Comprehensive and New Approximate Analysis and Design Techniques for Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements.

In practical structural analysis and design scenarios, various software tools are commonly utilized. However, verifying the structural analysis and design can pose a significant challenge for many designers. To address this concern, the author has developed and proposed an innovative, simple, comprehensive, and reliable approximate structural analysis and design method. These methods aim to provide designers with valuable information on the final internal forces (axial/shear force, and bending moment), vertical deflections, lateral displacement/drift of buildings under lateral force, and approximate dimensions of all structural components prior to conducting software analysis and design. The preliminary estimation of beam and column dimensions may lead to an extensive trial and error process. Therefore, this study will introduce a new and reliable approximate structural analysis and design methodology using precise analytical techniques and software evaluations. This approach aims to determine approximate internal forces, establish preliminary structural dimensions, and validate the modeling, analysis, and design processes conducted through software. The methodology presented in this chapter has been applied to the analysis and design of various projects ranging from 5 to 15 stories, which were designed by the author in their capacity as the director of Alan Consulting Engineers. In addition, this chapter presents four case studies to assess the effectiveness and dependability of the proposed methods. The findings indicate discrepancies ranging from 2 to 12%.