Flexural Strength Capacity

(Different Codes and Methods)

Example:
Given
• Rectangular RC section as shown
• Beam span =7m (simply supported)
• DL(including own weight) =18kN/m
LL = 13 kN/m
• f’c = 30MPa,
• Allowable stress, fc = 13.5 MPa
• fy = 400 MPa,
• allowable steel stress, fs= 220 MPa.
• As (3φ 30mm) = 2121 mm2
• b = 300 mm
h = 600 mm
d = 550 mm

Required:
1. Calculate the beam resisting moments (MR), the moments caused by loads (ML) and the
ratio of MR/ML if the beam is subjected to a DL (including own weight) = kN/m and
a LL = kN/m using
• The working (allowable) stress method.
• The strength design method per ACI 318-Code.
• The strength design method per BS 8110.
2. Compare the results.
Solution
1. ASD Method fc
Fs = 0.55 fy = 0.55(400)
= 220 MPa kd C=fc(b)kd /2

fc = 0.45 f’c = 0.45 (30)

= 13.5 MPa

kd = ? (moment of areas)
n = Es/Ec
nAs T=As fs
Ec = 4.7(30)0.5
= 25.7 MPa
Es = 200 GPa
n = 200/25.7 = 7.8 (say 8)
b(kd)2 /2 = n.As (d-kd)
So, kd = 199.2 mm

C = 13.5(300)(199.2)/2000
=403.4 kN
T = 220 (2121)/1000 = 466.62 kN
MR = Min(403.4, 466.62(550-
199.2/3)/1000) = 195.1 kN.m
Wu = (18) + (13) = 31 kN/m
ML = Wu L2 / 8
= (31)(7)2/8 = 189.9 kN.m
MR/ML = 1.03 OK Safe
Solution
2. ACI 318-99
T = As fy (Assuming Tension Failure Wu = 1.4 (18) + 1.7 (13)
Or under reinforced section) = 47.3 kN/m
= 2121 (400) = 848.4 kN
a =T/(0.85 f’c. b) ML = 47.3 (7)2 / 8
=848400/[(0.85(30)(300)]=110.9 mm = 289.7 kN.m

Mn = T.(d-a/2) MR / ML = 378.6/289.7
= 849.4 (550 – 110.2/2) /1000 = 1.31
= 420.7 kN.m
MR = ϕ Mn Check ρ < ρ max
=0.9 (420.7) = 378.6 kN.m (O. K ) Under reinforced

Solution
3. ACI 318-2005 Wu = 1.2 (18) + 1.6 (13)
Same calculations (in 2) for Mn and = 42.4 kN/m (controls) >
MR = 378.6 1.4 (18) = 25.2 kN/m
But check tension controlled section ML = 42.4 (7)2 /8
c/d < 0.375 = 259.7 kN.m
c = a / β1 = 110.2 /0.85 = 129.6 mm MR / ML = 1.46
c/d = 129.6/550 = 0.235 < 0.375 OK

Solution
4. BS 8110-85 Wu = 1.4 (18) + 1.6 (13)
= 46 kN/m (controls)
fcu = 30 / 0.81 = 37 MPa
ML = 44 (7)2 /8
T = 0.87 (2121)(400) = 738.1 kN.m = 269.5 kN.m
a = 0.9 (x)
= 738100/[(0.45)(37)(300)]/1000
= 147.8 mm MR / ML = 1.3
MR = (738.1)(550-147.8/2)/1000
= 351.6 kN.m

Solution
5. BS 8110-2002 Same as in 4
fcu = 30 / 0.81 = 37 MPa

T = 0.95 (2121)(400) = 806 kN.m ML = 44 (7)2 /8

a = 0.9 (x) = 269.5 kN.m
= 805980/[(0.45)(37)(300)]/1000
= 161.36 mm
MR = (806)(550-161.36/2)/1000 MR / ML = 1.4
= 378.3 kN.m
 Summary and Comparisons

Method ASD ACI old ACI new BS old BS new

MR [kN.m] 195.1 378.6 378.6 351.6 378.3
ML [kN.m] 189.9 289.7 259.7 269.5 269.5
Ratio=MR / ML 1.03 1.31 1.46 1.3 1.4
Ratio/(Ratio)ASD 1 1.27 1.42 1.26 1.36

Notes:
1. ASD vs SDM Codes
2. Old vs New Codes
3. Euro vs USA Codes
4. If the ACI bridge design Manual is Used:

The Load factors have different values

• for LL = 2.17 and for DD =1.3
• So, Wu = 1.3 (18) + 2.17 (13) = 51.61 kN/m

ML = 51.61 (7)2 / 8
= 316.11 kN.m

If the same MR of the ACI 318-99 (that equals 378.6)is compared with ML
then

MR / ML = 378.6 / 316.11
= 1.2

And the Ratio/(Ratio)ASD = 1.16

 Method Classical (Working or ASD M) Ultimate (strength D. M.)
Materials Allowable stresses (about 50%
strength): small reduction in the
Reduced material strengths: strength
fc = 0.45 f'c Uses full values of:
fs = 0.55fy fy and f'c
Stress-strain
diagram
Loads Unfactored (not magnified) Factored loads:
Loads
Similar importance of DL, LL, .. DL factor < LL factor..
fc

