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3.0 Learning Outcome
At the end of the lesson, you should be to create a design of flexural
members such as singly-reinforced beams.

3.1 Introduction
The flexural members such as beams and slabs are the center of the
discussion in this Learning Packet 3 (LP 3). The beam has the following sections
rectangular and T-beam which will be designed as singly-reinforced and doubly
reinforced beams. The slabs are classified as one-way slab and two-way slabs.
This LP 3 is a self-directed learning materials for students in CE 515
Reinforced Concrete Design. This is supported by the books, videos and other
references found in SSU LMS via ssuonline.net. In case, my dear students you
cannot download these materials from the SSU LMS, please let me know, and
a hard or soft copy will be provided to you through any means of
communication like messenger or call via mobile phone.

3.2 Strength Analysis and Design of Flexural Members

In 1900 up to early 1960, the Working Stress Design (WSD) also called
allowable stress design or straight-line design) was widely used (McCormac &
Brown, 2014). ACI Code included Ultimate-Strength Design (USD) as an
appendix. Year 1963, ACI Code had main provisions of USD equally stated as
the WSD. From 1971 to 1999, ACI code permitted to use WSD, but the code have
USD provisions for considerations. It was in 2002, the code did not include
provisions for WSD.
The recent practice of design is ultimate strength design which is known
in ACI Code and NSCP 2015 as strength design. The word ultimate was
removed, because the true ultimate strength in reinforced concrete is not
actually used in design. Instead, the certain value of the strength of the member
is used in the design of beam, column, and others.

Student Task 3-01

From page 66, Chapter 3 of the Book of Design of Reinforced Concrete,
McCormac and Brown (2014), Explain the Five (5) advantages of strength
design for reinforced concrete.

The deadline of submission is on Feb 26, 2021 via ssuonline.net

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3.2.1 Structural Safety

There are two approaches or methods in calculation of structural

safety:

 The first approach involves calculation of the stresses caused by

working loads or service loads and their comparison with certain
allowable stresses; and

f’c, fy, fs, or fc

 The second approach to structural safety is the one used in strength

design in which uncertainty is considered. In this approach, the load
factors are multiplied to the working loads. The loads now are called
factored loads.

Example: U = 1.2 D + 1.0 W + 1.6 H

Load factors

Important
concept in
design

The uncertainties in material strengths, dimensions, and workmanships

are considered in the design by multiplying strength design factors Ø
like shown in the equations above and the theoretical ultimate strength
called nominal strength, Sn is multiplied by the ∅. The values general
vary 0.90 for bending and 0.65 for some columns.
 3 | Structural Reinforced Concrete 3

Now, Let us compute the nominal moment strength!!!

3.2.2 Computation of Nominal Bending-Moment (Mn) Strength

and Ultimate moment capacity (Mu)

Whitney
stress block

NSCP 2015, the factor β shall be taken as follows:

1) β = 0.85 for f’c ≤ 28 MPa

0.05 (f′ c−28)

2) β = 0.85 - but not less than 0.65
7

3) β = 0.65 for f’c > 56 MPa

From the figure:

C=T Where: C = compressive force of concrete

0.85 f’c a b = As fy T = tensile force of steel

Solve for a:

As fy As
a = 0.85b f′ Let ρ = and ρ = steel concrete ratio
c bd

ρ bd fy ρ fy d
a = o.85b f′ As = ρbd; Finally, a = o.85 f′
c c
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From the figure above, compute Mn:

𝐚 𝐚
Mn = T ( d - ) = As fy ( d - )
𝟐 𝟐

Mn = nominal bending-moment

Let us compute ultimate bending-moment

Mu = ∅ Mn
𝐚
Mu = ∅ As fy ( d - )
𝟐

ρf d
Substitute a = o.85yf′ to Mu:
c

ρ fy d
Mu = ∅ As fy [ d - ]
o.85 f′c (2 )

ρfy As
Let 𝜔 = ρ= so that As = ρ bd
f′c bd

ωd
Mu = ∅ ρbd fy [ d - ]
1.7

Mu = ∅ ρbd fy d [ 1 - 0.59 𝜔 ] where: 𝜔 = tension reinforcement index

ωf′c
Also ρ = , so that Ultimate bending moment capacity becomes:
fy

ωf′c
Mu = ∅ bd fy d [ 1 - 0.59 𝜔 ]
fy

Mu = ∅ bd2 𝜔 f’c [ 1 - 0.59 𝜔 ]

Let Rn = f’c 𝜔[ 1 - 0.59 𝜔 ] where Rn = coefficient of Resistance

So that , Mu = ∅ bd2 Rn

Mu
Also, Rn =
∅ bd2

Mu = ∅ bd2 Rn
 3 | Structural Reinforced Concrete 5

Student Task 3-02

Solve:

A reinforced concrete beam has a width of 300 mm and a total depth of 500
mm. It is reinforced with 6-28 mm diameter bars as indicated in the figure.
f’c =27.6 MPa, fy = 414.7 MPa, Es = 200,000 MPa.

Compute the ultimate moment capacity of the beam.

Deadline of submission via ssuonline.net on or before Feb 26, 2021.

