Dimensional Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams Subjected to Pure Torsion

Abstract

A dimensional analysis method for predicting the ultimate torsional strength of reinforced concrete beams is presented in this paper. This method incorporates the modified Buckingham-Pi theorem to formulate a general equation using only two experimental results. Dimensional analysis does not base itself on any assumption or hypothesis, but relies on the systematic grouping of relevant variables involved in the physical phenomenon, to form dimensionless groups. A unique trial and error procedure is demonstrated that generates the universal dimensional analysis formulation, wherein one of the experimental data set called the control point, generates the dimensional analysis equation, while the other data set, the check point, is used to validate the already formed dimensional analysis equation. The results of dimensional analysis are then compared with the available experimental results and limit analysis method. Dimensional analysis can be used to predict results reasonably well and show to be an easy and sufficiently accurate method of analysis.