Flexural Analysis and Design

of RC Beam (USD Method)

Dr. Debasish Sen

Assistant Professor

Department of Civil Engineering

Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology

Concrete under compression and tension 2

Under compression

Relatively
o Consists of a elastic branch, then begin to curve to horizontal (at
brittle
compressive strength, fc’) and finally a descending branch

o Modulus of elasticity, Ec = 57000 √ fc’ (psi)

o Strain at peak strength falls within a range of 0.002 ~ 0.003

o Concrete of lower strength are less brittle i.e. fracture at a larger

maximum strain, than high strength concretes

Under tension

o Modulus of rupture = 7.5√ fc’ (psi)

Reinforcing Steel 3

#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Deformed bar #
#
#
#

Source: Nilson 14th Edition

Source: Buckner 2nd Edition

Behviour of steel under tension 4

o Low strength steel (Grade 40: 40ksi ) shows a

elastic region followed by a yield plateau i.e.
horizontal branch where strain increases with
constant stress, then strain hardening occurs.
95
Then, the curve flatten out after reaching tensile
strength 75

o In case if high strength steel (Grade 60: 60 ksi or

higher), yield plateau is either very short or strain
hardening starts immediately after yielding.

o Modulus of elasticity, Es =29000 ksi

Strain (0.2% at
yield stress)
RC building components 5

Shear wall

Loads

Slab

Beam

Column

Foundation

Source: Everard and Tanner 1966 pp 22

Behaviour of RC Beam with increasing load 6

At low loads: tensile stress < Rupture stress (= 7.5√ fc’ )

o Stress and strain distribution are linear

o Entire concrete is effective in resisting stress in both tension and
compression.

At cracking loads: tensile stress = Rupture stress (= 7.5√ fc’ )

o Hairline tension cracks at bottom form (cracks are not

objectionable in terms of corrosion and appearance)
o Concrete does not transmit any tensile stress
o Steel comes in action to take tension.
o Stress and strain continue to be closely proportional i.e. linear
Behaviour of RC Beam with increasing load 7

At further increased loads:

o Stress is no longer proportional to strain i.e. distribution is non-

linear
o Finally, the ultimate capacity is reached
o The failure depends on the reinforcement provided in beam

Behaviour of RC Beam with increasing load 8

Ultimate
moment

USD

What would be
the capacity of
WSD the beam?

Method of design
• Ultimate Strength Design (USD)
• Working Stress Design (WSD)

Source: https://mocivilengineering.com/reinforced-concrete- Source: Subramanian N 2013 pp: (pdf 158)

beam-behavior-under-load/
Design considerations 9

Working Stress Design (WSD) Method Design Load = Service load

= Dead Load + Live Load
1. Working Stress Design method is defined as the method of design
Allowable concrete strength, fc = 0.45 fc’
structural members by considering the allowable strength of steel
and concrete is called WSD Method Allowable steel strength, fs = 0.4 fy

2. It’s based on the linear theory or elastic theory i.e. concrete and
steel are considered to be stressed well below the elastic limit under f c'
design load.
0.45 fc'
3. Factor of safety is provided by reducing material strength only Allowable
stress Concrete
4. Stress distribution is considered to be linear i.e. designing for elastic
behavior of material

5. Less economical design method fy

0.4 fy
Allowable
stress Steel

Design considerations 10

Ultimate Stress Design (USD) Method Design Load = Factored load

= 1.2* Dead Load + 1.6* Live Load
1. Ultimate Stress Design method is defined as the method of design
structural members by considering the ultimate strength of Concrete strength = fc’

member is called USD Method. Steel strength = fy

2. Concrete and steel are considered to be stressed at ultimate

strength and yield strength, respectively Considered strength
f c'
3. Factor of safety is provided by increasing loads and also by
reducing nominal capacity of member.
Concrete
4. Stress distribution is non-linear i.e. designing to plastic behavior
of materials
5. Economical design method.
fy
Considered
Idealized behavior
strength
of steel
Steel
Concrete cover and effective depth of RC beam 11

ACI 318: Minimum cover Requirement Effective depth of RC beam

H Effective depth,
d=H-c

Cover, c
As

𝐴
𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜, 𝜌
𝑏𝑑

Ultimate Stress Design (USD)

12
Safety Provisions of the ACI Code 13

o The safety provisions of the ACI Code is provided using strength reduction factors and load factors.
o These factors are based to some extent on statistical information but to a larger degree on experience,
engineering judgment, and compromise.
o Design strength ϕSn of a structure or member must be at least equal to the required strength U calculated
from the factored loads.

