CE 444

BY ENGR. KRISTINE GRACE ALBASTRO

T-BEAMS
Reinforced concrete floors usually consist of slabs and beams which are placed or
poured monothically. In this effect, the beam will have extra width on top (which is
usually under compression) called flanges, and the resulting section is called a beam.
The beam may also be L-shaped if it is located at the end of a slab.
ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF T-BEAMS WITH FLANGE IN
COMPRESSION
Because of huge amount of compression concrete when the flange of a T-beam is in
compression, the section is usually tension-controlled (extreme tension yields).
The compression block of a T-beam may fall within the flange only or partly in the
web. If it falls within the flange as shown in the first, the rectangular beam formulas
applies since the concrete below the neutral axis is assumed to be cracked and its
shape has no effect on the flexure calculations. If however it covers part of the web as
shown in the second figure, the compression concrete no longer consist of a single
rectangle and thus the rectangular beam formulas do not apply.
ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF T-BEAMS WITH FLANGE IN
COMPRESSION

bf bf
a
N.A. t
a

N.A.
As As

bw bw
BALANCED AND MAXIMUM STEEL AREA AND MOMENT
The balanced value of “c” for any beam shape is given by:
600𝑑
𝑐𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 = 𝛽1 𝑐
600 + 𝑓𝑦

If “a” is less than the slab thickness, the formulas for rectangular beam may be used,
or
0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 600 𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75𝐴𝑠𝑏
𝜌𝑏 =
𝑓𝑦 (600 + 𝑓𝑦 )
𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75𝑎𝑏
𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 𝜌𝑏 𝑏𝑓 𝑑 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑎𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑏(𝑑 − )
𝑀𝑏𝑛 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑏 𝑏(𝑑 − ) 2
2
However, if “a” is greater than the slab thickness, the following formula will be used:
bf
t A1 C1
a
A2 z C2
d
N.A. y1
y2
As

T = Asfy
bw

𝑇 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝐴𝑠𝑏 𝑓𝑦 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
𝐴𝑠𝑏 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓 ′ 𝑐 (𝑏𝑓 𝑡 + 𝑏𝑤 𝑧)

0.85𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑏𝑓 𝑡 + 𝑏𝑤 (𝑎 − 𝑡)
𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75𝐴𝑠𝑏
𝑓𝑦
DESIGN OF T-BEAMS WITH NEGATIVE MOMENTS
When T-beams are resisting negative moments so that their flanges are in tension and
the bottom of their stems are in compression, the formulas for rectangular beams can
be applied. The following code requirements shall be applied for this case:
Where flanges of the T-beam construction are in tension, part of the flexural tension
reinforcement shall be distributed over an effective flange width as defined in Section
408.11 of the NSCP, or a width equal to 1/10 the span, whichever is smaller. If the
effective flange width exceeds 1/10 the span, some longitudinal reinforcement shall
be provided in the outer portions of the flange.
The intention of this section is to minimize the possibilities of flexural cracks that will
occur at the top face of the flange due to negative moments.
MINIMUM STEEL RATIO
For statically determinate T-section with flange in tension, the minimum steel area is
equal to or greater than the smaller value of the following equations:

𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
2𝑓𝑦

𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑓 𝑑
4𝑓𝑦
STEPS IN FINDING THE DESIGN STRENGTH OF A SINGLY REINFORCED
T-BEAM WITH GIVEN TENSION STEEL AREA AND OTHER BEAM
PROPERTIES:
1. Solve for the balanced steel area to determine if tension steel will yield using the previously
discussed formulas.

If As ≤ Asb, tension steel yields so proceed to step 2.

If As > Asb, tension steel does not yield.

2. Tension steel yields, fs = fy. Compute the area of compression concrete, Ac. Compare Ac with
the area of the compression flange, Af = bft.

𝐶=𝑇 If Ac < Af, a < t, proceed to step 3.

0.85𝑓′𝐶 𝐴𝑐 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 If Ac > Af, a > t, proceed to step 4.
3. a < t
Solve for a: 𝐴𝑐 = 𝑏𝑓 × 𝑎
𝑎
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝑇 𝑑 −
2
𝑎
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑑 −
2

bf 0.85f’cab
a C = 0.85f’cab
t

d d – a/2

As

T = Asfy
bw
4. a > t
Solve for z: 𝐴𝑐 = 𝐴1 × 𝑏𝑤 𝑧
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝑀𝑛1 + 𝜙𝑀𝑛2
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙(𝐶1 𝑦1 + 𝐶2 𝑦2 )
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙0.85𝑓′𝑐 (𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2 )

bf
t A1 C1
a
A2 z C2
d
N.A. y1
y2
As

T = Asfy
bw
5. a = t

𝑡
𝑀𝑓𝑛 = 0.85𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑏𝑓 𝑡(𝑑 − )
2
STEPS IN FINDING THE TENSION STEEL AREA AS OF SINGLY
REINFORCED T-BEAMS WITH GIVEN MU AND OTHER BEAM
PROPERTIES:
1. Solve for φMnmax to determine if compression steel is necessary. Use equations from
balanced and maximum steel ratios.

