CHAPTER 4

STRUCTURAL CONCRETE

The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) 2015, Chapter 4, specifically focuses on
structural concrete, offering detailed guidelines and standards for the design and construction of
various concrete structures.

SECTION 401 -General Requirements

This section sets forth the overarching design requirements for concrete structures, emphasizing
the need for earthquake-resistant design. The seismic design categories (SDCs) outlined by ACI
318-08M and ASCE/SEI 7-05 are referenced, ensuring structures are capable of withstanding
seismic events according to their geographic susceptibility.

SECTION 402- Notation and Terminology

Section 402 provides a comprehensive list of notations and terminological definitions used
throughout Chapter 4. This standardization of language and symbols is essential for ensuring
clarity and consistency across the document, facilitating easier interpretation and application of
the code by engineers and architects.

SECTION 403- Referenced Standard

This section lists all the standards and publications referenced within Chapter 4. These include,
but are not limited to, codes and guidelines from recognized institutions like the American
Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The inclusion of
these references ensures that the NSCP aligns with international best practices in structural
engineering.
SECTION 404- Structural System Requirements

Section 404 delves into the requirements for the structural systems themselves, including the
necessary resilience and durability features that these systems must embody. While the specific
details of these requirements are not provided in the summary, they typically cover the proper
integration of components to ensure overall stability and safety of the concrete structure.

SECTION 405- Loads

This section outlines the types of loads that concrete structures must be designed to withstand,
including but not limited to dead loads, live loads, environmental loads (such as wind and
seismic), and any other relevant forces or stresses. It specifies how these loads should be
calculated and applied in the design process, ensuring structures are built with sufficient strength
and flexibility to safely support anticipated forces over their operational lifespan .

The National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015, Chapter 4, provides a comprehensive
framework for the design, construction, and evaluation of structural concrete. By adhering to the
guidelines and standards outlined in these sections, engineers and architects can ensure that
concrete structures are safe, durable, and capable of withstanding the forces they are exposed to
throughout their lifecycle.

The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) provides guidelines for various types of
loads that need to be considered in structural design. Here are some examples of loads specified
in the NSCP:

Dead Load (DL): The permanent loads on a structure such as the weight of the building itself,
permanent partitions, and fixed equipment.

Live Load (LL): The variable loads on a structure due to intended use, occupancy, and furniture.
NSCP provides specific values for different types of buildings and occupancy.

Wind Load: The lateral load caused by wind acting on the structure. NSCP provides guidelines
for determining wind loads based on the location and height of the structure.
Earthquake Load: The lateral load caused by seismic forces during an earthquake. NSCP
provides seismic design provisions to ensure structures can withstand earthquake forces.

Snow Load: The additional load on a structure due to snow accumulation, which is relevant in
specific regions with snowfall.

Rain Load: The additional load on a structure due to rainwater accumulation, which needs to be
considered for roof design.

These are some examples of loads specified in the NSCP that designers and engineers need to
consider when designing structures to ensure safety and stability.

SECTION 406- Structural Analysis

This section focuses on the methodologies for conducting structural analysis of concrete
structures. It outlines the principles to ensure accurate modeling of the structure’s response to
applied loads. The main emphasis is on the necessity of accurately predicting the behavior under
loads to ensure safety, serviceability, and stability throughout the structure's lifespan.

SECTION 407- One-Way Slabs

One-way slabs are primarily designed to resist loads in a single direction. This section outlines
the criteria for designing these slabs, focusing on the thickness, reinforcement requirements, and
span-to-depth ratios. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that slabs have sufficient rigidity
and strength to resist bending and shear forces.

In a one-way slab, the ratio of the longer span to the shorter span is typically greater than 2.

It is designed to span in one direction only, either in the x-direction or y-direction.

Reinforcement bars are placed in one direction only to resist the bending moment.
SECTION 408- Two-Way Slabs

Two-way slabs are designed to carry loads in two directions. This section delves into the design
requirements for such slabs, including aspects like load distribution, deflection control, and
reinforcement detailing. The guidelines ensure that two-way slabs can effectively distribute loads
and maintain structural integrity under various loading conditions.

In a two-way slab, the ratio of the longer span to the shorter span is usually less than 2.

It is designed to span in both directions, both in the x-direction and y-direction.

Reinforcement bars are placed in both directions to resist the bending moments in two directions.

SECTION 409- Beams

This section covers the design principles for concrete beams, including aspects like shear
resistance, bending moment capacity, and deflection control. It provides guidelines on selecting
appropriate dimensions, reinforcement detailing, and ensuring adequate ductility for seismic
performance.

the minimum size of beams typically used in construction is around 200 mm x 300 mm, while
the maximum size can go up to 600 mm x 800 mm or even larger for specific structural
requirements. These sizes can vary depending on the design specifications and structural
calculations for a particular building or project.

SECTION 410- Column

The column section addresses the design and analysis of concrete columns under various loads,
including axial loads, bending moments, and combined forces. It includes criteria for
dimensioning, reinforcement detailing, and buckling resistance, ensuring columns can support
the structure's loads safely and efficiently.

