Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

CHAPTER 02
ELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF RC BEAMS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Elastic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) flexural members is relevant specifically regarding
deflections of beams during the service stage where actual (unfactored) loads are applied on the
member. Moreover, elastic analysis can also be used to determine the concrete and steel reinforcement
stresses. Consequently, elastic analysis can be used to determine the member cracking load when the
concrete tension stress reaches the modulus of rupture, its full tensile strength.

Concrete is strong in compression but has a very low tensile strength referred to as the Modulus of
Rupture. The NSCP 2015 Code defines this value as equal to

Modulus of Rupture, f r=0.62 λ √ f ' c (NSCP 2015, Eqn. 419.2.3.1)

Where  = 1.0 for normal weight concrete. (NSCP 2015, Table 419.2.4.2)

When the maximum concrete tensile stress reaches the modulus of rupture, the concrete member is said
to have incipient cracking. On the other hand, when the concrete tensile stresses are below the modulus
of rupture, the concrete section is considered to be uncracked.

The analysis of reinforced concrete flexural members is based on the assumption of a cracked section.
As such, the tension of the concrete is then assumed to be zero and the part of the beam cross section in
the tension side of the neutral axis is assumed to be non-participating.

A reinforced concrete section is a non-homogeneous member, i.e. it is made up of two materials,

namely: concrete and steel. Equations in elastic theory to determine stresses and deflections are based on
the section properties of a homogeneous section or one material only. Therefore, there is a need to
convert the non-homogeneous section into a homogeneous section. In this subject, the primary material
is concrete. Therefore, the steel material is converted into equivalent concrete. The procedure for this
conversion into a homogeneous section is illustrated in the following discussions.

Figure 2.1 shows an applied force on a reinforced concrete cylinder. An external force P is resisted by
the two internal forces Ps for steel and Pc for concrete.

The equilibrium equation therefore is

[∑F = 0]
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

P=P s + Pc Eqn. (2.1)

AS

AC
Ps + Pc
Figure 2.1

Since there is one available equilibrium equation only, the system is therefore indeterminate. The
additional equation will come from compatibility considering the elastic deformation of the structure
and its components.

Concrete and the steel are bonded together and will deform equally and from compatibility relationship,

[ Δc= Δs = Δ ]
where, c = concrete deformation

s = steel deformation

 = system deformation

σL
Applying δ = ∨δ =PL/ AE
E

PL P c Lc P s Ls
Δ= ; Δc = ; Δ s=
AE A c Ec A s Es

P c Lc Ps Ls
=
A c Ec As Es

Lc A s E s
Ps =Pc
Ls A c E c

Substitute the value of Ps to Equation 1, we have

Lc A s E s
P=Pc +P c
Ls A c E c

Now, we introduce the following terms

 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

Es
n = modular ratio = Ec (rounded to nearest whole number)

Taking note that Ls = Lc = L and using the modular ratio, the equilibrium equation above simplifies into
the following where is Pc is factored out.

As
P= n
( Ac )
+ 1 Pc

Multiplying the right side of the equation with (Ac/Ac) and simplifying, we get

As Ac
P= n
( Ac
+ 1 Pc∗
) ( )
Ac
Pc
P=( nA s + A c )
Ac

Pc
In the above equation, the term is the concrete stress (fc). Solving for fc, we have:
Ac

Pc P
f c= =
Ac nA s + A c

In the resulting equation, the concrete stress is determined by converting the non-homogeneous
section into an equivalent concrete homogeneous section. The denominator is supposedly the
“total concrete area” of the transformed section. This is achieved by converting steel into
equivalent concrete by simply multiplying the steel area As with the modular ratio, n.

The modular ratio “n” is usually expressed as a round number. The moduli of elasticity of the two
materials are

Es
Modular Ratio, n=
Ec

Where Ec =4700 √ f ' c (NSCP 2015, Sec.419.2.2.1.b)

Where Es = 200,000 MPa (NSCP 2015, Sec. 420.2.2.2)

The modular ratio, n = 200/4.7√ f c ' and is rounded to the nearest whole number.

