Chapter 2

Limit state design of beams

for flexure

Yohannes K. April 2021 1

Chapter Contents
2.1 General Data on Concrete and Steel
2.2 Design Preliminaries
2.3 Singly Reinforced Beams
2.4 Doubly Reinforced Beams
2.5 T and L Beams

2
2.1 General Data on Concrete & Steel
(As per EBCS 2 – with some explanations)
2.1.1 Classification of concrete works
Concrete works are classified as either Class I or II
depending on the quality of workmanship and the
competence of the supervisors directing the works.
Class I works: Works carried out under the direction of
appropriately qualified supervisors ensuring the
attainment of level of quality control as per EBCS 2
(chapter 9)
Class II works: Works with a lower level of quality
control. it is permissible only for single story structures.

3
 2.1.2 Characteristic compressive strength of concrete (fck)
• The compressive strength of a concrete member may vary
from location to location in the same member, due to many
reasons like differences in extent of compaction, time of
placement, batch of concrete etc
• Characteristic compressive strength of concrete is defined as
that strength below which 5% of all possible strength
measurements may be expected to fall.
• It means that the characteristic strength has 95% reliability
or there is only 5% probability of actual strength being less
than the characteristic strength.
• Thus concrete is graded in terms of its characteristic
compressive cube strength (fcu).

4
5
6
2.1.3 Grade & Strength of Concrete
Table 2.1. Permissible grades of concrete (EBC2/1995)
Class Permissible Grades of Concrete
I C5 C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
II C5 C15 C20

Note: Grade C5 Shall be used only as Lean Concrete

The numbers in the grade

designation denote the specified
characteristic cube compressive
strength (fcu) in Mpa.

7
As per EBCS 2, compressive strength of concrete is determined from tests on
150 mm cubes at the age of 28 days in accordance with Ethiopian Standards.
Cylindrical or cubical specimens of other sizes may also be used with
conversion factors determined from a comprehensive series of tests.
In the absence of such tests, the conversion factors given in Table 2.2 (of EBCS
2) may be applied to obtain the equivalent characteristic strength on the basis of
150 mm cubes.

Table 2.2 Conversion factors for strength (EBC2/1995)

Table 2.3 Characteristic cylinder compressive strength of concrete (fck)

8
 2.1.3 Characteristic tensile strength (fctk)

In the absence of more accurate data, the characteristic tensile

strength may also be determined from the characteristic cylinder
compressive strength according to the following equations.

= 0.7 = 0.7 0.3 = 0.21

Table 2.4 Grades of concrete and values of fctk and fctm

Grades of
C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
Concrete
fctm 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
fctk 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 2.1 2.5 2.8

9
2.1.4 Modulus of Elasticity (Ecm)
In the absence of more accurate data, or in cases where
great accuracy is not required, an estimate of the mean
value of the secant modulus Ecm can be obtained from
Table 2.5 for a given concrete grade.
= 9.5 +8

Table 2.5 Values of the secant modulus of elasticity Ecm in GPa

Grades of
C15 C20 C25 C30 C40 C50 C60
Concrete
Ecm 26 27 29 32 35 37 39

2.1.5 Poisson’s ratio (ν)

Any value between 0 and 0.2 can be adopted for Poisson‟s ratio.
0 for uncracked and 0.2 for cracked concrete.
10
 2.1.6 Characteristic strength of reinforcing steel (fyk)
The characteristic strength fyk is defined as the 5% fractile of the
proof stress fy or 0.2% offset strength, denoted as f0.2. If the steel
supplier guarantees a minimum value for fy or f0.2, that value may
be taken as the characteristic strength.

(In Ethiopian Iron and Steel Factory, Akaki, deformed bars and
round bars of yield strength fy =420 MPa are being produced.
Diameters: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 20mm, 24mm,
30mm, 32mm. Round bars of 6mm diameter are also produced)

11
2.1.7 Classification of reinforcing steel
Reinforcing steel shall be classified according to:
(a) Grade, denoting the value of the specified characteristic yield
stress f in MPa
(b) Class, indicating the ductility characteristics
(c) Size
(d) Surface characteristics
(e) Weldability

In EBCS 2, two classes of ductility are defined.

Class A: (High Ductility) with > 5% and ( / ) > .
Class B: (Normal ductility) with > 2.5% and ( / ) > .
Where denotes the characteristic value of the elongation at
maximum load,
= Characteristic tensile strength of reinforcement
= Characteristic yield strength of reinforcement
12
13
14
Two shapes of surface characteristics are defined:
(a) Ribbed bars, resulting in high bond action,
(b) Plain, smooth bars (round bars), resulting in low
bond action.

15
2.1.8 Physical properties of reinforcing steel
(a) Density = 7850 kg/m3
Weight in kg of any rebar per unit meter:

M= = 7850/ ∗ 1 = ∗ 1000

= ℎ
.
Ø Ø6 Ø8 Ø10 Ø12 Ø14 Ø16 Ø20 Ø24 Ø32
kg/m 0.222 0.395 0.617 0.888 1.208 1.578 2.466 3.551 6.313

E,g The weight of Ø20mm one ‘berga’ rebar is:

20
∅ = ∗ = ∗ 12 = . ∗ 12 = 29.6
. 162.2
(b) Coefficient of thermal expansion, = 10 x 10-6 per ͦC
(c) Modulus of elasticity of steel ES = 200Gpa = 2*105 Mpa = 2*105 N/mm2
16
2.2 Design Preliminaries
In the reinforced concrete design, the strength of a given mix of
concrete and the imposed load that is likely to act over a specified
area cannot be provided with certainty unless actual
measurements at an instant are made.
Such variables are referred to as random variables in the theory of
probability. The behavior of a random variable can be
characterized by probability distribution of the random variable. In
our case of material strength and imposed load in a structure the
uncertainty may be the result of the combined effect of many
causes each difficult to isolate and observe. In such cases the
distribution can be developed for the variable of interest without
knowing the distribution of the cause. The normal or Gaussian
probability distribution is most commonly used for this purpose.
Limit state design principle uses this for deriving the characteristic
strength of materials and characteristic loads on the structures.
17
2.2.1 Design Strength
Tests to determine the characteristic strengths of concrete and
steel reinforcement are carried out on near perfect specimens,
which have been prepared under laboratory conditions. Such
conditions will seldom exist in practice.

