Preparation of Design Aid for Rectangular Short

Columns with Symmetrical Reinforcement and

Different Rebar Grade

Ephrem Beyene
GSE/7276/12

Research proposal submitted to department of Civil and en-

vironmental engineering

For partial fulfillment of Research method course

AAiT Department of

Civil and environmental engineering August 2021, Addis Ababa

 Acknowledgment
First and for most I would like to thank God. And next I would like to thank our instructor for
giving us the chance to work on this proposal.

i
 Table of Content
Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................................................... i
Table of Content ........................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of figures ............................................................................................................................................. ii
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ iii
Chapter 1....................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.The problem and Its Approach .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of the problem .................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Objective of the study ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.1 General objective ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.2 Specific objectives ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Significance of the study ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Scope of the study .............................................................................................................................. 3
1.6 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.7 Research Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.8 Organization of the study ................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2....................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Review of related literature .................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Concepts, Definition and Types of Columns ................................................................................... 6
2.2 Principles for the analysis and design of column sections .............................................................. 7
2.3 Mode of failure of columns ........................................................................................................... 10
2.4 Interaction diagram ...................................................................................................................... 11
2.5 summery of literature review ........................................................................................................... 13
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Table 1: Budget schedule .............................................................................................................................. 2
Table 2: Time Schedule ................................................................................................................................. 3

Table of figures
Figure 2.1 bending plus axial load with varying neutral axis. ....................................................................... 8
Figure 2.2 strain distribution and behavior limits ....................................................................................... 10
Figure 2.3 point on interaction diagram with respective strain distribution ............................................. 12
Figure: - Interaction diagram extracted from ES EN-1992:2015 Part 2 ........................................................ 4

ii
 Abstract
In the context of our country, Ethiopia, the available design chart for columns is limited to only
one grade of reinforcement bar. but in actual design works it is common to encounter reinforce-
ment bar grade other than that of the current chart is prepared for. In this research this gap will be
bridged by developing interaction diagrams for different reinforcement bar grades. And further the
newly developed once will be compared with the currently available one.
In order to meet the research objectives, the researcher will explore available literature and try to
use this knowledge for the development of interaction diagrams. In detail the researcher would
follow the limit state approach and convenience sampling method. Section analysis equations that
are stated in ES EN 1992-2015: part 2 would be used and strain compatibility would be imple-
mented. Software’s such as Microsoft excel would be employed to deal with numerical analysis.
This research when completed would be vital for structural designers who want to check their work
and students who are facing the challenge of preparing interaction curve for the design of columns
in their senior essay. And for those who are interested in developing their own interaction diagrams
it will also lay the necessary theoretical background.
In order to conduct this research around 24,070.00 Ethiopian birr is required. And this budget
would be provided by the student researchers. Other than budget the available time frame to com-
plete this project is about 4 months. With this small-time frame, it is proposed to work as hard as
possible to submit the proposal in the first two weeks while reserving the next three and a half
months to conduct the research.

iii
 Chapter 1

1.The problem and Its Approach

1.1 Introduction
In the world of structural engineering, it is common to encounter design of structural elements
such as beams, columns, slabs and foundations on the daily basis. Often, the design of such struc-
tural elements are performed using design aids prepared by other experienced engineers or au-
thorities (Ministry work and urban development in Ethiopia for example) in order to simplify
the design process and make the tedious and time consuming work very easy and facilitated.
Columns, which are critical structural members, are commonly designed using charts (Design aids
or also called interaction diagrams) provided in a document called ES EN-1992-2015: part 2. This
document was prepared by a well know engineer called Dr. Eng. Girma Zerayohannes and it’s the
property of Ministry work and urban development. Till this day’s most engineers perform the de-
sign of columns using this chart for educational and practical purposes.
The issue with charts provided in ES EN-1992-2015: part 2 is that they are limited to re-bar Grade
of S460 while most of today’s designs are performed using re-bar Grade of S300 and S400. And
this difference in rebar grade is not acceptable by conservative engineers and in cases where the
design is very sophisticated. This is because higher grade rebar’s have higher strength leading to
lower amount of rebar percentage and lower grade rebar’s have lower strength leading to more
rebar percentage.
In the light of the above statements, this research will try to bridge part of the gap stated above by
trying to develop family of uniaxial interaction diagrams for rectangular short columns with sym-
metrical reinforcement.

