Dept. of Eng. -DMU.

Debre Markos University

Chapter 2: Limit state design of beams for flexure
 General data on concrete and steel
 Design preliminaries
 Singly reinforced beams
 Doubly reinforced beams
 T and L beams

General data on concrete and steel

(As per EBCS 2 – with some explanations)
Classification of concrete works
Concrete works are classified as either Class I or II depending on the quality of workmanship and the
competence of the supervisors directing the works.
Works carried out under the direction of appropriately qualified supervisors ensuring the attainment of
level of quality control as per EBCS 2 (chapter 9) are classified as Class I works.
Works with a lower level of quality control are classified as Class II works. Class II works are
permissible only for single story structures.
Characteristic compressive strength of concrete
The compressive strength of a concrete member at one location may vary from that at another location in
the same member, due to many reasons like differences in extent of compaction, time of placement, batch
of concrete etc. Likewise, the strength of different specimens can also vary from one another. In order to
assess the strength of one particular mix proportion of concrete, EBCS 2 specifies the use of characteristic
compressive strength values. Characteristic compressive strength of concrete is defined as that strength
below which 5% of all possible strength measurements may be expected to fall. It means that the
characteristic strength has 95% reliability or there is only 5% probability of actual strength being less than
the characteristic strength. Thus concrete is graded in terms of its characteristic compressive cube
strength.
Table 2.1 of EBCS 2 gives the permissible grades of concrete for the two classes of concrete works as
shown below. The numbers in the grade designation denote the specified characteristic compressive
strength in MPa. Table 2.1. Permissible grades of concrete
Class Permissible Grades of Concrete
I C5 C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
II C5 C15 C20
Grade C5 shall be used only as lean concrete

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Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
As per EBCS 2, compressive strength of concrete is determined from tests on 150 mm cubes at the age of
28 days in accordance with Ethiopian Standards. Cylindrical or cubical specimens of other sizes may also
be used with conversion factors determined from a comprehensive series of tests. In the absence of such
tests, the conversion factors given in Table 2.2 (of EBCS 2) may be applied to obtain the equivalent
characteristic strength on the basis of 150 mm cubes.
Table 2.2 Conversion factors for strength
Size and type of test specimen Conversion factor
Cube (200 mm) 1.05
Cylinder (150 mm diameter, 300 mm height) 1.25

In table 2.3 the characteristic cylinder compressive strength fck are given for the different grades of
concrete. Table 2.3 Characteristic cylinder compressive strength of concrete
Grades of concrete C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
fck 12 16 20 24 32 40 48

Characteristic tensile strength (fctk)

The characteristic tensile strength refers to the axial tensile strength as determined by tests in accordance
with standards issued or approved by Ethiopian Standards.
In the absence of more accurate data, the characteristic tensile strength may also be determined from the
characteristic cylinder compressive strength according to the following equations.
fctk = 0.7 fctm, where fctm is the mean value given by fctm = 0.3 fck2/3
The corresponding values of fctk and fctm for different grades of concrete are given in the table 2.4.
Table 2.4 Grades of concrete and values of fctk and f ctm
Grades of concrete C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
fctm 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
fctk 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 2.1 2.5 2.8

Modulus of Elasticity
In the absence of more accurate data, or in cases where great accuracy is not required, an estimate of the
mean value of the secant modulus Ecm can be obtained from Table 2.5 for a given concrete grade.

Table 2.5 Values of the secant modulus of elasticity Ecm in GPa

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Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Grades of concrete C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
Ecm 26 27 29 32 35 37 39

The values given in table 2.5 are based on the following equation:
Ecm = 9.5 (fck + 8)1/3
Poisson’s Ratio
Any value between 0 and 0.2 can be adopted for Poisson’s ratio.
Characteristic strength of reinforcing steel
The characteristic strength fyk is defined as the 5% fractile of the proof stress fy or 0.2% offset strength,
denoted as f0.2.
If the steel supplier guarantees a minimum value for fy or f0.2 , that value may be taken as the characteristic
strength.
(In Ethiopian Iron and Steel Factory, Akaki, deformed bars and round bars of yield strength fy = 420 MPa
are being produced. Diameters: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 20mm, 24mm, 30mm, 32mm. Round
bars of 6mm dia are also produced)

