RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.6 Ultimate Flexure

RAPT makes the usual strength of material assumptions for bending ie.

1. Plane sections normal to the axis remain plane after bending.

2. The concrete has no tensile strength.
3. The distribution of compressive stress is determined from a stress-strain relationship for the concrete as
given by a Parabolic Rectangular Concrete Stress Strain Curve.

The program complies with each code

1. AS3600 Clause 8.1

2. BS8110 Clause 3.4.4
3. ACI318 Clauses 10.2 and 10.3
4. Eurocode2 Clause 4.3
5. SABS 0100 Clause 4.3.3

Design Procedure
The Ultimate Design is based on the following procedure

1. RAPT defines the concrete section shape and tabulates the existing reinforcement.
2. Gross section properties are calculated. The properties are
1. centroid
2. section modulus (top and bottom fibres)
3. area of cross section
4. inertia of the cross section
5. Pe (if it exists)
6. P/A precompression (if it exists)
3. The existing section capacity is calculated. In doing this RAPT uses the known compressive strain (at Ultimate
conditions from each code), guesses a neutral axis depth and then uses a strain compatibility analysis,
iterating kd until C = T.
RAPT calculates the compression force in the concrete based on the Parabolic Rectangular Stress Strain
Concrete curve. See 7.7.3 for more information on Parabolic Rectangular Concrete Curves. Note: RAPT will
also include compression forces from reinforcement in the compression zone in the total compressive force.
The tension force in the reinforcement is calculated, with RAPT determining the stress in the reinforcement
layers based on the neutral axis depth (taking into account the portion of yield stress). For information on the
reinforcement see section 7.7.4. For information on the prestressing strand see section 7.7.5.
RAPT will continue its iteration process until a neutral axis depth is found which gives C=T. RAPT will then
calculate a section capacity based on the neutral axis depth and the forces in the section.
4. RAPT does a ductility check at critical sections (ie sections at which a plastic hinge may form). Ductility
checks are based on the ratio of the neutral axis to the effective depth (ie ku). See Ductility below for
methods used by RAPT.
5. RAPT compares the initial moment capacity against the applied capacity and then, if required, adds extra
reinforcement until the final moment capacity is greater than the applied moment. This will also involve strain
compatibility analysis as RAPT searches for a new compatible relationship between C=T for the extra
reinforcement.
During this stage RAPT will also check to ensure that the capacity of the section is greater than the minimum
moment allowed for the cross section. The codes require designers to include enough reinforcement to satisfy
a moment which causes the member to crack. The ultimate strength in bending is calculated assuming a fully
cracked section. For small percentages of steel, this moment could be less then the moment Mcr to cause
cracking. Failure of such a member would be quite sudden. To prevent such a failure, the ultimate strength in
bending must be greater than Mcr.

Ductility
Codes specify ductility limits so that structures do not become over reinforced, thus having the possibility of failing in a
brittle and sudden manner. RAPT checks each span for the 3 most probable hinge (first failure points) locations (see
Determination of possible Hinge Locations) and then checks these for ductility problems. ku gives this measure of
ductility, with all codes specifying an allowable ku limit or an allowable steel ratio. ku is the ratio of depth of the
neutral axis to the effective depth. RAPT calculates d based on the reinforcement in the tension zone of the
member. If the code ductility limit is exceeded, RAPT will add compression reinforcement.
Note: RAPT will also add tension reinforcement to a section (during ductility check or ultimate check)
in the following cases

1. When RAPT tries to add compression reinforcement, if k ud < dc (ie thin sections with a small
effective depth, where dc = distance to the compression reinforcement steel layer) and
where the cover to the compression layer is too large, it is possible to get a situation where
the compression reinforcement layer is in the tension zone. Thus RAPT can not add
compression reinforcement as all layers are in tension. To overcome this problem RAPT will
add tension reinforcement in an attempt to increase the effective d, thus increasing k ud. This
may then move the compression reinforcement layer back into the compression zone.
If this is not successful, then the designer must adjust the cover to the compression
reinforcement or change the concrete cross section for the section to work. RAPT will only
make this adjustment when doing a ductility check.