1.2 Statement of the problem

In this modern world most or all of Reinforced concrete elements are designed using software
packages such as SAP, ETABS or STAAD PRO. But, the challenge for most designers is checking
the output of the software packages. Especially, for structural elements like columns, which most
designers identify as critical, Verifying the output with hand calculations might be relevant de-
pending on the situation.
The problem most designers face while trying to verify the output of software for columns is the
scarcity of interaction diagrams for rebar grades of S300 and S400. This gap most of the time lead
designers to use other country code of standard to obtain the necessary charts. This practice in turn
will lead to miss calculation.

1
Other than designers, senior engineering students who are at the stage of doing their senior essay
on structural design of buildings commonly face the challenge of obtaining interaction diagram
for columns with their desired rebar Grade. And most of the time they are forced to prepare the
desired interaction diagram by themselves or use some techniques to work around the problem.
The prior is very time consuming and will result them in late submission of their work.
Therefore, this research will try to bridge the gap stated above by trying to answer the following
basic research questions

• what kind of chart could be developed for rectangular short columns with S300 rebar
grade?
• what kind of chart could be developed for rectangular short columns with S400 rebar
grade?
• What will the difference between the available design aids with the newly developed once
be?

1.3 Objective of the study

This research would try to achieve the general and specific objectives stated below.

1.3.1 General objective

• To develop design aid for rectangular short columns with symmetrical reinforcement and
different rebar grade

1.3.2 Specific objectives

• To develop design aid (interaction diagrams) for rectangular short columns with symmet-
rical reinforcement for S300 rebar grade
• To develop design aid (interaction diagrams) for rectangular short columns with Symmet-
rical Reinforcement for S400 rebar grade
• To examine the difference between the available design aids (interaction diagrams) with
the newly developed once

1.4 Significance of the study

The provision of design aids through this research, as believed by the student researcher, will result
in the following important aspects:

• Enriching the understanding of the reader on the concept of interaction diagrams

• Providing the reader with basic tools that will enable him to develop his own interaction
diagrams if needed
• Minimizing time consumption due to lack of interaction diagram for senior students
• Providing checking mechanism for design engineers while verifying software output

2
1.5 Scope of the study
Provided the time and energy the research would be more essential if the case of biaxial bending
of columns, slender columns and unsymmetrical reinforcement arrangement had been included.
But, due to the availability of short time the research will be delimited to address the case of rec-
tangular reinforced concrete columns with symmetrical reinforcement arrangement for rebar grade
of S300 and S400.

1.6 Definition of Terms

Axial load: - is a compression or tension force that acts in the longitudinal direction of the member.
Beams: - horizontal elements that carry slabs and other beams.
Biaxial: - in two orthogonal axes.
Column: - vertical structural elements that carry floors and roofs.
Compression: - a force or stress which tries to push into the plane of the section.
Concrete: - is a strong stone like material made from cement, sand, Aggregate and water in a
specified mix ratio.
Cover: - is the extra concrete placed after the tie bar of column to provide protection from fire,
moisture and other environmental influences.
Cylindrical strength: - is the strength of concrete obtained by testing cylindrical samples.

Depth to centroid of rebar (ℎ′ ): is the distance from the outer most fiber of a section to the centroid
of the re-bar group provided.
Designer: - a person involved in the field of structural engineering who is believed to perform
proportioning and detailing of structural elements
Foundation: - the part of the building found below ground and its function is to carry the structure
above it.
Interaction Curve: - is a single curve that shows the relationship between axial load and moment.
Interaction Diagram: - is a diagram which consists of a set of interaction curves.
Limit state design: - is a the most recent design philosophy for the analysis and design of reinforced
concrete sections.
Moment: - is the rotational effect of force.
Neutral axis: - is the plane or point of zero stress and strain.
Re-bar (Reinforcement bar): - is a thin and long iron rode used to strengthen concrete in Reinforced
concrete structures. Re-bar comes in many strength grades and commonly the letter “s” is used to

