University of Southeastern Philippines

Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

Lesson 3: Analysis and Design of Singly-Reinforced Beams

Objectives:
1. Identify the different modes of failure of reinforced concrete beams
2. Appreciate the theory, concepts, formulas in the design and analysis of singly reinforced
beams sections.
3. Apply the provisions of the ACI code and the National Structural Code of the Philippines
in the design and analysis or singly-reinforced beams following the.

Activity/Analysis

 What are the different modes of failure of singly-reinforced beams?

 How should you design/analyze a singly-reinforced beam?

Introduction

This Lesson covers in detail the flexural design/analysis of reinforced concrete beams at ultimate
conditions.

Abstraction

Ultimate Strength Design (USD)

With strength design method, the working dead load (DL) and live load (LL) are multiplied
by certain load factor (equivalent to safety factors), and the resulting values are called FACTORED
LOADS.

According to the National Structural Code of the Philippines:

Factored Load,

Where, D = dead load

L = live load
W = wind load
E = earthquake load
H = earth pressure
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Capacity Reduction Factors, ϕ

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
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Φ = 0.90 for bending in reinforced concrete

Φ = 0.75 for shear and torsion
Φ = 0.65 for bearing on concrete

Balanced Steel Ratio

A beam that has a balanced steel ratio is one for which the tensile steel will theoretically start
to yield and the compression concrete reach its ultimate strain (0.003) at exactly the same load.

Under-reinforced Beams
If a beam is under-reinforced and the ultimate load is approached, the steel will begin to yield
even though the compression concrete is still under-stressed (strain < 0.003).

Over-reinforced Beams
If a beam should be over-reinforced, the steel will not yield before compression concrete
failure (concrete strain = 0.003).

Over-reinforcing is a situation to be avoided if at all possible. The NSCP and ACI code ensures this,
by limiting the percentage of tensile steel that may be used in a beam, ensures the design of under-
reinforced beams and thus the ductile type of failures that provide adequate “running time”.

Concrete is a mixture of sand and gravel held together with a paste of cement and water.
Sometimes one or more admixture is added to change certain characteristics of the concrete such as

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
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Assumptions in Strength Design for Flexure:

1. Strain in reinforcement and concrete shall be assumed directly proportional to the distance
from the neutral axis.

2. Maximum usable strain at extreme concrete compression fiber, shall be assumed equal to
0.003.

3. Relationships between compressive stress distribution and concrete strain is assumed

rectangular, trapezoidal, parabolic, or any other form that result in prediction of strength is
substantial agreement with results of comprehensive tests.

4. For rectangular distribution of stress:

a) Concrete stress of 0.85 f’c shall be assumed uniformly distributed over an
equivalent compression zone bounded by edges of the cross-section and a straight
line located parallel to the maximum compressive strain.

b) Distance c from fiber of maximum strain to the neutral axis shall be measured in
the direction perpendicular to N.A.
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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

Stresses in the concrete above the neutral axis are Typical stress-strain curve for concrete.
compressive and nonlinearly distributed. In the
tension zone below the neutral axis, the concrete is
assumed to be cracked and the tensile force is resisted
by the reinforcing steel.

Reference: Nilson, et. al. (2016)

Working stress analysis.
(Concrete stress distribution is
assumed to be linear. Service
loads are used in calculations.)
Actual stress distribution near Ultimate strength analysis. (A
ultimate strength (nonlinear). rectangular stress block is used to
idealize the actual stress
distribution. Calculations are based
on ultimate loads and failure
stresses.)

References: Nilson, et. al. (2016), MacGregor, and Wight (2012), McCormac and Nelson (2006).
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Singly-Reinforced Beam

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
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Maharlika, Bislig City

Derivation of Formulas:

Other variation
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of the formula

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

0.85𝑓′𝑐 2𝑅𝑢
𝜌= (1 − √1 − )
𝑓𝑦 0.85𝑓′𝑐

Another variation of the formula

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Module 1: Design & Analysis of Beams, T-Beams, and One-way Slab

 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

200,000 MPa

600
600
600

Type equation here.

1.4/fy

0.05
[𝛽1 = 0.85 − (𝑓 ′ 𝑐 − 30)] ≤ 0.65 (NSCP 2010)
7

References: Nilson, et. al. (2016), MacGregor, and Wight (2012), McCormac and Nelson (2006),
ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, NSCP 2010.

As a civil engineering student, you will be confronted with two different types of problems:

1. Analysis. Given a cross section, concrete strength, reinforcement size and location, and
yield strength, compute the resistance or strength (one unique answer).

2. Design. Given a factored design moment, Mu, select a suitable cross section, including
dimensions, concrete strength, reinforcement, and so on (many possible solutions).