T.6 Theory: Ultimate Flexure 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC
2. Where a prestressing tendon is well away from the tension face and ductility is a problem, it
is sometimes possible to add reinforcement near the tension face to increase the effective
depth and reduce ku, thus removing the ductility problem. RAPT will attempt to do this
before adding compression reinforcement.
Tension reinforcement added in (i) and (ii) above is only added to the cross section at which
the ductility was checked. The designer, when detailing the reinforcement, should add this
reinforcement over the length of the moment zone in question.
3. In some cases, it is possible for the tendons to be in the compression zone with no
reinforcement in the tension zone for the initial calculation of the ultimate capacity. As this
case has no effective depth to the tension force, even though the section actually has an
ultimate capacity, RAPT immediately adds an area of tension reinforcement sufficient, by
itself, to provide the minimum moment capacity of 1.2fMcr (or Mcr for BS8110). The section
capacity is then recalculated. This check is independent of ductility requirements and will be
carried out at any cross-section in the frame with the problem.

AS3600
Clause 8.1.3 of AS3600 which allows a neutral axis greater than 0.40 but artificially reduces the design strength in
bending down to what one would obtain if the neutral axis was 0.40, φMud. RAPT follows the procedure as shown below

1. Calculate the design bending strength of the initial section.

2. If ku >= 0.40 then add compression reinforcement of at least 0.01 times the area of concrete in compression.
3. Recalculate φM u and ku
4. If ku >= 0.40 then proceed with the following steps.
5. Reduce the design bending strength in bending down to be what would be given if k u = 0.40. Set ku= 0.40
and calculate the compressive forces in the concrete and compression steel. Assume that the total tensile
force equilibrates the total compressive force and that its line of action remains at where it was last
calculated. Calculate φMu and call it φMud.

BS8110
BS8110 Clauses 3.2.2.1, 3.4.4.4 and 4.2.3.1 suggest that ku be limited to 0.5 with zero redistribution of moments.
RAPT thus limits ku to 0.5.
ACI318
ACI318 Clauses 10.3.3 and 18.8.1 give limits for the steel ratios in a cross section. These limits can be converted to an
allowable ku value. RAPT limits ku to 0.42, which is equivalent to a steel ratio of 0.36 b1 with zero redistribution of
moments.
Eurocode2
Clause 2.5.3.4.2(5) limits ku to the following values
for concrete strengths < C35/45 ku = 0.45
for concrete strengths >= C35/45 ku = 0.35
SABS 0100
Clause 4.3.3.1 and 5.2.2.1 suggest that k u be limited to 0.5 with zero redistribution of moments.
Determination of possible Hinge Locations
For a member to fail, it must form 3 plastic hinges. These 3 positions can occur anywhere along the span, especially in
a span with varying member element thickness due to steps. There will be one possible hinge in each of the 3 moment
areas along the span.

T.6 Theory: Ultimate Flexure 2

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC
Figure T.6.1 - Determination of Hinge Locations
To define the most likely hinge locations RAPT does an Ultimate Moment check at all locations along the span and

calculates the ratio at all locations. For each moment region, the calculated ratio closest to 1 is then
defined as the hinge location for that moment region. If one or more points within the moment region share the same
ratio and they have the closest ratio to 1, then RAPT will define the point with the largest applied moment of this
group as the hinge location.
AXIAL Compression / Tension
Axial Compression / Tension can be applied to the structure through the Load Input Menu in Input Screen F8. The axial
force is applied to each cross section effecting the strain compatibility calculations ie (C-T = Axial Force). This then
also effects the stresses in the concrete and reinforcement as well.
Minimum Moment
Each code gives a value for the minimum moment capacity of each cross section. These values are all based on the
cracking moment. For more information on the cracking moment see section 7.7.2.

