Reinforced Concrete I
Dr. Ahmed Al-Naghi
Chapter 4
Design of T and L beams
Dropped (projected) beams
T and L Beams
Reinforced concrete systems may consist of slabs and dropped
beams that are placed monolithically. As a result, the two parts act
together to resist loads. The beams have extra widths at their tops
called flanges, which are parts of the slabs they are supporting, and
the part below the slab is called the web or stem.
L-Beam T-Beam
Flange Flange
web web
L-Beam T-Beam
3
Flange Width b
Parts of the slab near the webs are more highly stressed than areas
away from the web.
effective flange effective flange
width be width be
hf
d h
stirrup
bw bw
L-beam T-beam
d: effective depth. hf : height of flange.
bw : width of web. be : effective width.
4
b: distance from center to center of adjacent web spacings
Effective Flange Width be
ACI Code Provisions for Estimating be ACI [Link]
According to the ACI code, the effective flange width of a T-beam,
be is not to exceed the smallest of:
1. One-fourth the span length of the beam, L/4.
2. Width of web plus 16 times slab thickness, bw +16 hf .
3. Center-to-center spacing of beams, b.
L/4
be min bw +16hf
b
5
Effective Flange Width be
ACI Code Provisions for Estimating be ACI [Link]
According to the ACI code, the effective flange width of an L-beam,
be is not to exceed the smallest of:
1. bw + L/12.
2. bw + 6 hf .
3. bw + 0.5(clear distance to next web).
bw + L /12
be min bw + 6hf
b + 0.5b
w clear
6 b
L-Beams versus T-Beams
Flange Flange
web web
Same as T-Beam
L-Beam
7
T- versus Rectangular Sections
If the neutral axis falls within the slab depth: analyze the beam as a
rectangular beam, otherwise as a T-beam.
8
T- versus Rectangular Sections
When T-beams are subjected to negative moments, the flange is
located in the tension zone. Since concrete strength in tension is
usually neglected in ultimate strength design, the sections are treated
as rectangular sections of width bw.
When sections are subjected to positive moments, the flange is
located in the compression zone and the section is treated as a T-
section.
Tension
Compression zone zone
–
+ +
Section at midspan Section at support
9
Moment Diagram Positive moment Negative moment
Analysis of T-beams
Case 1: when a ≤ hf [Same as rectangular section]
T =C
As f y a
a= M n = As f y d -
0.85 f c be
2
10
Analysis of T-beams
Case 2: when a > hf
Cw = 0.85 f c bw a
C f = 0.85 f c ( be − bw ) h f
T = As f y
Fx=0
T = C f + Cw
As f y − 0.85 f c ( be − bw ) h f
a=
0.85 f c bw
a hf
M n = Cw d − + C f d −
2 2
11
Minimum Reinforcement, As,min
ACI [Link]
be
+ve Moment
hf
d
0.25 f c
bw d As
fy
As ,min = max bw
1 .4 b d
f
w
be
y
As
-ve Moment
hf
d
As,sup> As,min?
bw
12
Analysis procedure for calculating he ultimate strength of T-beams
To calculate the moment capacity of a T-section subjected to
positive moment:
1- Check As,sup> As,min
2- Calculate be
3- Assume a ≤ hf and calculate a using:
As f y
a=
0.85 f c be
If a ≤ hf → a is correct
A s f y − 0.85 f c (be − bw ) hf
If a > hf → a =
0.85 f c bw
4- Calculate b1, c, and check εt
13 5- Calculate Mn, and check M u M n
Example 1
Calculate Md for the T-Beam
subjected to positive moment:
L = 5480 mm hf = 150 mm
d = 400 mm b=2150 mm
bw= 300 mm As = 5000 mm2
fy = 420 MPa fc’= 25 MPa
14
Example 1
Solution:
1- Check As,sup> As,min
0.25 f c ' 1.4 0.25 25 1.4
As ,min = max bw d ; bw d = max 300 400 ; 300 400
fy fy 420 420
As ,min = 400 mm 2 As ,sup = 5000 mm 2 OK
2- Determine be according to ACI requirements
L 5480
4 = 4 = 1370 mm
be min 16hf + bw = 16 (150 ) + 300=2700 mm
b = 2150 mm
15 Take be = 1370 mm
Example 1
3- Calculate a (assuming a<hf)
As f y 5000 420
a= = = 71.9 mm h f = 150 mm OK
0.85f c b e 0.85 25 1370
4- Calculate b1, c, and check εt
a 71.9
b1 = 0.85 for f c ' = 25 MPa 28 MPa c = = = 85 mm
b1 0.85
d −c 400 − 85
t = 0.003 = 0.003 = 0.011 0.005 Tension controled
c 85
be = 1370 mm
5- Calculate Md
d= 400 mm
a
M d = As f y d −
2
150 mm
71.9 500 mm2
= 0.9 ( 5000 )( 420 ) 400 −
2
16 300 mm
= 688 106 [Link] = 688 kN.m
Example 2
Determine the ACI design moment strength Md (=Mn) of the
T-beam shown in the figure if fc’ =25 MPa and fy = 420 MPa.