Although both types of problems are based on the same principles, the procedure is different in each
case. Analysis is easier, because all of the decisions concerning reinforcement, beam size, and so on
have been made, and it is only necessary to apply the strength calculation principles to determine the
capacity. Design on the other hand, involves the choice of section dimensions, material strengths,
and reinforcement placement to produce a cross section that can resist the moments due to factored
loads.

Before we conduct design and analysis of singly reinforced beam we need to consider practical design
considerations emphasized by the National Structural Code of the Philippines (2010) and ACI 318-
08 to aid us in our analysis and design.
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We need to consider the following:

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Maximum Reinforcement
Based on the limiting strain of 0.005 in the steel, c = 0.375d so a = β10.375d to find As_max

Minimum Reinforcement
Minimum reinforcement is provided even if the concrete can resist the tension. This is a means to
control cracking.

0.25√𝑓′𝑐 1.4
Minimum required: 𝐴𝑠 = (𝑏𝑤 𝑑) but not less than: 𝐴𝑠 = (𝑏𝑤 𝑑)
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

0.25√𝑓′𝑐 1.4
This can be translated to 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = but not less than
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

Cover for Reinforcement

Cover of concrete for steel reinforcement must be provided to protect the steel from corrosion. For
indoor exposure, 1.5” (40 mm) is typical for beams and columns, 0.75” (20 mm) is typical for
slabs, and concrete cast against soil, 3” (75 mm) minimum is required.

Minimum concrete cover.

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References: ACI 318-08, NSCP 2010

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
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Maharlika, Bislig City

Minimum steel cover beam and slab.

References: Nilson, et.al. (2016), ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11.

Minimum beam web widths required for two or more bars in one layer for cast-in-place concrete.

Reference: ACI 318 – 11

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To simplify the both the analysis and design problems, an easy and manageable step-by-step
procedure is given for both design and analysis of singly reinforced beams. Study it thoroughly and

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

become familiar with the theory, concepts, and formulas involved in each step of the outlined
procedures. You are encouraged to learn by heart the outlined procedures if you really wanted to
become a licensed civil engineer. After studying the given illustrative examples, you are further
encouraged to practice solving more similar problems, you may even try changing some values and
do the computations to gain more confidence in your new skills acquired.

Are you ready? Take a deep breath (you should be excited of what you will learn, for this is what
civil engineers do) and learn how design and investigate singly reinforced beams.

Design Procedure for Section with Tension Reinforcement only

Case 1: Design. Mu known, Solve for b, d, and As

1. Select approximate tension reinforcement ratio ρmin ≤ ρ ≤ ρmax recommended: (0.5 - 0.6
ρmax )
2. With ρ preset compute bd2 required:

Let b = (d/1.5) to (d/2) recommended values

solve for b and d

3. Check d from recommended h

𝐿 𝑓𝑦
𝑒𝑥. ℎ = (0.4 + )
16 700

4. Revise steel ratio ρ based on your designed b and d and select steel reinforcement

5. Check strength of your design to ensure safety

References:
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NSCP 2010, MacGregor, and Wight (2012), Nilson, et. al. (2016), ACI 318-08M, ACI 318-11

Module 1: Design & Analysis of Beams, T-Beams, and One-way Slab

 University of Southeastern Philippines
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Maharlika, Bislig City

Case 2: Design. Mu, b, and d known, Solve for As :

1. Solve for reinforcement ratio, desigh should be: ρmin ≤ ρ ≤ ρmax

If β1 ≤ 30 then β1 = 0.85, else, use equation below:

1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑓𝑦

𝑓′𝑐 600
ρmax = 0.75 (0.85β1 ( ))
𝑓𝑦 600 + fy
2. Solve for ρ, then As

Check: ρmin ≤ ρ ≤ ρmax

As = ρbd
3. Design steel reinforcement & check strength.

References:
NSCP 2010, MacGregor, and Wight (2012), McCormac and Nelson (2006), ACI 318-08M

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

Investigation/Analysis of Singly Reinforced Beams:

(Gillesania (2004) and Gillesania (2013))

Case 1: Tension steel yield (steps I to III)

Case 2: Tension steel does not yield (steps I to IV)

Steps in Computing Mu of a Beam with Known Tension Steel Area As & other Beam
Properties

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

Tension Steel Position in Singly-Reinforced Beams

References: Nilson, et. al. (2016), MacGregor, and Wight (2012), and McCormac and Nelson
(2006)
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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

Application

Illustrative example 1 (Design: Case 1)

A simply supported beam spanning 8 m has a factored moment of 180 kN-m meter with f’c = 21
MPa, fy = 276 MPa. Design the beam to adequately carry the given bending moment.
Use b = d/1.75, use ρ = 0.5ρmax.