Furthermore, the steel stress can also be determined from the above equations using a similar procedure.

Ps P
f s= =
As Ac
As +
n

P
f s= ∗n
nA s + A c
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

f s =f c n Eqn.(2.2)

From Eqn. 2.2, the steel stress is determined by multiplying the concrete stress in the surrounding
concrete with the modular ratio, “n”.

2.2 Singly Reinforced Rectangular Beams

Consider now a beam with a width “b” and an effective depth “d”. “d” is measured from the extreme
compression fiber to the centroid of the tensile steel reinforcements. As shown in Figure 2.1, the
effective net area of the cracked section under positive moment (bent concave upward with compression
above and tension below the neutral axis) is composed of the concrete compression zone (shaded area)
and the reinforcing bars in the tension zone. The figure is reversed upside down when the section is
subject to negative moment (bent concave downward with compression below and tension above the
neutral axis).

Neutral Neutral N.A.

Axis Axis
d
As nAs

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 2.2 Transformed Beam Section

The concrete below the neutral axis is shown as a dashed portion because this is in the tension zone and
is considered to be non-participating.

Figure 2.2(b) shows the steel tension reinforcements lumped together as a single representative rein-
forcing bar ( which will henceforth be referred to as rebar for short) with the same total area, As.

Using the same approach to the reinforced concrete cylinder, the beam cross section will be converted
into a homogeneous concrete section by simply multiplying the steel area A s with the modular ratio, “n”.
Figure 2.2(c) shows the transformed beam section which is now homogeneous (composed of a single
concrete material). It must be noted that the steel area is increased sideways in order that the lever arms
of the steel material used for determining the elastic section properties (e.g. neutral axis and moment of
inertia) remain unchanged.

The section shown below is an unsymmetrical section. The section properties are therefore determined
in the following sequence: area, neutral axis, moment of inertia.

The neutral axis is located using the relationship of summing moments about the N.A. as follows:

∑ M area above=∑ M area below:

 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

c
Therefore, bc × =n A s ( d−c )
2

Figure 2.3 Transformed Section Stresses and Strains

This leads to a quadratic equation for “c”

b 2
c +n A s c−n A s d=0
c

b
c=
√
−n A s ± (n A s)2 + 4( )( n A s d)
b
2 Eq.(2.3)

Introducing the terms

As
ρ=steel ratio= , so A s =ρbd and substituting this for As, we obtain:
bd

c=
√
−nρbd ± ( nρbd ) + 4
2
( b2 )( nρb d )
2

b
2
−nρ+ √( nρ ) + ( 2 nρ )
c= × ( bd )
b

which now simplifies to this equation for k = c/d

c
=(− ρn+ √ ( ρn )2 +2 ρn)
d
n. (2.4)
k =−ρn+ √ (ρn)2+ 2 ρn Eq

Now, the moment of inertia “I” is determined. It is noted that “I” is minimum when measured from a
line passingbh
through
3 its centroid.
h 2 Thus, the “I” for a rectangle taken about an axis passing through the
I=
base will
12 (2 )
increase.+bh
And for the figure 2.4 (b), the centroid was taken from its base and gives us;

1 1
= bh ( 3
+ )
12 4
bh3
=
3
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

(a) (b)

Figure 2.4 Transfer of Axis to the Base

From Figure 2.3, the moment of inertia of the transformed section can now be expressed as
3
bc 2
I tr = +nA s ( d−c ) Eq. (5)
3

In the formula above, the steel area “nA s” is considered to be a thin rectangle and the contribution of “I o”
in the transfer formula is neglected. Thus, the contribution of the steed area to the moment of inertia is
simply nAs(d-c)2.

2.2.1 Steps in Solving Singly Reinforced Rectangular Beams (Analysis Problem)

First of all in solving a problem, the type of problem must be identified whether it is an analysis problem
or a design problem. An analysis problem is where all the material and section properties are given and
what is to be determined are the capacities. A design problem is where the loads and material properties
are given and the required section that will satisfy the Code requirements are determined or “designed”.

Outlined below is the typical analysis procedure for elastic RC beams. Given are the section dimensions
b and d and the material properties fc’ and fy. In some problems, the effective depth “d” will have to be
determined.