3
state the grade of re-bar and in accordance with this we have S300, S400, S460 and even other re-
bar grades.
Reinforced concrete: - is a composite material which is made from concrete and reinforcement
bar.
Slab: - is also called floor by architects. It is the part of the building which creates space that can
be used for different functions.
Strain: - the amount of elongation that a material undergoes divided by the original length of the
material.
Strain compatibility: - is refers to the final deformation shape of selected reference point. In simple
word it is a principle that states that plane sections should remain plane after deformation.
Structure: - is the system of inter connected parts which are used to transfer loads.
Structural engineering: - is a discipline in civil engineering which is concerned with the analysis
and design of different structures such as buildings, silos, and others.
Stress: - is the amount of force a section takes per unit area.
Stress block: - is a rectangular or parabolic representation of the stress on the section.
Tension: - refers to a force or stress that acts to pull the object out of its plane.
Tie bar: - is a reinforcement found in column which gives confinement to the main bars (longitu-
dinal bars) of the column.
Uniaxial: - only in one of the two orthogonal axes.

1.7 Research Methodology

The research focuses on the development of interaction diagrams for columns that has not been
covered with the available interaction diagrams. The current interaction diagrams lack the availa-
bility of different rebar grades. and here we will treat two of the rebar grades that are currently
available in the market and being widely used by most designers.
The research would be exploratory in nature and in performing it the basic method that will be
employed is in-depth literature survey of current knowledge and this in-depth knowledge will be
used to develop interaction diagrams. In general, to develop interaction diagram (Design Aid) the
following methodology is adopted
- Reading and critically reviewing of previous works (or the survey method of literature
review).
- The student will adopt limit state design philosophy in accordance with ES EN-1992-
2015.
- The essential parameter (depth to centroid of rebar symbolized ℎ′ ) will be selected by
convenience (making them similar with the current interaction diagrams).

4
 - In the preparation of the interaction diagram for columns with different Rebar Grade (either
S300 or S400) the student researcher will use section analysis equations provided in ES
EN-1992-2015 part 2.
- To solve for the forces and moments developed in the section strain compatibility method
would be implemented.
- The analysis of data is handled on Microsoft Excel
The details of cost and time breakdown could be found in annex 2 and 3.

1.8 Organization of the study

The research report when completed will include three major parts: the preliminaries, the body
part and the supplemental. Each part will be equipped with the necessary item to be included in
it.
The preliminaries will be organized in 9 parts. These parts are Title, Acknowledgment, Table of
content, authorization letter, cover letter, Table of tables, Table of figures and finally abstract.
The body part of this study will be organized in four chapters. The first chapter deals with the
problem and its approach. The second chapter will be concerned with presenting the review of
literature. The third chapter will treat the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data. The
fourth chapter will bring to an end this study with summary, conclusion and recommendation.
The supplemental will have bibliography, Time and budget schedule, Questioner and interview
questions. If the research contains tables and figures that are very difficult to include in the body
part they will also be attached in the supplemental.

5
 Chapter 2
2. Review of related literature
2.1 Concepts, Definition and Types of Columns
2.1.1 Definition of column
We can define columns in the following way for our convenience, “A column is a vertical struc-
tural member supporting axial compressive loads, with or without moments. The cross-sectional
dimensions of a column are generally considerably less than its height. Columns support vertical
loads from the floors and roof and transmit these loads to the foundations.” (MacGregor and Wight
2012, P.499)
The above definition clearly describes columns in terms of load supporting behaviour, geometrical
aspect. And further definition columns based on load supporting behavior could be found in (Nil-
son et al. 2010) which states that columns carry loads in compression chiefly (which makes them
to be referred as compression members) but in most instances columns would be subjected to
bending moment in one or both axis which might cause tension on one face and even in this case
we refer them as compression members. MacGregor and Wight (2012) states that columns could
also be referred by names like compression members and members subjected to axial load and
bending. Due to the technical nature of this names the term column is commonly used.