Therefore it is undesirable to use characteristic strengths to size

the members.

To take account of differences between actual and laboratory

values, local weaknesses and inaccuracies in assessment of
resistance of section, the characteristic strengths (fck and fyk) are
divided by appropriate partial safety factor for strengths (γm) taken
from table 3.1 and 3.2 of EBCS 2. The resulting values are termed
as design strengths.

18
Table 2.6 Partial Safety factor for Materials – Class I Works
Design situations Concrete, Steel ,
Persistent & Transient 1.50 1.15
Accidental 1.30 1.00

Table 2.7 Partial Safety factor for Materials – Class II Works

Design situations Concrete, Steel ,
Persistent & Transient 1.65 1.20
Accidental 1.45 1.10

The difference in values for the two materials is indicative of the

comparative lack of control over the production of concrete, the
strength of which is affected by such factors as W/C ratio, degree of
compaction, rate of drying etc. which frequently cannot be accurately
controlled on site to that of steel which is produced under strict control
conditions in factory. 19
The design strength of Concrete is defined by:
(a) In Compression
0.85
=
(b) In Tension
=
The design strength of Steel is defined by:

In the formula for design strength of concrete in

compression, the value 0.85 accounts for effect of
duration of loading. 20
2.2.1 Design Loads
The load in a member may be greater than anticipated because of
variability of occupancy and because of unforeseen circumstances
which may lead to an increase in the general level of loading,
errors in analysis, and errors during construction etc. Therefore,
the characteristic loads which are obtained from the standardized
values given in EBCS 1, are expected to be increased by some
factor to obtain the design loads. Such factors are called partial
safety factors for actions. In EBCS 2, table 3.3 gives the partial
safety factor values for actions in building structures.

21
Having the partial safety factor values and characteristic loads
in hand, the designer will have to determine the particular
combination of loading which is likely to produce the most
adverse effect on the structure in terms of bending moments,
shear forces and deflections.
Some of the load combinations for ultimate limit state and
serviceability limit states with the corresponding load factors are
given below.
Ultimate limit state:
(a) Permanent action (Gk) and only one variable action (Qk)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = 1.3 Gk+1.6Qk
(b) Permanent action (Gk) and two or more variable
actions (Qki)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = 1.3 Gk+1.35∑
22
(c) Permanent action (Gk), variable action (Qk) and
accidental (seismic) action (AE)
Design (Factored) load = Fd= 0.75(1.3Gk+ 1.6Q)+ AE

Serviceability Limit State

(a) Permanent action (Gk) and only one variable action
(Qk)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = Gk + Qk
(b) Permanent action (Gk) and two or more variable
actions (Qki)
Design (Factored) load = Fd = Gk+0.9∑

23
2.2.2 Basics of Ultimate Limit State Design
Analysis of sections:
The calculation of the ultimate resistance of members for flexure
and axial loads shall be based on the following assumptions.
(a) Plane sections remain plane (after bending)
(b) The reinforcement is subjected to the same variations in strain
as the adjacent concrete
(c) The tensile strength of the concrete is neglected
(d) The maximum compressive strain in the concrete is taken to be :
0.0035 in bending (simple or compound)
0.002 in axial compression
(e) The maximum tensile strain in the reinforcement is taken to be
0.01
The stress strain relationships to derive expressions for flexural
strength of RC members are shown below as given in EBCS 2.

24
25
26
2.2.3 Concrete Cover to Reinforcement (CC)
(1) The concrete cover is the distance between the outer surface of
the reinforcement (including links and stirrups) and the nearest
concrete surface.
(2) A minimum concrete cover shall be provided in order to ensure:
(a) Safe transmission of bond forces;
(b) That spalling will not occur;
(c) An adequate fire resistance;
(d) The protection of the steel against corrosion.
The minimum concrete cover to all reinforcement including links and
stirrups should not be less than the appropriate values given in table 2.9.

Table 2.9 Minimum Cover Requirement for Concrete Members

Dry Seawater and/or aggressive
Humid environment
Type of exposure environment chemical environment
(Moderate)
(Mild) (Severe)
Minimum Cover (mm) 15 25 50
27
Corrosion in Rebar

28
2.2.4 Spacing between Reinforcement (Cb)
(3) The clear horizontal and vertical distance between bars ( )
shall be at least equal to the largest of the following values.
(a) 20mm
(b) The diameter of the largest bar or effective diameter of a
bundle
(c) The maximum size of the aggregate plus 5mm

The center to center distance of bars ( ) will be the clear

distance between rebar ( ) plus the diameter of the rebar (∅)

∅ =
∅ = (Shear reinforcements)

