Affiliations: Division of Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Note: [] Corresponding author. T.A. Chrysanidis, MSc, DIC Civil Engineer, Division of Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece, Tel.: +30 6937759972; Fax: +30 2310454366; E-mail: theodoros_gr@yahoo.com
Abstract: The obvious, if not “scandalous”, preference of Codes in rectangular sections (regarding the mathematical expressions of their resistances, etc.) compared to other types of sections rules out circular sections; although circular sections possess a significant share in constructions, especially concerning columns and piers. A common deficit is the serviceability cracking check of circular section columns and piers. This check proves to be critical at bridges of large span, mainly due to constrained expansion/contraction of the bridge superstructure. In the present study, an analytical investigation of the problem regarding circular sections takes place. Afterwards, the current work suggests two groups of diagrams, as far as the serviceability cracking check is concerned. One group has to do with the environmentally favourable cases and the other with the unfavourable cases. On one hand, the consultation of those diagrams takes place through the service eccentricities and on the other hand through the longitudinal reinforcement ratio. Both the maximum compression stress of concrete and the tensile stress of reinforcement are defined in this way. The latter is defined either in the centre of gravity of the tensile zone or in the extreme fiber of the tensile zone. The work herein concerns mainly designers and it covers a subject that neither Design Codes nor international bibliography provides sufficient data.
