ADVANCED REINFORCED CONCRETE

DESIGN
BS 8110 - 1: 1997

LECTURE NOTE 01

Contents:
A. Design basis for limit state design concepts
B. Material Properties
C. Structural Loadings
D. Durability and Fire Resistance

M. F. M Abdullah
B. Tech (Civil Eng.) (Hons) (OUSL)
0764667470, 0711191926
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

CHAPTER 01: DESIGN BASIS FOR LIMIT STATE DESIGN CONCEPTS

1.1 INTRODUCTION (Clause 2.1.1)

The successful completion of any structural design project is dependent on many variables, however,
there are a number of fundamental objectives, which must be incorporated in any design philosophy to
provide a structure, which throughout its intended lifespan:
 will possess an acceptable margin of safety against collapse whilst in use,
 is serviceable and perform its intended purpose whilst in use,
 is sufficiently robust such that damage to an extent disproportionate to the
 original cause will not occur,
 is economic to construct,

Historically, structural design was carried out based on intuition, trial and error, and experience, which
enabled empirical design rules, generally relating to structure/member proportions, to be established.
These rules were used to minimize structural failures and consequently introduced a margin-of-safety
against collapse. In the latter half of the 19th century the introduction of modern materials and the
development of mathematical modelling techniques led to the introduction of a design philosophy
which incorporated the concept of factor-of-safety based on known material strength, e.g. ultimate
tensile
Stress; this is known as permissible stress design. During the 20th century two further design
philosophies were developed and are referred to as load-factor design and limit state design;

1.2 METHODS OF DESIGN (Clause 2.1.2)

The concept of a factor of safety or safety margin, is to be expected and essential to the various methods
of design that evolved to achieve safe and workable structures. The different methods used in design are
outlined below.

1.2.1 THE PERMISSIBLE STRESS DESIGN

In this method, members are designed to function under normal conditions within elastic range and
comparing the stresses. However, although it modelled real building performance under actual
conditions. the stresses in the structure at working loads are not allowed to exceed a certain proportion
of the yield stress of the construction material

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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

However, permissible stress method is not applicable to semi-plastic material such as concrete and
masonry load bearing structures. Assumption that stresses are directly proportional became
unjustifiable for materials such as concrete, making it impossible to estimate the true factors of safety.

1.2.2 LOAD FACTOR DESIGN

Load factor or plastic design was developed to take account of the behavior of the structure once the
yield point of the construction material had been reached. This approach involved calculating the
collapse load of the structure. axial, bending moment and shear force capacities) are compared with the
design effects induced by the ultimate loads. The ultimate loads are determined by multiplying the
working/service loads by a factor of safety.
( )

1.2.3 LIMIT STATE DESIGN (Clause 2.2.2)

The limit state design philosophy, which was formulated for reinforced concrete design in Russia during
the 1930s. The aim of limit state design is to achieve acceptable probabilities that a structure will not
become unfit for its intended use during its design life, that is, the structure will not reach a limit state.
Two ‘types’ of limit state under which a structure may become unfit for its intended purpose. They are:

1. The Serviceability Limit State in which a condition, e.g. deflection, vibration or cracking, occurs
extent, which is unacceptable to the owner, occupier, client etc. and
2. the Ultimate Limit State in which the structure, or some part of it, is unsafe for its intended
purpose, e.g. compressive, tensile, shear or flexural failure or instability leading to partial or total
collapse.

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LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

1.2.4 CHARACTERISTIC AND DESIGN VALUES

The method in most codes is based on the use of characteristic values and partial safety factors.

[Link] PARTIAL SAFETY FACTORS

The use of partial safety factors, which are applied separately to individual parameters, enables the
degree of risk for each one to be varied, reflecting the differing degrees of control which are possible in
the manufacturing process of building structural materials/units (e.g. steel, concrete, timber, mortar and
individual bricks)

 Partial factors of safety for material (ϒm) (Clause [Link])

Design strength of material calculated as follows,
Design strength = Characteristic strength / Partial safety factor.
ϒm=1 does not imply that no margin of safety for material has been included, but rather that a suitable allowance
has been made in the design strengths given in the below table. Recommended values for ϒm are given in the table
to BS 8110.

Table 1.1 - Partial factors of safety for material

Material
Limit state
Concrete Steel
Ultimate
Flexure 1.5 1.05
Shear 1.25 1.05
Bond 1.4 -
Serviceability 1.0 1.0

 Partial factors of safety for loads (ϒf) (Clause [Link])

Design load = Characteristic strength x ϒf
Errors may be arise due to,
1. Design assumptions and inaccuracy of calculation.
2. Possible unusual load.
3. Constructional inaccuracies.

