Section design for moment

4.1 TYPES OF BEAM SECTION

The three common types of reinforced concrete beam section are

1. rectangular section with tension steel only (this generally occurs
as a beam section in a slab)
2. rectangular section with tension and compression steel
3. flanged sections of either T or L shape with tension steel and with
or without compression steel
Beam sections are shown in Fig. 4.1. It will be established later that
all beams of structural importance must have steel top and bottom
to carry links to resist shear
4.1 TYPES OF BEAM SECTION

(a) Rectangular beam and slab, tension steel only; (b) rectangular
beam, tension and compression steel; (c) flanged beams.
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING
Before beginning section design, reinforcement data and code
requirements with regard to minimum and maximum areas of
bars in beams and bar spacings are set out. This is to enable
practical sections to be designed. Requirements for cover were
discussed in section 2.9.
4.2.1 Reinforcement data
In accordance with BS8110: Part 1, clause 3.12.4.1, bars may be
placed singly or in pairs or in bundles of three or four bars in
contact. For design purposes the pair or bundle is treated as a
single bar of equivalent area. Bars are available with diameters of
6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm and in two grades with
characteristic strengths fy:
Hot rolled mild steel fy=250 N/mm2
High yield steel fy=460 N/mm2
For convenience in design, areas of groups of bars are given in
Table 4.1.
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING
For convenience in design, areas of groups of bars are given in
Table 4.1.
In the Standard Method of Detailing Reinforced Concrete [4] bar
types are specified by letters:
R mild steel bars
T high yield bars
Bars are designated on drawings as, for example, 4T25, i.e. four
25 mm diameter bars of grade 460. This system will be used to
specify bars in figures.
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING

4.2.2 Minimum and maximum areas of reinforcement in

beams
The minimum areas of reinforcement in a beam section to control
cracking as well as resist tension or compression due to bending
in different types of beam section are given in BS8110: Part 1,
clause 3.12.5.3 and Table 3.2.7. Some commonly used values are
shown in Fig. 4.2. Other values will be discussed in appropriate
parts of the book, e.g. in section 6.2 where crack control is
discussed.
The maximum area of both tension and compression
reinforcement in beams is specified in BS8110: Part 1, clause
3.12.6.1. Neither should exceed 4% of the gross cross-sectional
area of the concrete.
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING

4.2.3 Minimum spacing of bars

The minimum spacing of bars is given in BS8110: Part 1, clause
3.12.11.1. This clause states the following
1. The horizontal distance between bars should not be less than
hagg+ 5 mm;
2. Where there are two or more rows
(a) the gap between corresponding bars in each row should be
vertically in line and
(b) the vertical distance between bars should not be less than
2hagg/3 where hagg is the maximum size of coarse aggregate.
The clause also states that if the bar size exceeds hagg+5 mm the
spacing should not be less than the bar size.
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING

(a) Flanged beam;

(b) minimum spacing.
4.2 REINFORCEMENT AND BAR SPACING

4.2.3 Minimum spacing of bars

Note that pairs or bundles are treated as a single bar of
equivalent area.
The above spacings ensure that the concrete can be properly
compacted around the reinforcement. Spacing of top bars of
beams should also permit the insertion of a vibrator. The
information is summarized in Fig. 4.3.
4.3 BEHAVIOUR OF BEAMS IN BENDING

Concrete is strong in compression but weak and unreliable in

tension. Reinforcement is required to resist tension due to
moment. A beam with loads at the third points where the central
third is subjected to moment only is shown in Fig. 4.4(a). Tension
cracks at collapse due to moment are shown.
 4.3 BEHAVIOUR OF BEAMS IN BENDING

The load-deflection curve is given in Fig. 4.4(b). Initially the

concrete in the uncracked section will resist tension, but it soon
cracks. The behaviour of the cracked section is elastic at low loads
and changes to plastic at higher loads.
 4.3 BEHAVIOUR OF BEAMS IN BENDING

The effective section resisting moment at a cracked position is shown

in Fig. 4.4(c). The concrete at the top of the section resists
compression and the steel resists tension. At low loads the concrete
stress in compression and the steel stress in tension are in the elastic
range. At collapse the stresses are at ultimate values.
Originally the design of concrete sections was to elastic theory with
linearly varying compressive stress in the concrete, as shown in Fig.
4.4(c). Design now is based on the strength of the section calculated
from the stress distribution at collapse which has been determined
from tests.
Beam section design for the ultimate limit state is given first. The
elastic section analysis is then set out because this is required in
calculations for checking the serviceability limit states.
4.3 BEHAVIOUR OF BEAMS IN BENDING

(c) effective section and stress distributions.

