Behavior and Design of

Prestressed Concrete Beams

With Large Web Openings
George B. Barney W. Gene Corley
Structural Engineer Director
Structural Development Section Engineering Development Department
Portland Cement Association Portland Cement Association
Skokie, Illinois Skokie, Illinois
John M. Hanson Richard A. Parmelee
Vice-President of Operations Professor of Civil Engineering
Wiss, Janney, Elstner and Associates Northwestern University
Northbrook, Illinois Evanston, Illinois

George B. Barney W. Gene Corley

John M. Hanson Richard A. Parmelee

32
 Reports the results of tests on 18 full-size precast
prestressed tee beam (13 long-span beams and 5
short-span beams) to 1etermine the effects of large
web openings on the erformance of prestressed
concrete members.
The results showed th t large web openings can be
accommodated in pre tressed concrete members
while maintaining their full strength. Also,
serviceability requirements can be satisfied.
A design procedure b sed on the results of these
tests is presented and a fully worked numerical
example illustrates the applicability of the proposed
design method.

he trend in recent years to and berta were the first to conduct a series
T the systems approach to building of tests on prestressed concrete tee
beams with multiple web openings.
has generated a need for web open-
ings in structural members. Mec an- They found that sizeable web open-
ical and electrical services in 4iost ings could be accommodated without
buildings are carried in the s ace sacrificing strength. Deflections for
within the floor-ceiling sandwich. beams with openings were not signif-
Passing these services thro gh icantly greater than those for beams
openings in the webs of the foor without openings.
beams eliminates a significant am unt Tests2 were also conducted to de-
of dead space and results in a nore termine the effect of both vertical and
compact and often more econorrical longitudinal reinforcement in tee
design. However, the effect of the beams with multiple openings. It was
openings on the strength and er- found that increasing the vertical rein-
viceability of the floor beams mus be forcement in the posts between open-
considered. ings increased shear capacity of the
specimens. Additional tests of pre-
stressed beams with multiple
Background parallelogram-shaped web openings3
indicated that these beams were
Only limited research has ben stronger than similar beams with rec-
done to determine the effects of eb tangular openings.
openings in prestressed concrete tee The investigation reported in this
beams, a member widely used in he paper was carried out at the Structural
precast concrete industry. Ragan tnd Development Laboratory of the Port-
Warwaruk' at the University of 1- land Cement Association.

PCI JOURNAL/November-December 1977 33


Design Recommendations
Based on the results of the investi-
gation reported here, a design proce-
dure is recommended for prestressed,
pretensioned concrete beams with
large rectangular web openings. The
procedure is applicable for beams
having straight strands.
To avoid slip of the prestressing
strands, openings must be located
outside the required strand embed-
ment length. This length may be cal- where
culated using the provisions of Sec-
tion 12.11 of the 1971 ACI Building
Code.4 The value of the force to be
transferred by each strand can be es-
timated as its breaking strength.
Vertical stirrups must be provided
adjacent to both sides of all web open- fc
ings. These stirrups should be propor-
tioned to carry the total shear force at h = overall depth of tensile strut
the section where they are located.
The analytical procedure described
later in this report may be utilized to
determine axial forces, shear forces,
and moments in the struts above and
below openings. The capacity of the
struts to resist flexure and axial loads
may conveniently be determined from
interaction curves.
Slenderness effects in the compres-
sive strut should he considered in ac-
cordance with Section 10.10 of the
AC! Code.4 When the section being
analyzed is a tee beam, the effective
width of the flange in determining
force is tension or compression. For
net axial compression, the shear
capacity of the concrete section with-
out web reinforcement can be deter-
mined from the provisions of Section
11.5.2 of the ACl Code. 4 Eq. (11-11)
will usually govern the design. In
terms of notation used in this report,
this equation becomes:
v = 0.6 f,` ^ (1)*
a = minimum width of tensile
strut
d = distance from extreme com-
pressive fiber to centroid of
prestressed reinforcement
but not less than 0.8h
= compressive strength of con-
crete
M. = maximum moment in tensile
strut at section considered
due to superimposed loads.
Note that M. _ V 1/2 where l
is the effective strut length
M me. = bending moment causing
flexural cracking at section
considered due to superim-
posed loads
vcz = shear stress at diagonal crack-
ing due to all design loads,
when such cracking is result
of combined shear and mo-
meat
F k = shear force in tensile strut

I
properties and capacities of the com- and
pressive strut should not exceed the
limits established in Section 8.7 of the
ACI Code.4 cr = _. ^]' p`

Axial forces should be accounted for Yt d.A1,t

in the shear design of the struts. The
shear capacity of concrete in the com- In Eck. (2)
pressive strut can be determined from A = gross area of tensile strut
the provisions of Section 11.4.3 of the cis = distance between centroidal
ACI Code' for members subjected to axis at tensile and compres-
axial compression. sive struts
Design of the tensile strut for shear
depends on whether the net axial *Note that in SI units, ^}' psi = 008304 y f MPa.

34
 fpe = compressive stress In on-
crete due to prestress my
after all losses, at extr me
fiber of section at which en-
sile stresses are cause by
applied loads. Note hat
fieP(ds + A d) /(d3 gt)
where P is the effective re-
stress force and d d is the is-
tance of the effective re-
stress force resultant be ow
the centroidal axis of the en-
sile strut
I^ = moment of inertia of
cracked section transfor:
to concrete
M = moment at center of open
y t = distance from centroidal
of uncracked section to
treme fiber in tension
When the tensile strut is in net a ial
tension, the shear capacity of concr to
may be determined from the pro i-
sions of Section 11.4.4 o€ the A I
Code.4
Shear reinforcement in the s ts,
when required, should be prop r-
tioned using the provisions of Sect on
11.6 of the ACI Code.4
Results of the tests indicate t at
cracking in the struts occurred in m st
specimens prior to reaching service
load. However, this did not appear to
have a significant effect on deft c-
tions. In view of this finding, it is r c-
ommended that the allowable tensile
stress of 6 , specified in Secti n
18.4.2(b) of the ACI Code 4 be i -
creased to 7.5 VT psi (0.62 3 1l a)
for concrete in the struts..
Furthermore, it is likely that e
provisions of Section €8.4.2(e) w 1I
often apply for prestressed bea s
with web openings. The a Iowab e
tensile stress would then be increas d
to IZ,1 psi (1.00 V MPa). Allow -
ble tensile stresses at sections aw y
from openings should not be i -
creased above those allowed in th
ACI Code.4
PC[ JOURNAL/November-December
Synopsis
Results of tests on 18 full-
size prestressed, pretensioned
concrete tee beams represent-
ing one-half of a structural
double tee section are re-
ported. The variables investi-
gated were opening size, loca-
tion of opening along the span,
type and amount of web shear
reinforcement, and amount of
primary flexural reinforcement.
Behavior of beams with
openings was found to be simi-
lar to that of a Vierendeel
truss. For the sizes of open-
ings studied, distribution of
shear force above and below
an opening was dependent on
the relative flexural stiffnesses
of the struts. Based on these
findings, a method of analysis
was established. Criteria for
strength design are presented
and a fully worked numerical
example is included to illus-
trate the application of the pro-
posed design method.
The tests indicate that large
web openings can be accom-
modated in pretensioned dou-
ble tees while maintaining re-
quired strength and servicea-
bii'cte. However, the openings
must be located outside the
required strand embedment
length and adequate shear
reinforcement must be pro-
vided adjacent to the open-
ings.
The experimental work was
carried out at the Portland
Cement Association.
35
 Table 1. Variables and measured material properties for short-span beams.
Concrete Properties
Opening** Equivalent % of
Specimen Location f, fsp Ec Load Calculated +
ft psi psi ksi kips/ft. Ultimate Load