Solution:
Discussion Calculations
1. Select approximate tension
reinforcement ratio ρmin ≤ ρ ≤ ρmax
1.4 1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 0.005072
𝑓𝑦 276
𝑓 ′𝑐 600 21 600
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75(0.85𝛽1 ) 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75 (0.85(0.85) )
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦 276 600 + 276
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.02824
Use 𝜌 = 0.6𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝜌 = 0.6(02824) =0.016944 (use)
2. With ρ preset compute bd2 required:
0.016944 (276)
𝜔= = 0.2226884
21
𝑅𝑛 = 21(0.2226884)(1 − 0.59(0.2226884))
𝑅𝑛 = 𝑓′ 𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔) 𝑅𝑛 =4.062034
𝑐
𝑑 180(106 )
𝑀𝑢 𝑑2 = , d = 429.32 mm
1.75 0.9(4.062034)
𝑏𝑑 2 =
∅𝑅𝑛
say, d = 450 mm > h O.K.!
b = 250 mm
3. Check d from minimum values
For simply supported beam 8000 276
ℎ= (0.4 + ) = 397.14 mm
𝐿 𝑓𝑦 16 700
ℎ= (0.4 + )
16 700
𝐴𝑠 = 0.016944(250)(450) = 1906.2 mm2
4. Revise and select steel
reinforcement 1906.2
𝜌 = 250(450) = 0.016944 O.K.!
𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌 𝑏𝑑
1906.2
𝐴
Check: 𝜌 = 𝑏𝑑𝑠 (skipped some steps in 𝑁=𝜋 = 3.9 use N = 4
(25)2
4
the procedure since provided larger
section)
𝜋
Using 25 mm ϕ RSB 𝐴𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 = 4 (25)2 𝑥 4 = 1963.50 mm2
𝐴
𝑁 = 𝜋 𝑠2
∅
4
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ϕMn actual = 189.78 kN-m > 180 kN-m Design Safe!

5. Check strength

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
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for, 4 – 25 mm ϕ RSB
USE 4 – 25 mm ϕ RSB

Illustrative example 2 (Design: Case 2)

A simply supported beam spanning 8 m has a factored moment of 180 kN-m meter with f’c = 21
MPa, fy = 276 MPa. The width of the beam, b = 250 mm with an effective depth, d = 450 mm.
Determine the required tension steel reinforcement.

Solution:

Discussion Calculations
1. Solve for ρmin and ρmax
1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 0.005072
276
21 600
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75 (0.85(0.85) )
276 600 + 276
2. Solve for ρ, then As

𝑀𝑢
𝑅= 180(10)6
∅𝑏𝑑 2 𝑅= = 3.9505
0.90(250)4502
0.85𝑓′𝑐 2𝑅𝑢
𝜌= (1 − √1 − 0.85𝑓′ ) (used 𝜌 = 0.016391
𝑓𝑦 𝑐
this other variation of the formula,
same result is obtained) 𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑 = 0.016391(250)(450) = 1843.97
1843.97
Using 25 mm ϕ RSB 𝑁= 𝜋 = 3.8 , say N = 4
(25)2
𝐴 4
𝑁 = 𝜋 𝑠2
∅
4
USE 4 – 25 mm ϕ RSB

3. Check Strength
ϕMn actual = 189.78 kN-m > 180 kN-m Design Safe!

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

Illustrative Example 3 (Investigation: Case 1)

Evaluate the ultimate moment capacity of a singly reinforced beam b = 250 mm, d = 450 mm with
f’c = 20.7 MPa and fy = 276 MPa. The beam has 6 – 20 mm diameter reinforcing steel bars.

Solution:

Discussion Calculations
1. Solve for ρ
𝜋
𝐴𝑠 6( 4 (202 ))
𝜌= 𝜌= = 0.016755 (steel yields!)
𝑏𝑑 250(450)

2. Check if steel yields 20.7 600

𝑓 ′𝑐 𝜌𝑏 = (0.85(20.7)) ( )
600 276 600 + 276
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75(0.85𝛽1 ) 𝜌𝑏 = 0.037115
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦
3. Solve for ultimate moment capacity 0.016755 (276)
𝜌𝑓𝑦 𝜔= = 0.223402
𝜔= 20.7
𝑓′𝑐 ∅𝑀𝑢 = 0.9(20.7)(0.223402)250(450)2 (1
∅𝑀𝑢 = ∅𝑓′𝑐 𝜔𝑏𝑑 2 (1 − 0.59𝜔) − 0.59(0.223402)𝜔)
∅𝑀𝑢 = 182.93 kN-m (Answer)

Illustrative Example 4 (Investigation: Case 2)

