Reinforced Concrete Construction

The ability of a material to deform under stress and return to its original shape when the stress is removed.

Concrete is weak in resisting forces that try to pull it apart (tension).

The steel reinforcement in concrete bears the tension forces caused by bending. Concrete primarily handles the compression.

There should be a strong bond between the concrete and the steel reinforcement so they work together.

A beam supported at both ends, without any middle supports.

A beam that spans over two supports, possibly with or without a restraint.

A beam that extends out from a wall or support, with only one end attached

The distance between the supports of a beam.

A type of hydraulic cement that meets the requirements of ASTM C 150, used for general construction purposes.

Materials added to concrete to modify its properties, such as workability or setting time. These additives must be approved by the engineer.

Aggregates used in concrete must meet the requirements of ASTM C 33 for general use or ASTM C 330 for lightweight aggregates.

The maximum size of aggregate is limited to 1/5 the narrowest form dimension, 1/3 the slab depth, or 3/4 the spacing between reinforcement.

Water used for mixing concrete must be clean and free from impurities that could harm concrete or reinforcement.

Reinforcement used in concrete is usually deformed to improve bonding with the concrete.

A bend made at the end of a reinforcing bar with specific angles and radii.

A specific type of hook with 90º or 180º bends and specific extensions based on the bar diameter.

Vertical steel bars placed within a concrete column to provide lateral support and prevent buckling of the longitudinal reinforcement.

The minimum area of a concrete column as per building codes.

The minimum distance between the outermost layer of reinforcement and the concrete surface.

The maximum allowable spacing for reinforcing ties in a column.

A column with a circular core reinforced with spiral-shaped steel bars.

The minimum diameter of a spiral tie used in spiral columns.

The maximum and minimum spacing allowed for spiral ties.

The ratio of the total area of longitudinal reinforcement to the gross cross-sectional area of a column.

A concrete slab reinforced by ribs in two directions, allowing for heavier loads and longer spans compared to flat slabs.

Concrete slabs cast and cured in a different location from their final installation.

A type of precast slab ideal for shorter spans with evenly distributed loads, offering a solid and robust design.

A precast slab with internal voids to reduce weight, commonly employed for medium to long spans and evenly distributed loads.

A precast, T-shaped slab with a wide base, popular for its strength and adaptability.

A precast slab featuring two vertical stems and a broad top, resembling the letter 'TT'.

A precast beam with a cross-section shaped like an inverted 'T', typically used as a supporting element.

A precast beam with a cross-section resembling the letter 'L', often used for support and load distribution.

The maximum number of bars allowed to be spliced at the same level in a beam.

Splices can be made by either overlapping bars (lapped splices) or by using an electric welding process that creates a seamless connection.

When a column changes size at an upper floor, the vertical reinforcing bars can be bent or offset to fit the new dimensions. However, this bending has to be gradual and the bars need extra support at the bend.

Reinforcing bars in a beam should be placed symmetrically around its center line to ensure even distribution of stress and load. This promotes balance and strength in the beam.

Minimum distance between reinforcing bars and the edge of a concrete wall to ensure proper bond and prevent the bars from being exposed.

Reinforcing bars can be grouped together in bundles for easier placement. However, they must be securely bound to prevent them from separating.

When multiple layers of reinforcing bars are used, separators are required to maintain a minimum distance between the layers to ensure proper flow of concrete and adequate bond.

The lowest part of a building, usually below ground level, designed to support the weight of the structure and transfer it to the soil or rock.

A foundation system that is built directly on the soil, suitable when strong soil is found close to the surface.

A foundation system that goes very deep into the ground, used when the soil near the surface is weak and needs to reach a strong layer of rock.

The bottom part of a foundation that spreads out to distribute the building's weight over a larger area.

The thickness of a wall, measured in meters (m).

The spacing at which reinforcement bars are placed within a wall.

The location of the reinforcement bars within a wall. It could be at the center, on the outside face, or on both faces.

The direction of the reinforcement bars. They can be vertical or horizontal.