∅ ∅
= + + = +∅
2 2
29
 ∅ =

∅ =
Stirrup

ℎ,
Main Bars
= −

,
∅
= +∅ +
′ 2

∅ ∅
= + +
2 2 30
 2.2.5 Effective Depth (d) for Serviceability Requirement

(1) The minimum effective depth obtained from Eq5.3 of EBCS 2

shall be provided unless computation of deflection indicates
that smaller thickness may be used without exceeding the limits
stipulated in Section 5.2.2

= 0.4 + 0.6
400

31
32
2.2.6 Effective Span Length ( )

33
2.3 Singly Reinforced Beams Under Flexure
2.3.1 Analysis of Singly Reinforced Rectangular Section for Flexure

Simplified rectangular stress block shown in the figure may be used

for the analysis

= = 0.8 = =

= ( − 0.4 ) = 0.8 ( − 0.4 ) 34

35
2.3.2 Traditional Definition of Beam Sections Under
Flexure
a. Tension failure: Under-Reinforced section
If steel’s design stress is reaching before the concrete
reaches its maximum strain = 0.0035 the failure is
tension failure.
b
From equilibrium,

C=T
−
0.8 =
′

= =
. −
36
Ultimate moment of resistance

= − 0.4 = − 0.4
0.8 0.8
0.5
= 1−

From the above equation for expression for steel ratio

is deduced:

= − −

37
b. Compression failure: Over reinforced section
If is large, concrete fails under compression prior
to steel reaching its design yield value. The section is
over -reinforced.
Strength is based on concrete’s failure < . From
similar triangles in strain distribution diagram,
0.0035
=
− = 0.0035
= 0.0035
=
− −
= 0.0035

38
From equilibrium, C = T,
−
0.8 = = ∗ 0.0035
0.8
+ − =0
0.0035
0.8
+ − =0
0.0035
.
+ − =
.

x’ could be obtained from the above equation and The

moment capacity can be written as,
= . ( − . )
39
C. Balanced failure: Balanced section
In a balanced failure, steel reaches and concrete reaches a
strain of = 0.0035 simultaneously. Both steel and concrete
yields at the same time.

− /
= = = 0.0035
0.0035
= − ∗ 0.0035
= 0.0035 − 0.0035 −
0.0035 + = 0.0035

.
=
. +
40
From equilibrium, C = T,

0.8 = =
0.8 0.8
= =

Substituting for
. .
=
. +

If ρ < ; < … . . The section is Under-reinforced

If ρ > ; > … . . The section is Over-reinforced

41
2.3.3 Control over depth of neutral axis
To ensure that all beams have the desirable characteristics of
visible warning, if failure is sudden as well as reasonable
ductility at failure, it is recommended that depth of neutral axis
be limited.
In EBCS 2, article 3.7.9,
≤ . − . where = % moment redistribution
When no moment is redistributed, = 1.
=Moment after redistribution/Original Moment =M/M = 1
In such a case / = 0.45 or = 0.45
= 0.8 − 0.4
= 0.8 0.45 − 0.4 0.45

= .
42
Example 1: Singly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
Determine depth of neutral axis for the section shown in
figure. C-20 concrete and steel from Ethiopian Iron and
Steel Factory at Akaki are used.
= 200
d = 400 mmm
= 50
= + ′
D = 400 + 50 = 450 mm

: =?

43
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-20 Concrete:
20
= = 16
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 16
= = = 9.1
1.5

For steel manufactured in Ethiopian Iron and Steel Factory,

Akaki,
= 420
420
= = = 365.22 Mpa
1.15 44
Step 2: Identifying Section whether it is Under
reinforced or Over reinforced :

0.8 0.0035
=
0.0035 +

0.8 ∗ 9.1 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10

= = 0.013
365.22 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 + 365.22

3 (20 )/4
= = = 0.012
200 ∗ 400

< ; Therefore the section is under reinforced.

45
Step 3: Calculating Depth of Neutral axis for under
reinforced section
For under reinforced section,

=
0.8
∗ 20
3 ∗ 365.22
4
= = 236.41
0.8 ∗ 200 ∗ 9.1

46
Example 2: Singly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
In the previous problem, if the reinforcements provided
are 4 numbers of 20 mm diameter rods, find the depth of
neutral axis and the moment carrying capacity of the
section.
= 200
b = 200 d = 400 mmm
= 50
= + ′
D = 400 + 50 = 450 mm

= 400 Note: All dimensions are in

D = 450 mm unless specified
4∅20

: =?
′ = 50
47
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-20 Concrete:
20
= = 16
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 16
= = = 9.1
1.5

For steel manufactured in Ethiopian Iron and Steel Factory,

Akaki,
= 420
420
= = = 365.22 Mpa
1.15 48
Step 2: Identifying Section whether it is Under
reinforced or Over reinforced :

0.8 0.0035
=
0.0035 +

0.8 ∗ 9.1 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10

= = .
365.22 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 + 365.22

4 (20 )/4
= = = .
200 ∗ 400

> ; Therefore the section is Over reinforced.

49
Step 3: Calculating Depth of Neutral axis for Over
reinforced section
Neutral axis depth can be determined from the equation:

0.8
+ − =0
0.0035

0.8 ∗ 9.1
+ 400 − 400 = 0
0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 ∗ 0.0157
0.6624 + 400 − 160000 = 0
+ 603.86 − 241545.89 = 0

On solving the above quadratic equation, x = 274.88 mm

50
Step 4: Calculating Moment of resistance of the Over
reinforced section
Moment capacity ( ):
= 0.8xb ( − 0.4 )
= 0.8 ∗ 274.88 ∗ 200 ∗ 9.1 ∗ 400 − 0.4 274.88
= .

