Week 2: Introduction to Flexural Design of

Singly Reinforced Concrete Beams

Learning Format – Module 2

(Lecture 1+1=2 Hour, Tutorial 1 Hour)
Learning Objectives (Detailed)
By the end of this session, you should be able to:
▶ RC beam flexure: • See how concrete and steel work together in
bending • Know sagging vs hogging moments with examples
▶ IS 456 assumptions: • Recall Clause 38.1 assumptions (plane
sections, max strain, stress block) • Connect these assumptions to
real design steps
▶ Moment of resistance: • Follow the step-by-step derivation •
Understand the rectangular stress block parameters • Memorize key
formulae for design
▶ Steel area Ast : • Apply equilibrium and moment equations • Solve
for the required reinforcement
▶ IS Code application: • Work with example problems using code
clauses • Practice looking up design values in IS 456
Outcome: You will be ready to carry out basic flexural design of singly
reinforced RC beams.
What is a Singly Reinforced Beam? (Expanded)
Definition
A singly reinforced RC beam has reinforcement only in the tension zone,
i.e., the zone subjected to tensile stress under flexure.
▶ Tension is taken entirely by the steel bars placed usually at the
bottom of the section.
▶ Compression is resisted by concrete at the top — no additional
reinforcement is provided in the compression zone.
▶ This is the simplest and most common type of beam encountered in
residential and light commercial construction.

Situations Where Used:

▶ Simply supported spans subjected to gravity loads (UDL or point
loads).
▶ Beams with no reversal of moments (e.g., non-continuous systems).

DIY: Draw a simply supported beam under UDL. Indicate tension zone,
compression zone, and steel placement.
Bending Stress Distribution in RC Beams (Detailed)
Concept: When a beam bends due to loads, internal stresses develop to
resist bending. In RC beams:
▶ Top fibers of the beam go into compression (shorten)
▶ Bottom fibers undergo tension (elongate)
▶ A neutral axis forms at the level where strain is zero — no tension
or compression

In Concrete:
▶ Concrete is weak in tension → cracks at the bottom
▶ Steel bars are placed to take tensile force in tension zone

Stress Block:
▶ Idealized shape representing compressive stress in concrete
▶ Derived from actual stress-strain curve but simplified for design

DIY: Draw linear strain distribution, then convert to stress block. Label
compression zone, tension zone, and neutral axis.
Strain Distribution in RC Beams (IS 456 Clause 38.1)

Fundamental Assumptions:
▶ Plane sections remain plane: A straight line before bending
remains straight after bending.
▶ Maximum compressive strain: 0.0035 at the extreme top fiber of
concrete in bending.
▶ Linear strain variation: From 0.0035 at top to 0 at neutral axis —
assumed linear.
▶ Steel strain: Obtained by similar triangles. Affects whether the
section is under-reinforced or over-reinforced.
Design Use: This helps calculate the depth of the neutral axis and steel
behavior. Activity: Sketch strain distribution over cross-section. Label
εcu = 0.0035, neutral axis, tension steel strain.
Stress Block Parameters (IS 456 Clause 38.1)

Concrete Stress Block:

▶ Idealization of compressive stresses in concrete (nonlinear in reality).
▶ Equivalent rectangular block simplifies analysis.
▶ Max stress = 0.446fck
▶ Resultant compressive force = 0.36fck bxu
▶ Line of action of compression = 0.42xu from top fiber
Implication: This block replaces actual distribution and is essential for
moment calculation. Sketch Activity: Draw stress block over
cross-section, indicate stress value and location of resultant force.
Equilibrium of Internal Forces

Core Concept:
▶ In the ultimate limit state, internal compression force in concrete =
internal tensile force in steel.
From IS 456:

C = 0.36fck bxu
T = 0.87fy Ast
⇒ 0.36fck bxu = 0.87fy Ast

Usefulness: This relation is used to find unknowns — either Ast or xu .

Application: Essential for sizing reinforcement based on demand.
Moment of Resistance (Clause 38.1)

Once equilibrium is achieved, we compute the ultimate moment

capacity:
Mu = 0.87fy Ast (d − 0.42xu )

▶ fy : Characteristic yield strength of steel (e.g., 415 or 500 MPa)

▶ Ast : Area of tension reinforcement
▶ d: Effective depth from top fiber to centroid of tension steel
▶ xu : Depth of neutral axis from top fiber
Explanation: The moment arm is d − 0.42xu , the distance between force
couples. Design Check: This value must ≥ Mu (factored moment) for
safety.
Derivation 1: Depth of Neutral Axis xu

Equating internal compressive and tensile forces (from Clause

38.1):

C = 0.36fck bxu
T = 0.87fy Ast

Equilibrium:
0.36fck bxu = 0.87fy Ast
Solve for xu :
0.87fy Ast
xu =
0.36fck b
Use: Check whether xu ≤ xu,max
Derivation 2: Limiting Neutral Axis Depth xu,max

From IS 456 Clause 38.1, page 70:

▶ Assumes steel yields just before concrete fails in compression.
▶ Based on strain compatibility (εcu = 0.0035) and εy of steel.
Standard Values:
▶ Fe 250: xu,max /d = 0.53
▶ Fe 415: xu,max /d = 0.48
▶ Fe 500: xu,max /d = 0.46
Clause Reference: IS 456:2000 Clause 38.1 and Table 2
Derivation 3: Moment of Resistance Mu

Assume section is under-reinforced (steel yields):

▶ Lever arm = d − 0.42xu
▶ Moment = Force × Lever arm

Mu = 0.87fy Ast (d − 0.42xu )

Used when: xu ≤ xu,max Clause Reference: IS 456:2000 Clause 38.1

Derivation 4: Stress Block from Concrete Curve

From actual parabolic stress distribution:

▶ Idealized to equivalent rectangular block
▶ Equivalent stress = 0.446fck
▶ Depth of block = 0.42xu , resultant at 0.42xu
Clause Reference: IS 456:2000 Clause 38.1 Reason: Simplifies hand
calculations while maintaining accuracy
Derivation 5: Summary of All Equations Used

1. Neutral axis depth:

0.87fy Ast
xu =
0.36fck b
2. Moment of resistance:

Mu = 0.87fy Ast (d − 0.42xu )

3. Limiting xu :

xu,max = αd (α = 0.46, 0.48, . . .)

