Lesson 2: Analysis of Singly Reinforced Beams

In this lesson we will study how to calculation the nominal

flexural strength of singly reinforced beams.
0.85𝑓𝑐′
𝑓𝑐 ′ 𝐶 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏
𝑐 𝑎

𝑑 𝑎
𝑑−
2
𝐴𝑠
𝑓𝑦
𝑇 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑇 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
𝑏
(a) Beam (b) Actual compression (c) Assumed compression
stress variation stress variation
Compression and tension couple at nominal moment.
ACI and also adopted by NSCP employs the Charles S.
Whitney rectangular stress block (1937) approach with
constant concrete compressive stress at 85% of ultimate
stress. Usable 𝜖
𝑐
 NSCP Table 422.2.2.4.3
Values of 𝛽1 for Equivalent Rectangular Concrete Stress
Distribution
𝑓𝑐′ , 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝛽1
17 ≤ 𝑓𝑐 ′ ≤ 28 0.85
28 < 𝑓𝑐 ′ < 55 𝑓𝑐′ − 28 Equivalent to:
0.85 − 0.85 −
′
0.05(𝑓 − 28)
𝑐

140 7

𝑓𝑐 ′ ≥ 55 0.65
0.003

𝑐
𝑑
𝑑−𝑐

𝑑−𝑐
𝜖𝑡 = 0.003
𝑐
We can use the strain in the steel to classify the section
based on its ductility:
• Ductility is defined as a section’s ability to resist load
beyond linear levels.
• To determine the strain at which the steel yields as
𝑓𝑦
𝜖𝑡 = 𝜖𝑡𝑦 = .
𝐸𝑠
➢ In design consideration, all tensile reinforcement in
beam or flexural member must be treated to yield!

Brittle members
• According to ACI/NSCP members whose steel tensile
strain 𝜖𝑡 ≤ 𝜖𝑡𝑦 are called compression controlled.
• Concrete crushes before steel yields
• Deflections are small and there is little warning of
failure
Transition region
• Members with steel strains between 𝜖𝑡𝑦 and 0.005
𝜖𝑡𝑦 < 𝜖𝑡 < 0.005 are in transition region.

Ductile members
• According to ACI/NSCP members whose tensile strain
𝜖𝑡 ≥ 0.005 called tension controlled
• Steel yields before concrete crushes
• Deflection maybe large, there is warning of failure,
and recommended in designing flexural members
since 𝜙 is maximize (steel yields at ultimate load)
Strength reduction factors 𝜙 account for:
➢ Uncertainties in material strength
➢ Inaccuracies in design empirical equations
➢ Approximations in analysis
➢ Variations in dimensions
➢ Variations in placement of reinforcement
Strength Reduction Factor , 𝜙, for Moment, Axial Force,
or Combined Moment and Axial Force
(see NSCP Section 421)
𝜖𝑡 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦
𝜙 = 0.75 + 0.15
0.005 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦
0.90

0.70
𝜙 𝜖𝑡 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦
0.65 𝜙 = 0.65 + 0.25
0.005 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦

𝜖𝑡𝑦 𝜖𝑡 = 0.005

Strain Limit Zones and Variation of Strength Reduction Factor 𝝓

with Net Tensile Strain 𝝐
To obtain the nominal or theoretical moment strength of a
beam, the simple steps to follow are:
a) Compute the total tensile force 𝑇 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 .

b) Equate total compressive force 𝐶 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 to 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦

and solve for 𝑎. In this expression 𝑎𝑏 is the assumed
area stressed in compression at 0.85𝑓𝑐 ′. The
compressive force 𝐶 and the tensile force 𝑇 must be
equal to maintain equilibrium at the section. Make
sure you check if the steel will yield.

b) Calculate the distance between the centers of gravity

of 𝑇 and 𝐶. For a rectangular section, it is equal to
𝑎
𝑑− .
2
d) The nominal or the theoretical moment capacity
′
𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 0.85𝑓𝑐 𝑎𝑏 𝑑 −
2
or
𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2

The ultimate or factored moment 𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛 .

where 𝜙 = strength reduction factor.
Examples:

1. Determine the ultimate moment capacity of the beam

section shown if 𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

3 − 𝜙25

𝐴𝑠 = 1473 𝑚𝑚2
Ans. 213 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
2. Compute the factored moment capacity of the beam
cross-section shown below.

𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎

6 − 𝜙28

Ans. 563 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
3. The I-beam section shown below is simply supported
over a span of 6 𝑚, what is the service uniform live load
it can carry if the total dead load including beam weight
is 12 𝑘𝑁/𝑚? Use 𝑑 = 700𝑚𝑚, 𝑓𝑐′ = 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and
𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
100

100 540 760

3 − ∅25 120
Ans. 40 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
300
Exercise 2:

Items 1 and 2. Determine the ultimate or the factored

moment capacity 𝜙𝑀𝑛 of each beam if 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and
𝑓𝑦 = 275 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

1.

610
680
4 − 𝜙28

70

400
2.

460
600
6 − ∅25
70
70

350
Items 3 and 4. Determine the nominal or theoretical
moment capacity 𝑀𝑛 of each beam if 𝑓𝑐′ = 40 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and
𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

3.
230

Hollow
230 690

3 − ∅28
230
70
150 150 150

450
4. 150

620
760

4 − ∅28 70
70

450
5. For the cross-section of cantilever beam shown has a
span suspended over 3 𝑚, determine the maximum
service uniform live dead if the total dead load
(including beam weight) is 12 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. Use 𝑓𝑐′ = 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎
and 𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

300

70

4 − ∅25

600
530