By

1
T. Viswanathan
 SYNOPSIS

This paper explains the section 8 IRC 112 Ultimate
Limit States of Linear Elements for Bending Covering
the flexural analysis of beams. It covers the basic
principles, different stress blocks and also design of
rectangular beams, T.Beams and doubly Reinforced
beams. Uses of Horizontal branch and sloping branch
of stress strain diagrams for steel also have been
explained. Examples of designing beams as well as
checking of beams have been covered in great detail.

2
1. INTRODUCTION :
The limit state code for concrete bridges was published
during November 2011. As per this code, the structure has
to be designed for ultimate limit sate and checked for
serviceability limit state requirements. As the approach is
new to the bridge engineers, in order to popularize the code,
several measures have been adopted by various agencies.
The Indian road congress is in the process of bringing out an
explanatory handbook. The Indian Concrete Institute, New
Delhi Centre had organized a 3 days workshop in New
Delhi. Similar workshop is also expected to be arranged by
IABSE Shortly.
In order to make the engineers more familiar with IRC: 112,
this article will explain a part of section 8 of limit state code
giving a detailed procedure, along with worked out
examples for the design of beams which are under flexure. 3
2.0 STRESS BLOCKS
The code describes three types of stress blocks for
calculating the ultimate moment of resistance which are
shown below.

Fig: 1. Stress Blocks

4
The value of 𝜀𝑐𝑢3 , 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 , 𝜀𝑐3 , 𝜀𝑐2 can be obtained from table 6.5
of IRC 112 and the value of  and  can be obtained from
clause 2.9 of Annexure A2. Designer can use any of the
stress blocks, but the most common are, the parabolic stress
block and rectangular stress block. The design value of
0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘
concrete compressive strength 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = = =
𝛾𝑚 1.5
0.446 𝑓𝑐𝑘 . For accidental combination 𝛾𝑚 = 1.2.

3.0 AVERAGE STRESS APPROACH

It will be difficult to compute the total compress force in the
parabolic stress block due to the nature of the diagram. The
degree of this parabola is given in column No. 11 of Table
6.5. The parabola is of second degree up to M60 grade,
beyond which the degree of parabola varies from 1.9 to 1.4
for grades M65, to M90.
5
Hence it will become more difficult to compute the total
force for grades of concrete from M65 to M90. Therefore in
order to simplify the calculation, the average stress concept
will be introduced.

3.1 Principle of Average Stress Concept for Parabolic

Rectangular Stress block:
The parabolic-rectangular stress block will be converted into
equivalent rectangular stress block having uniform
compressive stress spread up to neutral axis giving the same
total compressive force. The CG of the diagram will be
maintained same as that of the parabolic rectangular stress
block. For the designer it will become very easy to handle
the rectangular stress block.

6
When the parabolic-rectangular stress block is converted
into equivalent rectangular stress block, obviously the
average stress 𝑓𝑎𝑣 will work out to be lesser than𝑓𝑐𝑑 . As a
first step we need to work out the equivalent stress factor for
arriving at 𝑓𝑎𝑣 for various grades of concrete from 𝑓𝑐𝑑 value.

Fig: 2. Conversion of Parabolic – Rectangular Stress Block 7

to equivalent rectangular stress block

3.2 Derivation of formula for Average Stress for parabolic
–rectangular stress block.
Let us assume the average stress for stress block
as 𝑓𝑎𝑣 which is equal to 𝛽1 𝑓𝑐𝑑 . We need to arrive at the
𝛽1 factor for various grades of concrete.
1) Evaluation of total force under parabolic rectangular
stress block diagram.
a) Evaluation of force in the curved portion of diagram
which is shaded.

8
 𝜀𝑐2
Let 𝑥1 = 𝑧
𝜀𝑐𝑢2
Refer stress diagram (3)
𝐴𝑡 𝑥 = 𝑧, 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 ; 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑧
𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 𝑎 𝑧 𝑛
𝑓𝑐𝑑
𝑎=
𝑧𝑛
At any other distance 𝑥
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑛
𝑦= 𝑥
𝑧𝑛
𝑧 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑛
Total force in the shaded portion = 0 𝑧𝑛
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑏
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏 𝑧 𝑛
= 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑧𝑛 0

9
 1 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏
= 𝑛 𝑥 𝑛+1 0𝑧
(𝑛+1) 𝑧
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏 𝑛+1
= 𝑧
𝑛+1 𝑧 𝑛
𝑓 𝑏 𝜀
= 𝑐𝑑 𝑢2 𝑥1
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑢2
b) Evaluation of total force in parabolic rectangular stress
block.
If the average stress is taken as 𝑓𝑎𝑣 to give the same force.
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝜀𝑐2
𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥1 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥1 − 𝑥 𝑏
(𝑛+1) 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1
1 𝜀𝑐2
𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥1 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥1 1 −
(𝑛+1) 𝜀𝑐𝑢2
1 𝜀𝑐2
𝑓𝑎𝑣 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 1 − = 𝛽1 𝑓𝑐𝑑
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2