1. Solve for the effective depth, (d)

Es 200
2. Compute the modular ratio, (n) n= E c = 4. 7 √ f ' c
3. Total area of steel reinforcement, (As)

As
4. Compute the steel ratio, ρ= bd

5. Solve for the location of neutral axis, c=kd= d (−ρn+ √( ρn)2+2 ρn )

bc 3
I tr = +nA s ( d −c )2
6. Compute Itr, 3

The moment inertia “I” is used to determine deflections in the flexural stiffness term “EI”.

7. Solve for the moment capacity based on the lower of the two values below.

Based on concrete allowable stress, fc

 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

Mc fc I
f c= M=
I tr ; c

Based on steel allowable stress, fs

f s I tr
M (d−c) M=
f s= n; (d−c ) n
I tr

Example 2.1. For the beam shown above, determine the concrete and steel stresses at the locations of
the maximum positive and negative moments. Use fc’ = 25 MPa.

Solution:

First, we determine the reactions.

∑ M =0

1 1 9
Ra =
[
8 2 ( )]
( 30 ) ( 9 ) −1
3

¿ 33.75 kN

∑ F=0

30( 9)
Rb = −33.75 kN
2

¿ 101.25 kN

From ratio and proportion,

8
w b= (30 )=26.6 67 kN /m
9
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

The maximum negative moment is at point B

M L2
¬¿= (2 w c +w b)¿
6

12
¿ (2∗30+26.667)
6

¿ 14.444 kN ∙ m

The maximum positive moment will occur at the point of zero shear which is determined below.

Ra =33.75 kN

x 10
w ( x )= ∗30= x
9 3

∑ F v =0

1 1 10
2
wx=33.75 kN ⟹
2 3
x x=33.75 kN ( )
x=4.5 m

Now, the maximum positive moments can be determined. Determine the stresses at the point of
maximum positive moment. The sections are first computed.

M pos =Ra x− ( 12 wx )( x3 )
¿ Ra x ( 32 )

In determining the stresses at the point of maximum positive moment, the section properties are first
computed

200
n=
4.7 √ f c '

200
n= =8.51 ≈ 9
4.7 √ 25
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

252 π 2
A s=4 x =1963 . 5 mm
4

As 1963.5
ρn=n
bd
=9 (
250∗630 )
=0.1122

2 2
c=[ −ρn+ √ ( ρn ) +2 ρn ]∗d=[ (−0.1122 ) + √ ( 0.1122 ) +2(0.1122) ]∗630=236.01 mm

bc3
I tr = +n A s ¿
3

¿ 250 ¿ ¿

¿ 3.839 x 109 mm4

The concrete and rebar stresses can be determined using the maximum positive moment.

Mc
f c=
I tr

101.25 x 10 6 x 236.01
f c= =6.2245 MPa
3.839 x 10 9

M (d−c) 101.25 x 106 x (630−236. 01)

f s= n= x9
I tr 3.839 x 109

f s Mc
¿ 93.52 MPa⟹ = ; c=(d−c )
n I tr

At the point of maximum negative moment, the stresses are determined following the same procedure
used in the foregoing calculations at the point of maximum positive moment. However, this time the
tension reinforcements for negative moment are the top bars.

Section properties:

162 π 2
A s=4 x =804.25 mm
4

200
n=
4.7 √ f c '

200
n= =8.51 ≈ 9
4.7 √ 25

As 804.25
ρn=n
bd
=9 (
250∗630 )
=0.045957

2 2
c=[ −ρn+ √ ( ρn ) +2 ρn ]∗d=[ (−0.045957 ) + √ ( 0.045957 ) + 2 ( 0.045957 ) ]∗630

¿ 164.23 mm
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

bc3
I tr = +n A s ¿
3

¿ 250 ¿ ¿

The concrete and steel rebar stresses at this point of maximum negative moments are

Mc M (d−c)
f c= ; f s= n
I tr I tr

14.444 x 106 x 164.23

f c= =1.2231 MPa
1.9394 x 109

14.444 x 10 6 x (630−164.23)
f s= x 9 ¿ 31.22 MPa
1.9394 x 109
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