Student Task 3-03

In page 62 of the book Design Reinforced Concrete by McCormac and Brown

(2014), Solve the following Problems:

Problems 2.45, 2.46, and 2.47, compute the flexural stresses in the concrete and
steel for the beam using the transformed area method.

Deadline: February 28, 2021 via ssuonline.net

.
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Student Task 3-04

In page 63 of the book Design Reinforced Concrete by McCormac and Brown

(2014).

Solve the following Problems:

Problems 2.48, 2.49, 2.50, 2.51, 2.52, 2.53, 2.54 , and 2.55, compute the nominal
moment values.

Deadline: March 1, 2021 via ssuonline.net

.
3.2.3 Three types of reinforced concrete beams sections

1. Balanced section

2. Over reinforced section

3. Under reinforced section

civilengineering.blog
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Let us discuss the balanced section

Steel starts yielding when the concrete just reaches its ultimate
strain capacity and commences to crush.

0.003 εy
=
cb d − cb

0.003 εy
= 0.003
cb d − cb

cb

d
d- cb
0-c
fy
𝜀𝑦 =
Es
c b fy
0.003 (d-cb) =
Es

cbfy
0.003 (d-cb) =
200000

600 (d-cb) = cbfy

600 d
cb =
600+fy
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Let us discuss the over reinforced section

In over reinforced section failure occurs by initial crushing of the

concrete. The steel strain Ɛs will be lower than the yield strain (Ɛy > Ɛs ).
Hence, the steel stress fs will be lower than its yield strength fy.
This condition occurs when there are more reinforcement at the
tension side than that required for balanced condition.
Concrete crushes before steel yields and concrete failure is sudden
since it is brittle material (Besavilla, 2013).

Balanced condition
Over reinforced
condition

Ɛs
Ɛy

Over reinforced condition occurs when Ɛy > Ɛs

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Let us discuss the under reinforced section

Failure occurs by yielding of the steel. The steel continues to stretch

as the steel strain increases beyond the yield strain ( Ɛs > Ɛy).
This condition occurs when the area of tension reinforcement used
in the beam is less than that required for the balanced strain condition.
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Now, let us determine the Balanced Steel Ratio which is a value that
will confirm a balanced section

cb d
By ratio and proportion: =
0.003 εy +0.003

d( 0.003)
cb = (ε
y +0.003)

C=T Where: C = compressive force of concrete

0.85 f’c a b = Asb fy T = tensile force of steel
a= βcb

0.85 f’c βcb b = Asb fy

0.85 f’c βcb b Asb

Asb = Let ρb = so that Asb = ρb bd
fy bd

0.85 f’c βcb b

ρb bd = fy

0.85 f’c βcb b d( 0.003)

ρb = where: cb = (ε
bd fy y +0.003)

Then

0.85 f’c β d( 0.003) f

ρb = . (ε where εy = Ey and Es = 200 GPa
d fy y +0.003) s
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0.85 f’c β (0.003) 0.85 f’c β (0.003)
ρb = fy = fy
(E +0.003) fy (200000+0.003) fy
s

Simplify, the balanced steel ratio.

𝟎.𝟖𝟓 𝐟’𝐜 𝛃 (𝟔𝟎𝟎)

𝛒𝐛 = ( 𝐟𝐲+𝟔𝟎𝟎) 𝐟𝐲

Use Maximum Steel Ratio as the NSCP 2015 Code set

𝛒𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 𝛒𝐛

Then, Minimum Steel Ratio

𝟎.𝟐𝟓 √𝐟′𝐜 1.4

𝛒𝒎𝒊𝒏 = but not less than
𝐟𝐲 fy

What do we mean by tension-controlled or compression

controlled or brittle sections?

3.2.4 Tension-controlled sections and compression controlled sections

The ACI Code, Section 10.3 defines the concept of tension or

compression-controlled sections in terms of net tensile strain (net tensile strain
in the reinforcement closest to the tension face).

Now, let us understand this concept by defining.

1) Compression-controlled sections are those sections in which the net

tensile strain in the extreme tension steel at nominal strength is equal
to or less than the compression controlled strain limit at the time
when concrete in compression reaches its assumed strain limit of
0.003, (εc = 0.003).
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2) Tension-controlled sections are those sections in which the net
tensile strain, εt , is equal to or greater than 0.005 just as the concrete
in the compression reaches its assumed strain limit of 0.003.

3) Sections in which the 𝜀𝑡 lies between the compression-controlled

strain limit of 0.002 (for𝑓𝑦 = 400𝑀𝑃𝑎) and the tension-controlled
strain limit of 0.005 constitute the transition region.

4) The balanced strain condition develops in the section when the

tension steel, with the first yield, reaches a strain corresponding to its
yield strength, 𝑓𝑦 or 𝜀𝑠 = 𝑓 , just as the maximum strain in concrete
at the extreme compression fibers reaches 0.003.

Variation of ∅ with net tensile strain Ɛt and c/dt for Grade 60 reinforcement and for
prestressing steel
 3 | Structural Reinforced Concrete 13

What other control to ensure safety and durability of the

design?

