Reinforcing tailor-made concrete structures: Alternatives and challenges

Recent advances in automated concrete production make it possible to produce geometrically complex concrete structures. The purpose of this paper is to review reinforcement alternatives suitable for such structures and to analyse the problems associated with the geometrical complexity, not only in the reinforcement itself, but also in design. A review of the literature on reinforcement alternatives and governing standards shows that conventional steel reinforcement load bearing structures cannot easily be set aside. Any deviation from the standard structural elements, e.g. beams, walls and slabs, introduces design problems for most structural engineers. Approaches to problems of this complex nature are discussed here. Further developments needed are indicated: being able to choose the reinforcement direction, and optimisation with regard to parameters other than the reinforcement amount, e.g. feasibility of production. Furthermore, the need for a rational design process is discussed and some key issues, such as software incompatibilities are raised.