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Introduction to Concrete Beam Design Flow Charts

The concrete beam design flow charts address the following subjects:

• For a rectangular beam with given dimensions: Analyzing the beam

section to determine its moment strength and thus defining the
beam section to be at one of the following cases:

• Case 1: Rectangular beam with tension reinforcement only.

This case exists if the moment strength is larger that the
ultimate (factored) moment.

• Case 2: Rectangular Beam with tension and compression

reinforcement. This case may exist if the moment strength is l
ess than the ultimate (factored) moment.

• For T-section concrete beam: Analyzing the beam T -section to

determine its moment strength and thus defining the beam section to be
one of the following cases:

• Case 1: The depth of the compression block is within the flanged

portion of the beam, i.e, the neutral axis N.A. depth is less than the
slab thinness, measured from the top of the slab. This case exists
if moment strength is larger than ultimate moment.

• Case 2: The depth of the compression block is deeper t han the

flange thickness, i.e. the neutral axis is located below the bottom of
the slab. This case exists if the moment strength of T -section
beam is less that the ultimate (factored) moment.

• Beam Section Shear Strength: two separate charts outline in det ails
Shear check. One is a basic shear check, and two is detailed shear check,
in order to handle repetitive beam shear reinforcement selection. See
shear check introduction page for further details.

In any of the cases mentioned above, detailed procedure s and equations

are shown within the charts cover all design aspects of the element under
investigations, with ACI respective provisions.

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STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

Notations for Concrete Beam Design Flow Charts

a = depth of equivalent rectangular stress block, in.

ab = depth of equivalent rectangular stress block at balanced condition, in.
amax = depth of equivalent rectangular stress block at maximum ratio
of tension-reinforcement, in.
As = area of tension reinforcement, in2.
A’s = area of reinforcement at compression side, in 2.
b = width of beam in rectangular beam section, in.
be = effective width of a flange in T-section beam, in.
bw = width of web for T-section beam, in.
c = distance from extreme compression fiber to neutral axis, in.
cb = distance from extreme compression fiber to neutral axis at
balanced condition, in.
Cc = compression force in equivalent concrete block.
Cs = compression force in compression reinforcement.
d = distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of tension -
side reinforcement.
d’ = distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of compression
- side reinforcement.
Es = modulus of elasticity of reinforcement, psi.
f’c = specified compressive strength of concre te.
fy = specified tensile strength of reinforcement.
Mn = nominal bending moment.
Mn bal = moment strength at balanced condition.
Mu = factored (ultimate) bending moment.
Ru = coefficient of resistance.
t = slab thickness in T-section beam, in.
β1 = factor as defined by ACI 10.2.7.3.
εc = concrete strain at extreme compression fibers, set at 0.003.
ε 's = strain in compression-side reinforcement.
εy = yield strain of reinforcement.
ρ = ratio of tension reinforcement.
ρb = ratio of tension reinforcement at balanced condition.
ρf = ratio of reinforcement equivalent to compression force in slab of T
- section beam.
ρmax = maximum ratio of tension reinforcement permitted by ACI 10.3.3.
ρmin = minimum ratio of tension reinforcement permitted by ACI10 .5.1.
ρreq’d = required ratio of tension reinforcement.
φ = strength reduction factor.

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 STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS Moment Strength of Rectangular Concrete Beam

Rectangular
Beam
Given:
b, d, fc', fy, Mu,Vu

finding balanced ACI 10.3.3

moment strength
finding ρmax
ACI 10.2.7.3
εc = 0 .003
f fc′ ≤ 4000psi
εy = y
NO YES
Es ACI 10.2.7.3
Es = 29, 000,000 psi f ′ − 4000 β = 0.85
β1 = 0.85 − 0.05 c
≥ 0.65 1
1000

εc
cb =d
ε +ε
c y

β1

ab = β 1c b ACI 8.4.3

ACI 10.3.3 ρ = 0.85fc′ β 87, 000

b f 1 87, 000 + f
y
y
ACI 9.3.2.1 amax = 0.75ab
φ = 0.9
ACI 10.3.3

φM
′ amax ρmax = 0.75ρb
n bal = φ 0.85fc bamax d −

NO
M < φM YES
u n bal

try rectangular use rectangular

beam with tension beam with tension
and compression steel only
steel

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 Rectangular Concrete Beam with
Tension Reinforcement
STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS rectangular beam
with tension steel
only

Mu
Ru =
φbd
2

ACI 10.5.1
ρ = 0.85fc′ 2Ru
3f′ req' d 1 − 1−
c fy 0.85fc′
fy
ρmin = max of
200
fy ρ ≥ρ
NO req' d min YES

