Consistent practical design of concrete structures

The design of large concrete structures is a very complex area which requires specialized skills and specialized tools. Tools are available to design these structures efficiently. However, these design tools are based on inconsistency between what is assumed in the structural analysis and the sectional design. This inconsistency is believed to be conservative, but is such an approach always safe and cost-effective? In light of this, a design tool has been developed to eliminate this inconsistency. The program is called ShellDesign and the new method is called the “consistent stiffness method”. The method can be used in practical design and is a more efficient alternative to running non-linear analysis programs. In order to obtain a more rational and consistent design method for transverse shear, implementation of the modified compression field theory (MCFT) in ShellDesign is almost finished. The main advantages of developing ShellDesign are to increase the competitiveness of concrete structures, contribute to increased safety and also to increase operability and document robustness in existing structures.