Serviceability design of columns of long jointless structures

A simplified method for the design or verification of the reinforcement of columns of long jointless structures (usually referred to as integral structures) for serviceability conditions is proposed. The design of the reinforcement of columns of integral structures is generally conditioned by the serviceability limit state (S.L.S.), and in particular by the control of cracking. The main idea behind the method is to simplify the analysis by reducing the behavior of a complex and large structure to that of an isolated column. The proposed method has been tested by comparing its results to a full non-linear analysis of a 200 m long reinforced concrete frame. The main aim of the method is to promote the design of integral structures whose development is hindered by the difficulties encountered in their analysis in normal engineering practice.

► Promote use of integral structures by diminishing difficulties in their analysis.
► Easily determine necessary reinforcement in columns of long joint-less structures.
► Limit crack width (SLS) by limiting tensile stress in the reinforcement.
► Reduction of a complex problem to a simple practical method.