Module 1: Part 1.

Define the following terms:

a. Concrete
Concrete, an artificial stone-like mass, is the composite material that is created by mixing
binding material (cement or lime) along with the aggregate (sand, gravel, stone, brick chips,
etc.), water, admixtures, etc in specific proportions. The strength and quality are dependent on
the mixing proportions. Concrete is a very necessary and useful material for construction work.
Once all the ingredients -cement, aggregate, and water unit of measurement mixed inside the
required proportions, the cement and water begin a reaction with one another to bind
themselves into a hardened mass.
b. Reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete is a combination of traditional cement concrete with reinforcements (steel
bar). This combination is made to use the compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength
of steel at the same time, hence, work together to resist many types of loading. The term
reinforced is used because the steel reinforces the concrete and makes it an even stronger
construction material.
c. Fine aggregates
Fine aggregate is the essential ingredient in concrete that consists of natural sand or crushed
stone. The quality and fine aggregate density strongly influence the hardened properties of the
concrete
d. Coarse aggregates
Coarse aggregates refer to irregular and granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed
stone, and are used for making concrete. The size of coarse aggregates affects several aspects of
the concrete, mainly strength and workability, and the amount of water needed for the concrete
mix. The bigger the size, the smaller is its bondable surface area for cement, sand and water; the
less water and fine aggregate is needed with concrete mixes.
e. Water
A substance composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen and existing in gaseous,
liquid, and solid states. Water is essential for cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete
production. Water that is fit for human consumption (potable) is acceptable for use as mixing
water. However, non-potable sources of water can also be used provided the source does not
negatively impact the properties of concrete.
f. Lightweight concrete
Lightweight concrete is a mixture made with lightweight coarse aggregates such as shale, clay,
or slate, which give it its characteristic low density. In contrast to traditional concrete,
lightweight concrete has higher water content. The use of porous aggregates increases the time
it takes to dry; hence, to offset this problem, aggregates are pre-soaked in water before being
added into the cement.
g. Heavy weight concrete
Heavyweight concrete uses heavy natural aggregates such as barites or magnetite or
manufactured aggregates such as iron or lead shot. The main land-based application is for
radiation shielding (medical or nuclear). Offshore, heavyweight concrete is used for ballasting
for pipelines and similar structures.
h. Plain reinforcement
 A reinforcing bar without surface deformations, or one having deformations that do not
conform to the applicable requirements. Common uses include footings, beams, walls, partition
panels, ties and lifting, slabs, columns, precast products and concrete piers.
i. Deformed bars
Deformed bars are usually made from carbon steel. With each bar made with its signature
ridges, deformed bars are used for mechanical anchoring and reinforcing concrete for building
constructions. Deformed reinforcing steel bar with high strength can be directly used in the
reinforced concrete structure and also can be used as prestressed reinforcing bar after cold
drawing. Because of its great flexibility, it is widely used in many fields as construction material.

Module 2: Part 1. Answer the following questions for mastery of the basic things about reinforced
concrete and the specifications:

1. Why do we need to update the structural code of the Philippines?

The reasons why Structural Code of the Philippines need to be updated are:
 Advancement of structural engineering knowledge;
 Protecting the health, safety and welfare of people by creating better buildings and
safer communities; and
 Providing the highest quality codes, standards, products and services for all concerned
with the safety and performance of the built environment.
2. Make a brief history of the structural code of the Philippines.
History of the Structural Code of the Philippines:

Edition/Volume Printing Year Title Short Form

1st editon 1972 National NSCB – 1972
structural Code
for Buildings
1st editon 2nd printing 1977 National NSCB – 1972
structural Code
for Buildings
2nd edition 1981 National NSCB – 1981
structural Code
for Buildings
3rd edition 1987 National NSCP-1987
Structural Code
of the
Philippines
4th edition 1992 National NSCP-1992
Volume 1 Structural Code
of the
Philippines
Volume 1
(Buildings,
Towers, and
 Other Vertical
Structures)
4th edition 3rd printing 1996 National NSCP-1992
Volume 1 Structural Code
of the
Philippines
Volume 1
(Buildings,
Towers, and
Other Vertical
Structures)
1st edition 1997 National NSCP-1997
Volume 2 Structural Code
of the
Philippines
NSCP-1997
Volume 2
(Roads,
Highways,
Bridges)
5th edition 2001 National NSCP-2001
Volume 1 Structural Code
of the
Philippines
Volume 1
(Buildings,
Towers, and
Other Vertical
Structures)
1st edition 2nd printing 1 st edition 2 nd 1 st edition 2 nd 1 st edition 2 nd
printing 2007 printing 2007 printing 2007
National National National
Structural Code Structural Code Structural Code
of the of the of the
Philippines Philippines Philippines
NSCP-1997 NSCP-1997 NSCP-1997
Volume 2 – Volume 2 – Volume 2 –
Volume 2 Volume 2 Volume 2
(Roads, (Roads, (Roads,
Highways, Highways, Highways,
Bridges) Bridges) Bridges)
1st edition 2nd printing 2007 National NSCP-1997
Volume 2 Structural Code
of the
Philippines
NSCP-1997
Volume 2
 (Roads,
Highways,
Bridges)
Printing History of the NSCB/NSCP Volume 1 for Buildings
First Edition, 1972
Second Edition, 1981
Third Edition, 1987
Fourth Edition, 1992
Fifth Edition, 2001
Sixth Edition, 2010
First Edition, 1972

3. Tell something about each of the following and their importance in the drafting of our code:

 Uniform Building Code UBC-1997 (adopted for earthquake)

The Uniform Building Code is dedicated to the development of better building construction and
greater safety to the public by uniformity in building laws. The code is founded on broad-based
principles that make possible the use of new materials and new construction systems. The
importance of this code is to promote public safety and provided standardized requirements for
safe construction which would not vary from city to city as had previously been the case.

 International Building Code IBC-2006 (referenced)

This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using
prescriptive and performance - related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that
make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. It is an essential tool to
preserve public health and safety that provides safeguards from hazards associated with the
built environment.

 American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7-05 (adopted for wind)

ASCE/SEI 7-05 is an integral part of building codes in the United States. Minimum Design Loads
and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures describes the means for determining
design loads including dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, seismic, and
wind loads and their combinations for general structural design. The most significant adjustment
to ASCE 7-05 brought about by the new wind hazard information is the direct use of ultimate
wind speeds in the calculation of wind loads.

 Structural Standard for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas ANSI/TIA-222-G-2005

TIA-222 is a structural standard that defines requirements for antenna supporting structures to
ensure they meet the needs of modern communications systems in various environmental
conditions like wind, snow, and ice. This Standard provides the requirements for the structural
design and fabrication of new and the modification of existing antenna supporting structures,
antennas, small wind turbine supporting structures, appurtenance mounting systems, structural
components, guy assemblies, insulators and foundations.
  American Concrete Institute ACI 318-08
The “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” (“Code”) covers the materials, design,
and construction of structural concrete used in buildings and where applicable in nonbuilding
structures. The Code also covers the strength evaluation of existing concrete structures.

 American Institute for Steel Construction AISC-05 with Supplementary Seismic Provisions
The Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, hereafter referred to as these provisions,
shall govern the design, fabrication and erection of structural steel members and connections in
the seismic force-resisting systems (SFRS), and splices and bases of columns in gravity framing
systems of buildings and other structures with moment frames, braced frames and shear walls.

 American Iron and Steel Institute AISI S100–2007

The Specification provides well-defined procedures for the design of load-carrying coldformed
steel members in buildings, as well as other applications, provided that proper allowances are
made for dynamic effects. The provisions reflect the results of continuing research to develop
new and improved information on the structural behavior of cold-formed steel members. The
success of these efforts is evident in the wide acceptance of the previous editions of the
Specification developed by AISI and CSA.

 Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook America

The Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook provides the coefficients, tables, charts, and
design data required for the design of reinforced masonry structures. This edition improves and
expands upon previous editions, complying with the current Uniform Building Code and
paralleling the growth of reinforced masonry engineering. This comprehensive, useful book
serves as an exceptional resource for designers, contractors, builders, and civil engineers
involved in reinforced masonry - eliminating repetitious and routine calculations as well as
reducing the time for masonry design. Written by James E. Amrhein

 Concrete Masonry Handbook, 6th Edition

The handbook maintains a similar organization to the previous version, and includes
comprehensive coverage of concrete masonry units, mortar, and grout. The design and layout
chapter provides an introduction to the structural behavior of masonry elements, including the
types of loads acting on structures, and how the loads are carried through key components of
masonry walls. Written by J.M. Melander and W.C. Panarese J.A. Farny.

