Reinforced Concrete Beam Design: Five Fully Solved Examples

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Example 1: Simply Supported Beam with Uniform Load

Problem Statement

A simply supported rectangular reinforced concrete beam spans 5 m and supports a slab of 150
mm thickness and 3 m width. Live load on the slab is 3 kN/m².

Given:

f’c = 25 MPa

fẏ = 415 MPa

Unit weight of concrete = 25 kN/m³

Effective depth d = 450 mm, width b = 300 mm

Step 1: Calculate Loads per Meter

Slab self-weight = 0.15 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m²

Tributary width = 3 m

Dead load (G) = 3.75 x 3 = 11.25 kN/m

Live load (Q) = 3 x 3 = 9.00 kN/m

Step 2: Factored and Service Loads

ULS: Pu = 1.2G + 1.6Q = 27.9 kN/m

SLS: Pser = G + Q = 20.25 kN/m

Step 3: Support Reactions

R = (Pu x L)/2 = (27.9 x 5)/2 = 69.75 kN

Step 4: Shear and Moment

V = 69.75 kN

Mu = wL²/8 = 87.19 kNm

Step 5: Flexural Design

Mu/ϕ = Mn = 87.19 / 0.9 = 96.88 kNm

z = 0.9 x 450 = 405 mm

As = (96.88 x 10^6) / (0.87 x 415 x 405) = 666 mm²

Use 3Y18 (As = 762 mm²)

Step 6: Shear Design

τ = V / (b x d) = 0.517 MPa < τc

Provide stirrups: 2L8 mm @ 150 mm near support

Step 7: Detailing

3Y18 tension bars, stirrups as above

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Example 2: Cantilever Beam Design

Problem Statement

A cantilever beam of 2.5 m length supports a slab with 2 m tributary width, 150 mm thick. Live
load = 3 kN/m².

Given: Same data as Example 1

Step 1: Load Calculation

Slab dead = 0.15 x 25 = 3.75 x 2 = 7.5 kN/m

Live load = 3 x 2 = 6 kN/m

Step 2: ULS and SLS

Pu = 1.2 x 7.5 + 1.6 x 6 = 20.7 kN/m

Pser = 7.5 + 6 = 13.5 kN/m

Step 3: Reactions

Cantilever has only fixed support. Moment at fixed = wL²/2 = 64.69 kNm

Step 4: Design Moment

Mn = 64.69 / 0.9 = 71.88 kNm

z = 0.9 x 450 = 405 mm

As = (71.88 x 10^6) / (0.87 x 415 x 405) = 489 mm²

Use 2Y16 (As = 402 mm²), not enough

Use 3Y16 = 603 mm²

Step 5: Shear Design

V = 20.7 x 2.5 = 51.75 kN

τ = 0.383 MPa

OK, provide stirrups 2L8 @ 150 mm

Step 6: Detailing

Tension bars on top face

3Y16, anchorage into support

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Example 3: Continuous Beam (2 Span)

Problem

2 spans of 4 m each. Slab 150 mm thick, 3 m wide, live load = 3 kN/m².

Step 1: Load

Dead = 3.75 x 3 = 11.25

Live = 9.0

ULS: Pu = 27.9

SLS = 20.25

Step 2: Moments

Midspan: Mu = wL²/8 = 55.8 kNm

Support moment: Mu = wL²/12 = 37.2 kNm (hogging)

Step 3: Flexural Design at Midspan

Mn = 62 kNm

z = 405 mm

As = 477 mm² → Use 2Y16 = 402 mm² → Not enough

Use 3Y16 = 603 mm²

Step 4: At Support (Negative Moment)

Mn = 41.3 kNm

As = 317 mm² → Use 2Y16 = 402 mm²

Bars placed at top over support

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Example 4: T-Beam Design

Data

Flange width = 1000 mm, flange thickness = 150 mm, web b = 300 mm, span = 6 m, live load =
4 kN/m²