If Mu ≤ φMnmax design as Singly Reinforced and proceed to Step 2.

If Mu > φMnmax design as Doubly Reinforced.

2. Solve for φMn1 when a = t

Compressive force in concrete, 𝐶 = 0.85𝑓′𝐶 𝑏𝑓 𝑡

𝑡
𝜙𝑀𝑛1 = 𝜙𝐶 𝑑 − If φMn1 > Mu then a < t, proceed to Step 3.
2
𝑡 If φMn1 < Mu then a > t, proceed to Step 4.
𝜙𝑀𝑛1 = 𝜙0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑓 𝑡 𝑑 −
2
3. a < t
Solve for a:
𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝐶 𝑑 −
2
𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑏 𝑑 −
2

𝐶=𝑇 Use smaller value of:

0.85𝑓′𝐶 𝑎𝑏 = 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏 𝑑
𝐴𝑠 = _____ ≥ 𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 2𝑓𝑦 𝑤

𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑓 𝑑
4𝑓𝑦
4. a > t
𝜙𝑀𝑛 = 𝜙𝑀𝑛1 + 𝜙𝑀𝑛2
𝑀𝑛2 = 𝐶2 𝑦2 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑧𝑦𝑧

𝑇 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓 ′ 𝑐 (𝑏𝑓 𝑡 + 𝑏𝑤 𝑧)
𝐴𝑠 = _____ > 𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 Use smaller value of:

𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏 𝑑
2𝑓𝑦 𝑤

𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑓 𝑑
4𝑓𝑦
Given the following elements of a T-beam:
Flange width, bf = 120 mm fy = 415 MPa
Flange thickness, t = 130 mm f’c = 22 MPa
Width of web, bw = 290 mm
Effective depth, d = 470 mm
If the beam is reinforced for tension only, determine the ultimate moment capacity
when the depth of compression concrete flange equals the flange thickness or a = t.
Solution:
𝑡
𝑀𝑓𝑛 = 0.85𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑏𝑓 𝑡(𝑑 − )
2
130
= 0.85(30)(1200)(130)(470 − )
2

= 1611.09 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

𝑀𝑢 = Φ𝑀𝑓𝑛 = 0.90(1611.09)

= 𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟗. 𝟗𝟖 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎
Given the following elements of a T-beam:
Flange width, bf = 900 mm fy = 414 MPa
Flange thickness, t = 110 mm f’c = 20.7 MPa
Width of web, bw = 310 mm
Effective depth, d = 460 mm
If the beam is reinforced for tension only, determine the following:
a. The balanced steel area.
b. The nominal and ultimate balanced moment capacity.
c. The maximum steel area.
d. The nominal and ultimate maximum moment capacity.
Solution:
a. Balanced condition
600𝑑 600(460)
𝑐𝑏 = =
600 + 𝑓𝑦 600 + 414

= 272.2 𝑚𝑚

𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐 = 0.85(272.2)
= 231.4 𝑚𝑚 > 𝑡

𝑧 = 𝑎 − 𝑡 = 121.4 𝑚𝑚
𝐴1 = 𝑏𝑓 × 𝑡 = 900(110) = 99 000 𝑚𝑚2
𝐴2 = 𝑏𝑤 × 𝑧 = 310(121.4) = 37 622 𝑚𝑚2

𝐴𝑐𝑏 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 = 136 622 𝑚𝑚2

𝑇 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 )
𝐴𝑠𝑏 (414) = 0.85(20.7)(99 000 + 37 622)
𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 𝟓𝟖𝟎𝟔 𝒎𝒎𝟐

𝑡
𝑦1 = 𝑑 − = 405 𝑚𝑚
2
𝑧
𝑦2 = 𝑑 − 𝑡 − = 289.3 𝑚𝑚
2

𝑀𝑛 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 (𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2 ) 𝑀𝑢 = Φ𝑀𝑛 = 0.90(897)

= 0.85 20.7 [ 99000 405 + 37622 289.3 ] = 𝟖𝟎𝟕. 𝟑 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎
= 𝟖𝟗𝟕 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎
b. Maximum steel area and moment
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75𝐴𝑠𝑏
= 0.75(5806)
= 𝟒𝟑𝟓𝟓 𝒎𝒎𝟐
𝐴𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75𝐴𝑐𝑏
= 0.75(136622)
= 102 466 𝑚𝑚2 > A1, thus a> t