51
Example 3: Singly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
Determine the moment of resistance of the section
shown in figure. C25 concrete and steel having fyk = 415
MPa are used.
= 250
b = 250 d = 310 mmm
= 40
= + ′
D = 310 + 40 = 350 mm

= 310 Note: All dimensions are in

D = 350 mm unless specified
3∅12

: =?
′ = 40
52
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-415 Steel:

= 415
415
= = = 360.87 Mpa
1.15
53
Step 2: Identifying Section whether it is Under reinforced
or Over reinforced :

0.8 0.0035
=
0.0035 +

0.8 ∗ 11.33 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10

= = .
360.87 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 + 360.87

3 (12 )/4
= = = .
250 ∗ 310

< ; Therefore the section is Under reinforced.

54
Step 3: Calculating Depth of Neutral axis for under
reinforced section
For under reinforced section,
3 12
∗ 360.87
= = 4 = 54.03
0.8 0.8 ∗ 250 ∗ 11.33
Step 4: Calculating Moment of resistance of the under
reinforced section
Moment capacity ( ):

= − 0.4
3 12
= ∗ 360.87 ∗ 310 − 0.4 54.03 ∗ 10
4
= . 55
Example 4: Singly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
Calculate the area of steel required for a singly reinforced
concrete beam 200 mm wide and 400 mm deep to resist an
ultimate moment of 60 kNm. Concrete mix C25 and steel
having fyk = 500 MPa are used. Consider effective cover as
equal to 40 mm. = 200
b = 200 = 40
D = 400 mm
d=D−d
= 400 − 40 = 360
Assume ∅ = 12
= 360
D = 400 Note: All dimensions are in
=?
mm unless specified

′ = 40 : =?
56
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-500 steel ;

= 500
500
= = = 434.78 Mpa
1.15
57
Step 2: Identifying Section whether it is Under reinforced
or Over reinforced :
Effective depth d = overall depth – effective cover
d = 400 – 40 = 360 mm
Depth of neutral axis for a balanced section

0.0035 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 ∗ 360

= = = 222.07
0.0035 + 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 + 434.78

Moment of resistance for a balanced section

= 0.8 b ( − 0.4 )
= 0.8 222.07 200 11.33 360 − 0.4 222.07 ∗ 10 = 109.27 kNm

Moment to be resisted = 60 kNm < 109.27 kNm

Therefore the section can be under reinforced.
58
 2
= 1− 1−

2 ∗ 60 ∗ 10 11.33
= 1− 1− = 0.006
200 ∗ 360 ∗ 11.33 434.78

= = 0.006 ∗ 200 ∗ 360 = 432

Number of 12 mm dia rods

432
= = = 3.8 ≈ 4
(∅ )/4 (12 )/4

Provide 4 numbers of 12 mm diameter rods.

59
 Example 5: Singly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
A singly reinforced beam of concrete grade C25 has to resist
an ultimate moment of 90 kNm. Determine the limiting depth
of the section (based on 0 percent redistribution of moments)
and reinforcement if the percentage reinforcement is 0.9%
with a steel grade of fyk= 420 MPa. Consider b = 250 mm
b = 250 = 250
=?
D =? mm
d=D−d
=? −? =?
=? Assume ∅ = 16
D =?
=?
Note: All dimensions are in
mm unless specified
=? : =? & =?
60
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-420 steel :

= 420
420
= = = 365.22 Mpa
1.15
61
Step 2: Identifying Section whether it is Under reinforced
or Over reinforced :
Steel ratio for balanced section
0.8 0.0035
=
0.0035 +
0.8 ∗ 11.33 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10
= = .
365.22 0.0035 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 + 365.22

Percentage of reinforcement = /bd

, = 0.9% = .

< Therefore the section can be under reinforced.

62
Step 3: Calculating Limiting depth of Section
Limiting depth of section for 0% redistribution of moments

90 ∗ 10
= = = 328.07
0.2952 0.2952 ∗ 250 ∗ 11.33

Say d = 330 mm
Area of steel required, =ρ = 0.009 ∗ 250 ∗ 330 = 742.5

Number of 16 mm dia rods

742.5
= = = 3.69 ≈ 4
(∅ )/4 (16 )/4

Provide 4 numbers of 16 mm diameter rods.

63
Example 6: Singly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
Design a rectangular beam for 4 m effective span which is subjected
to unfactored dead load of 15 kN/m and live load of 12 kN/m. Use
C25 concrete and steel having fyk= 300 MPa.

b =? 15kN/m 12kN/m

4m

=? ℎ , = 25
D =?
=? Assume ∅ = 20 ∅ =8
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d =? −? =?
=?
Note: All dimensions are in mm unless
specified
: =? & =? 64
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-300 steel :

