STRUCTURAL DESIGN 1 (REINFORCED CONCRETE)

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF BEAMS

Introduction
The design of reinforced concrete structural members may be done by two different methods. One, called
working stress design (WSD), is based on the straight-line distribution of compressive stress in the concrete (Fig. 1).
This method was the prevalent methodology up until the 1971 edition of the ACI code, and the evaluation is
accomplished using service loads.
The other is known as the strength design method or ultimate strength design (USD), and is the predominant
design method used in the design of reinforced concrete structures. This method will predict with satisfactory accuracy
the maximum load that the structural member under consideration will carry. The actual distribution of the compressive
stress in a section has the form of a rising parabola (Fig. 2a), and an equivalent rectangular stress block (Whitney
block, Fig. 2b) can be used without loss of accuracy to calculate the flexural moment strength of a section. This USD
method will be covered solely in this course.
Other important stresses present in beams are shear stresses. These stresses are uniquely significant in
concrete beams because when they combined with longitudinal stresses (due to flexure), they produce inclined
stresses (diagonal tension) which in term induce diagonal cracks. The basic mechanism of these sloping cracks is the
lack of tensile strength inherent in concrete. For practical considerations the intensity of the vertical shear is deemed
to be a measure of the intensity of the diagonal tension. The ACI code evaluates the shear strength of concrete section
as being made up of two components:
a) the shear strength of the uncracked concrete section, and
b) the strength of the steel shear reinforcement.
The following concrete structural elements are designed using the principles addressed in this course once the internal
forces are determined: floor slabs, beams, girders, footings, and retaining walls.

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To compute the strength of a member using the strength design method of the NSCP code requires that two basic
conditions need be satisfied: (1) static equilibrium, and (2) compatibility of strains.

The following assumptions are made in defining the behavior of a beam member with span-to-depth (Ln/h) ratio
greater than 4:
1. Strain distribution is assumed to be linear. A cross section which was plane before loading remains plane
under load, (Fig. 3).
2. Strain in the steel and the surrounding concrete is the same prior to crushing of the concrete or yielding of the
steel.
3. Concrete in the tension zone of the section is neglected in the flexural analysis and design calculations, and
the tension reinforcement is assumed to resist the total tensile force (Concrete tensile strength is
approximately 10% of its compressive strength).
4. The maximum usable strain at extreme concrete fiber is assumed equal to 0.003.
5. Stress in reinforcement below the specified yield strength, fy is taken as Es (modulus of elasticity of
reinforcement) times steel strain εs. For strength greater than fy, the stress in the reinforcement is considered
independent of strain and equal to fy.
6. The relationship between the concrete compressive stress distribution and concrete strain is assumed to be
rectangular, with concrete stress of 0.85f’c assumed uniformly distributed over an equivalent compression
zone (Fig. 2b).
7. The distance c is measured from the fiber of maximum strain to the neutral axis in a direction perpendicular
to that axis.
8. The depth of the rectangular compressive block is taken as a = β1c from the fiber of maximum compressive
strain.
9. Factor β1 is taken as 0.85 for concrete strengths f’c less and equal to 28 MPa. For strengths above 28 MPa,
β1 is reduced continuously at a rate of 0.05 for each 7 MPa of strength in excess of 28 MPa, but β1 shall not
be taken less than 0.65 (Fig. [Link].3).

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The value of the stress block depth factor β1:

Using all the preceding assumptions, one can set the compression force C equal to the steel tension force to satisfy
the equation of equilibrium for the forces: See Fig. 2a
𝐂 = 𝐓 (Equation 1)
C can be written as 0. 85f’ ab, that is the volume of the compressive block at or near the ultimate when the tension
steel has yielded, ϵ > ϵ

𝐂 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐚𝐛 (Equation 2)
The tensile force T is then:
𝐓 = 𝐀𝐬𝐟𝐲 (Equation 3)
Since C=T
𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐚𝐛 = 𝐀𝐬 𝐟𝐲 (Equation 4)

the depth of the compression block is obtained from:

𝐀𝐬 𝐟𝐲
𝐚 = (Equation 5)
𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐛
The moment of resistance of the section, the nominal strength Mn is:
Mn = (A f )jd or Mn = (0.85f’ ab)jd (Equation 6)
Where jd is the lever arm, the distance between the compression and tensile forces of the internal resisting couple.
Using the Whitney rectangular stress block shown from Fig. 2a, the lever arm,
𝐣𝐝 = 𝐝 − 𝐚/𝟐 (Equation 7)
Then the nominal moment capacity becomes,
𝐚
𝐌𝐧 = 𝐀𝐬 𝐟𝐲 𝐝 − (Equation 8)
𝟐
Because C = T, the moment can also be written as:
𝐚
𝐌𝐧 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐚𝐛 𝐝 − (Equation 9)
𝟐
GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND REQUIREMENTS
The ultimate moment at which a beam will fail needs to be calculated in order to determine its ultimate strength. Two
modes of failure are identified:
1. tension yielding of the steel
2. crushing of the concrete in the outer compression fiber.
Depending on the type of failure, analysis of the strain state in the tension reinforcement is the determinant factor in
evaluating the ductility of the reinforced section. The percentage of the tension type of failure (ductile or brittle).

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A balanced strain condition exists at a cross section when the maximum strain at the extreme compression fiber
reaches 0.003 simultaneously with the yield strain 𝛆𝐲 = 𝐟𝐲 /𝐄𝐬 in the tension reinforcement.

From the strain distribution of Fig. 2-2, the distance to the neutral axis is obtained by evaluating the similar triangles,
thus
c d ε d 0.003d
= ;c = = (Equation 10)
ε ε +ε ε +ε f
Es + 0.003
Es = Steel Modulus of Elasticity = 200,000 MPa
If f = f then the location of the neutral axis under balanced condition can be computed as:
600d
c = (Equation 11)
f + 600
But a = β c; and A f = 0.85f ab; ρ =
A f
a 0.85f b ρf d 600d
c= ; c= = =
β β 0.85f β f + 600

𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟𝐜 𝛃𝟏 𝟔𝟎𝟎
𝛒𝐛 = (Equation 12)
𝐟𝐲 𝟔𝟎𝟎 + 𝐟𝐲
Note: Equation 12 is applicable for singly reinforced rectangular sections only.
Similarly, the strain in the steel reinforcement can be computed from the following expression:
0.003(d − c) 600(d − c)
ε = or f = (Equation 13)
c c
Note:
The effective depth, d is the distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of tension reinforcement.

The new provisions of the NSCP section 421.2 defines the strain limit for compression-controlled, tension-controlled,
and transitionsections.
- Compression-controlled sections occur when the net tensile strain in the extreme tension steel is equal to or
less than the compression-controlled strain limit at the time the concrete in the compression zone reaches the
assumed strain limit of 0.003. The compression-controlled strain limit is the net tensile strain in the
reinforcement at balanced condition.

- Sections are tension-controlled when the net tensile strain in the tension steel reaches a value of 0.005 or
more just as the concrete in compression is equal to its strain limit of
0.003. In most cases, the 0.005 limit will provide ductile behavior for
acceptable designs.

The beam is tension controlled when ε = 0.005 or f = 1000 MPa

c d
=
0.003 0.008
3
c= d
8
𝟎.𝟖𝟓𝐟𝐜 𝛃𝟏 𝟑
𝛒= 𝐟𝐲 𝟖
steel ratio at tension controlled

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 - Sections with tensile strain in the extreme tension steel between the compression-controlled strain limit
and 0.005 are considered as part of the transition strain limit zone (Fig. 7). Furthermore, for non-
prestressed flexural members and non-prestressed members with axial load less than 𝟎. 𝟏𝟎𝐟’𝐜 𝐀𝐠 , the
net tensile strain 𝛆𝐭 is limited to 0.004 (section 10.3.5). This provision covers beams and slabs with small
axial forces, and the minimum tensile strain allowed is 0.004. Note that prestressed members are
exempted from this limitation.

