Course syllabus for Structural concrete

Good understanding of the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams and columns, and ability to design and analyse such structural members, for instance through the courses Structures (BOM580) and Structural Engineering (BOM340). Basic knowledge about the finite element method is required, for instance through the course Finite element methods - basics (VSM167). The course Finite element method - structures (TME245) is recomended.

The course is of complementary nature and completes the basic knowledge of plain and reinforced concrete structures. The main aim is to promote development of the ability to analyse and design reinforced concrete slabs, plates and discontinuity regions, and structural members of prestressed concrete. The course gives necessary prerequisites for the course Concrete structures (given in Grade 2).

• describe and explain the non-linear mechanical behaviour of slabs, plates and discontinuity regions of reinforced concrete loaded until failure
• describe and explain various approaches to analyse these reinforced concrete members and express limitations and ranges of validity
• analyse, design and detail reinforced concrete slabs, plates and discontinuity regions on the basis of plastic analysis
• perform design work in project teams concerning structural analysis for reinforcement design and detailing of flat slabs using linear FE-analysis, and present the result in a technical report with sketches
• critically review technical reports concerning design work based on FE-analysis
• describe and explain the mechanical behaviour of prestressed concrete members loaded until failure, especially in relation to reinforced concrete elements
• analyse, design and detail statically determinate structural elements of prestressed concrete.

The course treats behaviour, analysis, design and detailing of reinforced concrete slabs, plates and discontinuity regions, and prestressed concrete structural elements. For each type of structure, the typical behaviour under loading to failure is described. With this as a basis, various calculation methods are introduced. The applicability and limitations of the models are discussed, both with regard to the extent of cracking and yielding, and with regard to the information available in various stages of the design process.

LATER APPLICATIONS: The course gives necessary prerequisites for the course Concrete Structures (VBB048). The course content can be applied to design of superstructures of buildings and bridges, and in analysis of existing structures.

Learning activities: lectures with integrated exercises. A project is carried out as group work concerning design of a flat slab on the basis of linear FE-analysis.

Engström: Design and analysis of prestressed concrete structures. 2011. Engström: Design and analysis of deep beams, plates and other discontinuity regions, 2011. Engström: Design and analysis of slabs and flat slabs, 2011.

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. 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 work is required.