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Reinforced Concrete Design in Kenya

The document outlines the design codes for reinforced concrete in Kenya, primarily guided by British Standard BS 8110, which includes guidelines for design, materials properties, and loading considerations. It emphasizes the importance of limit states, characteristic strengths of materials, and partial safety factors in ensuring structural integrity and safety. Additionally, it addresses the need for durability and fire resistance in concrete structures.

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amoketonney
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33 views6 pages

Reinforced Concrete Design in Kenya

The document outlines the design codes for reinforced concrete in Kenya, primarily guided by British Standard BS 8110, which includes guidelines for design, materials properties, and loading considerations. It emphasizes the importance of limit states, characteristic strengths of materials, and partial safety factors in ensuring structural integrity and safety. Additionally, it addresses the need for durability and fire resistance in concrete structures.

Uploaded by

amoketonney
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Design Codes:


Design of reinforced concrete in Kenya has been guided by the British standards BS.
BS 8110 ‘Structural Use of Concrete’ gives guidance for the use of concrete in building
and civil Engineering structures.

BS 8110 is divided into 3 parts: -

Part 1: Code of Practice for the Design and Construction

Part 2: Code of Practice for Special Circumstances

Part 3: Design Charts for Singly Reinforced Beams, Doubly Reinforced Beams and
Rectangular Columns

1.2 Basis of design


Design of reinforced concrete is based on the limit state method. Limit states are states
beyond which a structure can no longer satisfy the design performance requirements.
The two classes in limit state are:

i. Ultimate Limit State (ULS)

If the ultimate state is surpassed, collapse of the member will occur. Ultimate limit
state presents a direct risk to the safety of individuals. ULS to be considered in this
group include; excessive deformations, loss of equilibrium, shear and compression or
tension

ii. Serviceability limit state (SLS)

If SLS is reached the appearance of the member or structure will be disrupted. This
may not cause the collapse of the member or structure but may render it unfit for its
intended purpose. Common SLS considered include SLS due to deflection, due to
cracking, SLS due to vibration amongst others. Serviceability requirements for routine
design are normally met by compliance with dimensional ratios or detailing rules
given in BS 8110.

1.3 Materials properties


In the design of reinforced concrete BS 8110 adopts the criterion that no more than 5%
of sample should have less than a specified strength. This strength is referred to as the
characteristic strength denoted by fcu for concrete and fy for steel reinforcement.

Compiled by Salim Zimbu 1|Page


The characteristic and mean strength fm are related by the expression

𝑓𝑐𝑢 = 𝑓𝑚 − 1.64𝑠. 𝑑

Where:

𝑓𝑐𝑢 = 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒


𝑓𝑚 = 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ
𝑠. 𝑑 = 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
The characteristic strengths of concrete and steel reinforcement are of utmost
importance in the design of concrete structures.

1.3.1 Characteristic compressive strength of concrete


Concrete is a mixture of water, coarse and fine aggregate and a cementitious binder.
BS 8110 defines the characteristic strength of concrete as the value of the cube strength
of concrete. The cube strength of concrete is based on test results on concrete cubes of
dimension 100mm or 150mm cast, cured and loaded to failure in a standardised
compression testing machine. In BS 8110 Concrete is graded according to the
characteristic compressive strength of concrete and designated as C25, C30, C35, C40,
C45 and C50 where the numbers represent the 28th day compressive strength of
concrete in N/mm2.

Another important aspect of concrete is the stress-strain relationship of concrete. The


stress-strain curve of concrete is non-linear and peaks at 0.8 fcu. The curve has no
clearly defined elastic range, a typical characteristic of brittle materials.

Compiled by Salim Zimbu 2|Page


BS 8110 uses a modified stress-strain curve as shown in the figure below, implying a
compressive stress of 0.67 fcu rather than the 0.8 fcu

1.3.2 Characteristic compressive strength of steel reinforcement


Concrete is good in compression but poor in tension, it is thus normal practice to
provide steel reinforcement in zones under tension. Characteristic compressive
strength of steel reinforcement is provided in BS 8110-1:1997 Table 3.1 which is
reproduced in the table below.
Designation Specified characteristic strength, fy N/mm2
Hot rolled mild steel 250
High yield steel (hot rolled or cold worked) 460

A typical stress strain curve for steel reinforcement showing the elastic and plastic
zone is as shown below.

Compiled by Salim Zimbu 3|Page


This actual behaviour of steel as shown in the graph above is complicated and difficult
to model. BS 8110 modifies the curve as to the one shown below making it possible to
determine distribution of stresses in a section.

1.3.3 Partial Safety Factors for Materials & Ultimate Design Strength of Materials
The design strength of concrete and steel reinforcement is obtained by dividing their
characteristic strength by a partial factor of safety 𝛾𝑚 . The material partial safety
factors take into account of the differences between actual and laboratory values, local
weaknesses and inaccuracies in assessment of the resistances of sections. These
differences could be due to factors such as; -

• Segregation during transit


• Dirty casting condition
• Inadequate protection during curing
• Inadequate compaction of concrete
• Wrongly positioned reinforcement
• Distorted reinforcement
• Corroded reinforcement

Compiled by Salim Zimbu 4|Page


Values of 𝛾𝑚 can be obtained from BS 8110-1:1997 Table 2.2 and is reproduced as in
the table below.
Reinforcement (prestressing steel included) 1.05
Concrete in flexure or axial load 1.5
Shear strength without shear reinforcement 1.25
Bond strength 1.4
Others (e.g., bearing stress) ≥ 1.5

