ELECTIVE 3 (F, 13:00-16:00)

Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Design

Engr. Joel Tianchon Lao, CE, M.ASCE

College of Mathematics and Engineering
Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies, Bataan
Lesson 3: Singly Reinforced Concrete Beams

3.1 Analysis of Singly Reinforced Concrete Beams

In this lesson we will study how to calculation the nominal
flexural strength of singly reinforced beams.

a) Beam b) Actual stress diagram c) Equivalent stress block

Compression and tension couple at nominal moment:
𝑎 ′
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐶 𝑑 − = 0.85𝑓𝑐 𝑎𝑏 𝑑 − or 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑇 𝑑 − = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑠 𝑑 −
2 2 2 2
The ultimate moment:
𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛
In this lesson, we will discuss design methods of singly
reinforced beams based on NSCP Code.

NSCP/ACI states that the following assumptions are to be

made in determining the nominal moment capacity of the
beam:
• Strains vary linearly with distance from the neutral axis
(plane sections remain plane.)
• The maximum usable strain at the extreme compression
fiber for any concrete shall be assumed to be 𝜖𝑐𝑢 = 0.003.
• Concrete stress of 0.85𝑓𝑐′ shall be assumed to be
uniformly distributed over a depth "𝑎“(𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐. )
• 𝛽1 is a factor relating the depth of the Whitney stress
block to the neutral axis depth, 𝑐.
ACI and also adopted by NSCP employs the Charles S.
Whitney rectangular stress block approach with constant
concrete compressive stress at 85% of ultimate stress.
Usable 𝜖𝑐𝑢
𝑓𝑐′ = 42
42 6

Stress, 𝑘𝑠𝑖
3

1
 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 0.05(𝑓𝑐′ − 28)
0.85 −
7
𝑓𝑐 ′ ≥ 55 0.65
𝜖𝑐𝑢 = 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
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, etc.
Strength Reduction Factor , 𝜙, for Moment, Axial Force,
or Combined Moment and Axial Force
(see NSCP Table 421.2.2)
𝜖𝑡 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦
𝜙 = 0.75 + 0.15
0.005 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦
0.90

0.75
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
Example 3.1.1:
Determine the ultimate moment capacity of the beam
section shown if 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
Solution:
𝑏 = 300 𝑚𝑚
𝑑 = 380 𝑚𝑚
𝜋
𝐴𝑠 = 3 (25)2 = 1472.62 𝑚𝑚2
4 3 − ∅25
𝑓𝑦 420
𝜖𝑡𝑦 = = = 0.0021
𝐸𝑠 200000
Assume 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 , solve for 𝑎.
𝐶 = 𝑇, 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 1472.62(420)
𝑎= = = 86.62 𝑚𝑚
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏 0.85(28)(300)
𝑎 86.62
𝑐= = = 101.9 𝑚𝑚
𝛽1 0.85
𝑑−𝑐 380 − 101.9
𝜖𝑡 = 0.003 = 0.003 = 0.00819
𝑐 101.9
𝜖𝑡 > 0.005 tension controlled , 𝜙 = 0.90
𝑓𝑠 = 𝜖𝑡 𝐸𝑠 = 1638 𝑀𝑃𝑎 > 1000 𝑀𝑃𝑎
The ultimate moment capacity of the beam is
𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝐶 𝑑 − = 𝜙0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 𝑑 −
2 2
or
𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝑇 𝑑 − = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2 2
86.62
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 0.90 1472.62 420 380 − 10−6 = 187.42 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
2
Example 3.1.2:
Compute the factored moment strength of a singly reinforced
rectangular beam given the following:
𝑏 = 400 𝑚𝑚, 𝑑 = 450 𝑚𝑚, 𝐴𝑠 = 2945 𝑚𝑚2
𝑓𝑐′ = 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎, 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Solution:
𝑓𝑦 420
𝜖𝑡𝑦 = = = 0.0021
𝐸𝑠 200000
Assume 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 , solve for 𝑎.
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 2945(420)
𝑎= = = 173.24 𝑚𝑚
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏 0.85(21)(400)
𝑎 173.24
𝑐= = = 203.81 𝑚𝑚
𝛽1 0.85
𝑑−𝑐 450 − 203.81
𝜖𝑡 = 0.003 = 0.003 = 0.003624
𝑐 203.81
𝜖𝑡𝑦 < 𝜖𝑡 < 0.005 transition region , 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 .
𝜖𝑡 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦 0.003624 − 0.0021
𝜙 = 0.65 + 0.25 = 0.65 + 0.25 = 0.8314
0.005 − 𝜖𝑡𝑦 0.005 − 0.0021
The ultimate moment capacity is
𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝐶 𝑑 − = 𝜙0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 𝑑 −
2 2
or
𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑢 ≤ 𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝑇 𝑑 − = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2 2
173.24
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 0.8314 2945 420 450 − 10−6 = 373.7 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
2
Example 3.1.3:
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 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
Solution:
𝜋
𝐴𝑠 = 3 25 2 = 1472.62 𝑚𝑚2
4
Assume steel will yield.
Check if 𝑎 > 100 𝑚𝑚.
0.85𝑓𝑐′ ℎ𝑓 𝑏 = 0.85 21 100 300 (10−3 ) = 535.5 𝑘𝑁
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 1472.62 420 10−3 = 618.5𝑘𝑁
Since 0.85𝑓𝑐′ ℎ𝑓 𝑏 < 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 , ∴ 𝑎 > 100 𝑚𝑚.
Solve for 𝑎.
𝐶 = 𝑇, 0.85𝑓𝑐′ [ 𝑏 − 𝑏𝑤 ℎ𝑓 + 𝑏𝑤 𝑎] = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
0.85 21 200 100 + 100𝑎 = 1472.62(420)
𝑎 = 146.5 𝑚𝑚 3 − ∅25
𝑐 = 𝑎/𝛽1 = 146.5/0.85 = 172.35 𝑚𝑚
 𝑑−𝑐 700 − 172.35
𝜖𝑡 = 0.003 = 0.003 = 0.00918 > 𝜖𝑡𝑦 and > 0.005.
𝑐 172.35 ℎ𝑓
𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 , Ok as assumed and tension controlled, 𝑏
𝜙 = 0.90. 𝐶1
𝑎 𝐶2