3.2.5 Limits to control Flexural Cracking in Beams and Slabs

( Adapted from NSCP 2015)

A. Spacing Limits for Reinforcement

1. The spacing “s”of the reinforcement closest to a surface in tension

shall not exceed that given by:

280 280
S = 380 ( ) − 2.5Cs but not greater than 300 ( )
𝑓𝑦 fs

Where: Cs is the least distance from the surface of reinforcement

to the extreme tension face.
2
Calculated stress in reinforcement fs = 3 fy in MPa closest to
the tension face shall be computed on the unfactored moment.

2. Minimum clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer shall be

db but not less than 25 mm.

3. When parallel reinforcement is placed in two or more layers, bars

in the upper layers shall be placed directly above bars in the
bottom layer with clear distance between layers not less than 25
mm.

4. In spirally reinforced or tied reinforced compression members

shall not be less than 1.5 db or less than 40 mm.

5. Clear distance limitation between bars shall apply also to clear

distance between a contact lap splice and adjacent splices or bars.

6. In walls and slabs other than concrete joist construction primary

flexural reinforcement shall not be spaced farther apart than 3
times the wall or slab thickness not farther than 450mm.
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B. Bundled Bars Limitations

1. Groups of parallel reinforcing bars bundled in contact to set as

unit shall be limited to four (4) bars in one bundle.

2. Bundled bars shall be enclosed within stirrups or ties.

3. Bars larger than 36 mm diameter shall not be bundled in beams

4. Bars within a bundle terminated within the span of flexural

members shall terminate at different points with at least 40db
stagger.

5. Where spacing limitations and minimum concrete cover are based

on bar diameter db a unit of bundled bars shall be treated as a
single bar of a diameter derive from the equivalent total area.

C. Concrete Protection for Reinforcing Bars

Minimum cover for cast in place concrete (non pre-stressed)

1. Concrete cast against and permanently exposed to

the earth .…75mm

2. Concrete exposed to earth or weather

a) 20mm Ø through 36 mm Ø bars …50 mm
b) 16 mm Ø bar, MW 200 or MD200 wire and smaller ....40 mm

3. Concrete not exposed to weather or in contact with the ground.

a) Slabs, walls, joists:
42 mm Ø and 58 mm Ø bars …40 mm
36 mm Ø and smaller …20 mm
b) Beams, columns
Primary reinforcement, ties, stirrups, spirals …40 mm
c) Shells, folded plate members
20 mm Ø bars and larger …20 mm
16 mm Ø bars, MW200 or MD200 wire and smaller…12 mm

4. For Bundled bars, the minimum concrete cover shall not

be less than the equivalent diameter of the bundle, but
need not be greater than 50 mm, except for concrete cast
against and permanently exposed to earth, minimum
cover shall be less than … 75 mm
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Now, we are ready to design a singly reinforced beam

( reinforcement at tension only).

3.2.6 Steps in Design of Rectangular Beam Reinforced for Tension Only

(Adapted from Besavilla, 2013, 101)

Step 1: Compute for the ultimate moment

Before computing, the weight of the beam must be estimated and to be

selected based on the load combinations. The ultimate bending moment as
follows:

Mu = 1.2 MD + 1.6 ML

Step 2: Compute the balanced steel ratio

0.85 f’c β (600)

ρb = ( fy+600) fy

The value of β is identified based on the following conditions:

β = 0.85 for f’c ≤ 28 MPa

0.05 (f′ c−28)

β = 0.85 - but not less than 0.65
7

β = 0.65 for f’c > 56 MPa

Step 3: Compute the maximum steel ratio of

ρ𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75 ρ𝐛
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Step 4: Compute the coefficient of resistance, Rn:

ωf′c
Rn = f’c 𝜔[ 1 - 0.59 𝜔 ] where: ρ = or
fy

fy
𝜔 = ρ
f′c

Mu = ∅ bd2 Rn

Step 5: Compute trial area of beam

Mu d
bd2 = try: b = 2
∅Rn

Step 6: Compute As

As = ρ bd

Step 7: Determine the number of Bars

π
As = N (Db )2
4

Step 8: Check the actual ρ and compare with ρmin and ρmax

As
ρ=
bd

0.85 f’c β (600)

ρb =
( fy + 600) fy

√f′c
ρ𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 4fy
ρ𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75 ρb

ρ𝑚𝑖𝑛 < ρ < ρ𝑚𝑎𝑥

Step 9: Spacing of main bars

See provisions in NSCP Code and ACI Code

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Student’s Task 3-05
From the book of Design of Reinforced Concrete by McCormac and
Brown. Pages 110 to 111, Solve the Problems 4.35, 4.35, and 4.37, using the
steps mentioned in this learning packet.

Submit your answers on or before March 3, 2021 11:59 PM at

ssuonline.net.

3.3 References

Besavilla, V. I. (2013). Fundamentals of Reinforced Concrete. Volume 3. Cebu

City, Philippines: VIB Publisher.

McCormac, J.C. and Brown, R. H. (2014). Design Reinforced Concrete, 7 th

Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

National Structural Code of the Philippines, 2015.

2.4 Acknowledgement

The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were
taken from the references cited above.