INTRODUCTION TO RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) STRUCTURE
1. What is RCC?
RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) is a composite material in which concrete (strong in
compression but weak in tension) is reinforced with steel bars (strong in tension). Together
they act as a single structural unit capable of resisting both compression and tension forces
effectively.
2. Components of RCC
Cement – Binding material after hydration.
Fine Aggregate – Fills voids between coarse aggregates (Sand).
Coarse Aggregate – Provides strength and skeleton (Stone chips ~20mm).
Water – Required for hydration; must be clean.
Admixtures – Chemicals improving workability or setting.
Air – Entrained air increases workability.
3. Grades of Concrete (Mix Proportions)
M15 – 1:2:4 (15 MPa)
M20 – 1:1.5:3 (20 MPa)
M25 – Design Mix (25 MPa)
M30 – Design Mix (30 MPa)
M stands for Mix and number indicates characteristic compressive strength after 28 days.
4. Mixing of Concrete
Manual Mixing – Small works.
Machine Mixing – Medium projects using drum mixers.
Transit Mixer – For ready-mix concrete in large projects.
5. Behavior of RCC Under Load
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.
Steel is strong in tension and weak in compression.
Together they resist both compressive and tensile forces effectively.
6. Bending and Reinforcement Concept
When a beam bends under load:
Top fibers → Compression
Bottom fibers → Tension
Neutral Axis → Zero stress.
Steel reinforcement is placed in tensile zones to resist tension.
7. Basic Structural Components in RCC Frame
Slab – Horizontal surface, carries floor load.
Beam – Transfers load from slab to columns.
Column – Vertical load-carrying member.
Footing/Foundation – Transfers load to ground.
Plinth Beam – Ties columns and resists settlement.
8. Types of Floor Systems
Flat Slab System – Slab directly supported on columns, no beams.
Beam–Slab System – Conventional system where slab is supported by beams.
9. Shear Walls in High-Rise Buildings
Vertical RCC walls that resist lateral forces like wind and earthquake.
They improve stiffness and prevent excessive sway.
10. Types of Loads on Structure
A. Gravity Loads:
Dead Load – Self-weight (IS 875 Part 1)
Live Load – Occupancy (IS 875 Part 2)
B. Lateral Loads:
Wind Load – Wind pressure (IS 875 Part 3)
Seismic Load – Earthquake (IS 1893)
11. Other Loads
Temperature Load – Expansion/contraction due to heat.
Blast/Impact Load – Sudden or accidental load.