DESIGN OF RECTANGULAR BEAMS USING STRENGTH DESIGN

In the early 1900s, working stress design (WSD) or allowable stress design (ASD) methods are used in design.
 The dead and live loads are called working loads or service loads.
 Members of the structure are proportioned so that stresses calculated by transformed area methods do not exceed allowable
values.
Disadvantages when using WSD:
1. The designer has little knowledge about the magnitudes of safety factors against collapse.
2. No consideration is given to the different safety factors that are desirable for dead and live loads
3. It does not account for variations in resistances and loads, nor does it account for the possibility that as loads are increased, some
increase at different rates than others.
In the late 1960s, the ultimate strength design (USD) or strength design (SD) method became widely used.
 It provides a more realistic consideration of safety
 It gives a more economical design.
In strength design:
 The working dead and live loads are multiplied by certain load factors resulting in values called factored loads.
 The members are selected to theoretically fail under the factored loads.
ACI code section 5.3.1 states required strength 𝑈 should be at least be as follows:
Primary load is dead load, D
𝑈 = 1.4𝐷
Primary load is live load, L
𝑈 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿 + 0.5 𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅
Primary load is roof live load, 𝐿𝑟 , or snow load, 𝑆, or rain load, 𝑅
𝑈 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6 𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 + 1.0𝐿 𝑜𝑟 0.5𝑊
Primary load is wind load, W
𝑈 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.0𝐿 + 1.0 𝑊 + 0.5 𝐿𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑅
𝑈 = 0.9𝐷 + 1.0𝑊
Primary load is earthquake load, E
𝑈 = 1.2𝐷𝐿 + 1.0𝐸 + 1.0𝐿 + 0.2𝑆
𝑈 = 0.9𝐷 + 1.0𝐸
NSCP 2015 section 422.5.3.1 omits the snow load since it doesn’t snow in the Philippines.
Advantages of strength design:
1. Strength design expressions takes into account the nonlinear shape of the stress–strain diagram. Better estimates of load-
carrying ability are obtained.
2. A more consistent theory is used throughout the designs of reinforced concrete structures. A structure can be designed using
strength design alone on all members.
3. A more realistic factor of safety is used. The designer can estimate dead loads of a structure more accurately than the live and
environmental loads.
4. A structure is designed with a more uniform safety factor against collapse. The strength method takes advantage of higher
strength steels than working-stress design
5. It permits more flexible designs than working-stress method. Percentage of steel can vary in each design. Large sections may
have small percentages of steel or small sections may have large percentages of steel.
Structural safety in strength design takes uncertainties into consideration.
 Working loads are multiplied by certain load factors that are larger than 1. Factored loads are used for designing the structure.
 To account for uncertainties the theoretical ultimate strength (nominal strength) of each member is multiplied by a strength
reduction factor Ø which is less than 1.
The strength reduction factors ∅ according to ACI code section 21.2.1, 21.2.2 and NSCP 2015 section 421.2.1, 421.2.2.

MEMBER REDUCTION FACTOR

Members with/without bending moment and/or with/without axial forces 0.65 to 0.90
Axial tension 0.90
Shear and torsion 0.75
Compression controlled members – spiral reinforcement 0.75
Compression controlled members – tied reinforcement 0.65
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Bearing in concrete 0.65
ACI code section 21.2.2 reduction factors in members with combined moment and axial force.

Net tensile strain Strength reduction factor ∅

Classification
𝜀𝑡 Spirals Others

𝜀𝑡 ≤ 𝜀𝑡𝑦 Compression-controlled 0.75 0.65

𝜀𝑡 − 𝜀𝑡𝑦 𝜀𝑡 − 𝜀𝑡𝑦
𝜀𝑡𝑦 < 𝜀𝑡 < 0.005 Transition 0.75 + 0.15 0.65 + 0.25
0.005 − 𝜀𝑡𝑦 0.005 − 𝜀𝑡𝑦

𝜀𝑡 ≥ 0.005 Tension-controlled 0.90 0.90

For grade 60 steel with 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and for prestressed members, it is permitted to take 𝜀𝑡𝑦 = 0.002. NSCP 2015 section
421.2.2.1 permits grade 280 deformed reinforcements to take 𝜀𝑡𝑦 = 0.002. Although this is conservative, it is recommended that the
ACI ruling of taking 𝜀𝑡𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦 /𝐸𝑠 should be applied to avoid any confusion in calculations.
For grade 60 deformed reinforcement, the table can be simplified as follows:

Net tensile strain Strength reduction factor ∅

Classification
𝜀𝑡 Spirals Others

𝜀𝑡 ≤ 0.002 Compression-controlled 0.75 0.65

0.15 0.25
0.75 + 𝜀 − 0.002 0.65 + 𝜀 − 0.002
0.003 𝑡 0.003 𝑡
0.002 < 𝜀𝑡 < 0.005 Transition
1 5 1 5
0.75 + 0.15 − 0.65 + 0.25 −
𝑐 Τ𝑑𝑡 3 𝑐 Τ𝑑𝑡 3

𝜀𝑡 ≥ 0.005 Tension-controlled 0.90 0.90

For design, the following assumptions are introduced to simplify the problems:
1. The tensile strength of concrete is neglected in flexural strength calculations. The strength in tension is roughly 1/10 of the
compressive strength. The contribution of the tensile stresses in the concrete to the flexural capacity of the beam is small and
can be neglected.
3. The section is assumed to have reached its nominal flexural strength when the strain in the extreme compression fiber
reaches maximum useable compression strain of 𝜀𝑐 = 0.003.
4. The compressive stress-strain relationship for concrete may be based on measured stress-strain curves or may be assumed to
be rectangular, trapezoidal, parabolic or any other shape that results in prediction of flexural strength in substantial
agreement with the results of comprehensive tests. (ACI Code)
Easier diagrams can be used provided they adequately predict test results.

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𝑀𝑛 is the nominal moment capacity of a section. The code states that the usable strength of a member equals its theoretical strength
times the strength reduction factor, ∅𝑀𝑛 .

The usable flexural strength of a member, ∅𝑀𝑛 , must at least be equal to the calculated factored moment, 𝑀𝑢 , caused by the factored
loads.

∅𝑀𝑛 ≥ 𝑀𝑢
Since 𝑇 = 𝐶, then 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 , therefore
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝜌𝑓𝑦 𝑑
𝑎= =
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏 0.85𝑓𝑐′
Where 𝜌 = percentage of tensile steel
𝐴𝑠
𝜌=
𝑏𝑑
with 𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑, the nominal resisting moment of 𝑀𝑛 ,
𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑇 𝑑 − = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2 2
The usable flexural strength, ∅𝑀𝑛 , is
𝜌𝑓𝑦
∅𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝜌b𝑑 2 𝑓𝑦 1 −
1.7𝑓𝑐′

The formula is also expressed as

∅𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝜔b𝑑 2 𝑓𝑐′ 1 − 0.59𝜔

Where 𝜔 = reinforcement index

𝑓𝑦
𝜔=𝜌
𝑓𝑐′

Taking the flexural-resistance factor, 𝑅𝑛 = 𝜔𝑓𝑐′ 1 − 0.59𝜔 , we have

∅𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝑅𝑛 𝑏𝑑 2

For design purposes, ∅𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑢 , thus

𝑀𝑢
𝑅𝑛 =
Ø𝑏𝑑2
The steel ratio is obtained from

0.85𝑓𝑐′ 2𝑅𝑛
𝜌= 1− 1−
𝑓𝑦 0.85𝑓𝑐′

To prevent the ultimate resisting moment to be less than the cracking moment the following minimum amount of steel is used. ACI
code section 9.6.1.2 and NSCP 2015 409.6.1.2 states that minimum steel shall be

0.25 𝑓𝑐′ 1.4

𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 ≥ 𝑏 𝑑
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦 𝑤

The equivalent minimum steel percentage is

0.25 𝑓𝑐′ 1.4

𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ≥
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

The percentage of steel designed for balanced design, 𝜌𝑏 , is given by

0.85𝛽1 𝑓𝑐′ 600
𝜌𝑏 =
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦
Since a balanced design makes concrete and steel simultaneously fail, a provision is given by the code to ensure that steel yields first
rather than concrete. Flexural members are designed to fail as tension controlled members. .The definition of a tenson controlled
section is defined by the ACI Commentary R21.2.2,

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From the strain diagram,
𝜀𝑐 𝜀𝑠
=
𝑐 𝑑−𝑐
Rearranging
𝑑 − 𝑐 𝜀𝑠
=
𝑐 𝜀𝑐
𝑑𝜀𝑐
𝑐=
𝜀𝑠 + 𝜀𝑐

Since 𝑇 = 𝐶,

0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑏 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑠
taking 𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐 and 𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑,
𝜌𝑑𝑓𝑠
𝑐=
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1
Equating,
𝜌𝑑𝑓𝑠 𝑑𝜀𝑐
=
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝜀𝑠 + 𝜀𝑐
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝜀𝑐
𝜌=
𝑓𝑠 𝜀𝑠 + 𝜀𝑐

