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b8. Calculation method for stresses of a rectangular section in bending at the SLS, σc and σs

Eurocode 2 - Design of concrete sections


Figure b8-1 introduces a reinforced concrete section with notations. The stresses σc, σs are to be calculated.

Geometrical properties of the section

First of all, the concrete section must be verified if it is cracked by comparing the bending moment Mser with the moment of resistance Mct,ser according to methode b6.

Case of uncracked section

The area of the homogeneous section, the depth of the neutral axis and the second moment of the homogeneous section are respectively calculated as follows:

Ac,eq = b h + ne (As + Asc) (b8.1)
x = [(b h2)/2 + ne (As d + Asc d')] / Ac,eq (b8.2)
Ic,eq = (b h3)/3 + ne (As d2 + Asc d'2) - Ac,eq x2 (b8.3)

Case of cracked section

The tensile concrete below the neutral axis is ignored. Thus, the area, the depth of the neutral axis and the second moment of the homogeneous section are respectively calculated as follows:

Ac,eq = b x + ne (As + Asc) (b8.4)
x = [(b x2)/2 + ne (As d + Asc d')] / Ac,eq (b8.5)
Ic,eq = (b x3)/3 + ne (As d2 + Asc d'2) - Ac,eq x2 (b8.6)

Substituting Ac,eq in (b8.5) by (b8.4), (b8.5) becomes a quadratic equation of x. The depth of the neutral axis x is obtained by resolving this equation. The second moment of area of the homogeneous section Ic,eq is calculated by (b8.6) with this value of x.

Calculation of stresses

The maximum compressive stress in the concrete and the tensile stress in the reinforcement are respectively calculated as follows:

σc = Mser x / Ic,eq (b8.7)
σs = Mser (d - x) / Ic,eq (b8.8)

where:

Mser
is the design bending moment at the serviceability limit state.

If needed, the compressive stress in the reinforcement is equal to:

σsc = Mser (x - d') / Ic,eq (b8.9)

If Mser is generated by the characteristic combination of loads, the stresses may be used to verify the stress limitation, see § 7.2 (2) and § 7.2 (5) for critical values chosen by country.

If Mser is generated by the quasi-permanent combination of loads, the tensile stress in the reinforcement may be used to calculate the crack width of a cracked section.