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.1 Assumptions and stress-strain diagrams

1. The strains in the concrete and reinforcement are derived
assuming that plane sections remain plane;
2. The stresses in the concrete in compression are derived using
either
a)the design stress-strain curve given in Fig. 4.5(a) with γm=1.5
(Fig. 4.6(c)) or
b)the simplified stress block shown in Fig. 4.6(d) where the depth
of the stress block is 0.9 of the depth to the neutral axis Note that
in both cases the strain in the concrete at failure is 0.0035;
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.1 Assumptions and stress-strain diagrams

3. The tensile strength of the concrete is ignored;

4. The stresses in the reinforcement are derived from the stress-
strain curve shown in Fig. 4.5(b) where γm=1.15;
5. Where the section is designed to resist flexure only, the lever
arm should not be assumed to be greater than 0.95 of the
effective depth.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Fig. 4.5 (a) Concrete, fcu=30

N/mm2,
(b) high yield steel, fy=460
N/mm2.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.1 Assumptions and stress-strain diagrams

On the basis of these assumptions the strain and stress diagrams

for the two alternative stress distributions for the concrete in
compression are as shown in Fig. 4.6,
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Fig. 4.6 (a) Section; (b)

strain; (c) rectangular
parabolic stress diagram;
(d) simplified stress
diagram.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.1 Assumptions and stress-strain diagrams

The alternative stress distributions for the compressive stress in

the concrete, the rectangular parabolic stress diagram and the
simplified stress block, are shown in Figs 4.6(c) and 4.6(d)
respectively. The maximum strain in the concrete is 0.0035 and
the strain εs in the steel depends on the depth of the neutral axis.
Stress-strain curves for grade 30 concrete and for high yield
steel are shown in Figs 4.5(a) and 4.5(b) respectively.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.2 Moment of resistance—simplified stress block

The method of calculating the moment of resistance of a
concrete section is given first using the simplified stress block.
The calculation is made for the case where the depth x to the
neutral axis is d/2. This is the maximum depth to the neutral
axis permitted in clause 3.4.4.4 of the code.
The concrete stress is
which is generally rounded off to 0.45fcu
The strain is 0.0035.
Referring to Fig. 4.5(b) for high yield bars, the steel stress is
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.2 Moment of resistance—simplified stress block

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.2 Moment of resistance—simplified stress block

From the stress diagram in Fig. 4.7(c) the internal forces are

For the internal forces to be in equilibrium C=T.

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.2 Moment of resistance—simplified stress block

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.3 Moment of resistance—rectangular parabolic stress block

The moment of resistance of the section using the rectangular
parabolic stress block is calculated for the same case as above
where the depth to the neutral axis is equal to d/2.
The stresses are
for concrete:
For steel, for a strain of 0.0035
Expressions for the value and location of the compressive force
C in the concrete are given in BS8110: Part 3, Appendix A. For a
depth to the neutral axis of x these are
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.3 Moment of resistance—rectangular parabolic stress block

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.3 Moment of resistance—rectangular parabolic stress block

The expressions for k1 and k2 are readily derived from the
dimensions of the stress block using the geometrical properties
of the parabola and rectangle.
The design constants can be calculated for the case where
x=d/2. Calculations are given for grade 30 concrete and high
yield reinforcement where fy=460 N/mm2:
 4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.3 Moment of resistance—rectangular parabolic stress block

