Shape optimization of steel reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

Steel reinforced concrete is perhaps the most versatile and widely used construction material. The versatility is attributed to mouldability of concrete to any conceivable shape. The inherent property of cracking of concrete is the reason for its low tensile strength and hence the design approach of RCC sections in flexure adopts the cracked section theory where in concrete in tension zone is ignored. Means, modes and methods of exploitation of concrete strength by conceiving shapes other than rectangular whereby ineffective concrete in tension zone is reduced and incorporated in compression zone where it is effective needs consideration. Shape optimization of beams is attempted in this analytical investigation employing Sequential Unconstrained Minimization Technique (SUMT). The results clearly show that trapezoidal beams happen to be less costlier than their rectangular counterparts, their usage needs serious reconsideration by the designers.