10
If one desires the equivalent average stress, above
𝑓𝑎𝑣
expression can be used. If the is represented 𝛽1 .
𝑓𝑐𝑑
1 𝜀𝑐2
The 𝛽1 = 1 −
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2
Total force in the Equivalent rectangular stress block will be
1 𝜀𝑐2
𝐹 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥1 1 − = 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥1
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2

11
 Table: 1 The average stress factor for parabolic rectangular stress
block [Refer Table 6.5 of IRC: 112]

Grades  𝜀𝑐2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1 𝜀𝑐2

𝛽1 = 1 −
𝑛 + 1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2

Up to M60 2.0 .002 .0035 0.8095

M65 1.9 .0021 .0033 0.7805

M70 1.7 .0022 .0031 0.7371

M75 1.6 .0023 .0029 0.6949

M80 1.5 .0023 .0028 0.671

M85 1.5 .0024 .0027 0.644

M90 1.4 .0024 .0026 0.615

12
 3.3 Determination of CG of the Stress Block form top
We need to work out the Centre of gravity of the Parabolic –
Rectangular stress block. For equivalent rectangular stress
block diagram also the CG will be kept at the same distance
as that of parabolic rectangular stress block in order to
maintain the same resisting moment.
To determine the distance of the action point of the
compressive force of parabolic rectangular stress block, first
the CG of the shaded portion will be worked out from the
start of parabola point.

13
 𝜀𝑐2
Let 𝑥 =𝑧
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1
Refer stress diagram (3)
Curve Equation 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 𝑛
𝑦 𝑦
 𝑛 =𝑎 𝑎= 𝐴𝑡 𝑥 = 𝑧 ;
𝑥 𝑥𝑛
𝑦 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 . At any other point.
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑛
𝑦 = 𝑥
𝑧𝑛

CG of the force in the shaded portion

𝑧𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑛
0 𝑧𝑛
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑏𝑥
𝐶𝐺 = 𝑧𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑛
0 𝑧𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑏

14
 𝑧 𝑛+1
0
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑏
= 𝑧 𝑛
0
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑏
1 𝑧
𝑛+2
𝑥 (𝑛+2) 0
= 1 𝑧
𝑥 (𝑛+1) 0
𝑛+1
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐2
ie 𝑥 is the CG of the force of the shaded portion.
𝑛+2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1
The distance of the CG of the force of the shaded portion is
from the point where parabolic part of stress diagram starts.
Whereas we require the CG distance from the bottom of
stress diagram. This means the above distance has to be
subtracted from.
𝜀𝑐2
𝑥
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1
Hence distance from bottom of the shaded area
𝜀𝑐2 𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐2
= 𝑥 − 𝑥 15
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1 𝑛+2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1
 𝜀𝑐2 𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐2 𝑥1
𝑥 1− =
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1 𝑛+2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 (𝑛+2)
Taking moment of all the forces from the bottom of the
diagram:
𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 is the CG distance of the compression stress block from
the bottom of stress block.
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥2
1 − 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏 𝜀𝑐2 𝑥 𝜀𝑐2 𝑥1
2 𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 𝑛+2
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 = 𝑓 𝑏𝑥1 𝜀𝑐2
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥1 − 𝑐𝑑
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2

𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥2 2
1 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥1 𝜀𝑐2 𝜀𝑐2
2
− 𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 𝑛+2
= 𝑓 𝑏𝑥1 𝜀𝑐2
𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑏𝑥1 − 𝑐𝑑𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2

16
 1 1 𝜀𝑐2 2
0.5 𝑥1 − 𝑥
(𝑛+1)(𝑛+2) 1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 = 𝜀
1− 𝑛+1𝑐2𝜀
𝑐𝑢2

2 1 𝜀2
𝑐2
0.5 𝑥1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 − 𝑛+1 𝑛+2 𝑥1
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 = 𝜀2
𝑐𝑢2
1 𝜀𝑐2
1−
𝑛+1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2

2 1 𝜀2
𝑐2
0.5 𝑥1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 − 𝑥1
𝑛+1 𝑛+2
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 = 1 𝜀
2
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 1− 𝑛+1 𝜀 𝑐2
𝑐𝑢2

2 1 𝜀2
𝑐2
0.5 𝑥1 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 − 𝑥1
𝑛+1 𝑛+2
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 = 2 − 𝑐2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2
𝜀
𝜀𝑐𝑢2
(𝑛+1)

2 1 𝜀2
𝑐2
0.5 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 − 𝑛+1 𝑛+2
𝛽1′ 𝑥1 = 𝑥1 2 − 𝜀𝑐2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2
𝜀𝑐𝑢2
𝑛+1 17
CG distance of force from the top of the parabolic
rectangular diagram
2 1 𝜀2
0.5 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 − 𝑛+1 𝑐2
𝑛+2
𝛽2 𝑥1 = 𝑥1 − 2 − 𝜀𝑐2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 𝑥1
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 𝑛+1

2 1 𝜀2
0.5 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 − 𝑛+1 𝑐2
𝑛+2
∴ 𝛽2 = 1 − 2 − 𝜀𝑐2 𝜀𝑐𝑢2
𝜀𝑐𝑢2 𝑛+1

Where 𝛽2 is ratio of the CG of the compression stress block

from top of stress block to the depth of neutral axis.

