Serviceability, durability and stability requirements

The concept of serviceability limit states has been introduced in chapter 2, and for reinforced concrete structures these states are often satisfied by observing empirical rules which affect the detailing only. In some circumstances, however, it may be desired to estimate the behaviour of a member under working conditions, and mathematical methods of estimating deformations and cracking must be used. The design of water-retaining structures, and prestressed concrete, are both based primarily on the avoidance or limitation of cracking and these are considered separately in other chapters.