SECTION 409 - STRENGTH AND

SERVICEABILITY REQUIREMENTS
409.1 Notations
Ag = gross area of section, mm2
A's = area of compression reinforcement, mm2
b = width of compression face of member, mm
c = distance from extreme compression fiber to
neutral axis in mm
D = dead loads, or related internal moments and
forces
d = distance from extreme compression fiber to
centroid of tension reinforcement, mm
d' = distance from extreme compression fiber to
centroid of compression reinforcement, mm
ds = distance from extreme tension fiber to centroid of
tension reinforcement, mm
dt = distance from extreme compression fiber to
extreme tension steel, mm
E = load effects of earthquake, or related internal
moments and forces
Ec = modulus of elasticity of concrete, MPa. See
Section 408.6.1
F = loads due to weight and pressures of fluids with
well defined densities and controllable maximum
heights, or related internal moments and forces
f'c = specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa
f 'c =square root of specified compressive strength of
concrete, MPa
fct = average splitting tensile strength of lightweight
aggregate concrete, MPa
fr = modulus of rupture of concrete, MPa
fy = specified yield strength of nonprestressed
reinforcement, MPa
H = loads due to weight and pressure of soil, water in
soil, or other materials, or related internal
moments and forces
h = overall thickness of member, mm
Icr = moment of inertia of cracked section transformed
to concrete, mm4
Ie = effective moment of inertia for computation of
deflection, mm4
Ig = moment of inertia of gross concrete section about
centroidal axis, neglecting reinforcement, mm4
L = live loads, or related internal moments and
forces
l = span length of beam or one-way slab, as defined
in Section 408.10; clear projection of cantilever,
mm
ln = length of clear span in long direction of two-way
construction, measured face to face of supports in
slabs without beams and face to face of beams or
other supports in other cases
Ma = maximum moment in member at stage deflection
is computed
Mcr = cracking moment. See Equation 409-9
Pb = nominal axial load strength at balanced strain
conditions. See Section 410.4.2
Pn = nominal axial load strength at given eccentricity
R = rain load, or related internal moments and forces,
Section 409.3.1
T = cumulative effects of temperature, creep,
shrinkage, differential settlement and shrinkage
compensating concrete
U = required strength to resist factored loads or
related internal moments and forces
W = wind load, or related internal moments and
forces
wc = weight of concrete, kg/m3
yt = distance from centroidal axis of gross section,
neglecting reinforcement, to extreme fiber in
tension
f ratio of flexural stiffness of beam section to
flexural stiffness of a width of slab bounded
laterally by center line of adjacent panel, if any, on
each side of beam. See Section 413
fm = average value of 
f for all beams on edges of a
panel
 ratio of clear spans in long-to-short direction of
 two-way slabs
 time-dependent factor for sustained load. See
 Section 409.6.2.5
t
= net tensile strain in extreme tension steel at
nominal strength
 modification factor reflecting the reduced
mechanical properties of lightweight concrete. See
Section 408.7.1
Δ multiplier for additional long-time deflection as
defined in Section 409.6.2.5
 =ratio of non-prestressed tension reinforcement,
As/bd
'  reinforcement ratio for non-prestressed
compression reinforcement, A's/bd
b
= reinforcement ratio producing balanced strain
conditions. See Section 410.4.2
  strength-reduction factor. See Section 409.4
409.2 General
409.2.1 Structures and structural members shall be designed
to have design strengths at all sections at least equal to the
required strengths calculated for the factored loads and
forces in such combinations as are stipulated in this code.
409.2.2 Members also shall meet all other requirements of
this code to ensure adequate performance at service load
levels.
4-42 CHAPTER 4 - Concrete
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
409.2.3 Design of structures and structural members using
the load factor combinations and strength reduction factors
of Section 426 shall be permitted. Use of load factor
combinations from this chapter in conjunction with strength
reduction factors of Section 426 shall not be permitted.
409.3 Required Strength
409.3.1 Required strength U shall be at least equal to the
effects of factored loads in Eq. 409-1 through Eq. 409-7.
The effect of one or more loads not acting simultaneously
shall be investigated.