3.4 Determination of 𝜷𝟐 for various grades.

For grades up to M60 𝛽2 factor will be worked. For other
grades the figures will be shown in the table.
18
 1
0.5 𝑥 .0035 2 − 𝑥 .0022
12
𝛽2 = 1 − .0035 𝑥 .002
.00352 − 3
6.125 𝑥10−6 −3.333 𝑥 106
1−
1.225 𝑥 10−5 −2.33 𝑥 106
5.7917 𝑥 10−6
1−
9.92 𝑥 10−6
𝛽2 = 1 − 0.584 = 0.416

The compressive force acts 0.416 𝑥1 from top, where 𝑥1 is

the depth of Neutral axis.
Proceeding similarly for other mix grades the values are
shown in the table.

19
Table: .2 Average stress and the CG distance factor of the
compressive force from top.
Grades of Factor Stress fav Ratio of distance
Concrete 𝛃𝟏 of centroid to the
depth of NA axis
𝛃𝟐
20 7.2317 0.416
25 9.0396 0.416
𝛽1 = 0.8095
30 10.847 0.416
35 .8095𝑥0.67𝑓𝑐𝑘 12.655 0.416
1.5
40 = 0.361587 𝑓𝑐𝑘 14.463 0.416
45 16.271 0.416
50 18.079 0.416
55 19.887 0.416
60 21.6952 0.416
20
65 0.7805 𝑥 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 22.62 0.406
= 0.348 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1.5

70 0.7371 𝑥 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 23.05 0.390

= 0.329 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1.5

75 0.6949 𝑥 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 23.28 0.377

= 0.3104 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1.5

80 0.671 𝑥 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 23.92 0.370

= 0.299 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1.5

85 0.644 𝑥 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 24.39 0.365

= 0.287 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1.5

90 0.671 𝑥 0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘 24.72 0.357

= 0.2747 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1.5

21
 3.5 Principle of Average Stress Concept for Rectangular
Stress Block:

The rectangular stress block which is comparatively easier

stress block can also be converted into average stress block
diagram concept. The CG of the equivalent stress block shall
be kept at the same distance of the original stress block in
order to have the moment capacity unaltered.

22
Strain diagram Stress diagram

Fig 3: Stress-Strain diagram for rectangular stress block

23
 and  are defined in equations A2-33, 34, 35, 36 of
Appendix A2 of IRC 112. As the stress block is spread
over larger depth, compared to the actual stress block, in
order to have the same force, the outer fiber stress has to
be reduced to arrive to 𝑓𝑎𝑣 . When compared with 𝑛 𝑓𝑐𝑑 .

3.6 Derivation of formula for average stress for

rectangular stress block.
For mix grade less than M60, the depth of stress block will
be restricted to 80% of neutral axis depth. In the average
stress block concept the depth of the block will be
increased to full depth of neutral axis. Hence the stress
will be reduced to 80% of the 𝑓𝑐𝑑 value.

24
The average stress upto M60 grade concrete will be 𝑓𝑐𝑑 =
0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘
𝑥 0.8 = 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 . For other grades, at first the
1.5
reduced stress using  value shall be worked out and then
the average stress will be worked out by using reduction
factor.
Taking an example of M70 grade, the  value works out to
0.78 instead of 0.8 and  value works out to 0.96 instead of
0.67 𝑓𝑐𝑘
1. 𝑓𝑐𝑑 for this grade will work out to 𝑥 0.96 =
1.5
0.4288 𝑓𝑐𝑘 . The average stress will work out to
0.4288 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑥 0.78 = 0.3344 𝑓𝑐𝑘 substituting 𝑓𝑐𝑘 =
70 𝑀𝑃𝑎 the average stress 𝑓𝑐𝑑 will work out to 23.40MPa.
The CG of the compressive diagram will be at /2
𝑥 distance from the top of the diagram.

