Design Approach for Eccentrically Loaded Reinforced Concrete Sections

Abstract

The behavior of eccentrically loaded reinforced concrete sections depends on both the eccentricity and load value. The type of failure can be determined according to the eccentricity-thickness ratio and the applied load value. Interaction diagrams can be used for designing eccentrically loaded section, but the section dimensions are required to use these diagrams. According to the section dimensions and the load value, the type of failure and the required reinforcement can be determined from the interaction diagrams. Most design codes controls the design process to ensure ductile failure. But according to the design procedures of interaction diagrams, the failure type can’t be controlled simply. This paper aims at finding a design procedure for eccentrically loaded reinforced concrete sections that enable the designer to simply control the design process and the failure mode. The proposed design approach makes the design process more direct and simplified.