Chapter 2

Working Stress Method of Design

2.1 Basic Assumptions in Working Stress Design

The fundamental assumptions made are as follows:
i) Sections that are plane before bending remain plane
after bending at any cross-section.
ii) All tensile stresses are taken up by steel
reinforcement and none by concrete, except
otherwise specifically permitted.
iii) The stress-strain relationship of steel and concrete,
under working load, is a straight line.
iv) The modular ratio m has the value 280/3𝜎cbc
v) There is perfect adhesion between steel and
concrete and no slip takes place between steel and
concrete.

c
b t
b ec s cbc

N.A x

Neutra
d Neutral
axis
d D Axis
At

et s st/m
s st/m
Section of a Beam
Section
Strain Diagram Strain
Stress Diagram Equivalent stress
 st diagram

SECTION
Fig. 2.1 STRAIN

Stress -strain curve in working stress

Modular Ratio
This is the ratio between elastic moduli of steel and concrete
and is denoted by m.
𝐸𝑠
𝑚=
𝐸𝑐
The modular ratio varies with the grade of concrete. Modular
ratio calculated by the above equation is not considered in
reinforced concrete designs. m is calculated according to IS:456-
2000 as follows, in which long term effect such as creep is
partially taken into consideration.
280
𝑚=
3𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
Where, 𝜎cbc=permissible compressive stress in concrete in
bending.
Modular ratio values for different grades of concrete are as
under:
Grade of concrete Modular ratio
280
M15 𝑚= = 18.66
3𝑥5
280
M20 𝑚= = 13.33
3𝑥7
Reason for the Value of Modular Ratio
WSM assumes that both steel and concrete act together and are
perfectly elastic at all stages so the modular ratio can be used to
determine the stresses in steel and concrete. This method
adopts permissible stresses which are obtained by applying
specific factor of safety on material strength for design. It
converts from one material to another material in calculations

2.2 Working Load and Permissible Stresses in Concrete

and Steel

Working load
It is the maximum load that any structural member is designed
to support. Basically, service loads are those applied loads which
have not yet been factored, also known as “working loads”. We
should not get confused that safe working load is same as
working load limit.
Permissible Stress of Concrete and Steel
Permissible stress design (more commonly called allowable
stress design) is a design philosophy used by civil engineers. The
designer ensures that the stress developed in a structure due to
service loads do not exceed the elastic limit. This limit is usually
determined by ensuring that stresses remain within the limits
through the use of factors of safety.

1. Permissible stresses in concrete

Concrete from M15 grade and above is to be used for
reinforced concrete designs. The permissible stresses for
different grades concrete are given in Table 2.1
Table 2.1
(All values are in N/mm2)

Concrete Grade M15 M20 M25 M30

1) Stress in Bending (σcbc) 5 7 8.5 10
compression
Direct (σce)
4 5 6 8
2) Stress in bond
(average) for 0.6 0.8 0.9 1
plain bars,(bd)
3) Characteristic
compressive 15 20 25 30
stress

For other values refer to IS: 456-2000

2. Permissible Stresses in Steel

The different grades steel available in the market with their
market names as follows:
i) Mild steel
Grade I known as mild steel (MS)
ii) High tensile deformed steel
Grade Fe-415 known as Tor-40 or Tistrong I
iii) High tensile deformed steel
Grade Fe500 known as Tor-50 or Tistrong II
2.3 Behaviour of Beam under Loading
When the load is gradually increased such that the
bending exceeds the cracking moment of the section, it is
assumed that all of the concrete on tension side are cracked.
Reinforcing bars in tension zone begins to resists the tensile
stresses caused by the applied moment and that moment is
called Cracking Moment. Concrete in the extreme tension fiber
of a beam section is expected to crack when the stress reaches
the value of the modulus of rupture, at this stage the maximum
strains in compression and tension are of low value.
If the contribution of the transformed area of
reinforcing steel is not significant, an approximate value of
moment is obtained by considering by treating the beam section
as the plain concrete section.
When the load on the beam keeps on increasing, it fails
either in compression or in tension. If there is insufficient
reinforcement then the beam fails in tension but if there is
sufficient reinforcement and the concrete cannot resists load
then the beam fails in compression. So balanced reinforcement
and concrete needs to be calculated and used. Compression
failure of beam occurs when it is over reinforced and tension
failure occurs when it is under reinforced.