𝑏𝑤 𝑑 − ℎ𝑓 /2 𝑑 − 𝑎/2
The nominal moment is
ℎ𝑓 𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐶1 𝑑 − + 𝐶2 𝑑 −
2 2 𝑇
′
ℎ𝑓 𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 0.85𝑓𝑐 𝑏 − 𝑏𝑤 ℎ𝑓 𝑑 − + 0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝑏𝑤 𝑎 𝑑 −
2 2
100 146.5
= 0.85 21 300 − 100 100 700 − + 0.85 21 100 700 − (10−6 )
2 2
𝑀𝑛 = 233.17 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
The ultimate moment capacity is 𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 0.90 233.17 = 209.85 𝑘𝑁.
The service live load is
𝑀𝑢 = 1.2𝑀𝐷 + 1.6𝑀𝐿
12(6)2 𝑤𝐿 (6)2
209.85 = 1.2 + 1.6 , 𝑤𝐿 = 20.15 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
8 8
3.2: Design of Singly Reinforced Beams

In real structural design, the external dimensions of a

beam are predetermined by factors other than moments
and shears. Before the design of an actual beam is
attempted, several other factors need to be considered
such as:
• Aesthetics requirements or sizes limitation of the
architect
• Deflections
• Estimated beam weight
• Selection of bars
• Cover
• Minimum spacing of bars
• Other considerations
Required steel reinforcement flow chart − if the rectangular
beam dimensions are predetermined.
Code requirements:
• The minimum flexural reinforcement 𝐴𝑠,𝑚𝑖𝑛 shall be the
greater value of
𝑓𝑐 ′ 1.4
𝑏𝑤 𝑑 and 𝑏𝑤 𝑑.
4𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦
For a statically determine beam with flange in tension, the
value of 𝑏𝑤 shall be the lesser of 𝑏𝑓 and 2𝑏𝑤 .
• The clear spacing of longitudinal bars shall be the greater
value of 25 𝑚𝑚, 𝑑𝑏 , and (4/3) 𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑔 (the maximum nominal
size of coarse aggregate). For reinforcement in two or more
layers shall be placed directly above reinforcement in the
bottom layer with a clear spacing layers of at least 25 𝑚𝑚.
• The specified concrete cover for precast beams not exposed
to weather or in contact with ground is the greater of 𝑑𝑏 and
16 𝑚𝑚 and need not exceed 40 𝑚𝑚; and 40 𝑚𝑚 for cast-in-
place non-prestressed concrete (see NSCP Table 420.6.1.3.1-3).
 specified concrete cover for
primary reinforcement of
precast concrete members
≥ 16𝑚𝑚 and 𝑑𝑏 ≤ 40𝑚𝑚;
and 40 𝑚𝑚 for cast-in-place
non-prestressed concrete

