Introduction to RCC Frame

Structure
Presented by
Maryam Mansha
Assistant Manager Design (Civil), NTDC
Contents:
 Introduction
 Necessity in RCC framed structure
 Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC Frame Structure
 Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing Structure
 Some Practical Examples
 RCC Frame Structure
 It is a construction method that includes a
network of beams and columns that are used
to transfer the loads coming on the structure to
the foundation successfully.
 In RCC framed structure, the load is
transferred from a slab to the beam then to the
columns, further to the lower columns, and
finally to the foundation which transfers the
load to the soil, the walls are constructed after
the frame is prepared, most tall buildings use
RCC technology.
Necessity in RCC framed structure:
 The steel bars utilized in cement concrete provide good strength to the structure.
 Usually, the steel bars are scratched or corrugated to enhance the bonding or
cohesion between concrete and steel.
 Care should be taken that the steel bars used for RCC work should not have any
joints, so steel must have a longer length.
 If full-length steel bars are not available, the steel bar must be given the
appropriate overlap.
 Care should be taken that steel should not be disturbed during concreting.
 The steel rods must be properly tied and have proper planks or plates for walking.
 The curing of concrete is treated for a minimum of 20 days.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Beams
 Columns
 Slabs
 Foundations
 Reinforcement Bars
 Shear Walls
 Elevator Shaft
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Beams
 Beams are the horizontal load-bearing members of the
framed structure. They carry the load from the slab as
well as the direct load of masonry walls and their self-
weights.
 The beams may be supported on the other beams or
may be supported by the columns forming an integral
part of the frame. These are primarily the flexural
members and are classified into 2 types:
 a)- Main Beams - Transmitting floor and secondary
beam load to the columns.
 b)- Secondary Beams - Transmitting floor loads to the
main beams.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Types of beams
 Cantilever beam
 Simply supported beam
 Overhanging beam
 Fixed beam
 Continuous beam
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Cantilever beam
 A beam which is fixed at one end and free at the
other end, is known as cantilever beam. Such Cantilever beam
beam is shown in Fig.
 Simply Supported beam
Simply Supported beam
 A beam supported or resting freely on the supports
at its both ends, is known as simply supported beam.
Such beam is shown in Fig.
 Overhanging Beam
 If the end portion of a beam is extended beyond the Over Hanging beam

support, such beam is known as overhanging beam.

Overhanging beam is shown in Fig.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Fixed Beam
 A beam whose both ends are fixed or built-in walls,
is known as fixed beam. Such beam is shown in Fig.
A fixed beam is also known as a built-in beam. Fixed beam
 Continuous Beam
 A beam which is provided more than two supports
as shown in Fig. is known as continuous beam.

Continuous beam
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Columns
 Columns are the important structural member of a frame
building.
 They are the vertical members which carry the load from
the beam and upper columns, transferring it to the footings
 The design of the columns is more important than the
design of the beams and slabs.
 This is because, if one beam fails, only 1 floor will
collapse, but if even a single column fails, it can lead to
the collapse of the whole structure.

      
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Slab
 A slab is a flat horizontal place that is used for covering
the building from above and providing shelter to the
inhabitants.
 Slabs are flat, horizontal elements that form the floors
and roofs of the structure. They transfer the load to the
beams and columns.
 This is the plate element and carries the loads primarily
by flexure. They usually carry a vertical load.
 Under the action of a horizontal load and a large
moment of inertia, slabs can carry large wind and
earthquake forces, and then transfer them to the beam.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Types of Slab
 Simply Supported (One Way or two way slab)
 Continuous slab
 Cantilever slab
Components of RCC Frame Structures

