advanced course about mechanical behaviour, modelling and analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. The main aim is to promote development of a deeper understanding about the non-linear response of concrete structures and influence of restraint, and a theoretical basis for advanced analysis of both new and existing concrete structures.

• describe and explain how forces are distributed and redistributed in statically indeterminate concrete structures with regard to cracking, plastic deformations, time dependent deformations, prestressing and restraint,  
• analyse the non-linear behaviour of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures by various approaches considering needed accuracy, load level and available information,
• perform design work in project teams concerning continuous beams, predict the response using non-linear FE-analysis, and present the approach and results in written technical documentation,
• perform investigations in project teams concerning structural response using non-linear FE-analysis, interpret the results and present and discuss conclusions orally at a seminar,
• critically review written technical documentation concerning investigations based on FE-analysis,
• describe and explain how intrinsic deformation in reinforced concrete elements results in stresses and cracking,
• analyse the risk of cracking and the cracking response in fundamental cases of restraint loading.

The course treats restraint stresses and cracking under restraint of reinforced concrete elements, and the non-linear behaviour of statically indeterminate concrete structures. The influence on the internal force distribution of cracking, plasticity of materials, external and internal restraint, time dependent deformations and prestressing is of major concern. The theory is exemplified mainly on continuous beams, but is generally applicable to various types of structures. Various methods for analysis and design are introduced including non-linear finite element analysis with fracture mechanics.

The course contains the following learning activites: Lectures with integrated exercises. A project is carried out as group work concerning the non-linear response of reinforced concrete structures using non-linear finite element analysis.

Engström: Restraint cracking of reinforced concrete structures, 2011.

Engström: Design and analysis of continuous beams and columns, 2011.

Plos: Finite element analyses of reinforced concrete structures, Compendium 96:14.

A written theory test is made without aids during the course. Written examination concerning problem solving is made with aids from the literature (except exercises), and a hand calculator with cleaned memory, examination time 5 h. Passing the theory test is required before the exam. The project is evaluated on the basis of oral and written presentations prepared by each group of students. The groups review and evaluate the work of each other. Active participation in project is required.