Total length to total kg conversion factor formula = (0.222/36)d2
Classification of reinforcing steel
Reinforcing steel shall be classified according to:
(a) Grade, denoting the value of the specified characteristic yield stress fyk in MPa
(b) Class, indicating the ductility characteristics
(c) Size
(d) Surface characteristics
(e) Weldability

In EBCS 2, two classes of ductility are defined. Class A refers to high ductility with εuk > 5% and with

value of (ft / fy)k > 1.08 and Class B refers to normal ductility with εuk > 2.5% and with value of (ft / fy)k >

1.05, where, εuk denotes the characteristic value of the elongation at maximum load,

ftk = Characteristic tensile strength of reinforcement

fyk = Characteristic yield strength of reinforcement
Two shapes of surface characteristics are defined: (a) Ribbed bars, resulting in high bond action, (b) Plain,
smooth bars (round bars), resulting in low bond action.
Physical properties of reinforcing steel
(a) Density 7850 kg/m3
(b) Coefficient of thermal expansion 10 x 10-6 per ◦C

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

Design preliminaries
In the reinforced concrete design, the strength of a given mix of concrete and the imposed load that is
likely to act over a specified area cannot be provided with certainty unless actual measurements at an
instant are made. Such variables are referred to as random variables in the theory of probability. The
behavior of a random variable can be characterized by probability distribution of the random variable. In
our case of material strength and imposed load in a structure the uncertainty may be the result of the
combined effect of many causes each difficult to isolate and observe. In such cases the distribution can be
developed for the variable of interest without knowing the distribution of the cause. The normal or
Gaussian probability distribution is most commonly used for this purpose. Limit state design principle
uses this for deriving the characteristic strength of materials and characteristic loads on the structures.
Design strength
Tests to determine the characteristic strengths of concrete and steel reinforcement are carried out on near
perfect specimens, which have been prepared under laboratory conditions. Such conditions will seldom
exist in practice. Therefore it is undesirable to use characteristic strengths to size the members. To take
account of differences between actual and laboratory values, local weaknesses and inaccuracies in
assessment of resistance of section, the characteristic strengths (fck and fyk) are divided by appropriate
partial safety factor for strengths (γm) taken from table 3.1 and 3.2 of EBCS 2. The resulting values are
termed as design strengths.

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
The difference in values for the two materials is indicative of the comparative lack of control over the
production of concrete, the strength of which is affected by such factors as W/C ratio, degree of
compaction, rate of drying etc. which frequently cannot be accurately controlled on site to that of steel
which is produced under strict control conditions in factory.

In the formula for design strength of concrete in compression, the value 0.85 accounts for effect of
duration of loading.
Design loads
The load in a member may be greater than anticipated because of variability of occupancy and because of
unforeseen circumstances which may lead to an increase in the general level of loading, errors in analysis,
and errors during construction etc. Therefore, the characteristic loads which are obtained from the
standardized values given in EBCS 1, are expected to be increased by some factor to obtain the design
loads. Such factors are called partial safety factors for actions. In EBCS 2, table 3.3 gives the partial
safety factor values for actions in building structures.

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Having the partial safety factor values and characteristic loads in hand, the designer will have to determine
the particular combination of loading which is likely to produce the most adverse effect on the structure in
terms of bending moments, shear forces and deflections.
Some of the load combinations for ultimate limit state and serviceability limit states with the
corresponding load factors is given below.
Ultimate limit state:
(a) Permanent action (Gk) and only one variable action (Qk)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = 1.3Gk + 1.6Qk
(b) Permanent action (Gk) and two or more variable actions (Qki)

Design (Factored) load = Fd = 1.3Gk + 1.35

(c) Permanent action (Gk), variable action (Qk) and accidental (seismic) action (AE)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = 0.75(1.3Gk + 1.6Qk) + AE
Serviceability limit state:
(a) Permanent action (Gk) and only one variable action (Qk)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = Gk + Qk
(b) Permanent action (Gk) and two or more variable actions (Qki)

Design (Factored) load = Fd =Gk + 0.9

Basis of Ultimate limit state design

Analysis of sections:
The calculation of the ultimate resistance of members for flexure and axial loads shall be basedon the
following assumptions.
(a) Plane sections remain plane
(b) The reinforcement is subjected to the same variations in strain as the adjacent concrete
(c) The tensile strength of the concrete is neglected
(d) The maximum compressive strain in the concrete is taken to be :
0.0035 in bending (simple or compound)
0.002 in axial compression
(e) The maximum tensile strain in the reinforcement is taken to be 0.01
The stress strain relationships to derive expressions for flexural strength of RC members are shown below
as given in EBCS 2.