90 cm
Solution:-
1- Check As,sup > As,min
h= 75 cm
Φ10
10 cm
25
d = 750 - 40 - 10 - 32 - = 655.5 mm
2
8Φ32
0.25 f c ' 1 .4
As ,min = max bw d ; bw d
fy fy 30 cm
0.25 25 1.4 d
As ,min = max 300 655.5 ; 300 655.5
420 420
As ,min = 656 mm 2 As ,sup = 6434 mm 2 OK
17
Example 2
2- Calculate a (assuming a<hf)
As f y 6434 420
a= = = 141.3 mm 90 cm
0.85 f c be 0.85 25 900
h= 75 cm
Φ10
a = 141.3 mm > hf = 100 mm
10 cm
i.e. assumption is wrong
8Φ32
Section is T ➔ NA is in the web
30 cm
18
Example 2 90 cm
3- Calculate correct a
h= 75 cm
Φ10
10 cm
As f y - 0.85 f c ( be − bw ) h f
a= 8Φ32
0.85 f c bw
6434 420 − 0.85 25 ( 900 − 300 )100
a= = 224 mm 30 cm
0.85 25 300
4- Calculate b1, c, and check εt
b1 = 0.85 for f c ' = 25 MPa 28 MPa
a 224
c= = = 264 mm d
b1 0.85
32
dt = 750 - 40 - 10 - = 684 mm
2
d −c 684 − 264
t = t 0.003 = 0.003=0.00477
c 264
0.004< t = 0.00477 0.005 Transision zone
19 =0.65+ ( t - 0.002 ) ( 250 / 3) = 0.65 + ( 0.00447 - 0.002 ) (250/3)=0.881
90 cm
Example 2
h= 75 cm
Φ10
10 cm
8Φ32
4- Calculate Md
30 cm
C f = 0.85 f c ( be − bw ) h f = 0.85 25 ( 900 − 300 )100 = 1275 103 N
Cw = 0.85 f ca bw = 0.85 25 224 300 = 1427.4 103 N
a h f
M d = Cw d − + C f d −
2 2
224 3 100
= 0.881 1427.4 103 655.5 − + 1275 10 655 .5 −
2 2
= 1363.6 106 [Link] = 1363.6 kN.m
20
Design of T-Beams --- Negative moment
be
-ve Moment
bw
0.85 f c ' 2M u
w = 1 − 1 −
fy 0.85 f c ' bw d 2
As = ρw bw d
As f y
a=
21
0.85 f c ' bw
Design of T-Beams --- Positive moment and ahf
be
+ve Moment
0.85 f c ' 2M u
w = 1 − 1 −
fy 0.85 f c ' be d 2
As = ρw be d
As f y
a=
22
0.85 f c ' be
Design of T-Beams --- Positive moment and a>hf
be be be
To analyze the section, the steel is divided in two portions: (1) Asf, which provides a
tension force in equilibrium with the compression force of the overhanging flanges, and
providing a section with capacity Muf and (2) Asw, the remaining of the steel, providing
a section with capacity Muw.
M u = M uf + M uw
Mu : Ultimate moment applied, requiring steel As.
23 Muf : Moment resisted by overhanging flange parts, requiring steel Asf.
Muw : Moment resisted by web, requiring steel Asw.
Design of T-Beams --- Positive moment and a>hf
be be
be
∑Fx=0 ➔ C=T
Step 1
24 Step 2
24
Design of T-Beams --- Positive moment and a>hf
be be
be
M u = M uf + M uw M uw = M u − M uf Step 3
0.85 f c ' 2 M uw Step 4
= 1 − 1 −
fy 0 . 85 f c ' bw d 2
A sw = bw d Step 5
A s = A sf + A sw Step 6
25
Design of L-Beams
Flange Flange
web web
Same as
26
Design of T-Beams --- Positive moment
Design Procedure:
1- Establish h based on serviceability requirements and calculate d
2- Choose bw
3- Determine be according to ACI requirements.
4- Calculate As assuming that a < hf with beam width = be & =0.90
0.85 f c ' 2M u be
= 1 − 1 − 2
fy 0.85 f c ' be d
hf
d
As f y As
As = ρ be d → a=
0.85 f c ' be bw
5- If a ≤ hf: the assumption is right ➔ continue as rectangular section
If a > hf: revise As using T-beam equations (steps 1-6).
6- Check the =0.90 assumption (εt ≥0.005) and As,sup ≥ As,min
27
Example 3
A floor system consists of a 14.0 cm
concrete slab supported by continuous
T-beams with a span L. Given that
bw=30 cm, d=55 cm, fc’ =28 MPa,
fy = 420 MPa and db= 25 mm
L m
or 28 mm.