1. Simply Supported (One Way or two way slab)

Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Continuous slab:
 A continuous slab has number of supports at series manner. In other words a
continuous slab has more than one span.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Cantilever slab
 Cantilever slabs, as the name suggests, are fixed at
one end and free at the other end.
 The deflection in cantilever slabs is greater than the
other slabs due to its support condition.
 One great example of cantilever slabs is Balconies.
 The main reinforcement is provided in the span that
is protruding outside. The secondary
reinforcements are provided throughout the length
of the slab.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Foundations:
 The foundation of an RCC frame structure is designed
to provide a stable base for the entire structure.
 It spreads the load from the columns to the ground
and prevents excessive settlement.
 The sole purpose of the foundation is to transmit the
load coming from the above columns and beams to
the solid ground.
 Types of Foundation
Foundations are broadly classified into as:
 Shallow Foundation
 Deep Foundation
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Shallow Foundations
According to Terzaghi, a foundation is shallow if its
depth is equal or less than its width
Types of Shallow Foundations:
i. Spread Footing
ii. Combined Footing
iii. Strap Footing
iv. Mat or Raft Footing
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Spread Footings:
Spread footings are square or rectangular pads that distribute the column load to an area
around a column i.e.; these support only one column. These are most commonly used type
of shallow footings because they are usually more economical. A spread supports one
column or one wall.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Combined Footing
 A combined footing is a long
footing supporting two or more
columns in one row.
 Such a footing is often used when
one column is closed to the
property line, also when the loads
are heavy and the isolated footing
overlaps.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Strap Footing
 If two isolated footings are connected by a beam then this whole assembly is
called ‘strap footing’.
 When footings are at different level, they can also be joined by a strap.
 A strap footing is used to connect an eccentrically loaded column footing to an
interior column.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Raft or Mat Footing
 A mat footing is a large footing
usually supporting several
columns in two or more rows.
 If there are a number of
columns, and footings for most
of the columns overlap in both
the directions, then we provide a
single footing for all the
columns. This type of footing is
called a ‘mat footing’.
 If the sum of the areas of
individual footings is greater
than the half of the total area of
the building, it is economical to
provide a raft footing.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Deep Footing
 If bearing capacity of the upper soil layer is insufficient for a spread
foundation but firmer strata is available at greater depth then the piles are
used to transfer the load to the deeper layer.
 Deep foundation are those in which depth of foundation is very large in
comparison to its width
 Types of Deep Footing:
 Pile Foundation
 Pier Foundation
 Caissons or Well Foundation
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Pile Foundation
 Pile foundation may be adopted when no firm bearing strata is available and
the loading is uneven
 Types of Piles:
 End Bearing Piles
 Friction Piles
 Compaction Piles
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 End Bearing Piles:
 These types of piles are used to transfer load through water or soft soil to a
suitable bearing stratum
 Friction Piles:
 Friction piles are used to transfer loads to a depth of friction load carrying
material by means of skin friction along the length of piles.
 Compaction Piles:
 Compaction piles are used to compact loose granular soils thus increasing
their bearing capacity
Components of RCC Frame Structures
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Pier Foundation:
 A pier foundation consist of cylindrical
column of large diameter to support and
transfer large superimposed load to the firm
strata below.
 Generally, pier foundation is shallow in
depth than the pile foundation
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Well or Caisson Foundation:
 Well or caisson are box like structures
which are sunk from the surface of either
land or water to the desired depth
 They are much larger than pier foundation
 Caisson foundations are used for major
foundation works like:
 Bridge piers
 Docks
 Large water front structure such as pump
house
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Reinforcement bars
 Commonly known as rebars, are embedded within
concrete elements to enhance their strength and
ability to withstand tension forces.
 The rebars are typically made of steel and are
placed in a way that they can resist tensile stresses,
while the concrete handles the compressive forces.
 Rebars used for concrete can be plain or
deformed. Compared to plain rebars, deformed
patterns on the reinforcement bars help the
concrete adhere or bond to the reinforcing steel
surface without slipping and together sustain
tensile stress.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Shear Walls
