5 The development of reinforced concrete design and practice

The previous chapter described the introduction of reinforced concrete into the UK via proprietary systems, which flourished from the end of the 19th century until the First World War. This was in the absence of an agreed — or rather a codified — design method, which did not appear until 1915. This chapter reviews developments in the understanding of reinforced concrete behaviour, and charts the gradual standardization of structural design, materials, codes, standards and textbooks up to 1948 when CP 114 first appeared. It continues this review briefly from 1948 to the present day. Some significant structures built between the First World War and 1948 are noted. Landmarks in architectural concrete use and other notable developments in shell roofs, prestressed concrete, bridges, and maritime structures are covered in more detail in other chapters.

Appendix B contains information to assist in identifying proprietary concrete floors of this period in existing construction.

• Synopsis

• Early understanding of reinforced concrete behaviour

• Early design guidance

• The 1915 Reinforced Concrete Regulations

• From 1918 to 1934

• The first British concrete code

• Structural concrete in the 1930s

• The Second World War

• CP 114: 1948

• Post-war reconstruction

• Codes and standards since 1948

• Changes in design practice

• Technical information and design guidance

• Acknowledgements

• References