CHAPTER 2

DESIGN OF BEAMS FOR FLEXURE USING WORKING STRESS

DESIGN (WSD) METHODS

2.1 Basic Assumption:

1. A section which is plane before bending remains plane after bending. This implies strains
across section are linearly varying. This is true for most section of flexural member
except deep beam where shear deformation is significant.
2. Beam section behaves elastically when subjected to service load moment. This implies
stress in the concrete varies linearly from zero at neutral axis to a maximum at the
extreme fiber.
3. Tensile strength of concrete is ignored. The reinforcement assumed to takes all the
tension due to flexure.
4. Perfect bond exist between steel bars and concrete such that no slip occurs. This is
possible if adequate development length of bars and concrete cover are provided.
5. The modular ratio, n = Es Ec , may be taken as the nearest whole number (but not less

than 6 or more than 15). In doubly reinforced sections, to consider creep of concrete in
compression zone an effective modular ratio of 2 Es Ec shall be used to transform

compression reinforcement for stress computation.

2.2 Design Equations for Singly Reinforced Rectangular Section

Consider a singly reinforced rectangular section subjected to a service load moment, M as

shown below.

εc x
fc
3
x fc
M Cc = .b. x
d 2
D fs x
n
j . d = (d − )
AS εs 3

b fs Ts = As . f s

X-section Strain Stress

30
a) From the strain diagram, similarity of triangles gives

εc x
= (1)
εs d−x
In elastic range, applying Hooke’s law, the maximum strain in concrete & strain in steel,
fc fs
εc = & εs =
Ec Es
And, the ratio of these strains
εc f .E
= c s (2)
εs f s . Ec
By definition, Es Ec is the modular-ratio, n

Equating Eq(1) and Eq(2), and substituting n = Es Ec

x n . fc
⇒ = =k (3)
d f s + n . fc

⇒ x = k . d , thus k is an indicator of the neutral axis position.

b) Considering equilibrium of a section

i) For horizontal equilibrium [∑ F H =0 ]

⇒ Cc = Ts Substituting Cc and Ts ,

fc
⇔ . b . x = As . f s (4)
2
As
Let ρ= --is known as geometric steel ratio
b.d
Then, As = ρ .b . d
Substituting it into Eq.(4 )
fc
⇒ . b . x = ρ . b. d . fs
2
fc
With, x = k . d , ⇒ . b . k . d = ρ . b. d . fs
2

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 2ρ . fs k . fc
simplifying, ⇒ k= or ρ= (5)
fc 2 fs
n . fc
From Eq.(3 ), k=
f s + n . fc
Ratio of stresses in steel to concrete, rearranging the above equation
f s n . (1 − k )
⇒ = (6)
fc k
fs k
but, ⇒ = from Eq.(5), and equating with Eq.(6),
fc 2ρ
k n . (1 − k )
⇒ =
2ρ k
Rearranging the following second degree equation in terms of ‘k’ is obtained.
k 2 + ( 2 ρ . n) . k − ( 2 ρ . n) = 0
Solving for k,

k = − ( ρ . n) + ( ρ . n) 2 + ( 2 ρ . n) (7)

ii) The internal couple resulting from internal forces Cc and Ts must equal to the external

applied service load moment. The convenient moment center is taken usually the line of
action of the internal forces.

--Taking moment of internal forces about line of action of Ts ,

x
M = Cc . ( d − )
3
fc
Substituting Cc = . b. x & x = k . d , and simplifying then equation of service load
2
moment resistance of section is obtained as,
fc k
⇒ M = . k . b . d 2 . (1 − ) (8a)
2 3
k
Letting j = (1 − ) be lever-arm ratio for internal forces of section of beam, then service load
3
moment resistance of section may be written as,
fc
⇒ M = . k . j . b . d2 (8b)
2

32
 fc
Letting R = . k . j be relative bending moment of section of beam, then service load
2
moment resistance of section may be written as,
⇒ M =R . b . d2 (8c)
Rearranging Eq.(8c), the effective depth of section required by singly reinforced beam obtained
as,

M
d=
R.b

--In similar manner, taking moment of internal forces about line of action of Cc ,

x
M = Ts . ( d − )
3
Substituting Ts = As . f s & x = k . d , simplifying equation of service load moment
resistance of section is obtained as,
k
⇒ M = As . f s . d . (1− ) (9a)
3
k
Letting j = (1 − ) be lever arm ratio for internal forces of section of beam, then service load
3
moment resistance of section may be written as,
⇒ M = As . f s . j . d (9b)