= 300
300
= = = 260.87 Mpa
1.15
65
Step 2: Load Analysis
Minimum depth required for serviceability requirement:
= 0.4 + 0.6
400
Here = 4m and = 20 (for simply supported beam from
table 5.1)
300 4000
= 0.4 + 0.6 = 170 ( )
400 20
Assume d = 335mm and b = 250 mm
Assuming Ø20mm main reinforcements and Ø8mm stirrups
∅ 20
Overall depth (D) =d+ + ∅ + = 335 + + 8 + 25 = 378
2 2
Round off to 380mm
66
Self weight of the beam = 0.25*0.38*25 = 2.375 kN/m
Given dead load = 15 kN/m
Total dead load = 15 + 2.375 = 17.375 kN/m
Given live load = 12 kN/m
Factored design load = 1.3Gk + 1.6 Qk
= 1.3 + 1.6 =
= 1.3 17.375 + 1.6 12 = 41.79 kN/m
41.79 ∗ 4
= = = 83.58
8 8
Depth required for limiting section
83.58 ∗ 10
= = = 316. 16
0.2952 0.2952 ∗ 250 ∗ 11.33
67
Consider the effective depth of 320 mm
Overall depth h = 320 + 25 + 20/2 + 8 = 363 mm
Round off to 365 mm
Self weight of the beam = 0.25 * 0.365 * 25 = 2.28 kN/m
Given dead load = 15 kN/m
Total dead load = 15 + 2.25 = 17.28 kN/m
Given live load = 12 kN/m
Factored load = 1.3Gk + 1.6 Qk
w = 1.3DL + 1.6LL =
= 1.3 17.28 + 1.6 12 = 41.664 kN/m
41.664 ∗ 4
= = = 83.33
8 8
68
Depth required for limiting section
83.33 ∗ 10
= = = 315.68
0.2952 0.2952 ∗ 250 ∗ 11.33
Consider the effective depth of 320 mm
Overall depth h = 320 + 25 + 12 + 8 = 365 mm

To find the reinforcement,

2
= 1− 1−

2 ∗ 83.33 ∗ 10 11.33
= 1− 1− = 0.0151
250 ∗ 320 ∗ 11.33 260.87
69
 = = 0.0151 ∗ 250 ∗ 320 = 1208.33
Number of 20 mm dia rods
1208.33
= = = 3.85 ≈ 4
(∅ )/4 (20 )/4

Provide 4 numbers of 20 mm diameter rods.

Spacing required = (4 * 20) + (5 * 25) + (2 * 8) = 221 mm
Space available as b = 250 mm Hence ok

70
2.3.4 Simplified procedure of designing beams by
allowing moment redistribution (According to EBCS 2
– Part 2 (Design aid to EBCS 2)
We know, for 0% redistribution of moment, = 1.,
& in such case, = 0.2952
Here, in EBCS 2 part 2, the value 0.2952 is given a notation ∗

∗
=

If the percentage redistribution is allowed, up to 30%, there

can be different values of µ* for different percentage of
redistribution permitted.
In the above derivation, x = 0.45d is a determination of neutral
axis depth for zero percent redistribution of moments. 71
Here the value 0.45 is given a notation (Neutral axis
depth constant)
Similar values of can be possible for different values of
moment redistribution.
From the preliminary principles,
= . =

here z is the lever arm between tension and compression

forces which can be related to effective depth d by lever
arm constant kz as
= ∗
is a value given in the formulations as follows
72
 =

another value which is included in the equation for

area of steel determination i.e
=
1
= = = ∗

Where, = 1/
Tabulations are made for the values of , , and
for different values of percentage moment redistribution,
using which the area of steel required can be easily
calculated.
73
 2.4 Doubly Reinforced Sections

M = M + ∆M
M = Moment capacity of limiting section where (x = 0.45d)
M = 0.2952
74
A =ρ
2
ρ = 1− 1−

∆M = A f − =A f −
∆M ∆M
A = ; A =
(d − ) (d − )
If > ; =
−
If < ; = =
If it is a limiting section and if <
0.45 −
= =
0.45 75
For balanced section, = 0.8 ; = ;
T=
For equilibrium, + =T
0.8 + =
Steel has yielded if, strain in steel = / or
−
= 0.0035 ∗ ≥ = /
−
= 0.0035 ∗ > = /

If the above conditions hold,

= 0.8 b − 0.4 + ( − )
(x can be determined by the equation above)
76
If steel does not yield first, = 0.8 ;
= ; T=
Then
−
=
0.8
−
= = 0.0035
−
= = 0.0035

In such a case
= 0.8 b − 0.4 + ( − )

77
Example 7: Doubly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
Calculate the moment of resistance of a doubly reinforced beam of
rectangular section of size 300mm x 480mm, reinforced with
6Ø20mm on tension side and 3Ø20mm on compression side. Use
C25 concrete and steel having yield strength fyk of 400 MPa.
b = 300

ℎ , = 25
3Ø20 Assume ∅ = 20 ∅ =8
D = 480

=? =? =?
6Ø20 D =? mm d = D − d =? −? =?

Note: All dimensions are in mm unless

specified
=?

: =?
78
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-400 steel:

= 400
400
= = = 347.83 Mpa
1.15
79
Step 2: Determining whether steel Yields or not
Assuming that steel yields,
6 20 3 20
( − ) − ∗ 347.83
4 4
= = = 120.56
0.8 0.8 ∗ 300 ∗ 11.33
Considering 4 number of rods provided in one row and 2
others provided in another row, the value of effective
cover to tension steel is found as shown.
Y1 = 25 + 8 + 10 = 43mm
Y2 = 25 + 8 + 20 + 25+ 10 = 88mm

80
Effective cover to tension steel = {4(43) + 2(88)}/6 = 58 mm
Therefore effective depth d = 480 – 58 = 422 mm
The effective cover to compression steel d2 = 43 mm
− 120.56 − 43
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.00225
120.56
347.83
= / = = 0.00174
2 ∗ 10
Hence the assumption is correct.
= 0.8 b − 0.4 + ( − )

20
= [0.8 ∗ 120.56 ∗ 300 ∗ 11.33 ∗ 422 − 0.4 120.56 + (3 ∗
4
∗ 347.83 ∗ (422 − 43)] ∗10^−6
= .
81
Example 8: Doubly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
For the same section given in the previous problem, if the
compression steel is 4Ø20mm, determine the moment of
resistance of the section.
b = 300

ℎ , = 25
4Ø20 Assume ∅ = 20 ∅ =8
D = 480

=? =? =?
6Ø20 D =? mm d = D − d =? −? =?

