PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
CODE PROVISIONS
409.3.1 MINIMUM BEAM DEPTH
For non-prestresses beams not supporting or
attached to partitions or other construction
likely to be damaged by large deflection,
overall beam depth h shall satisfy the limits in
Table 409.3.1.1, unless the calculated deflection
limits of Section 409.3.2 are satisfied
Table 409.3.1.1
Minimum Depth of Non-Prestressed Beams
Support Condition Minimum h
Simply Supported 𝐿/16
One end continuous 𝐿/18.5
Both end continuous 𝐿/21
Cantilever 𝐿/18
Expressions applicable for normal weight
concrete and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 MPa. For other cases,
minimum h shall be modified in accordance
with 409.3.1.1.1 through 409.3.1.1.3, as
appropriate.
409.3.1.1.1 For 𝑓𝑦 other than 420 MPa, the
expression in Table 409.3.1 shall be multiplied by
(0.40 + fy /700).
409.3.1.1 For non-prestressed beams not
satisfying Section 409.3.1 and for prestressed
beams immediate and time dependent
deflections shall be calculated in accordance
with Section 424.2 and shall not exceed the
limits in Section 424.2.2
429.4 PERMISSIBLE SERVICE LOAD STRESSES
429.4.1 Stresses in concrete shall not exceed:
Flexure ------------------------------------------𝟎. 𝟒𝟓𝒇′𝒄
429.4.2 Tensile stress in reinforcement 𝑓𝑠 shall not
exceed
For Flexural reinforcement -------------------𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝒇𝒚
ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE
429.6 FLEXURE
For investigation of stresses at service loads,
straight-line theory (for flexure) shall be used
with the following assumptions.
429.6.1 Strains vary linearly as the distance from
the neutral axis, except for deep flexural
members with overall depth-span ratios greater
than 2/5 for continuous spans and 4/5 for simple
spans, a nonlinear distribution of strain shall be
considered.
429.6.2 Stress-strain relationship of concrete is a
straight line under service loads within
permissible service load stresses.
429.6.3 In reinforced concrete members,
concrete resists no tension. 429.6.4 It shall be
permitted to take the modular ratio 𝑛 = 𝐸𝑠/𝐸𝑐,
as the nearest whole number (but NOT less than
6). Except for calculations for deflections, value
of n for lightweight concrete shall be assumed
to be the same as for normal weight concrete
of the same strength.
429.6.5 In doubly reinforced flexural members,
an effective modular ratio of 2𝐸𝑠/𝐸𝑐 shall be
used to transform compression reinforcement
for stress computations. Compressive stress in
such reinforcement shall NOT exceed
permissible tensile stress.
419.2.2 MODULUS OF ELASTICITY
419.2.2.1 Modulus of elasticity 𝐸𝑐 for concrete
shall be permitted to be taken as
𝒘𝒄 𝟏.𝟓 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟑√𝒇′𝒄 (𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
for values of 𝑤𝑐 between 1,440 and 2,560 kg/m³.
For normal weight concrete, 𝐸𝑐 shall be
permitted to be taken as
𝑬𝒄 = 𝟒, 𝟕𝟎𝟎√𝒇′𝒄 (𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
419.2.3 MODULUS OF RUPTURE OF CONCRETE
419.2.3.1 Modulus of rupture, fr, for concrete
shall be calculated by:
𝒇𝒓 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟐𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 (419.2.3.1)
where the value of λ is in accordance with
Section 419.2.4 (Lightweight Concrete)
419.2.4 Lightweight Concrete 419.2.4.1 To
account for the properties of lightweight
1
PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
concrete, a modification factor λ is used as a 𝑰𝒄𝒓 ≤ 𝑰𝒆 ≤ 𝑰𝒈
𝟑
multiplier of √𝑓′𝑐 in all applicable provisions of 𝑴𝒄𝒓 𝑴𝒄𝒓 𝟑
𝑰𝒆 = ( ) 𝑰𝒈 + [𝟏 − ( ) ] 𝑰𝒄𝒓 (424.2.3.6𝑎)
this Code. 419.2.4.2 The value of λ shall be 𝑴𝒂 𝑴𝒂
based on the composition of the aggregate in where:
the concrete mixture in accordance with Table 𝐼𝑐𝑟 = Moment of inertia of cracked section
transformed to concrete.
419.2.4.2 or as permitted in Section 419.2.4.3. 𝐼𝑒 = Effective moment of inertia for computation
of deflection.
𝐼𝑔 = Moment of inertia of gross concrete section
about the centroidal axis, neglecting
reinforcement.
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = Cracking moment.
𝑀𝑎 = Maximum moment in member at stage
419.2.4.3 If the measured average splitting deflection is computed.
tensile strength of lightweight concrete, fct , is
used to calculate λ, laboratory test shall be
conducted in accordance with ASTM C330M to Cracking Moment, 𝑴𝒄𝒓 , is calculated by:
𝒇𝒓𝑰𝒈
establish the value of fct ,and the corresponding 𝑴𝒄𝒓 = (424.2.3.5𝑏)
𝒚𝒕
value of fcm and λ shall be calculated by:
𝒇𝒄𝒕 where:
𝝀= ≤ 𝟏. 𝟎 (419.2.4.3) 𝑦𝑡 = Distance from centroidal axis of gross
𝟎. 𝟓𝟔√𝒇𝒄𝒎
section, neglecting reinforcement.
The concrete mixture tested in order to
calculate λ shall be representative of that to be
424.2.3.6 For continuous one-way slabs and
used in the Work.
beams, Ie shall be permitted to be taken as the
where:
average of values obtained from Eq. 424.2.3.5a
𝑓𝑐𝑚 = measured average compressive strength
for the critical positive and negative moment
of concrete, MPa
sections.