U = 1.4(D + F) (409-1)
U = 1.2 (D+ F+T ) + 1.6 (L+H) + 0.5(L, or R) (409-2)
U = 1.2 D + 1.6 (L, or R) + (1.0L or 0.80 W) (409-3)
U = 1.2 D + 1.6 W + 1.0 L +0.5 (L, or R) (409-4)
U = 1.2 D + 1.0 E+ 1.0 L (409-5)
U = 0.9 D + 1.6 W + 1.6 H (409-6)
U = 0.90 D + 1.0 E + 1.6 H (409-7)
except as follows:
1. The load factor on the live load L in Eq. 409-3 to 409-5
shall be permitted to be reduced to 0.5 except for
garages, areas occupied as places of public assembly,
and all areas where L is greater than 4.8 kN/m2.
2. Where wind load W has not been reduced by a
directionality factor, it shall be permitted to use 1.3W in
place of 1.6W in Eq. 409-4 and 409-6.
3. Where E, the load effects of earthquake, is based on
service-level seismic forces, 1.4E shall be used in place
of 1.0E in Eq. 409-5 and 409-7.
4. The load factor on H, loads due to weight and pressure
of soil, water in soil, or other materials, shall be set
equal to zero in Eq. 409-6 and 409-7 if the structural
action due to H counteracts that due to W or E. Where
lateral earth pressure provides resistance to structural
actions from other forces, it shall not be included in H
but shall be included in the design resistance.
409.3.2 If resistance to impact effects is taken into account
in design, such effects shall be included with live load L.
409.3.3 Estimations of differential settlement, creep,
shrinkage, expansion of shrinkage-compensating concrete or
temperature change shall be based on a realistic assessment
of such effects occurring in service.
409.3.4 If a structure is in a flood zone, or is subjected to
forces from atmospheric precipitations, the flood loads and
the appropriate load combinations of ASCE / SEI 7 shall be
used.
409.3.5 For post-tensioned anchorage zone design, a load
factor of 1.2 shall be applied to the maximum tendon
jacking force.
409.4 Design Strength
409.4.1 Design strength provided by a member, its
connections to other members and its cross sections, in
terms of flexure, axial load, shear and torsion, shall be taken
as the nominal strength calculated in accordance with
requirements and assumptions of this Section, multiplied by
a strength-reduction factor  in Sections 409.4.2, 409.4.4
and 409.4.5
409.4.2 Strength-Reduction Factor
Strength-reduction factor shall be given in Sections
409.4.2.1 through 409.4.2.7:
409.4.2.1 Tension controlled sections as defined in Section
410.4.4 (see also Section 409.4.2.7) ………………... 0.90
409.4.2.2 Compression controlled sections, as defined in
Section 410.4.3:
1. Members with spiral reinforcement
conforming to Section 410.10.3 .. ..................…. 0.75
2. Other reinforced members .............................…. 0.65
For sections in which the net tensile strength, 
t, is between
the limits for compression-controlled and tension-controlled
sections, shall be permitted to be linearly increased from
that for compression-controlled sections to 0.90 as εt
increases from the compression-controlled strain limit to
0.005.
Alternatively, when Section 425 is used, for members in
which fy does not exceed 415 MPa, with symmetric
reinforcement, and with (h - d')/h not less than 0.70, shall
be permitted to be increased linearly to 0.90 as  Pn
decreases from 0.10 f'c Ag to zero. For other reinforced
members, shall be permitted to be increased linearly to
0.90 as  Pn decreases from 0.10 f'c Ag or  Pb, whichever is
smaller, to zero.
409.4.2.3 Shear and torsion (See also Section 409.4.4 for
shear walls and frames in Seismic Zone 4) ………… 0.75
409.4.2.4 Bearing on concrete (except for posttensioning
anchorage zones) ...................................…. 0.65
CHAPTER 4 - Concrete 4-43
National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1
409.4.2.5 Post-tensioned anchorage zones .......... …. 0.85
409.4.2.6 Strut-and-tie models (Section 427),
and struts, ties, nodal zones, and bearing areas in
such models ........................................................ …. 0.75
409.4.2.7 Flexural sections in pre-tensioned members where
strand embedment is less than the development length as
provided in Section 412.10.1.1:
1. From the end of the member to the end of the transfer
length ……..................................... 0.75
2. From the end of the transfer length to the end of
the development length shall be permitted to be
linearly increased from..........................0.75 to 0.9
Where bonding of a strand does not extend to the end of the
member, strand embedment shall be assumed to begin at the
end of the debonded length. See also Section 412.10.3.
