Aspects regard reinforcement optimization in reinforced concrete elements

Abstract

Under tensile stresses the plain concrete, an artificial hard and brittle conglomerate,with mechanical propeties similar to nature stone, behaves inadequately. athis is manifest,especially by its reduced strengths and ultimate strains. In exceeding them, concretedevelops cracks, being no longer able to sustain loads. In order to make up for the above mentioned drawbacks, it was necessary to associate concrete with reinforcements, especially under the form of steel bars. The assembly concrete-steel, know as reinforced concrete, is a composite material, having higher characteristics than plain concrete. It is made up following the principle that compressive stresses be taken by concrete and tensile stresses be taken by the steel reinforcement. Along a member, the reinforcements are placed in such a way as to follow the directions of the unit tensile stresses, produced by the action of different types and combinations of loads. Mastering the reinforcing technology assumes a good knowledge of concrete stress distribution and the influence that reinforcing variants may exert on the strength and cracking of the members.