C Shown in the following

Tables
Compression
Block
T

T = As (fs) Detailed in the

C = fc b( c/2) SDM (as follows)
MR = Min (C or T). (d-c/3)

European (i.e BS) vs American Codes:

BS 8110 ACI 318
Before 1997 After 1997 Before 2002 After 2002
Standard Cubes 150mm Standard cylinders: 150X300
(Cubic strength, fcu ) mm (Cylindrical strength, f'c)
-Concrete
strength

Concrete
stress strain
diagram
 fy

Steel strain
diagram.

fcu = 1.23 f'c f'c = 0.81 fcu

European (i.e BS) vs American Codes:

BS 8110 ACI 318
1985
f’c 2002 1999 2005
Concrete Stress
Distribution

BS 8110 ACI 318

1985 2002 1999 2005
Partial red. factor Partial red. Factor: Overall reduction F Overall reduction
Strength ϕ = 0.9 (Mom) F
Reduction Steel F ϕs = 0.87 Steel F ϕs = 0.95 ϕ = 0.85 (Shear and ϕ = 0.9 to 0.7 or 0.75
Factor, Conc. F ϕc =0.67 Conc. F ϕc =0.67 Torsion) (Tension or comp
ϕ ϕ = 0.7 or 0.75 controlled section
(spiral or tied = 0.75 (Shear and
Columns) Torsion)

European (i.e BS) vs American Codes:

BS 8110 ACI 318
1985 2002 1999 2005
1.4 DL 1.4(DL )
1.4 DL + 1.6 LL 1.2(DL) + 1.6(LL)
1.0 DL ± 1.4 WL 1.2DL+ (1.0LL or 0.8W)
Load 1.4 DL ± 1.4 WL 1.2DL + 1.6W + 1.0LL
factors 1.2 DL + 1.2 LL ± 1.2 WL 1.2DL + 1.0E + 1.0LL
1.0 DL ± 1.4 EL 0.9DL + 1.6W + 1.6H
1.4 DL ± 1.4 EL 0.9DL + 1.0E + 1.6H
1.2 DL + 1.2 LL ± 1.2 EL
Flexural design per different codes (Building and Bridges)

1. ACI 318-99 Building Code

1.1 Materials
1.1.1 Concrete (standard cylinders 150x300 mm)
Cylindrical strength, f’c
The stress-strain diagram is given by

f’c

0.002 0.003

1.1.2 Conventional and prestressing steel

Stress-strain diagram for both non-prestressing and prestresing steel is shown as
follows
1.2 Load Combinations:
If the structure is subjected to dead load (DL) and live load (LL) only, the stress
check may need only one load combination, namely 1.4 DL + 1.7 LL. However, in
addition to the dead and live loads, if the structure is subjected to wind (WL) and
earthquake (EL) loads, and considering that wind and earthquake forces are
reversible, then the following load combinations have to be considered

1.2 Strength Reduction Factors

The strength reduction factors, j, are applied on the nominal strength to obtain the
design strength provided by a member. The j factors for flexure, axial force, shear,
and torsion are as follows:
2. ACI 318-02 and 05
2.1 Load Factors:

U = 1.4(DL )
U = 1.2(DL + T) + 1.6(LL + H)
U = 1.2DL + (1.0LL or 0.8W)
U = 1.2DL + 1.6W + 1.0LL
U = 1.2DL + 1.0E + 1.0LL
U = 0.9DL + 1.6W + 1.6H
U = 0.9DL + 1.0E + 1.6H

Where
H:
E: Earthquake load
W: Wind load

2.2 Strength reduction factors:

Tension-controlled sections as defined in 10.3.4 .............................. .... 0.90
Compression-controlled sections, as defined in 10.3.3:
(a) Members with spiral reinforcement conforming to 10.9.3............... 0.70
(b) Other reinforced members ............... 0.65
Shear and torsion . ..................... 0.75
Bearing on concrete (except forpost-tensioned anchorage
zones and strut-and-tie models).................................. 0.65
2.3 Moment capacity (resisting moment) MR per ACI 318
The depth of compression block, a (shown on the following figure) is given by

From the shown concrete compression block the compressive force C and the steel
tensile force, T can be given by

C = 0.85 f’c b.a = 0.85 f’c b.(β1 c)

T = As fy (assuming the tensile steel is yielded (εs>fy/Es= εy)

The depth of the NA, cb for the balanced condition can be given by

cb = 0.003 Es . d / (0.003 Es + fy)

= 600 d /( 600+fy) (SI Units

The parameter β1 and cb (in Imperial units is given by the following Eqns.