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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

Table 1.2 - Partial safety factor for loads

Loading Load factor
Dead load 1.4
Imposed load 1.6
Wind load 1.4
Dead load acting with wind load and imposed load 1.2

[Link] CHARACTERISTIC VALUES

The use of characteristic values enables the statistical variability of various parameters such as material
strength, different load types etc. to be incorporated in an assessment of the acceptable probability that
the value of the parameter will be exceeded during the life of a structure.

(( )
( )

( )

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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

CHAPTER 02: MATERIAL PROPERTIES

The two materials whose properties must be known are concrete and steel reinforcement. In the case of
concrete, the property with which the designer is primarily concerned is its compressive strength For
steel, however, it is its tensile strength capacity which is important.

2.1 CONCRETE
2.1.1 CHARACTERISTIC COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE (fcu) (Clause [Link])
In structural terms the most important material property of concrete is its inherent compressive strength.
In BS 8110 − 1:1997, Part 1, the characteristic strength (see Section 2.3) of concrete is defined in Clause
[Link] as the value of the cube strength of concrete fcu. The cube strength is defined on the basis of test
results carried out after 28 days on 10 cm or 15 cm (4 inch or 6 inch) cubes cast and cured under rigid,
specified conditions and loaded to failure in a standardized compression testing machine as indicated in
BS 1881:Testing Concrete.
Strength class can identify the characteristic strength of concrete.

Table 2.1- Partial safety factor for loads

Grade Characteristic strength Mix proportion
(fcu) (Nmm-2)
C15 15 1 : 3 : 6 (40)
C20 20 1 : 2 : 4 (20)
C25 25 1 : 1.5 : 3 (20)
C30 25 1 : 1: 2 (20)

Note :
Within 7 days after casting the concrete it attains 2/3 of cube strength.

 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WATER CEMENT RATIO AND CEMENT CONTENT WITH

GRADE OF THE CONCRETE (Table 3.3)

Grade C30 C25 C40 C45 C50

Cement content 275 300 325 350 400

(kg/m3)

W/C ratio 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 0.45

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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

 STRESS – STRAIN CURVE ( Clause [Link])

According to the code simplified representation of the short term design stress/train curve for normal
concrete shown in the figure

Figure 2.1 - Short-term design stress/strain curve for R/F concrete

Young’s modulus is determined by the following equation

2.2 REINFORCEMENT
2.2.1 CHARACTERISTIC COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF REINFORCEMENT (fy) (Clause [Link])
Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension. A product consisting of plain cement concrete
shows compressive strength that is about ten times greater than its tensile strength. Plain concrete may
used in elements and structures, which act in compression and which undergo no tensile stresses or
thermal cracking or where these would not be critical. However, structural members are generally
subjected to axial load, flexure, shear, torsion or combination of these. Reinforcements take up these
stresses safely. In practice concrete is cast with steels, therefore it is referred a reinforced cement concrete
structure.
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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

fy = 250 N/mm2 for hot rolled mild steel

fy = 460 N/mm2 for hot rolled high yield steel

 STRESS – STRAIN CURVE ( Clause [Link])

 According to the code simplified representation of the short term design stress/train curve for
normal concrete shown in the figure

Figure 2.2 - Short-term design stress/strain curve for Reinforcement

Youngs modulus of reinforcement is equal to Tan Ø. This should be taken as 200 kN/mm2

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Prepared By: M.F.M Abdullah
[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

CHAPTER 03: STRUCTURAL LOADINGS

All structures are subjected to loading from various sources. The main categories of loading are dead, imposed and
wind loads. The values of types of loads are taken from relevant BS-codes. In addition, they will have to determine
the particular combination of loading which is likely to produce the most adverse effect on the structure in terms of
bending moments, shear forces and deflections.
BS 648:1964 – Weights of building materials (dead load)
BS 6399-1:1996 – Codes of practice for dead and imposed load
CP 3: Chapter V: Part 2: 1972 – Codes of practice for wind load

Various types of loads on a structure and requiring consideration in design.

1. Dead load
2. Live load (Imposed load)
3. Wind load
4. Seismic load

3.1 DEAD LOAD

Dead loads do not change with the time. Dead loads on structure comprise the,
 self-weight of the member
 weight of finishes and partition walls
 Finishes
 partitions
 Weight by services are generally known as a super imposed dead loads.