 Shear walls are the most important structural
element in high-rise buildings.
 They are actually large columns that appear
like walls. These take care of horizontal loads
like wind and earthquake loads.
 Shear walls also carry vertical loads.
 It's important to understand that they only work
for horizontal loads in one direction, which is
the axis of the long dimension of the wall.
Components of RCC Frame Structures
 Elevator Shaft
 The elevator shaft is a vertical concrete box in which
the elevator is provided to move up and down.
These shafts help in resisting horizontal loads and
also carry the vertical loads.
Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC
Frame Structure
 Advantages
 It is good in compression when compared to the other materials used for
construction.
 It is better fire-resistant than steel and is capable of resisting fire for a longer time.
 It has an extensive service life with low maintenance costs.
 It can be cast to any required shape, making it the most economical structural
material.
 Yields rigid members with minimum deflection.
 Steel has a yield strength of about 15 times the compressive strength of structural
concrete.
 By using steel in concrete, the cross-sectional dimension would be reduced.
Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC
Frame Structure
Strength and Durability: Reinforced concrete provides excellent strength and
durability, making RCC frame structures capable of withstanding heavy loads and
harsh environmental conditions. 
Design Flexibility: RCC frame structures allow for various architectural designs
and can accommodate different floor layouts and room configurations.
Fire Resistance: Concrete is a non-combustible material, which makes RCC
frame structures highly resistant to fire.
Sound Insulation: The mass of the concrete elements helps in reducing sound
transmission, providing better acoustic insulation.
Longevity: When designed and constructed properly, RCC frame structures
have a long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.
Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC
Frame Structure
 Versatility: RCC frame structures offer flexibility in terms of design and
construction. They can be customized to meet specific architectural and
structural requirements, allowing for creative and innovative designs.
 Low Maintenance: RCC frame structures generally require low maintenance.
The materials used, such as concrete and steel reinforcement, are long-lasting
and do not decay or deteriorate easily. Regular inspections and minor repairs
can help prolong the lifespan of the structure.
 Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, RCC frame structures can be cost-effective
compared to other construction methods. The availability of concrete and steel
reinforcement in most regions makes them affordable and suitable for a wide
range of construction projects. 
Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC
Frame Structure
 Disadvantages
 It needs meticulous mixing, casting, and curing, all of which affect the final
strength of the structure.
 The cost of formwork used to cast concrete is relatively high.
 It has a low compressive strength when compared to steel, which leads to large
sections of columns/beams in multistory buildings.
 Cracks develop in concrete due to shrinkage and the application of live loads is
high.
 If concreting is not done properly, the steel starts corroding thereby losing
strength, and ultimately the life decreases.
 Repairs are expensive and difficult.
Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC
Frame Structure
Disadvantages
Time-consuming Construction: The construction of RCC frame structures can be
time-consuming compared to other building systems. The various stages involved,
such as formwork, casting, curing, and drying, require careful planning and
coordination, leading to longer construction periods. 
Skilled Labor Requirement: The construction of RCC frame structures requires
skilled laborers who have knowledge and experience in concrete casting,
reinforcement detailing, and formwork installation. Availability of skilled labor
can sometimes be a challenge in certain regions.
Initial Cost: While RCC frame structures can be cost-effective in the long run, the
initial cost of construction can be relatively higher compared to some alternative
construction methods. The expenses associated with formwork, reinforcement, and
concrete materials contribute to the higher upfront costs.
Advantages & Disadvantages of RCC
Frame Structure
 Disadvantages
 Susceptibility to Cracking: Although reinforced concrete is strong, it can be
susceptible to cracking. Factors such as shrinkage, thermal expansion and
contraction, and settlement can lead to cracks in the concrete over time. Proper
design, detailing, and construction practices can help minimize cracking.
 Heavyweight: RCC frame structures are relatively heavier compared to some
lightweight construction methods. This characteristic may require stronger
foundations and structural members to support the weight, leading to
additional costs and construction complexities.
 It's important to note that the advantages and disadvantages mentioned above
are general in nature and can vary depending on the specific design,
construction practices, and maintenance of the RCC frame structure.
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
Load-Bearing Structures

