ANSWER

1. List the steps involved in the process of structural design ? i) ii) iii) iv) v) Idealization of the structure into frames and elements. Estimation of the loads. Analysis to determine the moments and forces. Design of elements. Production of details drawings and bar schedules.

2. State 4 criteria which the structure should satisfy during its design life ? i) ii) iii) iv) Fitness for purpose Safety and reliability Economy Maintainability

3. How to fulfil the four criteria of the design of reinforced concrete structures ? i) Fitness for purpose - The arrangement of spaces, spans, ceiling height, access and traffic flow must complement the intended use. The structure should fit its environment and be aesthetically pleasing. Safety and reliability - A structure must be strong enough to safely support all anticipated loadings and it must not deflect, overturn, tilt, vibrate or crack in a manner that impairs its usefulness. Economy - The overall cost of the structure should not exceed the clients budget. The designer should take into account not only the cost of the materials but also the buildability, the construction time, the cost of temporary structures and the cost of maintenance. Maintainability - A structure should be designed to require a minimum of maintenance and to be able to be maintained in a simple fashion.

ii)

iii)

iv)

4. Define the characteristic action ? i) Characteristic permanent action, Gk is the self-weight of the structure, weight of finishes, ceiling and services which the variation in magnitude with time is negligible. Characteristic variable action Qk is caused by people, furniture, equipment which variation in magnitude with time is not negligible.

ii)

5. Define the characteristic strength, fck of concrete ? The characteristic strength fck is the 28-day cylinder strength. For example class C20/25 is refers to cylinder/cube strength of 20 and 25 N/mm respectively.

6. Identify a typical reinforced concrete building in your institution. Identify the various structural elements in the structural system of the building and briefly explain how the loads are transferred to the ground ? i) ii) Beams Slabs : Horizontal members that carrying lateral loads. : Horizontal plate elements carrying lateral loads.

iii)

Columns

: Vertical members carrying primarily axial loads but generally subjected to axial load and moment. : Vertical plate elements resisting vertical, lateral or in-plane loads.

iv) v)

Walls

Foundations : Pads or strips supported directly on the ground that spread load from columns or walls to the ground. Stairs : Plate elements consists of a flight of steps, usually with one or more landings provided between the floor levels.

vi)

7. What it mean by limit state ? Discuss the different limit states to be considered in reinforced concrete design. A limit state can be defined as the state of a structure which represents the acceptable limit of an aspect of structural behaviour. The criterion for safe design is the structure should not become unfit for use that it should not reach a limit state during its intended life. There are two principle types of limit state : Ultimate Limit State Deals with the strength and stability of the structure under maximum design load it is expected to carry. This implies that no part or whole of the structure should collapse, overturn or buckle under any combination of design load. ULS are divided into following categories: EQU Loss of equilibrium of the structure. STR Internal failure or excessive deformation of the structure. GEO Failure due to excessive deformation of the ground. FAT Fatigue failure of the structure. Serviceability Limit State Deals with the conditions beyond which specified service requirement are no longer met such as excessive deflection and cracking.