ANALYSIS/DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE CIRCULAR CROSS SECTIONS

Using the strength theory of ACI 318-83, a numerical procedure along with a computer program was developed for the analysis/design of reinforced concrete circular cross sections subjected to axial loads (compression or tension) and bending moments. In the analysis mode, the computer program calculates the design flexural strength of a given reinforced concrete circular cross section subjected to a given axial load or eccentricity. In the design mode, the program solves for all possible combinations of reinforcing bars to satisfy the given loading cases, thus leading to an optimal cost solution. An unique feature of the program is the determination of design strength without exceeding the tensile strain in the reinforcement specified by the designer. The program is most useful to determine optimal reinforcement for any given size of circular cross section or an optimal combination of reinforcement and diameter of circular cross section, based on cost. Using the computer program, optimization can easily be extended to consider different grades of steel and concrete. Comparisons with other existing anlysis methods are also included to demonstrate the effectiveness and generality of the program.