25
 Table: 3 Average Stress and the CG Distance factor of
the Compressive Force from the Top
Grades of  𝐟𝐚𝐯 factor = 𝐟𝐚𝐯 stress in Ratio of distance of
Concrete in   𝐱 𝐱 0.446666 MPa centroid to the
MPa For grades up to M60 depth of NA axis 𝛃𝟐

20 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 7.146 0.40

25 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 8.933 0.40
30 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 10.719 0.40
35 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 12.506 0.40
40 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 14.293 0.40
45 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 16.079 0.40
50 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 17.866 0.40
55 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 19.650 0.40
60 1.0 0.8 0.35733 𝑓𝑐𝑘 21.430 0.40
65 0.98 0.79 0.345 𝑓𝑐𝑘 22.425 0.395
70 0.96 0.78 0.3344 𝑓𝑐𝑘 23.408 0.390
75 0.94 0.77 0.323 𝑓𝑐𝑘 24.225 0.385
80 0.92 0.76 0.3122 𝑓𝑐𝑘 24.98 0.380
85 0.90 0.75 0.314 𝑓𝑐𝑘 25.623 0.375
90 0.88 0.74 0.2908 𝑓𝑐𝑘 26.17 0.370
26
4. EXAMPLES
The design engineer will come across two sets of
problems. One is to design the section and another is to
check the capacity of the section. Some typical worked out
examples will be covering both these sets of problems will
be presented.

4.1 Capacity of Balanced section:

The capacity of balanced section will be worked out for
both the stress blocks.
A. Parabolic Rectangular Stress Block
Taking moment about steel level
For mix grade upto M60 the factor is 0.361587 to get the
average stress. For other grades the respective factor can
be taken from the table. 𝑀𝑅 = 0.3615 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑥 𝑑 −

27
The depth of NA axis for balanced section for concrete
grades upto M60 using 𝑓𝑦 = 500 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
500
𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = = .00217
1.15𝑥200𝑥103
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 = 0.0035

.0035
𝑥= 𝑑 = 0.617𝑑
.0035 +.00217

Substituting in Equation (1) the value of 𝑥

𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
= 0.3615 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏 𝑥 0.617𝒅 𝑑 − 0.416𝑥 0.617𝑑 − 2
= 0.223 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑑 2 1 − 0.416 𝑥 0.617 = 0.1658 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑑2 .
This expression is known to all engineers. The term 0.3615
is a factor to convert the allowable stress into average
stress. Substituting for M60 grade 0.1658 x 60 x 𝑏𝑑2 = 9.948
𝑏𝑑2 .
28
Suppose if an engineer wants to use the average stress
straight away from the table, the moment of resistance
will be 21.696 x b x 0.617d x 0.7438d = 9.95𝑏𝑑2 . One can
estimate the depth for a given moment or depth adequacy
can be checked.
B. Equivalent rectangular stress block.
The factor for rectangular stress block is
0.3573 𝑓𝑐𝑘 Moment of resistance =
0.3573 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏 𝑥 0.617𝑑 𝒅 − 𝟎. 𝟒 𝒙 𝟎. 𝟔𝟏𝟕𝒅 = 0.1660 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑑 2
Previously we obtained moment of resistance as 0.1658
𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑑2 practically no difference. The rectangular stress
block will give slightly higher moment of resistance.

29
 4.2 Design of Section :
A.In a design situation where the moment is available
and the section has to be designed, the following
steps may be followed.
1) Determine the depth required from the moment of
resistance formula MR = 0.1658 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑑2 for Fe500 and
mix grade M60.
2) Estimate the balanced section Neutral axis which equal
to 0.617d for Fe500 and mix grade upto M60.
𝑀 𝑥 1.15
3) Work out the area of steel 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = =
𝑑−0.416 𝑥 0.617𝑑 𝑓𝑦𝑘
𝑀
for the above grade of steel and concrete.
0.646 𝑑 𝑥 𝑓𝑦𝑘
4) If depth provided is more or equal to depth of
balanced section the steel will yield.

30
If the depth provided is less than the required depth, the
neutral axis has to be worked out, the steel strain is to be
established and the stress in steel has to be arrived. Based
on stress, the area of steel to be arrived.
This will be a uneconomical solution. Alternatively shall
be designed as a doubly reinforced section.
Example 1 Ultimate moment in a section 150 kNm/m,
cover 50mm concrete M45 grade, steel Fe 500. Design the
section.
MR = 0.1648 𝑥 45 𝑥 𝑏𝑑2 = 7.416 𝑏𝑑 2
150 𝑥 106
𝑑= = 142.2𝑚𝑚 𝑠𝑎𝑦 143 𝑚𝑚.
7.416 𝑥 1000
Adopting 20mm bars
𝐷 = 143 + 10 + 50 = 203𝑚𝑚.
Provide total depth of 203mm.

31
 150 𝑥 106 𝑥 1.15
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = = 3246𝑚𝑚2
143−0.416 𝑥 0.617 𝑥 143 𝑥 500
In the above example the steel will yield and it is correct
to assume steel stress as 𝑓𝑦𝑘 .
B. Next section is available, moment is also available,
steel to be worked out.
1) Determine the depth required for moment of
resistance using formula. If the depth is adequate
proceed further. If the depth is inadequate the section
has to be designed as doubly reinforced beam or the
depth has to be increased.
2) Determine the depth of neutral axis for the given
moment by following the method given below.
In the previous example, if the depth provided is more
than the requirement then also the following method to
establish the NA axis can be followed.
32
𝑀 = 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥 𝑑 − 𝛽2 𝑥 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝛽2 𝑥 is the location of CG of
compression block from top of section.