Rearranging Eq.(9b), the area of tension steel required by beam section is obtained as,
M
As =
fs . j . d

2.3 Type of Singly Reinforced Beam Sections-Based on Modes of Stresses

Depending on the amount of steel used by section, singly reinforced sections are divided into
three: Balanced section, Over-reinforced section and Under-reinforced section.
a) Balanced Section: The most economical section in terms of material usage. In this
section, the maximum stresses in both the reinforcement and the concrete reach simultaneously
the respective permissible value.
i.e f s = f s , allow

f c = f c , allow

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From Eq.(3), neutral axis depth ratio of singly reinforced section,
n. fc n
k= =
n. fc + f s n + f s
fc
For balanced section, ratio of allowable stresses of steel to concrete is denoted by ‘r’ as,
f s , allow
r=
f c , allow

Substituting ‘r’ into above equation, the balanced neutral axis depth ratio is obtained as
n
kb = (10)
n+r
From Eq.(5), steel ratio of singly reinforced section,
k . fc k
ρ= =
2 fs 2 f s fc
Substituting ‘r’, the balanced steel ratio is obtained as
kb
ρb = (11a)
2r
where r—is ratio of allowable stresses of steel to concrete
Substituting equation of kb from Eq.(10) in to Eq.(11a), the balanced steel ratio is rewritten as

n
ρb = (11b)
2r . ( n + r )
This equation would gives the balanced steel ratio of singly reinforced section in such away that
the maximum stresses developed in steel and concrete when section subjected to service load
moment will reach simultaneously the respective allowable stresses. The corresponding lever-arm
ratio and relative bending moment of balanced singly reinforced section are obtained by
kb
jb = (1− )
3
f c , allow
Rb = . kb . jb
2

b) Over-reinforced Section if ρ > ρb: Over-reinforced sections are those that contain
more reinforcement than the balanced one. Hence, as the applied moment is increased, the
maximum stress in concrete reaches its permissible value first; and by the time the stress in

34
reinforcement reaches its permissible stress, the concrete is over stressed. Therefore, the stresses
in concrete and steel for such section are as follow:
f s < f s , allow --determined from stress diagram using similarity of triangles

f c = f c , allow
The maximum moment of resistance of over-reinforced section is obtained by the following
equations in terms of allowable stress of concrete as,
f c , allow k
M = . k . b . d 2 . (1 − ) --used to determine neutral axis depth ratio
2 3
or M = As . f s . j . d --used to determine area of tension steel

n . (1 − k )
where fs = . f c , allow < f s , allow
k
Here, an increase of load produces over stress in concrete earlier than the reinforcement; as a
result the concrete crushes in compression. Such failure is sudden and occurs without warning.
For this reasons, over-reinforced section is not recommended in design.

c) Under-reinforced Section if ρ < ρb: Under reinforced sections are those that contain
less reinforcement than the balanced one. In such sections, the tensile reinforcement is insufficient
to develop the full strength of the concrete in compression, so that when the reinforcement is fully
stressed, the concrete is under-stressed. Therefore, the stresses in concrete and steel for such
section are as follow:
f s = f s , allow

f c < f c , allow --determined from stress diagram using similarity of triangles

The maximum moment of resistance of under-reinforced section is obtained by the following

equations in terms of allowable stress of steel as,
fc k
M = . k . b . d 2 . (1 − ) --used to determine neutral axis depth ratio
2 3
or M = As . f s , allow . j . d --used to determine area of tension steel

k
where f c = f s , allow . < f c , allow
n . (1 − k )
Here, failure is more gradual than over-reinforced section. As when steel is over-stressed, the steel
yields but is still able to support the yield stress since steel is a ductile material. Therefore, from

35
both safety and economic point of view, it is recommended to design section of flexural member
as under-reinforced section.

2.4 Control of Deflection

The deflection of structure or part of structure shall not adversely affect the appearance or
efficiency of structure or finishes or partitions. For beams and slabs, the vertical deflection limits
may generally be assumed to be satisfied provided that the minimum depth required by deflection
specified by code is maintained.
ACI code provide minimum depth required by beams and one-way slabs in terms of span length
as given in table below can be used as a crude estimate of initial depth to control deflection.