Capacity Demand

Design strength (𝝋𝑺𝒏 ) ≥ required strength (U)

𝜑𝑀 𝑀 For flexural design Φ = Strength reduction factor

Mn/Vn/Pn = Nominal strength/capacity
𝜑𝑉 𝑉 For shear design
Mu/Vu/Pu = Required strength/demand
𝜑𝑃 𝑃 For axial load design under factored loads

Load Factors and Strength Reduction Factors 14

BNBC 2020
(Part VI Section 2.7.3)
Failure modes of reinforced concrete beams (Flexural) 15

1. Balanced failure: A balanced failure will happen when the extreme fibre of concrete in compression crushes and the tensile
steel yields simultaneously under applied bending moment. 𝜺𝒖 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑

From strain compatibility,

ε ε ε
𝑐 𝑑
𝑐 𝑑 𝑐 ε ε

𝑇 𝐴 𝑓
𝒇𝒚
b 𝜺𝒚 𝑬𝒔
Equating forces at tension and compression zone, Stress
Strain
C=T 𝛼𝑓 ε
𝜌
𝑓 ε ε The ratio 𝜌 is called the balanced steel
α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝐴 𝑓
ratio. If 𝜌 𝜌 , the steel will yield first
𝑓 ε
𝜌 0.85𝛽 and then concrete will crush. If 𝜌 𝜌 ,
α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝜌 𝑏𝑑 𝑓 𝑓 ε ε
Note: α=0.85𝛽 , based on equivalent then concrete crush before steel yielding
stress block (will be discussed later)

Failure modes of reinforced concrete beams (Flexural) 16

2. Overreinforced Beam failure:

The beam is overreinforced (ρ > ρb) and when this beam is loaded to
failure, the failure is initiated by the crushing of the concrete (εu=0.003)
followed by the sudden disintegration of the compression zone without
warning, while the strain in the relatively large area of steel has not
reached its yield strain. The failure mode is a sudden, brittle failure,
which the engineer must carefully guard against in design.
3. Under reinforced Beam failure:
Source: Leet and Bernal 1996 (pp85)
The beam is under reinforced (ρ < ρb). The failure is initiated by the
steel (yielding of steel), while the strain on the concrete is less than Over reinforced beam
ultimate strain (εu=0.003). Such beams can continue to carry loads, and • Less deformation
• Sudden brittle failure
are able to show sufficient warning i.e. visible cracks and undergo large
deflections before final collapse occurs; this ductile mode of failure is Under reinforced beam
the only acceptable mode. • Larger deformation
• Ductile failure
Please see this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM8xoCd0Tz8
Failure modes of reinforced concrete beams (Flexural) 17

Tension failure, (ρ < ρb: fs = fy , εs > εy and εu = 0.003)

If the steel content of the section is small, the steel will reach
the yield strength fy before the concrete reaches its maximum
capacity. The steel force remains constant at Asfy with further
loading. A slight additional load causes large plastic elongation
of the strain across the flexural cracks, resulting in wide
cracking and a large increase in the strain at the extreme
compression fiber of the concrete.

Compression failure (ρ > ρb: fs < fy , εs < εy and εu = 0.003)

If the steel content of the section is large, the concrete may reach Source: Park and Paulay 1975 pp 62~66
its maximum capacity before the steel yields. The flexural strength
of the section is reached when the strain in the extreme
compression fiber of the concrete is approximately 0.003.

Nominal Moment Capacity (Tension Failure) 18

A zone
near to fail

First crack
As

Stress Strain
o Represent the distribution of internal stresses and strains when the beam is about to fail where stresses are no longer
proportional to strains.
o One desires a method to calculate that moment Mn (nominal moment) at which the beam will fail either by tension yielding of
the steel or by crushing of the concrete in the outer compression fiber.
o For tension failure (under reinforced), the criterion is that the steel stress equal the yield point, fs = fy
o For compression failure (over-reinforced), conservatively it is assumed that strains of 0.003 (εu) immediately preceding
failure.
Nominal Moment Capacity (Tension Failure) 19

𝜺𝒖 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑
For tension failure, (ρ < ρb: fs = fy , εs > εy and εu = 0.003)

