Simplified Method to Account for Effects of Creep and Shrinkage in Structural Analysis

This paper presents a simplified, comprehensive and rational method to account for the effects of creep and shrinkage in reinforced concrete structures. The analysis of the effects of creep and shrinkage on reinforced and prestressed concrete structure is a multifaceted problem. The procedure includes (a) a simplified estimation of the creep and shrinkage strains in plain concrete, (b) the analysis of the effects of creep on reinforced concrete structures using the age adjusted modulus of elasticity, (c) the analysis of the effects of shrinkage using an equivalent temperature drop, (d) the relaxation of stresses, internal forces and moments from imposed deformations, (e) the analysis of thermal changes on structures. The presented method includes most of the aspects affecting the effects of creep and shrinkage on concrete structures, and it may be coupled with more advanced treatment of specifically related subjects.