409.4.3 Development lengths specified in Section 412 do
not require a factor.
409.4.4 For structures that rely on intermediate precast
structural walls in Seismic Zone 4, special moment frames,
or special structural walls to resist earthquake effects, E,
shall be modified as given in Section 409.4.4.1 through
409.4.4.3:
409.4.4.1 For any structural member that is designed to
resist E,  for shear shall be 0.60 if the nominal shear
strength of the member is less than the shear corresponding
to the development of the nominal flexural strength of the
member. The nominal flexural strength shall be determined
considering the most critical factored axial loads and
including E;
409.4.4.2 For diaphragms,  for shear shall not exceed the
minimum  for shear used for the vertical components of the
primary seismic-force-resisting system;
409.4.4.3 For joints and diagonally reinforced coupling
beams,  for shear shall be 0.85.
409.4.5 Strength reduction factor  for flexure,
compression, shear and bearing of structural plain concrete
in Section 422 shall be 0.60.
409.5 Design Strength for Reinforcement
The values of fy and fyt used in design calculations shall not
exceed 550 MPa, except for prestressing tendons and for
transverse reinforcement in Section 410.10.3 and 421.3.5.4.
409.6 Control of Deflections
409.6.1 Reinforced concrete members subject to flexure
shall be designed to have adequate stiffness to limit
deflections or any deformations that adversely affect
strength or serviceability of a structure.
409.6.2 One-Way Construction (Non-Prestressed)
409.6.2.1 Minimum thickness stipulated in Table 409-1
shall apply for one-way construction not supporting or
attached to partitions or other construction likely to be
damaged by large deflections, unless computation of
deflection indicates a lesser thickness may be used without
adverse effects.
409.6.2.2 Where deflections are to be computed, deflections
that occur immediately on application of load shall be
computed by usual methods or formulas for elastic
deflections, considering effects of cracking and
reinforcement on member stiffness.
409.6.2.3 Unless stiffness values are obtained by a more
comprehensive analysis, immediate deflection shall be
computed with the modulus of elasticity Ec for concrete as
specified in Section 408.6.1 (normal-weight or lightweight
concrete) and with the effective moment of inertia as
follows, but not greater than Ig.
cr
a
cr
g
a
cr
eI
M
IM
M
IM






 

 




 


33
1 (409-8)
where:
t
rg
cr y
fI
M  (409-9)
and for normal-weight concrete
fr = 0.62λ f 'c (409-10)
4-44 CHAPTER 4 - Concrete
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
Table 409-1 - Minimum Thickness of Nonprestressed
Beams or One-Way Slabs Unless Deflections are
Computed
Member
Minimum Thickness, h
Simply
Supported
One end
continuous
Both ends
continuous Cantilever
Members not supporting or attached to partitions or other
construction likely to be damaged by large deflections
Solid oneway
slabs
ℓ
20
ℓ
24
ℓ
28
ℓ
10
Beams or
ribbed one
way slabs
ℓ
16
ℓ
18.5
ℓ
21
ℓ
8
Values given shall be used directly for members with normal weight
concrete (wc = 2,400 kg/m3) and Grade 415 reinforcement. For other
conditions, the values shall be modified as follows:
a) For structural lightweight concrete having unit weight in the range
1,500-2,000 kg.m3, the values shall be multiplied by (1.65 -
0.0003wc) but not less than 1.09, where wc is the unit weight in
kg/m3.
b) For fy other than 415 MPa, the values shall be multiplied by (0.4 +
fy/700)
409.6.2.4 For continuous members, effective moment of
inertia shall be permitted to be taken as the average of
values obtained from Eq. 409-8 for the critical positive and
negative moment sections. For prismatic members, effective
moment of inertia shall be permitted to be taken as the value
obtained from Eq. 409-8 at midspan for simple and
continuous spans, and at support for cantilevers.
409.6.2.5 Unless values are obtained by a more
comprehensive analysis, additional longtime deflection
resulting from creep and shrinkage of flexural members
(normal-weight or lightweight concrete) shall be determined
by multiplying the immediate deflection caused by the
sustained load considered, by the factor λΔ .