Beam before deformation

Fibre at maximum compression

Compression Zone

Tension zone Neutral

plane
Fibre of maximum tension
Deformed shape of beam

Fig. 2.2 Behaviour of beam under loading

2.4 Reinforced Concrete Sections of Beam
The different RC sections of beam are:
1) Rectangular section
2) T-section
3) Inverted L-section
4) Trapezoidal section
5) I-section beam
6) Deep beam

T-section Inverted Trapezoidal I-section Deep beam

L-section section

Reinforced Concrete Beam

Fig. 2.3 Reinforced concrete beam section

Singly Reinforced section

Singly reinforcement beam have steel provided only on one
side. Tension takes steel load or tensile load and compression
takes concrete or compressive load.
A

Compression
b

Steel D d
Reinforcement

A Tension Section A-A

Support
Clear span

Fig.2.4 Singly Reinforced Section

Doubly Reinforced Section
When the depth and breadth of the beam has to be restricted
for reason of appearance or otherwise, it may become necessary
to provide steel on the compression side as well ,as the limited
dimension are smaller than those given by the formula M=kbd2.
Moment of resistance with respect to compression will be
smaller than the applied bending moment. The steel provided
on the compression side increases the capacity of the beam to
resists compressive forces without increasing its size. Such
beam is called doubly reinforced.

A Compression
b

d'
Steel Reinforcement D d

A Section A-A
Tension Support

Clear span

b= width of beam ,d= effective depth of beam upto the

centroid of tension reinforcement ,D = Overall depth of beam

b cb
d'
cb1

D d

Rectangular

SECTION A-A
Bending Shear
Section Stress
of Beam Stress
Diagram diagram

Doubly Reinforced section

Flanged Section of Beam

Beams are generally made of rectangular section.
However, in reinforced concrete frame structure where beam
and slab are cast monolithic, they act integrally and the slab
deforms along with the beam resulting in the development of
flexural stress in the slab. Such beams are known as flanged
beam where part of the slab acts as flange of the beam.

Balanced, Under-reinforced and Over-reinforced Sections:

Balanced:
Reinforced concrete sections are designed on the assumption
that the maximum stresses in concrete and steel reach their
permissible stresses at the same time. Both the materials are
stressed to their fullest allowable stress at one and the same
time. As such, the section is called ‘balanced’ or ‘critical’ or
‘economic’. The neutral axis of this section is called neutral axis
and may be denoted by xc. Critical N.A is calculated as follows
(See fig. 2.6)
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥𝑐
=
𝜎𝑠𝑡 /𝑚 𝑑 − 𝑥𝑐

Under-reinforced:
If less steel than that required for balanced section is used, the
section is under-reinforced. In such a condition, the steel is
stressed to its maximum permissible stress, while concrete is
stressed below the permissible stress. Under such conditions,
the beam will fail initially due to overstress in the steel.
The neutral axis is calculated by taking moments of area of
compression and tension sides about neutral axis. Thus
𝑥
𝑏. 𝑥. = 𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 𝑥)
2
This actual N.A is above the critical N.A, as shown in Fig. 2.6.
The neutral axis moves upwards because the concrete area is
greater than the area of steel, the latter being less than what it
should be for perfect balance.

Over-reinforced:
If more steel than the steel required for balanced section is
used, the section is over-reinforced. The steel is not fully
stressed to its maximum permissible tensile stress, while the
compressive stress in concrete at extreme fibre reaches its
maximum permissible value. In this case, the beam will fail
initially due to overstress in the concrete.
N.A is calculated by taking moments of area of compression
and tension side about the N.A.
𝑥
𝑏𝑥. = 𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 𝑥)
2
This actual N.A is below the critical N.A. (see fig. 2.6). The N.A
moves downwards because the area of steel is more than that of
balanced section.