Note: All dimensions are in mm unless

specified
=?

: =?
82
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-400 steel:

= 400
400
= = = 347.83 Mpa
1.15
83
Step 2: Determining whether steel Yields or not
Assuming that steel yields,
6 20 4 20
( − ) − ∗ 347.83
4 4
= = = 80.37
0.8 0.8 ∗ 300 ∗ 11.33
Considering 4 number of rods provided in one row and 2
others provided in another row, the value of effective
cover to tension steel is found as shown.
Y1 = 25 + 8 + 10 = 43mm
Y2 = 25 + 8 + 20 + 25+ 10 = 88mm

84
Effective cover to tension steel = {4(43) + 2(88)}/6 = 58 mm
Therefore effective depth d = 480 – 58 = 422 mm
The effective cover to compression steel d2 = 43 mm
− 80.37 − 43
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.001627
80.37
347.83
= / = = 0.00174
2 ∗ 10
Hence the assumption is not correct.
− 422 − 80.37
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0148
80.37
347.83
= / = = 0.00174
2 ∗ 10
> :
From equilibrium, + =
85
 0.8 b + =
−
0.8 b + 0.0035 ∗ =

4 20 − 43
0.8 300 11.33 + ∗ 0.0035 ∗ ∗ 2 ∗ 10
4
6 20
= ∗ 347.83
4
On solving, x = 83.737 mm
= 0.8 b − 0.4 + 0.0035 ∗ ( − )

4 20
= 0.8 83.737 300 11.33 422 − 0.4 83.73 + ∗ 0.0035
4
83.737 − 43
∗ ∗ 2 ∗ 10 ∗ 2 ∗ 10 ∗ 422 − 43 ∗ 10
83.737
= .
86
Example 9: Doubly Reinforced-Rectangular Beam
Design a rectangular RC section to resist an ultimate moment 360
kNm. The dimensions of the beam are limited to b/d =
350mm/500mm for architectural reason. Use C25 concrete and
S400 steel grades. Cover to the reinforcement at both side =55mm.

b = 350
Assume ∅ = 20 ∅ =8
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d =? −? =?
?
D = 500

=? Note: All dimensions are in mm unless

? specified

: =?
= 55

87
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-400 steel:

= 400
400
= = = 347.83 Mpa
1.15
88
Step 2: Check Whether Section is Singly or Doubly Reinforced
Ultimate moment resistance a limited section
M = 0.2952

2
A =ρ = 1− 1− ∗ ∗

2 ∗ 295.65 ∗ 10 11.33
A = 1− 1− ∗ ∗ 350 ∗ 500
350 ∗ 500 ∗ 11.33 347.83

A = 2046.65
∆M = 360 − 292.65 = 67.35 kNm
∆M 67.3 ∗ 10
A = = = 435.12
(d − ) 347.83 (500 − 55)
A =A +A = 2046.65 + 435.12 = 2481.77
89
 A 2481.77
∅20 , = = = 7.89 ≈ 8
∅ ∗ 20 /4
4
Provide 8 No. of 20mm diameter rods
−
= = 0.45 = 0.45 ∗ 500 = 225

Strength is determined based on limited section, x = 0.45d

225 − 55
= 0.0035 ∗ ∗ 2 ∗ 10 = 528.88 >
225
Use = = 347.83
∆M 67.3 ∗ 10
A = = = 435.12
(d − ) 347.83 (500 − 55)
A 435.12
∅14 , = = = 2.82 ≈ 3
∅ ∗ 14 /4
4
Provide 3 No. of 14mm diameter rods 90
 2.5 T-Beams and L- Beams
When beams are monolithically cast with continuous
slabs the upper part of the beam will act with part of the
slab to resist longitudinal compression in the beam. The
resulting beam cross-section will become “T” or inverted
“L” as shown below.

91
• The section provides a large concrete cross-section of the flange
to resist compressive stresses due to large positive bending
moments.
• The stress distribution varies across the width of the section, but
EBCS-2, 1995/Article 3-78: Recommends An effective width for
uniform stresses.
• Effective flange width should be smaller of the following two
values.
a. For T- beams
+
≤ 5

a. For L- beams
+
≤ 10
1
+
2
92
 be be

hf
d
d
Lf/f
As As Ls

bw bw
a) inverted L-beam b)T-beam
Fig.2.2.3.1 Effective width

93
2.5.1 The behavior of T-sections
• The beam may be treated as a rectangular beam of width , if
the section is subjected to negative bending moments.

• There are also two cases when it is subjected to positive

bending moment. The neutral axis of the T beam may fall either
in the flange or in the web as it depends on the proportion of
the cross-section, the amount of the tensile steel and strength
of the material.
When the neutral axis lies within the flange it is treated as
rectangular beam of width be.

When the neutral axis lies within the web, the section acts as T or
inverted L beam, accordingly, accounting the geometry.

94
2.5.2 Analysis of T-Beams When the N.A. falls in the flange

When 0.8x ≤ ℎ , the beam is designed as a rectangular

beam with =
0.8
= 0.8 = =
= 0.8 − 0.4

95
2.5.3 Analysis of T-Beams When the N.A. falls in the Web

When 0.8x > ℎ , the beam is designed as T-Beam.

For this case, consider the compression area as shown
below.