Determine the steel required at
midspan of an interior beam to resist
a service dead load moment 320
3.0 m 3.0 m 3.0 m
kN.m and a service live load moment
hf Slab
250 kN.m in the following two cases:
(A) L = 8 m
bw
(B) L = 2 m
28
Solution (A) L = 8 m
2000
1- Determine be according to ACI requirements
140
784 kN.m
L 8000 550
4 = 4 = 2000 mm
be min 16hf + bw = 16 (140 ) + 300=2540 mm 300
Dimensions are in mm
b = 3000 + 300 = 3300 mm
be is taken as 2000 mm, as shown in the figure
2- Calculate As assuming that a < hf with beam width = be & =0.90
Mu = 1.2(320)+1.6(250)=784 kN.m
0.85 f c ' 2 Mu
= 1 - 1 -
fy 0. 85 f c ' be d 2
29
Solution (A) L = 8 m
0.85 28 2 784 106
= 1 − 1 −
420 0 .9 0.85 28 2000 550 2 Dimensions are in mm
140
= 0.00354 2000
As = be d = 0.00354 2000 550 = 3892 mm 2
550
8Φ25
3- Check a ≤ hf assumption
As f y 3892 420 300
a= = = 34.3mm h f = 140 mm
0.85 f c ' be 0.85 28 2000
The assumption is right ➔ Rectangular section design
Use 8Φ25 mm (As,sup= 3927 mm2) arranged in two layers.
4- Check solution
a) Check spacing between bars
300 − 2 40 − 2 8 − 4 25
sc = = 34.5 mm db = 25 mm
( 4 − 1)
30 25 mm OK
Solution (A) L = 8 m
b) Check minimum steel requirement
0.25 f c ' 1.4 0.25 28 1.4
As ,min = max bw d ; bw d = max 300 550 ; 300 550
fy fy 420 420
As ,min = 550 mm 2 As ,sup = 3927 mm 2 OK
c) Check =0.9
As f y 3927 420
a= = = 34.7 mm b1 = 0.85
0.85 f c ' be 0.85 28 2000
a 34.7
c= = = 40.8 mm
b1 0.85 2000
140
25 25
dt = 550+ + = 575 mm
550
2 2 8Φ25
dt − c 575 − 40.8
t = 0.003 = 0.003 300
c 40.8
Dimensions are in mm
31
= 0.0393 0.005 = 0.9 OK
140
Solution (A) L = 8 m 2000
c) Check =0.9
550
a 8Φ25
M d = As f y d −
2 300
34.7 Dimensions are in mm
= 0.9 3927 420 550 −
2
M d = 790.7 106 [Link] = 790.7 kN.m M u = 784 kN.m
32
Solution (B) L = 2 m 500
140
784 kN.m
1- Determine be according to ACI requirements 550
L 2000
4 = 4 = 500 mm 300
Dimensions are in mm
be min 16hf + bw = 16 (140 ) + 300=2540 mm
b = 3000 + 300 = 3300 mm
be is taken as 500 mm, as shown in the figure
2- Calculate As assuming that a < hf with beam width = be & =0.90
Mu = 1.2(320)+1.6(250)=784 kN.m
0.85 f c ' 2 Mu
= 1 − 1 −
fy 0. 85 f c ' be d 2
33
Solution (B) L = 2 m 500
784 kN.m
140
0.85 28 2 784 10 6 550
= 1 − 1 −
420 0 .9 0.85 28 500 550 2
300
= 0.0159
Dimensions are in mm
As = be d = 0.0159 500 550 = 4389 mm 2
3- Check a ≤ h assumption
f
As f y 4389 420
a= = = 155 mm > h f = 140 mm
0.85 f c ' be 0.85 28 500
The assumption is wrong➔ T section design
34
Solution (B) L = 2 m 500
784 kN.m
140
550
4- Calculate required reinforcement
300
0.85 f c ' ( be − bw ) h f Dimensions are in mm
Asf =
fy
0.85 28 ( 500 − 300 )140
Asf = = 1586 mm 2
420
hf
M uf = Asf f y d −
2
140
= 0.9 1586 420 550 − = 288 10 6
[Link]
2
M uw = M u − M uf = 784 106 − 288 106 = 496 106 [Link]
35
Solution (B) L = 2 m
0.85 f c ' 2 M uw
w = 1 − 1 −
fy 0 . 85 f c ' bw d 2
0.85 28 2 496 106
w = 1 − 1 − = 0.017
420 0 .9 0 .85 28 300 550 2
140
500
Asw = w bw d = 0.017 300 550 = 2808 mm 2
550
8Φ28
As = Asf + Asw = 1586 + 2808 = 4395 mm 2
300
Dimensions are in mm
Use 8Φ28 mm (As,sup= 4926 mm2) arranged in two layers.
Check solution: (Do as in Example 2) 36
Homework 2
Q1:
Determine the design moment strength Md (= Mn) of the L-beam shown in the
figure below. Use fc’ =30 MPa and fy = 420 MPa.
h= 65 cm 85 cm
Φ8
12 cm
8Φ28
30 cm
37
Homework 2
Q2:
A floor system consists of a 14.0 cm
concrete slab supported by continuous
T-beams with a span L. Given that
bw=30 cm, d=55 cm, fc’ =30 MPa,
L m
fy = 420 MPa and db= 25 mm
or 28 mm.
Determine the steel required at
midspan of an exterior beam to
resist a service dead load moment 320 3.0 m 3.0 m 3.0 m
kN.m and a service live load moment hf Slab
250 kN.m in the following two cases:
(A) L = 8 m
bw
(B) L = 2 m
38
