Analysis of Composite Sections by Elastic Theory ( Working Stress Method)

Analysis of composite sections by elastic theory literally means the design based on working stress method(WSM). This article explains the the starting of design analysis of concrete structures as per WSM method. By the end of this article, you will study:

1. To find steel member takes more load than Concrete in R.C.C.
2. Equivalent or Transformed Concrete Area
3. Insights on Composite Member Subjected to Bending

If you need proper lead on this article, you can visit the article: What is Working Stress Method? Assumptions, Features, Merits & Demerits.

Reinforced Concrete Members Subjected to Direct Loading

This analysis is performed to study how much load is taken by steel and concrete in a R.C structure when subjected to external loading. The analysis also gives a relation to determine, the equivalent concrete area to be used if steel is minimized.

Consider a reinforced concrete section (R.C.C) as shown in the figure-1 below. For convenient analysis and better understanding, the steel and concrete has been illustrated separately. The given measurements are:

1. Area of Steel Asc
2. Area of Concrete Ac
3. The load Applied on the Whole Unit W
4. The load taken by Steel Ws
5. The load taken by Concrete Wc

Fig.1. Steel and Concrete  ( RC Structure) Illustrated separately under the Action of Load W

 

Under the action of loads, both the steel and concrete section is subjected to strain in equal amounts. They have strain compatibility as per the Assumptions of Working Stress Method.

Then,

Strain in Steel = Strain in Concrete

Eq.1

In the above relation, e_st  and e_c  are the strain in steel and concrete. Stress in steel and concrete is given by σ_st and σ_c respectively. Then we have relationship between stress and strain as: Strain (e) = Stress/Modulus of Elasticity (E). Where, Stress is again given by load (W) divided by Area of cross-section (A). Est and Ec are the modulus of elasticity of Steel and concrete.

Also Read: What is Stress and Strain?

We know that, 

Modular Ratio (m) = Es/Ec

From the Equation-1, it can be given that,

Relation-2

From the above relation, we can conclude:

Es/Em = m= modular ration between steel and Concrete

How to Prove Steel Member is Subjected to Greater load than Concrete?

From the Equation 1, it is clear that Wst + Wc = W, Where 'W' is the total Load. Hence the following relation can be obtained:

Eq.4

Also, Est = mEc, by substituting in Eq.4, we get:

Suppose the areas Ast = Ac; Then we get the relation,

For a modular ration value m=18, the areas Ast = Ac; When substituting in eq.6, we get:

Wc = W/19;

This proves that the steel member us subjected to a greater load than the concrete.

What is Equivalent or Transformed Concrete Area of Steel reinforcement?

We know that:

Total Load = Load in Steel + Load in Concrete\

W = Wst + Wc

W = σ_stAst + σ_c Ac   Eq.7

But we know that: 

σ_st= (Es/Ec)σ_c = mσ_c 

Substituting the above relation in Eq.7, we get

W= mσ_c Ast + σ_c Ac;

Hence, 

Here, 

Equivalent Concrete Area = Ae = Actual Concrete Area + m x steel area = mAst + Ac ( Denominator of the Above Equation)

If you wish to watch the Video Tutorial Please click the Link Below

Also Read: Why is Working Stress Method Preferred for the Design of Liquid Retaining Structures?

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