Pl_P* 6 6040 570 3570 5.36 61

P2-P 3 5990 570 3530 3.69 42
P3-W 6 5920 550 3290 8.52 97
P4-R 3 6040 560 3350 5.38 61
P5-W 6 6200 590 3750 8.25 94

*Symbols indicate reinforcement as follows:

P - no web reinforcement
W - welded wire fabric to provide minimum shear reinforcement
R - welded wire fabric and stirrups near openings
**Distance shown as X in Figure la
+Ultimate load for flexure calculated with = 1.0
1 ft = 0.305 m
1 psi = 0.006895 MPa
1 ksi = 6.895 MPa
1 kip/ft = 14.6 kN/m

Rectangular openings 10-in. (254

Experimental Investigation
The experimental investigation was
conducted to determine whether pre-
stressed concrete beams could ac-
commodate large web openings while
maintaining adequate strength and
serviceability. Details and results of
the investigation are presented below.
Short-span beam tests
A series of short-span beams tested
at the Structural Development Labo-
ratory of the Portland Cement Associ-
ation indicated that slip of the pre-
stressing strands limited strength of
beams containing openings in the re-
gion required for strand embedment.
In this investigation, five 26-in. (660
mm) deep tee beams, each containing
five 1 -in. (12.7 mm) diameter, 7-wire,
prestressing strands with a breaking
strength of 286 ksi (1972 MPa) were
tested. Forces were applied to simu-
late conditions in a uniformly loaded
beam. Note that the cross section of
these beams was similar to that for the
long-span beams, except that the
flange was monolithic.
mm) deep and 30-in. (762 mm) long
were placed symmetrically about
midspan. These openings were cen-
tered at either 6 ft (1.8 m) or 3 ft (0.9
m) from each end of the 18-ft (5.5 m)
span.
Welded wire fabric and U-shaped
No. 3 stirrups with yield strengths of
80.6 and 67.3 ksi (556 and 464 MPa),
respectively, were used as shear rein-
forcement in three specimens. The
other two specimens contained no
shear reinforcement. Variables and
concrete material properties of the
short-span beam specimens are shown
in Table 1.
Strand slip occurred in all five
specimens causing a premature loss of
strength. Vertical stirrup reinforce-
ment along each side of the openings
did not delay the occurrence of strand
slip in these beams. However, Speci-
men P3-W with welded wire fabric for
minimum shear reinforcement and
with openings centered at 6 ft (1.8 m)
from each support, carried a load cor-
responding to 97 percent of the calcu-
lated flexural capacity for a beam
without openings.

36
 Table 2. De ails of test specimens.
Beam Concrete To ping Concrete
opening Opening**
Specimen f^ fsp Sc fc fsp Ec Size Location
psi psi ksi psi psi ksi in. ft.

B1-W* 6820 590 4150 2990 370 3150 10x45 6

B2-W 7610. 650 4260 2820 370 2680 - -
B3-W 7600 650. 4320 2840 380 3080 10x45 12
B4-W 7820 690 4340 2800 360 3100 10x45 9
B5-W 7410 630 4320 2830 380 3110 10x60 9
B6-W 7500 650 4230 2860 360 3050 10x30 9
B7-R 8020 660 4220 2860 390 3010 10x60 9
B8-P 7660 650 4190 3110 440 3220 "10x60` 9
B9-W 8140 670 4300 3680 420 3330 10x60 15
B10-W 7910 670 4310 3710 380 3440 10x60 12
B11-R 8000 670 4530 3760 500 3740 10x60 9 & 15
B12-R + 7170 690 3770 3460 400 3580 10x60 9
B13-R + 7460 680 4130 3110 400 3250 14x60 9

*Symbols indicate reinforcement as follows:

P - no web reinforcement
W - welded wire fabric to provide minimum shear reinforcement
R - welded wire fabric an stirrups near openings
**Distance shown as X in Figure la
+Specimens B12 and 513 contained 2 strands, all others contained 3 strands

1 psi 0.006895 MPa

1 ksi = 6.895 MPa
1 in. = 25.4 mm
1 ft = 0.305 m

Long-span beam tests the short-span test series. The overall

Test beams in the long-span s ries
represented one-half of a stan and
double tee section. Dimensions and
details of the test specimen are sh wn
in Figs. 1 and 2.
The web and the lower 2 in. ( 0.8
mm) of the flange were cast with or-
mal weight concrete designed to ave
a compressive strength of 4000 psi
(27.6 MPa) at the time of initial pre-
stress. After transfer of prestre s, a
2-in. (50.8 mm) topping of no mal
weight unreinforced concrete was
cast. The topping had a design om-
pressive strength of 3000 psi (0.7
MPa) at 14 days, normally the a e at
time of testing.
A span of 36 ft (11.0 m) was sele ted
so that openings could be place I at
several locations outside the reqi fired
strand embedment length. This was
intended to decrease the likeliho d of
bond failures that were observe I in
length of each specimen was 37 ft
(11.3 m). Specimen details and con-
crete material properties are shown in
Table 2.
Prestressing was provided with
1/2 -in. (12.7 mm) diameter, 270K
Grade, 7-wire straight strand with a
breaking strength of 278 ksi (1917
MPa). Most specimens contained
three strands spaced at 4 in. (102 mm),
as shown in Fig. 2b. This arrangement
permitted 10-in. (254 mm) deep open-
ings to be placed in the web while
still maintaining adequate concrete
cover. One specimen was tested with
only the top and bottom strands in
place. A specimen containing 14-in.
(356 mm) deep openings was tested
with only the two bottom strands.
Web shear reinforcement, when
provided, was of two types. Minimum
shear reinforcement as specified by
the 1971 ACI Building Code 4 was

PCI JOURNAL/November-December 1977 37

 a) FIVE POINT LOADS

I I I

Sot 6'-0" 30'-d" 3tOe

I" = 254 mm
b) SIX POINT LOADS 0.305m

Fig. 1. Loading for long-span beams.

----

Topping

26
22

I" = 25.4 mm
3 a) DIMENSIONS

—Welded wire fabric

0 (4x4-10/IO)
Welded wire fabric
(6x6-8/8) —I/2Dja. 270 K Strand

b) REINFORCEMENT

Fig. 2. Properties of long-span beams.

