Step-by-Step Guide to Beam Design in
Reinforced Concrete
Part 1: Working Stress Design (WSD)
Working Stress Design (WSD) is based on the assumption that the structure behaves in a
linear-elastic manner. Stresses in steel and concrete are kept within permissible limits.
Step 1: Gather Data
Collect inputs: concrete strength (fc’), steel strength (fy), beam dimensions (b, d), and
reinforcement details (number and size of bars).
Step 2: Check If Beam is Uncracked
In uncracked condition, concrete resists both compression and tension. Calculate the
moment of inertia (Ig) and use elastic theory to find stresses.
Step 3: Stress Distribution (Uncracked)
Use flexural formula f = M*y/I to compute stresses in concrete and steel. Ensure they are
within allowable stresses.
Step 4: Check If Beam is Cracked
If tensile stress in concrete > allowable tensile stress, assume cracked section. Neglect
tensile strength of concrete and transform steel area into equivalent concrete area.
Step 5: Neutral Axis (Cracked Section)
Find neutral axis by equating compressive and tensile forces using transformed section
method.
Step 6: Moment of Resistance (Cracked Section)
Compute stresses in steel and concrete again. Ensure they are within allowable stresses. If
okay, beam is safe.
Special Case: Compression Steel Present
If beam has compression steel, include its transformed area in calculating neutral axis and
stresses.
Part 2: Ultimate Strength Design (USD)
Ultimate Strength Design (USD) uses strength reduction factors (ϕ) and load factors to
ensure safety. It assumes concrete is stressed beyond elastic limit at failure.
Step 1: Gather Data
Inputs: fc’, fy, beam dimensions (b, d), cover (d’), and factored ultimate moment (Mu).
Step 2: Assume Singly Reinforced Section
Start by assuming only tension reinforcement (As).
Step 3: Depth of Compression Block
Compute a = (As*fy) / (0.85*fc’*b).
Step 4: Nominal Moment Capacity
Mn = As*fy*(d – a/2).
Step 5: Check Strength Requirement
ϕMn ≥ Mu? If yes, beam is safe with SRB.
Step 6: Doubly Reinforced Section (if needed)
If SRB is not enough, add compression reinforcement As’. Compute Mn = As*fy*(d – a/2) +
As’*fy’*(d’ – a/2).
Step 7: Check Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement
Ensure Asmin ≤ As ≤ Asmax as per NSCP provisions.