Chapter # 3

Flexure Theory
Stress Distribution in a Rectangular Section

▪ The actual distribution of the compressive stress in

section has rising parabola as shown in slide No.19

▪ It is time consuming to evaluate the volume of

the compressive stress block if it has a parabolic
shape
▪ Whitney proposed an equivalent stress block which
can be used with ease and without loss of accuracy
to calculate the compressive force and hence the
flexural reinforcement strength of the section
 Parabolic and Whitney’s Stress Blocks

Parabolic Stress Block Whitney’s Stress Block

Stress Distribution in a Rectangular Section

• This equivalent stress block has a depth “a” and an

average compressive strength “0.85f’c”
• The value of
• The area of equivalent stress block is approximately
the same as that of parabolic stress block
Contd.
 FLEXURE THEORY
ACI code permits the use of equivalent rectangular
stress block for ultimate stress calculation .
 FLEXURE THEORY

For the equivalent rectangular stress block

a = 1c

Where:
1 = 0.85 for f c'  4000 psi

(ACI)
 f − 4000
'
1 = 0.85 − 0.05 *  c
  0.65
 1000 
 FLEXURE THEORY

Requirements for analysis of reinforced concrete beams

[1] Equilibrium – Internal forces balances with external forces

[2] The maximum strain in concrete (εc) = 0.003
[3] The reinforcing steel has yielded fs = fy
 FLEXURE THEORY
Flexural capacity of RC beam at ultimate loads:

(A) Setup equilibrium

C = Volume of the stress block

𝐶 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑎
T = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙

𝑇 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 (assuming steel yields that is 𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 )

Since σ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝐶=𝑇
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
⇒𝑎=
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏
 FLEXURE THEORY

Flexural capacity of RC beam at ultimate loads:

(B) Flexural Capacity of Section

𝑀𝑛 = Nominal Moment Capacity Strength of beam section
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐶 × 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑟𝑚
OR
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑇 × 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑟𝑚

𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
 FLEXURE THEORY

(C) Steel Ratio 𝜌

𝜌 = 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜
𝐴𝑠
𝜌=
𝑏×𝑑

𝐴𝑠
𝜌=
𝑏𝑑
 FLEXURE THEORY
a
M n = As f y (d − )
2
substitutea by its value

f y
M n = As f y d (1 − '
)
1.7 f c

Multiply by Φ to obtain the usable

flexural capacity of the beam. Thus

f y
M n = As f y d (1 − '
)
1.7 f c
 FLEXURE THEORY

Check if es > ey
y
ey =
Es
a
c=
1

Then using the concept of similar triangles

𝑑−𝑐
𝜀𝑡 = 𝜀𝑠 = 𝜀𝑐𝑢
𝑐
For tension controlled section: 𝜺𝒔 ≥ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓
 FLEXURE THEORY

Nominal Moment Capacity Design Moment Capacity of

of Beam/Section Beam/Section
 a  a
M n = As f y  d −  M n = As f y  d − 
 2  2

Where ϕ is strength reduction factor

 Problem # 1
Calculate the nominal flexural strength 𝑀𝑛 of the beam
if the yield stress of the steel is 60,000 psi and the
strength of the concrete is 3,000 psi.

In the given figure:

h = 24 in. d = 21 in. Concrete Cover = 3 in. b = 14 in.

 Problem # 1 - Solution

•T = As fy

Beam Section Stress Diagram Force Couple

 Problem # 1 - Solution
(a) Calculate the tensile force (T) and the compressive
force (C)
We know that:
T = As f y = (3 in.2 )(60 ksi) = 180 kips

Also we know that:

C = 0.85 f c'ab = 0.85(3 ksi)a(14 in.) = 35.70 a
(b) Determine “a” by equating T and C
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
𝑎=
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏
3 𝑖𝑛.2 × 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝑎= = 5.04 𝑖𝑛.
0.85 × 3 𝑘𝑠𝑖 × 14 𝑖𝑛.
 Problem # 1 - Solution
(c) Find the moment arm and the flexural strength

 a  5.04 in. 
Moment Arm =  d −  =  21 in. -  = 18.48 in.
 2  2 

𝐹𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 𝑀𝑛
𝑀𝑛 = 180 𝑘 18.48 𝑖𝑛. = 3326.4 𝑘 − 𝑖𝑛.

