78

INTRODUCTION:

In this chapter three types of “Reinforced concrete beams will be discussed, namely the design
of “Single Reinforced Beam”, design of “Double Reinforced Beam and the third one “Design
of Tee Beam”.

The author discussed in details the analysis for each type of beam. Formula derivations have
been derived for computer applications. Design steps and A.C.I code provisions; legends have
been included to understand the program steps involve. Basic theory and analysis shown in
the figure below is a guide for deriving formulas to be used in the programs presented in the
succeeding topics.

LEGENDS DESCRIPTION OF LEGENDS

Fc’ Cylinder strength of concrete at ultimate in Kips per square inch
Fy Ultimate yield strength of steel in kips per square inch
As Area of tention steel in square inches
b Width of beam in inches
d Depth of beam distance from centroid tention steel up to outer concrete fiber stress.

P Steel reinforcement ratio

Pb Balanced steel reinforcement ratio from code
Pm Maximum steel reinforcement ratio from code = 0.75pb
 79

Pn Minimum steel reinforcement ratio from code = 200/fy

Es Modulus of elasticity of steel in pounds per square inch, given
ec Strain of concrete at ultimate = 0.003 at failure
Es Strain of steel = 6fs/Es = fs/29,000,000 at failure
B1 Concrete stress block parameter
Moment workmanship factor usually equals to 0.90
Pd Design moment = Pn
Md Design moment = Mn
Pn Nominal axial load`
Mn Nominal axial moment

The above notations conform to the latest 1977 A.C.I. code and will be used thru
out this book. The analysis of a “Reinforced Concrete Beam” can be visualized
well based from the figure below.
ec .85fc’

⃝ ⃝ ⃝ c es’ a Cc

d As d h N.A (d - a/2)

⃝ ⃝ ⃝ es (d – c) Ts

Figure 1 Cross section Figure 2 Strain diagram Figure 3 Stress block diagram

From the strain diagram as shown above and by similarity of triangles, the distance c for balance
eccentricity, let the symbol cb = distance of N.A. from the outer fiber concrete then for simultaneous
failure of steel and concrete, substitute the strain of concrete = 0.003 and strain of steel equals

es = fs/29x106 in the strain diagram then Cb = (ec/ (es + ec) d

Cb = (.003)/(fs/Es + 0 .003) d = (0.003/ (fy/29x106 + 0.003) d

Cb = 87/ (fy + 87) d Equation (1)

But Cb is also equals to (Pb) (fy)/B1fc’ (d) Equation (2)

 80

Equating (1) and (2) we get (87)/ (fy + 87) d = (Pb) (fy)/B1fc’ (d) solving for Pb
we get

Pb = (B1)(fc’)/fy(87/(fy + 87)) Equation (4) This equation is known as the balance steel
reinforcement ratio from code , the factor B1is a Para meter that relates the depth of the of
equivalent rectangular stress block to the depth of the actual neutral axis.. The factor B1is
equals to 0.85 for fc’ 4000 psi and decreases by 0.005 for every 1000 psi above 4000 psi to a
minimum of 0.65. The code specifies the steel maximum steel ratio shall not exceed 0.75pb
and a minimum of pn = 200/fy

From the figure applying = 0 .85fc’ab = Asfy or solving for As = Eq (3)

or solving the depth of stress rectangular block a = Eq (4)

in terms of steel reinforcement ratio p As = p (b) (d) Eq (5)

Taking moments about centroid compression concrete block

MN = Asfy (d – a/2) Eq (8) from Eq (5) substitute the value of As in (8) we get

Md = (p) (b) (d) (fy) (d – ) simplifying further we have

Md = (p) (b) (d) (fy) (1 – )

Equation 3, 4, 5 can be used to solve any required unknowns a, As, or p

There are many techniques in designing a beam. one method is to assume the
depth of stress rectangular block a then compute the area of steel then checked
the assumed value of a by recomputing the new depth of stress rectangular
block a. . If the computed depth of stress rectangular block a does not coincide
with the first assumption then a second trial a will be performed, the process goes
 81

on until the correct value of a is obtained. Design experience indicates that a

value of a from 1/3 to 1/2 of depth is a good assumption.

