Unit weight of reinforced concrete for design calculations: What standard unit weight (mass density) is commonly adopted for reinforced concrete (RCC) in kg/m³ for load estimation?

Introduction / Context:
Estimating loads in structural design requires standard unit weights for materials. Reinforced concrete is taken slightly heavier than plain concrete due to embedded steel and typical moisture content.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard design practice (SI units).
• Typical density values for RCC used in dead load calculations.

Concept / Approach:
Common practice takes RCC unit weight as approximately 25 kN/m³, which corresponds to about 2500 kg/m³. This value conveniently includes normal reinforcement content and normal moisture conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall: 1 kN ≈ 100 kgf. Therefore, 25 kN/m³ ≈ 2500 kg/m³.Select the closest standard design value from options: 2500 kg/m³.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many handbooks and codes list 24 kN/m³ for plain concrete and 25 kN/m³ for RCC. The latter is widely used for dead load estimation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 2200–2400 kg/m³: Typical for lightweight or plain concrete assumptions, not standard RCC.
• 2800 kg/m³: Higher than common design value; may be seen in heavy or special concretes.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing mass density (kg/m³) with weight density (kN/m³); inconsistent unit conversions; using higher density without justification.

Final Answer:
2500 kg/m³