424.2.3 CALCULATION OF IMMEDIATE

424.2.3.7 For prismatic one-way slabs and
DEFLECTIONS
beams, Ie shall be permitted to be taken as the
424.2.3.1 Immediate deflections shall be
value obtained from Eq. 424.2.3.5a at mid-span
calculated using methods or formulas for elastic
for simple and continuous spans, and at the
deformations, considering effects of cracking
support for cantilevers.
and reinforcement on member stiffness.

424.2.4 CALCULATION OF TIME-DEPENDENT

424.2.3.2 Effect of variation of cross-sectional
DEFLECTIONS
properties, such as haunches, shall be
424.2.4.1.1 Unless values from a more
considered when calculating deflections.
comprehensive analysis, additional
timedependent deflection resulting from creep
424.2.3.3 Deflections in two-way slab system
and shrinkage of flexural members shall be
shall be calculated taking into account size and
calculated as the product of the immediate
shape of the panel, conditions of support, and
deflection caused by the sustained load and
nature of restraints at the panel edges.
the factor 𝜆Δ .
𝝃
424.2.3.4 Modulus of elasticity, Ec, shall be 𝝀𝚫 = (424.2.4.1.1)
𝟏 + 𝟓𝟎𝝆′
permitted to be calculated in accordance with
where:
section 419.2.2.
𝜉 = Time-dependent factor for sustained load
𝜆∆ = Multiplier used for additional deflection due
424.2.3.5 For non-prestressed members,
to long-term effects
effective moment of inertia, Ie, shall be
calculated by Eq. 424.2.3.5a (show below)
424.2.4.1.2 In the equation above, 𝜌′ shall be
unless obtained by a more comprehensive
calculated at mid-span for simple and
analysis, but 𝐼𝑒 shall not be greater than 𝐼𝑔 .

ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE 2

PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
continuous spans, and at the support for 𝟏 𝟐
𝒃𝒙 = 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
cantilevers. 𝟐
For midspan for simple and continuous span • Doubly reinforced beam (DRB):
𝑨′𝒔 𝟏 𝟐
𝝆′ = 𝒃𝒙 + (𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏)𝑨′𝒔 (𝒙 − 𝒅′) = 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
𝒃𝒅 𝟐
For cantilever Cracked Section moment of inertia (𝑰𝒄𝒓 = 𝑰𝑵.𝑨. )
𝑨𝒔 • Singly reinforced
𝝆′ = 𝒃𝒙𝟑
𝒃𝒅 𝑰𝒄𝒓 = + 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)𝟐
424.2.4.1.3 In the equation above, values of the 𝟑
time dependent factor for sustained load, ξ, • Doubly reinforced
shall be in accordance with Table 424.2.4.1.3 𝒃𝒙𝟑
𝑰𝒄𝒓 = + (𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏)𝑨′ 𝒔 (𝒙 − 𝒅′ )𝟐 + 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)𝟐
(shown below) 𝟑
Actual stresses
• General flexure formula
𝑴𝒚
𝒇=
𝑰
• Concrete stress at extreme compression
fiber
𝑴𝒂 𝒙
FLEXURAL ANALYSIS (WSD) 𝒇𝒄 =
𝑰𝒄𝒓
• Tension steel
TRANSFORMED AREA METHOD 𝒇𝒔 𝑴𝒂 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
=
𝒏 𝑰𝒄𝒓
A. Uncracked Stage (𝒇𝒕 ≤ 𝒇𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂 ≤ 𝑴𝒄𝒓 ) • Compression steel
Rectangular Section 𝒇′𝒔 𝑴𝒂 (𝒙 − 𝒅′)
=
𝟐𝒏 𝑰𝒄𝒓