Table: ACI-code minimum depth of beams and one-way slab to control deflection

Simply End Interior Cantilever

Types of Member supported spans Spans spans
-Beams or one–way S-400MPa l 16 l 18.5 l 21 l 8
ribbed slab S-300MPa l 20 l 23 l 26 l 10
-One-way solid S-400MPa l 20 l 24 l 28 l 10
slab S-300MPa l 25 l 30 l 35 l 12.5

Note: For other grades of steel, the value given for S − 400 MPa is modified by multiplying factor
fy
of ( 0.4 + ).
690
EBCS-2 provide minimum effective depth, ‘d’ to be used to control deflection is given as,
fy le
d = ( 0.4 + 0.6 ).
400 β a
where f y --characteristic yield strength of steel in MPa

le --effective span length; and for two-way slabs, the shorter span length

β a --constant as given in table below; and for slabs carrying partition walls likely to
crack, shall be taken as β a ≤ 150 l0

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 l0 --distance in meter between points of zero moment (for continuous beam, may be taken
approximately as 0.7 times length of span), and, for a cantilever span, twice the length to the
face of the support

Table: Values of β a

Simply End Interior Cantilever

Member supported spans spans Spans
-Beams 20 24 28 10
-Slabs
a) span ratio, ll ls = 2 (includes one-way slabs) 25 30 35 12

b) span ratio, ll ls = 1 35 40 45 10

Note: For slabs with intermediate span ratio interpolate linearly.

2.5 Doubly-Reinforced Rectangular Beam Section

If the section of RC beam is limited in dimension (usually depth), it can not develop the
compressive force required to resist the applied bending moment as singly reinforced section.
That is, the applied moment is greater than the balanced moment capacity of singly reinforced
section. For small increase of moment over the balanced one, over-reinforced section can be used,
which is not recommended in design.

A more economical and safe way of designing section in such case is to provide reinforcement in
compression zone of RC section. This section termed as doubly reinforced. Doubly reinforced
section can also be used if the required depth of section of beam as singly reinforced is
unacceptable. The purpose of reinforcement in compression zone of RC section is to assist the
concrete in resisting compressive force and to keep the neutral axis at the ideal position ensuring
balanced type failure.

In doubly reinforced beam section, concrete and steel act together to take compression. If both
steel and concrete behave elastically, the stress in compression steel is ‘ n = Es Ec ’ (modular

ratio) times the concrete stress at the same level. However, concrete under sustained compressive
stress deforms continuously with time due to creep effect and concrete is also subjected to

37
shrinkage over a period of time. Whereas these time dependent effects do not occur in steel. As
RC beam deforms, even at low loading, there is a continuous transfer of stress from concrete to
compression steel. Therefore, the actual stress in compression steel is larger than that computed
on the basis of elastic behavior of materials. i.e f s1 > n . f c1 where f c1 is concrete stress at the

level of compression steel.

To approximate the effect of creep of concrete, ESCP-2/83 code species that an effective modular
ratio of ‘ 2n = 2 Es Ec ’ is to be used to transform compression reinforcement for stress

computation with the stress in compression reinforcement not to exceed the allowable stress of
steel, f s , allow .

2.6 Design Equation for Doubly-Reinforced Rectangular Section

Consider a doubly reinforced rectangular section subjected to a service load moment, M as

shown below.

εc d1 f c , allow
f c1
As1 xb = kb . d As1 f s1 C2 =
M C1
+ As1. f s1
d f s, allow
εs AS ≡ As1 n As 2 f s , allow
T1 = As1. f s , allow
b
T2 =
Strain a) Doubly reinforced b) Balanced singly c) Comp. steel plus
section reinforced section Excess tens. steel As 2 . f s , allow

Two couples method is used to determine the required areas of tension and compression
reinforcement by treating doubly reinforced section into two parts. The total resisting moment is
equal to the sum of two resisting couples: one of which is provided by given cross-section of
beam without compression reinforcement with a partial tension steel area, As1 that balance

concrete in compression; and the other by compression steel, As1 and the remainder of tension

steel area, As 2 . Thus, the section with compression steel is designed as balanced reinforced

