CHAPTER 4: DESIGN OF BEAMS FOR FLEXURE

4
4.1 DESIGN OF SINGLY REINFORCED BEAMS

Certain factors are needed to be considered before the actual design of a beam is attempted which may include the
following:
 Beam proportions – unless architectural or other requirements dictate the proportions of beam dimensions, the most
economical beam sections are usually obtained for shorter beams (6 m to 7.5 m), when the ratio 𝑑/𝑏 or ℎ/𝑏 range
from values of 1.5 to 2. For longer spans, better economy is usually obtained if deep, narrow sections are used. The
depths may be as large as 3 or 4 times the widths.
 Deflections – the NSCP 2010 provides minimum thickness of beams for which deflection calculations are not
required. The purpose of such limitations is to prevent deflections of such magnitudes as would interfere with the
use of or cause injury to the structure.
Table 409-1 Minimum Thickness of Non-Prestressed Beams
Minimum Thickness, h
Simply One end Both ends
Cantilever
Member supported continuous continuous
Members not supporting or attached to partitions or other
construction likely to be damaged by large deflections
Solid One-way 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
slabs 20 24 28 10
Beams or 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
ribbed one way
slabs 16 18.5 21 8
Values given shall be used directly for members with normal weight concrete (2400 kg/m 3) and Grade 415 reinforcement.
For other conditions, the values shall be modified as follows:
(a) For structural lightweight concrete having unit weight in the range 1500 to 2000 kg/m 3, the values shall be multiplied
by (1.65 – 0.003wc) but not less than 1.09, where wc is the unit weight in kg/m 3.
(b) For fy other than 415 MPa, the values shall be multiplied by (0.4 + fy/700)
 Estimated beam weight – the weight of a beam to be selected must be included in the calculation of the design
moment to be resisted, because the beam carries its own weight as well as other external loads. Estimating beam
weight is not expected to be estimated exactly as what the problem requires, some procedures may be used in
different scenarios. For instance, you could calculate the moment due to the external loads only, select a beam size,
and calculate its weight. From the beam size you should be able to make a very good estimate of the weight of the
final beam section.
 Selection of bars – after the required reinforcing area is calculated, you can select bars that can provide the
necessary area. For usual situations, bars sizes of 36 mm and smaller are frequently used.
 Cover– reinforcing bars for concrete members must be protected from the surrounding environment; that is, fire and
corrosion protection need to be provided. To do this, the reinforcing is located at certain minimum distances from the
surface of the concrete so that a protective layer of concrete, called cover.
 Minimum spacing of bars – spacing of bars shall be in accordance to NSCP 2010 Section 407.7.
407.7.1 The minimum clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer shall be 𝑑𝑏 but not less than 25 mm. See also
Section 403.4.2.
407.7.2 Where parallel reinforcement is placed in two or more layers, bars in the upper layers shall be placed directly
above bars in the bottom layer with the clear distance between layers not less than 25 mm.
 Minimum area of steel reinforcement – minimum area of flexural reinforcement shall be in accordance to NSCP 2010
Section 410.6.
 Maximum steel ratio – a maximum permissible steel ratio is imposed to limit a section to a ductile behavior. Maximum
steel ratio, 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 , shall be as follows, where 𝜀𝑡 is set to 0.004 in NSCP 2010 to ensure ductile behavior.
NSCP 2001:
𝝆𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝝆𝒃
NSCP 2010:
𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇’𝒄 𝜷𝟏 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑
𝝆𝒎𝒂𝒙 = ( )
𝒇𝒚 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑 + 𝜺𝒕

4.2 DERIVATION OF FORMULAS

The usable flexural strength is:

𝒂
𝝓𝑴𝒏 = 𝝓𝑨𝒔 𝒇𝒚 (𝒅 − )
𝟐
If we substitute 𝑎 = 𝜌𝑓𝑦 𝑑 ⁄0.85𝑓’𝑐 to the equation of 𝜙𝑀𝑛 and equate to 𝑀𝑢 , we obtain:
𝝆𝒇𝒚
𝝓𝑴𝒏 = 𝑴𝒖 = 𝝓𝒃𝒅𝟐 𝝆𝒇𝒚 (𝟏 − )
𝟏. 𝟕𝒇’𝒄
If we let 𝑅𝑛 = 𝑀𝑢 ⁄𝜙𝑏𝑑 2 , we can solve the expression for 𝜌 as a function of 𝑀𝑢 :
 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄 𝟐𝑹𝒏
𝝆= (𝟏 − √𝟏 − )
𝒇𝒚 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄
The formula of 𝜌 as a function of 𝑀𝑢 can be used to design singly reinforced beams, to determine the required area of
bars, it is given in the formula:
𝑨𝒔 = 𝝆𝒃𝒅
Note that 𝐴𝑠 must be greater than 𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 provided in Section 410.6, NSCP 2010. If 𝐴𝑠 is less than 𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 , we can use
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 or area of steel to be provided must be at least one-third greater than 𝐴𝑠 required in analysis as set forth in Section
410.6.4, NSCP 2010 whichever is smaller. To determine the required number of bars, we divide the required 𝐴𝑠 with the
area of 1 bar:
𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝑨𝒔
𝒏𝒅𝒃 = 𝝅 𝟐
𝒅𝒃
𝟒
Note that we can never get an exact value of 𝑛𝑑𝑏 . Because of this the actual values of 𝐴𝑠 and 𝜌 will differ from the
previous calculations. That is why it is necessary to analyze the final design to ensure ductility and if it satisfies the
requirement 𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛 .

SAMPLE PROBLEMS:

Example 1: Design a rectangular beam for a 6.70 m simple span if a dead load of 14.6 kN/m (not including the beam
weight) and a live load of 30 kN/m are to be supported. Use 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa. Use load combination of
U = 1.2D + 1.6L.

Example 2: The dimensions of a beam is predetermined for architectural reasons: 𝑏 = 400 mm, ℎ = 600 mm. It will carry
a critical design moment of 𝑀𝑢 = 290 kN − m. Use 𝑓’𝑐 = 21 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 276 MPa. Design the reinforcing steel that can
resist the load. Use 28 mm diameter bars.

Example 3: Design a beam section with the following considerations: 𝜌 ≈ 0.012, 𝑀𝑢 = 800 kN − m, 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and
𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa.

Example 4: Design a rectangular beam for a 10 m simple span to support a dead load of 20 kN/m (not including beam
weight) and live load of 30 kN/m. Use 𝜌 ≈ 0.5𝜌𝑏 , 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa, 𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa, and concrete weighs 23.5 kN/m 3. (Note:
Assume initial value of beam weight)

Example 5: Design rectangular section for the beam, load, and ρ value shown. Assume beam weights are included in
the loads given. Show sketch of cross section including bar size, arrangement, and spacing. Use 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 =
414 MPa.

4.3 CANTILEVER BEAMS AND CONTINUOUS BEAMS

Cantilever beams supporting gravity loads are subject to negative moments throughout their lengths. As a result, their
reinforcement is placed in their top or tensile sides, as shown in Figures 4.2. The reader will note that for such members
the maximum moments occur at the faces of the fixed supports. As a result, the largest amounts of reinforcing are
required at those points. You should also note that the bars cannot be stopped at the support faces. They must be
extended or anchored in the concrete beyond the support face. We will later call this development length.

Up to this point, only statically determinate members have been considered. The very common situation, however, is
for beams and slabs to be continuous over several supports, as shown in Figure 4.3. Because reinforcing is needed on
the tensile sides of the beams, we will place it in the bottoms when we have positive moments and in the tops when we
have negative moments. There are several ways in which the reinforcing bars can be arranged to resist the positive and
negative moments in continuous members. One possible arrangement is shown in Figure 4.3(a).
Figure 4.2 Cantilever beams (Design of Reinforced Concrete: McCormac and Brown)

Figure 4.3 Continuous beam (Design of Reinforced Concrete: McCormac and Brown)

Example 1: Design rectangular sections for the beams, loads, and ρ values shown. Beam weights are not included in
the loads given. Show sketches of cross sections including bar sizes, arrangements, and spacing. Assume concrete
weighs 23.5 kN/m3. 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 MPa.

Example 2: Design rectangular sections for the beam shown. Beam weights are included in the loads given. Show
sketches of cross sections including bar sizes, arrangements, and spacing. Use 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa. Place
live loads to cause maximum positive and negative moments. Use 𝑏 = 450 mm and ℎ = 900 mm.

4.4 DESIGN OF DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

Sufficient tensile steel reinforcement can be placed to beams so that compression steel is not needed. In other cases,
if the maximum tensile steel area is exceeded, compression bars are now considered for design in order to make it
sufficient. Designing the section as doubly reinforced is also helpful if the section has limited dimensions due to
architectural reasons.
Figure 4.4 Doubly reinforced beam broken into parts (Design of Reinforced Concrete: McCormac and Brown)

Procedures in design of doubly reinforced beams:

Step 1: After verifying that 𝜌 > 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 , calculate 𝐴𝑠1 and 𝑀𝑢1 assuming that 𝐴𝑠1 is obtained from the maximum possible
tensile steel with no compression bars:
𝑨𝒔𝟏 = 𝑨𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝝆𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒃𝒅
𝑨𝒔𝟏 𝒇𝒚
𝒂=
𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇’𝒄 𝒃
𝒂
𝑴𝒖𝟏 = 𝝓𝑨𝒔𝟏 𝒇𝒚 (𝒅 − )
𝟐
Step 2: Calculate 𝑀𝑢2 and 𝐴𝑠2 :
𝑴𝒖𝟐 = 𝑴𝒖 − 𝑴𝒖𝟏
𝑴𝒖𝟐
𝑨𝒔𝟐 =
𝝓𝒇𝒚 (𝒅 − 𝒅′)
Step 3: Check if compression steel yielded:
𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑(𝒄 − 𝒅′)
𝜺′𝒔 =
𝒄
If 𝜀′𝑠 ≥ 𝑓𝑦 ⁄𝐸𝑠 , compression steel yields
If 𝜀′𝑠 < 𝑓𝑦 ⁄𝐸𝑠 , compression steel does not yield
Step 4: Calculate 𝐴𝑠 and 𝐴′𝑠 :
𝑨𝒔 = 𝑨𝒔𝟏 + 𝑨𝒔𝟐
If 𝜀′𝑠 ≥ 𝑓𝑦 ⁄𝐸𝑠 , then 𝑓′𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦
𝐴′𝑠 𝑓′𝑠 = 𝐴𝑠2 𝑓𝑦
𝑨′𝒔 = 𝑨𝒔𝟐
If 𝜀′𝑠 < 𝑓𝑦 ⁄𝐸𝑠 , then use 𝑓′𝑠
𝐴′𝑠 𝑓′𝑠 = 𝐴𝑠2 𝑓𝑦
𝑨𝒔𝟐 𝒇𝒚
𝑨′𝒔 =
𝒇′𝒔
Step 5: Calculate the number of bars needed for both compression and tension:
𝑨𝒔
𝒏𝒅𝒃 = 𝝅
𝒅𝒃𝟐
𝟒
𝑨′𝒔
𝒏′𝒅𝒃 = 𝝅
𝒅𝒃𝟐
𝟒
Step 6: Calculate the ultimate moment capacity of the design section and check for code requirements.

Example 1: Design a rectangular beam for 𝑀𝐷 = 440 kN − m and 𝑀𝐿 = 542 kN − m if 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa.
The maximum permissible beam dimensions are 𝑏 = 375 mm and ℎ = 750 mm.

Example 2: If 𝑀𝑢 = 1225 kN − m, determine the steel area required for the section shown in the figure. Should
compression steel be required, assume that it will be placed 70 mm from the compression face. Use 𝑓’𝑐 = 21 MPa and
𝑓𝑦 = 420 MPa, 𝑏 = 350 mm and 𝑑 = 700 mm.

4.5 DESIGN OF T–BEAMS

Two cases may arise in designing T–beams: the neutral axis being placed in the flanges or web. In the case it falls in
the flanges, the T–beam may be design with the same process as rectangular beams. But in case the neutral axis falls
on the web, the compression area will have a T-shape (flanges and a part of the web) since compression flanges are
not sufficient.

Procedures in design of T-beams:

Step 1: Assume the entire flange is in compression, solve for the moment induced:
 𝒉𝒇
𝑴𝒖𝒇 = 𝝓𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒇 (𝒅 − )
𝟐
If 𝑀𝑢 < 𝑀𝑢𝑓 , then 𝑎 < ℎ𝑓 , the beam can be designed using rectangular section formulas
If 𝑀𝑢 > 𝑀𝑢𝑓 , then 𝑎 > ℎ𝑓
Step 2: For 𝑀𝑢 > 𝑀𝑢𝑓 , calculate the moment to be supplied by the web part, 𝑀𝑢𝑤 and the excess distance of 𝑎 below
the flange part, 𝑧:
𝑴𝒖𝒘 = 𝑴𝒖 − 𝑴𝒖𝒇
𝒛
𝑴𝒖𝒘 = 𝝓𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝒛 (𝒅 − 𝒉𝒇 − )
𝟐
Step 3: Calculate 𝐴𝑠 and 𝑛𝑑𝑏 :
𝑇 = 𝐶𝑓 + 𝐶𝑤
𝑨𝒔 𝒇𝒚 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒇 + 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝒛
Note: Check if the code requirements for minimum area of flexural reinforcement is needed to be applied
𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝑨𝒔
𝒏𝒅𝒃 = 𝝅 𝟐
𝒅𝒃
𝟒
Step 4: Analyze the section and check for code requirements

Example 1: Design a T–beam for 𝑀𝐷 = 108 kN − m and 𝑀𝐿 = 136 kN − m if 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa. The beam
has a simply supported with span length of 6 m and placed 3 m on center. Beam dimensions are 𝑏𝑤 = 300 mm, ℎ =
525 mm, ℎ𝑓 = 100 mm.

Example 2: Design the reinforcing steel required for the T–beam if 𝑓’𝑐 = 28 MPa, 𝑓𝑦 = 420 MPa, 𝑏𝑤 = 400 mm, 𝑑 =
800 mm, ℎ𝑓 = 70 mm, 𝑏𝑓 = 900 mm, 𝑀𝑢 = 1300 kN − m.