Remarks on the calulation method of instantaneous deflections adopted by Spanish Code EP-93

Abstract

The recent Spanish Code EP-93 incorporates a simplified method for the calculation of instantaneous deflections (Branson's Method) which is a generalization of the EH-91 method, for prestressed concrete. This paper draws atention to the possible mistakes that may be made by the application of the EP-93 method to reinforced concrete elements under combined bending and compression. The simplified method proposed by the authors (Hormigón y Acero nº 188) can be used either on reinforced concrete elements under combined bending and compression or on prestressed concrete elements, with better accuracy than the EP-93 formulation, even on prestressed concrete elements.