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.
Part 1: Working Stress Design (WSD) - Example Problems
Example 1: Uncracked Beam
Given: b = 300 mm, d = 500 mm, fc’ = 21 MPa, fy = 275 MPa, 2 tension bars (20 mm). Find
stresses under M = 50 kNm.
Solution: Compute Ig, stresses using f = M*y/I. Compare with allowable stresses.
Example 2: Cracked Section
Given: Same beam, but tensile stress in concrete exceeds allowable. Transform steel area (n
= Es/Ec). Locate neutral axis, recompute stresses.
Example 3: Beam with Compression Reinforcement
Add 2 compression bars. Transform both tension and compression steel. Find neutral axis,
stresses, and verify safety.
Example 4: Higher Moment Load
Increase M to 120 kNm. Redo cracked section analysis. Check if stresses exceed permissible.
Example 5: Practical Case
A school beam (6 m span, 20 kN/m uniform load). Compute maximum moment = wL²/8 =
90 kNm. Design using WSD cracked section method.
Part 2: Ultimate Strength Design (USD) - Example Problems
Example 1: Singly Reinforced Beam
Given: b = 300 mm, d = 500 mm, fc’ = 21 MPa, fy = 415 MPa, Mu = 150 kNm. Find required
As.
Solution: As = Mu / (ϕfy(d - a/2)), iterate until balanced.
Example 2: Insufficient SRB → Doubly Reinforced
Same beam, Mu = 300 kNm. SRB not enough, add As’. Compute Mn with compression steel.
Example 3: High Strength Concrete
fc’ = 35 MPa, fy = 415 MPa, Mu = 200 kNm. Check β1 factor adjustment, design As.
Example 4: Minimum Reinforcement Check
Beam b = 250 mm, d = 400 mm. Compute Asmin using NSCP provision and verify required
As ≥ Asmin.
Example 5: Real-world Example
Beam in a residential building, span = 5 m, uniform dead load = 12 kN/m, live load = 10
kN/m. Factored load: 1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2*12 + 1.6*10 = 31.2 kN/m. Mu = wL²/8 = 97.5 kNm.
Design As using USD.
Real-World Applications of Beam Design
1. Designing beams for a school classroom roof.
2. Reinforced concrete beams in bridges carrying vehicle loads.
3. Beams in hospitals where safety and ductility are critical.
4. Beams in residential houses with typical dead + live loads.
5. Industrial building beams supporting heavy machinery.