38
 Fig. 3. Test setup for prestressed beam with four openings.
provided by welded wire fabri in
most specimens with three stra ds.
This type of reinforcement had ea-
sured yield strengths between 8.2
and 75.2 ksi (470 and 519 M a).
Specimens with two strands, alth ugh
having a lower minimum shear ein-
forcement requirement, were ro-
vided with the same amount of eb
steel.
One additional U-shaped No. 3 stir-
rup was placed at each side and dia-
cent to each opening in four s eci-
mens. Distance from the centroi of
the stirrups to the edge of the ope ing
was 1 in. Welded wire fabric was ro-
vided in the flange of each speci wn
to satisfy temperature reinforc it
requirements.
The tests were limited to be ms
with rectangular-shaped openi gs.
Opening depths in 12 beams wer 10
in. (254 mm). Specimen B13 had
14-in. (356 mm) deep openings. he
openings were long enough, 30, 45,
and 60 in. (762, 1143, and 1524 m),
to cause failures in the struts of s me
PCI JOURNAL/November-Decembor 1977 39
test specimens. Consequently, infor-
mation was obtained for the develop-
ment of strength design criteria.
Openings were placed symmetri-
cally about midspan with the distance
from the supports to the center of the
openings, shown as "X" in Fig. la,
being either 6, 9, 12, or 15 ft (1.8, 2.7,
3.7, or 4.6 m). Web shear reinforce-
ment in most specimens consisted of
at least the minimum amount required
by the 1971 ACI Building Code.4
Some specimens contained additional
stirrup reinforcement adjacent to the
openings. Specimen B8 was tested
with no shear reinforcement.
Specimen B2 was tested with no
openings and with minimum shear
reinforcement. This provided a stan-
dard with which to compare the re-
sults of other specimens. The beam
was designed to be under-reinforced.
Specimen B11 contained four open-
ings. This beam was tested to deter-
mine the effect of closely spaced
openings on forces in the struts (see
Fig. 3).
 Test procedure —The test setup is
shown in Fig. 3. Concentrated loads Test Results
located directly over the web were
applied at 6-ft (1.8 m) intervals along Observed behavior
the span to simulate conditions in a Observed behavior of the test
uniformly loaded beam. specimens can be assigned to three
To avoid having load points directly different categories. Examples of each
over openings, a five-point loading are shown in Fig. 4.
scheme was used for specimens hav- Specimens with adequate strength
ing openings at 9 and 15 ft (2.7 and 4.6 at the openings, and the standard
m) from supports, and a six-point load- specimen with no openings, reached
ing scheme was used for specimens their capacity in flexure. These tests
having openings at 6 and 12 ft (1.8 and ended when the prestressing strands
2.7 m) from supports. Positions of fractured at midspan. Fig. 4a illus-
loads are shown in Fig. 1. trates this behavior.
During each test, the design service The capacity of several specimens
load was reached with the application having openings in high shear regions
of seven to twelve equal load incre- was limited by an unrestrained shear
ments. The beams were then un- crack extending from the low moment
loaded in one increment. Next, the side of an opening toward the support.
service load was reapplied in one in- These cracks normally propagated
crement. The beams were then un- along the prestressing strands. In
loaded before being tested to destruc- some beams the cracks extended into
tion. This sequence provided data in the region required for strand em-
the service load range both before and bedment causing the strand to slip.
after the specimens cracked. The capacity of the tensile strut to
carry shear was reduced as the crack
Instrumentation —To determine the lengthened. As a result, additional
distribution of forces in the vicinity of shear was transferred to the compres-
the openings, parallel lines of electri- sive strut. Capacity was reached when
cal resistance strain gages were at- a hinging mechanism formed in the
tached to the compressive struts over compressive strut. An example of this
the openings. Additional strain gages behavior is shown in Fig. 4b.
were placed on the prestressing Some tests ended with fracture of
strands in the tensile strut. the prestressing strands beneath an
Gage points for a Whittemore me- opening. For specimens having open-
chanical strain gage were attached to ings in high shear regions, strand frac-
the test specimens at the level of the ture frequently coincided with the
prestressing steel at the center of the formation of a hinging mechanism in
span. These gage points were used to both struts. This mechanism is illus-
determine strains due to prestress trated in Fig. 4c.
both after transfer and at the time of
testing. Findings
In addition to strain readings, de- The tests clearly established that
flections were measured at midspan large web openings can be accommo-
and at points directly under the edges dated in prestressed concrete beams
of one of the openings. Load cells without decreasing their strength.
measured the applied forces and reac- However, this is possible only when
tions. Dial gages placed at the tip of cracking at an opening is not allowed
the strands extending from the ends of to extend into the required strand
the beam were used to detect slip. embedment length.

40
(a) Specimen B2 just before strand (fracture at midspan.

•ss

(b) Specimen B1 just before strand

(c) Specimen B4 just before strand racture beneath opening.

Fig. 4. Behavior of beams un er overload (Specimens B2, B1, and B4).

To satisfy this requirement, en- percentage of design ultimate load at-

ings must be located outside t]
quired embedment length. Ad(
ally, vertical stirrup reinforce
must be provided adjacent to
ings in an amount sufficient to
the full design ultimate shear foi
Principal test results are prey
in Table 3. Listed are the ma).
load carried by each specime.
re- tained, the type and cause of failure,
on- and the location of damage.
,nt In most specimens with openings,
en- cracking occurred in the struts at less
.rry than service load. Therefore, design of
these members may be controlled by
ted serviceability requirements when
urn cracking is not allowed.
the In all tests, measured service load

PCI JOURNAL/November-December 1977 41

 Table 3. Principal test results.

Equivalent % of Failure
Specimen Load Design Initiated
kips/ft Load* Type by Location

B1 0.98 77 Shear-secondary Strand Opening

Hinging** Slip
B2 1.36 107 Flexure Strand Midspan
Fracture
B3 1.41 110 Flexure Strand Midspan
Fracture
B4 1.35 106 Flexure Strand Opening
Fracture
B5 1.18 92 Shear-secondary Shear Opening
Hinging** Cracking
B6 1.38 108 Flexure Strand Midspan
Fracture
B7 1.34 105 Flexure Strand Opening
Fracture
B8 0.94 73 Shear-secondary Strand Opening
Hinging** Slip
B9 1.34 104 Flexure Strand Openin
Fracture
310 1.36 105 Flexure Strand Opening
Fracture
811 1.33 103 Flexure Strand Opening
Fracture
B12 0.91 106 Flexur Strand Opening
Fracture
B13 0.86 91 Flexure Strand Opening
Fracture