From equilibrium,

C=T α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝐴 𝑓
𝐴 𝑓 ρ𝑏𝑑𝑓
𝑐 𝑐
α𝑓 𝑏 α𝑓 𝑏
𝒇𝒚
𝜺𝒚 𝑬𝒔
Nominal moment, Stress Strain
𝑀 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝛽𝑐 If the steel content of the section is small. the steel will
reach the yield strength fy before the concrete reaches its
ρ𝑏𝑑𝑓
𝑀 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝛽 maximum capacity. The steel force remains constant at
α𝑓 𝑏 Asfy with further loading. A slight additional load causes
𝛽 ρ𝑑𝑓 large plastic elongation of the strain across the flexural
𝑀 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝑥 cracks, resulting in wide cracking and a large increase
α 𝑓 in the strain at the extreme compression fiber of the
ρ𝑑𝑓 concrete.
𝑀 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 0.59 Capacity based on
𝑓 steel yielding Source: Park and Paulay 1975 pp 62

Nominal Moment Capacity (Compression failure) 20

𝜺𝒖 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑
For compression failure (ρ > ρb: fs < fy , εs < εy and εu = 0.003 )
From strain compatibility,

ε ε 𝑓 𝜀𝐸
𝑑 𝑐 𝑐
𝑑 𝑐 𝑑 𝑐
ε ε 𝒇𝒔 ε 𝐸
𝑐 𝑐 𝜺𝒔 𝜺𝒚
Stress Strain
From equilibrium,
If the steel content of the section is large, the concrete
C=T α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝐴 𝒇𝒔 may reach its maximum capacity before the steel yields.
A quadric equation: The flexural strength of the section is reached when the
𝑑 𝑐 need to be solved to strain in the extreme compression fiber of the concrete
α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝐴 ε 𝐸 is approximately 0.003.
𝑐 calculate compressive
Nominal moment, zone depth c. Source: Park and Paulay 1975 pp 64

𝑀 α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝑑 𝛽𝑐 Capacity based on
concrete crushing
Design of Tension-Reinforced Rectangular Beams 21

Condition 1:
Total compression force C must be the same in
the equivalent rectangular as in the actual stress
distribution.
𝑐
α𝑓 𝑏𝑐 γ𝑓 𝑎𝑏 γ α
𝑎
α
γ [𝑎 𝛽 𝑐]
𝛽
Condition 2:
The force C be located at the same distance βc
from the top fiber as in the actual distribution.
𝑎
𝛽𝑐
2
Actual Stress Distribution Whitney Stress Block
𝛽𝑐
𝛽𝑐
2
𝛽 2𝛽

Design of Tension-Reinforced Rectangular Beams 22

o γ is essentially independent of fc′ and can be taken as 0.85 throughout.

𝐶 0.85𝑓 𝑎𝑏

o β1 shall be reduced linearly at a rate of 0.05 for each 1000 psi of strength in excess of 4000 psi

𝑓 4000
𝛽 0.85 0.05 0.65 𝛽 0.85
1000
Design of Tension-Reinforced Rectangular Beams 23

For tension failure, (ρ < ρb: fs = fy and εu = 0.003)

From equilibrium,

C=T 0.85𝑓 𝑎𝑏 𝐴 𝑓
𝐴 𝑓
𝑎
0.85𝑓 𝑏
Nominal moment,
𝑎
𝑀 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑
2
Design moment,
𝑀 𝜑𝑀
𝑎
𝑀 𝝋𝐴 𝑓 𝑑
2

Design of Tension-Reinforced Rectangular Beams 24

For tension failure, (ρ < ρb: fs = fy and εu = 0.003) Compression Flexural

members e.g. members
Columns e.g. Beams

Φ = 0.9

Ensured
large steel
Φ = 0.75
strain (εt)

(Tied)
Design moment,
0.25
𝑀 𝜑𝑀 Φ = 0.65 φ 0.65
0.005 ε
ε ε
𝑎
𝑀 𝝋𝐴 𝑓 𝑑
2 Small steel Large steel strain
Strength reduction factor, φ=0.9: strain (εt < εy) (εt > 0.005)
Need to ensure tensile strain (εt )
greater than 0.005 Variation of φ with net tensile strain in the steel

Source: Nilson 14th Ed. pp: 94

Design of Tension-Reinforced Rectangular Beams 25

Maximum reinforcement ratio (ρmax)

o To ensure truly under-reinforced behavior, ACI Code establishes a minimum net tensile strain εt at nominal
member strength of 0.005
o From strain compatibility,