4. What were the significant revisions done in NSCP 2001 compared to NSCP 2010?

5. What were the significant revisions done in NSCP2015 compared to NSCP 2010?

Module 1 & 2: Part 2. Answer the followings questions that are related to the topics presented above.
1. What is the Title of the structural code that came out last in the year 1972?
National Structural Code for Buildings

2. What was the acronym of the code that came out in 1987?
NSCP-1987

3. Write the edition of the NSCP 2001.

Fifth Edition

4. What edition of the NSCP 2015?

Seventh Edition

5. In what year this the first edition of the structural code came out?
1972

6. Who is the author of the structural code in our country?

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

7. Earthquake provisions adopted from UBC 1997. What does UBC stand for?
The provisions adopted are:

UBC stands for Uniform Building Code.

8. Wind provisions were also adopted from ASCE 7-05. What is ASCE?
The provisions adopted are:
 ASCE stands for American Society of Civil Engineers.

9. Reinforced concrete provisions in our structural code were also adopted from ACI 318-08. What
is ACI?

ACI stands for American Concrete Institute.

For steel and iron, provisions in the code were adopted from AISC 05 and AISI S100-2007. What is:

10. AISC stands for American Institute of Steel Construction.

11. AISI stands for American Iron and Steel Institute.

12. What is the new occupancy category for school buildings, hospitals and evacuation centers?

13. What do you call that earthquake recording instrument that must be installed in buildings as
required by the NSCP 2010?

14. What is the new I, Importance factor for essential facilities in the NSCP 2010?

15. What was the old value of this importance factor, I in NSCP 2001?

16. In NSCP 2010, what zone does Isabela belong?

Zone 1

17. How about Palawan, what zone does it belong in the wind map of NSCP 2010?
Zone 3

18. What is Kd symbol in the computation of the wind velocity pressure?

K d = wind directionality factor

19. What do you call Na, Nv, Ca and Cv which are used to determine earthquake forces acting on
structures?
N a = near factor source for C a
N v = near source factor for C v
C v = seismic response coefficient
C a = seismic response coefficient for proximity

Our structures in the country are always designed for

20. What greatest intensity? and

21. What greatest magnitude?

22. In the design of steel structures, LRFD was adopted in NSCP 2010. What is LRFD?
Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method, is based on the principle that strength
(resistance) of various materials is scaled down by some factors while the applied loads are
scaled up by some factors, and thereby the structural elements are designed using reduced
strength and increased loads.

23. What is that method which was retained as an alternative method?

24. In NSCP 2010, a section on wood or timber design was added for MGL. What is MGL?

25. What was the largest wind velocity being considered in NSCP 2010?
250 kph

26. In NSCP 2015, what is the largest wind velocity that must be used in the design buildings in the
country? (to the nearest hundred kph only)
270 kph or 340 kph

27. Can we use 80mm as minimum cover of steel reinforcement if concrete is cast permanently on
earth?

28. For slabs, what is the minimum concrete cover in mm?

29. Which will give greater moment in a part of a continuous beam, is it

A. When the beam is loaded with factored live load on all the spans?

B. When the beam is loaded with live load on alternate spans?

30. What is the single bar equivalent diameter of four 20mm diameter bars?

31. Can we bundle 2-32mm diameter bars? Yes or no?

32. Why? For your answer in no. 31.

33. Can we also bundle 2-36mm diameter bars? Yes or no

34. Why? For your answer in no. 33.

35. The clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer can also 30mm as per NSCP 2015. Yes or no

36. Grade 40 rebars has a fy of ________ MPa

280 MPa

37. Grade 60 rebars has a fy of ________ psi.

60000000 psi

38. Concrete has its maximum strength attained after ______ days.
28 days

39. A concrete mixture with high water cement ratio has greater strength than that with lower ratio.
Yes of no.
No, if the water-cement proportion is higher, it brings about wider spacing between the cement
aggregates and thus, influences the compaction. Correspondingly, concrete's durability and
compressive strength are decreased due to increased dampness levels.

40. The unit weight of normal concrete in KN per cubic meter (in 2 decimal places).
23.56 kN/m³