Analysis of a little‑known axial phenomenon: the elongation of simply‑bent RC beams under gravity loads, a direct consequence of reinforced‑concrete behaviour.

A reinforced‑concrete beam elongates under gravity load!

Analysis of a little‑known axial phenomenon: the elongation of simply‑bent RC beams under gravity loads, a direct consequence of reinforced‑concrete behaviour.

This article introduces the first axial effect observable in flexural reinforced‑concrete elements: the elongation of simply‑bent beams under gravity loads.
This phenomenon—often overlooked despite being non‑negligible—results directly from the fundamental behaviour of reinforced concrete, especially once cracking develops. Understanding it is essential before rigorously addressing the effects of thermal expansion and shrinkage.
It forms the first part of the series “Axial behaviour of flexural reinforced‑concrete elements” (1/4). 

Nicolas DUBREIL
6 mins
Identify the vocabulary and the sequential logic “structural analysis → design of cross-sections” to better read and understand the code.

Understanding Eurocode 2: terminology, calculation framework, and analysis–design logic.

Identify the vocabulary and the sequential logic “structural analysis → design of cross-sections” to better read and understand the code.

This article deciphers the precise semantics used in EC2 — analysis, design, actions, effects, mean and characteristic values — and shows how these definitions structure the entire code.

It clarifies the two-step process (structural analysis followed by cross‑section design) and describes the different regulatory material behaviour laws associated with each step.

This conceptual basis then makes it possible to understand the boundaries between the models involved, and in particular to address the issue of deformation compatibility.

This topic constitutes the first part of a series dedicated to the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams (1/4).

Nicolas DUBREIL
11 mins
This article presents a general integral method (GIM) for the calculation of reinforced concrete columns and beams according to Eurocode 2

An Integral General Method (IGM) in accordance with Eurocode 2

This article presents the benefits of a nonlinear approach for the analysis of reinforced concrete line elements, intended to determine the unique solution of the mechanical problem — when it exists — by enforcing flexural and axial deformation compatibility at every point along the member.

Inspired by the General Method and fully covered by Eurocode 2, this approach, referred to as the “Integral General Method” or IGM, opens up possibilities for analysing and optimising many common situations, from slender columns to continuous members in combined bending and compression.

Nicolas DUBREIL
11 mins
Introduction to the MG1 General Method of Eurocode 2 for the Design of Concrete Columns: Foundations, Usage Limitations, and Key Points of Attention.

EC2 General Method and Usage Limitations – Principles

Introduction to the MG1 General Method of Eurocode 2 for the Design of Concrete Columns: Foundations, Usage Limitations, and Key Points of Attention.

The general method for column design according to Eurocode 2, and more specifically the simplified option of this method, referred to as MG1 in this document, is an important everyday tool for the reinforced concrete structural engineer. It makes it possible to significantly reduce the theoretical complexity of studying a slender reinforced concrete column or wall, by approximating second-order effects.

However, this method has usage limitations and caution points that can sometimes be difficult to master, especially since spreadsheet implementations—commonly used in design offices—may hide certain important concepts.

This four-part dossier offers a review of the different calculation steps of the general method, with a focus on various influential aspects. This Part 1 provides a reminder of the fundamentals of the general method.

Nicolas DUBREIL
8 mins
The relationship between structural works and special foundations relies largely on the load path

Load transfer on piles, construction tolerances, and support stiffnesses

The relationship between the structural works package and the special foundations package relies largely on the load transfer schedule which, beyond a simple listing, can play a structuring role in the project’s design and in managing the interface between the packages.


When it specifies the allocation of pile execution tolerances and the mechanical assumptions at the interface, the load transfer schedule helps to clarify the boundary between the packages and to secure the design.
Through a topic that is sometimes not explicitly addressed, this article highlights real geometric, structural, and contractual impacts that are worth documenting from the outset.

Nicolas DUBREIL
16 mins

Structural analysis and modelling of an annular masonry vault

The opportunity to carry out a structural diagnosis of the Fort of Socoa made it possible to study the mechanical behaviour of an annular vault under seismic loading.

Far from modern engineering structures, this military construction raises fundamental questions.

  • What modelling strategy should be used in an engineering context?
  • How can the stereotomy and complex shapes of such a structure be approached?
  • How should the seismic issue be considered within a regulatory framework sometimes ill-adapted to historic structures?
  • What are the expected failure modes, and how do they compare to those of classical masonry structures?
  • Which indicators and stability criteria should be retained? 

To answer these questions, we propose a comprehensive methodology combining parametric geometric generation and structural analysis using the discrete element method.

This study reveals a unique collapse mechanism, hybrid between that of a dome and that of an arch. Above all, it once again demonstrates the ability of masonry to reach a new equilibrium state despite the presence of cracking, confirming the resilience of stone structures. This study thus offers a pathway for the structural justification of complex masonry works subjected to seismic actions.

Vincent VENZAL
18 mins