*Ultimate load for flexure based upon = 1.0

**Indicates shear failure of tensile strut followed by hinging in
compressive strut
1 kip/ft = 14.6 kN/m

deflections were well within those al-
lowed in the 1971 ACI Building
Code. 4 A comparison of load versus
deflection for Specimen B2 with no
openings and Specimen Bit with four
openings is shown in Fig. 5. It may be
concluded that the influence of open-
ings on deflection is minor in properly
detailed beams.
Behavior of the test specimens was
analogous to that of a Vierendeel
truss. Analysis of recorded strains in-
dicated that points of contraflexure
existed in the compressive struts of
specimens with openings. For open-
ings in high shear regions, the point of
contraflexure was near the midlength
of the strut.
Forces determined from strain read-
ings indicated that shear in the com-
pressive and tensile struts was carried
in proportion to their flexural stiffnes-
ses. It was also found that cracking in
the struts had a significant effect on
the distribution of shear. This is illus-
trated in Fig. 6. Axial forces in the
struts were close to those calculated
on the basis of a Vierendeel truss
analogy. Cracking had little effect on
axial forces, as seen in Fig. 7.
Specimen B11 was tested with
10 x 60-in. (254 x 1524 mm) openings
 MIESPAN DEFLECTION,mm
100 200 300
20

Coiculaled Flexural opocily APPLIED

1:0
LOAD
KN/m
APPLIED
LOAD
kipsl U. 10
0.5
Service Load

0J
0 5 10 15
Ml SPAN DEFLECTION, in.
Fig. 5. Load versus flecti n for beams with and without openings.

—CALCULATED FROM MEASURED

STRAINS
B6 30
B4°— CALCULATED ASSUMING Vc V
s , ---- CALCULATED BY VIERENDEEL TRUSS
SECTIONS ASSUMING UNCRACKED
83 8 25
BII (exi)
5 810
B5
20
8
We 4 B12 Vc
kips 3 15 kN
3

!0

/JJ/
2 BIIOnf)

J
J J
j::/

0
APPLIED HEAR AT OPENING, V
Fig. 6. Shear f rce in compressive strut.

PCI JOURNAL/November-Decembers 1977 43



T I I I I I I I I I
- CALCULATED FROM MEASURED STRAINS
100 --- CALCULATED BY VIERENDEEL TRUSS ANALOGY
400
BIo
B3
80
B9 I

I 4 IIB6 87 I I 300
ji ii 7
C 60 I Vc
I B5 I I I elll(int) I
kips_ BII(ext) kN
I i I I I 200
BI
B8 I I I
40 B12
'^ 5/13
II I I !I f
200 k4-m- Ite
20
/ k-ft

0
MOMENT AT OPENING
Fig. 7. Axial force in compressive strut.

centered at 9 and 15 ft (2.7 and 4.6 m) amount of web shear reinforcement.

from each support. The openings The effect of web reinforcement and
were separated by 1-ft (0.31 m) thick opening length on beam strength is
web elements, referred to here as shown in Fig. 8a. Only specimens
posts. Forces in the struts of Speci- with openings centered 9 ft (2.7 m)
mens B7 and B9, having isolated from the supports are compared in
openings centered 9 and 15 ft (2.7 and this figure.
4.6 m) from supports, respectively, Minimum shear reinforcement pro-
were compared to corresponding vided adequate strength for speci-
forces in Specimen B11. It was de- mens having opening lengths of 45 in.
termined that cracking of the posts (1143 mm) or less. For specimens
affected strut forces. Nominal with 60-in. (1524 mm) openings, addi-
shear stresses in excess of 7 J f psi tional stirrup reinforcement at the
(0.58 f MPa) were calculated from openings was required to prevent
experimental data. However, the strength reduction. Stirrup forces for
cracks in the posts did not reduce the Specimen B7 are shown in Fig. 9.
strength of the specimen. Further re- The effect on strength of opening
search is needed to identify the be- location and opening size for speci-
havior of posts between closely mens containing minimum shear rein-
spaced openings. forcement is shown in Fig. 8b. No loss
was found for specimens with open-
Effect of variables ings centered 12 ft (3.7 m) or more
Of the variables considered in this from the supports. However, 10 x 60-
investigation, those having the in. (254 x 1524 mm) openings located
greatest effect on specimen strength 9 ft (2.7 m) from the supports de-
and behavior were the location of the creased the strength of Specimen B5.
web openings along the span and the Specimen B1, with 10 x45-in.

44


82 x86 xB4 0B7

100
— x8I

FLEXURAL q B8
CAPACITY,
50
q NO WEB REINFO CEMENT
x WELDED WIRE FA IRIC
o WELDED WIRE FA bRIC PLUS STIRRUPS NEAR OPENINGS
0
0 15 30 45 60
OPENIN LENGTH, in

a) EFFECT OF WEB REINFORCEMENT AND OPENING LENGTH

q B6 x83
B8 °BIO xE
100
o B5
BI I
XI
REQUIRED
FLEXURAL
CAPACITY, EMBEDMENT ZO E I
50 I

q IOX30 in. I
X IOX45 in. I
o IOX60 in.

00 3 6 9 12 15
(support) OPENING LOCATION, ft.

b) EFFECT OF OPENI G LOCATION AND SIZE

x812
100
x613

FLEXURAL
CAPACITY,
sn

I° = 25.4 mm

1^ =0.305m

10 14
OPENIN DEPTH, in.

c) EFFECT OF OPENI G DEPTH

Fig. 8. ffect of variables.

(254 x 1143 mm) openings center d 6
ft (1.8 m) from the supports, exhil ited
a substantial loss of strength. Cr cks
extending from the openings into the
regions required for strand em ed-
ment in this specimen caused the
strands to slip. This led to a prem ure
failure.
A comparison of test results for
Specimens B12 and B13 provides an
indication of the effect of opening
depth on behavior. Increased opening
depth in Specimen B13 was provided
by decreasing the depth of the tensile
strut.
As shown in Fig. 8c, Specimen B12
with an opening depth of 10 in. (254
mm) carried a load 6 percent greater

PCI JOURNAL/November-December 1977 45

 APPLIED SHEAR,kN
10
8
Strain Gage Location
4 ST 2
STIRRUP
FORCE
kips
2
15 3.0
APPLIED SHEAR, kips
Fig. 9. Stirrup forces in Specimen B7.
than that corresponding to its calcu-
lated flexural capacity. The capacity of
Specimen B13 with an opening depth
of 14 in. (356 mm) was 9 percent
below its calculated flexural strength.
Varying the amount of primary
flexural reinforcement did, not signifi-
cantly change specimen behavior.
Specimens B7 and B12 were similar
except for the number of prestressing
strands. Since Specimen B7 had three
strands, its calculated flexural capacity
was greater than that of Specimen B12
with only two strands.
Therefore, the shear at the opening
for Specimen B7 was much more se-
vere. However, the behavior of the
two specimens was virtually identical.
Both carried loads exceeding their
calculated flexural capacities. Frac-
ture of the prestressing strands be-
neath the openings occurred in both
specimens at ultimate load.
46
20 30 40
30
20
STIRRUP
FORCE
Sit ILJ
I I
4.5 6.0 7.5 B.0
Analytical Procedure
In this section, an analytical proce-
dure for determining forces in the
struts of prestressed beams with large
web openings is presented.
Analysis of recorded strain data in-
dicated that the behavior of the test
specimens was similar to that of a Vie-
rendeel truss. Cracking was observed
to have a significant effect on the
shear distribution in the struts. Before
cracking, shear was distributed to the
struts in proportion to their gross mo-
ments of inertia.
Forces acting on a beam with an
opening are illustrated in Fig. 10.
Loads on the beam produce. shear, V,
and moment, M. Moment is resisted
by the two struts acting together as in-
tegral parts of a beam. This results in
the primary stress condition indicated.
 Primary Secondary Combined
Stresses Stresses Stresses

Fig. 10. 1 tresses at opening.