𝑓𝑐𝑢 𝑓𝑐𝑢
𝑈𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒 = = = 0.67𝑓𝑐𝑢
𝛾𝑚 1.5
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦
𝑈𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = = = 0.95𝑓𝑦
𝛾𝑚 1.05

1.4 Loading
The designer of a structure needs to know the type and magnitude of the load the
structure will be exposed to during its design life. Common type of loads that a
structure may be exposed to include: dead loads, imposed loads and wind loads.
Associated with these loadings are the characteristic and design values.
1.4.1 Characteristic loads
These are the loads that may be applicable to a member in a structure. The loads in
consideration include

Dead loads GK-it includes the weight of the structure including finishes, fixtures
partitions. These are values that can be computed based on the densities of the various
materials in consideration. Values of characteristic dead loads can be obtained from
BS648: Schedule of weights for building materials
Live/Imposed loads QK- these are loadings produced by the intended occupancy or
usage of the building. Values of imposed loads are obtained from BS 6399 Part 1

Wind loading WK-Wind loadings acting on the structure. Obtained from BS 6399 Part
2
1.4.2 Partial Safety Factors for Loads
In practice the applied loads during the life of the structure may exceed the
characteristic loads. This could be attributed to factors such as;

i. Calculation errors
ii. Constructional inaccuracies
iii. Unforeseen increase in load

To take into account of this, the characteristic loads are multiplied by partial safety
factor 𝛾𝑓 to give the ultimate design load.

Compiled by Salim Zimbu 5|Page


𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 𝛾𝑓 × 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑

The partial factors of safety for the various loads can be obtained from table 2.1 of
BS8110-1:1997 reproduced in the table below.

1.5 Durability and Fire Resistance


Durable concrete should perform satisfactorily during the life of the structure. To
achieve this various factors, have to be considered as guided by BS 8110. Some of these
factors include

i. the minimum strength class of concrete;


ii. the minimum cover to reinforcement;
iii. the minimum cement content;
iv. the maximum water/cement ratio;
v. the cement type or combination;
vi. the maximum allowable surface crack width.
vii. Shape and bulk of concrete
viii. Fire resistance

Compiled by Salim Zimbu 6|Page

Common questions

Powered by AI

BS 8110 defines the compressive strength of concrete as the cube strength measured from 100mm or 150mm concrete cubes tested until failure. Concrete is graded per its compressive strength at 28 days, identified with designations such as C25, C30, C35, and so forth, where the number represents the compressive strength in N/mm². This grading system aids in selecting concrete with appropriate strength for specific structural applications .

In BS 8110, the characteristic strength of concrete, denoted by fcu, is calculated from the mean strength, fm, using the relationship fcu = fm - 1.64sd, where sd is the standard deviation. This equation ensures that no more than 5% of samples fall below the specified characteristic strength. The delineation between characteristic and mean strength accounts for variations in material quality and testing conditions .

The Ultimate Limit State (ULS) is concerned with the safety of individuals as it pertains to the risk of collapse or significant failure of a structure, considering factors like excessive deformations and loss of equilibrium. In contrast, the Serviceability Limit State (SLS) deals with the usability and appearance of the structure, such as deflections and vibrations, which won't cause collapse but may render the structure unfit for its intended use. Compliance with dimensional ratios or detailing rules usually satisfies serviceability requirements .

Partial safety factors for loads compensate for uncertainties such as calculation errors, construction inaccuracies, and unforeseen increases in load during a structure's life. By multiplying the characteristic load by these safety factors, the ultimate design load is calculated, ensuring structures perform reliably under various unpredictable conditions and reducing the risk of overloading and failure .

To ensure the durability of concrete, BS 8110 recommends considering several factors: minimum strength class, cover to reinforcement, cement content, water/cement ratio, cement type, maximum surface crack width, and the overall shape and bulk of concrete. These guidelines help to mitigate potential risks such as environmental exposure, which can compromise structural integrity over time .

Modeling the stress-strain relationship of steel reinforcement is crucial to predict how steel will behave under different load conditions, ensuring both safety and performance. BS 8110 simplifies this complex relationship by modifying the curve to focus on the key elastic and plastic zones, aiding in practical design calculations despite real-world complexities. Simplification facilitates the calculation of stress distribution across reinforcement sections in structural elements .

Modifying the stress-strain curve is significant in concrete design to account for the material's non-linear behavior and lack of a distinct elastic range, reflecting its brittle nature. BS 8110 uses a compressive stress value of 0.67 fcu instead of 0.8 fcu to provide a practical approach to modeling concrete's behavior under load, aiding in more accurate safety and serviceability calculations .

The cover to reinforcement is determined based on the exposure conditions and fire resistance requirements of a concrete structure. BS 8110 provides guidelines specifying minimum cover to protect reinforcement from corrosion and fire risks, contributing to the overall durability and safety. Factors such as the environment's aggressiveness and structural element type influence the required cover thickness .

Wind loads significantly impact the design of concrete structures by adding lateral forces that the structure must withstand without exceeding its safety limits. BS 8110 accounts for potential exceedance of characteristic loads due to unforeseen factors by applying partial safety factors to wind loads, obtained from BS 6399 Part 2. This ensures that the design can accommodate unexpected increases in wind-induced stresses .

Partial safety factors for materials in reinforced concrete design are crucial as they compensate for discrepancies between laboratory and real-world conditions, potential weaknesses, and inaccuracies in resistance assessments. These factors account for practical issues such as segregation, dirty casting, and inadequate curing. For instance, the ultimate design strength for concrete is its characteristic strength divided by a partial factor of 1.5, adjusting it to 0.67 fcu. For steel reinforcement, the partial factor is 1.05, adjusting the design strength to 0.95 fy .

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