2.1.2 Types of columns

Based on Nawy ( 2005) columns could be classified on the basis of the
(1) form and arrangement of reinforcement,
(2) the position of the load on the cross section and
(3) the length of the column in relation to its lateral dimensions.
And the following types are stated under the above three categories (Nawy 2005)
Under form and arrangement of reinforcement the following types are found
a. Rectangular or square columns reinforced with longitudinal bars and lateral ties
b. Circular columns reinforced with longitudinal reinforcement, lateral ties and spiral rein-
forcement
c. Composite columns where steel structural shapes are encased in concrete.
From the above three Nawy (2005) states that the most commonly used types if ‘a’ and it is because
of lower construction cost. And it further states that type ‘b’ can be used when increase in ductility
is required in earthquake prone areas.
Under the position of the load on the cross-section columns can be classified as
a. Concentrically loaded
b. Eccentrically loaded

6
Nawy (2005) states that concentrically loaded columns carry no moment. But practically all col-
umns should be designed to carry some unforeseen moment due to construction imperfection. And
eccentrically loaded columns are subjected to moment in addition to axial force. And the eccentri-
cally loaded columns are classified into
a. Uniaxial bending
b. Biaxial bending
Uniaxial bending is when the moment on the section is in one of the two principal axes, i.e., x or
y axis. while biaxial bending is when the moment on the section is in both principal axes.
Under the length of the column in relation to its lateral dimensions (slenderness) can be clas-
sified as
a. Short column
b. Slender column
Short columns fail by yielding of material while slender columns fail due to buckling (or instabil-
ity).

2.2 Principles for the analysis and design of column sections

In structural engineering the terms analysis and design are inseparable since one can’t be possible
without the other or one is aimless without the other. Usually, analysis is done before design or it
is done for the purpose of design (to see if the it is possible to use some section).
Analysis could deal with determining the internal actions necessary to proceed with the design.
This form of analysis also called structural analysis is majorly done when architects provide the
plan of the building and the structural engineer is expected to provide with the necessary structural
details. In this type of analysis determining internal actions is the objective.
Analysis could also be done to see if already built structures could sustain additional load. And in
these sense it is concerned with determining the strength of already existing structures and it also
called section analysis. In this type of analysis determining the strength of the section is the sole
purpose. (From this point forward section analysis and analysis are used interchangeably).
For columns section analysis is very important since their design using direct equations like beams
or slabs is very tedious task (Mosely et al. 2007). The common trend for the design of columns is
to use interaction diagrams that are prepared based on the analysis of certain set of sections. And
this type of approach is very fruitful in terms of time and energy conservation.
For columns Section Analysis is done by using the same principles as that of sections exposed to
axial load and bending moment. and according to Nawy (2005) the strength of column (section
analysis) is evaluated based on the following principles
1. Linear strain distribution exists across the thickness of the column.
2. There is no slippage between the concrete and rebar (i.e., the strain in concrete is the same
as the adjoining steel)

7
 3. The maximum allowable stain in concrete at failure for the purpose of strength calculation
is 0.03(ACI code) or 0.035 (Minstry of Works and Urban Development 2015)
4. The tensile strength of concrete is negligible and is not considered in calculation.
To proceed with analysis of column sections the following ideas extracted from Mosely et al.
(2007) by considering the following image taken from the same book (fig 2.1) would be very
useful.
From fig 2.1 the following symbols should be defined before further steps are followed
1. x is the depth to the location of neutral axis (the location of zero stress and strain)
2. h is the overall depth of the section
3. b is width of the section
4. 𝐴𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴′𝑠 are the respective compression and tensile reinforcements
5. 𝜀𝑠𝑐 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒 ( 0.0035 𝑎𝑛𝑑 0.002)
6. 𝜀𝑠 tensile stain in steel and is proportional to the strength of rebar used.
7. d is the effective depth of the section (overall depth h minus cover, tie diameter and half
longitudinal bar diameter).
8. 𝑑 ′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 + 𝑡𝑖𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 + ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
9. 𝑓𝑐𝑘 is the characteristics cylindrical strength of concrete.
10. S is depth of equivalent stress block.
11. 𝐹𝑠𝑐, 𝐹𝑐𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑠 are force developed in compression rebar, concrete and tensile rebar re-
spectively.