𝐴𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2
102 466 = 99 000 + 310(𝑧)
𝑧 = 11.2 𝑚𝑚

𝐴2 = 102466 − 99 000 = 3466 𝑚𝑚2

𝑧
𝑦2 = 𝑑 − 𝑡 − = 344.41 𝑚𝑚
2
𝑀𝑛𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 (𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2 )

= 0.85 20.7 [ 99000 405 + 3466 289.3 ]

= 𝟕𝟐𝟔. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎

𝑀𝑢 = Φ𝑀𝑛 = 0.90(726.5)
= 𝟔𝟓𝟑. 𝟖𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎
A t-beam has the following properties: bf = 820 mm, bw = 250 mm, d = 470 mm, t =
100 mm. Concrete compressive strength f’c = 20.7 MPa and steel yield strength fy =
414 MPa. Determine the required tension steel area for the following load conditions:
a. MD = 150 kN-m, ML = 120 kN-m
b. MD = 175 kN-m, ML = 190 kN-m
Solution:
𝑡
Φ𝑀𝑓𝑛 = 0.90(0.85)𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑏𝑓 𝑡(𝑑 − )
2
100
= 0.90(0.85)(20.7)(820)(100)(470 − )
2
= 545.375 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

Balanced condition:
600𝑑 600(470) 𝑧 = 𝑎 − 𝑡 = 136.39 𝑚𝑚
𝑐𝑏 = =
600 + 𝑓𝑦 600 + 414 𝐴1 = 𝑏𝑓 × 𝑡 = 82 000 𝑚𝑚2
= 278.11 𝑚𝑚 𝐴2 = 𝑏𝑤 × 𝑧 = 34 098 𝑚𝑚2

𝐴𝑐𝑏 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 = 116 098 𝑚𝑚2

𝑎 = 𝛽1 𝑐 = 0.85(278.11)
= 236.39 𝑚𝑚 > 𝑡
Maximum condition:
𝐴𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75𝐴𝑐𝑏
= 87 073 𝑚𝑚2 > A1, thus a> t

𝐴𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2
𝐴2 = 𝐴𝑐𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝐴1
= 5 073 𝑚𝑚2

𝐴2
𝑧= = 20.29 𝑚𝑚
𝑏𝑤

𝑧 𝜙𝑀𝑛𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜙𝑀𝑓𝑛 + 𝜙𝑀𝑛2

𝑦2 = 𝑑 − 𝑡 − = 359.85 𝑚𝑚
2
= 𝜙𝑀𝑓𝑛 + 𝜙0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝐴2 𝑦2

𝜙𝑀𝑛𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 574.28 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
a. MD = 150 kN-m, ML = 120 kN-m
𝑀𝑢 = 1.4𝑀𝐷 + 1.7𝑀𝐿 = 414 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚 < 𝑀𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑥 , 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑑

𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑀𝑢 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝜙𝑀𝑓𝑛 , 𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡.

𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑏𝑓 𝑑 −
2 𝑎
6
414 × 10 = (0.90)(0.85)(20.7) 𝑎(820) 470 −
2
𝑎 = 73.6 𝑚𝑚

𝑇=𝐶
𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓′𝐶 𝑎𝑏𝑓 𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 = 646 𝑚𝑚2
2𝑓𝑦
𝐴𝑠 = 2565 𝑚𝑚2
𝑓′𝑐
𝐴𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑓 𝑑 = 1059 𝑚𝑚2
4𝑓𝑦

Thus, 𝑨𝒔 = 𝟐𝟓𝟔𝟓 𝒎𝒎𝟐

b. MD = 175 kN-m, ML = 190 kN-m
𝑀𝑢 = 1.4𝑀𝐷 + 1.7𝑀𝐿 = 568 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚 < 𝑀𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑥 , 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑑

𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑀𝑢 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝜙𝑀𝑓𝑛 , 𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡.

𝜙𝑀𝑛𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜙𝑀𝑓𝑛 + 𝜙𝑀𝑛2

𝑧
568 × 106 = 545.375 + 0.90 0.85 20.7 250 𝑧 470 − 100 −
2
𝑧 = 15.78 𝑚𝑚
𝐴2 = 𝑏𝑤 𝑧 = 3946 𝑚𝑚2

𝑇 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 )
𝐴𝑠 (414) = 0.85(20.7)(82 000 + 3946)
𝐴𝑠 = 𝟑𝟔𝟓𝟑 𝒎𝒎𝟐