2.3 Doubly Reinforced Rectangular Beams

tensile bars

Figure 2.5

Doubly reinforced beams are called as such because aside from tension reinforcements there are also
compression reinforcements as shown above. In Figure 2.5 where the section is subjected to positive
moment, tension is at the bottom and compression is at the top. Consequently, similar to singly
reinforced rectangular beams, the dimensions of the rectangular cross-section have a width “b” and an
effective depth “d” which is measured from the extreme compression fibre to the centroid of the tension
reinforcement. What is new in doubly reinforced rectangular beam is the presence of the compression
reinforcements represented by the area A ' s and the distance of the centroid of the compression bars from
the extreme compression fiber is designated as d' .

Doubly reinforced sections are resorted to when large moments have to be resisted but there are
limitations to the beam size. Thus, additional moment capacity is provided by introducing compression
bars together with an increase in the tension bars.
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

Figure 2.6

In elastic theory, similar to the discussion in the singly reinforced rectangular beams, in order to analyze
the cross-section, the section will have to be homogeneous, that is, it should be made up of a single
material only. Similarly, the steel reinforcements are converted into equivalent concrete. The tensile
reinforcements are converted into equivalent concrete by multiplying A s with the modular ratio “n”.
However, with the compression bars, there is such thing as concrete creep.

Concrete creep is the plastic flow of concrete that occurs slowly over a long period of time when the
concrete member is under a constant compressive stress. Concrete will undergo additional shortening or
contraction.

Creep flow will occur over several years. It will be rapid at the beginning and it will taper off after a few
months and after a few years. Essentially, what happens to creep flow is that the compression strain will
double and since the compression bars are bonded with the concrete in the compression zone indicated
in the shaded area in Figure 2.5, consequently, the compression bars will experience the same
compressive strain which will essentially double over time. If the strain in the compression steel will
double, hence the stress will also double. Effectively, the area of the compression bars, when converted
into equivalent concrete, will have to be doubled. So, the compression bars therefore will have to be
multiplied by a factor of “2n” to convert it to equivalent concrete.

Referring again to Figure 2.5, the concrete compression region is no longer a solid rectangle because the
compression bars occupy space in the rectangular compression region. This region will be reduced into a
rectangle with holes.

To simplify the analysis, i.e. avoiding a rectangular section with holes, the compression areas can be
combined and rearranged. The total transformed area will now be made up of the concrete compression
solid rectangle with dimensions “b” and “c” with the area occupied by the compression bars A ' s
deducted from the rectangle b and c this will be combine with the
Creep Flow = 2n
converted area of the compression bars which is n x A ' x 2 due to creep.
s

Compression Area ¿ ( b × c− A' s ) +2 n A ' s

Conversion of compression bars to its equivalent concrete
¿ b × c+(2 n−1) A ' s

The two terms above can now be considered as two regular polygons: a rectangle b x c and a very thin
rectangle ( 2 n−1 ) A's . This will now allow us to determine the elastic section properties.

The location of the neutral axis or centroid is determined by summing up of the moments of the areas
above and equating this to the sum of moments of the area below the neutral axis.

Mn.a. = 0
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

1
bc⋅ c+(2 n−1) A ' s (c−d ' )=nA s ( d−c )
2
b 2
c +[(2 n−1 ) A ' s +nAs ]c−[(2 n−1) A ' s d '+nA s d]=0
2
The left-hand side of the equation above represents the expression for the moment of the area above the
neutral axis. For the solid rectangle, the area is b x c and the distance of its centroid from the neutral axis
c
is where c is the height of the compression block or region. Added to this will be the equivalent area
2
of the compression bar which is ( 2 n−1 ) A's multiplied by the distance from the neutral axis to centroid of
the compression bar which is −d ' . The right-hand side of the equation is the moment of the area below
the neutral axis which is n A s x ( d−c ) . This expression is identical with the singly reinforced rectangular
beam.

