Reinforced Concrete Beam Design and The Theory Behind It

Reinforced concrete (RCC) beams are structural elements that are designed to
carry transverse external loads, such as dead, live, and seismic loads. The
design of RCC beams involves the selection of appropriate dimensions,
materials, and reinforcements to ensure safety and serviceability of the
structure.
The following are some of the steps involved in the design of RCC beams:

 Determine the loading conditions and span of the beam. The loading
conditions include the self-weight of the beam, the loads transferred
from the slab or other elements, and any other applied loads. The span of
the beam is the clear distance between the supports.
 Assume a suitable depth and width of the beam based on empirical
formulas, deflection criteria, or reinforcement arrangement. The depth-
to-width ratio of the beam is usually between 1.5 to 2.
 Calculate the factored design moment and shear force at critical sections
of the beam using load factors and analysis methods.
 Check if the beam is singly reinforced or doubly reinforced based on the
limiting moment capacity of the section. A singly reinforced beam has
tension reinforcement only, while a doubly reinforced beam has both
tension and compression reinforcement.
 Design the tension reinforcement based on the strength and ductility
requirements. The area of steel should be sufficient to resist the tensile
stress and provide adequate bond with concrete. The spacing and
diameter of bars should also be checked.
 Design the compression reinforcement if required based on the strength
and stability requirements. The area of steel should be enough to balance
the compressive stress and prevent buckling of bars. The spacing and
diameter of bars should also be checked.
 Design the shear reinforcement based on the shear strength of concrete
and steel. The shear reinforcement can be provided in the form of
stirrups or bent-up bars. The spacing and size of stirrups should be
checked.
 Provide adequate development length, anchorage, and splices for the
reinforcement bars to ensure proper transfer of forces.
 Check the serviceability criteria such as deflection, cracking, and
durability of the beam. The deflection should not exceed the allowable
 limits for different types of beams and loading conditions. The cracking
should be controlled by limiting the stress in concrete and steel.

Reinforced Concrete Beam Design Concept.

Design of any structural members follows a specified code. Different countries follow
their respective codes, in Nigeria we use EUROCODES OR BS STANDARD CODES.

The design of reinforced concrete beams in Nigeria is governed by

the (EUROCODES-2 OR BS 8110 Part 1 or 2). Here are the general steps involved
in the design process as per the Eurocode code:

Calculate The Loads

 Determine the anticipated loads, including dead loads (weight of the structure and
permanent fixtures), live loads (occupancy and movable fixtures), and
environmental loads (wind, earthquake, etc.).

Select The Concrete Grade

 Choose an appropriate concrete grade based on the anticipated loads and the
required strength of the beam.

Determine The Effective Span

 Calculate the effective span of the beam, which is the distance between the centres
of support.

Determine The Depth of The Beam:

 based on the length of the span using the codes calculate the depth of the beam. It
usually takes as l/d of the span.

Determine The Width of The Beam:

 calculate the width of the beam based on the anticipated loads and the depth of the
beam.

Calculate The Factored Moment:

 calculate the factored load and factored moment.
Determine The Beam Type:
 after calculating the factored moment (MUlim) and the moment due to loads on
the beam (Mu). Using the code provision determine the type of the beam

i.e., singly reinforced beam (Mu < MUlim) Or doubly reinforced (Mu > MUlim).

 Revise the width and depth of the beam if required

Determine The Beam Section

 Determine the beam section using the codes i.e., balanced section or under
reinforced or over reinforced section.

Determine The Steel Reinforcement Required

 Determine the required steel reinforcement based on the maximum bending
moment and shear force. The reinforcement can be in the form of bars or mesh.

Bending Moment and Shear Force

 Calculate the maximum bending moment and shear force on the beam.

Check For Shear

 Check the beam for shear capacity, which is the ability to resist the lateral forces
acting on the beam. The shear reinforcement is also checked as per the code
provisions.

Check For Deflection

 Check the beam for deflection, which is the amount of deformation that occurs due
to the applied loads.

Check For Cracking

 Check the beam for cracking, which can occur if the stresses in the concrete or
reinforcement exceed their tensile strengths. The maximum allowable crack width
is also checked as per the code provisions.
Design The Supports
 Design the supports for the beam, which can be in the form of columns, walls, or
other structural elements. The design of the supports is also checked as per the
code provisions.

Check The Overall Stability

 Check the overall stability of the structure to ensure that it can resist overturning
and sliding.