Fig 4: Strain-Stress diagram for equvalant stress block

33
𝑀 = 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥 𝑑 − 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝛽2 𝑏 𝑥 2
𝑀
Let = 𝑅
𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏
𝑀
= 𝑑𝑥 − 𝛽2 𝑥 2
𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏
𝑅 = 𝑑𝑥 − 𝛽2 𝑥 2
𝛽2 𝑥 2 − 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑅 = 0
𝑑 ± 𝑑 2 − 4𝑅 𝛽2
𝑥=
2 𝛽2
Divide by d both sides
4 𝑅𝛽2
1 ± 1−
𝑥 𝑑2
=
𝑑 2 𝛽2
Taking the minimum value
4 𝑅𝛽2
1− 1−
𝑥 𝑑2
=
𝑑 2 𝛽2

34
 𝑥
If ratio is less than balanced section neutral axis ratio,
𝑑
then the steel will yield.
𝑀𝑥1.5
3) Estimate the area of steel =
𝑓𝑦𝑘 𝑑−𝛽2 𝑥
Example 2: Ultimate moment = 150 kN/m, cover 50mm
concrete M45 grade steel Fe 500, depth provided is
250mm. Determine the steel required assuming 20mm
bars.
Step 1:
150 𝑥 106
Depth required = = 142.2𝑚𝑚.
0.1648 𝑥 45 𝑥 1000
D = 142.2 + 10 + 50 = 203mm < 250m. Hence depth
provided is adequate.
deff = 250 – 50 – 10 = 190mm.

35
Step 2:
𝑀 150 𝑥 106
𝑅= = = 9219
𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏 16.271 𝑥 1000
4𝑥 9219 𝑥 0.416
1−
𝑥 1902
= = 0.290
𝑑 2 𝑥 0.416
= 0.290 < 0.617

Hence steel yields

𝑥
It can be noted that an increase of 47mm in depth, the
𝑑
ratio comes down from 0.617 to 0.290.

Step 3:
𝑀 𝑥 1.15 150 𝑥 106 1.15
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 𝑥 = =
𝑓𝑦𝑘 𝑑−0.416 𝑥𝑑𝑥𝑑 500 190−0.416 𝑥 0.290 𝑥 190
2065𝑚𝑚2
36
Suppose anybody assumes the balanced section lever arm
itself and estimates the reinforcement then 𝐴𝑠𝑡 =
150 𝑥 106 𝑥 1.15
= 2443𝑚𝑚2 18 % Variation in
500 190− 0.416 𝑥 0.617 𝑥 190
steel. The Neutral axis depth changes from 117.23m to
55.1m and the ratio x/d from 0.617 to 0.290.
Hence it is better to estimate the neutral axis and arrive at
the steel, in case of depth provided is more than the
requirement.

C. Next case will be, section is given, reinforcement is

given and to work out the moment capacity of section.
1. Equate the tensile force and compressive force and
arrive at the depth of neutral axis.
𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑘
𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥 =
𝛾𝑠

37
Divide both sides by d.
𝑏𝑥 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑘
𝑓𝑎𝑣 =
𝑑 𝛾𝑠 𝑑
𝑥 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑘 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑘
= =
𝑑 𝛾𝑠 𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑑 𝛾𝑠
𝑥
2. If is less than balanced section neutral axis ratio, then
𝑑

the steel will yield otherwise not.

3. If steel yields the moment of resistance will be
𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑘 𝑥
𝑑 − 𝛽2 𝑑]
𝛾𝑠 𝑑

4. In case if the steel does not yield the moment of

resistance shall be worked by strain compatibility method.

38
Example 3: Determine the moment of resistance for a slab
per meter width.
Thickness of slab 250mm, cover 50mm, concrete M45
grade, steel Fe 500,
𝐴𝑠𝑡 Provided is 2100mm2 /m
𝑥 2100 𝑥 500
Step1: = = 0.295
𝑑 16.271 𝑥 1000 𝑥 190 𝑥 1.15
𝑥
Step 2: = 0.295 < 0.617 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑.
𝑑

2100 𝑥 500
Step 3: 𝑀𝑅 = 190 − 0.416 𝑥 0.295 𝑥 190 =
106 𝑥 1.15

152.19 𝑘𝑁𝑚.
39
This will be shown by the following worked out
examples.
Example 4: Determine the moment of resistance of a slab
per meter width.
Thickness of slab = 250mm, Cover 50mm, Concrete M45
grade, Fe500
𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑠 5000𝑚𝑚2
𝑥 5000 𝑥 500
Step: 1 =
𝑑 16.271 𝑥 1000 𝑥 190 𝑥 1.15
= 0.703 > 0.617
Step: 2 Steel Does not yield. Hence over reinforced
section.
Step: 3 Assume N. A axis as 150mm for 1st trial.
Step 4: Proceed as shown in the table and repeat the
operations.