Limiting Strain: 𝛆𝐭 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟒

𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟𝐜 𝛃𝟏 𝟑
ρ =
𝐟𝐲 𝟕

MINIMUM REINFORCEMENT OF FLEXURAL MEMBERS

Flexural members requiring tensile reinforcement by analysis should be provided with area of steel As not less than
the following:

f b d 1.4b d
As = but not less than (Equation 14)
4f f
f 1.4
or ρ = but not less than (Equation 15)
4f f
The above requirement is not required provided that the area of tensile reinforcement provided exceeds one-third
that required by analysis;
A provided > A req’d (Equation 16)

Note:
If ρ < ρ use ρ
If ρ > ρ , Design/Analyze as Doubly Reinforced Beam

ALTERNATE EQUATION FOR SRRB

Derived combined equation of C = T and couple formula.
𝐚
∅𝐌𝐧 = ∅𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐚𝐛 𝐝 − (Equation 17)
𝟐
𝛒𝐟𝐲
∅𝐌𝐧 = ∅𝛒𝐟𝐲 𝐛𝐝𝟐 𝟏 − (Equation 18)
𝟏. 𝟕𝐟𝐜
𝟎. 𝟓𝟗𝛒𝐟𝐲
∅𝐌𝐧 = ∅𝛒𝐟𝐲 𝐛𝐝𝟐 𝟏 − (Equation 19)
𝐟𝐜

STEPS IN FINDING ∅𝐌𝐧 OF A BEAM WITH KNOWN TENSION STEEL AREA 𝐀𝐬 AND OTHER BEAM
PROPERTIES

Given: b, d, A , f , f :
I. Solve for ρ: ρ =
II. Check if steel yields by computing ρ
0.85f β 600
ρ =
f 600 + f

If ρ < ρ , steel yields, proceed to step III

If ρ > ρ , steel does not yield, proceed to step IV
Note: If ρ < ρ , the given A is not adequate for the beam dimension.

ρ = if f > 31.36 MPa

.
ρ = otherwise

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 III. ρ<ρ
Solve for ∅:
T=C
A f = 0.85f ab
a = ______; c = = ________

d−c
f = 600
c
If f ≥ 1000 MPa, tension controlled, ∅ = 0.90
If f < 1000 MPa, transition controlled, ∅ = 0.65 + 0.25
𝐚
∅𝐌𝐧 = ∅𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐚𝐛 𝐝 − 𝟐

IV. ρ > ρ ; compression controlled, ∅ = 0.65

T=C
A f = 0.85f ab
But a = β c and f = 600
A 600 = 0.85f β cb
c =_________; f = 600
a = β c = ____________
∅ = 0.65
𝐚
∅𝐌𝐧 = ∅𝐀𝐬 𝐟𝐬 𝐝 −
𝟐
or
𝐚
∅𝐌𝐧 = ∅𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟’𝐜 𝐚𝐛 𝐝 −
𝟐

STEPS IN FINDING REQUIRED TENSION STEEL AREA 𝐀𝐬 OF A BEAM WITH KNOWN REQUIRED MOMENT
𝐌𝐮 AND OTHER BEAM PROPERTIES

Given: b, d, M , f , f

.
I. Solve for ρ =
51 3
M = β f bd 1 − β
140 14
800 − f
∅ = 0.65 + 0.25
1000 − f
∅M =__________
If M ≤ ∅M design as singly reinforced (Step II)
If M > ∅M design as doubly reinforced (Step V)

II. Determine if the section is tension-controlled or transition

459 3
∅M = β f bd 1 − β
1600 16
If M < ∅M then tension controlled, ∅ = 0.90, proceed to Step III
If M > ∅M then transition controlled, proceed to Step IV

III. M = ∅R bd
R =________
.
ρ= 1− 1− .
=_________

.
ρ = if f > 31.36 MPa otherwise ρ =
A = ρbd =_________

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 IV. Solve for c and A
a
M = ∅C d−
2
∅ = 0.65 + 0.25 where f = 600
a=β c
C = 0.85f ab = 0.85f β cb