38
section in such away that compression steel and extra tension steel are proportioned by
maintaining the balanced neutral axis depth.
Let M 1 --balanced moment capacity of a section if singly reinforced
M 2 --excess moment produced by compression steel plus excess tension steel
Then, total moment capacity of doubly reinforced section is,
M = M1 + M 2
Balanced moment capacity of a section if singly reinforced and the corresponding area of tension
steel balancing the section are obtained by
M 1 = M b = Rb . b . d 2
M1
& As1 =
f s , allow . jb . d
Excess moment resisted by compression steel plus excess tension steel from couple produced by
internal forces developed in the section,
M 2 = ( M − M 1 ) = C2 . ( d − d 1 ) = T2 . ( d − d 1 )
Rearranging the above equation, internal forces developed in compression steel and excess
tension steel are obtained as
M2
C2 = T2 =
( d − d1 )
Then, area of excess tension steel is obtained as,
T2 M2
As 2 = =
f s , allow f s , allow . ( d − d 1 )
Therefore, total area of tension steel required by doubly reinforced section is obtained as,
As = As1 + As 2
From similarity of triangles shown in fig.(b) above, the stress in the concrete at the level of
compression reinforcement, f c1 ,

( kb . d − d 1 )
f c1 = f c , allow .
kb . d
Therefore, the stress in compression reinforcement,
f s1 = ( 2n . f c1 ) ≤ f s , allow
Due to the presence of reinforcement in compression zone, there is a loss of concrete area of
magnitude, As1 . And, this will cause a corresponding loss in compression force of ( As1 . f c1 ) .

39
Therefore, if f s1 = ( 2n . f c1 ) < f s , allow

C2 = f s1 . As1 − f c1 . As1 = 2n . f c1 . As1 − f c1 . As1

⇔ C2 = As1 . f c1 . ( 2n − 1)
C2
⇒ As1 =
( 2n − 1) . f c1

If f s1 = ( 2n . f c1 ) ≥ f s , allow , then f s , allow

C2 = f s , allow . As1 − f c1 . As1 = As1 . ( f s , allow − f c1 )

C2
⇒ As1 =
( f s , allow − f c1 )

2.7 Flanged Section (T- or L-section) under Flexure

In construction of building structures, the slab is usually supported by a system of beams. If the
connection between the beam and the slab adequately transmit longitudinal shear force, then the
beam and slab together may act as a homogeneous section of T- or L-forms. For loaded beam-
slab if subjected to a moment which produces compression at the top surface, the slab therefore
becomes parts of the compression flange of the beam, resulting in a greater zone of compression
and giving a more economical section. For a reinforced concrete beam-slab section, adequate
connection between the beam and the slab is easily provided by casting the section as monolithic,
and by extending beam-stirrups and bent bars up into the slab.

It is known that the compressive stress caused by flexure in the upper flange decreases as the
distance from the web increases. This is because the shear deformation of flange relieves some of
compressive stresses as the element becomes more remote to the web. Therefore, this makes
exact analysis of flanged section of infinite wide-flange complex. In order to simplify the design
of flanged section of infinite wide-flange, it is usual to assume a uniform stress over a reduced
width of flange. This reduced width is known as effective width. Effective width of flange is
determined equating forces on compressive flange due to actual compressive stress on infinite
wide-flange with equivalent uniform compressive stress on reduced width of flange.

The effective width has been found to depend primarily on the type loading, span length, spacing
of beams, width of the web, and the relative thickness of the slab with respect to the total beam

40
depth. For practical design of flanged section, effective width of flange recommended by codes
may be used.

-ACI code prescribes a limit on the effective flange width, ‘ b f ’ as follows.

a) For interior T-section, effective flange width shall be the smallest of:

⎧ be = l 4
⎪
⎨ be = bw + 16t
⎪ b = center − to − center spacing of the beams
⎩ e
Where l --is span length of the beam.

bw --is width of the web

t --is thickness of the slab
b) For exterior T-section (L-forms), effective flange width shall be the smallest of:

⎧
⎪ be = bw + l 12
⎪
⎨ be = bw + 6t
⎪ 1
⎪ be = bw + ( clear dis tan ce to the next beam )
⎩ 2
c) For isolated T-sections, effective flange width shall be
be ≤ 4bw

and, also ACI code requires that t ≥ bw 2

-EBCS-2/95 also specifies the effective flange width, ‘ b f ’ as follows.