• AS3600 Clause 8.1.4.1

Mmin = 1.2 x φ x Mcr
• BS8110 RAPT uses
Mmin = Mcr
• ACI318 Clause 18.8.3
Mmin = 1.2 x φ x Mcr
• EUROCODE2 Clause 4.3.1.3 warns users of brittle failure. Thus RAPT assumes
Mmin = Mcr
• SABS 0100 RAPT uses
Mmin = Mcr

Unbonded Tendons
ACI318 gives a minimum area of steel when Unbonded tendons are used. No other codes specify a limit. RAPT uses
the ACI318 rules and applies the following to all codes.

ACI318 Clause 18.9 (summarised)

As = 0.004A
where A = area of that part of cross section between flexural tension face and centre of gravity of
gross section.
except for two way flat plates then

• Bonded reinforcement shall not be required in positive moment areas where computed
tensile stress in the concrete at service loads (after losses) does not exceed 0.17√f'c.
If positive moment exceeds 0.17√f'c minimum reinforcement is computed by

where Nc = tensile force in concrete due to unfactored dead load plus live load
• In negative moment areas at column supports, minimum area is computed by
As = 0.00075hl
where
l = length of span in direction parallel to that of the reinforcement being determined.
h = overall thickness of member

Effective Beam Widths

For T or L beam action the effective flange width used is the width input by the user in the input. RAPT defaults this
value to the code defaults

• AS3600 clause 8.8

• BS8110 clause 3.4.1.5
• ACI318 clause 8.10
• Eurocode2 clause 2.5.2.2.1
• SABS 0100 clause 4.3.1.5

From AS3600 clause 8.8

"a) T-beams bef = bw + 0.2a; and

b) L-beams bef = bw + 0.1a
where a is the distance between points of zero bending moment, which for continuous beams, may
be taken as 0.7L.
T.6 Theory: Ultimate Flexure 3
RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC
In both items a) and b) above, the overhanging part of the flange considered effective shall not
exceed half the clear distance to the next member. The effective width so determined may taken as
constant over the whole span."
Detailing Considerations

The different codes specify different reinforcement and tendon distribution in two way slabs. ie for AS3600 -
Reinforcement and tendon distribution in two-way flat slabs (Clause 9.1.2 AS3600) requires that at
least 25 percent of the total of the design negative moment in the column strip and adjacent half
middle-strips shall be resisted by reinforcement or tendons or both, located in a cross-section of slab
centred on the column and of a width equal to twice the overall depth of the slab or drop panel plus
the width of the column.

Note: These concentrations of reinforcement are NOT checked or detailed by RAPT.

T.6 Theory: Ultimate Flexure 4

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7 Serviceability
Serviceability takes into account all the working stress and deflection checks. In this section we will consider each
element of the section in turn giving a detailed discussion explaining how RAPT performs these calculations.

T.7 Theory: Serviceability 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.1 General
RAPT uses code combinations to define the working load cases. (Crack control cases) A detailed list of the default
combinations for each code type as given in Section 4.10 of this manual.
The total prestress moment is comprised of the prestress force multiplied by the eccentricity of the tendon from the
centroid of the section plus the secondary prestress moment (see Section T.10) due to frame continuity.

PW = Psec + P.e (T.7.1)

When there is more than one layer of prestressing the prestress force is the total force of all tendons and the
eccentricity is the location of the resultant prestress tensile force.
For an uncracked section, stresses may be based on the gross section properties. Therefore

(T.7.2)

where Ms = MDL + MLL + PW

If the simplification is made that the section is cracked as soon as the extreme tensile fibre goes into tension then, if
either the top or bottom fibres are in tension, a cracked section analysis should be carried out.
For this calculation we find the unique combination of the compressive top fibre strain, e t, and the neutral axis depth,
kd, that will produce an internal moment in the section equal to M s'. The compressive fibre is defined as the most
compressive face from the stress calculations based on gross section properties from above (equation T.7.2).

where Ms' = MDL + MLL + P.e

The reason that we converge towards Ms' and not Ms is that the strain compatibility calculations include the P.e term in
the strength of the section.