OR
3326.4 𝑘 − 𝑓𝑡
𝑀𝑛 =
12

𝑴𝒏 = 𝟐𝟕𝟕. 𝟐 𝒌 − 𝒇𝒕
 IMPORTANT FACTS
Step to determine the bending capacity of RC beams
1- Concrete is not cracked
The whole cross-section resists applied loads and
 .I
M=
y
2- Concrete is cracked
Elastic behavior: fc < 0.5 f ’c and fs < fy , use transformed area
method to calculate I and y and use
 .I
M=
Y
 IMPORTANT FACTS
Step to determine the bending capacity of RC beams

3- Nominal bending capacity: (ultimate)

• Determine the magnitude of the tension force (T = As fy).

• Apply equilibrium T = C to determine the magnitude of the compression
force (C)
• Determine the depth of the equivalent stress block (a)
• Determine the nominal moment Mn = T×(d - a/2) or Mn = C× (d - a/2)
• Determine the design nominal capacity ΦMn
BENDING CAPACITY OF RECTANGULAR BEAM

M n  M U
f y
M n = As f y d (1 − '
)  MU
1.7 f c
 INELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF RC BEAMS

Strength Reduction Factor (ACI)

Φ = 0.9 for tension controlled design

Φ = 0.75 for shear and torsion design in beams

Changed in ACI318-08
Φ = 0.65 / 0.75 for column  = 0.65 + 50e t

Φ = 0.65 for bearing on concrete

Φ = 0.65 or 0.75 - 0.9 for column

supporting small axial loads

Changed in ACI318-08
 = 0.5 + 0.15 / (c / dt )
INELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF RC BEAMS
Changed in ACI318-08

 = 0.65 + 50e t

Changed in ACI318-08

 = 0.5 + 0.15 / (c / dt )
 LIMITATION ON REINFORCEMENT RATIO

ACI code limits the amount of steel reinforcement in

beam’s design by:

1- Lower Limit:
3 f c 200
As(min) = * bw d  * bw d
fy fy
(ACI 318)
or 3 f c 200
 min = 
fy fy
 LIMITATION ON REINFORCEMENT RATIO
1- Lower Limit (cont.)
If As (provided) ≥ 4/3 As (required based on analysis), then As(min)
is not required (ACI).
4
M n  M u
3
▪ Where temperature and shrinkage reinforcement are required,
provide the larger of As(min) (required for flexure) or that
required for temperature and shrinkage (ACI). (slabs with uniform thickness)

▪ GR 40 and GR 50 Bars; As (T&S) = 0.0020 Ag

▪ GR 60 Bars & Welded Wire Fabric (WWF);
As (T&S) = 0.0018Ag Ag = Cross-section of the concrete
LIMITATION ON REINFORCEMENT RATIO

2- Upper Limit:
ρmax ≤ 0.628 ρbal → for Grade-60 steel 𝑓𝑦 = 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖

ρmax ≤ 0.593 ρbal → for Grade-40 steel 𝑓𝑦 = 40 𝑘𝑠𝑖

This is to ensure that the steel yield; εs >>> εy

The above limit was changed in the 2002 Code to the new
philosophy explained previously, whereby the member
capacity is reduced by the reduction factor when the strain
in the reinforcing steel at ultimate is less than 0.005.
LIMITATION ON REINFORCEMENT RATIO
2- Upper Limit (ρmax):
𝑴𝒖
With varying 𝑓𝑐′ Values of 𝝆𝒎𝒂𝒙 and 𝑹𝒖 = for
𝒃𝒅𝟐
Flexural Tension-Controlled Sections with one Row of
bars having 𝜀𝑡 = 0.005 are shown in table below

𝒇′𝒄 𝒌𝒔𝒊 𝒇𝒚 𝒌𝒔𝒊 𝝆𝒃 𝝆𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟐𝟖𝝆𝒃 𝑹𝒖,𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒑𝒔𝒊

3 60 0.0214 0.0134 611

4 60 0.0285 0.0179 814

5 60 0.0335 0.0210 968

6 60 0.0377 0.0237 1101
 BALANCED REINFORCEMENT RATIO (bal)

bal is a unique value of steel ratio, which causes a strain

in the concrete ec = 0.003 and strain in steel es = ey
simultaneously

From similar triangles:

0.003 𝜀𝑦
=
𝐶𝑏 𝑑 − 𝑐𝑏
BALANCED REINFORCEMENT RATIO (bal)

Thus
0.003d − 0.003cb = e y cb
cb (0.003 + e y ) = 0.003d
0.003d
cb = now for equilibrium
0.003 + e y
C = T  0.85 f c'bab = As (bal ) f y where
0.003d
ab = 1cb = 1
0.003 + e y
BALANCED REINFORCEMENT RATIO (bal)

Thus,
0.85 f c'bab 0.85 f c'b1cb
As (bal ) = =
fy fy
0.85 f c'b1  0.003  Es
= d *
 
fy  0.003 + e y  Es
0.85 f c'b1d  87000 
As (bal ) =
fy  87000 + f 
 y 

0.85 f c' 1  87000 

 bal =
f y  87000 + f y 
IMPORTANT FACTS

❑ Always design for tension failure (under-reinforced beam)

εs > 0.005 and εc =0.003 (ACI 318)
As
❑ Always design for:  min   =   max
Ac

3 f c 200
 min = 
fy fy
(ACI 318)
0.85 f c' 1  87000 
As (bal )
bal = =
 87000+ f 
bd fy  y 
Problem # 2

For the beam section shown in figure below, determine the

values of “a”, “c”, and εt. Use 𝑓𝑦 = 60,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (60 𝑘𝑠𝑖)
and 𝑓𝑐′ = 3,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (3 𝑘𝑠𝑖)

𝜀𝑡
Solution
Solution

As = 3 x 1.0 in.2 = 3.0 in.2

As f y (3.0 in.2 )  (60 ksi)

a= '
= = 5.04 in.
0.85 f c b (0.85)(3 ksi)(14 in.)

1 = 0.85 for 3000 psi concrete

a = 1c
𝜀𝑡
a5.04 in.
c= = = 5.93 in.
1 0.85
Solution

From similar triangles in the strain diagram:

0.003 et
=
c d −c
d −c
 et =  0.003
c
 21 in. − 5.93 in. 
et =  (0.003)
 5.93 in. 
e t = 0.00762
This value of strain is much greater than the yield strain of
0.002. This is an indication of ductile behavior of beam,
suggesting that steel yields before concrete crushes
Problem # 3
For the beam section shown below, find 𝜌, 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 and determine
the ACI nominal and design flexural strengths for the beam if
the steel yield stress is 60 ksi and the concrete compressive
strength is 𝑓𝑐′ = 4 𝑘𝑠𝑖.
Solution :

1) Check Steel Ratio (ρ)

A
= s =
(4 1.0 in. )
2
= 0.01111
bd (15 in.  24 in.)

2) Check Minimum Steel Ratio (ρmin)

3 f c' 200 200

 min = = 0.00316  = = 0.00333 (Governs)
fy fy 60000

   min = 0.00333 ⟶ 𝑶. 𝑲.
3) Design Strength / Capacity (ϕMn)
Design strength of the beam section is given by:
 a
M n = As f y  d − 
 2
Compute “a” and find if strain in steel reaches
yield limit strain (using strain diagram)
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
𝑎=
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏
4 𝑖𝑛.2 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖 = 5.54 in.
⇒𝑎= = 4.71 𝑖𝑛.
0.85 4 𝑘𝑠𝑖 15 𝑖𝑛.
= 18.47 in.
𝛽1 = 0.85 (𝑓𝑐′ = 4,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖)

𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐
𝑎 4.71
⇒𝑐= = = 5.54 𝑖𝑛.
𝛽1 0.85
Now find strain in steel 𝜀𝑡 0.003
using the concept of similar = 5.54 in.
triangles in the strain diagram
𝜀𝑡 𝜀𝑐𝑢
= = 18.47 in.
𝑑−𝑐 𝑐
𝑑−𝑐 𝜀𝑡
𝜀𝑡 = × 𝜀𝑐𝑢
𝑐
24 − 5.54
⇒ 𝜀𝑡 = × 0.003 = 0.0100
5.54
Since: 0.0100 > 0.005
Hence section is tension controlled.
Therefore: 𝝓 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎
𝑐
Alternatively, one can check ratio as under to confirm if section is
𝑑𝑡
tension controlled
 0.003
𝑐 5.54 = 5.54 in.
= = 0.2308 < 0.375
𝑑𝑡 24
= 18.47 in.
Which also confirms that 𝜙 = 0.90
𝜀𝑡
Design Strength
Nominal Strength = 𝑀𝑛
𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
2
4.71 𝑖𝑛.
⇒ 𝑀𝑛 = 4 𝑖𝑛. 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖 24 𝑖𝑛. − = 5194.8 𝑘 − 𝑖𝑛.
2
Design Strength = 𝜙𝑀𝑛

𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 0.9 × 5194.8 𝑘 − 𝑖𝑛. = 4675.32 𝑘 − 𝑖𝑛.

𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 389.6 𝑘 − 𝑓𝑡
Problem # 4

For the beam section shown below, find 𝜌, 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 , 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 and
determine the ACI design flexural strength 𝜙𝑀𝑛 for the beam.
Use 𝑓𝑦 = 60,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 and 𝑓𝑐′ = 4000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 4 𝑘𝑠𝑖 .
Problem # 4 - Solution
 Problem # 4 - Solution

Solution :
𝐴𝑠 = 3 × 1.56 = 4.68 𝑖𝑛.2

𝐴𝑠 4.68 𝑖𝑛.2
𝜌= = = 0.026
𝑏𝑑 12 𝑖𝑛.× 15 𝑖𝑛.

3 𝑓𝑐′ 3 × 4,000 200 200

𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = = 0.00316 & = = 0.00333 (Governs)
𝑓𝑦 60,000 𝑓𝑦 60,000

Since: 𝜌 > 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 → 𝑶. 𝑲.

Check 𝝆𝒎𝒂𝒙
𝑓𝑐′ 87
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.628𝜌𝑏𝑎𝑙 and 𝜌𝑏𝑎𝑙 = 0.85𝛽1
𝑓𝑦 87 + 𝑓𝑦
Problem # 4 - Solution

4 𝑘𝑠𝑖 87
𝜌𝑏𝑎𝑙 = 0.85 × 0.85 = 0.0285
60 𝑘𝑠𝑖 87 + 60
⇒ 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.628 × 0.0285 = 0.01789

Since 𝜌 > 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 → Not Good

Find “a”
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
𝑎=
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏
4.68 𝑖𝑛.2 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖
⇒𝑎= = 6.88 𝑖𝑛.
0.85 4 𝑘𝑠𝑖 12 𝑖𝑛.

𝛽1 = 0.85 (𝑓𝑐′ = 4,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖)

𝑎 6.88
𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐 ⇒𝑐= = = 8.09 𝑖𝑛.
𝛽1 0.85
 Problem # 4 - Solution

Using similar triangles find strain in steel 𝜀𝑡

𝑑−𝑐
𝜀𝑡 = × 𝜀𝑐𝑢
𝑐
15 − 8.09
⇒ 𝜀𝑡 = × 0.003 = 0.00256 < 0.005
8.09
⇒ 𝜙 ≠ 0.9
𝜀𝑡 value suggest that the section falls in transition zone. Hence it
is not ductile section (tension-controlled).
Nominal strength of section
𝑎
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
6.88 𝑖𝑛.
⇒ 𝑀𝑛 = 4.68 𝑖𝑛.2 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖 15 𝑖𝑛. − = 3246 𝑘 − 𝑓𝑡.
2
Summary of Analysis

The main steps of carrying out analysis of a beam section

are:
▪ Given: 𝑏, 𝑑, 𝐴𝑠 , 𝑓𝑐′ , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑦 , 𝐸𝑠 = 29 × 106 𝑝𝑠𝑖
▪ Check: 𝐴𝑠 < 𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛
• If 𝐴𝑠 < 𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 , then section is unsatisfactory
▪ Determine 𝛽1 (ACI )
𝑐
▪ Check: 𝜀𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑡
𝑐
• If: 𝜀𝑡 < 0.005 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑡
> 0.375 , the section does not
meet ACI 318-14. Section is not desirable. Either
enlarge section or reduce 𝐴𝑠 (in case design)
Summary of Analysis
𝑐
▪ If: 𝜀𝑡 ≥ 0.005 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑡
< 0.375 , calculate
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
• 𝑎 = 0.85𝑓′ 𝑏
𝑐
𝑎
• 𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 − 2

Note that:
𝑐
▪ 𝜙 = 0.9, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝜀𝑡 ≥ 0.005 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑡
≤ 0.375

