Beams

Large opening in beams are particularly weakening. They destroy beam action and force
the reduced section to act such as a Vierendeel truss ( a truss without diagonals). In
such a truss the average bending moment over the length of the opening is resisted by
axial compression one chord and tension in the other, with these two forming a couple in
the case of pure flexure. Where shear is present the change in the moment over the
length of the opening superimpose a reversed bending resistance in each chord, the total
of the four end moments on the chords equaling the external shear times the length of
the opening. How the shear and these reverse moments are shared by the chords
depends on the relative chord stiffness.
Thickening of edge of opening
In case of larger openings, the edge of the slab around the opening may be thickened to
enable them to behave like trimmer beams for taking up additional moments and forces.
If opening reduce a critical design section for moment, must be maintained by providing
extra depth to offset the reduced width.
Function of Steel
The steels used around opening tie the free ends of the bars which are trimmed to form
opening. It also serve as reinforcement to make the opening stable against deformation
or any other types of failure. This bars take care of the loss of steel in a slab on account
of forming opening. Diagonal bars provided in corner control the cracking that will almost
inevitably occur there.
Steel Requirement
Slabs
With regard to flexural requirements, the total amount of steel required by calculation
must be provided, regardless of opening. Any steel interrupted by holes should be
matched with an equivalent amount of supplementary reinforcement on either sides,
proper lapped to transfer stress by bond.
If minor cracking at the corners of an opening is objectionable, it is always advisable to
add one or two diagonal bars at each corner, especially at large openings. Bars are
always desirable around Window and door opening in concrete wall slabs, because such
reinforcement helps to take care of shrinkage stresses.
Code Requirement
Slab
13.5.2.1 In case of opening in intersecting middle strips, total amount of reinforcement
required for the panel without opening is maintained.
13.5.2.2 In case of opening in intersecting column strips, an amount of reinforcement
equivalent to that interrupted by an opening shall be added on the sides of the opening.
13.5.2.3 In case of opening common to one column strip and one middle strip not more
than the reinforcement in either strip shall be interrupted by openings. An amount of
reinforcement equivalent to that interrupted by an opening shall be added on the sides
of the opening.

Beam
11.3.1.3 For members with significant axial tension, requires all shear to be resisted by
stirrups (none assign to the concrete).
Steel Arrangement
Reduction in critical design section for moment due to opening, can be overcome
providing more closely on each side of the opening to maintain the necessary As. This is
possible only when opening is possible to locate where moment is well below the
compression capacity of the slab, thereby leaving the arrangement of reinforcement as
the only problem. Of course, shear strength must be maintained, but this is rarely a
problem except near the columns in flat slab type, as noted previously.

The arrangement of bars around any but minor opening can constitute a real problem.
Bars running perpendicular to the face of an opening are not fully effective when simply
cut0off at the opening. This is acceptable if there is a beam at the opening to act as
reaction for the slab. If there is no beam it is better to fan the bars out or splay them to
go around the opening. If fanning or splaying leaves too wide an area without steel,
extra bars can be placed parallel to the side of the opening, as indicated.

REF:
http://civil-engg-world.blogspot.sg/2009/04/opening-in-slab-and-beam.html