96
• The design moment M is resisted by the overhangs of
the flanges and web portion of the section.
• There are respective steel areas at the bottom.
= +
Where;
is the moment resisted by the flange overhangs and
corresponding steel
is the moment resisted by the web section and the
corresponding steel

97
 :
ℎ
= − ℎ − & =
2 ℎ
−
2

Note from C=T of Flange, − ℎ =

:

0.8 = =
0.8

= − 0.4 & =
− 0.4

The total area of steel at the bottom is given by:

= +
98
 Example 10: T-Beam – Single Reinforced – NA Flange
A beam simply supported over a span of 6m carries a super
imposed load of 40kN/m. The center to center spacing of beams in
transverse direction is 3m. Design the mid span section of an
intermediate beam as a T-beam for the following additional data.
Thickness of the slab=120mm, Width of web= 200mm
Total depth of beam=600mm,
Concrete grade= C25 & Steel grade=S-300

Assume ∅ = 20 ∅ =6
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d =? −? =?
LL = 40kN/m DL = 6.6kN/m
Note: All dimensions are in mm unless
specified

6m
: =? 99
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-300 steel:

= 300
300
= = = 260.87 Mpa
1.15
100
Step 2: Load Analysis
6000
+ = 200 + = 1400
≤ 5 5
ℎ ℎ ℎ
=3 = 3000

Therefore, = 1400
Dead load of the beam =[1.4*0.12+0.2*0.48]*25 = 6.6 kN/m
Imposed Load = 40 kN/m
Total factored load = 1.3DL+1.6LL =1.3(6.6)+1.6(40)= 72.58 kN/m
wl 72.58 ∗ 6
Design Moment , M = = = 326.61 kNm
8 8

101
Step 3: Determine location of neutral axis Web or Flange
Assuming the neutral axis to fall in the flange
= 0.8 − 0.4
326.61 ∗ 10 = 0.8( )(1400)(11.33) 559 − 0.4
− 1397.5 + 64345.99 = 0
Solving for gives = 47.669 & = 1346
Taking the reasonable value = 47.67mm and comparing
with ℎ = 120mm , < ℎ which implies the neutral axis
falls within the flange.
0.8 0.8(47.67)(1400)(11.33)
= =
260.87
= 2318.7
102
 A 2318.8
∅20 , = = = 7.3 ≈ 8
∅ ∗ 20 /4
4
Therefore, provide 8Ø20mm main bars
The provided effective width for placing these bars is
=b-2 -2∅ =200-2*25-2*6=138 mm
But these bars need, 8∅ +7 =8(20)+7(20)=300 mm
300 mm > 138 mm, We can not place 8Ø20 bars in a single raw.
Lets try two raw arrangements
Required width = 4∅ +3 = 4(20)+3(20)=140 mm
Still the effective width is not sufficient. Putting them in three rows
as shown in the fig, they need
3∅ +2 = 3(20)+2(20)=100 mm < 138 mm … Ok!
This shows that the three row arrangement is possible.
103
 = −
= 600 − 81 = 519
20
= 25 + 6 + = 41
2
20
= 25 + 6 + 20 + 25 + = 86
2
20
= 25 + 6 + 20(2) + 25(2) + = 131
2
3 +3 +2 3(41) + 3(86) + 2(131)
= = = 80.375
8 8
≈ 81
104
Assuming the neutral axis to fall in the flange
= 0.8 − 0.4
326.61 ∗ 10 = 0.8( )(1400)(11.33) 519 − 0.4
− 1297.5 + 64345.99 = 0

= 51.65mm < ℎ = 120mm , which implies the neutral

axis falls within the flange.
0.8 0.8(51.65)(1400)(11.33)
= = = 2512.43
260.87
A 2512.43
∅20 , = = = 7.9 ≈ 8
∅ ∗ 20 /4
4
Therefore, 8Ø20mm main bars is ok for this section!
105
Example 11: T-Beam – Singly Reinforced – NA Flange
Design a T-Beam with = 1000 , ℎ = 100 , =
250 , d = 450 and Moment to be carried, M = 470
Materials: Concrete = 25 / & Steel = 400 /
(Class I Works)

Assume ∅ = 24 ∅ =8
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d =? −? =?

Note: All dimensions are in mm unless

specified

: =?

106
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For Concrete:
= 25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 25
= = = 14.17
1.5

For steel:
= 400
400
= = = 347.83 Mpa
1.15

107
Step 2: Determine location of neutral axis Web or Flange
Assuming the neutral axis to fall in the flange
= 0.8 − 0.4
470 ∗ 10 = 0.8( )(1000)(14.17) 450 − 0.4
− 1125 + 103676.2266 = 0
Solving for gives = 101.27mm
0.8 = 0.8 101.27 = 81.02mm < ℎ = 100

Section can be designed as rectangular beam of width

0.8 0.8(101.27)(1000)(14.17)
= = = 2889.41
400
A 2889.41
∅24 , = = = 6.39 ≈ 7
∅ ∗ 24 /4
4
Therefore, provide 7Ø24mm main bars! 108
Example 12: T-Beam – Singly Reinforced – NA Web
Design a T-Beam with = 1000 , ℎ = 100 , =
250 , d = 450 and Moment to be carried, M = 470
Materials: Concrete C-25and Steel S-460 (Class I Works)

Assume ∅ = 24 ∅ =8
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d =? −?
=?

Note: All dimensions are in mm

unless specified

: =?
109
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-25 Concrete:
25
= = 20
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 20
= = = 11.33
1.5

For S-460 steel:

= 460
460
= = = 400 Mpa
1.15
110
Step 2: Determine location of neutral axis Web or Flange
Assuming the neutral axis to fall in the flange
= 0.8 − 0.4
470 ∗ 10 = 0.8( )(1000)(11.33) 450 − 0.4
Solving for in the quadratic equation gives = 130.33mm
0.8 = 0.8 130.33 = 104.26mm > ℎ = 100
Thus, the beam shall be designed as T-Beam.

