CHAPTER 5

Analysis and Design

of
Reinforced Concrete Beams
I

5.1 Load Factors and Magnified Bending Moment:

In order to analyze and design a reinforced concrete beam for bending, it is essential to
determine the value of the magnified design bending moment, Mu. Reduced beam
bending moment capacity, φMn, is compared with the ultimate or magnified design
bending moment, Mu, as explained in Chapter 3.

The design bending moment according to the strength design method or LRFD is the
ultimate bending moment or the magnified bending moment according to ASCE 7
typically termed Mu.

5.1.1 Method 1: Factored Moments:

The first method for determining Mu is outlined herewith. The method described in this
section assumes that:

- The locations of structure or beam critical sections are known.

Ultimate or magnified bending moment affecting a reinforced concrete beam is

determined via structural analysis and determining the values of the following moments:

a. MD = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by dead load.

b. ML = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by live load.
c. MLr = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by roof live load.
d. MS = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by snow load.
e. MR = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by rain load.
f. MH = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by soil pressure.
g. MF = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by fluid pressure.
h. MW = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by wind load.
i. ME = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by seismic load.
j. MT = the bending moment affecting the beam caused by shrinkage and
temperature change.

The structure or beam is loaded with each load discussed in Chapter 3 individually, and
then analyzed. The effect of each individual load on the structure or member can then be
ascertained including the values of bending moments shown above. Consequently, the

5.1
following equations are utilized to determine the maximum and minimum bending
moment acting on the beam in question:

Mu1 = 1.4(MD + MF)

Mu2 = 1.2(MD + MF + MT) + 1.6(ML + MH) + 0.5 (MLr or MS or MR)
Mu3 = 1.2MD + 1.6(MLr or MS or MR) + (ML or + 0.8MW)
Mu4 = 1.2MD + 1.6MW + ML + 0.5(MLr or MS or MR)
Mu5 = 1.2MD + 1.0ME + ML + 0.2MS
Mu6 = 0.9MD + 1.6MW + 1.6MH
Mu7 = 0.9MD + 1.0ME + 1.6MH

The values of Mu1 through Mu7 are determined for all beam’s critical sections that require
design or investigation. For each beam section, the maximum and the minimum values
of bending moment among Mu1 thru Mu7 are then adopted for the reinforced concrete
beam design. It should also be remembered that wind and seismic loads are applied twice
once with a positive value once and another time utilizing a negative value due to their
alternating direction. Also, the equations of Mu2, Mu3 and Mu4 require the use of different
loads to achieve the maximum and minimum values of Mu. Thus a level of complexity is
recognized in determining the design values of Mu. Since this class is focused on
member design primarily subjected to gravity load (dead and live load), the following
equations of Mu will be used frequently:

Mu1 = 1.4MD (5.1)

Mu2 = 1.2MD + 1.6ML (5.2)

5.1.2 Method 2: Factored Loads:

Another procedure to determine Mu may be followed. According to this procedure, the

beam or structure is loaded with the factored loads U1 through U7 (based on the equations
in Chapter 3) and analyzed for each different loading situation. The values of Mu for
each analysis case are compiled and the beam is designed for the most critical values.

The above two procedures may appear tedious or lengthy, however, for each beam or
element, only one or two loading combinations may be critical while the others are
simply not applicable or not critical.

5.2
Example 5.1

Analyze the cantilever beam shown in the following figure to determine Mu according to
ASCE 7 if WD = 2 k/ft, PL = 30 kips and span = 20 ft.

Solution – Method 1: Factored Moment

Critical
Section
WD=2k/ft PL=30 kips

Beam

L=20 ft

MD = – WDL2/2 ML = – PLL
–
–

BMD due to dead load WD BMD due to live load PL

MD = –2x(20)2/2 = –400 ft.k ML = –30x20 = –600 ft.k

The sought value of Mu for structural design of the beam is the one needed for sizing the
beam and determining the area and distribution of reinforcing steel bars. While dead load
is always applied to the beam or structure, live load may not be applied. For this
example, since both bending moments caused by dead as well as live load are negative,
then one can conclude that Mu < 0 ft.k. This beam needs to be designed for
unidirectional bending moment rather than a bending moment with alternating direction.
Design is required for worst case scenario or for the maximum possible value of Mu. As
such, for the beam in Example 5.1, Mu = Mumax–. By examination of the equations of Mu1
thru Mu7 listed in page 5.1, one may conclude that the critical equations are Mu1 and Mu2
due to the absence of all loads except for dead and live load. The value of Mu can be
determined by one of the following equations that include dead load or dead load and live
load:

Mu1 = 1.4(MD + MF) = 1.4 MD = –560 ft.k

Mu2 = 1.2(MD + MF + MT) + 1.6(ML + MH) + 0.5 (MLr or MS or MR)
= 1.2MD + 1.6ML = –1,440 ft.k

===> Mu = –1,440 ft.k

5.3
Solution – Method 2: Factored Loads

Mu1 = – 1.4WDL2/2 Mu2 = – 1.2WDL2/2 - 1.6PLL

–
–

BMD due to load U1 BMD due to load U2

U1 = 1.4WD U2 = 1.2WD and 1.6PL

Mu1 = –1.4x2x(20)2/2 = –560 ft.k Mu2 = –1.2x2x(20)2/2–1.6x30x20 = –1,440 ft.k

===> Mu = –1,440 ft.k

Utilizing the aforementioned analysis, it can be concluded that the critical loads for the
cantilever beam in question are U1 and U2. U1 is simply the dead load multiplied by 1.4.
Utilizing U2, dictates that the beam is loaded with both the dead load multiplied by 1.2
and the live load multiplied by 1.6. So the beam is loaded once with U1 and another time
with U2. The bending moment diagram is drawn for both cases and the value of Mu is
determined.