Figure 2.1 bending plus axial load with varying neutral axis.
Mosely et al. (2007) states for the above figure that the cross section is subjected to compressive
axial load and moment (M) which is oriented in such a manner that it causes compression at top
and tension at the bottom. Now we can develop the basic strength equations

8
 i. The applied force must balance the forces developed within the section, i.e.
𝑁 = 𝐹𝑠𝑐 + 𝐹𝑐𝑐 + 𝐹𝑠 Eqn (1)
ii. The design moment must be balanced by the moment of the resistance of the forces
developed within the cross- section, i.e.
ℎ 𝑠 ℎ ℎ
𝑀 = 𝐹𝑐𝑐 ( − ) + 𝐹𝑠𝑐 ∗ ( − 𝑑 ′ ) + 𝐹𝑠 ( − 𝑑) Eqn (2)
2 2 2 2

Therefore, we can generalize that the above two equations could be used to evaluate the strength
of a given column section for the given geometry and reinforcement.
But the problem arises when we start considering the interaction between axial force and bending
moment. The basic concept here is that for varying moment on column section it is impossible to
develop the same level of axial load resistance, i.e., axial load capacity is inversely related to mo-
ment on the section. So, for varying moment we have varying axial load resistance. In this case
the common method is to develop failure envelope which shows the set of possible combination
of axial load and moment which would cause failure on the section and this set of possible combi-
nation of moment and axial load are shown on a curve called interaction curve and the set(family)
of these curves are called interaction diagram.

2.2.1 Equation for section analysis from ES EN-1992-2015: part 2

In the first section of this discussion, we have discussed section analysis and shown the develop-
ment of equation 1 and 2. This equation simply show how internal actions and external force bal-
ance each other so that equilibrium is achieved. But the main interest here is to be able to determine
say for example Fcc. And in this section, we would try to develop equations for evaluating this
term by taking equations from ES EN-1992-2015: part 2.
Ebcs-2-1995: part 2 is a document developed by Ministry work and urban development of Ethio-
pia. This document is prepared to help designers perform design activities with ease and accuracy
in case of hand calculations.
This document contains equation for the analysis of different sections based on limit state design
philosophy. Since the force developed in rebar is simply obtained from hooks law, we would try
to show how the force developed in concrete (Fcc) is obtained. And in light of this all of the nec-
essary equations are presented here extracted from ES EN-1992-2015: part 2.
i. 𝜺𝒄𝒎 ≤ 𝜺𝒐 and Neutral Axis within the section
𝜀𝑐𝑚
𝛼𝑐 = ( ) ∗ (6 − 𝜀𝑐𝑚 ) ∗ 𝑘𝑥 Eqn (3)
12
8−𝜀𝑐𝑚
𝛽𝑐 = ∗ 𝑘𝑥 Eqn (4)
4∗(6−𝜀𝑐𝑚 )
ii. 𝜺𝒄𝒎 > 𝜺𝒐 and Neutral Axis within the section
3𝜀𝑐𝑚 −2
𝛼𝑐 = ( ) ∗ 𝑘𝑥 Eqn (5)
3𝜀𝑐𝑚
𝜀𝑐𝑚 (3𝜀𝑐𝑚 −4)+2
𝛽𝑐 = ∗ 𝑘𝑥 Eqn (6)
2𝜀𝑐𝑚 (3𝜀𝑐𝑚 −2)
iii. 𝜺𝒄𝒎 > 𝜺𝒐 and Neutral Axis outside the section
1
𝛼𝑐 = ( )(125 + 64𝜀𝑐𝑚 − 16(𝜀𝑐𝑚 )2 ) Eqn (7)
189

9
 1 40 ((𝜀 −2)2 )
𝛽𝑐 = ( ) − ( ) (125+64𝜀𝑐𝑚 2) Eqn (8)
2 7 𝑐𝑚 −16(𝜀𝑐𝑚 )

In all the equations 𝛼𝑐 is used to represent the parabolic-rectangular stress block of concrete and
𝛽𝑐 is the term used to evaluate the location of the neutral axis.
Based on the above equations we can evaluate the terms in equation (1) and (2)
𝐹𝑐𝑐 = 𝛼𝑐 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑑 Eqn (9)
𝑠 = (1 − 𝛽𝑐 ) ∗ 𝑑 …Eqn (10)

2.3 Mode of failure of columns

since interaction diagram shows all the possible combination of moment and axial load to cause
failure of the column section, before further discussion we must first know how columns sections
fail and the following paragraphs are intended for this purpose.
The following figure taken from (Nawy 2005) would be used to explain failure types.