1 50 '



  (409-11)
where ' shall be the value at midspan for simple and
continuous spans, and at support for cantilevers. It is
permitted to assume the time-dependent factor  for
sustained loads to be equal to:
Five years or more 2.0
12 months .............................. 1.4
Six months ............................. 1.2
Three months ............................ 1.0
409.6.2.6 Deflection computed in accordance with Sections
409.6.2.2 through 409.6.2.5 shall not exceed limits
stipulated in Table 409-2.
409.6.3 Two-Way Construction (Non-Prestressed)
409.6.3.1 This section shall govern the minimum thickness
of slabs or other two-way construction designed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 413 and
conforming with the requirements of Section 413.7.1.2. The
thickness of slabs without interior beams spanning between
the supports on all sides shall satisfy the requirements of
Section 409.6.3.2 or 409.6.3.4. Thickness of slabs with
beams spanning between the supports on all sides shall
satisfy the requirements of Section 409.6.3.3 or 409.6.3.4.
409.6.3.2 For slabs without interior beams spanning
between the supports and having a ratio of long to short
span not greater than 2, the minimum thickness shall be in
accordance with the provisions of Table 409-3 and shall not
be less than the following values:
1. Slabs without drop panels as defined in
Sections 413.3.5 ....................................... 125 mm
2. Slabs with drop panels as defined in
Sections 413.3.5. .......................................... 100 mm
409.6.3.3 For slabs with beams spanning between the
supports on all sides, the minimum thickness shall be as
follows:
1. For fm equal to or less than 0.2, the provisions of
Section 409.6.3.2 shall apply.
2. For fm greater than 0.2 but not greater than 2.0,
the thickness shall not be less than:



 




1400
0 .8
36 5 0 .2
y
fm
nlfh

(409-12)
and not less than 125 mm.;
3. For fm greater than 2.0, the thickness shall not be less
than:
36 9
1400
0.8

 

 



y
n
f
l
h (409-13)
and not less than 90 mm.
4. At discontinuous edges, an edge beam shall be provided
with a stiffness ratio fm not less than 0.80; or the
minimum thickness required by Eq. 409-12 or 409-13
shall be increased by at least 10 percent in the panel
with a discontinuous edge.
CHAPTER 4 - Concrete 4-45
National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1
Table 409-2 - Maximum Permissible Computed
Deflections
Type of Member Deflection to be
considered
Deflection
Limitation
Flat roofs not
supporting or attached
to non-structural
elements likely to be
damaged by large
deflections
Immediate deflection
due to live load, L
l1
180
Floors not supporting
or attached to nonstructural
elements
likely to be damaged by
large deflections
Immediate deflection
due to live load, L
l2
360
Roof or floor
construction supporting
or attached to nonstructural
elements
likely to be damaged by
large deflections
That part of the total
deflection occurring
after attachment of
nonstructural elements
(sum of the long-term
deflection due to all
sustained loads and the
immediate deflection
due to any additional
live load) 
l3
480
Floor or floor
construction supporting
or attached to nonstructural
elements not
likely to be damaged by
large deflections
l4
240
 Limit not intended to safeguard against ponding. Ponding should be
checked by suitable calculations of deflection, including added
deflections due to ponded water, and considering long-term effects of
all sustained loads, camber, construction tolerances, and reliability of
provisions for drainage.
2 Long term deflection shall be determined in accordance with 409.6.2.5
or 409.6.4.3, but may be reduced by amount of deflection calculated to
occur before attachment of nonstructural elements. The amount shall be
determined on basis of accepted engineering data relating to timedeflection
characteristics of members similar to those being considered.
3 Limit may be exceeded if adequate measures are taken to prevent
damage to supported or attached elements.
4 But not greater than tolerance provided for nonstructural elements.
Limit may be exceeded if camber is provided so that total deflection
minus camber does not exceed limit.
Table 409-3 - Minimum Thickness of Slabs
without Interior Beams
Yield
strength
fy
MPa1
Without drop panels1 With drop panels2
Exterior panels Interior
panels Exterior panels Interior
panels
without
edge
beam
with
edge
beam
without
edge
beam
With
edge
beam3
280 ℓn
33
ℓn
36
ℓn
36
ℓn
36
ℓn
40
ℓn
40
415 ℓn
30
ℓn
33
ℓn
33
ℓn
33
ℓn
36
ℓn
36
520 ℓn
28
ℓn
31
ℓn
31
ℓn
31
ℓn
34
ℓn
34
1 For values of reinforcement yield strength between the values given in
the table, minimum thickness shall be determined by linear
interpolation.