 Load-bearing structures, also known as bearing wall structures, rely on the load-
bearing capacity of walls to support the weight of the building and transfer it to
the foundation. In this type of construction, the walls themselves bear the vertical
loads, such as the weight of the floors, roof, and any applied loads.
 Key characteristics of load-bearing structures include:
 Thick and sturdy walls that can support the imposed loads.
 Walls are typically made of materials like concrete, masonry, or stone.
 The walls are designed to distribute the loads evenly throughout the structure.
 The walls also provide lateral stability to the building.
 Examples of load-bearing structures are traditional brick or stone buildings,
where the walls carry the entire weight of the structure. Load-bearing structures
often have limited flexibility for modifying the internal layout since altering or
removing walls can compromise the building's stability.
Frame Structures
 Frame structures, also referred to as skeletal structures or skeleton frames, utilize a
framework of beams, columns, and horizontal members to support the building loads. The
vertical and horizontal members work together to create a rigid structural system that can
withstand various forces.
 Key characteristics of frame structures include:
 Load-carrying members (columns and beams) are interconnected to form a stable
framework.
 The framework transfers the loads to the foundation through vertical members (columns).
 The floors, walls, and roof of the building are attached to the framework but do not carry
the primary structural loads.
 Flexibility in the internal layout due to the absence of load-bearing walls.
 Frame structures offer more flexibility in terms of architectural design and can
accommodate open floor plans. They are commonly constructed using materials such as
steel, reinforced concrete, or timber. Examples of frame structures include steel-framed
buildings
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
Components
Heavy masonry walls of brick or stone sustain the whole building in a load-bearing
structure. Whereas the beam, column, and slab make up a framed structure.
Load Transfer
The vertical load transfer path in a load-bearing structure is from the slab/floor to
the walls and the walls to the load-bearing footing, which is the soil.
The vertical weight transfer path in a framed structure is from slab/floor to beams,
beams to columns, columns to load-bearing footings, and finally soil.
Wall Thickness
The thickness of the wall of a load-bearing structure increases as the height rises.
Whereas the thickness of the wall of a framed structure remains constant as the
height rises
Wall Construction
Beams and columns are not present in a load-bearing system. As a result, the walls
must be constructed first. Whereas walls are built after the frame is ready in framed
constructions.
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
Earthquake Resistance
Because they are made of masonry units like stone and brick linked together, load-
bearing buildings are not earthquake-resistant. (If done improperly.) It is, however, as
effective for low-rise buildings. It necessitates attention to detail and detailed designs.
Because the complete frame of columns, beams, and slabs acts as one unit, framed
structures are stiffer and earthquake resistant. The horizontal load route, on the other
hand, must be well-defined, planned, and precise.
Floor Area
In a load-bearing structure, because the walls are thicker, there is less floor space
available. Whereas in a framed form, more floor space is available for usage because the
walls are smaller.
Soil Condition
Any type of soil may be used to construct for framed structure. Whereas on the hard
stratum, the load-bearing structure can be constructed.
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
Excavation
In load-bearing structure necessitates a greater amount of excavation. In
comparison, excavation is less for a frame structure than for a similar structure.
Speed Of Construction
Construction speed is slower in a load-bearing structure. Whereas construction
speed is more in case of a framed structure.
Lifespan Of Structure
In load-bearing structure, even if some criteria are not strictly maintained, life is
not adversely affected. Whereas in framed structure, If suitable procedure is not
used and standards, such as codes, are not carefully followed, life will be
shortened.
Material Requirements
In load-bearing structure, more materials are required. Whereas in a framed
structure less materials are needed.
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
 Function Or Purpose Of Wall
 Apart from privacy and security, the function of a
wall in a load-bearing building is to sustain load,
and so practically all walls are load-bearing. A
disadvantage is the limitation of
wall-to-wall/room-to-room communication.
External and interior walls serve as structural
elements and enclosures for protection from the
elements, such as rain, sound, heat, and fire, in a
load-bearing structural system.
 The walls serve as a barrier to privacy and security
in this area. Taking walls and rooms over walls and
rooms over rooms has no restrictions. External and
interior walls in a framed structural system
function only as enclosures for room formation and
weather protection.
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
 Labor Requirement
 In load-bearing structure, more laborers, both skilled and unskilled, are needed. Whereas
in framed structure, a smaller number of workers and skilled workers are necessary.
 Flexibility Of Planning & Design
 In a framed structure, walls may be moved around as needed. More planning and design
flexibility. After the building, it is not feasible to change the location of the walls. There is
no flexibility in terms of planning and design.
 Span In Structure
 Large span areas are not possible in a load-bearing structure. The breadth is limited, i.e.,
the size of the room. Large span areas are possible with a framed construction. There are
no restrictions on the length of the span, i.e., the size of the room.
 Room Dimension
A load-bearing system does not allow for changes in room proportions. The RCC Frame
structure, on the other hand, allows for room size changes.
Difference Between RCC Frame & Load Bearing
Structure
 Foundation Cost
 When the depth of the foundation grows over the limit, say 1.2 to 1.5 meters,
the load-bearing structure is higher than the RCC frame structure. An increase
in foundation depth does not affect the cost of the Frame construction.
 Quantity Of Cement & Steel
 Cement and steel consumption is reduced in load-bearing constructions.
Whereas frame buildings, on the other hand, use a greater amount of cement
and steel.
 Cantilever Member
 Cantilever components are challenging to incorporate into a load-bearing
structure and are only allowed for a limited span. Cantilever components may
be provided in the RCC Frame structure.
Some Practical Examples
Some Practical Examples
Some Practical Examples
Some Practical Examples