The second method is thru the use of the steel reinforcement ratio from graph,
the mathematical expression Mu/ d2 is evaluated first and from the graph the
equivalent steel reinforcement ratio is selected. The above techniques are useful
if there are only few beams to design. In the second method, if the evaluated
mathematical expression Mu/ d2 is too small, it is difficult to read the steel
±reinforcement ratio p from graph, besides the two methods discussed is not
applicable for a micro computer solution. we therefore derived a formula for
finding the depth of stress rectangular block in terms of material strength
specifications, external moment Mu and dimension of beam in inches. In a
similar manner, it is more convenient to express a direct formula for area of steel
As in terms of material strength specifications, external moment Mu and beam
dimension b & d. Likewise for steel reinforcement ratio. The reasons for such
derivations are the need for computer application. In the following programs, we
2
often encountered the mathematical expression a = d ± d – and

As = this is just one example how the author use this mathematical

formula to solve area of steel at any section along the beam by a micro computer
solution. The other formula is useful both for beam design and slab design, the
mathematical expression for p is equals to p = ( 1 ± 2.622(Mu)/bd2) and
for the direct formula for As using the refined but less accurate formula for As

bdFc’ ± (bdFc’)2 – 2bFc’Mu/

As = fy
In our general computer program , we use the standard sequence for solving the area of
steel at the supports and midspan, however by using the author’s derived formula for As and
steel reinforcement ratio p, we can treat the mathematical expression as a sub routine program
within the main program.
 82

INTRODUCTION

Most common type of structures has a cross section composed of single reinforced beams. This means
that the top section of the beam above neutral axis is in compression and the lower section below the
●●neutral axis is in tention where the placement of steel bars is usually located. Code specifications as
listed in chapter 3 will be used. In addition design of diagonal tention (stirrups) using the less accurate
A.C.I code is integrated in this design.

ANALYSIS AND FORMULAS DERIVATIONS FOR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

c
.85Fc’ ec

d d

● ●

b es (d-c)

Cross section Pressure diagram Strain diagram

From the figure a single reinforced concrete beam, it is evident that AsFy = Cc
where Cc = 0.85Fc’ (a) (b) or solving for As = Eq (1) Taking moments
about centroid of compressive concrete block we get Mu = AsFy (d – a/2) Eq (2)
here is the moment reduction factor which is equals to 0.90

substituting the values of As in (2) we have

Mu = (.90) (Fy) (0.85Fc’b (a) (d – a/2) or simplifying further we get

 83

Mu = = 0.85(Fc’) (b) (ad –a2/2) or = ad – a2/2

= = a2 – 2ad adding d2 to both sides of the equations. We have

2 2 2
+ d = a -2ad + d or d2 - = (a – d)2

Extracting square roots of both sides we get and transposing we get the formula
for solving the depth of stress rectangular block a =

*** Note given d, b and Mu depth of stress rectangular block is

–
a=d ± d2 For Computer application

In this equation we take the smaller value of a. The following formula is useful for
computer application given Mu as bending moment, d as depth of beam and Fc’
and Fy as material strength specifications **** Note author use this mathematical
expression as sun routine programs for solving required depth of stress
rectangular block at any section.

Following the same analysis we get the following formula for the area of steel As

As = (b)(d) ± (0.7225Fc’2b2d2)/Fy2 – 1.888Fc’(b)(Mu)/Fy2))

The above formula is for direct computer application . A more refined but less
conservative formula in lieu of the above formula can be used is given as
 84

9. As = bdFc’ - (bdFc’)2 – 2bFc’Mu/

Fy

IMPORTANT DESIGN STEPS

U.S.D. ALTERNATIVE

1 PB = .85B1 ( ) where B1 -.85 for Fc’ = 4000 psi and decreases 0.05
for every 1000 psi above 4000.00 but not less than 0.65

2) Limit of Pb from code = .75Pb Pmax = 0.75Pb where Pb is the balance steel
reinforcement ratio from code. Given the area of steel as and dimension of beam
b, d & h a- depth of stress rectangular block is a = or in terms of steel

reinforcement ratio from code p a = nominal flexural strength is

Mn = AsFy(d – a/2) in terms of steel reinforcement ratio p

Mn = p(Fy)(b)(d)2( 1 - .59p ) with a value of = .90 as workmanship factor for

moment we let Md =Design moment then

Md = p(Fy)(b)(d)2( 1 - .59p ) the code limits Pmin = 200/Fy

Note for computer application use author derives formula a depth of stress
rectangular block.

a =± d2 – where M is in inch kips Fc’ = K.P.S.I

 85

Note the quantity d2 – must not be less than zero take lower
positive real root of a