Applied Moment = Internal Moment

DL + ψsLL + Psec = C.y - P.e - T.et (Ms' loading case)
DL + ψsLL + (Psec +
= C.y - T.et (Ms loading case)
P.e)
DL + ψsLL + PW = C.y - T.et (T.7.3)
where
C = The Compressive Force
y = Eccentricity of the Compressive Force
T = Change in tensile force of all Reinforcement (including prestress)
et = Eccentricity of force T
P = The Total Net Force in the Tendons.
e = The Eccentricity of the Total Prestressing Force, P
DL = Dead Load
LL = Live Load
ψ s = Short Term Live Load Factor
Psec = Secondary Moment
PW = Total Prestress Moment
Note:

1. That the P/A term does not appear in the above equations. The force is still present but is represented in the
compressive force term. The logic applied above for cracked sections is identical to that used at the ultimate
limit state where again the section is cracked.
2. As the section is in internal equilibrium the eccentricity may be measured from any location as long as
consistency is maintained and due account is taken of the signs of the forces.

Strain COMPATIBILITY Calculations

By trial and error we find the unique top fibre strain and neutral axis depth that will give an internal moment equal to
the applied bending moment, Ms', whilst simultaneously satisfying internal force equilibrium within the cross-section.

T.7.1 Theory: General 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.2 Cracking Moment

Once the correct solution to the working stress calculation is found, the Cracking Moment, Mcr, is calculated based on
the orientation of the section to suit M*. This will be the orientation when the first crack appears even though the
tensile fibre may switch over as the load increases (for post-tensioned sections).

Mcr is calculated using the limiting tensile strength, ft, at the extreme tensile fibre of the concrete, given by

1. AS3600 clause 6.1.1.2 as 0.6 √f'c

2. BS8110 defaults to 0.5√f'c (as recommended by "Reinforced Concrete Designer's Handbook" Charles E
Reynolds and James C Steadman)
3. ACI318 clause 18.4 as 0.6√f'c
4. Eurocode2 clause 3.1.2.3 as 0.21 fck2/3
5. SABS 0100 defaults to 0.5√f'c (as recommended by "Reinforced Concrete Designer's Handbook" Charles E
Reynolds and James C Steadman)

RAPT calculates Mcr as

(T.7.4)

If Ms' > Mcr (ie section cracks at service) then the cracked moment of inertia must be calculated. The centroid (centre
of area), yc, of the transformed (equivalent concrete area calculated by multiplying the steel area concerned by
Es/Econc) section may be found by taking first moments of the transformed areas about the top fibre and dividing by the
total transformed area.
For reinforced sections yc will equal kd for the cracked section analysis due to the absence of the prestress force. The
cracked inertia is then calculated using the parallel axis theorem about y c.
Cracked Moment of Inertia
The cracked moment of inertia may be readily obtained for a singly reinforced rectangular section (non-prestressed)
from considering equilibrium of the section and is summarised below. This calculation assumes that the top fibre strain
remains within the linear region of the concrete stress-strain function ie <= 0.45 f'c

yc = √( p2n2 + 2pn ) - pn (T.7.5)

Icr = b(yc)3 / 3 + nAst (d - yc)2

where
p = Ast / bd
n = Es / Ec

T.7.2 Theory: Cracking Moment 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.3 Concrete

T.7.3.1 Stress / Strain Curve

The compressive fibre strain will only be within the linear region of the stress / strain curve for the concrete for low
levels of strain in the concrete. This assumption is inaccurate for concrete stresses above 0.3 -0.4 f'c. Also, under
ultimate strength conditions, all codes allow the use of an equivalent rectangular (simplified) concrete compression
force. These simplified stress blocks become less accurate as the section shape becomes less regular. Also, they
cannot be used for service limit state calculations. For these reasons, RAPT uses the more general parabolic stress
block stress / strain function as set out in the British and European Codes.