2 Drop panels is defined in 413.3.5.
3 Slabs with beams between columns along exterior edges. The value of a
for the edge beam shall not be less than 0.8.
Term ln in (2) and (3) is length of clear span in long
direction measured face-to-face of beams. Term β in (2) and
(3) is ratio of clear spans in long to short direction of slab.
409.6.3.4 Slab thickness less than the minimum thickness
required by Sections 409.6.3.1, 409.6.3.2 and 409.6.3.3
shall be permitted to be used if shown by computation that
the deflection will not exceed the limits stipulated in Table
409-2. Deflections shall be computed taking into account
size and shape of the panel, conditions of support, and
nature of restraints at the panel edges. The modulus of
elasticity of concrete Ec shall be as specified in Section
408.6.1. The effective moment of inertia shall be that given
by Eq. 409-8; other values shall be permitted to be used if
they result in computed deflections in reasonable agreement
with the results of comprehensive tests. Additional longterm
deflection shall be computed in accordance with
Section 409.6.2.5.
409.6.4 Prestressed Concrete Construction
409.6.4.1 For flexural members designed in accordance with
provisions of Section 418, immediate deflection shall be
computed by usual methods or formulas for elastic
deflections, and the moment of inertia of the gross concrete
section, Ig, shall be permitted to be used for Class U flexural
members, as defined in Sections 418.4.3.
409.6.4.2 For Class C and Class T flexural members, as
defined in Section 418.4.3, deflection calculations shall be
based on a cracked transformed section analysis. It shall be
permitted to base computations on a bilinear momentdeflection
relationship, or an effective moment of inertia, Ie,
as defined by Eq. 409-8.
409.6.4.3 Additional long-time deflection of prestressed
concrete members shall be computed taking into account
stresses in concrete and steel under sustained load and
including effects of creep and shrinkage of concrete and
relaxation of steel.
409.6.4.4 Deflection computed in accordance with Sections
409.6.4.1, 409.6.4.2, and 409.6.4.3 shall not exceed limits
stipulated in Table 409-2.
4-46 CHAPTER 4 - Concrete
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
409.6.5 Composite Construction
409.6.5.1 Shored Construction
If composite flexural members are supported during
construction so that, after removal of temporary supports,
dead load is resisted by the full composite section, it shall be
permitted to consider the composite member equivalent to a
monolithically cast member for computation of deflection.
For non-prestressed members, the portion of the member in
compression shall determine whether values in Table 409-1
for normal-weight or lightweight concrete shall apply. If
deflection is computed, account shall be taken of curvatures
resulting from differential shrinkage of precast and cast-inplace
components, and of axial creep effects in a prestressed
concrete member.
409.6.5.2 Unshored Construction
If the thickness of a non-prestressed precast flexural
member meets the requirements of Table 409-1, deflection
need not be computed. If the thickness of a non-prestressed
composite member meets the requirements of Table 409-1,
it is not required to compute deflection occurring after the
member becomes composite, but the long-time deflection of
the precast member shall be investigated for magnitude and
duration of load prior to beginning of effective composite
action.
409.6.5.3 Deflection computed in accordance with Sections
409.6.5.1, or 409.6.5.2 shall not exceed limits stipulated in
Table 409-2.
SECTION 410 - FLEXURE AND
AXIAL LOADS
410.1 Notations
A = depth of equivalent rectangular stress block as
defined in Section 410.3.7.1, mm
Ach = cross-sectional area of a structural member
measured to outside edges of transverse
reinforcement, mm2
Ag = gross area of section, mm2
As = area of nonprestressed longitudinal tension
reinforcement, mm2
As,min =minimum amount of flexural reinforcement, mm2.