ε ε ε
𝑐 𝑑
𝑐 𝑑 𝑐 ε ε
ε = 0.005
o From equilibrium,

C=T 0.85𝑓 𝑎𝑏 𝐴 𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝛽 𝑐 𝑏 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓

𝑓 ε ε = 0.003
𝜌 0.85𝛽
𝑓 ε 0.005

Design of Tension-Reinforced Rectangular Beams 26

Minimum reinforcement (As,min)

o If the flexural strength of the cracked section (Mu) is less than the moment (Mcrack) that produced cracking
of the previously un-cracked section, the beam will fail immediately and without warning of distress upon
formation of the first flexural crack. To ensure against this type of failure, a lower limit can be established
for the reinforcement ratio by equating the cracking moment, computed from the concrete modulus of
rupture (Section 2.9), to the strength of the cracked section
o The ACI Code requirements for minimum steel area

3 𝑓 200𝑏 𝑑
𝐴 , 𝑏 𝑑
𝑓 𝑓
fc‘, fy : In psi
3 𝑓 200
ρ ,
𝑓 𝑓
Range of reinforcement ratio for design 27

φ=0.9 φ=0.65
Strength
reduction factor

εt>0.005 εt=0.005 εt=εy (=fy/E) (Tied)

Strain at
tension steel
Accepted
reinforcement ratio
3 𝑓 200
ρ
𝑓 𝑓
Reinforcement
ρmin ρmax ρb ratio
𝑓 ε
𝜌 0.85𝛽
𝑓 ε ε

𝑓 ε
𝜌 0.85𝛽
Under reinforced beam Over reinforced 𝑓 ε 0.005
beam

Doubly Reinforced Beam (USD)

28
Doubly Reinforced RC Beam 29

o If a beam cross section is limited because of architectural or other considerations, it may happen that the concrete cannot
develop the compression force required to resist the given bending moment. In this case, reinforcement is added in the
compression zone, resulting in a doubly reinforced beam, that is, one with compression as well as tension reinforcement.
o The use of compression reinforcement has decreased markedly with the use of strength design methods, which account
for the full-strength potential of the concrete on the compressive side of the neutral axis. However, there are situations in
which compressive reinforcement is used for reasons other than strength.
 It has been found that the inclusion of some compression steel will reduce the long-term deflections of members.
 In addition, in some cases, bars will be placed in the compression zone for minimum moment loading or as stirrup
support bars continuous throughout the beam span.
o It may be desirable to account for the presence of such reinforcement in flexural design, although in many cases it is
neglected in flexural calculations.

Source: Nilson 15th Ed. pp: 109

Failure Mechanism of Doubly Reinforced RC Beam 30

1. Tension and compression steel both

at yield stress

2. Compression steel below yield stress

Source: Hassoun and Al-Manaseer 2020 7th Ed. pp: 99

3. Tensile steel below the yield stress
 All doubly reinforced beams designed according to the ACI Code must be under-reinforced, in the sense that
the tensile reinforcement ratio is limited to ensure yielding at beam failure.
 Therefore this case is unusual, and in fact, it would be difficult to place sufficient tension reinforcement to
create such conditions, but it is possible.
Source: Nilson 15th Ed. pp: 118
Tension and compression steel both at yield Stress 31

𝐶 0.85𝑓 𝑎𝑏

εs‘ ≥ εy Mn,1 Mn,2

εs ≥ εy

By compression steel and part of tensile steel Compression stress block depth
𝑴𝒏,𝟏 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝑑
𝐴 𝐴 𝑓
𝑎
By compression concrete and part of tensile steel 0.85𝑓 𝑏
𝑴𝒏,𝟐 𝐴 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑

Total moment capacity

𝑴𝒏 𝑴𝒏,𝟏 𝑴𝒏,𝟐 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝑑 𝐴 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑

Compression steel below yield stress 32

From strain compatibility,

𝑨𝒔 𝒇𝒔
𝑐 ε 𝑐 𝑑
ε ε
𝑐 𝑑 ε 𝑐
εs‘ < εy

Stress at top steel,

𝑐 𝑑
𝑓 𝐸ε ε 𝐸 ≤ fy
𝑐 εs ≥ εy

Equilibrium equation,
𝑐 𝑑
𝐴 𝑓 0.85𝛽 𝑓 𝑏𝑐 𝐴 ε 𝐸 This is a quadratic equation in c, the only
𝑐 unknown, and is easily solved for c.