The direction of the design bending moment is essential in determining the location of
steel bars within the section. Positive moments cause tension below the N.A. of the
beam, thus, requiring bars in the bottom portion of the section and vice versa. If a section
is subjected to a unidirectional bending moment, then it needs to be designed for the
maximum value of the bending moment. If a section is subjected to an alternating
direction bending moment, then it needs to be designed for the maximum positive and
maximum negative values of Mu since each would require different steel bars in size and,
more importantly, location. Two layers of steel are needed. The first layer is at below
the N.A. near the bottom of the section for resistance of positive moment. The other
layer is at above the N.A. near the top of the section for resistance of negative moment.
This is the case for sections subjected to a bending moment with alternating direction
typical of wind and seismic load.

Example 5.2

Analyze the simply beam shown in the following figure to determine Mu according to
ASCE 7 if WD = 1.5 k/ft, PL = 20 kips and span = 20 ft.
5 ft
Critical Section
WD PL

Beam

5.4
Solution – Method 2: Factored Loads

Structural analysis is needed to determine the critical section location. The location of
the critical section is at maximum bending moment or at zero shear. If procedure 1 is
followed, then shear diagrams from each load are superimposed to determine the location
of zero shear or maximum bending moment which could complicate the solution.
Therefore, it is preferred in this case that procedure 2 is followed. The ultimate load is
placed on the beam and the shear force diagram is drawn.

First U1 is used. In the absence of live load, dead load is multiplied by 1.4 resulting in a
uniformly distributed load of 1.4WD = 1.4x1.5 = 2.1k/ft as shown below.

2.1k/ft

20 ft
Load U1

Utilizing U1, the critical section is located at midspan and Mu1max = Mu1CL = 1.4WDL2/8:

Therefore for U1: Mu = Mu1max = Mu1CL = 2.1x(20)2/8 = 105 ft.k

Mu1CL= Mu1max=105ft.k
+

Bending Moment Diagram for U1

Then U2 is used. Dead load is multiplied by 1.2 resulting in a uniformly distributed load
of 1.2WD = 1.2x1.5 = 1.8k/ft as shown below. Live load is multiplied by 1.6 resulting in
a concentrated load of 1.6x20 = 32 kips. Load U2 is shown below.

5 ft
1.8k/ft 32k

20 ft
Load

5.5
The principles of solid mechanics may be used to construct the shear force and bending
moment diagrams for U2 shown below.

V=0k
+

26k 42k
14.4ft –
32k

Shear Force Diagram for U2

Mu2CL=170ft.k Mu2max=187.8ft.k

+V = 0 k

26k 42k
14.4ft

Bending Moment Diagram for U2

Therefore, for U2: Mu = Mu1max = 187.8 ft.k

The governing moment is the moment with the larger value for U1 and U2. Thus:

Mu = 187.8 ft.k

It should be noted that the maximum bending moment occurs at a section at a distance
14.4 ft from left support at the beam. This is the section that requires design with
Mu =187.7 ft.k. The section at midspan is subjected to Mu of 170 ft.k that dictates its
design. As design needs to achieve a practical design, Mu = 187.7 ft.k might be adopted
for both sections.

5.1.3 Method 3: Factored Load Addition:

Another procedure to determine the value of Mu needed for beam design may be used if
loading configurations of different load types are identical. In such case, Umax is
determined among U1 thru U7 based on the equations in Chapter 3. The beam or
structure is analyzed with Umax. Based on this analysis, Mu is determined. An example
for this is a simply supported beam subjected to a uniformly distributed dead load WD
and a uniformly distributed live load WL throughout the span. The ultimate load is
generally dictated by U2. Then:

5.6
 U or WU = 1.2WD + 1.6WL (5.3)

The beam is then loaded with a uniformly distributed load equal to WU, the bending
moment diagram is drawn and the value of Mu is determined for all critical sections. In
this case, only one critical section for bending moment occurs at midspan. Mu can then
be determined using the following equation:

Mu = WU.L2/8 (5.4)

WU = 1.2WD + 1.6WL Bending Moment Diagram

Beam +

L Mu=WU.L2/8

Figure 5.1: Mu for a uniformly loaded beam.