Otherwise
0.25 250
▪ 𝜙 = 0.23 + 𝑐 𝑂𝑅 𝜙 = 0.65 + 𝜀𝑡 − 0.002 3
ൗ𝑑𝑡
Problem # 5
Determine whether the beam’s section shown satisfies ACI
code requirements and calculate its design moment
capacity. The steel yield stress is 60,000 psi and the
concrete compressive strength is 4,500 psi
Problem # 5 - Solution
Solution :
Calcualte As:
As = 6 #8 = 6(0.785 in2) = 4.74 in2 or from Table (A.4) in the text book As = 4.74 in.2
Check ACI requirements for steel ratio:
A 4.71
= s = = 0.0131
bd 16x22.5
3 f c'
 min = = 0.00335 
200
=
200
= 0.00333  min = 0.00335 → 𝑶. 𝑲
fy fy 60000

Calculate the depth of the stress block (a) :

C = T  0.85 f c' Ac = 4.71 60
4.71x60
Ac = = 73.88 in2
0.85 x 4.5
73.88 − 48
Now: Ac = (12  4) + 16Y = 73.88  Y = = 1.6175 in
16

Hence: The depth of the stress block a = 4 + 1.6175 = 5.6175 in

Solution :
Calculate β1 :
Since f'c = 4500 psi, value of β1 needs to be calculated
 f c' − 4000 
1 = 0.85 −  0.05  0.65
 for f c'  4000 psi
 1000 
thus, β1 = 0.825.
a
a = 1c  c = = 6.81in.
1
Alternative way to check whether the section is tensioned-control or not:
Check the c/d ratio

c 6.81
= = 0.3026  0.375 therefore, the section is tension controlled
d 22.5
Determine the value of the strength reduction factor (Φ):
The section is tensioned-controlled, therefore Φ = 0.9
 Solution :
Calculate the design moment capacity (ΦMn):
▪ To compute the design moment capacity we need to
know the value of the tension (T) and compression (C)
and the moment arm between the two forces. However,
the shape of the compression block is not uniform and we
need to determine the location of the compression force
(centre of gravity).

▪ Using moment of area about the top of the beam we can

determine that the center of gravity of the stress block is
located at distance z (or y) from the top of the beam,
where:
Solution :

1.6175
(12  4)  2 + (16 1.6175)(4 + )
2 220.45
z= = = 2.984 in
(12  4) + (16 1.6175) 73.88

 M n = T ( d − z ) =  C ( d − z ) 

 M n =  As f y (22.5 − 2.984) = 0.9  4.71 60000(22.5 − 2.984) = 4963700 lb − in

 M n = 414 ft − K
Alternative Method
Alternative way to determine the design moment capacity for irregular stress
block:
Assume that the total compression force C = C1 + C2 where;
C1 is the compression force in the upper rectangle (b = 12 in) and
C2 is the compression force in the remaining area of the stress block (b = 16 in) Thus,

 M n =  (M1 + M 2 )

4
M 1 = (0.85 f c' 12  4)(22.5 − ) = 3763800 lb − in
2

1.6175
M 2 = (0.85 f c' 16 1.6175)(22.5 − (4 + )) = 1751275 lb − in
2

M n =  (3763800+ 1751275) = 4963568lb − in

M n = 414 ft − k
 ACI Load Combination Equations

The ACI load combinations used in reinforced concrete design

deal with load effects, not loads:

1) U = 1.4D

2) U = 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R)

3) U = 1.2D + 1.6 (Lr or S or R) + (1.0 L or 0.5W)

4) U = 1.2D + 1.0W + 1.0L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R)

5) U = 1.2D + 1.0E + 1.0L + 0.2S

6) U = 0.9D + 1.0W

7) U = 0.9D + 1.0E
 Problem # 6
Figure opposite shows a simply
supported beam and the cross-
section at midspan. The beam
supports a uniform service
(unfactored) dead load
consisting of its own weight plus
1.5 kips/ft and a uniform service
(unfactored) live load of 1.2
kip/ft. The concrete strength is
4500 psi, and the yield strength
of the reinforcement is 60,000
psi. The concrete is normal-
weight concrete. Determine if
the beam section is adequate to
carry the applied load (that is
check if 𝛷𝑀𝑛 ≥ 𝑀𝑢 )
 Problem # 6 - Solution

1) Calculate the self weight of the beam

24 × 12
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡/𝑓𝑡 = × 0.15 = 0.3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑓𝑡
144

2) Compute the factored weight and factored moment

Applying ACI equation: Which one?

