3 - Deductive approach to flexural theory

Abstract

A new flexural theory of RC members has recently been developed purely from mathematical derivation (Wu 2016). Three theorems are obtained from the new theory for the flexural design of RC members. The new theory provides a more rational and accurate approach to the flexural design of concrete structures. It also facilitates better understanding of the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete. The new theory also leads to mathematically based rational and precise quantification of flexural design indexes including the definition of ultimate curvature of RC flexural members. An alternative flexural design approach is introduced based on the new flexural theory. The theorems can also be applied to the derivation of the stress block parameters of the conventional flexural design approach discussed in Chapter 2 without doing experimental tests of structural members. The new theory is introduced in this chapter. Examples of the applications of the new theory are given in Chapter 4.