Computational investigation of the deflection characteristics of cantilever and continuous reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

Keeping the deflection within acceptable limit and making a structure serviceable is the most important design criteria after meeting the strength requirement. Code equation (B.N.B.C 1993, ACI 1997) enables one to estimate deflections of structural components like beams, under service load condition using semi-empirical equations. These equations usually produce too conservative results, which sometimes, results in un-economical design. In this project, a computational investigation based on finite element analysis has been undertaken to study the deflection characteristics of cantilever and continuous RC beams. The investigation includes determination of the optimum type of FE modeling, vanous geometric and material parameters influencing the deflection, etc. A detail sensitivity analysis has been performed to identify the most important parameters controlling the deflection. The study also reveals that the deflection given by FE method is highly dependent on the FE modeling. The results of FE analysis are compared with the va-lues given by code equations, which establish the relative accuracy of the FE analysis. In most cases it has been found that FE analysis produces deflection smaller than that estimated by code equations. The findings of the present study will draw attention of the researchers and will help to incorporate necessary modifications in future.