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

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Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

7.1.4. Spacing of reinforcement

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Analysis of rectangular section for flexure

Simplified rectangular stress block shown in the figure may be used for the analysis

x C
d h d Z = d - 0.4x

Cross section Strain distribution Idealised stress block

T = As fs C = 0.8x b fcd Mu = Tz = Cz

Mu = As fs (d – 0.4x) = 0.8x b fcd (d – 0.4x)

Three types of sections are possible such as under reinforced section, over reinforced section and
balanced section.
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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Traditional definitions

Tension failure: Under-reinforced section

If steel’s design stress fyd is reaching before the concrete reaches its maximum strain εcu = 0.0035 the
failure is tension failure.
From equilibrium, C = T, 0.8x b fcd = As fyd

Ultimate moment of resistance

From the above equation for Mu, expression for steel ratio ρ is deduced:

Compression failure: Over reinforced section

If As is large, concrete fails under compression prior to steel reaching its design yield value. The section is
over-reinforced.
Strength is based on concrete’s failure fs < fyd. From similar triangles in strain distribution diagram,
; ; fs = εsEs ; ;

From equilibrium, C = T, 0.8x b fcd = As fs ; 0.8x b fcd = As ×

‘x’ could be obtained from the above equation

The moment capacity can be written as, Mu = 0.8x b fcd (d – 0.4x)

Balanced failure: Balanced section

In a balanced failure, steel reaches fyd and concrete reaches a strain of 0.0035 simultaneously.
; xb fyd = d – xb (Es ×0.0035) = dEs(0.0035) – xb Es (0.0035)

xb(0.0035Es + fyd) = 0.0035 Es d;

From equilibrium, C = T, 0.8xb b fcd = As fyd = ρbbd fyd;

Substituting for xb,

If ρ < ρb; x < xb -------The section is under-reinforced.

If ρ >ρb; x > xb -------The section is over-reinforced.

Control over depth of neutral axis

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
To ensure that all beams have the desirable characteristics of visible warning, if failure is sudden as well
as reasonable ductility at failure, it is recommended that depth of neutral axis be limited.
In EBCS 2, article 3.7.9, , where δ = % moment redistribution,
= Moment after redistribution
Original moment
When no moment is redistributed, δ = 1.
In such a case, , or, x = 0.45d
Mu = 0.8x b fcd (d – 0.4x) = 0.8(0.45d) b fcd [d – 0.4(0.45d)]
Mu = 0.2952 fcd b d2.

Eg 1. Determine depth of neutral axis for the section shown in figure. C-20 concrete and steel from
Ethiopian Iron and Steel Factory at Akaki are used.
200mm
Solution: d = 400 mm; b = 200 mm;
For C20, fck = 16 MPa (from table 2.3 of EBCS 2)
400mm
3-20Φ
fcd = = 9.1MPa 3-20Φ

For steel manufactured in Ethiopian Iron and Steel Factory, Akaki,

fyk = 420 MPa, 50mm

fyd =

= = 0.013

= = 0.012

Therefore the section is under reinforced.

For under reinforced section,

Eg 2. In the previous problem, if the reinforcements provided are 4 numbers of 20 mm diameter

rods, find the depth of neutral axis and the moment carrying capacity of the section.

Solution: fcd = 9.1MPa; fyd = 365.22 MPa;

= 0.013 (as determined in the previous problem
= = 0.0157
Therefore the section is over reinforced.

Neutral axis depth can be determined from the equation

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Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

0.6624x2 + 400x – 160000 = 0

x2 + 603.86x – 241545.89 = 0

On solving the above quadratic equation, x = 274.88 mm

Moment capacity = Mu = 0.8x b fcd (d – 0.4x)

= 0.8 * 274.88 * 200 * 9.1* [400 – 0.4(274.88)] * 10-6

= 116.08 kNm

Eg 3. Determine the moment of resistance of the section shown in figure. C25 concrete and steel
having fyk = 415 MPa are used.
250
Solution: d = 310 mm; b = 250 mm;
For C25, fck = 20 MPa (from table 2.3 of EBCS 2)
310mm
fcd = = 11.33 MPa 3-12Φ

For steel fyk = 415 MPa,

fyd =
40mm

= 0.0166
= = 0.0044

Therefore the section is under reinforced.