Moment of Resistance
The moment of resistance of the concrete section is the
moment of couple formed by the total tensile force (T) in the
steel acting at the C.G of reinforcement, and the total
compressive force (C) in the concrete acting at the C.G of the
compressive stress diagram. The moment of resistance is
denoted by Mr.
The distance between the resultant compressive force (C) and
tensile force (T) is called lever arm, and is denoted by𝑧.

It is clear that the intensity of compressive stress varies from

maximum at the top to zero at the neutral axis. Therefore C.G.
of the compressive force is at a distance x/3 from the top edge
of section.
Therefore,
𝑧 = 𝑑 − 𝑥/3
Moment of resistance
𝑀𝑟 = 𝐶 × 𝑧
𝜎 𝑥
= 𝑏. 𝑥. 𝑐𝑏𝑐
2
(𝑑 − 3)
𝑜𝑟, 𝑀𝑟 = 𝑇 × 𝑧
𝑥
= 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝜎𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 3)
For balanced section,
𝑏. 𝑥𝑐 𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥𝑐
𝑀𝑟 = (𝑑 − )
2 3
𝑥
= 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝜎𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 3𝑐 )
For under-reinforced section
𝑀𝑟 = 𝑇 × 𝑧
𝑥
= 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝜎𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − )
3
For over-reinforced section
𝑀𝑟 = 𝐶 × 𝑧
𝑏. 𝑥 . 𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥
= (𝑑 − )
2 3
2.5 Design of Singly Reinforced Rectangular Beam
Singly Reinforced Sections:
Let, b=breadth of a rectangular beam
d=effective depth of the beam
x=depth of neutral axis below the compression edge
Ast=cross-sectional area of steel in tension
𝜎cbc=permissible compressive stress in concrete in bending
𝜎st=permissible tensile stress in steel
m=modular ratio
Neutral Axis (N.A):
There are two methods for determining the neutral axis of a
beam depending upon the data given.

b s cbc
x
N.A

d σst/m d
d-x
Method I
Given:
i) Dimension of the section (b and d)
ii) Permissible stresses in concrete and steel (𝜎cbc and
𝜎st)
iii) Modular ratio (m)
Referring to Fig 2.8, from similar triangles in the equivalent
concrete stress diagram,
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥
𝜎 /𝑚
= 𝑑−𝑥………….(1)
𝑠𝑡
From equation (1), x can be determined.
To find the area of steel (Ast) equate total compressive force
(C ) to total tensile force(T).
C=T
C=area × compressive stress
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 + 0
= (𝑏. 𝑥) ×
2
𝑏. 𝑥. 𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
=
2
T=area × tensile stress
= Ast × 𝜎st
𝑏.𝑥.𝜎
Therefore, 2 𝑐𝑏𝑐 = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 . 𝜎𝑠𝑡 …………… (2)
After calculating the neutral axis x from equation (1), the area of
steel can be found from equation (2).
The area of tensile steel (Ast) is expressed as a percentage (pt) of
the effective section.
100
pt= 𝐴𝑠𝑡 × 𝑏𝑑

Example 2.1: An RC beam 200 mm wide has an effective

depth of 370 mm. The permissible stresses in concrete and steel
are 5 N/mm2 and 140 N/mm2 respectively. Find the depth of
neutral axis, area of steel and percentage of steel. 𝑚 = 18.66
Given, 𝑏 = 200 𝑚𝑚
𝑑 = 370 𝑚𝑚
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 = 5 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝜎𝑠𝑡 = 140 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝑚 = 18.66
Method I:
From similar triangles in the equivalent concrete stress diagram
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥
=
𝜎𝑠𝑡 /𝑚 𝑑−𝑥
5 𝑥
=
140/18.66 370 − 𝑥
Therefore,
𝑥 = 147.97 𝑚𝑚
To find the area of steel
𝐶=𝑇
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
𝑏. 𝑥 × = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 × 𝜎𝑠𝑡
2
5
200 × 147.97 × = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 × 140
2
Therefore, 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 528.46 𝑚𝑚2

Percentage of steel:

100 528.46 × 100

𝑝𝑡 = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 × =
𝑏𝑑 200 × 370
= 0.714

Method II:
Given,
i) Dimensions of section (b and d)
ii) Area of tensile steel (Ast)
iii) Modular ratio (m)
Referring to fig 2.7; we see that the neutral axis is situated at the
centre of gravity of a given section. The moments of area on
either side of it are equal.
Therefore, Moment of area on compression side=Moment of
area on tension side
Moment of area on compression side
=Area of compression side × distance of C.G
of compression area from N.A.
𝑥
=(𝑏. 𝑥) × (2)
=𝑏. 𝑥. 𝑥/2
Moment of area on tension side
=Equivalent area of concrete × distance of C.G
of tensile steel from N.A
= (𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) × (𝑑 − 𝑥)
= 𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 𝑥)
Note that,𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 = Equivalent area of concrete
Therefore, 𝑏. 𝑥. 𝑥/2 = 𝑚. 𝐴𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 𝑥)

Example 2.2: Find the position of the neutral axis of a

reinforced concrete beam 170 mm wide and 450 mm deep
(effective). Area of tensile steel is 900 mm2. Take 𝑚 = 18.66
Method II
Given:
𝑏 = 170 𝑚𝑚
𝑑 = 450 𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 900 𝑚𝑚2
𝑚 = 18.66
Taking moments of area of compression and tension sides
about N.A,
𝑏. 𝑥. 𝑥/2 = 𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 𝑥)
𝑥2
170 = 18.66 × 900 × (450 − 𝑥)
2
𝑥 2 + 200𝑥 − 80014 = 0
Solving for x, we get
𝑥 = 215 𝑚𝑚

Example 2.3: Determine a) the position of neutral axis; b) lever

arm; c) moment of resistance; and d) percentage of steel, for a
rectangular section of width b mm and effective depth d mm.
Take σcbc=5 N/mm2; σst=140 N/mm2; 𝑚 = 18.66
a) To find N.A
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥𝑐
=
𝜎𝑠𝑡 /𝑚 𝑑 − 𝑥𝑐
5 𝑥𝑐
140 =
𝑑 − 𝑥𝑐
18.66
∴ 𝑥𝑐 = 0.399𝑑, 𝑜𝑟 0.4 𝑑 𝑚𝑚
 b) To find lever arm
𝑥𝑐
𝑧=𝑑−
3
0.4𝑑
=𝑑−
3
= 0.867𝑑 𝑜𝑟 0.87 𝑑 𝑚𝑚
c) To find moment of resistance
𝑀𝑟 = 𝐶 × 𝑧
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
= 𝑏𝑥𝑐 𝑧
2
5
= 𝑏(0.4𝑑) ( ) (0.87𝑑)
2
=0.87bd2 N.mm
d) To find the resistance of steel
𝐶=𝑇
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
𝑏. 𝑥𝑐 . = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝜎𝑠𝑡
2
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 1
Therefore,𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 𝑏𝑥𝑐 2 × 𝜎
𝑠𝑡
1
= 𝑏(0.4𝑑)5/2 × 140
𝑏𝑑
= 𝑚𝑚2
140