For flexural members, a balanced steel ratio is given by

0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝜀𝑐
𝜌𝑏 =
𝑓𝑦 𝜀𝑦 + 𝜀𝑐

For a ductile section, the limit to the steel ratio is set to 0.005 or greater. The steel ratio is given by
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝜀𝑐
𝜌0.005 =
𝑓𝑦 0.005 + 𝜀𝑐

The maximum steel ratio is based on the maximum limit to the tensile strain which is 0.004. Thus
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝜀𝑐
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑓𝑦 0.004 + 𝜀𝑐

For concretes with maximum useable concrete strain of 𝜀𝑐 = 0.003,

0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1
𝜌0.005 = 0.375
𝑓𝑦

Maximum steel ratio if 𝜀𝑐 = 0.003,

3 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1
𝜌0.004 =
7 𝑓𝑦

or

0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1
𝜌0.004 = 0.429
𝑓𝑦

For a tension-controlled section:

𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 ≤ 𝜌 ≤ 𝜌0.005

For a section in the transition zone acceptable for flexure:

𝜌0.005 < 𝜌 ≤ 𝜌0.004

For a section with strains 0.004 or less but still within the transition zone:

𝜌0.004 < 𝜌 < 𝜌𝑏

For compression-controlled sections:

𝜌 ≥ 𝜌𝑏

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From the strain diagram, we have the relation
𝑐 0.003
=
𝑑𝑡 0.003 + 𝜀𝑡

For a ductile section with 𝜀𝑡 = 0.005 or greater, the limit is set to

𝑐
≤ 0.375
𝑑𝑡

For a section in the transition zone with strains 0.004 ≤ 𝜀𝑡 < 0.005,
𝑐
0.375 < ≤ 0.429
𝑑𝑡

For strains 0.004 < 𝜀𝑡 < 𝜀𝑦 which is still within the transition zone,

𝑐 0.003
0.429 < <
𝑑𝑡 0.003 + 𝜀𝑦

For compression-controlled sections,

𝑐 0.003
≥
𝑑𝑡 0.003 + 𝜀𝑦

For grade 60 deformed reinforcements or 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎, the code permits the use of 𝜀𝑦 = 0.002. Hence, for strains in the transition
zone 0.004 < 𝜀𝑡 < 0.002 ,
𝑐
0.6 > > 0.429
𝑑𝑡

For compression-controlled sections,

𝑐
≥ 0.6
𝑑𝑡
Considerations in the design of rectangular beams:
A. Beam proportions
 For maximum material economy the effective depth 𝑑 should be at a range of 2 to 3 times the width 𝑏.
 For long spans, deep and narrow sections are economical.
B. Estimated beam weight.
 Beam weight is included in the design calculation of bending moments.
 Beam weights are estimated from the initially assumed size of the beam.
C. Deflections. Limitations prevent large deflections that would interfere with the use of or cause collapse of the structure.

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 D. Selection of bars.
 Bar sizes are selected from the calculated steel area.
 Bars of uniform sizes all throughout the beam are more convenient.
 Bars for compression steel and stirrups can be of a different size.
E. Cover.
 Sufficient concrete cover improves bond between members.
 Concrete cover protects reinforcements from the surrounding environment.

Required bar arrangement, minimum spacing and cover limits.

Minimum concrete cover according to NSCP 2015 section 420.6.1.3.1

F. Minimum spacing of bars.

 Clear distance between parallel bars is in accordance with ACI code section 25.2.1 and NSCP 2015 section 425.2.1.
 Bars placed in two or more layers shall have a minimum spacing in accordance with ACI code section 25.2.2 and NSCP
2015 section 425.2.2

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Minimum requirements for bar arrangement and cover in a typical beam section.

Minimum transverse reinforcement requirements in accordance with NSCP 2015 section 425.3.2.

Location of reinforcement for simple beams. Location of reinforcement for cantilever beams.

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 SPECIAL BAR CONFIGURATIONS

Bars are bundled together if it is difficult to fit all the bars in the cross section. Provisions for bundled bars:
 Bars larger than 36 mm shall not be bundled in beams or girders because of crack control problems.
 Bundled bars are not practically hooked or bent as a unit but rather staggered at certain distances apart for individual bars
within the bundle.
 Individual bars within the bundle are cut off at different points at a distance of no less than 40 bar diameters.

