Reinforced Concrete Frame
The rc frame, or reinforced concrete frame, is a superstructure combined with horizontal components, i.e. columns and vertical components, i.e. beams. In rc frame construction, the entire structure, including beams and columns, is monolithic, meaning it’s cast in a single operation.
Sometimes, this form of concrete framing is also referred to as the skeleton of the entire structure. In this structure, the vertical members, i.e. columns, carry the entire load of the building, so it’s the most important part of this type of construction.
If a beam or slab of this structure is get damaged, then just one floor is affected, but it will damage the whole building if columns are damaged.
This rcc framed structure is reinforced so that the entire structure is combined with steel reinforcement cause, the steel can not carry the total tensile load of the structure and the compressive load is carried by both concrete and reinforcement.
Understanding the rc frame meaning, we can identify that concrete frames are mainly of two types:
- Cast in situ
- Precast.
Precast concrete frame structures are used in one storey building. Precast structures are directly brought from factories and then fix it to the site.
Concrete Frame Construction
- The first step of concrete construction is “formwork”. This is that type of structure which contains the whole semi-solid concrete and this formwork gives it to the perfect and required size and shape.
- The second step of concrete construction is to fix the reinforcement. It’s one of the most important works in the entire job. The entire reinforcements are fixed according to the engineer’s drawing.
- After that, we prepare the concrete and pour the concrete to the formwork. It needs some time to get the required strength.
- In this time the concrete needs curing to get its actual strength. There are many curing methods are used, those are pond curing, spray curing, wet jute bag curing, etc.
Concrete Building Construction
Concrete building construction means reinforced concrete building construction which is a composite structure. In reinforced concrete construction there are mainly two types of RCC is used, those are precast concrete and cast in situ concrete.
Reinforced concrete includes different types of building component, those are-
- Slabs
- Beams
- Column
- Foundation
- Wall
- Frame
In the reinforced concrete frame structure you can change the building structure easily, it’s the main advantage of RCC frame structure.
To construct a reinforced concrete building, one of the most important structural element is beam. The beam resists the bending moment of the slab and the compressive loads. There are different types of beams are present in civil engineering, those are-
Types of Beams
- Singly Reinforced Beam.
- Doubly Reinforced Beam.
- Over Reinforced Beam.
- Under Reinforced Beam.
- Balanced Reinforced Beam.
1. Singly Reinforced Beam
In this type of beam the reinforcements are provided only the tensile portion of the beam and the reinforcements are called tension steel. It’s provided only to resist the bending moment of the beam.
2. Doubly Reinforced Beam
This is a stronger beam than the singly reinforced beam. In this type of beam, the reinforcements are provided in a tensile zone as well as compression zone and it helps the beam to resist both tensile & compressive moment.
3. Over Reinforced Beam
This is that type of beam where the tension steel’s tension capacity is greater than the combined capacity of compressive concrete and compression steel. Over reinforced beams fails without getting any warning.
4. Under Reinforced Beam
In this type of beam where the tensile reinforcement capacity is smaller than the combined capacity of concrete and compression steel. Under reinforced beam gives a warning before failure and causes a large deformation.
#5. Balanced Reinforced Beam
This is that type of beam where tensile zone and compressive zone yields at the same time. This is a risky design because the failure suddenly happen.
Frame Construction
It is the method of joining the different materials and give them a structural shape. In frame construction wood, steel, etc materials are used. It is also termed as mass wall construction. In frame construction different layers are present, those layers are consist of masonry, rammed earth, log building, etc type of material.
Frame construction is divided into two types, that are-
- Light frame construction.
- Heavy frame construction.
Frame Construction Advantages
- It’s economical.
- It’s versatile.
- It’s easy to erect.
Frame Construction Disadvantages
- It’s unstable in fire.
- It’s highly damageable.
- Fire spreads easily.
Balloon Framing Construction
- It’s a wooden construction technique.
- In balloon construction, long members are used from the sill plate to the top plate.
- Window sill height, floor heights are marked with a story pole.
- Balloon construction does not require any type of skilled labours that’s why it’s also economical.
Types of Frame
- Steel Frame.
- Timber Frame.
- Concrete Frame.
- Fix Ended Rigid Frame.
- Pin Ended Rigid Frame.
- Braced Frame System.
- Gabled Frames.
1. Steel Frame
- Steel frame type construction is a quick type of construction because all the components are designed in outside and you need to fix them only.
- Steel structures are lighter than concrete and now it’s also used in domestic purpose.
- In skeleton form steels are also used in beams are columns.
2. Timber Frame
- Timber frame construction is also the fast type of construction, it reduces 30% time than masonry works.
- Timbers are super lightweight & those have higher insulation property.
3. Concrete Frame
- The reinforced concrete frame is one of the most common types of construction.
- In this type at first the formwork is done.
4. Fixed Ended Rigid Frame
In fix end rigid frame structure both ends are rigidly fixed.
5. Pin Ended Rigid Frame
In pin ended rigid frame structure both ends are pin ended but the whole structure is not considered as rigid structure when you removed the end condition.
6. Braced Frame System
- In the braced frame system the beams & columns are pinned with bracing which supports lateral loads.
- The lateral forces are supported by horizontal and vertical bracing.
- The braced frame system is good to resist earthquake and wind conditions.
7. Gabled Frames
- In the Gabled frame structure, there is a peak on the top of the structure.
- This frame structure is highly suitable in heavy rain & snow areas.
8. Portal Frames
- Portal frame construction is mainly useful in a commercial and industrial area.
- It looks like door
FAQs about Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures
What is a reinforced concrete frame?
A reinforced concrete frame is a structural system where columns and beams are interconnected to form a monolithic framework, capable of carrying both vertical and horizontal loads in buildings.
What are the components of a reinforced concrete frame?
The main components include columns, which bear vertical loads, and beams, which span between columns and carry horizontal loads such as from slabs or other structural elements.
What are the advantages of reinforced concrete frame construction?
Reinforced concrete frames are versatile, durable, and allow for flexible building layouts. They provide good fire resistance and can be designed to resist seismic forces.
How is a reinforced concrete frame constructed?
Construction involves several steps: formwork preparation, reinforcement fixing as per engineering drawings, concrete pouring, and curing to achieve required strength.
What are the types of beams used in reinforced concrete frames?
Beams can be singly reinforced, doubly reinforced, over-reinforced, under-reinforced, or balanced reinforced, each serving different purposes based on structural requirements.
What are the differences between cast in situ and precast concrete frames?
Cast in situ frames are built on-site, while precast frames are manufactured off-site and then assembled at the construction site. Precast frames are often used in single-story buildings.
What are the disadvantages of reinforced concrete frame construction?
Despite its advantages, reinforced concrete frame construction can be prone to damage in fires and may require extensive repairs in case of structural issues.
How do reinforced concrete frames contribute to building resilience?
They provide robust structural support, capable of withstanding various loads and environmental conditions, thus ensuring long-term stability and safety of buildings.
What are the applications of reinforced concrete frames?
They are widely used in multi-story buildings, bridges, industrial structures, and residential complexes due to their strength, versatility, and ease of construction.
How does the design of reinforced concrete frames impact building performance?
Effective design ensures optimal load distribution, minimizes structural weaknesses, and enhances overall building integrity against external forces like wind and earthquakes.
