Cost optimum design of reinforced concrete slabs and beams using programmable calculators

This paper discusses the principles for use of Programmable Pocket Calculators in the cost optimum design of reinforced concrete slabs and beams. Program steps are developed for the design of one way slabs, rectangular beams, T beams and doubly reinforced beams. The logical flow charts representing the sequence of calculations clarify the design steps involved. The appropriate design equations based on strength design criteria of the ACI 318 Building Code are also presented. The program steps presented here can be directly used with T158 and T159 Calculators. It enables the designer to rapidly proportion members through first loading the pre-recorded program, inputing the data, and obtaining the corresponding results through depression of the appropriate output key. User instructions and design examples are provided for each case for better understanding of the input output variables. The design engineer or student should not have any problem to convert the program steps to other types of calculators. The flow charts will be very helpful for such conversions.