clear distance between layers of bars

≥ 25𝑚𝑚

clear spacing of longitudinal bars

≥ 25 𝑚𝑚, 𝑑𝑏 , and (4/3) 𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑔
 𝑎 𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 𝑑− = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
22 2
𝑏𝑑 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
Multiply right side of the equation by and replace 𝑎 =
𝑏𝑑 2 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏 𝑏𝑑 2
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑−
2 𝑏𝑑 2
𝜌𝑓𝑦
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑏𝑑2 𝑓𝑦 𝜌 1−
1.7𝑓𝑐 ′
𝐴𝑠 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 2𝑀𝑢
where 𝜌 = = 1− 1− .
𝑏𝑑 𝑓𝑦 𝜙0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑑 2

0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑑 2𝑀𝑢
required 𝐴𝑠 = 1− 1−
𝑓𝑦 𝜙0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑑 2
The coefficient of resistance
𝑀𝑛 𝜌𝑓𝑦
𝑅𝑛 = 2 = 𝑓𝑦 𝜌 1 −
𝑏𝑑 1.7𝑓𝑐 ′
The definition of balance reinforcement:
𝜖𝑐𝑢 = 0.003
𝐴𝑠𝑏 0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝛽1 600
𝜌𝑏 = = . 𝑐𝑏
𝑏𝑑 𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦
Derivation: 𝑑
𝑇𝑏 = 𝐶𝑏 𝑑 − 𝑐𝑏
𝐴𝑠𝑏 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = 0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝛽1 𝑐𝑏 𝑏
600𝑑 𝜖𝑡𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦 𝐸𝑠 = 200000𝑓𝑦
𝐴𝑠𝑏 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝛽1 𝑏
600 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑐𝑏
=
𝑑 − 𝑐𝑏
Divide both sides by 𝑏𝑑𝑓𝑦 , we got 0.003 200000𝑓𝑦
600𝑑
0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝛽1 600 𝑐𝑏 =
600 + 𝑓𝑦
𝜌𝑏 =
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦
𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 𝜌𝑏 𝑏𝑑
If the required 𝐴𝑠 > 𝐴𝑠𝑏 , then design the beam as
doubly reinforced.
Approximate moments for non-prestressed continuous beams and
one-way slabs (NSCP Table 406.5.2)
Approximate shears for non-prestressed continuous beams and
one-way slabs (NSCP Table 406.5.4)

[1]
To calculate negative moments, ℓ𝑛 shall be the average of the adjacent
clear span lengths.
Note A:
Applicable to slabs with span ≤ 3 𝑚 and
beams where the ration of the sum of
column stiffness to beam stiffness > 8 at
each end of the span.
Minimum thickness of non-prestressed beams or one-way slabs unless
deflections are computed
[1]

[1]
Expression applicable for normal weight concrete and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
For other cases, minimum ℎ shall be modified:
a) For 𝑓𝑦 other than 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎, the expressions shall be multiplied by
0.4 + 𝑓𝑦 /700 .
b) For non-prestressed beams made of lightweight concrete having 𝑤𝑐 in the
range of 1440 to 1840 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 , the expressions shall be multiplied by the greater
of
1.65 − 0.0003𝑤𝑐
and
1.09.
Example 3.2.1:
Determine the required longitudinal reinforcement steel
area of a rectangular beam using the following:
𝑏 = 300 𝑚𝑚, 𝑑 = 500 𝑚𝑚, 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎, 𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
Service loads:
Dead load moment 𝑀𝐷 = 60 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
Live load moment 𝑀𝐿 = 80 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
Solution:
The design ultimate moment is
𝑀𝑢 = 1.2 6 + 1.6 80 = 200 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚.
Assume 𝜙 = 0.90, solve for
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑑 2𝑀𝑢
𝐴𝑠 = 1− 1−
𝑓𝑦 𝜙0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑑 2