And the maximum depth of the concrete compression block the ensures tension

controlled section can be expressed as

Finally the resisting moment can be given by

MR =ϕ As fy (d-a/2)

2. AASHTO LRFD 2005 (Bridges)

1. Loads and Load Factors
There are six types of dead loads: dead load of structural components and
nonstructural attachments (DC), down drag (DD), dead load of wearing surface and
utilities (DW), horizontal earth pressure load (EH), vertical earth pressure load (EV),
earth surcharge load (ES). Each type of dead load case requires a separate load
factor.

There are six types of live loads: vehicular live load (LL), vehicular dynamic load
allowance (IM), vehicular centrifugal force (CE), vehicular braking force (BR),
pedestrian live load (PL), and live load surcharge (LS). All these load cases require
the same factor and do not need to be treated separately.

The LRFD design is based on the limit state approach. It covers 12 limit states
(listed in Table 3.4.1-1 LRFD 2005 specs).

If the structure is subjected to structural dead load (DL), live load (LL), wind load
(WL), and earthquake loads (EL), and considering that wind and earthquake forces
are reversible, the following default load combinations have been considered for
Strength and Extreme Event limit states

1.50 DL (Strength-IV)
1.25 DL + 1.75 LL (Strength -I)
0.90 DL ± 1.4 WL (Strength-III)
1.25 DL ± 1.4 WL (Strength-III)
1.25 DL + 1.35 LL ± 0.40 WL (Strength-V)
0.90 DL ± 1.0 EL (Extreme-I)
1.25 DL + 0.5 LL ± 1.0 EL (Extreme-I)

2. Limit states (Load combinations):

3. Strength Reduction Factors, ϕ (Called resistance factor in
the AASHTO LRFD)
The strength reduction (resistance) factors, ϕ is applied on the nominal
strength to obtain the design strength (resisting moment) provided by a
member. The ϕ factors for flexure, axial force, shear, and torsion are as
follows:

ϕ = 0.90 for flexure RC members, (= 1 for flexure PC members).

ϕ = 0.90 for axial tension.
ϕ = 0.90 for axial tension and flexure.
ϕ = 0.90 for shear and torsion.
ϕ = 0.75 for axial compression only, or axial compression and flexure.
ϕ = 0.50 for axial compression only, or axial compression and flexure in
seismic zone 3 and 4.

4. Flexural Beam Design (similar to the ACI code approach

except the values of the load factors and ϕ).

The depth of the concrete compression block, a is given by

3. Design per BS 8110-85 R1989, and 2002 (Buildings)
3.1 Materials (shown in Table )

3.1.1 Concrete (cubic strength, fcu, the stress strain diagram is shown
as follows)
3.1.2 Steel (stress strain diagram)

3.2 Load combinations

The design loading combinations are obtained by multiplying the characteristic loads
by appropriate load factor called partial factors of safety, γf (BS 2.4.1.3). If a structure
is subjected to dead load (DL) and live load (LL) only, the design will need only one
loading combination, namely 1.4 DL + 1.6 LL. However, in addition to the dead load
and live load, if the structure is subjected to a reversible wind (WL) and/or
earthquake (EL) loads, the following load combinations for ultimate limit state
might have to be considered
1.4 DL
1.4 DL + 1.6 LL
1.0 DL ± 1.4 WL
1.4 DL ± 1.4 WL
1.2 DL + 1.2 LL ± 1.2 WL
1.0 DL ± 1.4 EL
1.4 DL ± 1.4 EL
1.2 DL + 1.2 LL ± 1.2 EL

3.2 Strength reduction factors, ϕm

While the strength reduction factor ϕ in the American Codes (ACI, AASHTO…)
depends mainly on the type of loading (moment, shear, compression, tension, torsion.)
It in the BS related mainly to the components of the RC (steel or concrete). The
strength reduction factor (ϕm) represents the inverse of the partial material safety
factor (γm). Hence, the partial safety factor of steel ϕs is different from that of
concrete ϕc. The values of γm (per BS 8110-85) are

Strength reduction factor, ϕm that should be multiplied by the concrete or steel

stresses in the analysis or design of all RC members represents 1/γm. So,

ϕs = 1/1.15 = 0.87 (for steel reinforcement)

ϕc = 1/1.5 = 0.67 (for concrete, Moment and axial force)
ϕc = 1/1.25 = 0.8 (for shear strength without shear reinforcement)

3.2 Concrete compression block

C =(0 .67 fcu /γm) b. (0.9x)a = 0.45 fcu b.(α)

T = 0.87As fy (assuming the tensile steel is yielded (εs>0.87fy/Es= εy)

And the resisting moment can be given by the following equation

M = (T or C).(d-a/2)

If the area of the required steel is to be found, then the following expression can be
used