−B ± √ B2 +4 AC
This will lead to a quadratic equation. The coefficients of the quadratic equation c= are
2A
as follows:

b
A¿ ; ¿ ( 2 n−1 ) A 's + n A s ; C=( 2 n−1 ) A's d ' +n A s d
2

Having determined the location of the neutral axis defined as c then the moment of inertia of the
transformed section can now be solved. It is noted that the first two terms are taken up from the formula
for the singly reinforced rectangular beam as shown,

b c3 2 ' 2
I tr = +n A s ( d−c ) + ( 2n−1 ) A s ( c−d ' ) .
3

The third term represents the contribution of the compression bars to the moment of inertia using the
Varignon’s Theorem, I ¿ I o+ A d 2. The compression bars are treated as a very thin rectangle where I o is
neglected.

Having determined the moment of inertia, the deflections and stresses can now be determined from the
formulas that were already derived from singly reinforced rectangular beams. However, for stresses, the
My
only thing new is the stress in the compression bar which is based from the formula f= . In this case
I
for the compression bars, “y” is the distance from the neutral axis to the compression bar which has been
determined before as c−d ' . However, this term is only the concrete stress at the level of the
compression bar. To convert this into steel stress, we have to multiply it with the term 2 n (due to creep
flow).

Summarizing therefore the procedure for the analysis of doubly reinforced rectangular beams, outlined
below is the step-by-step procedure.

Given the dimensions, b, d, d’, the area of the reinforcements A s and A's , and material properties f 'c and
f y , the solution will be as follows:
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

(1) Solve for n,

(2) Solve for c,

(3) Proceed in solving the transfer moment of inertia.

However, if there’s a need to determine the stresses, then the formulas below are the expressions for the
stresses of concrete, tension bars and compression bars.

Stresses:
Mc
Concrete: f c =
I tr
M (d−c )
Tensile Bars: f s = ∗n
I tr
M (c−d ' )
Compression Bars: f ' s = ∗2 n
I tr

Example 2.2. Determine the maximum concrete and steel stresses for the section shown when subjected
to a positive moment of 170 kN-m. Use concrete fc’ of 30 MPa.

Solution: 70
3 – 20
d’ = 70 mm
d = 70 + 307.5 + (3/5)*50 = 407.5 mm
n = 200/(4.7√ 30) = 7.77 say 8 307.5
As = 5**252/4 = 2454.4 mm2
A’s = 3**202/4 = 942.48 mm2
5 – 25 50
72.5
The quadratic coefficients can now be determined to locate the
neutral axis.
300 mm
A = b/2 = 300/2 = 150 mm
B = ( 2 n−1 ) A's+ n A s = 15*942.48 + 8*2454.4 = 33,772 mm2
C = ( 2 n−1 ) A's d ' +n A s d = 15*942.48*70 + 8*2454.4*407.5 = 8,990,845 mm3

c = [−33,772+ √ 33,7722 + 4∗150∗8,990,845]/[2∗150] = 156.89 mm

Now, the moment of inertia can be determined.

b c3 2 ' 2
I tr = +n A s ( d−c ) + ( 2n−1 ) A s ( c−d ' ) = [300*156.893/3 + 8*2454.4*(407.5-156.89)2
3

+ 15*942.48*(156.89-70)2]/106 = 1726.09x106 mm4

The moment of inertia of the homogeneous section can now be used to determine the concrete stresses.
The maximum concrete stress is
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

170 x 106 x 156.89

fc = Mc/I = = 15.452 MPa.
1726.09 x 106

The concrete stresses at the level of the steel reinforcements will have to be converted and the values for
the tensile and compressive steel stresses, respectively, are

M ( d−c ) 170 ( 407.5−156.89 )

fst = ∗n= ∗8=¿197.46 MPa and
I 1726

M ( c−d ') 170 (156.89−70 )

fsc = ∗2 n= ∗16=¿136.93 MPa.
I 1726

2.4 Irregular Sections

Oftentimes, irregular sections other than simple rectangle are used for concrete flexural members. The
T-section (including the inverted T and I section) and the box section can be used for beams or girders.
For floor systems, pre-casted sections that are either in the form of channels, hollow core, or double-tees
are used.

