Analysis of concrete shrinkage, the induced self‑stresses, the differences with thermal effects, and the conditions for applying EC2 formula (7.21).

This article examines the mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete subjected to shrinkage, highlighting the fundamental differences between shrinkage and thermal effects, and introducing the notion of self‑stresses that develop within the section.
It then analyses how the constitutive laws of concrete and steel are modified and how the mechanical diagrams of a reinforced‑concrete section (geometry, strains, stresses, internal forces) evolve under shrinkage.
Finally, the article clarifies the conditions under which Eurocode 2 formula (7.21)—used to estimate the curvature of a flexural member due to shrinkage—can be validly applied.
This contribution forms the third part of the series “Axial behaviour of flexural reinforced‑concrete elements” (3/4). 

Synthesis of simultaneous axial effects: shrinkage, thermal actions, gravity‑induced elongation, cracking, and the limitations of elastic analyses.

This final part broadens the analysis of axial effects by considering the concomitance between shrinkage, thermal expansion and gravity‑induced elongation, as well as the impact of cracking.
The article highlights several points of vigilance regarding the elastic structural analysis of axial effects, and proposes that shrinkage studies should systematically include the effect of gravity‑induced elongation, and that thermal analyses at the characteristic SLS should jointly include shrinkage + gravity effects.
It constitutes the fourth part of the series “Axial behaviour of flexural reinforced‑concrete elements” (4/4). 

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.

Analysis of the MG1 General Method: The Impact of the Deformation Shape on the Design of RC Columns and Walls.

The general method for column design according to Eurocode 2  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 2 provides a focus on one of the underlying assumptions of the method: the shape of the deformation.

MG1 General Method : Evaluation of the First-Order Moment and End Stiffnesses to Be Considered in the Design of Columns and Walls.

The general method for column design according to Eurocode 2  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 3 details several key caution points regarding the determination of the first-order bending moment to be considered and the evaluation of the boundary stiffnesses to be adopted.

MG1 General Method : Implications of Construction Tolerances on Design, the Impact of Serviceability Deformations, and Verification of Supports.

The general method for column design according to Eurocode 2  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 4, the final part of the series, develops several topics often addressed only briefly, such as construction tolerances, serviceability deformations and the justification of second‑order effects. 

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.