See Section 410.6
Asx = area of structural steel shape, pipe, or tubing in
composite section, mm2. See Section 410.17.5
Ast =total area of nonprestressed longitudinal
reinforcement (bars or steel shapes), mm2
At = area of structural steel shape, pipe or tubing in a
composite section, mm2
A1 = loaded area, mm2
A2 = the area of the lower base of the largest frustum of
a pyramid, cone, or tapered wedge contained
wholly within the support and having for its upper
base the loaded area, and having side slopes of 1
unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (50% slope),
mm2
b = width of compression face of member, mm
bw = web width, mm
c = distance from extreme compression fiber to neutral
axis, mm
cc = clear cover from the nearest surface in tension to
the surface of the flexural tension reinforcement,
mm
Cm = a factor relating actual moment diagram to an
equivalent uniform moment diagram
d = distance from extreme compression fiber to
centroid of tension reinforcement, mm
dc = thickness of concrete cover measured from extreme
tension fiber to center of bar or wire located closest
thereto, mm
dt = distance from extreme compression fiber to
extreme tension steel, mm
Ec = modulus of elasticity of concrete, MPa
Es = modulus of elasticity of reinforcement, MPa
EI = flexural stiffness of compression member, N-mm2
See Eq. 410-15 and 410-16
f'c = specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa
fs = calculated stress in reinforcement at service loads,
MPa
fyt = specified yield strength fy of transversed
reinforcement, MPa
h = overall dimension of member in direction of action
considered, mm
CHAPTER 4 - Concrete 4-47
National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1
Ig = moment of inertia of gross concrete section about
centroidal axis, neglecting reinforcement, mm4
Ise = moment of inertia of reinforcement about
centroidal axis of member cross section, mm4
Isx = moment of inertia of structural steel shape, pipe or
tubing about centroidal axis of composite member
cross section, mm4
k = effective length factor for compression members
lc = length of a compression member in a frame,
measured from center to center of the joints in the
frame
lu = unsupported length of compression member, mm.
Mc = factored moment to be used for design of
compression member
Ms = moment due to loads causing appreciable sway
Mu = factored moment at section
M1 = smaller factored end moment on a compression
member, positive if member is bent in single
curvature, negative if bent in double curvature
M1ns = factored end moment on a compression member at
the end at which M1 acts, due to loads that cause no
appreciable sidesway, calculated using a first-order
elastic frame analysis
M1s = factored end moment on compression members at
the end at which M1 acts, due to loads that cause
appreciable sidesway, calculated using a first-order
elastic frame analysis
M2 = larger factored end moment on compression
member, always positive
M2,min = minimum value of M2
M2ns = factored end moment on compression member at
the end at which M2 acts, due to loads that cause no
appreciable sidesway, calculated using a first-order
elastic frame analysis
M2s = factored end moment on compression member at
the end at which M2 acts, due to loads that cause
appreciable sidesway, calculated using a first-order
elastic frame analysis
Pb = nominal axial load strength at balanced strain
conditions. See Section 410.4.2
Pc = critical load. See Eq. 410-14
Pn = nominal axial load strength at given eccentricity
Po = nominal axial load strength at zero eccentricity
Pu = factored axial load at given eccentricity
< Pn
Q = stability index for a story. See Section 410.12.4.2
r = radius of gyration of cross section of a compression
member
s = maximum center-to-center spacing of flexural
tension reinforcement nearest to the extreme
tension face, mm (where there is only one bar or
wire nearest to the extreme tension face, s is the
maximum width of the extreme tension face.)
Vus = factored horizontal shear in a story, N
z = quantity limiting distribution of flexural
reinforcement. See Section 410.7
1 = factor defined in Section 410.3.7.3
dns = ratio used to account for reduction of stiffness of
columns due to sustained axial loads
ds = ratio used to account for reduction of stiffness of
columns due to sustained lateral loads
o
= relative lateral deflection between the top and
bottom of a story due to Vu, computed using a firstorder
elastic frame analysis and stiffness values
satisfying Section 410.12.4.2
ns = moment magnification factor for frames braced
against sidesway to reflect effects of member
curvature between ends of compression members
s
= moment magnification factor for frames not braced
against sidesway to reflect lateral drift resulting
from lateral and gravity loads
t
= net tensile strain in extreme tension steel at
nominal strength
 = ratio of non-prestressed tension reinforcement
= As/bd
b = reinforcement ratio producing balanced strain
conditions. See Section 410.4.2
s
= ratio of volume of spiral reinforcement to total
volume of core (out-to-out of spirals) of a spirally
reinforced compression member
 strength-reduction factor. See Section 409.4
k = stiffness reduction factor
410.2 Scope
Provisions of Section 410 shall apply for design of members
subject to flexure or axial loads or to combined flexure and
axial loads.
410.3 Design Assumptions
410.3.1 Strength design of members for flexure and axial
loads shall be based on assumptions given in Sections
410.3.2 through 410.3.7 and on satisfaction of applicable
conditions of equilibrium and compatibility of strains.