The analysis approach for irregular sections, regardless of shape, is similar. Therefore, although what
will be discussed in detail will only be that for T-section, the formulas that will be derived will also be
applicable to other irregular sections (except the hollow core to a certain extent).

TEE SECTION BOX INVERTED TEE CHANNEL

HOLLOW CORE DOUBLE TEE I-SECTION

2.4.1 Analysis

The analysis will be for an irregular section subject to positive moment, with tension at the bottom and
compression at the top. Essentially the problem can be categorized into two types.

Case 1 is when there is little amount of tension reinforcement such that the equivalent compression
region will also be limited. In such a case, the neutral axis will be fall within the compression top flange
as illustrated below. It can be seen that the compression region is rectangular and this will be valid for
all the sections as long as the neutral axis within the flange. This is because the area below the neutral
axis is the tension zone and the concrete in this zone is neglected in the analysis for positive moment.
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

In the cases shown above, the concrete compression zone is rectangular and is identical to that of a
singly reinforced rectangular beam. Therefore, all the formulas for singly reinforced rectangular beam
will be valid and the analysis will follow the same procedure.

The other category, Case 2, is when there is a large amount of tension reinforcement such that the
compression zone already extends below the flange and into the web of the T-section as shown in the
figure.

N.A.

The compression region is now no longer a simple rectangle but irregular in shape. Therefore, in this
situation, the procedure for determining the section properties will be different. In computing the
properties, it is convenient to the divide the T-section compression region into two regions made up of
rectangles. The first region (Zone I) represents the flange portion excluding that portion of the flange
directly above the web or the stem. The second region (Zone II) includes the excluded portion of the
flange and the portion of the web in the compression region as shown below.

I I
II
N.A.

It should be noted that in computing the section properties (neutral axis and moment of inertia), the two
separate rectangles representing Zone I can be moved sideways and combined together into a single
rectangle without affecting the vertical lever arms and thus do not affect the values of the neutral axis
and moment of inertia. The dimensions of this combined rectangles are width “b – bw” and height “tf”.

To compute the section properties, the section is first transformed into a homogeneous section where the
steel is converted into equivalent concrete by multiplying As with the modular ratio “n”.

b
tf I I
II c
N.A.
d
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

nAs

bw

Next is to determine the location of the neutral axis defined by “c”, the distance from the extreme
compression fiber to the neutral axis. This is done by summing the moment of the areas above the
neutral axis and equating this to the moment of the area below the N.A.

(b - bw)tf*(c – tf/2) + (bwc)*(c/2) = (nAs)*(d – c)

This will result into a quadratic equation for “c”.

bw 2 b−b w 2
2 [
c + [ ( b−bw ) t f +n As ] c−
2 ]
t f +n A s d =0

To simplify the calculations for “c”, the coefficients of the quadratic equations can be computed first.

bw
A=
2

B=( b−b w ) t f +n A s

b−bw 2
C= t f +n A s d
2

The quadratic equation is now in its standard form.

−B+ √ B 2+ 4 AC
c=
2A

Having determined the location of the neutral axis, we can now proceed in solving for the transformed
moment of inertia, I tr.
2
1 tf bw c
3
I tr = (b−bw )t f +(b−bw )(t f ) c− +
12
3
2 3( ) +nA s (d−c )
2

2.4.2 Concrete and Steel Stresses

fc

N.A.
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

fs

The stresses for concrete and steel are determined using the same formulas for singly reinforced
rectangular beams.

Mc M (d−c)
f c= and f s= ∗n
I tr I tr

2.5 Summarized Analysis Procedure

The analysis procedure for beams with irregular sections can now be summarized as follows. The
procedure will be identical even for hollow core sections if the N.A. falls within the compression flange.
Otherwise, the web of the hollow core is circular and the portion of the web in the compression region is
difficult to quantify if the N.A. falls within the web.

