DIRE DAWA UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOG

SCHOOL OF CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING INDIVIDUAL REPORT
OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE II

NAME: BONSA TEKILE

ID NO: 1302404

SECTION: 1

SUBMITTED TO MOHAMMED Y.

WHAT ARE BEAM IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEEEING

Beams are usually horizontal structural elements that carry loads
perpendicular to their longitudinal direction. Think of a balancing beam in
gymnastics. It’s a rectangular object 15 feet long and supported at both ends.
When a person is walking on the beam near the middle of the span, their
weight is a vertical downward force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the beam.

Beams are used to support the weight of floors, ceilings and roofs of a building and to transfer the load
to a vertical load bearing element of the structure. Sometimes bigger and heavier beams called transfer
beams are used to support the cumulative weight of stacked walls or other beams and transfer the load
to the supports.

The design or sizing of beams requires understanding of basic physics principles and engineering statics.
A structural engineer is trained and fully equipped to check the loads acting on a beam, calculate the
forces and stresses on it and choose the material, size and shape accordingly. Part of the engineering
consulting work I provide to my clients is structural design of beams in new buildings and restoration or
strengthening of existing beams in a structure.

Figure 1 beam structure

In the case of a new building, there is more flexibility in choosing the size and type of materials for
beams that work best for the structure. The most common types of materials I recommend for my
clients are beams made out of steel sections, reinforced concrete, grouted masonry, and beams made
from wood. All materials have their pros and cons, but are usually selected based on their cost, size and
fire rating.

When working on the structural design of a new beam or restoration of an existing one, there are a few
factors I take into account. These factors include how much load is acting on the beam, the length or
span of the beam, clear height available below the beam or any limitations on geometry, deflection
limits of the beam, strength of the material, as well as fire rating and resistance.

ADVANTAGES OF BEAM

A beam is a structural element that is used to transfer loads across a span, such as a floor or a roof.
There are several advantages of using beams in construction, including:

Strength: Beams are strong and durable, and they are able to withstand significant loads and stresses.
They are typically made of materials such as steel, concrete, or wood, which are known for their
strength and durability.

Versatility: Beams can be used in a variety of construction applications, such as floors, roofs, bridges,
and even buildings. They can also be designed to span different distances, making them suitable for both
small and large structures.

Cost-effective: Beams are typically less expensive than other types of structural elements, such as
trusses or arches. This makes them a cost-effective solution for many construction projects.

Easy to install: Beams are relatively easy to install, and they can be put into place quickly and efficiently.
This can help to speed up the construction process and reduce labor costs.

Design flexibility: Beams can be designed in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They can be straight,
curved, tapered, and even hollow. This allows architects and engineers to have a greater degree of
freedom in the design of the structure.

Durability: Beams are designed to last the lifetime of the structure. They are resistant to fire, pests, and
weathering, and they do not require regular maintenance.

DISADVATAGES OF BEAM

Disadvantages of beams in construction

1️⃣ Weight limitations: Beams have weight limitations, meaning that larger or heavier loads may require
additional structural .

2️⃣ Limited aesthetics: Beamsupports can be visually obstructive and may limit the architectural
aesthetics of a building, especially in open floor plans.

3️⃣ Space requirements: Beams require space for installation, potentially reducing usable floor area or
obstructing interior design elements.

4️⃣ Maintenance challenges: Depending on the material used, beams may require periodic inspections
and maintenance to ensure their structural integrity.

It's important for construction professionals and civil engineers to carefully consider the advantages and
disadvantages of beams when designing and constructing buildings. Each project has unique
requirements, and understanding these factors will help in making informed decisions.

WHAT PROCEDURE OF BEAM IN BUILT

What is concrete grade beam?

Grade beams are commonly concrete beams which are designed to act as horizontal ties between
footings or pile caps.

Concrete Grade Beam Construction Process

Steps involved in construction of concrete grade beam procedure are:

1.Preparation and excavation for grade beam

2.Grade beam formwork installation

3.Placing reinforcement of grade beam

4.Pouring concrete for grade beam

1.Preparation and excavation for grade beam

Trenches for the grade beam is excavated Based on its level. Alternatively, if the grade beam is
constructed directly on the ground, then the ground surface will be leveled and prepared.

Where the grade beam is used between piles as shown in Fig.2, construction preparation and
excavations will begin after finalizing pile construction.

However, excavation of trenches for the grade beam will be executed along that of footing when the
grade beam is used with footings.

Finally, if the grade is constructed above the ground surface, then installation of forms will be the first
step in construction process of grade beam.
 Figure 2 Completion of trench excavation for the construction of grade beams between piles

2.Formwork installation for grade beam

After the site preparation and excavation of trenches is completed, then forms will be placed according
to the dimensions of the beam which shall be provided in the design drawings.

If the grade beam is constructed on the ground, then the bottom of the form shall be placed prior to its
sides. In this case, flat soling brick is formed along the grade beam instead of bottom shutter.
After that, either the reinforcement cage is placed on the flat soling brick before side shuttering is fixed
or one side of the form is placed followed by installation of reinforcements.

If the grade beam is constructed above the ground, then the formwork construction would be similar to
that of conventional beam. So, shutters shall be placed for bottom, and both sides of the grade beam.

In this case, formwork can be fixed completely followed by reinforcement placement, or fix only the
bottom shutter then place reinforcements, after that install side shutters. These construction sequences
are selected based on ease of construction and convenient.

Lastly, after the completion of grade beam formwork, insure that designated grade beam dimensions
are provided including sufficient reinforcement cover. added to that, shuttering strength,
waterproofness, strength of supports of grade beam formworks, verticality of side shutters, and location
of grade beam shall be checked as well.

Figure 3 Placement of reinforcement on flat soling bricks

Figure 4 Shuttering bottom and one side of grade beam and placed reinforcement

3.Placing reinforcement of grade beam

After finishing shuttering or placement of flat soling bricks for the bottom of the grade beam,
reinforcement placement begins directly or after side one side of the formwork is placed.

Necessary reinforcement detailing such as size and number of longitudinal reinforcements and its
required length, number and spacing of stirrups are provided in structural drawings.

Finally, number and size of top; bottom; and extra reinforcements, lap length and placement,
hooks,spacers, and clear reinforcement cover shall be checked after reinforcement placement is
finished.
Figure 5 Fixing grade beam reinforcement after installation of side shutter

4.Pouring concrete for grade beam

Grade beam can be casted with ready mix concrete or on-site machine-mixed concrete. The former is
desired if the concrete volume is large.

If ready mix concrete is used, then concrete supplier needs concrete strength only. However, if on-site
machine mix concrete is employed then ratio of concrete constituents shall be found.

Poured concrete shall be compacted adequately using vibration equipment or any other suitable means,
then finish the top of grade beam.
Fig. 6: Concreting of grade beam
Fig. 7: Stripping shuttering of grade beam after concrete achieved required strength
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