For under reinforced section,

Moment of resistance Mu = As fyd [d – 0.4x]

= (3 * π * 122/4) * 360.87 * [310 – 0.4(54.03)] * 10-6
= 35.31 kNm

Eg 4. Calculate the area of steel required for a singly reinforced concrete beam 200 mm wide and
400 mm deep to resist an ultimate moment of 60 kNm. Concrete mix C25 and steel having fyk = 500
MPa are used. Consider effective cover as equal to 40 mm.

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Solution: For C25, fck = 20 MPa (from table 2.3 of EBCS 2)
fcd = = 11.33 MPa
For steel fyk = 500 MPa,
fyd =
Effective depth d = overall depth – effective cover
d = 400 – 40 = 360 mm
Depth of neutral axis for a balanced section

Moment of resistance for a balanced section

= 0.8xb b fcd (d – 0.4x)

= 0.8 * 222.07 * 200 * 11.33 * [360 – 0.4(222.07)] * 10-6

= 109.27 kNm
Moment to be resisted = 60 kNm < 109.27 kNm
Therefore the section can be under reinforced.

As = ρbd = 0.006 * 200 * 360 = 432 mm2

Number of 12 mm dia rods =

Provide 4 numbers of 12 mm diameter rods.

Eg 5. A singly reinforced beam of concrete grade C25 has to resist an ultimate moment of 90 kNm.
Determine the limiting depth of the section (based on 0 percent redistribution of moments) and
reinforcement if the percentage reinforcement is 0.9% with a steel grade of f yk = 420 MPa. Consider
b = 250 mm.

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

Solution: For C25, fck = 20 MPa (from table 2.3 of EBCS 2)

fcd = = 11.33 MPa

For steel fyk = 420 MPa,

fyd =

Steel ratio for balanced section

= 0.0163
Percentage reinforcement = 0.9% = (As/bd)*100
ρ required in the design = (As/bd) = 0.9/100 = 0.009
Therefore the section can be under reinforced.
Limiting depth of section for 0% redistribution of moments

mm

Say d = 330 mm
Area of steel required As = ρbd = 0.009 * 250 * 330 = 742.5 mm2

Number of 16 mm dia rods =

Provide 4 numbers of 16 mm diameter rods.

Eg 6. Design a rectangular beam for 4 m effective span which is subjected to a dead load of 15
kN/m and live load of 12 kN/m. Use C25 concrete and steel having fyk = 300 MPa.

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
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Solution: For C25, fck = 20 MPa (from table 2.3 of EBCS 2)
fcd = = 11.33 MPa
For steel fyk = 300 MPa,
fyd =

d= Here, Le = 4 m,

βa = 20 for simply supported beam from table 5.1

d= = 170 mm (very low value)

Assume d = 335 mm and b = 250 mm;

Assuming 20 mm diameter reinforcement,
Overall depth (h) = 335 + 20/2 + 8 + 25 = 378 mm Round off to 380 mm
Self weight of the beam = 0.25 * 0.38 * 25 = 2.375 kN/m
Given dead load = 15 kN/m
Total dead load = 15 + 2.375 = 17.375 kN/m
Given live load = 12 kN/m
Factored load = 1.3Gk + 1.6 Qk
= 1.3(17.375) + 1.6 (12) = 41.79kN/m

Mu =

Depth required for limiting section d =

mm

Consider the effective depth of 320 mm

Overall depth h = 320 + 25 + 20/2 + 8 = 363 mm Round off to 365 mm
Self weight of the beam = 0.25 * 0.365 * 25 = 2.28 kN/m
Given dead load = 15 kN/m
Total dead load = 15 + 2.25 = 17.28 kN/m
Given live load = 12 kN/m
Factored load = 1.3Gk + 1.6 Qk
= 1.3(17.28) + 1.6 (12) = 41.664kN/m

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
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Mu =

Depth required for limiting section d =

mm

Consider the effective depth of 320 mm

Overall depth h = 320 + 25 + 12 + 8 = 365 mm
To find the reinforcement,

As = ρbd = 0.0151 * 250 * 320 = 1208.33 mm2

Number of 12 mm dia rods =

Provide 4 numbers of 20 mm diameter rods.