𝐴𝑠𝑡 100
𝑝𝑡 = 𝑏𝑑
𝑏𝑑 100
= ×
140 𝑏𝑑
= 0.71 %

Example 2.4: Calculate the moment of resistance of an RC

beam 350 mm wide, the depth to the centre of reinforcement
being 650 mm. Assume σcbc=5N/mm2, σst=140 N/mm2 and
m=18.66
Given,
𝑏 = 350 𝑚𝑚
𝑑 = 650 𝑚𝑚
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 = 5 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝜎𝑠𝑡 = 140 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝑚 = 18.66
To find N.A
 𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥𝑐
=
𝜎𝑠𝑡 /𝑚 𝑑 − 𝑥𝑐
5 𝑥𝑐
140 =
650 − 𝑥𝑐
18.66
𝑥𝑐 = 260 𝑚𝑚
To find lever arm,
𝑥𝑐
𝑧=𝑑−
3
260
= 650 −
3
= 563 𝑚𝑚
To find moment of resistance
𝑀𝑟 = 𝐶 × 𝑧
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
= 𝑏𝑥𝑐 ×𝑧
2
5
= 350 × 260 × × 563
2
= 128082500 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚
= 128.0825𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑜𝑟, 𝑀𝑟 = 𝑇 × 𝑧
= 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝜎𝑠𝑡 𝑧
To find 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ,
𝐶=𝑇
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
𝑏𝑥𝑐 = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 × 𝜎𝑠𝑡
2
5
350 × 260 × = 𝐴𝑠𝑡 × 140
2
∴ 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 1625 𝑚𝑚2
𝑀𝑟 = 1625 × 140 × 563
= 128082500 𝑁𝑚𝑚
= 128 𝑘𝑁𝑚
It is clear that from the above example that in case of balanced
section, the 𝑀𝑟 can be balanced either as 𝑀𝑟 = 𝐶 × 𝑧 or
as 𝑀𝑟 = 𝑇 × 𝑧. Both the results are same.

Example 2.5: Calculate the moment of resistance of an RC

beam 230×500 mm over all. Reinforcement is 1521 mm2 and is
placed at a distance of 25 mm from the bottom. 𝜎cbc=7
N/mm2, 𝜎st=140 N/mm2, 𝑚 = 13.33

Given:
𝑏 = 230 𝑚𝑚
𝑑 = 500 − 25 = 475 𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 1521 𝑚𝑚2
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 = 7𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝜎𝑠𝑡 = 140 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
𝑚 = 13.33
To find N.A (critical):
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥𝑐
=
𝜎𝑠𝑡 /𝑚 𝑑 − 𝑥𝑐
7 𝑥𝑐
=
140/13.33 475 − 𝑥𝑐
∴ 𝑥𝑐 = 190 𝑚𝑚
To find N.A (actual):
Taking moment of area of compression and tension side about
N.A,
We get,
𝑏. 𝑥. 𝑥
= 𝑚𝐴𝑠𝑡 (𝑑 − 𝑥)
2
2
230𝑥
= 13.33 × 1521(475 − 𝑥)
2
2
𝑜𝑟, 𝑥 + 173.4𝑥 − 83744.27 = 0
Solving for x,
𝑥 = 215.39, 𝑜𝑟 216 𝑚𝑚
∴ 𝑥 > 𝑥𝑐
i.e, actual N.A is below the critical N.A. Hence the beam is
over-reinforced.
To find 𝑀𝑟:
𝑀𝑟 = 𝐶 × 𝑧
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐
= 𝑏. 𝑥 ( )×𝑧
2
7 216
= 230 × 216 × ( ) × (475 − )
2 3
= 70073640 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚
= 70.07 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
Example 2.6: A reinforced concrete beam 300mm wide by
600mm total depth has a span of 6.5m. Find the necessary
tension reinforcement at the mid section to enable the beam to
carry a load of 9.5kN/m in addition to its own weight. Concrete
cover below the steel centre=35mm. Weight of RCC=25kN/m2
Allowable stress in steel=230N/mm2
Allowable stress in concrete= 7kN/mm2
Solution:
Dead load of a beam per metre run =0.30.625 =4.5kN/m
Superimposed load on the beam=9.5kN/m
Therefore, total load per metre run=4.5 + 9.5= 14 kN/m
Maximum bending moment M = 14  6.5 = 73.9375kN/m
2

8
Let the MR of the beam section be Qbd2
Q3005652 =73.9375106
Q=0.772
Therefore, M.R.=0.772bd2
But we know that the M.R. of the balanced section = 0.913bd2
Since the M.R. of the given beam section is less than the M.R.
of the balanced section, the beam should be designed as under
reinforced beam. Steel attains its permissible stress earlier to
concrete.
Therefore,
𝜎𝑐𝑏𝑐 𝑥𝑐
=
𝜎𝑠𝑡 /𝑚 𝑑 − 𝑥𝑐
𝜎 =  st xc
𝑐𝑏𝑐
m d  xc
230 xc
 cbc 
13.33 565  xc
 x
M   bxc cbc (d  c )
2 3
230 xc x
=300xc  (565  c )
2  13.33 565  xc 3
 xc
xc (565 
2
)
3  73.9375 10  2  13.33
6

