Optimum design of beams for industrial concrete roofs

Abstract

Structural elements of rooftops for industrial halls are, usually, designed in the shape of beams made from different materials. In this paper are reviewed structural elements made from reinforced concrete, with solid section and truss section, simply supported on the columns. The loads were considered for geographic areas, north and south, according to the active standards. Following the design calculus and economic evaluation results the conclusion is that reinforced (prestressed) concrete beams are lighter than the reinforced (prestressed) concrete trusses, for 6 m and 12 m spans, and for spans greater than 12 m, the reinforced (prestressed) concrete trusses are lighter than the solid section beams. Regarding the cost, the concrete solid section beams have smaller costs compared to the concrete trusses, for 6 m spans. For spans greater than 12 m, inclusively, concrete trusses are more economical relative to the solid section beams.