M = 0.65 + 0.25 (0.85f β cb) d −

c =________ a = β c =__________

A f = 0.85f ab
A = __________

V. Compression reinforcement is necessary (doubly reinforced)

STEPS IN THE DESIGN OF SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAM FOR FLEXURE:

Note: Assumptions made in Steps II, V, VIII are recommendations based on experience of DIT Gillesania.
I. Determine the values of loads, DL, LL, and other loads.
II. Approximate the weight of beam (part of DL) as follows:
Small beams: 2kN/m
Medium-sized beams: 3.5 kN/m
Large-sized beams: 7 kN/m
or Weight of beam in kN/m=24 kN/m^3 x beam area in m^2
III. Compute the factored load on different load combinations
e.g. Factored load = 1.2 DL + 1.6 LL

IV. Compute the factored moment to be resisted by the beam, Mu, as studied in Structural Theory.
V. Try a value of steel ratio ρ from 0.7ρ to 0.8ρ , but must not be less than ρ . This value of ρ
will provide enough allowance in the actual value of ρ due to rounding-off of the number of bars to be
used so that it will not exceed the maximum ρ.

0.85f β 600
ρ =
f 600 + f
3 0.85f β
ρ =
7 f
.
ρ = if f > 31.36 MPa otherwise ρ =

VI. Compute the value of ω, ω =

VII. Solve for the reduction factor ∅:
Solve for c:
Note: For singly reinforced rectangular beam, ρ is directly proportional to c.
c = (assumed factor) × c where c = d
The assumed factor may range from 0.7 to 0.8 as suggested in Step V.
d−c
f = 600
c
If f ≥ 1000 MPa, tension controlled, ∅ = 0.90
If f ≤ 1000 MPa, transition, ∅ = 0.65 + 0.25
Solve for bd :
M = ∅f ωbd (1 − 0.59ω)
bd =_________

VIII. Try a ratio of d/b (from d=1.5b to d=2b), and solve for d. (round off value to reasonable dimension)

After solving for d, substitute its value for step VII, and solve for b.

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 Compute the weight of the beam and compare it to the assumption made in Step II.

IX. Solve for the required steel area and number of bars.
A = ρbd
Number of bars: D × no. of bars = A

Example 1 – Moment Capacity of a given section

A rectangular singly reinforced concrete beam has a width of 400 mm and an effective depth to the centroid of the
reinforcing steel of 495 mm. It is reinforced with four No. 8 bars (25 mmø) in one row.
a. Given f’ = 27.6 MPa and f = 414 MPa what is the moment capacity of the beam to be used in design?
b. If f = 276 MPa what is the moment capacity?

Solution:
a. f’ = 27.6 MPa and f = 414 MPa
Actual steel ratio
A
ρ=
bd
π
A = 4 ∙ (25mm) = 1963 mm
4
ρ= ×
= 0.00991

Minimum allowable reinforcement:

. .
ρ = = = 0.00338 NOTE: ρ = governs only when f ≥ 31.36 MPa
ρ>ρ ok
Depth of compression block:
A f 1963(414)
a = = = 86.60 mm
0.85f’ b 0.85(27.6)(400)
β = 0.85
.
The neutral axis location, c = = . = 101.89 mm

Check the strain in the steel:

. ( ) . ( . )
ε = = .
= 0.01157 > 0.005 tension controlled ∅ = 0.90

Alternative: check stress at steel reinforcement

( ) ( . )
f = = .
= 2314.9 MPa > 1000 MPa ok; tension controlled
86.60
a 0.90(0.85)(27.6)(86.60)(400) 495 − 2
∅Mn = ∅0.85f’ ab d − = = 𝟑𝟑𝟎. 𝟑𝟕 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦
2 1,000,000

b. f = 276 MPa, f’ = 27.6 MPa

Minimum allowable reinforcement:
. .
ρ = = = 0.00507 NOTE: ρ = governs only when f ≥ 31.36 MPa
ρ>ρ ok
Depth of compression block:
A f 1963(276)
a = = = 57.74 mm
0.85f’ b 0.85(27.6)(400)
β = 0.85
.
The neutral axis location, c = = .
= 67.93 mm