40
 Table: 4 Compatibility Analysis Table
Trial NA axis Reinforcemen Steel strain Steel force in kN Concrete force in kN
from t depth form (Tensile) compression
top of NA axis in
slab mm

1 150 40 .0035 9.33 𝑥 10−4 𝑥 200 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 5000 16.27 𝑥 150 𝑥 1000
𝑥40 103 = 2440
150 1000
= 9.33 𝑥 10−4 = 933

2 130 60 .0035 1.615 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 200 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 5000 16.27 𝑥 130 𝑥 1000
𝑥60 103 = 2115
130 1000
= 1.615 𝑥 10−3 = 1615

3 120 70 .0035 2.04 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 200 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 5000 16.27 𝑥 120 𝑥 1000
𝑥70 103 = 1952
120 1000
= 2.04 𝑥 10−3 = 2040

4 127 63 .0035 1.736 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 200 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 5000 = 2066

𝑥63 103
127
= 1.736 𝑥 10−3 = 1736

1.973 x 10−3 = 1973

5 121.5 68.5 = 1977 41
 190−0.416 𝑥 12.15
Moment = 1973 = 275.14 𝑘𝑁𝑚.
103

5. Use of sloping upper branch of stress diagram of steel.

The stress diagram of steel always plays an important role
in arriving at the resistance capacity of section. In para 4.1,
the resistance capacity has been arrived using Horizontal
branch of the stress-strain diagram of steel. If any engineer
wishes to use the sloping branch, he can also provided, the
calculation done properly. The IS: 1786 gives at ultimate
tensile stress, the elongation as 5%. This shall be taken as
𝜀𝑢𝑘 . Taking 0.9 of this value as 𝜀𝑢𝑑 = .045. Referring to table
18-1 of the code for Fe500. Tensile strength = 500 x 1.08 =
540 MPa.

42
Fig: 5 Stress-Strain Diagram showing upper branch

43
Stress at 0.045 strain
469.56−434.78
= 434.78 + .045 − .002174
.05−.002174
34.78
= 434.78 + 𝑥 .04283 = 465.92 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
.04783

Example 5 use of sloping branch of stress-Strain diagram

Same example 2 will be taken from explanation.
N.A axis depth: 0.290 x 190 = 55.1mm
.0035
Strain in steel 𝑥134.9 = 8.56 𝑥 10−3 = .00856
55.1
At yield the steel strain is .00217.
If one desires to use the sloping branch of stress – Strain
diagram the neutral axis has to be again found by trial and
error.
For steel strain of .00856, the steel stress can be worked out as
follows.

44
 469.56−434.78
Strain: 434.78 + .00856 − .002174
.05−.002174
34.78
=434.78 𝑥 𝑥 6.386 𝑥 10−3 = 439. 428 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
.0478
Tensile force = 2100 x 434.78 = 913.0 kN as per Horizontal
branch of stress strain diagram.
Tensile force as per actual steel strain = 2100 x 439.428 = 923
kN
Based on sloping branch of stress strain diagram
In order to accommodate this increase in steel force, NA axis
has to be lowered.
The strain in steel has to be compatible with the force and the
force equilibrium has to be obtained. Previously the NA axis
was 55.1mm. Now let us take N.A axis as 56.5mm in order to
accommodate the extra compressive force.

45
 .0035
1. Strain in steel = 𝑥 133.5 = 8.269 𝑥 10−3
56.5
469.56−434.78
2. Stress in steel = 434.78 𝑥 .00827 − .0021
.05−.002174
34.78
= 434.78 + 𝑥 6.096 𝑥 10−3
.0478
= 439.21 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
There is no change in stress in steel.

3. Force in steel = 439.21 𝑥 2100 = 922 𝑘𝑁

16.271 𝑥 1000 𝑥 56.5
4. Force in concrete = 3 = 920 𝑘𝑁
10
920 𝑥 190−0.416 𝑥 56.5
Value can be accepted : Moment = =
103
153.17 𝑘𝑁𝑚
153.17
Extra moment: = 1.021
150
It can be seen that the change in the moment carrying capacity
is only 2% and maximum it can go upto 7%. Hence it may not
be worthwhile to do this exercise.
46
In case if someone is interested to use the upper branch assume
N.A axis for the trail taking the steel force as constant and the
NA axis position shall be verified. The steel force will not
change much but the NA axis will be dictated by the
compressive force.

F. Design of Doubly Reinforced Beams:

When the depth of the member cannot be increased and the
moment applied is more than its capacity, the designer needs
to design the beam as a doubly reinforced beam.
Steps to be followed are given below.
Step 1: As a singly reinforced beam calculate the moment of
resistance. Step 2: Taking it as a balanced section arrive at the
tensile steel requirement. Step 3: The difference between the
applied moment and the capacity shall be worked out.