The values for K=4.69 and p=1.51 are the same as those
obtained above using the simplified stress block.
In design, the problem is to determine the beam section and
steel area to resist a given moment M. If the breadth b is
assumed, then
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Example 4.1 Singly reinforced rectangular beam—balanced

design
A simply supported rectangular beam of 8 m span carries a
uniformly distributed dead load which includes an allowance for
self-weight of 7 kN/m and an imposed load of 5 kN/m. The
breadth of the beam is 250 mm. Find the depth and steel area
when the depth to the neutral axis is one-half the effective
depth. Use grade 30 concrete and high yield steel reinforcement.
The design load is calculated using the values of partial factors
of safety given in BS8110: Part 1, Table 2.1 (see Table 3.1).
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Example 4.1 Singly reinforced rectangular beam—balanced

design

Refer to Table 4.1. Provide three 25 mm diameter bars to give a

steel area of 1472 mm2.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Example 4.1 Singly reinforced rectangular beam—balanced

design
From BS8110: Part 1, Table 3.4, the cover on the links is 25 mm
for mild exposure. Referring to Table 3.5 of the code, this cover
also gives a fire resistance of 1.5 h. If the link diameter is 10 mm
the overall depth of the beam on rounding the effective depth up
to 350 mm and placing the bars in vertical pairs is
 4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.4 Types of failure and beam section classification

three failure situations can occur depending on the amount of

reinforcement provided. These are as follows.
1. The concrete fails and the steel yields simultaneously at
ultimate load (Fig. 4.10(a)). The concrete strain is 0.0035 and
the steel strain 0.002. From the strain diagram

x=0.64d
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.4 Types of failure and beam section classification

The amount of steel to give this situation can be determined by

equating the internal forces C and T in the concrete. This is the
theoretical balanced design case.
 4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.4 Types of failure and beam section classification

2. If less steel is provided than in case 1 the steel has reached

yield and continues yielding before the concrete fails at ultimate
load . This is termed an under-reinforced beam. Cracks appear,
giving a warning of failure.
 4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.4 Types of failure and beam section classification

3. If more steel than in case 1 is provided, the concrete fails

suddenly without warning before the steel reaches yield. This is
termed an over-reinforced beam.

For a singly reinforced beam the code limits the depth to the
neutral axis to 0.5d to ensure that the design is for the under-
reinforced case where failure is gradual, as noted above.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.5 General design of under-reinforced beams

In the design procedures in sections 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 above the

effective depth and amount of reinforcement were determined to
make the depth to the neutral axis onehalf the effective depth.
This gives the minimum permitted depth for the beam. In most
design cases the beam dimensions are fixed with the effective
depth greater than in the case above and the depth to the neutral
axis less than one-half the effective depth. The problem is to
determine the steel area required. This is the general case of
design for under-reinforced beams. It is normal design.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.5 General design of under-reinforced beams

The analytical solution given in BS8110: Part 1, clause 3.4.4.4, is

derived first. This is based on the simplified stress block for the
case where moment redistribution does not exceed 10%. Moment
redistribution is discussed in section 4.7. A second method of
solution where a design chart is constructed using the rectangular
parabolic stress block is then given.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.6 Under-reinforced beam—analytical solution

A beam section subjected to a moment M is shown in Fig. 4.11(a)
and the internal stresses and forces are shown in Fig. 4.11(b)
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.6 Under-reinforced beam—analytical solution

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.6 Under-reinforced beam—analytical solution

4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Example 4.2 Singly reinforced rectangular beam

—under-reinforced design
A simply supported rectangular beam of 8 m span carries a
design load of 17.8 kN/m. The beam dimensions are breadth 250
mm and effective depth 400 mm. Find the steel area required.
The concrete is grade 30 and the steel grade 460.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Example 4.2 Singly reinforced rectangular beam

—under-reinforced design
Provide four 20 mm diameter bars; As=1260 mm2. The beam
section is shown as
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.7 Design chart

The design chart is constructed for grade 30 concrete and high
yield reinforcement. Values of K=M/bd2 and p=100As/bd are
calculated for values of x less than 0.5d. The rectangular
parabolic stress block is used for the concrete stress. The value
of the steel stress is 0.87fy in all cases. Refer to the calculations
for K and p in section 4.4.3 above. Values of K and p for various
depths to the neutral axis are given in Table 4.2.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.7 Design chart

Note that the code stipulates in clause 3.4.4.4 that the lever arm
z must not be more than 0.95d in order to give a reasonable
concrete area in compression. At this value M/bd2=1.27. The
design chart is shown in Fig. 4.13. A series of design charts is
given in BS8110: Part 3.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.7 Design chart

