Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

This research presents mathematical models for checking the effect of variation in key designed parameters on the structural collapse of singly reinforced concrete solid slabs in buildings during construction due to flexural failure based on Euro Code (EC) 2, 1995. Structural collapses are widely experience globally and this has been due to improper management arising from variations application in structural key parameters during construction. This therefore calls for development of explicit model for easy check of the effect of variation in key parameters on structural collapse of reinforced concrete members during construction based on EC2, 1995. The key parameters considered are; characteristic strength of reinforcement, grade of concrete, diameter and spacing of tension reinforcement, effective depth of tension reinforcement, applied moment. Sensitivity analysis was applied to study the effect of variation in the key parameters on the moment capacity. The results of sensitivity analysis were utilized in regression analysis to develop simplified equations for estimating the moment capacity of the slab. Computer programme was developed based on EC2 using Java to verify the model. Flexure safety factor was checked based on EC2, 1995 requirements. Forty five (45) numerical examples were taken to verify the validity of the model with the developed computer programme at 5% significance level using Chi-squared as an instrument for sensitivity-based model for flexural failure of singly reinforced concrete slab. The results shows that the model is adequate at 5% significance level for checking flexural failure of singly reinforced concrete slab at construction based on Euro Code, EC2, 1995. It was recommended that the construction practitioners should consider the diverse effect of change in key parameters during construction, otherwise the developed model should be strictly considered for quick safety check especially deflection safety of a solid slab during construction.