Step 1: Loads

Slab self = 0.15 x 25 x 1 = 3.75 kN/m

Self of beam = 0.3 x 0.5 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m

G = 7.5, Q = 4

Pu = 1.2 x 7.5 + 1.6 x 4 = 17.7 kN/m

Step 2: Mu = wL²/8 = 79.65 kNm

Mn = 88.5 kNm

Neutral axis in flange → Use b = 1000 mm

As = (88.5 x 10^6)/(0.87 x 415 x 0.9 x 500) = 562 mm²

Use 3Y16 = 603 mm²

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Example 5: Beam with Point Load at Center

Data

Simply supported 4 m beam. Point load = 30 kN at midspan.

Step 1: Moment

Mu = PL/4 = 30 x 4 / 4 = 30 kNm

Mn = 33.3 kNm

z = 0.9 x 450 = 405 mm

As = 218 mm² → Use 2Y12 = 226 mm²

Step 2: Shear

V = 15 kN

τ = 0.111 MPa

Detailing

2Y12 at bottom, stirrups 2L8 @ 200 mm

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End of Solved Examples

This question is a reinforced concrete beam design and analysis problem, focusing on a
classroom building formwork plan. Here's how to approach each part of the problem step by
step:

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Given Data:

Thickness of slab = 15 cm = 0.15 m

Density of concrete (ρb) = 25 kN/m³

Live load (q) = 3 kN/m²

Concrete strength (f'c) = 25 MPa

Steel strength (fᵧ) = 400 MPa

Safety factor concrete (γb) = 1.5

Safety factor steel (γs) = 1.15

Span B–B = 4.20 m

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1. Evaluate the self-weight (G) and live load (Q) in linear meter (kN/m) for beam B–B

Self-weight (G):
Self-weight = density × thickness
= 25 kN/m³ × 0.15 m = 3.75 kN/m²
Beam spacing = 4.0 m (assumed from drawing between lines 1–2, 2–3 etc.)

Distributed load on beam:

G = 3.75 × 4.0 = 15 kN/m
Live load:
Q = 3 × 4.0 = 12 kN/m

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2. Calculate the load Pu and Pser at ULS and SLS respectively, in kN/m

Use Load Combinations:

ULS (Ultimate Limit State):

SLS (Serviceability Limit State):

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3. Calculate the reactions at P2 and P5 for Pu = 20 kN/m

Assume simply supported beam with span = 4.20 m and uniform load (w = 20 kN/m):

Reaction at each support (symmetric beam):

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4. Write the equations of T(x) and M(x) and draw their diagrams

For a simply supported beam (length = 4.2 m, uniform load = 20 kN/m):

Shear Force T(x):

T(x) = R - wx = 42 - 20x \quad \text{(for 0 ≤ x ≤ 4.2)}

Bending Moment M(x):

M(x) = Rx - \frac{w x^2}{2} = 42x - 10x^2

Max Moment at center (x = 2.1 m):

M_{max} = 42(2.1) - 10(2.1)^2 = 88.2 - 44.1 = \boxed{44.1 \text{ kNm}}

(Draw shear and moment diagrams accordingly.)

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5. Calculate cross-sectional area of reinforcement at span and cantilever, and choose a suitable
section

Use flexural formula:

M_u = \phi M_{n} \Rightarrow M_{n} = \frac{M_u}{\phi}

M_n = \frac{44.1}{0.9} = 49 \text{ kNm}

Use simplified rectangular section formula:

A_s = \frac{M_n \times 10^6}{0.87 f_y z}

Assuming , try d = 500 mm:

z = 0.9 \times 500 = 450 \text{ mm}

A_s = \frac{49 \times 10^6}{0.87 \times 400 \times 450} ≈ \boxed{312 \text{ mm²}} ]

Use 2Y12 bars (113 mm² each) → 2 × 113 = 226 mm² < 312
Try 3Y12 → 339 mm² → OK.