Each strut also carries a statically states of stress results in a combined

indeterminate portion of the t tal
shear force acting at the section. he
shear carried by the compressive s rut
is designated V e and that carried by
the tensile strut is designated Vt.
These produce secondary flex ral
stresses in the struts.
At some section near the left edge
of the opening, the secondary stre ses
before cracking are similar to ti ose
shown. Superposition of these wo
stress condition as shown.
Distribution of forces
Simplified method An idealized
model of a beam with an opening is
shown in Fig. Ila. The length of the
struts, shown as 1, is conservatively
taken as the distance between vertical
stirrups on each side of the opening.
In practice, these stirrups must be
provided to contain cracking.

/Rigid
Ac Abutment

7
StrrruQ Stirrup';

Hing
ds M LM 1MM

Ltd'--^ P

P/2
c) IDEALIZED MODEL

VC

AM(1v
Stirrup
__'H Vt b) FREE BODY DIAGRAM

Fig. 11. Idealized model free body diagram at beam opening.

PC[ JOURNAL/November- December+ 1977 47


The compressive and tensile struts
are assumed to frame into rigid abut-
ments on each side of the opening. To
reflect the Vierendeel truss action ob-
served in the tests, hinges are as-
sumed at the midlength of each strut.
Moments of inertia for the compres-
sive and tensile struts are shown as I,
and I, respectively.
Shear, moment, and prestress are
introduced into the system through
the rigid abutments. For strength de-
sign, the shear, V, and moment, M, at
the center of the opening are deter-
mined from beam forces at ultimate.
When the opening length,1, is small
compared to the span length of the
beam, V can be assumed constant over
the length of the opening. Moment
then varies linearly across the open-
ing from M – AM to M + OM, where:
2
AM ° l(3)
and AM denotes the change in mo-
Iment tover one-half of the strut length.
The prestress force, P, acts at a dis-
tance Ad below the centroidal axis of
the tensile strut. The distance be-
tween the centroidal axes of the struts
is shown in Fig. ha as d8.
Forces acting at a section through
the center of the opening are shown
in Fig. Jib. With respect to the
applied loads, the axial forces in the
struts are calculated as:
–P(Ad) (4)
C= M
d8
T= M– P(d8 +Ad) (5)
d8
For design purposes a simplified
procedure for estimating shear forces
in the struts has been derived. When
no cracking has occurred in the struts,
shear is carried in proportion to the
untracked moments of inertia. This
will often be the case at transfer of
prestress and at service load.
Once cracking has occurred, a redis-
48
tribution of forces takes place in the
struts. For this case, the design proce-
dure is dependent on the extent of
cracking in the tensile strut. When
Eq. (5) results in:
(6)
a crack extending the full depth of the
tensile strut is likely to have occurred.
For this condition, it is recommended
that the struts be designed for:
V c =V (7)
Vt _ 0 (8)
For values of T satisfying the condi-
tion:
T < 6 A g, (9)
a full-depth crack has not occurred.
For this case the tensile strut must be
designed to carry some of the shear.
The recommended design forces are:
V 0 =V I` (10)
^ i;+ lt(cr)
Vt =VI I + 1 (11)
It
where
I, = moment of inertia of un-
cracked compressive strut
I t = moment of inertia of un-
cracked tensile strut
It(cr) = moment of inertia of fully
cracked tensile strut
The use of this simplified method
for determining strut shear forces at
ultimate load results in a conservative
design. This should be satisfactory for
most design applications.
Iterative method When an accu-
rate determination of strut shear
forces is required, analysis using the
modified idealized model shown in
Fig. 12 is recommended. Variable ef-
fective moments of inertia I ci, 'c2, I tl,
and I t2 are assumed in each strut seg-
ment to allow the effects of cracking
to be included in the analysis.
Axial forces in the struts are calcu-
lated from Eqs. (4) and (5).
between the loads in the untopped
system and loads in the composite
system. Dead load and prestress
forces are initially resisted by the un-
topped system. However, once crack-
ing occurs, some of the dead load and
prestress forces along with all of the
load applied after the topping is cast
are redistributed to the composite sys-
tem.
The two systems must be analyzed
separately to satisfy compatibility.
However, the effects of forces in both
systems must be considered together
in determining the properties of the
struts after they have cracked. More
detail on the aspects of this analysis
are contained elsewhere.' A computer
program for this analysis is available.
The analysis applies only when the
struts behave primarily as flexural
members. As a guide in this regard,
the analysis is not recommended
when overall length-to-depth ratios of
the struts are less than 2.5. Fur-
thermore, to ensure that the posts be-
have rigidly, it is recommended that
adjacent web openings be separated
by web elements (posts) having over-
all width-to-height ratios of at least
2.0 where the width of the posts is the
distance between adjacent stirrups. A
limit on nominal total design shear
stress, v,,., of 2f J psi (0.17fj MPa) is
advised for the posts.
Acknowledgments
The investigation described in this re-
port was carried out in the Structural De-
velopment Laboratory of the Portland Ce-
ment Association in Skokie, Illinois. B. W.
Fullhart, A. G. Aabey, and W. Hummerich,
Jr. of the technician staff of the Structural
Development Section fabricated and
tested the beams. Photographic services
were provided by P. J. Walusek. Astaire M.
Parisi provided the secretarial services.
Figures in the report were prepared by
Louise S. Masten.
50
Concluding Remarks
Tests were carried out on 18 full-
size tee beams containing large rec-
tangular web openings. The beams
were loaded to simulate conditions in
a uniformly loaded beam.
Principal variables in the test pro-
gram were size and location of open-
ings, type and amount of web shear
reinforcement, and amount of primary
flexural reinforcement.
The behavior of beams with open-
ings was similar to that of a Vieren-
deel truss. Test results indicate that
large web openings can be placed in
prestressed concrete beams without
sacrificing strength or serviceability.
However, openings must be located
outside the required strand embed-
ment length. Adequate shear rein-
forcement must be provided adjacent
to openings.
An analytical procedure has been
established for determining forces and
moments in struts above and below
openings. Design criteria have been
presented.
References
1. Ragan, H. S. and Warwaruk, J., "Tee
Members With Large Web Openings,"
PCI JOURNAL, V. 12, No, 4, August
1967, pp. 52-65.
2. Sauve, Jacques Germain, "Prestressed
Concrete Tee Beams With Large Web
Openings," MS Thesis, University of
Alberta, Fall 1970.
3. LeBlanc, Eric P., "Parallelogram
Shaped Openings in Prestressed Con-
crete Tee Beams," MS Thesis, Univer-
sity of Alberta, Fall 1971.
4. ACI Committee 318, "Building Code
Requirements for Reinforced Concrete
(ACI 318-71)," American Concrete In-
stitute, Detroit, Michigan, 1971, 78 pp.
5. Barney, G. B., "Design of Prestressed
Concrete Beams with Large Web Open-
ings," PhD Thesis, Northwestern Uni-
versity, June 1975.
 APPENDI^C A-NOTATION
A0 = gross area of tensile strut
bz = minimum width of tensile
strut
C = axial force in compres ive
strut
d = distance from extreme c m-
pressive fiber to centroi of
prestressed reinforcement
but not less than 0.8h
d8 = distance between centro dal
axes of tensile and comp es-
sive struts
Ad = distance of effective re-
stressing force result nt
below centroidal axis of n-
sile strut
E, = modulus of elasticity of c n-
crete
= compressive strength of c n-
crete
fYe = compressive stress in c n-
crete due to prestress o ly
after all losses, at extre e
fiber of a section at wh ch
tensile stresses are cau ed
by applied loads
f8P = splitting tensile strength of
concrete
h = overall depth of tensile st t
I, = moment of inertia of n-
cracked compressive strut
Ic,. = moment of inertia of crac ed
strut section transformed to
concrete
1 ,i, 1C2 = effective moments of iner is
in compressive strut
'elf = effective moment of inerti
Ig = moment of inertia of n-
cracked section transform d
to concrete
PCI JOURNAL/November-December 1977
= moment of inertia of un-
cracked tensile strut
I t(cr) = moment of inertia of fully
cracked tensile strut
Ic,, I t2 = effective moments of inertia
in tensile strut
= effective strut length
M = moment at center of opening
AM = change in moment over
one-half of strut length
Ma = maximum moment in strut
segment
MC,. = bending moment causing
flexural cracking at section
considered due to superim-
posedloads
M„ = maximum moment in tensile
strut due to superimposed
loads
P = effective prestress force
T = axial force in tensile strut
v ex = shear stress at diagonal
cracking due to all design
loads, when such cracking is
result of combined shear and
vu
moment
= nominal total design shear
stress
V = shear force at center of open-
ing
V, = shear force in compressive
strut
Vt = shear force in tensile strut
X = distance from support to
center of opening
lit = distance from centroidal axis
of uncracked section to ex-
treme fiber in tension
(P = capacity reduction factor
51
 APPENDIX B-DESIGN EXAMPLE
In this section a design example is
presented for a prestressed concrete
double tee beam with a 2-in, thick
reinforced concrete topping. Part I of
the example demonstrates strength
design using the simplified method
referred to in the text.
Part II illustrates procedures for
checking stress and•. deflection re-
quirements at service load.
Note: For the convenience of read-
ers unfamiliar with the American sys-
tem of units, a table of metric (SI)
equivalents is included below.
Part 1-Strength design
The simply supported prestressed
concrete double tee beam shown in
Fig. B1 has been designed without
web openings to carry a live load of 50
psf. Material properties are as follows:
Concrete:
Beam f, = 6000 psi
Topping., = 3000 psi
52
Non-prestressed reinforcement:
f 60ksi
Prestressed reinforcement:
f = 270 ksi
A requirement of two 10-in, deep by
36-n, long web openings for passage
of mechanical and electrical services
has been introduced. The centers of
the openings are located 8Yz and 15 ft
from one support as shown in Fig. Bi.
Design the beam to carry the re-
quired loads. Assume that the dis-
tance from the vertical edges of the
openings to the centroid of the stirrup
reinforcement adjacent to the open-
ings is 1 in.
1. Calculate the required embed-
ment length t d for 1/a -in, diameter
strand from the provisions of Section
12.11 of ACI 318-71. Assume a strand
stress of 0.7fg.. immediately after
transfer and 15 percent losses under
service load conditions from the ef-
fects of creep, shrinkage, and strand
relaxation:
1d = (fpff- z/afse)dt,
_ { 270 – 2/3 (270) (0.7) (1 – ©.15)} (0.5)
= 81.5 tn.
Embedment length provided
6+ 102- 18– 1= 89in.> 81.5 in.
2. Calculate the effective flange
width from Section 8.7.2 of ACI 318-
71:
1!a of span length =
(1/4) (36) (12) = 108 in. > 48 in.
Allowable overhang
8 times slab thickness
= 8 (4) = 32 in.
or allowable overhang
= 1!a clear distance to next
beam
(48 – 5.75)
= (1/2)
= 21.13 in.
Therefore, full flange width is ef-
fective.
 36
.E `^ 2 { 36.. A