a) For symmetrical T-beam, effective flange width shall not exceed the lesser of:

⎧ be = bw + l 5
⎨
⎩ be = center − to − center spacing of the beams
b) For edge beams (L-section), effective flange width shall not exceed the lesser of:

⎧ be = bw + l 10
⎪
⎨ 1
⎪⎩ be = bw + 2 ( clear dis tan ce to the next beam )

41
2.8 Design of Flanged beams for Flexure

Design of flanged beams are made depending on the sign of design moment develop in the
section producing either tension or compression on flange side of beam. If the design moment
developed in section produces tension on flange side, the section is to be designed as if it were
rectangular beam of width equal to the width of the web of the section. For such section, no
advantage is gained in using slab as flange of section.

On other hand, if the design moment developed in section produces compression on flange side,
the section is to be designed depending on the position the neutral axis. The position of the
neutral axis depends up of the proportions of the cross-section, the amount of tension steel, and
the strength of the materials. If the neutral axis lies in the flange, the section is to be designed as if
it were a rectangular beam of width equal to the effective flange width. When the neutral axis lies
in the web, the section is to be designed as T-beam section.

2.9 Design Equations of T-beam Section -Working Stress (Elastic) Method

Consider a flanged section subjected to a service load moment, M as shown below. Assume the
neutral axis lies in the web so that the section is designed as T-beam section.
be
ε cε fc z
c

t
k. d Cc
N.A
d (k . d − t )
M fc .
k .d
As εs
Ts = As . f s
bw

T − beam Section Strain Stress

42
From geometry of strain diagram and assuming perfect elasticity of both materials, expression for
neutral axis depth ratio, k is obtained as:

n
k= (*)
fs
n+
fc
Since the compression area provided by the slab is so large (large be ), the actual maximum

compressive stress in concrete, f c will be some unknown fraction of its allowable stress value.

Hence, neutral axis depth ratio, k has to be given in terms of the maximum compressive stress in

concrete, f c that does not related to the allowable stress value, f c , allow .

To simplify the derivation of design equations, the compressive stress in the web above the
neutral axis is ignored. Therefore, total compressive force in the flange is equal to:
f c + f c . (k . d − t ) k . d ( 2k . d − t )
Cc ≅ . be . t = f c . . be .t
2 2k . d
and, resultant tensile force in steel,
Ts = As . f s

For horizontal equilibrium, Ts = Cc

( 2k . d − t )
⇒ As . f s = ρ . be . d . f s = f c . . be . t (**)
2k . d
k
From Eq.(*) fc = . fs
n . (1 − k )

Substituting this expression of f c into Eq.(**) to eliminate unit stresses and then gives
expression of the neutral axis depth ratio of T-beam section as:
1
n. ρ + (t d ) 2
k= 2
n . ρ + (t d )
The distance to the center of compression (centriod of the trapezoidal area of compressive stress)
from the upper face of the beam is:
(3k . d − 2t ) t
z= .
( 2k . d − t ) 3
Then, the lever-arm of the couple formed by the internal tensile and compressive force is:
j . d = (d − z )

43
Substituting z and k , and solving for j , the following expression lever-arm ratio of T-beam
section is obtained,
1
6 − 6(t d ) + 2(t d ) 2 + (t d )3 . ( )
2ρ . n
j =
6 − 3(t d )
The resisting moments of T-beam section are equal to the product of the lever-arm, j . d of the
internal force couple and the total tension or compression. Hence,
M = As . f s . j . d --in terms of steel stress

t
or M = f c . (1 − ) .be . t . j . d --in terms of concrete stress
2k . d
Approximate equation for resisting moments can be obtained using the limiting values for lever-
arm between internal forces, ( j . d ) > (d − t 2) and average compressive stress in the flange,

Cc = f c . (1 − t 2k . d ) > f c 2 as,

M = As . f s . (d − t 2) --used to determine trail area of tension steel

fc
M = . be . t . (d − t 2) --used to check maximum stress in concrete
2

2.10 Reinforced Concrete Slabs

RC slabs are one of structural elements used as floors, roofs and stairs of buildings, and deck of
brides etc. It is a broad, flat plate usually horizontal some times inclined surface which may be
supported by monolithically caste reinforced concrete beams, walls and columns, or simply
supported by masonry walls, structural steel beams and columns, or continuously supported on
the ground.