565  xc 300  230

Solving the above equation by trial and error,

xc=151.5mm
230 151.5
 cbc 
13.33 565  151.5

= 6.32N/mm2
Total compression= Total tension
 cbc
b.xc. =Ast  st
2
6.32
300  151.5   Ast  230
2

Ast  624.4mm 2

Example 2.7: The moment of resistance of a singly reinforced

rectangular section concrete beam of breadth b mm and the
effective depth d mm is 0.6bd2Nmm. If the stresses in the
extreme fiber of concrete and steel do not exceed 5N/mm2and
140 N/mm2, determine the ratio of depth of neutral axis from
the outside compression fiber to the effective depth of the
beam and the ratio of area of the tensile steel to the effective
area of the beam section.

Solution:
The moment of resistance of the balanced section= 0.87bd2 but
the M.R. of the given beam section is only 0.6bd2Nmm
Since the M.R. of the given section is less than the M.R. of the
balanced section, the beam section should be under reinforced.
Hence the steel attains its permissible stress earlier to concrete.
 st= 140N/mm2
Corresponding maximum stress in concrete is given by,
18.67 cbc x

140 dx
Let x=n1d
140 x
 cbc 
18.67 d  x
bx  cbc x
M .R.  (d  )  0.6bd 2
2 3
b  n1  d 140 n1d n d
 (d  1 )  0.6bd 2
2 18.67 d  n1d 3
Solving by trial and error, we get
n1  0.35
140 0.35
 cbc   4.04N / mm 2
18.67 1  0.35
Total compression= Total tension

bx cbc  Ast   st
2
4.04
b  0.35d   Ast  140
2
Ast 0.35  4.04
  0.005
bd 2  140

Example 2.8: The cross section of the RC member beam is

required to resists a bending moment of 70kN.m. Find the
dimensions of the cross section and the area of the steel
required. Assume that the permissible stress is 5kN/mm2 and
140kN/mm2, m=18.66 and b=0.5d.

Solution:
To find xc
σcbc xc
=
σst /m d − xc
5 xc

140 d  xc
18.66
xc=0.399d or 0.4dmm
Lever arm z=d-xc/3= d-0.4d/3
=0.87d mm
𝑀𝛾 =M.R.=Cz
=bxcσcbc /2z
=b0.4d5/20.87d
Substituting b=0.5d, we get
𝑀𝛾 =M.R.=0.5d0.4d5/20.87d
=0.435d3 Nmm
Equating M.R. to M, we get
0.435d3 =70106
d=543.9=544mm
b=0.5d=272mm
To find Ast
𝑀𝛾 =M.R.=Tz= Astσ𝑠𝑡 z
Equating M.R. to M, we get,
Ast𝜎𝑠𝑡 z= M
Ast1400.87530=70106
Ast=1084.36mm2
Dimension of section= 270mm550mm
Area of steel (Ast) =1084mm

Example 2.9: Calculate the safe load (after deducting self-

weight) for a slab 100mm thick, effective. The slab is reinforced
with 16mm  bar at 100mm c/c. The slab is simply supported
on a span of 3.4m. Take  cbc =7N/mm2,  st =140N/mm2 and
m=13.33.
Given:
d=100mm
 cbc =7N/mm2
lef=3.4mm

Fig. 2.9
m=13.33
Consider 1 m width of the slab
b=1m=1000mm
To find the area of steel, Ast;
Area of one 16mm  bar is 201mm2.
For 100mm spacing, the area of steel is 201mm2 hence, for
1000mm width the area will be Ast  1000 201 =2010mm2.
100
To find N.A(critical):
 cbc xc

 st / m 100  xc
7 xc

140 / 13.33 100  xc

 xc =40mm
To find N.A.(actual):
b x x /2= mAst (d  x)
1000x2/2=13.332010(100-x)
x2+53.58x-5358=0
Solving for x, we get
x=50.97,or 51mm
x >xc
Hence the slab is over-reinforced and concrete will reach its
maximum permissible stress first
Mr= C z