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Check the strain in the steel:
. ( ) . ( . )
ε = = .
= 0.01886 > 0.005 tension controlled ∅ = 0.90
57.74
a 0.90(0.85)(27.6)(57.74)(400) 495 − 2
∅Mn = ∅0.85f’ ab d − = = 𝟐𝟐𝟕. 𝟑𝟏 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦
2 1,000,000

Example 2
Determine the following for the given beam section:
fc’ = 21 MPa, fy = 280 MPa

1. Depth of stress block, a, at ultimate stage

2. Tensile steel strain, ε , when concrete ε = 0.003
3. Type of Failure
4. Reduction Factor
5. Nominal Strength
6. Design Strength

Solution:
1. Depth of stress block, a
π
A = 3 × (16 ) = 603.2 mm
4
.
Steel ratio: ρ= = ×
= 0.00603
. .
ρ = = = 0.005 since ρ > ρ ok
Depth of compression block:
A f 603.2(280)
a = = = 37.85 mm
0.85f’ b 0.85(21)(250)

2. Tensile steel strain, ε

.
The neutral axis location, c = = .
= 44.53 mm

. ( ) . ( . )
ε = = .
= 0.02395

Type of Failure: TENSION CONTROLLED FAILURE since computed ε > 0.005

3. Reduction Factor: ∅ = 0.90
4. Nominal Strength:
37.85
a 603.2(280) 400 − 2
Mn = A f d − = = 64.36 kN − m
2 10

5. Design Strength:
∅M = 0.90(64.36) = 57.93 kN − m

Example 3
Determine the following for the given beam section:
fc’ = 21 MPa, fy = 280 MPa

1. Depth of stress block, a, at ultimate stage

2. Tensile steel strain, ε , when concrete ε = 0.003
3. Type of Failure
4. Reduction Factor
5. Nominal Strength
6. Design Strength

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Solution:

1. Depth of stress block, a

The d=400 mm in the figure is not the effective depth of the section as it is only the distance to the centroid
of the bottom layer of reinforcements. Effective depth is the distance from the extreme compression fiber to
the centroid of the steel reinforcements, since here the reinforcements are placed in two layers:

Computing for the location of centroid of layered reinforcements using Varignon’s theorem:
∑
y= ∑
; since area of each reinforcement is the same; it is easier to compute setting area of 1
reinforcement equal to 1.
∑ ( ) ( )
y= ∑
= = 18 mm
effective depth: 𝑑 = 400 + 10 − 18 = 392 mm

π
A = 5 × (20 ) = 1571 mm
4
Steel ratio: ρ= = ×
= 0.01603
. .
ρ = = = 0.005 since ρ > ρ ok
1. Depth of compression block:
A f 1571(280)
a = = = 98.57 mm
0.85f’ b 0.85(21)(250)

2. Tensile steel strain, ε

.
The neutral axis location, c = = .
= 115.96 mm

. ( ) . ( . )
ε = = .
= 0.00714

Type of Failure: TENSION CONTROLLED FAILURE since computed ε > 0.005

3. Reduction Factor: ∅ = 0.90
4. Nominal Strength:
98.57
a 1571(280) 392 − 2
Mn = A f d − = = 150.75 kN − m
2 10

5. Design Strength:
∅M = 0.90(150.75) = 135.68 kN − m

Example 4 – Moment capacity for a section in the transition zone

Calculate the nominal resisting moment for the beam having the cross-section shown below. Determine if the beam
is tension zone, compression zone or in the transition zone. Given f’c = 27.6 MPa, f = 276 MPa:

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Solution:

Steel ratio: ρ= = ×
= 0.03033
. .
ρ = = = 0.005 since ρ > ρ ok
Depth of compression block:
A f 3639(276)
a = = = 142.71 mm
0.85f’ b 0.85(27.6)(300)

Tensile steel strain, ε

.
The neutral axis location, c = = .
= 167.89 mm

0.003(d − c) 0.003(400 − 167.89)

ε = = = 0.00415
c 167.89
( ) ( . )
f = = .
= 829.51 MPa

TRANSITION ZONE FAILURE since computed 0.004 < ε < 0.005

Reduction Factor
f −f 829.51 − 276
∅ = 0.65 + 0.25 = 0.65 + 0.25 = 0.841
1000 − f 1000 − 276

Nominal Strength:
142.71
a 3639(276) 400 − 2
Mn = A f d− = = 330.08 kN − m
2 10

Design Strength:
∅M = 0.841(330.08) = 277.6 kN − m

Example 5 – Design of a Singly Reinforced Simply Supported Beam for Flexure

Design a reinforced concrete simply supported beam with a span of 10 m and is subject to a service uniform dead load
of W = 3.65 kN/m and uniform live load W = 19.7 kN/m. Design a beam section to resist the factored bending
moment.

Design parameters: f’c = 31 MPa fy = 414 MPa

Solution:
Assume a minimum beam depth from the NSCP Table [Link]:

h = Ln /16 = 10/16 = 0.625 m = 625mm

trial section:h=630 mm, b=350 mm d=555 mm

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Using a concrete density γ = 24 kN/m
weight of beam (part of DL)= 24 (0.63 × 0.35)m = 5.29kN/m
factored load
w = 1.2 W + 1.6W = 1.2(3.67 + 5.29) + 1.6(19.7) = 42.27kN/m

factored moment to be resisted by the beam, Mu:

w L 42.27(10 )
M = = = 528.38kN − m
8 8
Compute β since greater than 28MPa
0.05
β = 0.85 − (𝑓 − 28) = 0.829
7

Try a value of steel ratio: ρ = 0.7ρ to 0.8ρ , but must not be less than ρ . This value of ρ will provide
enough allowance in the actual value of ρ due to rounding-off of the number of bars to be used so that it will not
exceed the maximum ρ.

0.85f β 600 0.85(31)(0.829) 600

ρ = = = 0.03122
f 600 + f 414 600 + 414
3 0.85f β 3(0.85)(31)(0.829)
ρ = = = 0.02261
7 f 7(414)
. .
ρ = if f > 31.36 MPa otherwise ρ = = = 0.00338

Try: ρ = 0.75ρ = 0.01696

Assume tension controlled: ∅ = 0.90
Solve for the required steel area and number of bars.
A = ρbd = 0.01696(350)(555) = 3294 mm
Number of bars:
16 mm no. of bars = = . ( )
≈ 16.38 = 17 𝐴 = 3418 𝑚𝑚

20 mm no. of bars = = . ( )
≈ 10.49 = 11 𝐴 = 3456 𝑚𝑚

25 mm no. of bars = = . ( )
≈ 6.71 = 7 𝐴 = 3436 𝑚𝑚

28 mm no. of bars = = . ( )
≈ 5.35 = 6 𝐴 = 3694.5 𝑚𝑚

For ease of arrangement of bars: adapt 7- 25 mm with As=3436 mm2

Actual depth of compressive block:

A f 3436(414)
a = = = 154.24 mm
0.85f’ b 0.85(31)(350)
a 154.24
c= = = 186.06 mm
β 0.829

Check stress in steel reinforcements:

600(d − c) 600(555 − 186.06)
f = = = 1190 MPa > 1000 ∶ tension controlled
c 186.06

Actual moment capacity of beam:

.
. ( )( )
∅Mn = ∅A f d− = = 𝟔𝟏𝟏. 𝟖 𝐤𝐍 − 𝐦 > 𝐌𝐮 = 𝟓𝟐𝟖. 𝟑𝟖𝐤𝐍 − 𝐦: 𝐨𝐤

The design is adequate.

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