Beam Design by Working Stress Method (WSM)

The Working Stress Method (WSM) is a traditional and well-

established approach for designing reinforced concrete (RC) beams. It
focuses on ensuring stresses in both concrete and steel reinforcement
remain within permissible limits under various loading conditions.
When it comes to designing beams using WSM, several key
considerations come into play.

Understanding the WSM Philosophy

The core principle of WSM lies in maintaining stresses in concrete and

steel below their respective allowable stress values. This ensures the
beam remains within the elastic range of behavior, avoiding brittle
failures. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

 Allowable Stress in Concrete: This value, designated as σcbc,

represents the maximum compressive stress concrete can safely
handle without experiencing cracking or crushing. Building codes
specify allowable concrete stress values based on the concrete grade.
 Allowable Stress in Steel: Steel reinforcement has a designated
allowable stress, σst, which represents the maximum tensile stress
the steel can withstand before yielding. Similarly, building codes
provide allowable steel stress values.
 Modular Ratio (m): This ratio accounts for the difference in the elastic
modulus (stiffness) of concrete and steel. It helps convert the strain
(deformation) in steel to an equivalent strain in concrete.

The Design Process: Step-by-Step

Designing a beam by WSM involves a series of calculations and

considerations:

1. Define Loads and Geometry: The first step involves defining the
dead load (weight of the beam itself), live load (occupancy or
equipment loads), and any other applicable loads acting on the beam.
Additionally, the beam's dimensions (width, depth) and material
properties (concrete grade, steel grade) are established.
2. Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams: Shear force and
bending moment diagrams are drawn to depict the variation of these
internal forces along the length of the beam. These diagrams are
crucial for identifying the critical section – the location where the
bending moment is the highest, and hence, the beam is most
susceptible to bending failure.
3. Analysis of the Critical Section: At the critical section, the bending
moment is used to determine the required moment of resistance (MR)
of the beam section. The MR represents the maximum bending
moment the section can resist without failure.
4. Selection of Reinforcement: Using the allowable stresses and the
concept of modular ratio, the designer calculates the required area of
steel reinforcement (As) needed to achieve the desired moment of
resistance. Standard bar sizes and spacing are then selected to
provide the calculated area of steel.
5. Shear Capacity Check: While the primary focus is bending, it's
crucial to ensure the chosen beam section has sufficient shear
capacity to handle the applied shear forces. Design tables or code
provisions can be used to verify this.

Advantages and Limitations of WSM

The WSM offers several advantages:

 Simple and Easy to Understand: The underlying principles are

relatively straightforward, making it a good starting point for beginners
in RC design.
 Safe and Conservative: By keeping stresses well below allowable
limits, WSM ensures a high degree of safety in the design.
 Widely Used and Established: The method has been used for
decades and is well-documented in building codes and design
manuals.

However, WSM also has limitations:

 Less Efficient in Material Usage: The focus on staying well below
allowable stresses can lead to designs that use more concrete and
steel than might be strictly necessary.
 Limited Applicability for Highly Stressed Beams: For beams
subjected to very high loads, WSM might not be the most efficient
design approach.
 Neglects Material Nonlinearity: WSM assumes a linear elastic
behavior for both concrete and steel, which is not entirely accurate in
real-world scenarios.

Modern Design Methods: Beyond WSM

The limitations of WSM have led to the development of more

advanced design methods, such as the Ultimate Limit State Design
(ULS) method. ULS considers the non-linear behavior of materials and
allows for controlled cracking in concrete. However, WSM remains a
valuable tool for preliminary design, educational purposes, and
situations where simpler and conservative approaches are preferred.

Conclusion: Building with Confidence - A Balanced Approach

Beam design by WSM provides a fundamental approach for ensuring

the safety and functionality of RC beams. While understanding its
principles is crucial, it's important to be aware of its limitations and
consider advanced methods for complex design scenarios. By
employing the appropriate design approach and considering practical
considerations, engineers can create beams that are both strong and
efficient.