10,;;
Hole A Hole 8

8.4 A

15'-0.
L 36 - 0 „ 6

(a) ELEVATION

48

Toppin

Symmetrical Welded Wire Fabric

About Center (4x4-10/f0)
Line
2 ' Dia.270 K Strands
Welded Wire Fabric
(4x4-10/10) N

3
1 , = 25.4 mm
I' 0.305m 5

(b) SECTION A-A

Fig. 81. Elevation and cross secti n of prestressed beam used in example.

3. Check the width-to-height ra 'o 111. = 1/i wLX — ½ w,,.X2

of post: = 1/2 (760) (36) (8.5) -
1,4 (760) (8.5)2
(42 — 2) /10 = 4.0 > 2.0
= 88,825 ft-lb = 1066 in.-kips
4. Calculate the beam design loads
assuming a uniformly distribut d V. = % w .L — wuX
dead load. Since the double tee is = ½ (760) (36) — (760) (8.5)
symmetric about its centerline, desi n = 7220 lb = 7.2 kips
for one-half of a standard double t e 6. Calculate the size of stirrup rein-
section. forcement adjacent to the opening:
wu = 1.4wa+ 1.7w1
= 1.4(299.7)+ 1.7(50)(4) A„= "
= 760 lb/ft
5. Calculate the design mome it _ 7200
= 0.14 sq in.
and shear at the center of Hole A. (0.85) (60,000)

