MOTIVE

Efficient Calculation of Inertia for Cracked Concrete Sections

Written by Seungwoo Lee, Ph.D., P.E., S.E. | Oct 18, 2023 12:58:31 AM

Overview


Sometimes we need tiresome calculations, even though they are not critical nor difficult, but they are essential, and they take time if we do not have proper tools. One of these is the moment of inertia calculation for cracked, circular concrete sections. We need this calculation when we perform service stress checks for flexure and deflection checks.

 

f’c = 3.5 ksi, 2 in. cover, #5 spiral (d = 0.625 in.), 1% reinforcement with #11 (d = 1.410 in.) rebars

 

In the symmetrical reinforcement sections, each rebar location needs is not considered, and we can assume the rebars as a ring.

D1 = 72” – 2(2” + 0.625” + 1.410”/2) = 65.34”

 

Step1) Assume neutral axis location

 

Assume the neutral axis for the cracked section is located 28.226” from the circle center.

r cosα = (36”) cosα = 28.226”

α = 38.3663° = 0.6696 rad

Actually, it is more common and convenient to assume the angle α first then calculate the neutral axis location (r cosα).

 

Step2) Calculate compress zone concrete area

 

 

Step3) Calculate compression rebar area

 

r1 cosα1 = r cosα= 

α1 = 0.5277 rad = 30.234°

 

n = (29000 ksi)/(1820√3.5ksi) = 8.517

 

 

You can check more of these details in the download file.

 

Step4) Calculate tension rebar area

 

Step5) Check assumed neural axis location

 

Step6) Calculate the moment of inertia for the neutral axis

 

Step7) Check

 

Excel Sheet (Cracked Circular Section)