ρ = 1.33ρreq' d

NO ρ < ρmin YES ρ >ρ

NO req ' d max YES

ρ = ρmin ρ = 1.33ρ useρ = ρreq' d

req' d STOP. go to rectangular
beam with tension and
compression steel
ACI 10.5.2

As = ρbd

'
select 0.85fc
reinforcement, As

C
a
cb

As
fy
d

a= ′
0.85fc b
As

T
′ a b
φ Mn = φ0.85fc ba d −

proceed to
shear design
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 Rectangular Beam with Tension & Compression Reinforcement
STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS
rectangular beam
with tension and
compression steel

′
Mu = Mu − φMn

bal

d'=2.5"

M′
ρ′ = φ ( fy − 0.85fc′ ) ( d − d ′ )bd
u
εc
'
0.85fc
ρ = ρmax + ρ′ ε s′

d'
C
s
steel at

a
c
tension side As = ρbd Cc
A's

steel at ′ ′ d

comp. side As = ρ bd As
T
b
select
reinforcement
As& A's

find the new d

proceed to check
compression steel
yields

( A −A
′ f ′
s s ) y A
s

a= ′ +
0.85fc b As

a
c=
β1

ε′=ε c − d′
s c

1
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 STRUNET Rectangular Beam with Tension & Compression Reinforcement (cont.)
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

NO ε s′ > ε y YES

compression
compression steel may be steel does NOT
neglected, and thus moment yield
strength is calculated based on compression
the tension steel only. steel yields
Alternatively:

Cc = 0.85fc′ab

( As fy − 87 As′ ) ± ( As fy − 87 As′ )2 + 4 ( 0.85fc′β1b ) ( 87As′d′)

c= ′
Cs = As′ ( fy − 0.85fc′)
2 ( 0.85fc β1b)

c − d′
fs = Es εc < fy a
c φM =φ C
n c
d − +C s
(d−d′) ≥M u

2
′ a ′ ′ φMn = As fy ( d −d )
alternatively ′ ′ ′
φ M = φ 0.85f ba d −
n c
+ Af
ss
(d−d)
2

alternatively φ Mn = φ Mn + φMn ≥ Mu
′
bal

proceed to
shear design

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 Moment Strength of T-Section Beam
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CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS
ACI 10.3.3

T-Section finding ρmax

Beam
ACI 10.2.7.3

fc′ ≤ 4000psi YES

NO
finding balanced ACI 10.2.7.3
moment strength
@ a=t f ′ − 4000
β = 0.85 − 0.05 c
≥ 0.65 β1 = 0.85
Given: 1
1000
bw ,be ,d , f'c , fy , Mu Vu

let a=t
β
1
ACI 8.4.3

0.85fc′ 87, 000

Cc = 0.85fc bet
′ ρb= β1
fy 87, 000 + fy
ACI 9.3.2.1
φ = 0.9
0.85fc′ ( be − bw )t
t ρf = fbd
φ Mn = φCc d − y w
2

bw ( ρ + ρ )
ρmax = 0.75 b f
b
e

NO Mu < φMn YES

be
use T-Section use T-Section
case 2 case 1
t
d

A
s

bw

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 T-Section Beam Case - 1

STRUNET T-Section
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS case 1

Mu
R =φ
u be d 2

ρ 0.85fc′ 2Ru
req' d = 1 − 1−
f
y 0.85fc′

ρ <ρ
NO req' d max YES

STOP. use verify depth of

compression steel compression
at T-Section block

a = d 1 − 1− 2Ru
0.85fc′
ACI 10.5.1

3 fc ′ NO a>t YES

ρmin = max of fy
200 continuation of STOP. go to
previous sheet T-Section case 2
fy
ρ ≥ρ 1
NO req' d min YES
ACI 10.5.2
select
reinforcement,
ρ = 1.33ρreq' d As

NO ρ < ρmin YES check moment

strength

ρ=ρ
min ρ = 1.33ρreq' d useρ = ρreq' d As
fy
a= ′
0.85fc b
As = ρbed

′ ′ a
0.85fc abe φ Mn = φ 0.85fc ba d −
f
Alternatively: As = y 2

proceed to
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1 shear design
 T-Section Beam Case - 2
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CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

T-Section
case 2

2t ( be − bw ) ( d − 0. 5t
a=d 2 2Mu )
− d − ′ −
0.85fcφbw bw

0.85fc [ ab + t( b − b be

A = ′ )]

t
s w ew
req' d fy

a
A=ρ b d
s max e

d
max
A
s

bw
NO As ≥ As YES
req' d max

STOP. revise to select

include reinforcement,
A
compression steel s

a A s fy t (b−
= − b )
′ ew
0.85f bw bw

Cc1 = 0.85fc′bw a

Cc 2 = 0.85fc′t ( be − bw )

a
φMn = Cc 1 d − 2 + Cc 2 d −
t
2 ≥ Mu

proceed to
shear design
Strunet.com: Concrete Beam Design V1.01 - Page 9
 STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

Introduction to Concrete Beam Shear Design

Concrete Beam Shear Design

Introduction and discussion:

The approach of the beam shear check chart is to define the nominal shear strength of the
concrete, then compare it with the ultimate shear force at the critical section, and subsequent
sections. Shear reinforcement calculation is performed, where applicable.