σ1 = A x ε2 + B x ε From ε = 0 to εo
σ2 = fcon x fact From ε = eo to εt
where
A = Curvature of the parabola
B = Initial Youngs Modulus for the Concrete Curve
ε = Strain at any point
eo = Strain at which f'c is first reached. Different Codes specify different strains for
this point.
εt = End Strain Point as defined by Codes (Ultimate strain limit).
fact = Factor applied to limit stress in concrete as defined in each code.
The concrete stress strain curve is defined by each code where

(i) AS3600 εt = 0.003 AS3600 clause 8.1.3

B AS3600 clause 6.1.2
(ii) BS8110 εt = 0.0035 BS8110 Part 2 figure 2.1.
BS8110 Part 1 figure
B & eo
2.1
RAPT applies a cube to cylinder factor to the concrete strength as discussed
below.
(iii) ACI318 εt = 0.003 ACI318 10.2.3
(iv) Eurocode2 εt = varies with concrete strength.
Eurocode2 clause 4.2.1.3.3
A&B Eurocode2 Figure 4.2
(v) SABS 0100 εt = 0.0035 SABS 0100 Figure 1.
B & eo SABS 0100 Figure 1.
This allows us to more accurately predict the stress condition under any loading condition from zero stress to the full
ultimate capacity for any cross section shape. This level of accuracy is absolutely necessary for the design of partially
prestress sections and for calculation of the curvatures for deflection calculations and is also helpful for all other
concrete designs.

T.7.3 Theory: Concrete 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

Figure T.7.3.1 - Parabolic Rectangular Stress / Strain Concrete Curve

T.7.3 Theory: Concrete 2

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.3.2 Forces in a Cross Section

Figure 7.7.2 shows the strain, stress and force diagrams used by RAPT in calculating the moment properties of a
section. Refer to section 7.7.4 and T.7.5 for information on reinforcement and tendons.
Notice the compression stresses and forces generated by the concrete during bending.

FigureT.7.3.2 - Strain, Stress and Forces Diagrams

T.7.3.2 Theory: Forces in a Cross Section 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.3.3 Youngs Modulus of Concrete

The modulus of concrete is calculated differently for each code. RAPT will use the code default unless the user has
specified a value in Input screen .

(i) AS3600 Clause 6.1.2 Ec = 0.043 ρ1.5 √f''c

BS8110
(ii) Clause 7.2 Ec = 5500√(fcu / γm)
Part2
(iii) ACI318 Clause 8.5 Ec = 0.043 ρ1.5 √f''c
(iv) Eurocode2 Figure 4.2 Ecm = 1000 x fck x 0.85 / γm
SABS
(v) Appendix C.1.3 Econ =5500√(fcu / γm)
0100
The Youngs Modulus used in calculating frame properties and deflections is a mean value calculated from Cement and
Concrete Association records. Figure 7.7.3.3 shows the graph used by RAPT. This can be expressed as

fcm = 1.085 f'c + 2.5

This mean concrete stress is applied to the above Youngs moduli formula to get the Mean Youngs Moduli.

The compressive strength of concrete varies over time and the following formula is used to estimate the compressive
strength at a given time t according to ACI- 209 (1978)

where
For normal Portland cement:
For moist cured α=
β = 0.85
concrete: 4.0
For steam cured α =
β = 0.95
concrete: 1.0
For high early strength cement:
For moist cured α=
β = 0.92
concrete: 2.3
For steam cured α=
β = 0.98
concrete: 0.7

Figure T.7.3.3

T.7.3.3 Theory: Youngs Modulus of Concrete 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.3.4 Creep
Creep in concrete is made up of

1. creep when concrete is kept at hygral equilibrium

2. drying creep when water is lost from the matrix.

Under constant applied loading the concrete will creep ie experience extra strain without the application of extra load.
Each code defines a f factor (creep factor) which is used to modify to the Youngs Modulus, thus taking into account the
creep affects.