= bx cbc .( d  x / 3)
2
 1000  51  7 / 2   100  
51
 3
 13030500N .mm
 13.03 kN.m
Let w be the load per meter on the slab. Bending moment due
to w will be
 wl 2 w3.4 2
M   1.445 w kN.m
8 8
Equating Mr to M, we get
13.03=1.445 w
 w  9.01 kN / m
Self-weight of the slab=(0.11)25=2.5kN/m
Net safe load on slab=10.17-2.5
=7.67kN/m

Example 2.10: A section of RC beam 350750mm is

reinforced with four 20mm  bars, 30mm from the bottom of
the beam. The beam is subjected to bending moment of140kN-
m. Find the stresses set up in concrete and steel, if m=18.66.
Given: b  350mm
d  750  30  720mm
M  140kNm  140  10 6 N .mm
m  18.66

Ast  4   (20) 2  1256 mm 2
4

To find x:
b.x.x / 2  mAst ( d  x)
350x 2 / 2  18.66  1256  (720  x)

 x 2  133.92x  96426.34  0
Solving for x
x = 250.7 or 250mm
To find z:
x 250
zd  720   637mm
3 3
To find Mr:
Tz
 Ast st z
 1256 st 637Nmm
To find  st :
Equate Mr to M
1256  st  637  140  106
   174.98, or175N / mm 2
st

To find  cbc :
 cbc x

 st / m d  x

 cbc 250

175 / 18.66 720  250
 cbc  4.98, or5 N / mm 2

Example 2.11: A beam 350700mm overall is provided with

tensile reinforcement, consisting of four 22mmØ bars. Calculate
the stresses developed in steel and concrete, if the beam carries
a uniformly distributed load of 20kN/m (inclusive of self
weight). Take lef=7m, and m=13.33 and cover=25mm.
Given:
b=350mm
d=700-25=675mm
m=13.33
w=25kN/m
lef=7m
Ast = 
4 2
 (22)  1520mm
2

4
To find x:
b.x.x / 2  mAst (d  x)
350x 2 / 2  13.33  1520  (675  x)
 x 2  115.78x  72362  0
Solving for x,we get
x=227.6
To find z:
z=d-x/3
=675-227
  600( approx)

To find Mr =T z
= Ast st (d  x / 3)
=1520  st 600Nmm
To find  st :
Bending moment M, will be
wl 2
M
8
20  7 2
=
8
=122.5kNm=122.5106 Nmm
Equating Mr to M, we get
1520  st 600=122.58106 Nmm
  st  134 .32 N / mm 2
To find  cbc :  cbc x

 st / m d  x
 cbc 227

134.3 / 13.33 625  227
 cbc  5.105N / mm 2

Problems:
1. A beam is subjected to a bending moment of 65kN.m.
Design the cross section and area of steel required assuming
that the permissible stress is 5 kN/mm2 and 140 kN/mm2,
m = 18.66 and b = 0.5d.

2. A reinforced concrete beam section of size 300×700mm

effective depth is reinforced with 3 bars of 20mm diameter in
tension. Determine the moment of resistance and the
maximum stresses induced in the materials, i.e. in concrete
and steel. The concrete mix and HYSD steel reinforcement
used are of grades M20 and Fe415, respectively.
3. Calculate the moment of resistance of an RC beam of
dimension 300 × 650 effective depth. Assume σcbc = 5N/
mm2, σst= 40 N/mm2 and m=18.66

4. Calculate the moment of resistance of a reinforced concrete

beam 250mm wide and 500mm deep over all. The area of
reinforcement is 1500 mm2 and is placed at a distance of 25
mm from the bottom. 𝜎cbc =7 N/mm2, 𝜎st=140 N/mm2,
m = 13.33

5. A reinforced concrete beam of rectangular section has to

carry a uniformly distributed load of 8 kN/m over an
effective span of 10m. Use concrete of grade M20 and Fe415
grade HYSD steel to design a beam within the restricted size
of 250 × 600mm effective.