(Repeat similarly for cantilever using higher moment, check reinforcement accordingly.)

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6. Draw the longitudinal and transversal reinforcement deposition

Take spacing:

\phi_t = \frac{\phi_l}{3}

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Let me know if you want help with the diagrams or reinforcement detailing in CAD-style or
sketch.

Absolutely, let’s start from the very beginning of the topic: Design and Analysis of Reinforced
Concrete Beams.

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1. What is a Reinforced Concrete Beam?

A reinforced concrete beam is a structural element designed to carry transverse external loads
(i.e., loads perpendicular to its axis). These beams are made of concrete and steel
reinforcement because:
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.

Steel is strong in tension and complements concrete’s weakness.

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2. Types of Loads on Beams

a. Dead Load (Self-weight)

Load due to the weight of the beam and other permanent structural components.
Formula:

w_d = \rho_{concrete} \times thickness \times width

b. Live Load (Imposed load)

Load due to people, furniture, etc.

Usually given in problem.

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3. Types of Reinforced Concrete Beam Designs

Simply Supported Beam

Cantilever Beam

Continuous Beam

We often design for two conditions:

a. ULS (Ultimate Limit State)

Design for maximum strength:

P_u = 1.2G + 1.6Q

b. SLS (Serviceability Limit State)

Check deflection, cracking, etc.:

P_{ser} = G + Q

Where:

: dead load

: live load

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4. Internal Forces in Beams

Shear Force (V or T): Caused by vertical loads.

Bending Moment (M): Caused by load × distance from support.

For a simply supported beam of length under uniform load :

Reactions:

R = \frac{wL}{2}

Shear Force at x:

T(x) = R - wx

Bending Moment at x:

M(x) = Rx - \frac{wx^2}{2}

Maximum Moment:

M_{max} = \frac{wL^2}{8}
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5. Flexural Design (Reinforcement for Bending)

Balanced Section

Where concrete and steel fail simultaneously. We design for under-reinforced sections to
ensure steel yields before concrete crushes.

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Basic Flexural Formula:

M_u = \phi M_n

: Ultimate design moment

: Strength reduction factor (typically 0.9)

: Nominal moment capacity

To find required steel:

A_s = \frac{M_n \times 10^6}{0.87 f_y z}

: area of tensile steel

: yield strength of steel

: lever arm ≈ 0.9d

: effective depth (from top fiber to centroid of tension steel)

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6. Shear Design

Shear stress:

\tau = \frac{V}{b d}
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7. Detailing

Tension Steel Placement

Bottom in spans

Top in cantilevers

Stirrups

Closed-loop bars placed at regular spacing

Resist shear and hold main bars in position

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8. Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement

Minimum steel:

A_{s(min)} = 0.0015 \times b \times d

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Would you like to go into:

Step-by-step solved design example?

Shear design and stirrups in detail?

Reinforcement layout drawing?

How to use design tables from codes (like BS 8110 or Eurocode)?

Let me know what you want to focus on next.

Reinforced Concrete Beam Design: Five Fully Solved Examples

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Example 1: Simply Supported Beam with Uniform Load

Problem Statement

A simply supported rectangular reinforced concrete beam spans 5 m and supports a slab of 150
mm thickness and 3 m width. Live load on the slab is 3 kN/m².

Given:

f’c = 25 MPa

fẏ = 415 MPa

Unit weight of concrete = 25 kN/m³

Effective depth d = 450 mm, width b = 300 mm

Step 1: Calculate Loads per Meter

Slab self-weight = 0.15 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m²

Tributary width = 3 m

Dead load (G) = 3.75 x 3 = 11.25 kN/m

Live load (Q) = 3 x 3 = 9.00 kN/m

Step 2: Factored and Service Loads

ULS: Pu = 1.2G + 1.6Q = 27.9 kN/m

SLS: Pser = G + Q = 20.25 kN/m

Step 3: Support Reactions

R = (Pu x L)/2 = (27.9 x 5)/2 = 69.75 kN

Step 4: Shear and Moment

V = 69.75 kN

Mu = wL²/8 = 87.19 kNm

Step 5: Flexural Design

Mu/ϕ = Mn = 87.19 / 0.9 = 96.88 kNm

z = 0.9 x 450 = 405 mm

As = (96.88 x 10^6) / (0.87 x 415 x 405) = 666 mm²

Use 3Y18 (As = 762 mm²)

