Analysis of T-Beams

T-Shape Cross Section

A T-shaped cross-section is usually used when concrete beam is poured

monolithically with slabs as part of continuous floor systems. The T-shaped
section consists of a slab which is called a flange and a portion of the beam
that projects below the slab which is called a stem. This section is most
efficiently used when a flange is placed in compression. Since the flange of a
typical section is wide, the depth of the stress block will be smaller, as a
result, the location of the neutral axis will be located on the flange, the beam
will be design exactly the same as a rectangular beam but if the beam depth
of compression block falls in the web, the stress block must be divided into
two areas and the stress diagram will be analyzed into two parts as shown in
the figure.
 Code Requirements on T - Beams

1. In T-beam construction, the flange and the web shall be built integrally
or otherwise effectively bonded together.

2. The width of slab effective as T-beam shall not exceed ¼ of the span of
the beam, and effective overhanging flange on each side of the web shall
not exceed:

a. 8 times the slab thickness; and

b. ½ the clear distance to the next web

3. For beams with slab on one side only, the effective overhanging flange
shall not exceed:

a. 1/12 the span length of the beam

b. 6 times the slab thickness, and
c. ½ the clear distance to the next web
4. Isolated beams in which T-shaped are used to provide a flange for
additional compression area shall have a flange thickness not less than ½
the length of the web and an effective flange width not more than four
times the width of the web.

5. When primary flexural reinforcement in a slab that is considered as a T-

beam flange is parallel to the beam, reinforcement perpendicular to the
beam shall be provided in the top of the slab in accordance with the
following:

(a) Traverse reinforcement shall be designed to carry the factored load on

beam, the full width of the overhang slab width assumed to act as a
cantilever. For isolated beam, the full width of the overhanging flange
shall be considered. For other T-beams, only the effective
overhanging slab needs to be considered.

(b) Transverse reinforcement shall be spaced not farther apart than five
times the slab thickness, nor 450 mm.