Evaluate the ultimate moment capacity of a singly reinforced beam b = 250 mm, d = 450 mm with
f’c = 23 MPa and fy = 415 MPa. The beam has 7 – 25 mm diameter reinforcing steel bars.
Solution:
Discussion Calculations
1. Solve for ρ
𝜋
𝐴𝑠 7( (252 ))
𝜌= 𝜌= 4 = 0.030543
𝑏𝑑 250(450)
(steel does not yield!)
2. Check if steel yields
𝑓′ 600 23 600
𝜌𝑏 = 0.85𝛽1 𝑐 𝜌𝑏 = 0.85(20.7) ( )
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦 415 600 + 415
3. Solve for c 𝜌𝑏 = 0.02367
𝜋
𝑑−𝑐 𝐴𝑠 = 7( (252 )) = 3436.12
𝐴𝑠 (600 ) = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 𝑐𝑏 4
𝑐 450 − 𝑐
Solve for c by quadratic equation 3436.12 (600 ) = 0.85(23)(0.85)𝑐(250)
𝑐
c = 285.62 mm
𝑑−𝑐 450−285.62
𝑓𝑠 = 600 𝑓𝑠 = 600 = 345.32 MPa < 415
𝑐 285.62
𝑎 345 0.85(285.62)
𝑀𝑢 = ∅𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑠 (𝑑 − ) 𝑀𝑢 = ∅(3436.12)( ) (450 − )
2 32 2
30

𝑀𝑢 = 350.93 kN-m (Answer)

Module 1: Design & Analysis of Beams, T-Beams, and One-way Slab

 University of Southeastern Philippines
Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City

EXERCISES

Show your solution for the following exercises:

1. Design a rectangular beam for 8 m simple span to support a factored moment of 500 kN-m.
Use f’c = 21 MPa, and fy = 276 MPa. Use 25 mm dia. reinforcing steel bars, ρ = 0.5ρmax,
d = 1.75b. Round off you answer for d to the nearest 20 mm.
(Answer: b = 375, d = 650, 8-25mm ϕ, ϕMn = 554.84 kN-m)

2. Design a rectangular beam for 8 m simple span to support a factored moment of 500 kN-m.
Use f’c = 21 MPa, and fy = 276 MPa. Beam width b = 375 mm with an effective depth d =
700 mm. Use 25 mm dia. reinforcing steel bars. (Answer: 7-25mmϕ, ϕMn = 536.83 kN-m)

3. A rectangular beam reinforced for tension only has b = 300 mm, d = 500 mm. The tension
steel area provided is 4 – 25 mm ϕ , with fy = 415 MPa, f’c = 25 MPa. Calculate the
ultimate moment capacity of the beam. (Answer: Mu = 319.67 kN-m)

4. A rectangular beam reinforced for tension only has b = 300 mm, d = 500 mm. The tension
steel area provided is 7 – 25 mm ϕ , with fy = 415 MPa, f’c = 25 MPa. Calculate the
ultimate moment capacity of the beam. (Answer: Mu = 527.36 kN-m)

5. Detail your design for exercise number 1 with complete label and dimensions. Provide
minimum steel cover and follow the required spacing of reinforcing steel bars.

If you are done, congratulations!

You now have learned how to design and analyze singly reinforced rectangular concrete beam
sections. However, there are situations wherein beams are limited to small sizes by space or aesthetic
requirements that compression steel is needed in addition to tensile steel. To increase the moment
capacity of a beam beyond that of a tensilely reinforced beam, it is necessary to add steel both the
compression and tensile sides of the beam, referred as doubly-reinforced beam. We will take up
doubly reinforced beams in the next lesson that will follow.

REFERENCES:

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (2010). The National Structural Code of the
Philippines, 6th Ed. Panay Ave., Quezon City: ASEP.

Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-08) and Commentary, American
Concrete Institute, 2008.

Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-11) and Commentary, American
31

Concrete Institute, 2011.

Gillesania (2004). Fundamentals of Reinforced Concrete Design, 2nd Ed. Cebu City, Philippines

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 University of Southeastern Philippines
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Gillesania, D.I.T. (2013). Simplified Reinforced Concrete Design 2010 NSCP, Cebu DGPrint, Inc.

McCormac and Nelson (2014). Design of Reinforced Concrete, 7th Ed. USA: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.

MacGregor, J. G., and Wight, J. K. (2012). Reinforced Concrete, Mechanics & Design. 9th ed.,
Pearson Education, Inc.

Nilson, A. H., Darwin, D., and Dolan, W. (2016). Design of Concrete Structures. 15th ed.,
McGraw Hill.

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Module 1: Design & Analysis of Beams, T-Beams, and One-way Slab