47
Step 4: Divide the moment obtained in step 3 by the distance
between the reinforcements and obtain the force.
Step 5: The additional tensile steel shall be worked by dividing
the above force by the yield stress of steel as the tensile steel
will yield. Add this steel to the steel arrived in step. 2.
Step 6: To arrive at the compression steel, from the strain
diagram estimate the strain in compression steel and thus the
stresses. Divide the force by the stress and arrive at the
required of compressive steel.
Step 7: Check the equilibrium of forces and the moment
equilibrium.
Above steps will be explained by taking an example.
Example 6: Design of Doubly Reinforced Beam.
Design a beam to carry a moment of 5000 kNm.
B = 500mm, D = 1000mm, Cover 40mm, Grade M45, Fe = 500,
dia of bars 20mm.
48
Step 1:
The balanced section moment carrying capacity
0.1658 𝑥500 𝑥 9502 𝑥 45
= = 3366.70 𝑘𝑁𝑚
106
3366.70 𝑥 106 𝑥 1.15
Step 2: Area of tensile steel 𝐴𝑠𝑡 =
500 950−0.416 𝑥 0.617 𝑥 950
3366.70 𝑥 106 𝑥 1.15
= = 10966 𝑚𝑚2
500 𝑥 706.16
Step 3: Difference between Applied moment and capacity
= 5000 – 3366 = 1634 kNm
1634 𝑥 103
Step 4: Additional force = = 1816 𝑘𝑁
900
1816 𝑥 103 𝑥 1.15
Additional tensile steel = = 4177 𝑚𝑚2
500
Step 5: Total tensile steel = 10965 + 4177 = 15142𝑚𝑚2
Step 6: Strain in compressive steel.

49
Fig: 6 Strain Diagram
.0035
Strain in compressive steel = 𝑥 536 = .0037 > .00217
586
Compression steel yields.
1816 𝑥 103 𝑥 1.15
Area of Compression steel = = 4177𝑚𝑚2
500
900mm

50
Fig: 7 Cross Section of Beam
Check total force
16.271 𝑥 500 𝑥 586
Concrete compressive force = 𝑓𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑥 = =
103

4767 𝑘𝑁
Force in compressive steel = 1816kN.
500
Force in tensile steel = 15142 𝑥 = 6583 𝑘𝑁
1.15

Total 4767 + 1816 − 6583 = 0

Taking moment about top of beam.
1816 𝑥 50 + 4767𝑥 0.416 𝑥 586 − 6583 𝑥 950 = −5000 𝑘𝑁
Net force on the section is zero and moment of resistance and
applied moment is matching. Hence the solution is in order.
51
D. Design of T beam:
Design procedure is same as explained before. However
clause no. 8.2.1 (3) of the code has to be taken care. As per this
clause if an element is fully under compressive stress, the
mean strain should be limited to 𝜀𝑐2 only. This means the
outer fiber cannot be subjected to a strain of 𝜀𝑐𝑢3 𝑜𝑟 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 .This
case will occur when neutral axis lies outside the flange and
the flange is under compressive stress only. In case where the
neutral axis lies with in flange the clause will not be
applicable, as the extreme fibers of the flanges will have
tensile and compressive stresses.
Example 7: Design of a tee beam having following
dimensions:
Design the beam using the parabolic – rectangular stress
block.

52
M = 7000 knm, Cover 50mm, Concrete M45 grade, Fe = 500

Fig: 8 Cross Section of Tee Beam

53
Step 1: Assume 3 layers of reinforcement:
28
Effective d = 1400 − 50 − 28 − 28 − = 1280𝑚𝑚
2

Step 2: Assume NA axis to lie in the flange to calculate the

lever arm for the first trial.
7000 𝑥 106
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = = 13452.6𝑚𝑚2 = 135𝑐𝑚2
434.78 𝑥 1280−0.416 𝑥 200

Step 3: The above steel works out to 21.92 bars of 28 𝜑.

Provide slightly extra steel to compensate the reduction in

lever arm as NA axis will come down and the NA axis will
lie in the web.
Provide 8 𝑥 3 ∶ 24 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 28 𝜑. Area = 6.157 𝑥 24 =
14778 𝑚𝑚2

54
 .0035
Step 4: Strain in steel = 1200 − 176 = .01792 >
200
.00217 in 1st layer of steel.
Steel will yield and the force in the steel = 14778 x 434.78 =
6425 kN
Step 5: Use rectangular compression stress block to fix the
position of neutral axis. Let x be the depth of neutral axis
from top.
𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 0.4466 𝑥 45 = 20.097 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 10−3 20.097 𝑥 1500 𝑥 200 +

55
 .0035
Step 6: Steel strain in the first layer of steel = (1115 −
285

56
Fig: 9 Cross Section, Strain and Stress Diagram

57
 .002
Distance of Start of parabola = 𝑥289 = 165.14 ≅
.0035
165𝑚𝑚.
Rectangular portion of stress block in flange = 289-165 =
124mm.
Parabolic stress block in flange = 200-124 = 76mm.
Stress at bottom of flange =
762
20.097 − 20.097 𝑥 2 = 15.83 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
165
2
Average stress in parabolic portion =15.83 + (20.097 −
3

