Prediction of Long-Term Deflection of Reinforced Concrete Beams Suitable for Iraqi Conditions

Abstract

This work includes theoretical and field measurements for long-term deflection of reinforced concrete beams. The calculated deflection of field beams are made according to a proposed model made in this work. This model takes into consideration the effects of construction loads on deflections, effects of cracking, and with a statistical support using Mean Error (M.E.) criteria.A field-measured investigation is made in this work for reinforced concrete beams in a structure located in Al-Diwania city using precise leveling technique. The results are evaluated and compared with the values resulting from various world-wide methods.The comparisons show incompatibility of these methods with local field-measurements. The reasons for which has been discussed. A proposed empirical formula to predict long-term deflection of reinforced concrete beams suitable for Iraqi conditions depending upon field-measurements of this work is presented and discussed.