The shear charts are presented into two parts. One is the Shear Basic Chart, which is outlining the
main procedures of the shear design in accordance with ACI applicable code provisions. The second,
Shear Detailed Chart, is outlining the steps required for repetitive shear check. The
detailed charts provide as much variables and or scenarios as needed to facilitate the creation of
automated shear check applications.

The concept in selecting stirrups is based on an input of the bar diameter ( db) of the stirrups to be
used, usually #3, 4, or 5, as well as the number of legs and thus finding the spacing (s) required.

The shear chart intentionally did not include the following ACI provisions due to p ractical and
economical justifications:

• Detailed method of ACI §11.3.2.1 for calculating nominal shear strength of concrete, vc . The
reason is the value Vud/Mu is not constant along the beam span. Although the stirrups
spacing resulting from the detailed method may be 1.5 larger than that of the direct method
using ACI 11.3.1.1 at the critical section only, the use of the detailed method is not practically
justified beyond this critical section, i.e. beyond distance d from the face of support.

• Shear reinforcement as inclined stirrups per §11.5.6.3, and bent up bars per §11.5.6.4
and §11.5.6.5. Only vertical stirrups per §11.5.6. 2 are used, since other types of shear
reinforcement are not economically justified.

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 STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

Notations for Concrete Beam Shear Design

bw = Width of beam (web)

d = flexural depth of the beam, in.
f’c = concrete compressive strength
f
ct = average splitting tensile strength of lightweight concrete
f
y = reinforcement yield strength
L = beam clear span, from support face to other support face.
N = number of stirrups required within a given segment of the beam
Nl = number of legs for each stirrup
Vc = concrete nominal shear strength
Vs = nominal shear strength provide by the shear reinforcement
V
sb = nominal shear strength provided by shear reinforcement at the section where Vs is the
max permitted by ACI 11.12.1. 1 . locating of this section is needed to define which
maximum s provisions applies, i.e. §11.5.4.1 or §11.5.4.3
Vs req’d = required nominal shear strength provided by shear reinforcement.
Vu = factored shear force at the face of the beam support
V
ud = factored shear force at distance d from the face of the support in
accordance with §11.3. 1.1 this is the critical shear force provided that:
• support is subjected to compressi ve force.
• no concentrated load on the beam within the distance d.
Vu req’d = factored shear force at the mid-span of the beam, will not be zero if the beam is
partially loaded with superimposed loads (i.e. live load on half the beam span)
φVn max = reduced shear strength of the beam section located along the beam span where
minimum shear reinforcement is required in accordance with §15.5.5.1
s1 = spacing of stirrups within the critical section.
s
k = spacing of stirrups within any section subsequent t o the critical section.
s
max = maximum stirrups spacing permitted by §11.5.4.1 or §11.5.4.3
sreq’d = required stirrups spacing at the section considered
xb = the distance along the beam at which Vsb occurs. for any beam section within the
distance xb, Vsb is based on §11.5. 4.3, otherwise is based on §11.5.4.1
x
min = distance from the face of the support along the beam span after which minimum shear
reinforcement in accordance to §11.5.5.1 is no longer required.
x
max = distance from the face of the support along the beam span after which stirrups shall be
placed with the maximum spacing per §11.5.4. 1, and §11.5.4. 3
∆s = incremental in stirrups spacing between the subsequent sections, suggested to be 1,
2, and or 3 inches

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 Beam Shear Basic Chart ACI 11.3

STRUNET Finding Vc
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

ACI 11.2.1
Normal or Light
NORMAL
LIGHT Wt Concrete

ACI 11.2.1.2 is fct given? ACI 11.2. 1.1

ACI 11.3.1.1
NO YES
f
All − Light wt : Vc = 0. 75 2 f c' bwd ( ) V =2 c
ct
bd w V=2f
' bd
6.7 c c w