410.3.2 Strain in reinforcement and concrete shall be
assumed directly proportional to the distance from the
neutral axis, except that, for deep flexural beams as defined
in Section 410.8.1, an analysis that considers a nonlinear
distribution of strain shall be used. Alternatively, it shall be
permitted to use a strut-and-tie model. See Section 410.8,
411.9, and Section 427.
410.3.3 Maximum usable strain at extreme concrete
compression fiber shall be assumed equal to 0.003.
4-48 CHAPTER 4 - Concrete
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
410.3.4 Stress in reinforcement below specified yield
strength fy for grade of reinforcement used shall be taken as
Es times steel strain. For strains greater than that
corresponding to fy, stress in reinforcement shall be
considered independent of strain and equal to fy.
410.3.5 Tensile strength of concrete shall be neglected in
axial and flexural calculations of reinforced concrete, except
where meeting requirements of Section 418.5.
410.3.6 The relationship between concrete compressive
stress distribution and concrete strain shall be assumed to be
rectangular, trapezoidal, parabolic or any other shape that
results in prediction of strength in substantial agreement
with results of comprehensive tests.
410.3.7 Requirements of Section 410.3.6 may be
considered satisfied by an equivalent rectangular concrete
stress distribution defined by the following:
410.3.7.1 Concrete stress of 0.85f'c shall be assumed
uniformly distributed over an equivalent compression zone
bounded by edges of the cross section and a straight line
located parallel to the neutral axis at a distance a = 1 c
from the fiber of maximum compressive strain.
410.3.7.2 Distance from fiber of maximum strain to the
neutral axis, c, shall be measured in a direction
perpendicular to the axis.
410.3.7.3 Factor 
1 shall be taken as 0.85 for concrete
strengths f'c for 17 MPa up to 28 MPa. For strengths above
28 MPa, 
1 shall be reduced linearly at a rate of 0.05 for
each 7 MPa of strength in excess of 28 MPa, but 
1 shall not
be taken less than 0.65.
410.4 General Principles and Requirements
410.4.1 Design of cross section subject to flexure or axial
loads or to combined flexure and axial loads shall be based
on stress and strain compatibility using assumptions in
Section 410.3.
410.4.2 Balanced strain conditions exist at a cross section
when tension reinforcement reaches the strain
corresponding to its specified yield strength fy just as
concrete in compression reaches its assumed ultimate strain
of 0.003.
410.4.3 Sections are compression-controlled if the net
tensile strain in the extreme tension steel, εt, is equal to or
less than the compression-controlled strain limit when the
concrete in compression reaches its assumed strain limit of
0.003. The compression-controlled strain limit is the net
tensile strain in the reinforcement at balanced strain
conditions. For Grade 415 reinforcement, and for all
prestressed reinforcement, it shall be permitted to set the
compression-controlled strain limit equal to 0.002.
410.4.4 Sections are tension-controlled if the net tensile
strain in the extreme tension steel, εt, is equal to or greater
than 0.005 when the concrete in compression reaches its
assumed strain limit of 0.003. Sections with εt between the
compression-controlled strain limit and 0.005 constitute a
transition region between compression-controlled and
tension-controlled sections.
410.4.5 For non-prestressed flexural members and nonprestressed
members with factored axial compressive load
less than 0.10fc′ Ag, εt at nominal strength shall not be less
than 0.004.
410.4.5.1 Use of compression reinforcement shall be
permitted in conjunction with additional tension
reinforcement to increase the strength of flexural members.
410.4.6 Design axial load strength Pn of compression
members shall not be taken greater than the following:
410.4.6.1 For non-prestressed members with spiral
reinforcement conforming to Section 407.11.4 or composite
members conforming to Section 410.17:
 n (max) = 0.85[0.85f'c (Ag -Ast) + fy Ast] (410-1)
410.4.6.2 For non-prestressed members with tie
reinforcement conforming to Section 407.11.5:
 n (m ax ) = 0.80[0.85f'c (Ag - Ast) + fy Ast] (410-2)
410.4.6.3 For prestressed members, design axial load
strength, Pn shall not be taken greater than 0.85 (for
members with spiral reinforcement) or 0.80 (for members
with tie reinforcement) of the design axial load strength at
zero eccentricity,  Po.
