Answer to Question #309138 in Civil and Environmental Engineering for Oxian

Question

Discuss the creep response of concrete structures. Provide examples of the effect of creep on concrete structures.

Answer 1

The time dependent gradual increase in the strain, under sustained load resulting from the stress is defined as the creep. The definition of creep is the gradual increase in strain, with time, under a sustained load. This process will be very small and will take place over a long time interval which may be many years.

In the case of reinforced concrete beams, the creep will increase the deflection of the beam. In the case of reinforced concrete columns, the load transfers from the concrete to the steel. In pre-stressed concrete members or structures, the loss of pre stress may occur due to creep.

Depending on the construction material, structural design, and service conditions, creep can result in significant displacements in a structure. Severe creep strains can result in serviceability problems, stress redistribution, prestress loss, and even failure of structural elements.