Typical detail for a bundled bar configuration under normal exposure.

DEEP BEAMS

To prevent cracking of the web for deep beams, ACI code section 9.7.2.3 provides a provision for deep beams with depth greater than
900 𝑚𝑚:

Size of skin reinforcements based on ACI commentary R9.7.2.3.

Maximum center to center spacing of bars in the outermost layer under tension satisfying conditions for crack control according to
ACI code section 24.3.2 and NSCP 2015 section 424.3.2 shall be the lesser of
280
𝑠 = 380 − 2.5𝑐𝑐
𝑓𝑠
280
𝑠 = 300
𝑓𝑠
Where
𝑓𝑠 = 2/3 𝑓𝑦
𝑐𝑐 = the least distance from surface of deformed reinforcement to the tension face

8
EXAMPLES
Strength Analysis of Beams
For the rectangular beam shown use 𝑓𝑐′ = 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎. The beam is reinforced by 3 −
25 𝑚𝑚∅ bars. Determine the ultimate moment capacity of the beam.

SOLUTION
Check steel ratio
𝐴𝑠
𝜌=
𝑏𝑑
𝜋
25 𝑚𝑚 2
3
𝜌= 4 = 0.00788
325 𝑚𝑚 650 𝑚𝑚
Minimum steel ratio
0.25 𝑓𝑐′
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑓𝑦
0.25 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 0.00273
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎
1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑓𝑦
1.4 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 0.00333 (𝑢𝑠𝑒)
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌 > 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛
Check ductility
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝜀𝑐
𝜌0.005 =
𝑓𝑦 0.005 + 𝜀𝑐
0.85 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.85 0.003
𝜌0.005 = × = 0.01355
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.005 + 0.003
𝜌0.005 > 𝜌
The beam is tension controlled and ∅ = 0.9.
𝑇=𝐶
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏
𝜋 2
3 25 𝑚𝑚 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 0.85 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎 325 𝑚𝑚
4
𝑎 = 106.62 𝑚𝑚
Ultimate strength
𝑎
∅𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
𝜋 106.62 𝑚𝑚
∅𝑀𝑛 = 0.9 3 25 𝑚𝑚 2 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 575 𝑚𝑚 −
4 2
𝟔
∅𝑴𝒏 = 𝟐𝟗𝟎. 𝟒 × 𝟏𝟎 𝑵 − 𝒎𝒎 = 𝟐𝟗𝟎. 𝟒 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎
9
The rectangular beam shown is reinforced by 4 − 36 𝑚𝑚∅ bars. Material strengths are 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 =
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎. Determine the ultimate moment capacity of the beam.

SOLUTION
Check ductility, assume 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦
𝑇=𝐶
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑠 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏
𝜋 2
4 36 𝑚𝑚 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 0.85 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑎 400 𝑚𝑚
4
𝑎 = 179.63 𝑚𝑚
𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐
179.63 𝑚𝑚 = 0.85𝑐
𝑐 = 211.33 𝑚𝑚
𝑐 211.33 𝑚𝑚
= = 0.403
𝑑𝑡 525 𝑚𝑚

𝑐 211.33 𝑚𝑚
= = 0.403
𝑑𝑡 525 𝑚𝑚
0.375 < 0.403 < 0.429
Alternatively, solving for the steel ratios yield 𝜌 = 0.01939 and 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.00337. Reinforcement limits are
𝜌0.005 = 0.01806 and 𝜌0.004 = 0.02064, which becomes apparent that 𝜌0.004 > 𝜌 > 𝜌0.005 . It also confirms
that the beam is in transition zone.
Strength reduction factor
1 5
∅ = 0.65 + 0.25 −
𝑐/𝑑𝑡 3
1 5
∅ = 0.65 + 0.25 − = 0.85
0.403 3
Ultimate strength
𝑎
∅𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
𝜋 2
179.63 𝑚𝑚
∅𝑀𝑛 = 0.85 4 36 𝑚𝑚 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 525 𝑚𝑚 −
4 2
∅𝑴𝒏 = 𝟔𝟑𝟐. 𝟓𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝑵 − 𝒎𝒎
∅𝑴𝒏 = 𝟔𝟑𝟐. 𝟓𝟓 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎

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A beam is reinforced by 6 − 36 𝑚𝑚∅ bars in two layers. Material strengths are 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 =
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎. Determine the ultimate moment capacity of the beam.