Spacing required = (4 * 20) + (5 * 25) + (2 * 8) = 221 mm
Space available as b = 250 mm Hence ok
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Simplified procedure of designing beams by allowing moment redistribution
According to EBCS 2 – Part 2 (Design aid to EBCS 2)
We know, for 0% redistribution of moment, δ = 1.
& in such case, Mu = 0.2952 fcd b d2.
Here, in EBCS 2 part 2, the value 0.2952 is given a notation μ*us

Therefore,

If the percentage redistribution is allowed, up to 30%, there can be different values of μ*us for different
percentage of redistribution permitted.
In the above derivation, x = 0.45d is a determination of neutral axis depth for zero percent redistribution
of moments.
Here the value 0.45 is given a notation kx (Neutral axis depth constant)
Similar values of kx can be possible for different values of moment redistribution.
From the preliminary principles,

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

M = T . Z = As fyd z ,

here z is the lever arm between tension and compression forces which can be related to effective depth d
by lever arm constant kz as
z = kz* d
km is a value given in the formulations as follows

km =

ks is another value which is included in the equation for area of steel determination i.e.

Or

Where, ks = 1/kz.fyd
Tabulations are made for the values of km, ks, kx and kz for different values of percentage moment
redistribution, using which the area of steel required can be easily calculated.
Doubly Reinforced sections
d2 εc

Csc
0.8x Cc

d – 0.4x + d – d2
εsc
T2 = As2 fyd
εs T1 = As1 fyd

Mu = M1 + ΔM
M1 = Moment capacity of limiting section where (x = 0.45d)
M1 = 0.2952 bd2 fcd

As1 = ρ1bd;

ΔM = As2 fyd (d – d2) = Asc fsc (d – d2)

As2 = ; Asc = ;

 If εsc > εs; fsc = fyd

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 If εsc < εs; fsc = Es εsc = Es

 If it is a limiting section and if εsc < εs,

fsc = Es εsc = Es

For balanced section, Cc = 0.8x b fcd; Csc = Asc fyd; T = As fyd

For equilibrium, Cc + Csc = T
i.e. 0.8x b fcd + Asc fyd = As fyd; Therefore,

Steel has yielded if

strain in steel >= fyd/Es

or, εsc = 0.0035* >= fyd/Es and εs = 0.0035* >= fyd/Es

If the above conditions hold, Mu = 0.8x.b.fcd (d – 0.4x) + Asc fyd (d – d2)

(x can be determined by the equation above)
If steel does not yield first, Cc = 0.8x b fcd; Csc = Asc fsc; T = A s fs

Then

fsc = Es εsc = Es ; fs = Es εs = Es

In such a case, Mu = 0.8x.b.fcd (d – 0.4x) + Asc fsc (d – d2)

Eg 1. Calculate the moment of resistance of a doubly reinforced beam of rectangular section of size
300mm x 480mm, reinforced with 6 – Φ20mm on tension side and 3 - Φ20mm on compression side. Use
C25 concrete and steel having yield strength fyk of 400 MPa.
Solution: For C25, fck = 20 MPa (from table 2.3 of EBCS 2)
fcd = = 11.33 MPa
For steel fyk = 400 MPa,
fyd =

Assuming that steel yields, =

=120.56mm

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Considering 4 number of rods provided in one row and 2 others provided in another row, the value of
effective cover to tension steel is found as shown.
Effective cover to tension steel = {4(43) + 2(88)}/6 = 58 mm y1 = 25 + 8 + 10 = 43mm
Therefore effective depth d = 480 – 58 = 422 mm
The effective cover to compression steel d2 = 43 mm
y1 y2
εsc = 0.0035* = 0.0035*

= 0.00225 > {εyd = fyd/Es = 0.00174} y2 = 25 + 8 + 20 + 25+ 10 = 88mm

Hence the assumption is correct.
Mu = 0.8x.b.fcd (d – 0.4x) + Asc fyd (d – d2)
= {0.8*120.56*300*11.33*[422 – 0.4(120.56)] + (3*π*202/4)*347.83[422 – 43]}*10-6
= 246.78 kNm
Eg 2. For the same section given in the previous problem, if the compression steel is 4 - Φ20mm,
determine the moment of resistance of the section.