For design, the moment M and the beam dimensions b and d are
given, M/bd2 is calculated and 100As/bd is read from the chart.
The steel area As can then be determined. Note that when M/bd2
is less than 1.27 the steel area should be calculated using
z=0.95d.
The lever arm ratio z/d can also be plotted against Cz/bd2fcu,
i.e. M/bd2fcu. Values of Cz/bd2fcu are shown in Table 4.2. Note
that the ratio z/d varies between 0.774 when x/d=0.5 and 0.95,
the maximum value permitted in the code. The chart is shown in
Fig. 4.14. The advantage of this chart is that it can be used for
all grades of concrete. This can be checked by calculating z/d
and Cz/bd2fcu for other grades of concrete. The curves for the
different concrete grades coincide closely.
 4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

4.4.7 Design chart

For design, M/bd2fcu is calculated and the ratio z/d is read off
the chart in Fig. 4.14. The steel area is given by
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

Example 4.3 Singly reinforced rectangular beam— design chart

A simply supported rectangular beam of 8 m span carries a
design load of 17.8 kN/m. The beam dimensions are breadth 250
mm and effective depth 400 mm. Find the steel area required.
The concrete is grade 30 and steel grade 460.
4.4 SINGLY REINFORCED RECTANGULAR BEAMS

From Fig. 4.13, 100As/bd=1.05. Therefore

Provide four 20 mm diameter bars; As=1256 mm2.

Recheck the design using the chart in Fig. 4.14:
4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

4.5.1 Design formulae using the simplified stress block

If the concrete alone cannot resist the applied moment in

compression, reinforcement can be provided in the compression
zone. The design formulae for a doubly reinforced beam are
derived using the simplified stress block.
1. a depth x=d/2 to the neutral axis and a depth 0.9x of the
stress block
2. a stress of 0.45fcu in the concrete in compression
3. a stress of 0.87fy in the reinforcement in tension and
compression
4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

4.5.1 Design formulae using the simplified stress block

The beam section, strain diagram and stress diagram with

internal forces are shown in Fig. 4.17, where the symbols are as
follows:
4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

the stress in the compression steel will reach 0.87fy if the

strain εsc is not less than 0.002, i.e.

If d′ exceeds this limit the stress in the compression steel

must be taken from Fig.4.5(b).
4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

The moment of resistance of the concrete was calculated in

section 4.4.2 above and is

If this is less than the applied moment M, the compression

steel resists a moment M−MRC. The force in the compression
steel is then

The area of compression steel is

For internal equilibrium

The area of tension steel is

4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

Example 4.6 Doubly reinforced rectangular beam

A rectangular beam is simply supported over a span of 6 m and

carries a dead load including self-weight of 12.7 kN/m and an
imposed load of 6.0 kN/m. The beam is 200 mm wide by 300
mm effective depth and the inset of the compression steel is 40
mm. Design the steel for mid-span of the beam for grade 30
concrete and grade 460 reinforcement.
4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

Example 4.6 Doubly reinforced rectangular beam

The stress in the compression steel is 0.87fy. Therefore

4.5 DOUBLY REINFORCED BEAMS

For the compression steel two 16mm diameter bars give As

′=402 mm2. For the tension steel two 25 mm diameter plus
two 16 mm diameter bars give As= 1383 mm2. The beam
section and reinforcement steel are shown as
4.6 CHECKING EXISTING SECTIONS

A check on an existing section can be carried out by

calculating the ultimate moment of resistance of the section
and comparing this with the applied ultimate moment. It is
convenient to use the simplified stress block for manual
calculations.
The method is illustrated in the following examples.
4.6 CHECKING EXISTING SECTIONS
Example 4.8 Singly reinforced rectangular beam— moment of
resistance
Calculate the moment of resistance of the singly reinforced beam
section shown as follow. The materials are grade 30 concrete and
grade 460 reinforcement.

(a) Section; (b) stress diagram

and internal forces
4.6 CHECKING EXISTING SECTIONS

The stress distribution and internal forces are shown in Fig.

4.21(b). The problem may be solved by considering the
equilibrium of the internal forces.

Equate T and C and solve for x:

4.6 CHECKING EXISTING SECTIONS

Example 4.10 Doubly reinforced rectangular beam— moment

of resistance
Calculate the moment of resistance of the beam section shown in
Fig. 4.22. The materials are grade 30 concrete and grade 460
reinforcement.
4.6 CHECKING EXISTING SECTIONS

Example 4.10 Doubly reinforced rectangular beam— moment

of resistance

The stress in the compression steel is 0.87fy.