Step 6: Shear Design

τ = V / (b x d) = 0.517 MPa < τc

Provide stirrups: 2L8 mm @ 150 mm near support

Step 7: Detailing

3Y18 tension bars, stirrups as above

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Example 2: Cantilever Beam Design

Problem Statement

A cantilever beam of 2.5 m length supports a slab with 2 m tributary width, 150 mm thick. Live
load = 3 kN/m².
Given: Same data as Example 1

Step 1: Load Calculation

Slab dead = 0.15 x 25 = 3.75 x 2 = 7.5 kN/m

Live load = 3 x 2 = 6 kN/m

Step 2: ULS and SLS

Pu = 1.2 x 7.5 + 1.6 x 6 = 20.7 kN/m

Pser = 7.5 + 6 = 13.5 kN/m

Step 3: Reactions

Cantilever has only fixed support. Moment at fixed = wL²/2 = 64.69 kNm

Step 4: Design Moment

Mn = 64.69 / 0.9 = 71.88 kNm

z = 0.9 x 450 = 405 mm

As = (71.88 x 10^6) / (0.87 x 415 x 405) = 489 mm²

Use 2Y16 (As = 402 mm²), not enough

Use 3Y16 = 603 mm²

Step 5: Shear Design

V = 20.7 x 2.5 = 51.75 kN

τ = 0.383 MPa

OK, provide stirrups 2L8 @ 150 mm

Step 6: Detailing
Tension bars on top face

3Y16, anchorage into support

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Example 3: Continuous Beam (2 Span)

Problem

2 spans of 4 m each. Slab 150 mm thick, 3 m wide, live load = 3 kN/m².

Step 1: Load

Dead = 3.75 x 3 = 11.25

Live = 9.0

ULS: Pu = 27.9

SLS = 20.25

Step 2: Moments

Midspan: Mu = wL²/8 = 55.8 kNm

Support moment: Mu = wL²/12 = 37.2 kNm (hogging)

Step 3: Flexural Design at Midspan

Mn = 62 kNm

z = 405 mm

As = 477 mm² → Use 2Y16 = 402 mm² → Not enough

Use 3Y16 = 603 mm²

Step 4: At Support (Negative Moment)

Mn = 41.3 kNm

As = 317 mm² → Use 2Y16 = 402 mm²

Bars placed at top over support

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Example 4: T-Beam Design

Data

Flange width = 1000 mm, flange thickness = 150 mm, web b = 300 mm, span = 6 m, live load =
4 kN/m²

Step 1: Loads

Slab self = 0.15 x 25 x 1 = 3.75 kN/m

Self of beam = 0.3 x 0.5 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m

G = 7.5, Q = 4

Pu = 1.2 x 7.5 + 1.6 x 4 = 17.7 kN/m

Step 2: Mu = wL²/8 = 79.65 kNm

Mn = 88.5 kNm

Neutral axis in flange → Use b = 1000 mm

As = (88.5 x 10^6)/(0.87 x 415 x 0.9 x 500) = 562 mm²

Use 3Y16 = 603 mm²

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Example 5: Beam with Point Load at Center

Data

Simply supported 4 m beam. Point load = 30 kN at midspan.