If slab is supported on two opposite sides only, the structural action of the slab is essentially one-
way; and the loads being carried by the slab in the direction perpendicular to the supporting
beams or walls. Therefore, all the main reinforcing steel should be placed at right angles to those
beams or walls, except shrinkage and temperature reinforcement which may be placed in other
direction.

44
 Beam

Beam
Fig: One-way slabs
supported by parallel beams
with main reinforcement

On other hand, there may be supporting beams or wall on all four sides of slab, the structural
action of slab is two-way. For such slab, the main reinforcing steel should be applied in two
directions. If the ratio of the longest to shortest span of the two-way slab panel is greater than
two (ll ls > 2) , most of the load is carried in short direction to the supporting beams or walls;

and one-way action is more effective even if the supports provided on all sides of slab. But,
minimum reinforcement is required over girder support.

Girder
Beam

Beam

ll
Beam

ls
Girder

ll
Fig: One-way slabs if > 2
ls
with main reinforcement

2.11 Analysis and Design of One-way Solid Slabs

One-way slab may be considered as a wide shallow beam spanning between slab supports. But
for design purpose, a strip of unit width spanning between the slab supports is considered. This
strip is analyzed in the same way as continuous beam. It is assumed that the stiffness of the
supporting beams is larger than the stiffness of the slab so that the resulting deflection of beams is
smaller compared to deflection of slab.

45
Elastic plate theory shows that a strip of unit width has a higher flexural rigidity than the
corresponding isolated beam. In simplified analysis that assumes poisson’s ratio to be zero, which
will gives slightly conservative proportions of one-way slab.

In analysis of continuous slab, the effective span length is taken as center-to-center spacing
between the slab supports. But in design of slab, design moment at support is taken at faces of the
support and design shear force at support is taken at effective depth distance from the face of the
support provided the slab is monolithic with the supporting beams or walls. If continuous slab is
not monolithic with the supporting beams or walls, design moment and shear force at support
used for design are taken at center of the support.

Slabs are usually designed as singly reinforced section without shear reinforcement. Flexural
reinforcement of slab being applied in the same way as singly reinforced rectangular beam with
clear cover about 15mm for mild exposure condition or 20mm for moderate exposure condition.
If thickness of slab exceeds 300mm, special shear reinforcement may be required near to the slab
support. Slab design start with determination of slab-thickness from deflection requirement given
by code. Then, check for adequacy of thickness of slab is made for both flexure and shear.
Thickness of slab is adequate for shear if the design shear stress developed in slab is less than or
equal to the shear strength provided by the slab.
Vd
i.e vd = ≤ vc
b.d
Allowable shear strength of RC slab in working stress method for thickness up to 254mm without
shear reinforcement according to ACI code is given as:

vc , allow = 0.17k . 0.8 f cu --it is a conservative estimate of shear strength of slab

where f cu --cube compressive strength in MPa

⎧ 0.55 − for one − way slabs

k=⎨
⎩ 0.50 − for two − way slabs
Allowable shear strength of RC slab in working stress method for thickness up to 300mm without
shear reinforcement according to ESCP-2/83 is given as:

vc , allow = 0.062 f cu . (1 + 50 ρ )

As
where ρ= ≤ 0.01 --longitudinal reinforcement ratio at location of critical shear force
b.d

46
Limitation of Flexural Reinforcement of slabs (ACI-code)
-Main reinforcement:
⎧ 3t ⎧φ (used )
S max ≤ ⎨ slab & S min ≥ ⎨ b
⎩ 450mm ⎩ 25mm
-Secondary (shrinkage and temperature) reinforcement:
As , min ≥ 0.002 (b . t slab ) for S − 300 MPa
or As , min ≥ 0.0018 (b . t slab ) for S − 400 MPa

⎧ 5t
and S max ≤ ⎨ slab
⎩ 450mm
Limitation of Flexural Reinforcement of slabs (EBCS-2/95)
-The ratio of secondary to the main reinforcement shall be at least equal to 0.2.
0.5
-Main reinforcement ratio in a slab shall not be less than, ρ min =
f y ( MPa)

-Spacing between bars for main reinforcement of slab shall not exceed,
S max = 2t slab ≤ 350mm
-Secondary reinforcement is the area of steel corresponding to the minimum reinforcement ratio
of main reinforcement.
-Spacing between bars for secondary reinforcement of slab shall not exceed 400mm.