410.4.7 Members subject to compressive axial load shall be
designed for the maximum moment that can accompany the
axial load. The factored axial load Pu at given eccentricity
shall not exceed that given in Section 410.4.6. The
maximum factored moment Mu shall be magnified for
slenderness effects in accordance with Section 410.11.
410.5 Distance between Lateral Supports of Flexural
Members
410.5.1 Spacing of lateral supports for a beam shall not
exceed 50 times b, the least width of compression flange or
face.
CHAPTER 4 - Concrete 4-49
National Structural Code of the Philippines 6th Edition Volume 1
410.5.2 Effects of lateral eccentricity of load shall be taken
into account in determining spacing of lateral supports.
410.6 Minimum Reinforcement of Flexural Members
410.6.1 At every section of a flexural member where tensile
reinforcement is required by analysis, except as provided in
Sections 410.6.2, 410.6.3 and 410.6.4, As provided shall not
be less than that given by:
bd
f
f
Aw
y
c
s4
'
,min 
(410-3)
and not less than 1.4 bw d / fy
410.6.2 For a statically determinate T-section with flange
in tension, the area As,min shall be equal to or greater than the
smaller value given either by:
bd
f
f
Aw
y
c
s2
'
,min  (410-4)
or Eq. 410-3, except that bw is replaced by either 2 bw or the
width of the flange, whichever is smaller.
410.6.3 The requirements of Sections 410.6.1 and 410.6.2
need not be applied if at every section, As provided is at
least one-third greater than that required by analysis.
410.6.4 For structural slabs and footings of uniform
thickness, the minimum area of tensile reinforcement in the
direction of span shall be the same as that required by
Section 407.13.2.1. Maximum spacing of this reinforcement
shall not exceed the lesser of three times the thickness, nor
450 mm.
410.6.5 In structures located at areas of low level seismic
risk, beams in ordinary moment frames forming part of the
seismic-force-resisting system shall have at least two main
flexural reinforcing bars continuously top and bottom
throughout the beam and continuous through or developed
within exterior columns or boundary elements.
410.7 Distribution of Flexural Reinforcement in Beams
and One-way Slabs
410.7.1 This section prescribes rules for distribution of
flexural reinforcement to control flexural cracking in beams
and in one-way slabs (slabs reinforced to resist flexural
stresses in only one direction).
410.7.2 Distribution of flexural reinforcement in two-way
slabs shall be as required by Section 413.4.
410.7.3 Flexural tension reinforcement shall be well
distributed within maximum flexural tension zones of a
member cross section as required by Section 410.7.4.
410.7.4 The spacing s of reinforcement closest to a surface
in tension, s, shall not exceed that given by:
c
s
c
f
s 5 . 2 280 380   


 


(410-5)
but not greater than 300(280/fs), where cc is the least
distance from surface of reinforcement or prestressing
steelto the tension face. If there is only one bar or wire
nearest to the extreme tension face, s used in Eq. 410-5 is
the width of the extreme tension face.
Calculated stress in reinforcement fs in MPa closest to the
tension face shall be computed based on the unfactored
moment. It shall be permitted to take fs as 2/3 of specified
yield strength fy.
410.7.5 Provisions of Section 410.7.4 are not sufficient for
structures subject to very aggressive exposure or designed to
be watertight. For such structures, special investigations and
precautions are required.
410.7.6 Where flanges of T-beam construction are in
tension, part of the flexural tension reinforcement shall be
distributed over an effective flange width as defined in
Section 408.12, or a width equal to one tenth the span,
whichever is smaller. If the effective flange width exceeds
one tenth the span, some longitudinal reinforcement shall be
provided in the outer portions of the flange.
410.7.7 Where h of a beam or joist exceeds 900 mm,
longitudinal skin reinforcement shall be uniformly
distributed along both side faces of the member. Skin
reinforcement shall extend for a distance h/2 from the
tension face. The spacing s shall be as provided in Section
410.7.4, where cc, is the least distance from the surface of
the skin reinforcement or prestressing tendons to the side
face. It shall be permitted to include such reinforcement in
strength computations if a strain compatibility analysis is
made to determine stresses in the individual bars or wires.
410.8 Deep Beams
410.8.1 Deep beams are members loaded on one face and
supported on the opposite face so that compression struts
can develop between the loads and the supports, and have