LEGENDS

LEGENDS DESCRIPTION
Fy Yield strength of steel at ultimate in Kips Per Square Inch
Fc Cylinder strength of concrete at ultimate
CA coefficients of moments at support a
CB Coefficient of moment at support b
CC Coefficient of moment at support c
CU Largest coefficient of moment for solving depth of beam
N Percentage of steel ratio i.e. designer’s choice
LC Clear distance of beam in feet.
LL Live loads in pounds
DL Dead load in pounds
1.4 Dead load factor at ultimate
1.7 Live load factor at ultimate
Diagonal factor taken as 0.85

Note for more detail discussion please refer “Design of Reinforced Concrete
Structures” by Clarence W Dunham or George Winter

Other reference books listed below

Reinforced Concrete Fundamentals By Phil M Ferguson

The Theory and practice of Reinforced concrete Clarence w Dunham
4rth edition By
Simplified Design of reinforced Concrete By Parker
 86

Programmer/Designer/ Structural Engineer : Bienvenido C. David Date: Jan

19, 1970 PRC NO: 10170

DESCRIPTION: Design of Single Reinforced Concrete Beam

SUBJECT: Reinforced Concrete Design (USD ALTERNATIVE 1983 ACI

Code)
TITLE: Single Reinforced Concrete Beam CODE NAME: CON BEAM
MACHINE LANGUAGE : T.I. BASIC COMPUTER: T.I. 99/4A Texas
Instruments Program steps: 169
LIBRARY MODULE: Floppy Disk PROGRAM NAME: Con Beam PTR
NO: 3236392 at Bagiuo City 01/10/1984

CA = 1/9WL2, CB = 1/14WL2, CC = 1/16WL2

If .C.I. code is applicable w/ Ft in pounds

LC
Distance c from N.A
eu .85fc’
● ● ● ● ● ● a
d h N.A

● ● ● es AsFy

B B B
EXTERIOR SUPPORT MIDSPAN INTERIOR SUPPORT STRESS & STRAIN DIAGRAM
 87

REFERENCE TEXTBOOK:
Design of Concrete CHAPTER 4 PAGES 112 - 117
Structures By George
Winter 9th edition

PROGRAM DISCLAIMER: Any use of the programs to solve problems other than those
displayed is the role responsibility of the user as to whether the output is correct or correctly
interpreted.

My first generation home computer

CON – BEAM: Is a computer program that determines the size, steel reinforcement and
diagonal tension bars of a single reinforced concrete beam. With given live loads and assume
width of beam, computer first determines height of beam, dead load of section is automatically
computed, computes areas of reinforcement steel at interior support, midspan & exterior
support all in conformity with A.C.I. code 1977 & 1983 specifications. Checks whether section is
adequate for shear. Design stirrups required and spacing at any desired locations X distance
from column face. The program is written in Advance Basic and can be feed to a wide variety of
programmable calculators and micro computers.
BASIC COMPUTER SYMBOLS
+ ADDITION ^ RAISED TO THE POWER
- SUBTRACTION SQR SQUARE ROOT OF THE NUMBER
MULTIPLICATION * GOTO = JUMP LINE NUMBER

\ DIVISION GO SUB = GO SUB ROUTINE

A.B.S ABSOLUTE VALUE SGN = SIGNUM NOTATION
If true branch out

Branch out IF THEN ELSE STATEMENT

Main program
If false
 88

COMPUTER INSTRUCTION CODE

PROGRAM STATEMENT NUMERICAL

PROGRAM OUTPUT *** For
LINE NO debugging
purposes only
sample only
10 CALL CLEAR
20 PRINT “ This is design of continues beam by
U.S.D. method in English units”
25 PRINT” For legends and drawings refer to
program record and program description”
30 PRINT” This program was developed by
Bienvenido C. David a civil/structural engineer”
35 PRINT” All material strength specifications in
Kips per square Inch, Live loads in pounds per
foot, Linear dimension in feet”
40 PRINT” If all data’s are in their respective units
then run line no 60"
50 STOP
60 INPUT” Width of beam in inches”;B 16
65 INPUT” Percentage of steel ratio N”:N 1
*** Note here N depends on the designer choice
70 INPUT” Live load in Kips per SQUARE ft”:LL 4310
75 INPUT” Cylinder strength of concrete at 3
ultimate”:FC
80 INPUT” Yield strength of steel at ultimate FY”:FY 40
85 INPUT” Length of beam in feet”:LC 20
90 INPUT” Coefficient of negative moment at .07143
support A”:CA
95 INPUT’Coeffecients of positive moment at 0.111111
center span”:CB
100 INPUT”Coeffecients of negative moment at 0.0625
support C”:CC
 89

