T-BEAMS

OBJECTIVES
Explain why the neutral axis falls below the slab.
Discuss the assumptions used in the design of Tbeams
Apply the ACI specifications in the design of Tbeam.
Assess which between a T-beam and a
rectangular is better to be used in terms of
strength and practicality reasons.

 In much reinforced concrete construction and

particularly in floor systems, a concrete slab is
cast monolithically with and connected to
rectangular beams forming a T-beam.
The figure below is a cross-section of a concrete
floor system which is composed of beams and
slabs.

It is assumed, within certain limitations, that

the rectangular beam, which has a width bw
acts structurally with the slab, b wide and hf
thick. This then forms a T-beam shown.

 If the neutral axis of the section falls within the slab

of flange of the T-beam as shown, then the analysis
for the section is the same as for a rectangular beam.
Because the effect of the concrete below the neutral
axis has been neglected, the value for bw could be
anything, and the beam would be analyzed as a
simple rectangular beam with width b.

 If however, the area of the flange is not capable of

resisting the compressive force, then the neutral axis falls
below the slab.
Figure 2 is similar to the diagram for a rectangular beam
except that the location of the centroid of the compressive
force is not as readily determined.
Hence, the derivations are more complex. The derivations
of the formulas for a T-beam are similar to the rectangular
beam.

 The principal expressions used in the

alternate design method for reinforced
concrete T-beams

If the compressive stress in the stem is

neglected, the summation of horizontal
forces is C= T.

 Since the compressive force is bounded by a

trapezoid, fc + (fc/kd)(kd-hf) bhf = Asfs or
fc( 2 kd

hf) bhf =

2 kd

As fs

Rearranging 1:
=
fc( 2 kd hf) bhf =
or
As b d
fs2 kd

fc =
fs

2
2 b d
( 2 kd hf) hf

 Substituting for fc in equation 2, we obtain:

1
n( 1

=
k)

2 d
( 2 kd

hf) hf

from which

= 2 d n

hf

2
2 d hf d n

1 hf

2 d
hf
d

The distance z may be found by summing

moments about the centroid of the compressive
forces:
= hf( 3 kd 2 hf)
z

3 ( 2 kd

hf)

From figure 4, jd = d z. Then substituting eq. 3

2
3
into j = 1 z/d, we
get:
hf
hf
hf

1
j

hf
d

 The resisting moment of the concrete would be

Mc = Cjd or Mc = fc(1 hf/2kd)bhfjd.
If R = fcj(1 hf/2kd)(hf/d), then Mc = Rbd2 and d
= Mc/Rb

 These expressions were developed assuming that

the compressive stress in the stem portion is
negligible and that the beam has tensile
reinforcement only.
ACI Code specifies that the effective width of slab
or flange shall be taken as follows:
It shall not exceed one-fourth of the span length of the
beam.
The overhanging width of the flange in either side of the
stem or web shall not exceed 8 times the slab thickness.
In any case, the flange width must not be greater than
the distance center to center of adjacent beams.
Minimum bw = 200 mm