The Use of Orion Software for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Design

The Use of Orion Software for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Design

Abstract of The Use of Orion Software for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Design

The objective of this study was a reinforced concrete design using orion tool for architecture students. The tool, a computer program with graphic interface, provides basic concepts for concrete structure calculations and procedures. The graphic interface is expected to help architecture students to understand the design process.

Chapter One of The Use of Orion Software for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Design

INTODUCTION

In the design and analysis of reinforced concrete members, you are presented with a problem unfamiliar to most of you: “The mechanics of members consisting of two materials.” To compound this problem, one of the materials (concrete) behaves differently in tension than in compression, and may be considered to be either elastic or inelastic, if it is not neglected entirely.

Although we will encounter some peculiar aspects of behavior of concrete members, we will usually be close to a solution for most problems if we can apply the following three basic ideas:

• Geometry of deformation of sections will be consistent under given types of loading; i.e., moment will always cause strain to vary linearly with distance from neutral axis, etc.

• Mechanics of materials will allow us to relate stresses to strains.

• Sections will be in equilibrium: external moments will be resisted by internal moment, external axial load will be equal to the sum of internal axial forces. (Many new engineers overly impressed speed and apparent accuracy of modern structural analysis computational procedures think less about equilibrium and details).

We will use some or all of these ideas in solving most of the analysis problems we will have in this course.

Design of members and structures of reinforced concrete is a problem distinct from but closely related to analysis. Strictly speaking, it is almost impossible to exactly analyze a concrete structure, and to design exactly is no less difficult. Fortunately, we can make a few fundamental assumptions which make the design of reinforced concrete quite simple, if not easy.

A problem unique to the design of reinforced concrete structures is the need to detail each member throughout. Steel structures, in general, require only the detailed design of connections.

For concrete structures, we must determine not only the area of longitudinal and lateral reinforcement required in each member, but also the way to best arrange and connect the reinforcement to insure acceptable structural performance. This procedure can be made reasonably simple, if not easy.

Purpose of this course is to establish a firm understanding of behavior of reinforced concrete structures, then to develop method used in current practice and to achieve familiarity with codes and specifications governing practical design.

In this course we will learn to understand the basic performance of concrete and steel as structural materials, and the behavior of reinforced concrete members and structures. If we understand the basic concepts behind code provisions for design, we will be able to:

• Approach the design in a more knowledgeable fashion, not like following a black box; and

• Understand and adapt the changes in code provisions better and faster.

The overall goal is to be able to design reinforced concrete structures that are:

• Safe

• Economical

• Efficient

Reinforced concrete is one of the principal building materials used in engineered structures because:

• Low cost

• Weathering and fire resistance

• Good compressive strength

• Formability

all these criteria make concrete an attractive material for wide range of structural applications such as buildings, dams, reservoirs, tanks, etc.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Reinforced concrete structures are one of the most popular structure systems. Many architecture students are using reinforced concrete structure systems for their designs. But there are many cases where they design structurally questionable buildings because they are trying to express their design ideas with limited knowledge about R.C. Design. Frequently the structural member design would not be their primary focus. Although there is the possibility that excessive structural considerations may disturbing their search for unique designs, basic structural calculation is important for design. Structurally sound solutions can make their design concepts closer to reality.

Unfortunately most architecture schools concentrate their curriculum on visual design education rather than a balanced education of design and structure. The balanced education does not mean equal class time for structural and design classes.

But it is essential that students can at least discriminate that their design has a reasonable structure. Many students use the commonly available books on architectural graphic standards as a reference. But they are not applicable to many different conditions. Furthermore, reinforced concrete structures need a lot of calculations and different condition inputs because it is a composite material of concrete and steel.

The Reinforced Concrete Structure Design program (RCSD), which has been developed for this thesis, can help architecture students and users to analyze their designs and understand structural fundamentals. Although there are many reinforced concrete structure programs, most programs are targeting advanced level users who have a background in structural engineering.

The RCSD program is for beginner level users such as architecture undergraduate and graduate students with limited knowledge about structures. For this, it provides a graphical input method and a step-by-step calculation procedure to help users. With this program, it is possible for the user to design basic structural parts such as slab, beam, column and footing. Also the program is based on the American Concrete Institute Code. The ultimate goal of this program is that users can analyse their own designs using this program and determine structural proportions of their design idea.