105 INPUT”Coeffecients of maximum shear reaction

at support CR for VU max”:CR support CR for VU
max”:CR
110 INPUT”Coeffecients of maximum moment for 0.11111
solving depth of beam CU”:CU
120 IF FC≥4 THEN 130 ELSE 150
130 BA = 0.85
140 GOTO 160
150 BA = 0.85 – (FC – 4)/1*(.05) BA = .85 sample
only
160 PB = 0.5418758*FC/FY*87/(87 + FY)*BA .0236694
170 PC = N*PB .0236694
190 PM = 0.2/FY .005
200 IF PC<=PM THEN 220
210 IF PC>PM THEN 240
220 P = PM 0.005
230 GOTO 250
240 P = PC .0236643
250 X = 1 – 0.59*P*(FY/FC) 0.8138408
260 Y = 0.90*P*FY*B 13.630637
270 G = X*Y 11.093169
280 E = 83.33*G/(CU*LC^2) 20.79
290 F = -1.456*B -23.296
300 C = -(3.64*B + 1.7*LL) -7,385.24
310 Q = (F^2 -4*E*C)^.5 784.2343
320 D = (-F + Q)/(2*E) 19.211087
330 H = D + 2.5 21.91087
335 PRINT” Height of beam in inches =”;H;”Inches”
340 REM Compute areas of steel at supports and
midspan
350 DL = 1.456*B*H 510.4356
355 LL = 1.7*LL 7,327
360 W = DL + LL 7837.436
370 MA = 3/250*CA*W*LC^2 2687.174
375 IF (D^2-2.61*MA/(FC*B))<0 THEN 385 ELSE 395
385 PRINT” Depth of stress rectangular block is not
 90

possible a is imaginary review given data”

390 STOP
395 AA = D – (D^2-2.61*MA/(FC*B)).5 4.223156
400 AE = MA/(.90*FY*(D-AA/2)) 4.314843
405 PRINT” Area of steel at exterior
support=”AE;”Square Inches”
410 REM For positive steel at center span
415 MB = 3/250*CB*W*LC^2 4179.548
420 IF (D^2 – 2.61*MB/(FC*B))<0 THEN 425 ELSE
435
425 PRINT” Depth of stress rectangular block at
center is not possible review given data”
430 STOP
435 AB = D –(D^2-2.61*MB/(FC*B))^.5 7.183078
440 ASP = MB/(.90*FY*(D-AB/2)) 7.339031
445 PRINT” Area of steel at midspan=”ASP;”Sq Inch”
450 REM For steel at interior support
460 MC = 3/250*CC*W*LC^2 2351.231
465 IF (D^2-2.61*MC/(FC*B))<0 THEN 470 ELSE 480
470 PRINT” Depth of stress rectangular block at
interior support is imaginary not possible review
given data”
475 STOP
480 AC = D-(D^2-2.61*MC/(FC*B))^.5 3.633238
495 ASI = MC/(.90*FY*(D-AC/2)) 3.7121
500 PRINT” Area of steel at interior
support=”;ASI;”Sq.Inch”
510 PRINT” Select from tables size and bar no then
type continue and press enter to resume
running”
520 BREAK
530 REM Design of diagonal tention using the less
accurate A.C.I. code
540 VU = CR*W*LC/2000 79.299
545 VCA = 0.053754*FC^.5*B*D 34.83
550 IF VU<=VCA THEN 555 ELSE 580
555 PRINT” Section adequate for diagonal tention
 91

no stirrups needed in this region just provide

extra diagonal tention for unforeseen loads or
as directed by field Engineer”
560 PRINT” Programmed by Bienvenido C. David A
Civil/Structural engineer on February 16, 1981”
565 STOP
580 580 REM Stirrups needed in this region let us
use U shape stirrups
590 VCD = VU – VCA 44.469
600 J = 1000*VU/W 10
610 JA = 0.5*CR*VCA*LC/VY 4.39
620 Z = J - JA 5.61
630 ZA = 0.187*FY*D/VCD 3.93
635 Rem Let’s take an increment of every 1 feet
distance from support
640 PRINT” Point of zero excess shear from support
location where stirrups are needed is
=”;Z;”feet”
645 REM For every 1 feet interval
650 FOR S = 1 TO Z STEP 1
660 Z1 = ZA*Z/(Z-S)
670 PRINT”Recqired spacing at 1 feet interval is
=”;Z1;”Feet”
680 NEXT S
690 PRINT”Programed by Bienvenido C. David A
Civil/Structural engineer on February 1982 at
Baguio City”
700 END