0.85(28)(300)(500) 2(200)(106 )
𝐴𝑠 = 1− 1−
415 0.90(0.85)(28)(300)(500)2
𝐴𝑠 = 1147.48 𝑚𝑚2
The minimum steel reinforcement is the greater value of
𝑓𝑐 ′ 28
𝑏𝑑 = 300 500 = 478.15 𝑚𝑚2
4𝑓𝑦 4 415
and
1.4 1.4
𝑏𝑑 = 300 500 = 506.02 𝑚𝑚2 .
𝑓𝑦 415
Thus 𝐴𝑠,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 506.02 𝑚𝑚2 .
The balance steel reinforcement is
0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝛽1 600
𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 𝜌𝑏 𝑏𝑑 = 𝑏𝑑
𝑓𝑦 600 + 𝑓𝑦
0.85 28 0.85 600
= 300 500 = 4322.39𝑚𝑚2 .
415 600 + 415
𝐴𝑠,𝑚𝑖𝑛 < 𝐴𝑠 < 𝐴𝑠𝑏 , 𝑂𝐾 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 .
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 1147.48(415)
𝑐= = = 78.47 𝑚𝑚
0.85𝑓𝑐 ′𝛽1 𝑏 0.85(28)(0.85)(300)
𝑑−𝑐 500 − 78.47
𝜖𝑡 = 0.003 = 0.003 = 0.01611
𝑐 78.47
𝜖𝑡 > 0.005 (𝑂𝑘, tension controlled)
The required 𝐴𝑠 = 1147.48 𝑚𝑚2 .
Example 3.2.2:
The beam cross-section shown is design to resist a nominal
moment 𝑀𝑛 of 320 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚, if 𝑓𝑐′ = 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎,
determine the required area of steel reinforcement 𝐴𝑠 .
Solution:

0.85𝑓𝑐′

0.85𝑓𝑐′
𝑎 𝐶1
𝐶2 𝑎 − 75

𝑎 𝑎 − 75
𝑑− 𝑑−
2 2

𝑇1 𝑇2
𝑇 = 𝑇1 + 𝑇2

𝑑 = 640𝑚𝑚. Assume 𝑎 > 75𝑚𝑚 and steel yields.

 𝑎 𝑎 − 75
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐶1 640 − + 𝐶2 640 −
2 2
′
𝑎 𝑎 − 75
𝑀𝑛 = 0.85𝑓𝑐 75𝑎 640 − + 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 150 𝑎 − 75 640 −
2 2
𝑎 𝑎 − 75
320 × 106 = 0.85 35 75𝑎 640 − + 0.85(35) 150 𝑎 − 75 640 −
2 2
𝑎 = 130.77 𝑚𝑚 > 75𝑚𝑚 (𝑂𝐾 as assumed)
For 28 < 𝑓𝑐′ < 55𝑀𝑃𝑎,
0.05 𝑓𝑐′ − 28
𝛽1 = 0.85 − = 0.80.
7
𝑎 130.77
𝑐= = = 163.46𝑚𝑚
𝛽1 0.80
𝑑−𝑐 640 − 163.46
𝜖𝑡 = 0.003 = 0.003 = 0.008746 > 0.005
𝑐 163.46
𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 (𝑂𝐾 tension controlled)
Equating 𝑇 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ,
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 75𝑎 + 0.85𝑓𝑐 ′(150)(𝑎 − 75)
0.85 35 75 130.77 + 0.85(35)(150)(130.77 − 75)
Required 𝐴𝑠 =
420
𝐴𝑠 = 1287.27𝑚𝑚 2
Exercise 3:

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 to 5. 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.
75 75 150 75 75

75
75

830
605

4 − ∅36
75
450
6. 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
7. Determine the required area of steel reinforcement of a
rectangular reinforced concrete beam with an effective
depth of 480 𝑚𝑚 and width of 300 𝑚𝑚 if the ultimate
moment is 290 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚. Use 𝑓𝑐′ = 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

8. The beam cross-section shown is design to resist a nominal

moment 𝑀𝑛 of 90 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚, if 𝑓𝑐′ = 35 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃𝑎,
determine the required area of steel reinforcement 𝐴𝑠 .