AS3600 / General Approach

To define creep, AS3600 uses a factor, defined as the basic creep factor, φcc.b, based on the ratio of the ultimate creep
strain to the elastic strain for a specimen loaded at 28 days under a constant stress of 0.4f'c.

AS3600 suggests that the basic creep factor, φcc.b may be taken as follows

f'c (MPa) 20 25 32 40 50

φcc.b 5.2 4.2 3.4 2.5 2.0

To account for the effects of ambient humidity, member proportions and load duration a term k2 is introduced. To
account for the maturity of the concrete at the time of the initial loading the term k 3 is introduced. The design creep
factor φcc is then given by

φcc = φcc.b k2 k3

where
k2 from Figure 6.1.8.2A of AS3600
k3 from Figure 6.1.8.2.B of AS3600.
= 1.85 - 0.75R for 0 <= R <= 1
= 1.60 - 0.50R for 1 <= R <= 1.4
= 0.90 for R >= 1.4

The creep of the concrete is dependent upon the age of the concrete when the loading is applied hence use of the
compressive strength at transfer in the k3 term for prestress loss calculations.

Note: RAPT internally calculates the k values from formula representing the curves given in AS3600.
To calculate k3 you must know a value for fcm. The value of fcm is the taken as the mean compressive strength in the
concrete at loading.
The creep curves as defined in AS3600 are estimated in RAPT by the following formulas

Hypothetical thickness of a member

Ag = The gross cross section area of a member
ue = The exposed perimeter of a member cross section
h = Relative Humidity (%)

Using the above formulae, users can model the code curves by setting

• Relative Humidity = 40% = for Arid conditions

• Relative Humidity = 50% = for Interior Environment conditions

T.7.3.4 Theory: Creep 1

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC
• Relative Humidity = 55% = for Temperate conditions
• Relative Humidity = 65% = for Tropical conditions

BS8110, ACI318 and SABS 0100

As stated in the operations section of this manual, BS8110 and ACI318 creep results will match the code requirements
using the formula as set out in AS3600. Users will however need to make the following adjustments if using BS8110 or
SABS 0100.

To simulate these codes set the creep factor to 3.4 in input screen F1.
Eurocode2 creep
RAPT calculates the creep design factor in accordance with Appendix A.1.1.2 of Eurocode2. RAPT uses the same
formula to calculate P4

where
k2 = φRH x β0(t-to)
k3 = β(to)
fcc.b = β(fcm)

From Appendix A1.1.2

φ(t,to) = φo x βc(t - to)
where
φo = φRH x β(fcm) x β(to) notional creep coefficient

φRH = factor to allow for effect of relative humidity

β(fcm) = factor to allow for effect of concrete strength

β(to) = factor to allow for effect of concrete loading age

ho = notional size of member in mm.

βc(t-to) = factor describing the development of creep with time

βH =

T.7.3.4 Theory: Creep 2

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.3.5 Shrinkage
Each code gives a method to calculated the shrinkage strain of concrete. For each code type, we have simplified their
formula to a common expression of
ecs = ecs.b x k1

AS3600
AS3600 suggests that a suitable mean value of basic shrinkage strain, e cs.b, be taken as 700 E-6. This is converted to a
design shrinkage strain, ecs, by multiplying by k1 (see below).
The factor k1 may be obtained from Figure 6.1.7.2 of AS3600. The theoretical thickness is a parameter modelling the
sensitivity of the cross-section to moisture loss and hence shrinkage. The formula therefore includes allowance for the
length of the perimeter of the cross-section which is exposed to the atmosphere. Figure 6.1.7.2 provides for different
severities of drying conditions.
th = 2 Ag /ue - theoretical thickness
Ag = gross area of the cross-section
ue = exposed perimeter of the cross-section + half the perimeter of any closed voids contained
therein.
Using formulas suggested by Gilbert (reference 43), k1 can be estimated from