1) Force in flange due to rectangular stress block

1500 x 124 x 20.097 x 10−3 = 3738 𝑘𝑁
2) Force in flange due to parabolic portion of stress block
18.67 𝑥 1500 𝑥 76 𝑥 10−3 = 2128 𝑘𝑁
58
 2
3) Force in the web = 𝑥 20.097 𝑥 165 𝑥 700 −
3

1. CG of force in flange, from top for rectangular stress block

124
= = 62𝑚𝑚
2
2. CG of force in flange from top of parabolic = 124 +
3
𝑥 76 = 152.5𝑚𝑚.
8
3 3
1547 𝑥8𝑥 165−993 𝑥 8𝑥 76
3. For the remaining portion =
554
121.69 𝑚
From top 124 + 121.69 = 245.69mm
Moment = 3738 𝑥 62 + 2128 𝑥 152.5 + 554 𝑥 245.69 −
59
Hence it is in order.
Now we need to check as per clause 8.1(3). As the flange is
having only compressive strain, the top fiber of flange can
not be subjected to strain of .0035 𝜀𝑐𝑢2 ]. The strain at the
extreme fiber will be limited to such a value so that at 3 7 ℎ
the strain will be .002. The effect of this limitation is
explained as follows.

60
Fig: 10 Limited Strain Diagram
It can be seen from the figure that when the strain in
limited, the NA axis has to go down to compensate the loss
of stress block area.
The position of NA axis can be got only by trial and error.
Earlier in the parabolic stress block, the depth of neutral
axis has been worked out as 289mm. Increase the depth of
neutral axis to 316mm for 1sttrial.

The strain in outer fiber has to be limited as the flange will

.002
have compressive strain only. At 1 − ℎ from top of
.0035
the flange the strain has to be .002.
The distance will work out to 0.4285 x 200 = 85.7mm.

61
Fig: 11 Adjusted Stress Diagram

62
 .002
The outer fiber strain 𝑥 316 = .00274 < .0035. the
230.3
bottom of flange will have strain = .002/239.3 x 116 = .001.
The strain at the highly compressed face will be .0035 – 0.75
times the strain in the least compressive face. Checking this
strain it will work out .0035 – 0.75 x .001 = .00275, which
agrees with the above value.
Stress at Top = 20.097 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
114.3 2
Stress at bottom of flange 20.097 − 20.097 𝑥 =
230.3
15.15 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Average stress = 2/3 (20.097 – 15.15) + 15.15 = 18.45 𝑁 𝑚𝑚2
Force due to rectangular block stress diagram in flange.
−3 85.7
= 20.097 𝑥 1500 𝑥 85.7 𝑥 10 = 2583 𝑘𝑁 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 =
2
42.85𝑚𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝑜𝑝.

63
Force in the flange due to parabolic stress diagram
18.45 𝑥 1500 𝑥 114.3 𝑥 10−3 = 3163 𝑘𝑁
Acting at = 85.7 + 3/8 x 114.3 = 128.56mm.
2
Force in the web: x 20.097 x 230.3 x 700 −
3

64
Compares well with earlier parabolic rectangular stress
block results. Without strain reduction the moment
resistance capacity was -7172 kNm.
As the variation is very small this procedure can be safely
dropped and without strain reduction the analysis can be
carried out.
Alternate solution using rectangular stress block instead of
parabolic-rectangular stress block.
The NA axis arrived at step 5 is = 285mm
The depth of stress blocks is 0.8 x 285 = 228mm.
Steel is yielding
Force in steel = 6425 kN,
Compressive force in flange and web
−3
= 10 1500 𝑥 200 𝑥 20.097 + 28 𝑥 700 𝑥 20.097]
= 6029 + 393.3 = 6423kN ≅ 6425kN (Tensile force)
65
Moment = from top (6029 𝑥 100 + 393.3 𝑥 214 −

66
Using the equivalent average stress concept instead of
parabolic rectangular stress block makes the designer’s life
easier. It can be seen that the using the sloping branch of
stress strain diagram of steel does give only slight increase
in moment. Hence this method need not be carried out.
Similarly compressive strain restriction in Tee beam need
not be done and simple use of rectangular stress block is
adequate and recommended. One of the methods of
popularizing the code is presenting papers by the
committee members and organizing workshops by
organization such as IRC, IABSE and ICI etc. It is expected
that the Engineers will go through this article and follow
the principles and the worked out examples in their design
office.

67
6.0 REFERENCES:
Code of practice for concrete bridge IRC 112-2011
Designers Guide to EN-1992-2 by C.R. Hendy and D.
A. Smith.
Designers Guide to EN-1992-1-1 and EN-1992-1-2 by
R. S. Narayanan and A. Beeby.

68
69