Another example is a cantilever beam subjected to a concentrated dead load PD and a

concentrated live load PL both applied at the free end. Then:

U or PU = 1.2PD + 1.6PL (5.5)

The beam is then loaded with a concentrated load equal to PU, the bending moment
diagram is drawn and the value of Mu is determined for all critical sections. In this case,
only one critical section for bending moment occurs at the fixed end. Mu may be
determined as follows:

Mu = –PU.L (5.6)

PU = 1.2PD + 1.6 Bending Moment Diagram

Beam Mu = –PU.L

–
L

Figure 5.2: Mu for a cantilever beam with concentrated force.

5.7
5.2 Capacity Reduction Factor or Resistance Factor, φ:

ACI 318 code relates structural safety of reinforced concrete beams to the strain in steel
reinforcing bars at failure defined by concrete crushing (εc = 0.003). If the strain in
reinforcing steel bars (εt) at failure equals or exceeds 0.005, then φ = 0.9. The reinforced
concrete beam is then considered adequately safe since steel has stretched significantly to
allow for absorption of significant amount of energy resulting in the sought gradual
failure. Reinforced concrete beam toughness and energy absorption is considered
suitable. With decreasing steel tension strain at failure, εt, failure safety lessens as steel
stretch and section deformations prior to concrete crushing are reduced. The desirable
characteristics for reinforced concrete beams of gradual failure and toughness are also
reduced. To compensate for this safety reduction, ACI 318 code dictates a smaller value
of resistance factor φ according to the following equation.

φ = 0.48 + 83εt (5.7)

Beams with no axial loading, the subject matter of this chapter, are considered tension
controlled sections where the tension strain exceeds the compression strain in the section.
For this type of sections, ACI 318 code does not allow a value of εt less than 0.004 to
achieve adequate safety. In compliance with ACI 318 code, Table 5.1 lists the value of φ
for εt ranging between 0.004 to more than 0.005.

Table 5.1: The value of φ in relation with εt

εt φ
>0.0050 0.900
0.0049 0.887
0.0048 0.878
0.0047 0.870
0.0046 0.862
0.0045 0.854
0.0044 0.845
0.0043 0.837
0.0042 0.829
0.0041 0.820
0.0040 0.812

5.8
Example 5.3

Investigate the adequacy of the reinforced concrete beam shown in the Figure 5.3.

WD= 2k/ft WL=1.2k/ft Beam’s Cross-Section

b= 14”
Beam
d=27.5” h=30
20 ft

As = 3#9 bars
DL includes self weight.
f’c = 3,000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi

Figure 5.2: Simply supported concrete beam with uniformly distributed load.

Solution

1. Determine the value of Mu (use Figure 5.1):

Mu = WuL2/8 = (1.2x2 + 1.6x1.2)x(20)2/8 = 216 ft.k

2. Determine the value of a = the depth of compression block (use Figure 4.7)
Tension = Compression ===> T = C
As.fy = 0.85f’c.a.b
As = area of reinforcing steel bars = 3.00 in2 (see Table 2.1)
===> a = 3.00x60,000/(0.85x3,000x14) = 5.04 in

3. Determine the value of c = the depth of compression zone (use Figure 4.6)
c = a/β1 = 5.04/0.85 = 5.93 in (the value of β1 from Chapter 4)

4. Determine the value of εt = strain in tension steel at failure based on the diagram
shown:

5.9
 εc = 0.003
–
c

εt = (0.003/c)x(d – c)
εt = 0.0109 d

d –c

+
εt

5. Determine the value of φ based on the Table 5.1:

φ = 0.9

6. Determine the value of reduced nominal bending moment capacity of the beam, φMn:
φMn = φ.As.fy.(moment arm) = φ.As.fy.(d – a/2) (see Figure 4.7)
φMn = 0.9x3.00x60,000x(27.5 – 5.04/2) = 4,048x103 lb.in
φMn = 4,048x103 lb.in/12,000 = 337 ft.k (12,000 is unit conversion
factor from lb.in to ft.k)

7. Compare φMn with Mu

if φMn > Mu Beam is safe
if φMn < Mu Beam is unsafe

For Example 5.3, the beam is safe.

5.10
Test your knowledge:

1. Determine the value(s) of Mu for the beams shown:

1.1

WD = 1.7 k/ft PL = 30 kips

18 ft

1.2

WD = 1.4 k/ft PL = 25 kips each

21 ft

1.3 12 ft

WD = 1.8 k/ft PL = 27 kips

25 ft

5.11
1.4

WD = 1.2 k/ft PL = 20 kips each

Beam

12 ft

1.5

PE=25kips

20 ft Column

Critical
Section

MD=210 ft.k
ML=140 ft.k

1.6

Cantilever
Wall

MH=80ft.k
MD=65ft.k
ML=18ft.k

5.12
2. Determine the value of the reduced bending moment capacity φMn for the beam
sections shown using fy = 60 ksi and f’c = 4,000 psi:

2.1 2.2
12” 12”

22.5” 22.5”

3#8 3#8

2.3 2.4
12” 12”

21” 22.5”

6#8
6#8

3. Determine the value of the reduced bending moment capacity φMn for the beam
sections listed below using fy = 60 ksi and f’c = 4,000 psi:

Beam No. b (in) d (in) Bars

3.1 14 23 5#11

3.2 12 17 2#6

3.3 18 25 4#9 + 3#10

3.4 21 28 2#5

5.13