SOLUTION
Check ductility, assume 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦
Check steel ratio
𝐴𝑠
𝜌=
𝑏𝑑
𝜋
36 𝑚𝑚 2
6
𝜌= 4 = 0.03202
350 𝑚𝑚 545 𝑚𝑚

Balanced steel ratio

0.85𝛽1 𝑓𝑐′ 600 0.85 0.85 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 600
𝜌𝑏 = =
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 600 + 415
𝜌𝑏 = 0.02847
Steel ratio yields 𝜌 = 0.03202 and 𝜌𝑏 = 0.02847 which is clear that 𝜌 > 𝜌𝑏 , an over reinforced section.
Therefore, 𝑓𝑠 < 𝑓𝑦 .

From the strain diagram

𝜀𝑐 𝜀𝑠
=
𝑐 𝑑−𝑐
𝜀𝑐 𝑓𝑠
=
𝑐 𝐸𝑠 𝑑 − 𝑐
𝜀𝑐 𝐸𝑠 𝑑 − 𝑐
𝑓𝑠 =
𝑐
𝜀𝑐 𝐸𝑠 𝑑 − 𝑐
𝐴𝑠 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 0.85𝑐 𝑏
𝑐
𝜋 2
0.003 200000 𝑀𝑃𝑎 545 𝑚𝑚 − 𝑐
6 36 𝑚𝑚 = 0.85 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.85 𝑐 350 𝑚𝑚
4 𝑐

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 𝑐 = 332.01 𝑚𝑚
𝑐 332.01 𝑚𝑚
= = 0.572 < 0.6
𝑑𝑡 580 𝑚𝑚
Beam is in transition zone since the outermost steel yielded although the upper layer did not. This happens
because values for 𝑑 and 𝑑𝑡 are different.

1 5 1 5
∅ = 0.65 + 0.25 − = 0.65 + 0.25 − = 0.67
𝑐/𝑑𝑡 3 0.572 3
Ultimate moment capacity
𝑎 = 0.85 332.01 𝑚𝑚 = 282.21 𝑚𝑚
𝑎
∅𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑠 𝑑 −
2
0.003 200000 𝑀𝑃𝑎 545 𝑚𝑚 − 332.01 𝑚𝑚
𝑓𝑠 = = 384.91 𝑀𝑃𝑎
332.01𝑚𝑚
𝜋 282.21𝑚𝑚
∅𝑀𝑛 = 0.67 4 36 𝑚𝑚 2 384.91 𝑀𝑃𝑎 545 𝑚𝑚 −
4 2
𝟔
∅𝑴𝒏 = 𝟔𝟑𝟔. 𝟏𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎 𝑵 − 𝒎𝒎 = 𝟔𝟑𝟔. 𝟏𝟑 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎

Design of Beams
A 300 𝑚𝑚 wide and 650 𝑚𝑚 deep rectangular beam has a 6 𝑚 simple span. It is carries a dead load of
20 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 and a live load of 25 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. Effective depth of the beam is 580 𝑚𝑚. Use 𝑓𝑐′ = 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 =
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎. Stirrup size is 10 𝑚𝑚∅. Design the beam.
SOLUTION
Factored moment
𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁
𝐷 = 23.6 0.3 𝑚 0.65 𝑚 + 20 = 24.6
𝑚3 𝑚 𝑚
𝑤𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿
𝑘𝑛 𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁
𝑤𝑢 = 1.2 24.6 + 1.6 25 = 69.52
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
𝑘𝑁
𝑤𝑢 𝑙 2 69.52 6𝑚 2
𝑚
𝑀𝑢 = = = 312.84 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
8 8
𝑀𝑢 = 312.84 × 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚

Beam capacity formula

𝑀𝑢 ≥ ∅𝑀𝑛
𝑀𝑢 = ∅𝑅𝑛 𝑏𝑑 2
312.84 × 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚 = 0.9𝑅𝑛 300 𝑚𝑚 580 𝑚𝑚 2

𝑅𝑛 = 3.44 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Steel ratio

0.85𝑓𝑐′ 2𝑅𝑛
𝜌= 1− 1−
𝑓𝑦 0.85𝑓𝑐′

0.85 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 2 3.44 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝜌= 1− 1− = 0.00918
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.85 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎

12
Minimum steel ratio
0.25 𝑓𝑐′ 0.25 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = = 0.00272
𝑓𝑦 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎
1.4 1.4 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = = 0.00333 (𝑢𝑠𝑒)
𝑓𝑦 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌 > 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑
𝐴𝑠 = 0.00929 300 𝑚𝑚 580 𝑚𝑚 = 1616.46 𝑚𝑚2
Use 28 𝑚𝑚∅ bar size
𝐴𝑠
𝑁=
𝐴𝑏
1616.46 𝑚𝑚2
𝑁= 𝜋 = 2.63 ≈ 3 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠
28 𝑚𝑚 2
4
Check ductility
𝑇=𝐶
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏
𝜋 2
3 28 𝑚𝑚 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 0.85 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.85 𝑐 300 𝑚𝑚
4
𝑐 = 170.45 𝑚𝑚
𝑐 170.45 𝑚𝑚
= = 0.294 < 0.375
𝑑𝑡 580 𝑚𝑚
Should the beam fall in the transition zone, compute for the reduction factor, ∅, and then the ultimate strength
to check the adequacy. If not, redesign the beam.
Reinforcement details

Check minimum cover

𝑏𝑤 = 2 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 + 𝑑𝑠 + 2𝑑𝑠 + 2𝑑𝑏 + 2𝑥
300 𝑚𝑚 = 2 40𝑚𝑚 + 10 𝑚𝑚 + 20 𝑚𝑚 + 2 28 𝑚𝑚 + 2𝑥
𝑥 = 52 𝑚𝑚 > 28 𝑚𝑚
𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 = 56 𝑚𝑚 > 50 𝑚𝑚
𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 = 56 𝑚𝑚 > 50 𝑚𝑚 13
A rectangular beam has a 10 𝑚 simple span and carries superimposed loads DL = 10 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 and LL =
24 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. Material strengths are 𝑓𝑐′ = 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎. Stirrup size is 10 𝑚𝑚∅. Design the beam
assuming 𝜌 = 0.18𝑓𝑐′ /𝑓𝑦 .
SOLUTION
Assume 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 8 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁
𝐷=8 + 10 = 18
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
𝑤𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿
𝑘𝑛 𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁0
𝑤𝑢 = 1.2 18 + 1.6 24 = 60
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
𝑘𝑁 2
𝑤𝑢 𝑙 2 60 10 𝑚
𝑚
𝑀𝑢 = = = 750 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚 = 750 × 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚
8 8
Steel ratio
0.18𝑓𝑐′ 0.18 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌= = = 0.015
𝑓𝑦 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎

0.85𝑓𝑐′ 2𝑅𝑛
𝜌= 1− 1−
𝑓𝑦 0.85𝑓𝑐′

0.85 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎 2𝑅𝑛

0.015 = 1− 1−
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.85 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑅𝑛 = 5.63 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = ∅𝑅𝑛 𝑏𝑑 2
750 × 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚 = 0.9 5.63 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑏𝑑 2
𝑏𝑑 2 = 148016578 𝑚𝑚2
For an economical section try 𝑑 = 2𝑏
2
𝑏 2𝑏 = 148016578 𝑚𝑚2
𝑏 = 333.23 𝑚
Try 𝑏 = 350 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑑 = 700 𝑚𝑚
Check beam weight using ℎ = 775 𝑚𝑚
𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁
23.63
0.350 𝑚 0.775 𝑚 = 6.4 <8
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
Beam weight is less than the assumed value which is satisfactory.
𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑 = 0.01518 350 𝑚𝑚 700 𝑚𝑚 = 3719.1 𝑚𝑚2
Use 25 𝑚𝑚∅ bar size
𝐴𝑠
𝑁=
𝐴𝑏
3719.1 𝑚𝑚2
𝑁= 𝜋 = 7.58 ≈ 8 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠
25 𝑚𝑚 2
4
Check ductility
𝑇=𝐶
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝛽1 𝑐𝑏
0.05 ′ 0.05
𝛽1 = 0.85 − 𝑓𝑐 − 28 = 0.85 − 35 − 28 = 0.8
7 7
𝜋 2
8 25 𝑚𝑚 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 0.85 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎 0.8 𝑐 350 𝑚𝑚
4
𝑐 = 198 𝑚𝑚

14
 𝑐 198 𝑚𝑚
= = 0.283 < 0.375
𝑑𝑡 700 𝑚𝑚
Since bars will not fit individually, bars should be bundled with 4 bars per bundle.

Equivalent bar diameter of the bundle.

𝜋 2
𝜋 2
4 25 𝑚𝑚 =
𝑑
4 4 𝑒
𝑑𝑒 = 50 𝑚𝑚
Minimum spacing
𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 135 𝑚𝑚 > 𝑑𝑒
𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 = 57.5 𝑚𝑚 > 50 𝑚𝑚
𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚

15