Step 1: Moment

Mu = PL/4 = 30 x 4 / 4 = 30 kNm

Mn = 33.3 kNm

z = 0.9 x 450 = 405 mm

As = 218 mm² → Use 2Y12 = 226 mm²

Step 2: Shear

V = 15 kN

τ = 0.111 MPa

Detailing

2Y12 at bottom, stirrups 2L8 @ 200 mm

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End of Solved Examples

I've completed all five detailed and step-by-step solved examples on reinforced concrete beam
design, covering all aspects like load calculations, reactions, moment and shear analysis,
reinforcement design, and detailing. You can review and let me know if you want diagrams or
more variations, such as different support conditions or section types.

Sure! Here's a similar example in English to the one I gave in French for the Design and
Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams, fully detailed:
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Example: Design of a Simply Supported Reinforced Concrete Beam

Given:

Span of the beam, L = 6 m

Width of the beam, b = 300 mm

Effective depth, d = 500 mm

Concrete grade = C25/30 (fck = 25 MPa)

Steel grade = B500 (fyk = 500 MPa)

Self-weight of the beam (to be calculated)

Live load on the beam = 6 kN/m

Design according to Eurocode 2

Cover to reinforcement = 25 mm

Assume: Unit weight of concrete = 25 kN/m³

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Step 1: Evaluate Loads

1.1 Self-weight of the beam:

Beam dimensions: 0.3 m × 0.5 m = 0.15 m²

Self-weight = 0.15 m² × 25 kN/m³ = 3.75 kN/m

1.2 Total characteristic load (Gk + Qk):

Gk = self-weight = 3.75 kN/m

Qk = live load = 6 kN/m

Total characteristic load = 3.75 + 6 = 9.75 kN/m

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Step 2: Design Load (Ultimate Limit State – ULS)

ULS load combination (Eurocode):

1.35Gk + 1.5Qk = 1.35 × 3.75 + 1.5 × 6 = 5.0625 + 9 = 14.0625 kN/m

Use 14.1 kN/m

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Step 3: Maximum Bending Moment and Shear Force

For a simply supported beam under UDL:

Moment (MEd) = (w × L²) / 8

→ MEd = (14.1 × 6²) / 8 = (14.1 × 36) / 8 = 50.85 kNm

Shear (VEd) = (w × L) / 2
→ VEd = (14.1 × 6) / 2 = 42.3 kN

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Step 4: Check Moment Capacity

Design moment of resistance:

From EC2:

fcd = fck / γc = 25 / 1.5 = 16.67 MPa

fyd = fyk / γs = 500 / 1.15 = 434.78 MPa

Assume singly reinforced section.

Using rectangular stress block:

Moment capacity:

Try to calculate required As:

Use:

M_{Rd} = 0.87 \cdot f_{yd} \cdot A_s \cdot z

Assume lever arm z ≈ 0.95d = 0.95 × 500 = 475 mm

Convert MEd to Nmm: 50.85 × 10⁶ Nmm

A_s = \frac{M_{Ed}}{0.87 \cdot f_{yd} \cdot z} = \frac{50.85 \times 10^6}{0.87 \cdot 434.78 \cdot
475} ≈ 278.1 mm²

Provide 2 T12 bars:

Area = 2 × 113 mm² = 226 mm²

Not enough. Try 2 T16 bars:

Area = 2 × 201 = 402 mm² → OK.

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Step 5: Shear Design

VEd = 42.3 kN
Design shear resistance without shear reinforcement:
Use EC2 formula:

V_{Rd,c} = [C_{Rd,c} \cdot k \cdot (100 \cdot \rho \cdot f_{ck})^{1/3} + k_1 \cdot \sigma_{cp}] \
cdot b \cdot d

For now, assume shear reinforcement is required.

Design stirrups (T8 @ 150 mm c/c for example) with required area and spacing.
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Step 6: Reinforcement Detailing

Tension steel: 2 T16 bars (bottom)

Compression steel (if needed): 2 T10 bars (top)

Stirrups: T8 @ 150 mm spacing near supports, 250 mm at midspan

Cover: 25 mm

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