Nominal flexural strength

𝑎
𝑴𝒏 0.85𝑓 𝑎𝑏 𝑑 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝑑
2
Limiting reinforcement ratio 33

o To ensure yielding of compression steel at failure

From strain compatibility,

εy
𝑐 ε ε
𝑐 𝑑
𝑐 𝑑 ε ε ε

At equilibrium,
𝐴 𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏𝑎 𝐴 𝑓 εy

ρ 𝑏𝑑𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝛽 𝑐 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓 εu=0.003

ε 𝜀 𝜀
ρ 𝑏𝑑𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝛽 𝑑 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓
ε ε 𝜀 𝜀
ρ ρ
𝑓 𝑑 ε
ρ 0.85𝛽 ρ Minimum tensile reinforcement ρ ρ
𝑓 𝑑ε ε
ratio ρcy that will ensure 𝜀 𝜀
yielding of the compression
steel at failure. 𝜀 𝜀

Limiting reinforcement ratio 34

o Balanced condition

From strain compatibility,

𝑐 ε ε
𝑐 𝑑
𝑑 𝑐 ε ε ε
εy
𝑐 ε 𝑐 𝑑 𝑑
ε ε ε ε ε ε
𝑐 𝑑 ε 𝑐 𝑑
At equilibrium,
Stress at top steel,
𝐴 𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏𝑎 𝐴 𝑓
𝑑
𝑓 ε 𝐸 𝐸 ε ε ε 𝑓
𝑑 ρ 𝑏𝑑𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝛽 𝑐 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓
ε
ρ 𝑏𝑑𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝛽 𝑑 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓
ε ε
𝑓
ρ ρ ρ
𝑓
Limiting reinforcement ratio 35

o To ensure tension steel strain of 0.005

From strain compatibility,

𝑐 ε ε
𝑐 𝑑
𝑑 𝑐 0.005 ε 0.005
εs=0.005
𝑐 ε 𝑐 𝑑 𝑑
ε ε ε ε ε 0.005
𝑐 𝑑 ε 𝑐 𝑑
At equilibrium,
Stress at top steel,
𝐴 𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏𝑎 𝐴 𝑓
𝑑
𝑓 ε 𝐸 𝐸 ε ε 0.005 𝑓
𝑑 ρ 𝑏𝑑𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝛽 𝑐 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓
ε
ρ 𝑏𝑑𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝛽 𝑑 𝜌 𝑏𝑑𝑓
ε 0.005
𝑓
ρ ρ ρ
𝑓

Range of reinforcement ratio for design 36

φ=0.9 φ=0.65
Strength
reduction factor

εs’=εy εs’ >εy

Strain at
compression steel
(Tied)
εt>0.005 εt=0.005 εt=εy (=fy/E)
Strain at
tension steel
Ten. Ten. & comp.
steel yields steel yields 3 𝑓 200
ρ
𝑓 𝑓
𝑓 𝑑 ε
Reinforcement ρ 0.85𝛽 ρ
ratio 𝑓 𝑑ε ε
ρmin 𝝆cy 𝝆max 𝝆b
ρ 0.85𝛽 +ρ

Under reinforced beam ρ 0.85𝛽 +ρ

Over reinforced beam .
 T-Beam (USD)

37

Effective width of T-Beams 38

bf

t
Over hanging portion

bw

Effective width, 𝑏 min 𝑏 16𝑡, , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 𝑆 )

Source: Nadim Hossoun pp 111
c/c distance

The criteria for effective width bf given in ACI Code can be summarized as follows:
o For T beams with flanges on both sides of the web, the effective width of the beam shall not exceed one-fourth of the
beam clear span (ℓn/4).

o The overhanging slab width on either side of the beam web 8 times the thickness of the slab (8t), or go beyond one-half
the clear distance to the next beam (sw/2) .
Effective width of L -Beams: 39

bf
t
t

Over hanging portion

Sw bw

Effective width, 𝑏 min 𝑏 6𝑡, 𝑏 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 )

Source: M L Ghambir pp 13

The criteria for effective width bf given in ACI Code 8.10 can be summarized as follows:

o For beams having a slab on one side only, the overhanging slab width on either side of the beam web shall not exceed
one-twelfth of the beam clear span (ℓn/12), 6 times the thickness of the slab (6t), or go beyond one-half the clear distance
to the next beam (sw/2) .