Solution: Assuming that steel yields, =

= 80.37 mm

εsc = 0.0035* = 0.0035* = 0.001627 < {εyd = fyd/Es = 0.00174}

The assumption is not correct.

εs = 0.0035* = 0.0035* > εyd

Therefore, fs can be taken as fyd

For equilibrium, Cc + Csc = T;
i.e. 0.8x b fcd + Asc 0.0035* Es = As fyd;

0.8 * x * 300 * 11.33 + * 0.0035* 2*105 =

On solving, x = 83.737 mm

Mu = 0.8x b fcd(d – 0.4x) + Asc 0.0035* Es *(d - d2)

={0.8(83.737)(300)(11.33)[422-0.4(83.737)]}+ *[0.0035 ]*2*105*(422-43)*10-6

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Mu=240.81KNm
Eg 3. Design a rectangular RC section to resist an ultimate moment 360 kNm . The dimensions of
the beam are limited to b/d = 350mm/500mm for architectural reason. Use C25 concrete and S400
steel grades. Cover to the reinforcement at both side =55mm.
Solution:

fcd= =11.33MPa , fyd= 400/1.15 =347.83MPa

M1=0.2952*350*5002*11.33*10-6 =292.653< 360KNm

The section has to be designed as doubly reinforced.

=2046.65mm2

∆M=360 – 292.65 =67.35KNm

=435.12mm2

No. of 20mm nods= = 7.89 Provide 8 No. of 20mm diameter rods.

x = 0.45d = 0.45(500) = 225 mm

=528.88Mpa. > ffd Use fsc=fyd=347.83Mpa.

Provide 3 No. of 14mm diameter rods.

T-Beams and L- Beams

When beams are monolithically cast with continuous slabs the upper part of the beam will act with part of
the slab to resist longitudinal compression in the beam. The resulting beam cross-section will become “T”
or inverted “L” as shown below. be be

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I

bw bw
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

- The section provides a large concrete cross-section of the flange to resist compressive stresses due
to large positive bending moments.

- The stress distribution varies across the width of the section, but EBCS-2, 1995/Article 3-7-8:
recommends an effective width for uniform stresses.

Effective flange width should be smaller of the following two values

a. For T- beams
1.
2. Actual width of top slab extending between the centers of adjacent spans
b. For L-beams
1.

2. clear distance to adjacent beams

The behavior of T-sections
- The beam may be treated as a rectangular beam of width , if the section is subjected to negative
bending moments.
- There are also two cases when it is subjected to positive bending moment. The neutral axis of the T
beam may fall either in the flange or in the web as it depends on the proportion of the cross-
section, the amount of the tensile steel and strength of the material.
o When the neutral axis lies within the flange it is treated as rectangular beam of width .
o When the neutral axis lies within the web, the section acts as T or inverted L beam,
accordingly, accounting the geometry.

Analysis 1: When the N.A. falls in the flange

When , the beam is designed as a rectangular beam with

be
0.8 x Cc
N A

Ts
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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
bw
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

Analysis 2: When the N.A. falls in the web

When , the beam is to be designed as a T- beam.
For this case, consider the compression area as shown below.

= +

The design moment M is resisted by the overhangs of the flanges and web portion of the section. There
are respective steel areas at the bottom.
i.e. Mu = Muf + Muw
Where Muf is the moment resisted by the flange overhangs and corresponding steel
Muw is the moment resisted by the web section and the corresponding steel

Asw fyd = fcd bw (0.8 x)

The total area of steel at the bottom is given by As = Asf + Asw

Example 1. A beam simply supported over a span of 6m carries a super imposed load of 40kN/m. The
center to center spacing of beams is 3m. Design the mid span section of an intermediate beam as a T-beam
for the following additional data.
Thickness of the slab=120mm, Width of web= 200mm
Total depth of beam=600mm, Concrete grade= C25
Steel grade=S300
Solution:
, ,

= Least of

Therefore,
Dead load of the beam=

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Imposed load=
Total factored load=

Design Moment

Assuming the neutral axis to fall in the flange,

This can be reduced as

On finding the roots,

Or
Taking the reasonable value and comparing it with
. This implies that the neutral axis falls within the flange.