𝒘𝒖 = 𝟏. 𝟒 𝑫 → 𝑤𝑢 = 1.4 𝐷 = 1.4 0.3 + 1.5 = 2.52 𝑘/𝑓𝑡

𝒘𝒖 = 𝟏. 𝟐 𝑫 + 𝟏. 𝟔 𝑳 → 𝑤𝑢 = 1.2 0.3 + 1.5 + 1.6 1.20 = 4.08 𝑘/𝑓𝑡

Now find factored moment:

2
𝒘𝒖 𝒍𝟐 4.08 20
𝑴𝒖 = → 𝑀𝑢 = = 204 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑓𝑡
𝟖 8
Problem # 6 - Solution

3) Calculate (a), (c) and find ϕ

Tension steel area (As) = 3 No. 8 bars  A s = 3  0.79 in. = 2.37 in.
2 2

Now compute the depth of stress block (a)

As f y 2.37  60000
a= = = 3.10 in.
0.85 f c b 0.85  4500  12
'

a
a = 1c  c =
1
For concrete strength of 4500 psi, β1 needs to be calculated
f c' − 4000
1 = 0.85 − 0.05  = 0.825
1000
Problem # 6 - Solution
3.10
c= = 3.76 in.
0.825
4) Check whether tension steel is yielding
Considering strain diagram of section and using the concept of
similar triangles:

5) Compute the nominal moment strength

 3.10 
2.37  60,000 21.5 − 
 a   2 
M n = As f y  d −  = = 236 kip - ft
 2 12000
Problem # 6 - Solution

6) Value of ϕ
Since εt = 0.014 is greater than 0.005, the section is clearly tension-
controlled
Hence ϕ = 0.90
Design strength = ϕMn = 0.9 x 236 kip-ft = 213 kip-ft

7) Compare ϕMn (section strength) and Mu (load effect)

Since ϕMn (213 kip-ft) is greater than Mu (204 kip-ft)

Therefore the beam will be able to carry the applied load

 Problem # 7
The simply supported beam shown in figure below is subjected to
UDL comprising of DL and LL. The concentrated load applied at
midspan is also live load (LL). Determine if the beam is adequate
to carry the applied load. Set 𝑓𝑐′ = 4000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 and 𝑓𝑦 = 60,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖.
Draw relevant stress and strain diagrams and check beam meets
the ACI codes requirements for 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 .

Students to solve the problem as class work and submit as

email attachement through email no later than 2:30 pm
 Problem # 8 – SI Units
Determine the ACI design moment capacity 𝜙𝑀𝑛 for the beam
section shown in figure below. Set 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 =
420 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
350 𝑚𝑚
Solution

𝐴𝑠 = 4 × 819 = 3276 𝑚𝑚2

625 𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠 3276 𝑚𝑚2
𝜌= = = 0.015
𝑏𝑑 350 𝑚𝑚 625 𝑚𝑚 4 # 32

75 𝑚𝑚

Find values of "𝒂“, "𝜺𝒕 ", and “c”

𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 3276 𝑚𝑚2 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑎= = = 165.2 𝑚𝑚
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏 0.85 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 350 𝑚𝑚

𝛽1 = 0.85 for 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎 concrete

 Problem # 8 – Solution

𝑎 165.2 𝑚𝑚
𝑐= = = 194.3 𝑚𝑚 350 𝑚𝑚
𝛽1 0.85

Using similar triangles

625 𝑚𝑚

𝑑−𝑐 625 𝑚𝑚 − 194.3 𝑚𝑚

𝜀𝑡 = × 0.003 = × 0.003 4 # 32
𝑐 194.3 𝑚𝑚
75 𝑚𝑚

𝜀𝑡 = 0.0065 > 0.005

Hence beam is tension controlled

⇒ 𝝓 = 𝟎. 𝟗
Calculate beam’s capacity 𝝓𝑴𝒏
𝑎
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
Problem # 8 – Solution

𝑎
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2
2
165.2 𝑚𝑚
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 0.9 3276 𝑚𝑚 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎 625 𝑚𝑚 −
2
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 671,670 𝑁. 𝑚

𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 672 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