Effective width of Isolated T-Beams 40

The criteria for effective width bf given in ACI Code 8.10 can be bf ≤ 4bw

summarized as follows: t ≥ bw/2

o For isolated beams in which the flange is used only for the
purpose of providing additional compressive area, the flange
bw
thickness shall not be less than one-half the width of the web
(bw /2), and the total flange width shall not be more than 4 Special case: Isolated T-beam
times the web width (4bw).
T-beam 41

o For trial purposes the stress block is assumed to be completely within the flange

𝐴 𝑓
𝑎
0.85𝑓 𝑏

o If a is less than or equal to the flange thickness hf , the member may be treated as a rectangular beam of width bf
and depth d.
o If a is greater than hf , a T-beam analysis is required

Source: Nilson 15th Ed. pp: 120

T-beam Failure Mechanism 42

εy

o Strength of the T beam is controlled by yielding of the tensile steel. This will nearly always be the

case because of the large compressive concrete area provided by the flange. In addition, an upper

limit can be established for the reinforcement ratio to ensure that this is so.

Source: Nilson 15th Ed. pp: 120

T-beam Analysis 43

o Strength of the T beam is controlled by yielding of the tensile steel. This will nearly always be the case because of the large
compressive concrete area provided by the flange. In addition, an upper limit can be established for the reinforcement ratio
to ensure that this is so.

hf/2
C1=0.85fc’(bf-bw)hf C2=0.85fcbwa

= Mn,1 + Mn,2

T2=(As-Asf)fy
T1=Asffy

0.85𝑓 𝑏 𝑏 ℎ 𝐴 𝐴 𝑓
𝑴𝒏 𝑴𝒏,𝟏 𝑴𝒏,𝟐 𝐴 𝑎
𝑓 0.85𝑓 𝑏
ℎ 𝑎 𝑎
𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝐴 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 ℎ 𝑀 , 𝐴 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑
2 2 2
𝑀 , 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑
2

Source: Nilson 15th Ed. pp: 120

Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement ratio 44

Minimum
• The ACI Code restriction that the tensile reinforcement ratio for beams not be less than ρ min = 3√f c′/f y and ≥ 200/f y

3 𝑓 200
ρ ,
𝑓 𝑓
Maximum
• The practical result of applying the following equation is that the stress block of T beams will almost always be within
the flange, except for unusual geometry or combinations of material strength. Consequently, rectangular beam
equations may be applied in most cases.
𝐴 , ρ . 𝑏 𝑑 𝐴
ρ , ρ . 𝜌
𝐴, 𝐴
ρ .
𝑏 𝑑 𝑏 𝑑
• ρ . 0.85𝛽
.
ρ , ρ . 𝜌
• ρ
ρ , 𝜌 ρ .
• ρ
ρ ρ .
Range of reinforcement ratio for design 45

φ=0.9 φ=0.65
Strength
reduction factor

εt>0.005 εt=0.005 εt=εy (=fy/E) (Tied)

Strain at
tension steel
Accepted
reinforcement ratio
3 𝑓 200
ρ
𝑓 𝑓
Reinforcement
ρmin ρs,max ρb ratio
𝜌 0.85𝛽 +

ρ , 0.85𝛽 +
.
Under reinforced beam Over reinforced
beam

Code Provision of RC beam Design 46

o Clear span for the member (ln) shall not be less than
four times its effective depth (4d).

o The width (b) to depth (h) ratio shall be at least 0.3.

o The width (b) shall not be less than 250 mm [10-in]

and more than the width of the supporting member

(measured on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal

axis of the flexural member) plus distances on each

side of the supporting member neither exceeding

three-fourths of the depth of the flexural member c1

nor width of supporting member c2.

Source: BNBC 2020 Section 8.3.4.1
Code Provision of RC beam Design 47

o The following minimum concrete cover may be provided for reinforcement for concrete
surfaces not exposed to weather or in contact with ground [BNBC 2020 Section 8.1.7.2] b
• 40 mm or 1.5” for beams and columns
• 20 mm or 3/4” for slabs and walls d

o The minimum clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer shall be equal to one bar Cover

diameter (db), but not less than 25 mm, or 1.33 times of maximum nominal size of
Clear spacing
coarse aggregate, whichever is larger. [BNBC 2020 Section 8.1.6]

o Where parallel reinforcement is placed in two or more layers, bars in the upper layers shall be placed directly
above those in the bottom layer with clear distance between layers not less than 25 mm. [BNBC 2020 Section 8.1.6]

o Mixed reinforcement diameter should be comparable, preferably not more than two sizes (e.g., not #6 with #10)

Code Provision of RC beam Design 48

Source: Nilson 15th Edition