Figure 2.2 strain distribution and behavior limits

As we can see from the above figure, we can have Tension controlled limit case(failure), com-
pression-controlled limit case(failure) and transition zone for limit strain with intermediate
behavior(failure).
i. Tension controlled limit case(failure): this failure as stated in Nawy(2005) occurs by
initial failure of reinforcement on tension side.
ii. Compression controlled limit case(failure): this failure as stated in Nawy (2005) oc-
curs by initial crushing of concrete.
iii. Transition zone for limit strain with intermediate behavior(failure): this failure as
stated in Nawy(2005) occurs by initial yielding of steel at stain level less than 0.005
but greater than the yield stain of the steel (say 0.002 for Grade 60 steel).

10
We construct interaction diagrams based on the above three failure modes and each occurs at cer-
tain level of moment and axial load on the section. And each failure type corresponds to certain
point on the interaction curve or range of points on the curve. For example, the tension-con-
trolled failure is exhibited for point between C and E (referring figure 2.3) and compression-con-
trolled failure is between A and C.

2.4 Interaction diagram

Interaction diagram as discussed previously is a diagram or a graph that shows the possible com-
bination of moment and axial load that a column section could entertain before collapse
(MacGregor and Wight 2012).
Interaction diagrams are constructed by setting the vertical or Y axis as normalized axial load
and X axis as the normalized moment. Each line represents certain amount of reinforcement on
the section and along the same curve rebar percentage is constant.
The amount of rebar on a certain curve is also described using mechanical reinforcement ratio or
𝜔. Which is the ratio of yield strength multiplied by area of rebar and concrete section multiplied
by design compressive strength of concrete (Ministry of urban works 1995a).
Interaction diagram contains relevant point that must be investigated if one wants to construct it
by himself. These points are discussed in the following section.

2.4.1 points of interaction diagram

MacGregor and Wight(2012) discuss the following points as essential elements of interaction di-
agram. And the following figure is taken from MacGregor and Wight (2012) to better explain the
points.
1. Point A: defined as pure Axial load (capacity of the section with no moment).
2. Point B: defined as zero tension (just as the stain on the opposite face of concrete reaches
zero.)
3. Region A-C: defined as region of compression-controlled failure (initial failure of concrete
before yielding of steel)
4. Point C: - defined as balanced failure since both the steel and concrete fail at the same
time.
5. Point D: - defined as tension-controlled limit. The failure of this kind of column would be
ductile.
6. Region C-D: - defined as Transition region since the failure mode from c to d changes
from brittle to ductile mode.
7. Point E: is according to (MacGregor and Wight 2012) strain limit for beams since at this
point only moment is carried which is the characteristics of flexural members.

11
Figure 2.3 point on interaction diagram with respective strain distribution

2.4.2 Computation of different point of interaction diagram

In section 2.3.1 we stated the most relevant points on interaction diagram which are necessary for
this study. In this section we would try to develop the mechanism by which we can determine point
A to E in order to construct interaction diagrams.
The basic equations to arrive at these points are already stated in section 2.2. and here we would
show how to use them to show what the ultimate moment and axial load capacity a section can
develop given the geometry of the section and the amount and location of steel.
In combination with the above equations to obtain the strain at certain point we can use stain com-
patibility. And strain compatibility is a principle which states that the final deformed shape of a
section is a variation of the initial state.
And finally, to determine a point on interaction diagram the following points as stated in
MacGregor and Wight (2012) could be used.
➢ Assume strain distribution and select the location of the neutral axis.

➢ Compute the strain in each level of reinforcement from the strain distribution.