3.2 IMPOSED LOAD

Imposed loads, which are due to variable effects such as the movement of people, furniture, traffic, thus
imposed loads will change with the time. BS 6399: Part 1: 1984: Code of Practice for dead and imposed
loads gives typical characteristic imposed floor loads for different classes of structure, e.g. residential
dwellings, educational institutions, hospitals, and parts of the same structure, e.g. balconies, corridors,
etc

3.3 WIND LOAD

Wind pressure can either add to the other gravitational forces acting on the structure or equally well,
exert suction or negative pressures on the structure. The characteristic wind loads acting on a structure
can be assessed in accordance with the recommendations given in CP 3: Chapter V: Part 2: 1972 Wind
Loads
pg. 8
Prepared By: M.F.M Abdullah
[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

CHAPTER 04: DURABILITY AND FIRE RESISTANCE (Clauses 2.2.4 and

3.15)
4.1 EXPOSURE CONDITION
The integrity of reinforced concrete depends on its ability to prevent corrosion of the reinforcement
when exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions, e.g. ranging from ‘mild exposure’ such as
concrete surfaces protected against weather or aggressive conditions to ‘most severe’ or ‘abrasive’
conditions in which concrete surfaces may be frequently exposed to sea water spray, de-icing salts or the
abrasive actions of machinery.

 CLASSIFICATION OF EXPOSURE CONDITION

 Moderate
 Severe
 Very severe
 Abrasive

4.2 FIRE PROTECTION

In addition to protection against corrosion of the steel (Table 3.3), fire resistance requirements (Table
3.4) are also necessary to allow sufficient time to evacuate a building and prevent premature failure,
spalling of the concrete must be avoided and adequate bond forces must develop between the
reinforcement and the concrete. The essential elements of design which ensure adequate durability are
the structural form/detailing and the amount of concrete cover provided to protect the steel, as
illustrated in Figure 4.1

Figure 2.2 - Short-term design stress/strain curve for Reinforcement

Figure 2.2 - Cover

4.3 NOMINAL COVER

The limiting values of cover given in Tables 3.3 and 3.4 of the code which ensure adequate provision to
satisfy durability and fire protection are specified in terms of ‘nominal’ cover to all reinforcement
including link
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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

The number of criteria to be considered when determining the nominal covers (Clause [Link])

01. Bar size (Clause [Link])

Single bars :

Paired bars: Nominal cover ≥ d1

Bundle bars: Nominal cover ≥ √

= Sum of the cross sectional areas of the bundle bars

02. Nominal maximum aggregate size (Clause [Link])

In most case, 20 mm aggregate is suitable

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LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

03. Uneven surface (Clause [Link])

When concrete is cast on uneven surfaces (e.g. earth or blinding, which is finely crushed aggregate rolled
on the top of compacted fill such as hardcore) additional cover to that indicated in Table 3.3 should be
provided as shown in Figure

4.4 MINIMUM DIMENSION (Clause 3.3.6 and Figure 3.2)

In addition to nominal cover requirements, the code also specifies minimum dimensions or some
structural elements to provide adequate fire resistance. The minimum dimensions are given to ensure
minimum periods of fire resistance ranging from 0.5 hrs to 4 hrs and relate specially to the covers given
in table 3.4

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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

Exercise No 01
A rectangular reinforced concrete beam inside a building is simply supported and is required to support
precast concrete units as shown in Figure 5.19. Using the data given determine:

(i) the nominal cover required to the underside of the beam, and

(ii) the minimum width of beam required.

Data:

Exposure condition : mild

Characteristic strength of concrete (fcu) : 40 N/mm2

Nominal maximum aggregate size (hagg) : 20 mm

Diameter of main tension steel : 25 mm

Diameter of shear links : 8 mm

Minimum required fire resistance : 1.5 hours

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[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)
LECTURE NO 01 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN TO BS 8110-1:1997

Solution:

(i) Clause [Link] Nominal cover ≥ (main bar diameter − link diameter)

≥ (25 − 8) = 17 mm

Clause [Link] Nominal cover ≥ nominal maximum aggregate size > 20 mm

Clause 3.3.3 Exposure condition is mild

Grade of concrete is C40

Table 3.3 Nominal cover ≥ 20 mm*

Clause 3.3.6 Minimum fire resistance = 1.5 hr

The beam is simply supported

Table 3.4 Nominal cover ≥ 20 mm*

The required nominal cover = 20 mm

*Note: Under these conditions this value can be reduced to 15 mm when the maximum

aggregate size does not exceed 15 mm.

(ii) Clause 3.3.6 The minimum beam width b to satisfy the required 1.5 hours.

Figure 3.2 fire resistance = 200 mm

pg. 13
Prepared By: M.F.M Abdullah
[Link] (Civil Eng) (Hons) (OUSL)