'
Sand Light Wt : Vc = 0. 85 2 f c bwd ( ) f
ct ≤ f'
c

6.7
ACI 9.3.2.3
V
u φVc φ = 0.85
ACI 11.1.1
ACI 11.5.5.1 Vu > φVc
ACI 11.1.1

Vu > φVc 2 ACI 11.5.5.1 φV = V −φV

s u c
STOP. no min. h=<10"
shear reinf. req'd
h<2.5t V
h<0.5bw s = φVs
ACI 11.5.4.1 STOP. no min. req' d φ
loop for other smax is the min. of:
values of Vu d/2 shear reinf. req'd ACI 11.12.1.1
2
4 V
" sreq' d > 4Vc

ACI 11.1.2 ACI 11.12.1.1 > 2Vc

V
f c' ≤100 psi ACI 11.5.4.1
sreq' d ACI 11.5.4.3 ACI 11.5.6.8
ACI 11.2.1.1 ACI 11.5.5.3 STOP. increase
smax= min. of: smax= min. of:
Af Af f'c or d or bw
5000 s =
s = vy req' d vy d/2 d/4
req' d
24" 12"
50bw f c′ 50bw

S
s is the min. of: max
s
max
s ACI 11.5.6.2
req'd
ACI 11.5.6.2 Av f y d

Vs =
A v fy d s = Vs
req ' d

s ACI 11.1.1
loop for other φVn = φVc +φVs
φVn = φVc +φVs
 values of Vu

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 Beam Shear Detailed Chart

STRUNET Shear Beam

CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS
Check

ACI 11.3

Finding Vc

ACI 11.2.1
Normal or Light
NORMAL
LIGHT Wt Concrete

NO is f ct given ? YES

ACI 11.2.1.2 ACI 11.2.1.1 ACI 11.3.1.1

f
All − Light wt : Vc = 0. 75 2 f ( c
'
bw d) Vc = 2
6.7
ct
bw d V = 2 f 'b d
c c w

'
Sand Light Wt : Vc = 0. 85 2 f c bw ( d) fct
≤ f
c
'

6.7

ACI 9.3.2.3
Vc
φ = 0.85
φVc

φVc
φVn = 2
min

Vu > 0.0
V > φV
mid

φV
x =
0.5L 1− umid nmin
n
min
min

Vu
−V STOP. xmin
x = 0.5L 1−
φVn
min
umid does not exist
mi
n
V −V
u umid

x
min

Av = Nl Ab

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 1 Beam Shear Detailed Chart (cont. 1)
STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS
Vu > 0.0
mid

V
V V −V
= ( 0.5L − d ) V = ( 0.5L − d ) +V
u uu
mid
u
d u u
0.5L 0.5L
d mid

V
ud

Vu > φVc
d

φVc
Vu > 2 φVs = Vu −φVc
STOP. no min. h=<10"
shear reinf. req'd
h<2.5t
h<0.5b φVs
Vs = φ
smax = min. of: req' d
STOP. no min.
d/2
shear reinf. req'd
24"
Vs req' d
> 4Vc
S V
max
s > 2Vc
req' d
STOP. increase
f c' ≤100 psi smax = min. of: f'c or d or b
s Af d/2 let Vsb = 2Vc
= Av fy 5000
v y
s 50b fc′
req' d = 50b
24"
req' d

φVn = φVc +φVs

b
s = min. of:
s
max
s
Vu > 0.0
mid
A f d
V= v y

φVn φV −V
s s x b = 0.5L 1− b
x =0.5L 1− nb u
mid

Vu b V −V u
u mid

φVn = φVc +φVs

x xb
min
N= s
s
max
use: N @ s
2
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 2 Beam Shear Detailed Chart (cont. 2)
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CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS

V = Av f y d
s
max s
max

φVn = φVc +φVs

max max

V
u
d
> φVsmax

x
min
V
N= u > 0.0
mid
s
φV φV −V
nmax umid
xmax = 0.5L 1− x = 0.5L 1−
n max

use: N @ smax Vu max V −V u

u mid

x
max

s = Av f y d
1
Vs
req ' d

s1

let sk = s1 + ∆s

s <s
k max

Loop as long: STOP. go to V Av f y d

xmin>xk , and stirrups number s =
s <s k
k max sk

φV
4 nk = φVc +φVsk

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 Beam Shear Detailed Chart (cont. 3)
STRUNET
CONCRETE DESIGN AIDS
3

V
4 u > 0.0
mid

φV φV −V
nk umid
x k = 0.5L 1−
nk

x = 0.5L 1−
Vu k V −Vu
u mid

xk

xk > x b
smax = min. of:
d/4
12" x >x
k min

revise Smax STOP. go to

let sk +1 = sk + ∆s stirrups number

s =s
k k+1

stirrups
number

xk
N=
1 s1

Loop until:
x =x , and
k+1 min
N = x + − xk
x =x
k 1

k max k s
k

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