➢ Using this information, compute the size of the compression stress block and the stress in
each layer of reinforcement.

➢ Compute the forces in the concrete and the steel layers, by multiplying the stresses by the
areas on which they act.
➢ Finally, compute the axial force Pn by summing the individual forces in the concrete and
steel, and the moment Mn by summing the moments of these forces about the geometric
centroid of the cross section.

➢ These values of Pn and Mn represent one point on the interaction diagram.

12
 ➢ Other points on the interaction diagram can be generated by selecting other values for the
depth, c, to the neutral axis from the extreme compression fiber.

The preceding discussion will apply to symmetric sections only.

To clarify the above idea, we can develop an equation for point A. In accordance with Minstry of
Works and Urban Development (1995) this point could be calculated with the use of a strain value
of 0.002 and for this strain value 𝛼𝑐 becomes one and the pure axial load (the character of point a
is best described by pure axial point since moment on the section is zero) is given by:
𝑁 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑑 Eqn 11
𝑀=0
And it’s common to use normalized axial load and moment to construct interaction diagram and
the following terms are extracted from EBCS-2: part 2(1995).
𝑁
𝜐(𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑) =
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝐴
𝑀
𝜇(𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡) = =0
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝐴ℎ
From point B up to E we can follow this generalized principle or method proposed in MacGregor
and Wight (2012).

2.5 summery of literature review

In this section it was tried to briefly reviewed the meaning and Types of columns as stated in
different books. And we have stated that columns could be classified using different criteria but
for our convenience we have only stated three. The important concepts related to columns like
their criticality in structural design is also stated.
It was also tried to state the principles that should be followed in order to analyses column sections
together with meaning and construction method of interaction diagram. The principle of strain
compatibility with the necessary steps to implement it are also described.
Therefore, in the research we are going to undertake the above stated principles would be vital
since the final output of the research is going to be interaction diagrams that are going to be used
as Design aids for various users.

13
 Annex 1

Bibliography
MacGregor, James, and James Wight. REINFORCED CONCRETE MECHANICS AND DESIGN. 6th. New
Jersey: Pearson Education Inc, 2012.

Minstry of Works and Urban Development. ES EN-1992:2015 Structural Use of Concrete. Addis Ababa:
Birhan ena Selam, 2015.

Mosely, Bill, Jhon Bungey, and Ray Hulse. Reinforced Concrete Design to Eurocode 2. 6th. New York:
PalGrave Macmillan, 2007.

Nawy, Edward. Reinforced concrete: A Fundamental Approach. 5th. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.,
2005.

Nilson, Arthur, David Darwin, and Charles Dolan. Design of Concrete Structures. 14th. New York:
MacGraw-Hill, 2010.

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 Annex 2

Table 1: Budget schedule

unit Cost in Total cost in
Item/Activity unit Quantity
birr Birr
1. Personnel
1.1 Student Transportation cost number 5 20/trip 400
1.2 Genitor monthly 1 600/month 2400

2. Facilities
2.1 office Rent monthly 4 2000/month 8000
2.2. office furniture
2.2.1 office Table Piece 1 280/piece 280
2.2.2 office Chair Piece 3 180/piece 540
2.3 office Equipment
2.3.1 HP LaserJet Printer Piece 1 3500/piece 3500
2.3.2 Dell used Desktop computer Piece 1 4000/piece 4000
2.3.3 Binder Piece 1 400/piece 400
2.4 Software Packages
2.4.1 Microsoft office full package Piece 1 50/piece 50

3. Utilities
included in
-
3.1 Water - - rent
included in
-
3.2 Electric - - rent
3.3 Phone Piece 20/month 25 birr card 2000

4. Contingency - - - 2500
Total Budget needed ETB 24,070.00

• The budget will be provided by the researcher students

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 Annex 3

Table 2: Time Schedule

Time
Activity JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4

Formulating Research problem

Writing and submitting proposal

Review of related litrature

Data Presentation Analysis and

Interpretation

summery of findings , conclusion

and recommendation

submission of First Draft of

research report

Final Submission

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 Annex 4

Figure: - Interaction diagram extracted from ES EN-1992:2015 Part 2

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