PCI JOURNAL/November-December 977 53

 Use U-shaped No.. 3 stirrup, i.e., To obtain a conservative estimate of
0.22 sq in. of steel each side of shear force in the tensile strut, assume
opening. that cracking causes no redistribution
of dead load shear, V 4. to the com-
7. Calculate the axial forces from pressive strut.
Eqs. (4) and (5): Vd = 1/s w dL - wdX
C_M-P(Ad)
= ½ (299.7) (36) - (299.7) (8.5)
dg = 2847 lb = 2.9 kips
where d s = 17.57 in. based on
transformed strut properties and It
V t =Vd I +It +
Od = 0.25 in.
C = { 1066 - (2) (270) (0.153) (0.7) x
(1 - 0.15) (0.25) } /17.57 It
(Vu -V4)
= 60 kips (compression) I ` + It
T= M-P(d3+Ad)
I 642 f
d,
=2.9It 32+6421+
_ { 1066 - (2) (270) (0.153) (0.7) x
(1 - 0.15) (17.57 + 0.25) } /17.57 642
= 10.8 kips (tension) (7.2 - 2.9)
214 + 642
8. Check the extent of cracking in
the tensile strut from Eqs. (6) and (9). = 6.0 kips
The value of A,- is calculated as
53.2 sq in. 10. Calculate the moments at ends
_ 6(53.2)fOO60 of the struts using the free body dia-
6A gt J 1000 gram of Fig. B2. Assume strut lengths
of 36 + 2 = 38 in. and hinges at mid-
= 24.7 kips lengths of the struts:
T = 10.8 kips < 24.7 kips
Therefore, the tensile strut is not In compressive strut
penetrated by a crack over its full M,= ±5.4(19)
depth. = 102.6 in.-kips
In tensile strut
9. Calculate the strut shear forces Mt= ±6.0(19)
from Eqs. (10) and (11). The section 114.0 in.-kips
properties of the struts are:
I, = 214 in. 4 (with topping, based on 11. Determine the magnified mo-
transformed section) ments in the compressive strut to ac-
I, = 32 in.4 (without topping) count for slenderness effects. Using
I t = 642 in.4 Eq. (10-5) from Section 10.11.5 of ACI
I t(cr) = 72 in ,4 318-71, for a frame not braced against
From Eq. (10) the shear force in sidesway:
the compressive strut is:
s = Cm
Ve=V
I, 1 -"
P
Ic +I t( .)
wlatre
_ 214
V^-7.2 214+72 C m = 1.0 for unbraced member
P u = C = 60 kips
= 5.4 kips 0 =0.7

54
 Calculating dead load sh ar in
compressive strut:
32
V , = 2.9
32 + 642
= 0.1 kips
= 1.4 (0.1) (19)
/34
(5.4) (19) Fig. B2. Free body diagram.
= 0.03
Using Eq. (10-8):
Step 7). Determine the shear capacity
E,.I,. from Section 11.4.4 of ACI 318-71.
El = 2.5 Vu
1+/3a
`Vb wd

(57) (214) = 6.0

2.5 (0.85) (3.75) (0.8) (12)
1.03 = 0.20 ksi = 200 psi
= 3.67 x 105 lb-in.2
Using Eq. (10-6): v =2I 1+0.002^u
9

= 2 ( 1+ 0.002 ( 10800) I J,MW

7r2EI
P^ _
(kl)2 53.2
__ir2 (3.67 x 105) = 92 psi < 200 psi
(1.0 x 38)2
Hence, additional reinforce-
= 2508 kips ment is required. Proportion
the shear reinforcement in ten-
S - 1.0 sile strut according to Eq. (11-
_ 60 13) in ACI 318-71. Maximum
1 0.7 (2508) spacing by Section 11.1.4(b) of
ACI 318-71 is 0.75h = 9 in.
= 1.04
BM,= ±1.04(102.6)
A-
v- f.
- yc) bws
= ± 106.7 in.-kips
_ (200 - 92) (3.75) (9)
12. Check the positive and nega ive
flexural capacities of struts with re- 60000
spect to interaction curves shown in = 0.06 sq in.
Figs. B3 and B4 (see next page). Use No. 3 bar single leg stirrups
For C = 60 kips at 9-in, centers in tensile strut
(Mc)allow = + 114 in.-kips to provide A„ = 0.11 sq in. An-
- 143 in.-kips ( k) chor stirrups around the strands
(M t)^Zo,,, _ + 120 in.-kips using a 180-deg bend at each
- 152 in.-kips (ok) end.
13. The net axial force in the 14. Determine the shear capacity of
sile strut is 10.8 kips tension compressive strut using the provisions

PCI JOURNAL/November-December h977 55

 Ctxir+s)
CQsN)
-25
_100
4

MtxN;m)

-20 -10 ao 20
1 ____
-200 -150 -100 -500 50 100 ISO 200

Min-kips)

25 100

200
50

300
75

1001

Fig. B3. Interaction curve for compressive strut.

C(kN)

M(in-kips)

Fig. B4. Interaction curve for tensile strut.

56

L
of Section 11.4.3 of ACI 318-71. flee
d is different at each end of the .rut, for Hole B results in the following:
check capacity at each end. Eo. the Design moment at center of
end having d = 1;in.
Vu
vu-
5.4
(0.85) (48) (1)
=0.13 ksi = 130 psi
v, =21 1+0.0005 _ 1
9
where A g = 165 sq in. is the
gross area of the compres live
strut transformed to 600C
concrete. Therefore:
v, = 2j 1 + 0.0005 6 00 1 ' 60 0
= 183 psi > 130 psi (ok)
For the end having d = 3 in.,
assume the capacity is ov-
erned by topping concete av-
ing f 3000 psi since this s in
compression. Thus, in Eq.
(11-6) of ACI 318-71, A 9 = 193
sq in.
_
_ 5.4
v" (0.85) (48) (3)
= 0.04 ksi = 40 psi
vc =2f 1+0.0005 strut with d = 1 in. results in
LrJ
127 psi> 40 psi (ok)
15. Check the horizontal si
capacity between flange and top;
using Sections 17.5.3 and 17.5. of
ACT 318-71.
V.
vah=^d
v
_ 5.4
(0.85) (48) (3)
= 0.04 ksi = 40 psi
<80 psi (allowable)
PCI JOURNAL/November-flecembe} 1977
16. Following a similar procedure
opening:
M,, = 1436 in.-kips
Design shear at center of open-
ing:
VV, = 2.3 kips
Stirrup reinforcement adjacent
to opening: U-shaped No. 3 bar
C = 81 kips [from Eq. (4)11
T = 31.9 kips {from Eq. (5)]
6Ag = 24.7 kips
<T=31.9 kips
Therefore, the tensile strut of
Hole B is penetrated by a full-
depth crack. The distribution of
shear to the struts is determined
from Eqs. (7) and (8).
V, = V„ = 2.3 kips
Ve = 0
Moments adjusted for slender-
ness effects become:
SM c = - 4.3 in.-kips
M = 0
From the interaction diagram in
Fig. B3, for C = 81 kips:
(M) Qilo _ + 140 in.-kips
– 172 in.-kips (ok)
Shear design for the end of the
v = 56 psi
v = 193psi>56psi(ok)
1.
For the end of the strut with
d = 3 in.
v, = 17 psi
v, = 133 psi > 17 psi (ok)
Checking horizontal shear be-
tween topping and flange leads
to:
vdn = 17 psi < 80 psi (ok)
17. The shear stress in the post is
calculated as:
57
 vu = ( C )Hole B - ( C )Hote A I ^,
4b,d
V, = V
Icu+It
_ 81-60
32
(0.85) (4.84) (42 - 1) =1.9
32 + 642
= 0.12 ksi = 120 psi
= 0.1 kips
2/T = 155 psi (ok)
V t = V -Ve
= 1.9 - 0.1
Part II-Stress and = 1.8 kips
deflection requirements The calculated values of d $ and
Check deflection and stresses Ad shown in Fig. ha for the un-
around the openings at service load. topped beam are:
Assume a strand stress of 0.7f.,.. im- ds = 16.75 in.
mediately following transfer of pre- O d- 0.25 in.
stress. Also, assume that the entire From Eqs. (4) and (5):
prestress loss of 15 percent occurs
after the topping is cast. C 280 - 57.8 (0.25)
16.75
1. Service load stresses will be cal- = 15.9 kips
culated at the extreme fibers of the
struts at the four points shown in Fig. T - 280 - 57.8 (16.75 + 0.25)
B5. Stresses will be calculated assum- 16.75
ing that full dead load, including the = - 42.0 kips
weight of the topping, and the full
prestress force are resisted by the un- 3. For the bottom extreme fiber at
topped beam. After the topping be- Point 1:
comes an integral part of the beam,
additional stresses resulting from live VJ ')yb
load and loss of prestress will be cal-
culated. f = -C 21e