FLEXURAL DESIGN (WSD)

𝒇 𝒓 𝑰𝒈
𝑴𝒄𝒓 =
𝒚𝒕
B. Cracked Stage (𝒇𝒕 > 𝒇𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂 > 𝑴𝒄𝒓 )
Procedure
Transformed Area Method Step 1: Calculate the actual expected moment
Rectangular Section (𝑀𝑎 ) to be carried by the beam at service level
Step 2: Solve for the balanced moment
capacity
𝒅𝒇𝒄
𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 =
𝒇
𝒇𝒄 + 𝒔
𝒏
𝟏
𝑪𝒃𝒂𝒍 = 𝒇𝒄 (𝒃 ∙ 𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝟐
𝟏
𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 = 𝑪𝒃𝒂𝒍 (𝒅 − 𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝟑
• 𝑴𝒂 ≤ 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 , 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝑺𝑹𝑩
• 𝑴𝒂 > 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 , 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝑫𝑹𝑩
Step 3: Design as SRB (𝑴𝒂 ≤ 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )

Location of the neutral axis from extreme

compression fiber
• Singly reinforced beam (SRB):

ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE 3

PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
EXERCISE PROBLEMS
Problem 1:
A decorative beam with a tubular section is
simply supported on a span of 4.5 m. The tubular
section has an outside diameter of 600 mm and
an inside diameter of 300 mm. The allowable
cracking stress is 3.2 MPa.
a. Determine the cracking moment
b. In addition to the weight, determine the
Locate the neutral axis
concentrated load at midspan that the
𝒃𝒙𝟑 𝒃𝒙𝟐 (𝒅 − 𝒙) 𝒏𝑴𝒂 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
+ = beam can support.
𝟑 𝟐 𝒇𝒔
𝑴𝒂 c. If the 300 mm hollow core were replaced
𝑨𝒔 =
𝟏 by 300 mm square section, calculate the
𝒇𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
𝟑 cracking moment.
Step 4: Design as DRB (𝑴𝒂 > 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
Problem 2:
Precast joist with typical section as shown are
cast using a concrete strength f’c=27.5 MPa.
The resulting tensile strength, ft=2.75 MPa. The
joist are to be simply supported on a span of 6m.
Unit weigth of concrete is 24 kN/m^3.

For Tension steel reinforcement (𝐴𝑠 )

i. Solve for 𝐴𝑠1 from balanced condition
𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍
𝑨𝒔𝟏 =
𝟏
𝒇𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝟑 a. Find the cracking moment
ii. Solve for 𝐴𝑠2 from excess of 𝑀𝑎 and 𝑀𝑏𝑎𝑙 b. How much additional uniform load can
(𝑴𝒂 − 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝑨𝒔𝟐 = the joist carry if the cracking moment is
𝒇𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒅′) 50 kN-m?
iii. Solve for total area of tension c. If the joist is reinforced with 3-25 mm
reinforcement diameter bars with their centroid at 435
𝑨𝒔 = 𝑨𝒔𝟏 + 𝑨𝒔𝟐
mm from the top, determine the
For Compression steel reinforcement (𝐴′𝑠 )
cracking moment. Use n=8.
i. Solve for 𝐴′𝑠 from balanced condition
and use 𝑀 = (𝑀𝑎 − 𝑀𝑏𝑎𝑙 )
Problem 3:
ii. If 𝑓′𝑠 ≥ 𝑓𝑠 , use 𝑓′𝑠 = 𝑓𝑠
Consider the T beam shown. The beam is simply
𝟐𝒏𝒇𝒄 (𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 − 𝒅′)
𝒇′𝒔 = supported at a span of 6m and with 2 m
𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍
overhang. The beam carries a dead load of 15
𝟐𝒇𝒔 (𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 − 𝒅′)
𝒇′𝒔 = kN/m excluding the weight of the beam and a
𝒅 − 𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍
uniform live load of 10 kN/m. Compressive
iii. Solve for 𝐴′𝑠
strength of concrete is 28 MPa and yield
𝟐𝒏(𝑴𝒂 − 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝑨′𝒔 = strength of 420 MPa. Calculate the following:
𝒇′𝒔 (𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏)(𝒅 − 𝒅′)
a. Cracking moment
b. Critical moment of inertia
c. Compressive stress on concrete
d. Tensile stress on steel
e. Capacity ratio of concrete under
compressive stress
f. Section curvature at cracking

ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE 4

PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
Problem 4:
A 6 m simply supported beam is reinforced with
3-20 mm Ф tension bars is loaded at third points
with 20 kN dead load and 12 kN live load. Use
f’c=28 MPa and fy=420 MPa. Use WSD,
determine the following:
a. Instantaneous deflection due to dead
load.
b. Instantaneous deflection due to dead
load and live load.
c. Initial deflection due to full live load
d. Long term deflection, assuming 50% of
live load is continuously applied for two
years.
Problem 5:
A reinforced concrete beam has a width of 280
mm and effective depth of 520 mm. It is
reinforced for tension only with 5-28 mm Ф bars.
f’c=21 MPa and fs=128 MPa. Assume n=9. Use
WSD.
a. Determine the location of the neutral axis
b. Calculate the compressive force on the
concrete.
c. Determine the moment capacity of the
beam.
Problem 6:
A rectangular reinforced concrete beam
having a width of 200 mm and effective depth
of 500 mm is subjected to a service moment of
120 kN-m. The beam is reinforced with four 25
mm Ф bars. Use modular ratio n=8. Use WSD.
a. Determine the location of the neutral
axis.
b. Calculate the stress on the concrete
c. Determine the stress on the steel.
Example 7:
Design a section of a concrete beam
reinforced for tension only. The beam is simply
supported on a span of 7.5 m and carries a total
ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE
load of 18 kN/m. Use a minimum with of 250 mm.
Use 20 mmФ with yield strength of 280 MPa. Use
f’c=21 MPa an use modular ratio n=9.
Sketch the section of the beam.
Problem 8:
It is desired to find the steel reinforcements at
the most critical section in bending of a beam
having a cross section of 400 mm by 600 mm (b
x h) with an effective cover of 85 mm for
reinforcements. F’c= 21 MPa, fs= 140 MPa, n=9.
Determine the required area of steel
reinforcement at the following condition.
a) Balanced condition
b) If the beam carries a bending moment of
150 kN-m.
c) If the beam carries a bending moment of
220 kN-m.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS
Problem 1:
A reinforced concrete rectangular beam
having a width of 350 mm and a total depth of
600 mm and effective depth of 530 mm is
reinforced with 4 − 28 mm∅ tension bars.
Material strength are fy = 420 MPa, f′c = 28 MPa,
fr = 3.28 MPa and n = 8. Determine the stress in
concrete and steel caused by a bending
moment M = 60 kN − m.
Problem 2:
A reinforced concrete beam having a width of
300 mm and an effective depth of 530 mm is
reinforced with 5 − 28 mm∅ tension bars.
Material strength are fs = 128 MPa, f′c = 27 MPa,
and n = 8. Determine the following using
working strength design:
a) Balanced moment capacity of the
beam
b) Moment capacity of the beam
Problem 3:
A rectangular concrete section is reinforced
with 3-25 mm ϕ bars in tension and has a width
of 300 mm and a total depth of 600 mm and
effective depth of 540 mm. Use 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 𝑀𝑃𝑎
and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and n=8. Calculate the
following:
a) Cracking Moment
b) Moment of inertia of the cracked section
c) Moment capacity of the section
5
PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)

Problem 4:
Consider the beam section shown. Material
strength is fs = 165 MPa, f′c = 27.6 MPa, and n = 8.
Determine the moment capacity of the beam
section.

Problem 5:
A 350mm × 600 mm concrete beam with simple
span of 8 m is design to carry a calculated dead
load of 10 kN/m including its own weight and
service live load of 15 kN/m. The beam is
reinforced with 4-25 mm ∅ bars with an effective
depth to tension bars of 350 mm. Of the total
live load, 20% is sustained in nature while 80 %
will be applied only intermittently over the life of
the structure. The beam will support non-
structural partitions of that would damage if
large deflections were to occur. Material
strengths are f'c = 21 MPa, fy = 345 MPa, and n =
9.
a) Calculate the maximum instantaneous
deflection for DL+LL.
b) Calculate the deflection assuming 20%
of the live load is continuously applied for
5 years.
c) Check the stiffness adequacy of the
beam.

Problem 6:
Determine the instantaneous deflection under
dead loads and live loads for the doubly
reinforced beam shown. The simply supported
beam is 6m long subjected to a uniform dead
load of 7.5 kN/m including its own weight and
live load of 10 kN/m in addition to a
concentrated load dead load of 30 kN at
midspan. Material strengths are fy = 345 MPa,
f′c = 25 MPa, and n = 8.

ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE 6