PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
CODE PROVISIONS
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
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 concrete, a modification
factor λ is used as a multiplier of √𝑓′𝑐 in all applicable
provisions of this Code. 419.2.4.2 The value of λ shall be
based on the composition of the aggregate in the concrete
ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE
mixture in accordance with Table 419.2.4.2 or as
permitted in Section 419.2.4.3.
419.2.4.3 If the measured average splitting tensile
strength of lightweight concrete, fct , is used to calculate λ,
laboratory test shall be conducted in accordance with
ASTM C330M to establish the value of fct ,and the
corresponding value of fcm and λ shall be calculated by:
𝒇𝒄𝒕
𝝀= ≤ 𝟏. 𝟎 (419.2.4.3)
𝟎. 𝟓𝟔√𝒇𝒄𝒎
The concrete mixture tested in order to calculate λ shall
be representative of that to be used in the Work.
where:
𝑓𝑐𝑚 = measured average compressive strength of
concrete, MPa
424.2.3 CALCULATION OF IMMEDIATE
DEFLECTIONS
424.2.3.1 Immediate deflections shall be calculated using
methods or formulas for elastic deformations, considering
effects of cracking and reinforcement on member
stiffness.
424.2.3.2 Effect of variation of cross-sectional properties,
such as haunches, shall be considered when calculating
deflections.
424.2.3.3 Deflections in two-way slab system shall be
calculated taking into account size and shape of the
panel, conditions of support, and nature of restraints at the
panel edges.
424.2.3.4 Modulus of elasticity, Ec, shall be permitted to
be calculated in accordance with section 419.2.2.
424.2.3.5 For non-prestressed members, effective
moment of inertia, Ie, shall be calculated by Eq.
424.2.3.5a (show below) unless obtained by a more
comprehensive analysis, but 𝐼𝑒 shall not be greater than
𝐼𝑔 .
𝑰𝒄𝒓 ≤ 𝑰𝒆 ≤ 𝑰𝒈
𝑴𝒄𝒓 𝟑 𝑴𝒄𝒓 𝟑
𝑰𝒆 = ( ) 𝑰𝒈 + [𝟏 − ( ) ] 𝑰𝒄𝒓 (424.2.3.6𝑎)
𝑴𝒂 𝑴𝒂
where:
𝐼𝑐𝑟 = Moment of inertia of cracked section transformed to
concrete.
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 deflection is
computed.
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PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
Cracking Moment, 𝑴𝒄𝒓 , is calculated by: FLEXURAL ANALYSIS (WSD)
𝒇𝒓 𝑰𝒈
𝑴𝒄𝒓 = (424.2.3.5𝑏)
𝒚𝒕 A. Uncracked Stage (𝒇𝒕 ≤ 𝒇𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂 ≤ 𝑴𝒄𝒓 )
where: Rectangular Section
𝑦𝑡 = Distance from centroidal axis of gross section,
neglecting reinforcement.
424.2.3.6 For continuous one-way slabs and beams, Ie
shall be permitted to be taken as the average of values
obtained from Eq. 424.2.3.5a for the critical positive and
negative moment sections.
424.2.3.7 For prismatic one-way slabs and beams, Ie
shall be permitted to be taken as the value obtained from
Eq. 424.2.3.5a at mid-span for simple and continuous
spans, and at the support for cantilevers.