2. Referring to Fig. B2, the forces 15900 (100)(19)(1)

caused by dead load and prestress act-
ing on the untopped beam at Hole A
are calculated as follows:
P = AJ.
= 2 (0.153) (0.7) (270)
= 57.8 kips
M = 1/2 wdLX - 1/2 wdX2.
= 1/2 (199.7) (36) (8.5)
- 1/2 (199.7) (8.5)2
= 23340 ft-lb = 280 in.-kips
V = 1/2wdL -wdX
= 1/2 (199.7) (36)
- (199.7) (8.5)
= 1897 lb = 1.9 kips
97 32
= - 223 psi
Stresses at other locations are
calculated using a similar proce-
dure.
4. Referring to Fig. 11b, the change
in forces caused by live load and 15
percent loss of prestress at Hole A are
calculated following the procedure in
Step 2.
P = - 2 (0.153) (0.7) (0.15) (270)
_ - 8.7 kips
M = 1/2 (50) (4) (36) (8.5)
- 1/2 (50) (4) (8.5)2
= 23375 ft-lb = 281 in.-kips

58
 I" = 25.4 mm . Q=38

Stirrup .' .

Fig. B5. Location of stresses.

V = i/2 (50) (4) (36) From Eqs. (4) and (5):

– (50) (4) (8.5 C _ 281 – (– 8.7) (0.25)
= 1900 lb = 1.9 kips 17.57
1 16.1 kips
Ic +it
VI –V^1 281–(-8.7)(17.57+0.25)
T=
17.57
214 = 24.8 kips
= 1.9
L2 14 + 642
5. Stresses for live load and 15 per-
0.5 kips cent loss of prestress acting on the
topped beam are now calculated from
V t = V – V, first principles. A summary of service
= 1.9 – 0.5 load stresses for Hole A is presented
= 1.4 kips in Table B1.

Table B1. Str sses (psi) at service load.

Hole A Hole B

Location Top ottom Fiber Top Fiber Bottom Fiber

IbeI[

Calculated

1 -48* -455 -71* -519

2 -92* -241 -112* -421

3 +648 -1052 +451 -279

4 -614 +478 -29 +241

Allowable

1 -1350, +657* - 700, +930 -1350, +657* -2700, +930

2 -1350, +657* - 700, +930 -1350, +657* -2700, +930

3 -2700, +930 - 700, +930 -2700, +930 -2700, +930

4 -2700, +930 - 700, +930 -2700, +930 -2700, +930

*Stresses in topping

PCI JOURNAL/November-Decembe 1977 59

r

(b) U-SHAPED STIRRUP

t :.l

(c)SINGLE-LEG STIRRUP

Fig. 86. Details of additional reinforcement.

at
6. Stresses service load for Hole 8. Estimate the midspan deflection
caused by live load and 15 percent
B are calculated in a similar manner.
A summary of service load stresses for loss of prestress. Assume that the
Hole B is given in Table B1. component of deflection caused by
live load shear at each opening is de-
7. Allowable stresses in tension and termined from the following expres-
compression for 3000- and 6000-psi sion derived from moment-area prin-
concrete from Section 18.4.2 of ACI ciples.
318-71 are as follows:
V 3
For 3000-psi concrete—
in compression, (12)
O.45 fe = 1350 psi s" – 23E,(I,+It)
in tension, 12 J , = 657 psi
where I is the opening length of
For 6000-psi concrete— 38 in. and E 6 is the concrete
in compression, modulus. For Hole A, conserva-
0.45f= 2700 psi tively estimate I t = 72 in. 4 This
in tension, 12 f 1 = 657 psi is the moment of inertia of the
Modulus of rupture is deter- fully cracked strut.
mined from Section 9.5.2 of ACI
Calculate the component of
318-71 are as follows: midspan deflection caused by
For 3000-psi concrete- loss of prestress from the expres-
f
. r =7.5 f 411 psi sion:
For 6000-psi concrete— _ _ PeL2
f1.=7.5 f 581 psi 8,,
8E1
As indicated in Table B1, no al-
lowable stresses are exceeded. where e = 13.27 in. is the eccen-
However, cracking is indicated tricity of the prestressing steel.
in the top extreme fiber of the Conservatively estimate I =
tensile strut at Location 3. 12939 in.4, the moment of inertia

M
 of the beam at a section through
an opening.
Total midspan deflection is cal-
culated as:
& + (&v )Hote A + (6v)Hole B +
=
= 5 (6x124
12
384 (4415000) (12939)
2 (1900) (19) +
3 (4415000) (214 + 72)
2 (600) (19) +
3 (4415000) (214 + 642)
(8700) (13.27) (36 x 12)2
8 (4415000) (12939)
= 0.132 + 0.007 + 0.001 + 0.04k
= 0.187 in. < L1360 = 1.2 in. (ol)
PCI JOURNALfNovember-Decembei 1977
The above deflection compares
to a calculated deflection of
0.168 in. for a similar beam with
no web openings. Note that the
increase in deflections caused by
the holes is small. This finding
8v was verified by the experimental
program.
Design summary
I. Use U-shaped No. 3 stirrups ad-
jacent to both edges of each
opening to contain cracking
within the struts. See reinforce-
ment details in Fig. B6.
2. Use single-leg No. 3 stirrups at
9-in, centers as additional rein-
forcement in the tensile strut of
Hole A. See reinforcement de-
tails in Fig. B6.
Discussion of this paper is invited.
Please forward your comments to
PCI Headquarters by May 1, 1978.
61