From equilibrium in flange Only C = T

− ℎ =
− ℎ 1000 − 250 ∗ 100 ∗ 11.33
= = = 2124.38
400
ℎ 100
= − = 2124.38 400 450 − = 339.9
2 2
111
 = − = 470 − 339.9 = 130.1

Now let us provide the reinforcement for this remaining

moment .
= 0.8 − 0.4 = ( − 0.4
130.1 ∗ 10 = 0.8( )(250)(11.33) 450 − 0.4

This give rise to a quadratic equation and after solving it

= 146.72
130.1 ∗ 10
= = = 831.18
− 0.4 400 450 − 0.4(146.72)

The total area of reinforcement will sum up to be

= + = 2124.38 + 831.18 = 2955.6
112
2.5.4 Doubly Reinforced T-Beams – NA lies in Flange
If neutral axis lies in Flange
From Equilibrium, + =
0.8 + =
−
=
0.8
If both compression and tension reinforcement yields
( − )
=
0.8
= 0.8 − 0.4 + ( − )
113
Example 13: T-Beam – Doubly Reinforced – NA Flange
Calculate the moment of resistance of a doubly
reinforced T-section as shown in figure, having a simply
supported span of 5 m. Assume C20 concrete and steel
having fyk of 400 MPa to be used.

Assume ∅ =? ∅ =?
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d
=? −? =?

Note: All dimensions are in mm

unless specified

: =?
114
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-20 Concrete:
20
= = 16
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 16
= = = 9.1
1.5

For S-400 steel:

= 400
400
= = = 347.83 Mpa
1.15
115
Step 2: Determining depth of neutral axis and determine whether
steel Yields or not
Assuming that steel yields and NA lies in flange,
( − ) 3000 − 1000 ∗ 347.83
= = = 96.62
0.8 0.8 ∗ 1000 ∗ 9.1
= 96.62 < 120 NA falls in flange
− 96.62 − 50
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.00168
96.62
347.83
= / = = 0.00173
2 ∗ 10
Hence Compression steel does not yield
− 450 − 96.62
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0128 > = 0.00173
96.62

Tension steel yields and

116
From equilibrium, + =
0.8 + =
−
0.8 + ∗ 0.0035 ∗ ∗ =
− 50
0.8 1000 9.1 + 1000 ∗ 0.0035 ∗ ∗ 2 ∗ 10 = (3000)(347.83)

On Solving = 97.54mm < ℎ = 120mm → NA falls in flange

= 0.8 − 0.4 + ( − )
0.8 97.54 1000 9.1 450 − 0.4(97.54 +
= 97.54 − 50 ∗ 10
1000 ∗ 0.0035 ∗ ∗ 2 ∗ 10 450 − 50
97.54
= .

117
2.5.5 Doubly Reinforced T-Beams – NA lies in Web
If neutral axis lies in web
Ultimate moment resistance = + ∆M
ℎ
= 0.8 ( − 0.4 )+ − ℎ −
2
∆M = (d − )

From Equilibrium, + =
0.8 + − ℎ =

If both compression and tension steel yields

0.8 + − ℎ ∆M
= & =
(d − )

The total area of steel at the bottom is given by: = +

118
Example 14: T-Beam – Doubly Reinforced – NA Web
Calculate the amount of steel required in a T – beam to
resist a factored moment of 450 kNm. The dimensions
are as shown in the figure. C20 concrete and steel from
Ethiopian iron and steel factory, Akaki are used.

Assume ∅ = 24 ∅ =8
=? =?
D =? mm d = D − d
=? −? =?

Note: All dimensions are in mm

unless specified

: =?
119
Solution:
Step 1: Material Properties
For C-20 Concrete:
20
= = 16
1.25
0.85 0.85 ∗ 16
= = = 9.1
1.5

For S-420 steel:

= 420
420
= = = 365.22 Mpa
1.15
120
Step 2: Determining depth of neutral axis and determine
capacity of a limited section
Assuming NA lies in flange,
= 0.8 − 0.4
450 ∗ 10 = 0.8 (750)(9.1) 500 − 0.4
− 1250 + 208333.33 = 0
On solving, x = 198 mm
0.8 = 0.8 198 = 158.43 > ℎ = 100mm NA falls in web
Step 3: Check the limiting capacity of the beam
Section shall be designed as a limiting section.
Limiting depth of NA, = 0.45d = 0.45(500) = 225 mm
0.8 = 0.8 225 = 180
121
Moment of resistance of limiting section
ℎ
= 0.8 ( − 0.4 )+ − ℎ −
2
= 0.8 225 200 9.1 500 − 0.4 225 +
100
750 − 200 (100)(9.1) 500 −
2
= 355.6 < 450
> : 122
 0.8 + − ℎ
=

0.8(225)(200)(9.1)] + 750 − 200 ∗ 100 ∗ 9.1

=
365.22
= 2242.48
∆ = − = − = 450 − 355.6 = 94.4

Assuming compression steel yields

∆M 94.4 ∗ 10
= = = 574.39
(d − ) 365.22(500 − 50)

Total area of tension steel,

= + = 2242.48 + 574.39 = 2816.87
123
Check whether compression steel yield or not
− 225 − 50
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0027
225
365.22
= / = = 0.0018
2 ∗ 10
Hence Compression steel yields (assumption is correct)

− 500 − 225
= 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0035 ∗ = 0.0043 > = 0.0018
225

Tension steel yields and

(assumption is correct)

124
Thank You!

125