𝒇𝒓 𝑰𝒈
424.2.4 CALCULATION OF TIME-DEPENDENT 𝑴𝒄𝒓 =
DEFLECTIONS 𝒚𝒕
424.2.4.1.1 Unless values from a more comprehensive B. Cracked Stage (𝒇𝒕 > 𝒇𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂 > 𝑴𝒄𝒓 )
analysis, additional timedependent deflection resulting
from creep and shrinkage of flexural members shall be Transformed Area Method
calculated as the product of the immediate deflection Rectangular Section
caused by the sustained load and the factor 𝜆Δ .
𝝃
𝝀𝚫 = (424.2.4.1.1)
𝟏 + 𝟓𝟎𝝆′
where:
𝜉 = Time-dependent factor for sustained load
𝜆∆ = Multiplier used for additional deflection due to long-
term effects
424.2.4.1.2 In the equation above, 𝜌′ shall be calculated
at mid-span for simple and continuous spans, and at the
support for cantilevers.
For midspan for simple and continuous span
𝑨′𝒔
𝝆′ =
𝒃𝒅 Location of the neutral axis from extreme compression
For cantilever
fiber
𝑨𝒔
𝝆′ = • Singly reinforced beam (SRB):
𝒃𝒅
𝟏 𝟐
424.2.4.1.3 In the equation above, values of the time 𝒃𝒙 = 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
𝟐
dependent factor for sustained load, ξ, shall be in
• Doubly reinforced beam (DRB):
accordance with Table 424.2.4.1.3 (shown below) 𝟏 𝟐
𝒃𝒙 + (𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏)𝑨′𝒔 (𝒙 − 𝒅′) = 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
𝟐
Cracked Section moment of inertia (𝑰𝒄𝒓 = 𝑰𝑵.𝑨. )
• Singly reinforced
𝒃𝒙𝟑
𝑰𝒄𝒓 = + 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)𝟐
𝟑
• Doubly reinforced
𝒃𝒙𝟑
𝑰𝒄𝒓 = + (𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏)𝑨′ 𝒔 (𝒙 − 𝒅′ )𝟐 + 𝒏𝑨𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)𝟐
𝟑
Actual stresses
• General flexure formula
𝑴𝒚
𝒇=
𝑰
• Concrete stress at extreme compression fiber
𝑴𝒂 𝒙
𝒇𝒄 =
𝑰𝒄𝒓
• Tension steel
𝒇𝒔 𝑴𝒂 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
=
𝒏 𝑰𝒄𝒓
• Compression steel
𝒇′𝒔 𝑴𝒂 (𝒙 − 𝒅′)
=
𝟐𝒏 𝑰𝒄𝒓

ENGR. AUGOSTO D. FRACE, ME-CE 2

PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
WORKING STRESS DESIGN (WSD)
FLEXURAL DESIGN (WSD) 𝑨𝒔 = 𝑨𝒔𝟏 + 𝑨𝒔𝟐
For Compression steel reinforcement (𝐴′𝑠 )
i. Solve for 𝐴′𝑠 from balanced condition and use
𝑀 = (𝑀𝑎 − 𝑀𝑏𝑎𝑙 )
ii. If 𝑓′𝑠 ≥ 𝑓𝑠 , use 𝑓′𝑠 = 𝑓𝑠
𝟐𝒏𝒇𝒄 (𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 − 𝒅′)
𝒇′𝒔 =
𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍
𝟐𝒇𝒔 (𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 − 𝒅′)
𝒇′𝒔 =
𝒅 − 𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍
iii. Solve for 𝐴′𝑠
𝟐𝒏(𝑴𝒂 − 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝑨′𝒔 =
𝒇′𝒔 (𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏)(𝒅 − 𝒅′)
Procedure
Step 1: Calculate the actual expected moment (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 )

Locate the neutral axis

𝒃𝒙𝟑 𝒃𝒙𝟐 (𝒅 − 𝒙) 𝒏𝑴𝒂 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
+ =
𝟑 𝟐 𝒇𝒔
𝑴𝒂
𝑨𝒔 =
𝟏
𝒇𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙)
𝟑
Step 4: Design as DRB (𝑴𝒂 > 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )

For Tension steel reinforcement (𝐴𝑠 )

i. Solve for 𝐴𝑠1 from balanced condition
𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍
𝑨𝒔𝟏 =
𝟏
𝒇𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒙𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝟑
ii. Solve for 𝐴𝑠2 from excess of 𝑀𝑎 and 𝑀𝑏𝑎𝑙
(𝑴𝒂 − 𝑴𝒃𝒂𝒍 )
𝑨𝒔𝟐 =
𝒇𝒔 (𝒅 − 𝒅′)
iii. Solve for total area of tension reinforcement

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
concentrated load at midspan that the beam can
support.
c. If the 300 mm hollow core were replaced by 300
mm square section, calculate the cracking
moment.
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.
a. Find the cracking moment
b. How much additional uniform load can the joist
carry if the cracking moment is 50 kN-m?
c. If the joist is reinforced with 3-25 mm diameter
bars with their centroid at 435 mm from the top,
determine the cracking moment. Use n=8.
Problem 3:
Consider the T beam shown. The beam is simply
supported at a span of 6m and with 2 m overhang. The
beam carries a dead load of 15 kN/m excluding the weight
of the beam and a uniform live load of 10 kN/m.
Compressive strength of concrete is 28 MPa and yield
strength of 420 MPa. Calculate the following:
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
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 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.
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