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PROBLEM 18 – 0538: Determine the overall depth (h) and width (b) required for an
interior cast-in-place (c.i.p.) flexural beam shown in figure.
Assume flexural reinforcement to contain 8 #9 bars. (Use
relevant ACI code provisions).

Solution: As per ACI 318–77 sec. 7.6.1 a) the clear distance between bars in
a layer shall not be less than the bar diameter (1") b) the clear distance
between layers shall not be less than 1” and c) for cast-in-place (c.i.p.)
beams the concrete cover shall not be less than 1(1/2)" (ACI sec. 7.7.1).
The diameter of #9 bar is 9/8in, therefore the bar spacing is taken as
equal to bar diameter.
Therefore the beam width b:
two covers 2[1(1/2)"] → 3.00"
two stirrups 2(2 / 8") → 0.50"
four bars 4(9 / 8) → 4.50"
three spaces 3(9 / 8) → 3.375"
Total → 11.375" ≅ 11(1/2)"
and beam depth h:
depth at centroid → 20.0"
half of layer spacing (1/2) (1") → 0.50"
1 bar 1(9 / 8") → 1.125"
1 stirrup 1(2/8) → 0.25"
Total → 23.375 or ≅ 23(1/2) in.
Therefore use b = 11(1/2) in and h = 23(1/2) in.