Based on the NSCP 2015, there has been an update regarding the minimum dimension for
columns in structural designs. The code allowed a reduction in the minimum column dimension
from previously 300mm to now 250mm. This adjustment provides greater flexibility in design,
especially for residential projects where space optimization is essential. This reduction in size
can also lead to cost savings without compromising the structural integrity of the building.

SECTION 411- Walls

This section details the design, reinforcement, and construction practices for concrete walls,
emphasizing load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

For interior non-load-bearing walls, the minimum thickness is usually around 100mm (4 inches).
Load-bearing walls generally have a minimum thickness of 150mm (6 inches) or more,
depending on the structural requirements.

SECTION 412- Diaphragms

It focuses on the specifications for concrete diaphragms used to transfer loads. The section
discusses the analysis and design considerations for ensuring diaphragm integrity and structural
performance under various loading conditions.

SECTION 413- Foundations

This part outlines the requirements for the construction and design of concrete foundations,
including footings, pile caps, and mat foundations. It addresses load-bearing capacities, soil
interaction, and other factors critical to foundation performance.

Minimum Thickness:
 Footing on soil: Advised to be at least 150mm deep.
 Footing on pile: Recommended to be at least 300mm deep.
 Plain concrete structural footing: ACI 318-14 suggests a minimum thickness of 200mm
SECTION 414- Plain Concrete

Plain concrete specifications, excluding reinforcement except for the minimum required for
crack control, are described in this section. Design, mix, and construction practices are covered
to ensure structural integrity and durability.

SECTION 415- Beam-Concrete

This section specifies the design and construction standards for concrete beams, focusing on
aspects such as reinforcement detailing, beam depth and width, and load considerations.

SECTION 416- Connection Between Members

Guidelines for designing and constructing connections between different concrete structural
members are provided. This includes joints, intersections, and other critical connection points
that ensure overall structural cohesion.

SECTION 417- Anchoring to Concrete

It discusses the requirements for anchoring structural and non-structural elements to concrete,
including anchor types, strength design, and installation considerations.

SECTION 418- Earthquake-Resistant Structure

This section outlines the essential design and construction practices for concrete structures in
seismic zones, emphasizing ductility, load path continuity, and detailing to withstand earthquake
forces.
SECTION 419- Concrete: Design and Durability Requirements

Specifications for the properties, durability requirements, and correct embedment of steel
reinforcement in concrete structures are covered. This ensures that the reinforced concrete will
perform as designed across its intended lifespan.

SECTION 420- Steel Reinforcement Properties, Durability, and Embedment’s

It defines the strength reduction factors to be applied to the nominal strength of concrete
structures or components to obtain design strengths. This is crucial for ensuring a conservative
and safe design under various loading scenarios.

This summary provides a concise overview of the sections related to structural concrete as
outlined in the National Structural Code of the Philippines. For detailed guidelines,
specifications, and technical requirements, referring to the NSCP document is essential for
engineers and professionals involved in concrete structure design and construction.

SECTION 421- Strength Reduction Factors

This section deals with factors that affect the strength reduction in various structural components.
It highlights the importance of accounting for uncertainties in material properties, dimensions,
and construction flaws.

SECTION 422- Sectional Strength

Section 422 discusses how the strength of concrete sections is determined, taking into account
the contributions of concrete and steel reinforcements. It covers the methods to calculate the
capacity of sections to resist bending moments, shear, and axial loads.
SECTION 423- Strut-and-Ties Models

This section introduces the strut-and-tie model (STM) as a design tool for complex concrete
structures where traditional flexural analysis might not be applicable. STM helps in visualizing
the flow of stresses in the concrete structure, facilitating the design of appropriate
reinforcements.

SECTION 424- Service Ability Requirements

It outlines the criteria for ensuring that structures not only remain safe but also serviceable under
normal use. This includes limitations on deflections, vibrations, and cracking to ensure usability
and comfort for occupants.

SECTION 425- Reinforcement Detail

This critical section provides detailed guidelines on the placement, spacing, and detailing of
reinforcements in various concrete elements to ensure they perform effectively under loads. It
emphasizes proper anchorage, lap splicing, and the positioning of rebars to optimize structural
integrity.

SECTION 426- Construction Documents and Inspection

This section mandates the preparation of detailed construction documents and outlines the
inspection protocols necessary to ensure compliance with the NSCP. It mentions the importance
of clear, comprehensive drawings and specifications for quality control.

SECTION 427- Strength Evaluation of Existing Structures

Section 427 provides guidelines for the assessment of the structural strength of existing
buildings. This is crucial for retrofitting, renovation, or when the building is subject to change of
use.

SECTION 428- Building Code Requirements for Concrete Thin Shells

This specific section deals with the design and construction standards for concrete thin shell
structures. It addresses the unique challenges posed by such structures in terms of stability,
durability, and aesthetic considerations.

SECTION 429- Alternative Design Method

Finally, this section allows for alternative design methods that are not explicitly covered in the
code, provided they are backed by adequate research, testing, and comply with the principles of
safety and serviceability stipulated in the NSCP.

The NSCP 2015 provides a comprehensive framework ensuring the safety, serviceability, and
durability of concrete structures in the Philippines. These sections collectively ensure that both
new constructions and existing structures meet the highest standards of structural integrity.