47
2.12 One-way Ribbed slabs

One-way ribbed slab is a floor or roof system supported by closely spaced small beams called ribs
or joists framing into girders, which in turn frame into the supporting columns. Typical plan of
one-way ribbed slab is as shown below.

Girder

Rib
Rib

Rib
Girder

topping
slab

Fig: Ribbed floor-slab supported by system of beams and girders

Since concrete is weak in tension and its tensile strength is neglected in design, the use of ribbed
slab eliminate much of tension concrete in a slab that results in a saving of weight with little
alteration in the structural behavior of the slab. Ribbed floor slabs are economical for buildings
such as apartment houses, hotels and hospitals where live loads are fairly small and the spans are
comparatively long. Ribbed floors are not suitable for heavy construction, such as in ware houses
and heavy manufacturing buildings.

Minimum thickness of concrete flange or topping slab according to ACI code is about 50mm but
not less than 1/12 of clear distance between the ribs; the corresponding in EBCS-2/83 is about
40mm but not less than 1/10 of the clear distance between ribs. Topping slab is reinforced,

48
primarily for temperature and shrinkage stresses using small bars placed at right angles to the
joists; the area of this reinforcement is usually about 0.18% of the cross-sectional area of topping
slab.

Generally, ribs (joists) are designed as regular T-beam sections supported by girders. Ribs shall
be not less than 65mm wide. Their spacing shall not exceed 1.5m; and depth of ribs excluding
any topping slab shall be not more than four times their width. The reinforcement of the ribs
usually consists of two bars, one straight bar and one bent bar.

2.13 Design of One-way Ribbed slabs

The general design of ribbed slab involves the following:

-Thickness of topping slab, width, depth and spacing of ribs are assumed based on code’s
recommendations.
-Determine design loads supported by each ribs.
-Analyze the ribs as regular simply supported or continuous T-beams supported by the supporting
girders.
-Check adequacy of depth of ribs for both flexure and shear. If the shear stress developed in the
rib section exceeds the shear strength of T-beam, shear reinforcement is provided for excess
shear.
-Determine the required area of reinforcement for flexure.

Support Re inf orcement Span Re inf orcement

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2.14 Analysis of One-way Slab Carrying Concentrated Load (IS:456 &
IRC)

The analysis of a slab carrying concentrated loads is highly statically indeterminate problem. The
use of theory of elasticity leads to higher order differential equations which are difficult to solve
for various positions of loads and boundary conditions of slab. However, it is possible to carryout
a simplified analysis by modifying the available results of elastic analysis of slabs. It is referred to
as effective width method of analysis for slab supported on two opposite edges only.
One-way slab carrying concentrated load shall be analyzed to carry concentrated load over
effective width of slab as follows:
a) For Single Concentrated load: the effective width of slab shall be determined using the
following equation provided that it shall not exceed the actual width of the slab.
x
be = k . x . (1 − ) + a0
le
where k –constant depending upon the ratio width of slab to effective span B le

x –distance of concentrated load to the nearest support

a0 –width of contact area of conc. load parallel to the supported edge

Table: Value of k depending on B le

B le Simply supp. Continuous B le Simply supp. Continuous

Slab Slab slab Slab
0.1 0.4 0.4 0.6 1.96 1.84
0.2 0.8 0.8 0.7 2.12 1.96
0.3 1.16 1.16 0.8 2.24 2.08
0.4 1.48 1.44 0.9 2.36 2.16
0.5 1.72 1.68 1.0 & above 2.48 2.24

b) For Two or More Concentrated Load (placed in the direction of span): the slab shall be
analyzed separately for each load using the effective width of slab as given in (a).

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c) For Two or More Concentrated Load (not in a line in the direction of span): If the
effective width of slab for one load does not overlap for another load, the slab for each load can
be analyzed separately. If the effective width of slab for one load over-laps with an adjacent
load, the overlapping portion of slab shall be analyzed for combined effect of the two loads.

d) For Cantilever slabs: the effective width of slab shall be determined using,
be = 1.2a1 + a0

where a1 --distance of concentrated load from the face of cantilever support

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