Hypothetical thickness of a member

Ag = The gross cross section area of a member
ue = The exposed perimeter of a member cross section
h = Relative Humidity (%)
Using the above formulae, users can model the code curves by setting

• Relative Humidity = 40% = for Arid conditions

• Relative Humidity = 50% = for Interior Environment conditions
• Relative Humidity = 55% = for Temperate conditions
• Relative Humidity = 65% = for Tropical conditions

BS8110, ACI318, AS1480 and SABS 0100

BS8110, ACI318 and AS1480 all use the same approach as explained above. The above formula will simulate the code
shrinkage values when users input εcs.b as suggested in input screen F5 or shown below (see section 4.7). Users will
need to set this figure based on materials in their region. Below are the code references and their equivalent
recommended basic shrinkage strain values.

Code References

• AS3600 Clause 6.1.7.2 code suggested value 700E-6

• BS8110 Clause 4.8.4 & Part 2 clause 7.4 use 385E-6 (for British Conditions)
• ACI318 Clause 18.6 use 700E-6
• SABS 0100 Appendix C.3 use 385E-6

Eurocode2
RAPT calculates the shrinkage design factor in accordance with Appendix A.1.1.3 of Eurocode2. If this value is entered
as 0, RAPT will use the formula described in Appendix A1.1.3 to calculate the shrinkage value. This value is dependent
T.7.3.5 Theory: Shrinkage 1
RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC
on f'c and the Basic Shrinkage Strain εs(fcm) will be recalculated whenever the concrete strength is modified in screen
F1. The following formulae are used by RAPT.

εcs(t-ts) = εcso x βs(t-ts)

where
εcso = εs(fcm) x βRH (notional shrinkage coefficient)
εs(fcm) = (160 + 5 x ( 90 - f cm)) 10-6 a factor to allow for concrete strength on shrinkage

βRH = a factor to allow for the relative humidity

βs(t-ts) = coefficient describing development of

shrinkage with time
ho = 2Ac / u notional size of member in mm
where
Ac = the area of the cross section
u = the perimeter of the member in contact with the atmosphere.

RAPT then redefines this in our standard format as

εcs = εcs.b x k1
where
k1 = βRH x βs(t-ts)
εcs.b = εs(fcm)

T.7.3.5 Theory: Shrinkage 2

RAPT User Manual Copyright PCDC

T.7.4 Reinforcement
The strain in normal reinforcement is obtained assuming strain compatibility of the concrete and steel and that plane
sections remain plane. If the assumption is made that the steel will exhibit elastic-plastic behaviour then by similar
triangles

= stress in a tensile steel layer with a modulus of elasticity Es, at depth ds, measured from the
compressive fibre

For a compressive layer of steel

The calculation of the compressive force in the concrete assumed that no steel was present in the compressive zone.
The stress in compressive steel must be modified to erase the double count of the force due to the compression in the
concrete at that level. Therefore
σs' = σs - σ

The force in the steel is found simply by multiplying the stress by the area of steel at that location. Figure 7.7.3.2
shows the various variables used in the formula above
Development Lengths
RAPT allows users to define existing reinforcement for a design in Input F9 [Reinf]. When RAPT sets up the Default
Bars, the end of each bar is assumed to be fully developed. Thus when detailing the bars, designers must allow for
the extra portion of bar needed to develop the yield strength.
When entering reinforcement in the User Defined Reinforcement menu (Input F9 [Reinf]), the user is required to
specify the yield condition at the end of the bar. This value can range from 0% (no yield stress) to 100% (full yield
stress). If the end condition is specified as 0% yield stress, then RAPT will calculate the development length required
to obtain full yield stress according to the chosen code type. RAPT will then use the appropriate stress at different
points in the span, when calculating the extra reinforcement required.

The code development length formulae can be found as follows

• AS3600 Clause 13.1.2

• BS8110 Clause 3.12.8
• ACI318 Clause 12.3
• Eurocode2 Clause 5.2.2
• SABS 0100 Clause 4.11.6

T.7.4 Theory: Reinforcement 1