The general procedure for irregular sections with “rectangular” webs is as follows:

1. Solve for the modular ratio “n” and transform the steel area into “nAs”.

2. Assume “c” is equal to “tf”. Solve for the moment of the concrete area above the N.A. and
moment of the area of the transformed steel below the N.A. Obviously, these two values will not
be equal. But the formula for determining the location of the centroid requires that they should
be equal. If the moment of the concrete area is greater than the moment of the transformed steel
area, then the concrete area will have to be reduced and therefore c < t f and Case 1 will govern.
Otherwise, c > tf and Case 2 will be applicable.

3. The assumed value of “c” above represents the boundary between Case 1 and Case 2.
Therefore, if “c” is less than “tf”, then the analysis procedure will be identical to a singly
reinforced rectangular beam and the analysis will proceed following the outlined procedure for
singly reinforced beams.

But if “c” is greater than “tf”, then the analysis will proceed for that of an irregular section
following the steps outlined below.

4. Use the quadratic formula for “c” by solving first the coefficients A, B, C.

5. Solve for the transformed moment of inertia, Itr.

6. Use the section properties to solve for the concrete and steel stresses and/or deflections.
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

The flowchart for the analysis procedure is presented below.

Solve for n

Assume “c” equals “tf” and solve for the moment of the area
above and moment area below

Solve for
Moment of Areas:
Moment above N.A. > Moment below N.A.

YES NO

Analyse following the Use the quadratic

procedure for singly formula for “c” by
reinforced beams solving first the
constants A, B, C.

Solve for the

transformed moment of
inertia.

Solve for concrete and

steel stresses and/or
deflections
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

Example 2.3.

A beam has a simple span length of 8.5m. Find maximum deflection due to a uniform load of 15 kN/m
and the beam weight. Use fc’ = 20 MPa and c = 24 kN/m3.
75 200 75

100

w = 15 kN/m + beam weight

d = 550mm
400 L = 8.5m

100

4 – 20mmrebars

Solution:

Transform the rebars into equivalent concrete to have a homogeneous section.

200
n= = 9.52 say 10
4.7 √ 20

10∗π
nAs = ∗202∗4=¿ 12,566 mm2
4

Assume that c = 100 mm, the thickness of the top flange. Summing moments about this N.A.,

350*100*50 (< or > ?) 12566*(550-100)

1,750,000 mm3 < 5,654,867 mm3

From the above results, the concrete area is not enough and needs to be increased in order that the
moment of the areas above and below the N.A. will be equal. This means that the N.A. has to be
lowered into the webs to increase the concrete area. This also means that the section will have to be
analyzed as an “irregular” section since the concrete compression region is no longer rectangular.

The procedure now will continue using the analysis procedure for “irregular” sections. The coefficients
of the quadratic equation are first be determined in order to locate the N.A. Note that b w = 2*75 =
150mm and b – bw = 200mm are the values to be used in the general procedure.

A = 150/2 = 75 mm
B = 200*100 + 12566 = 32,566 mm2
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

200
C= 1002 + 12566*550 = 7,911,504 mm3
2

The location of the N.A. defined by “c” is

−32,566+ √ 32,5662 +4∗75∗7,911,300

c=
2∗75

c = 173.56 mm

The moment of inertia of the transformed homogeneous section is solved next.

200∗1003
I tr = +(200∗100)¿
12
200
I tr =2,547.5∗106 mm4

The beam weight is determined as follows.

Beam area = 350*600 – 400*200 = 130,000 mm2

Beam weight = 0.13*24 = 3.12 kN/m

400 600
Total load, w = 15 + 3.12 = 18.12 kN/m

The maximum deflection is at midspan of the beam.

Ec =4,700 √ 20=21,019MPa

5 w L4
δ= =5∗18.12∗¿¿ 23.001 mm. 350
384 EI
Elastic Behavior of RC Beams
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

EXERCISES:

1. Determine the deflection of the beam due to its weight. Use γ c =24 kN /m 3 and f 'c =21 MPa .

2. Determine the midspan deflection. Use γ c =24 kN /m 3 and f 'c =24 MPa .

For numbers 3-8, determine the maximum and concrete and steel stresses at the point of maximum positive and
negative moments.

3.
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

4.

5.

6.
 Elastic Behavior of RC Beams

7.

8.