Equilibrium Condition and Strain Compatibility
The equilibrium condition asserts that the compressive force in concrete (denoted as σo) must equal the tensile force, T in the reinforcing steel at lower loads. Strain compatibility, on the other hand, relates to the deformation response of both materials, revealing their interaction during load application.
Using the Tool
The tool below uses similar triangles to establish the strain compatibility of a singly reinforced rectangular concrete section and then and finds the neutral axis value, dn needed for equilibrium. It is important to note that the tool assumes elastic behaviour of the materials and section hence the neutral axis values and short-term stresses are approximates.