Number of rods=

Therefore, provide bars

The provided effective width for placing these bars is .
But these bars need effective width to be placed in single row. Since
this length is greater than the actual effective width let us try a two row arrangement.
For two row arrangement the bars need effective width. Still the
effective width is not sufficient.
Putting them in three rows as shown in the fig, they need
This shows that the three row arrangement is possible.

6mm stirrup

25m
m

Again assuming the neutral axis in the flange,

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University

Therefore, the neutral axis falls in the flange.

No of bars needed = hence ok.

Example 2. Design a T-beam with =1000mm, =100mm, =250mm, =450mm. Use

=25N/mm and
2
=400 . =470kNm

Solution:
Assuming the N.A. to fall in the flange,

This give rise to a quadratic equation,

Therefore, the beam is designed as a rectangular beam.

No of bars=
Use bars

Example 3. Design a T-beam with =1000mm, =100mm, =250mm, =450mm. Use

C25concrete and S460 steel. Moment to be resisted is 470 kNm.

Solution:
,
Assuming the N.A. to fall in the flange,

This give rise to a quadratic equation and after solving it,

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
Therefore, the beam is designed as a T- beam.

Now let us provide the reinforcement for this remaining moment

This give rise to a quadratic equation and after solving it,

Now

The total area of reinforcement will sum up to be

Problems on doubly reinforced T beams:

Eg 1: Calculate the moment of resistance of a doubly reinforced T-section as shown in figure,
having a simply supported span of 5 m. Assume C20 concrete and steel having f yk of 400 MPa to be
used. be = 1000 mm 50mm

Solution: Assuming that steel yields and 120mm

NA lies in flange,

Asc = 1000 mm2 50mm 380mm

As = 3000 mm2

NA falls in flange

εsc = 0.0035* = 0.0035* = 0.00168 < {εyd = fyd/Es = 347.83/2*105=0.00173}

Therefore, compression steel does not yield

εs = 0.0035* = 0.0035* > εyd

Therefore, fs can be taken as fyd

For equilibrium, Cc + Csc = T;
i.e. 0.8x be fcd + Asc 0.0035* Es = As fyd;

0.8 * x * 1000 * 9 + 1000 * 0.0035* 2*105 =

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
On solving, x = 97.54 mm < 120 mm
NA falls in flange

Mu = 0.8x be fcd(d – 0.4x) + Asc 0.0035* Es *(d - d2)

={0.8(97.54)(1000)(9)[450 – 0.4(97.54)] + 1000 * [0.0035 * ] * 2*105 * (450-50)}*10-6

Mu = 425.1 kNm

Eg. 2: Calculate the amount of steel required in a T – beam to resist a factored moment of 450 kNm. The
dimensions are as shown in the figure. C20 concrete and steel from Ethiopian iron and steel factory,
Akaki are used.
be = 750 mm 50mm

100mm
Solution: Assuming NA to fall in flange,
Mu = 0.8x be fcd (d – 0.4x) d=500mm
Asc 70mm
450 * 106 = 0.8 * x * 750 * 9 * (500 – 0.4x)
It can be reduced to a quadratic equation, As

x2 – 1250x + 208333.33 = 0
On solving, x = 198 mm; 0.8x = 158.43 mm; Therefore, NA falls in web
Section shall be designed as a limiting section.
Limiting depth of NA = 0.45d = 0.45(500) = 225 mm; 0.8x = 0.8*225 = 180 mm.

180 hf C2
225 C1
+
d – 0.4x d – hf/2
N A

T1 T2

Moment of resistance of limiting section

Mlim = 0.8xlim bw fcd (d – 0.4xlim) + fcd (be – bw) hf (d – hf/2)
= {0.8 * 225 * 200 * 9 * [500 – 0.4(225)] + 9(750 – 200) 100 (500 – 50)}* 10-6
= 355.6 kNm < 450 kNm
Mu > Mlim; Therefore, the section is doubly reinforced.

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I
Dept. of Eng. -DMU. Debre Markos University
ΔM = 450 – 355.6 = 94.4 kNm

Total area of tension steel = As = As1 + As2 = 2242.48 + 574.39 = 2816.87 mm2

εsc = 0.0035* = 0.0035* = 0.0027 > {εyd = fyd/Es = 365.22/2*105=0.0018}

Therefore, compression bars yield

Use fsc = fyd = 365.22 MPa

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Reinforced concrete structure design-I