4. Compression force:

C = 0.36fck bxu at 0.42xu from top fiber

Reference: All equations consistent with IS 456:2000 Clause 38.1

Design Steps for Singly Reinforced Beams
Objective: Design cross-section and reinforcement for a rectangular RC
beam under bending using LSM.
1. Select Material Properties:
▶ Choose concrete grade: fck (e.g., M20 → 20 MPa)
▶ Choose steel grade: fy (e.g., Fe 415 → 415 MPa)
2. Assume Cross-sectional Dimensions:
▶ Breadth b, effective depth d
3. Calculate Limiting Neutral Axis Depth:
xu,max = factor × d
(0.48 for Fe 415, 0.46 for Fe 500, per IS 456: Table 2)
4. Equate Design Moment:
Mu = 0.87fy Ast (d − 0.42xu )
If unknown is Ast , assume xu = xu,max
5. Solve for Required Steel Area:
Mu
Ast =
0.87fy (d − 0.42xu )
Shear in RC Beams

Key points:
▶ Shear force causes diagonal tension in beams.
▶ Nominal shear stress:
Vu
τv =
bd
▶ Compare with permissible concrete shear strength τc (Table 19, IS
456).
▶ Maximum Shear Stress in Concrete (τc,max ) :
τc,max is the maximum shear stress that concrete can resist in shear
compression, irrespective of reinforcement.
Reference: IS 456:2000, Table 20.
Implication: If τv > τc,max , section is unsafe and must be
redesigned (increase depth or use higher grade of concrete).
Three cases:
1. If τv ≤ τc : Provide only the minimum shear reinforcement
as per IS 456:2000 Clause 26.5.1.6.
Asv 0.4
≥
bs 0.87fy

2. If τc < τv ≤ τc,max : Design shear reinforcement to carry the

excess shear.
Vus = Vu − τc bd
Provide stirrups such that
Asv Vus
=
s 0.87fy d

3. If τv > τc,max : Section is unsafe in shear. Redesign the section

(increase depth or grade).
Step 1: Compute Nominal Shear Stress

Formula:
Vu
τv =
bd
Example:
▶ Given: Vu = 126.56 kN, b = 300 mm, d = 400 mm.
▶ τv = 126.56×103 2
300×400 = 1.05 N/mm .
Compare with τc : For pt = 0.9% and M30, from Table 19, τc ≈ 0.62
N/mm2 . So, τv > τc . Need shear reinforcement.
Step 2: Compute Shear to be Resisted by Steel

Formula:
Vus = Vu − τc bd
Substitute:

Vus = 126.56 − (0.62 × 300 × 400 × 10−3 )

Vus = 52.16 kN
This shear force must be resisted by stirrups.
Step 3: Stirrups Design Equation

Vertical stirrups:
0.87fyv Asv d
Vus =
s
Rearrange for spacing:
0.87fyv Asv d
s=
Vus
Choose bar diameter: Two-leg 10 mm stirrup:
π
Asv = 2 × (102 ) = 157 mm2
4
Step 4: Spacing Calculation

Substitute:
0.87 × 415 × 157 × 400
s=
52.16 × 103
s ≈ 435 mm
Apply code limits:
▶ s ≤ 0.75d = 300 mm (Clause 26.5.1.5 )
▶ s ≤ 300 mm (absolute max)
Adopt: 300 mm spacing.
Step 5: Check Minimum Shear Reinforcement

Code condition:
Asv 0.4bw
≥
s 0.87fyv
Check:
157 0.4 × 300
= 0.523 vs. = 0.332
300 0.87 × 415
Condition satisfied.
Final Detailing

Provide: Two-legged 10 mm stirrups @ 300 mm c/c. Good practice:

▶ Closer spacing near supports: 100–150 mm for a distance of d to
2d.
▶ Mid-span spacing: up to 300 mm.
▶ Ensure cover and anchorage of stirrups as per IS 2502.
Result: Shear capacity of section is safe as per IS 456.
Singly Reinforced RC Beam Design, step by step
1. Inputs 5. Shear design
▶ Span, Support, Cover, Bar sizes 1. Nominal shear stress. τv = Vu /(b d)
▶ Materials. fck , fy , fyv 2. Longitudinal steel ratio. p = 100 As /(b d)
▶ Calculate DL, LL, IL etc., and load factors 3. Conc. shear cap. τc using p and fck
▶ Design moment Mu at critical section 4. For τv ≤ τc : minimum shear reinf
▶ Design shear Vu at a distance d from support 5. Else, required shear by steel. Vs = Vu − Vc
2. Trial section 6. Spacing: s = (0.87 fyv Asv d)/Vs
▶ Take d about L/12 to L/15 for a simple span 7. Limits. s ≤ smax Check τv ≤ τc,max
▶ Choose b to satisfy cover and spacing 6. Readjustments
▶ D = d+ cover + stirrup dia + half main bar dia ▶ Recompute Vu at d from face of support
3. Flexure design ▶ Closer spacing within 2d from supports and point
loads
1. Assume under reinforced
▶ Deflection check
2. T = 0.87fy As = C = 0.36fck bxu
▶ Crack width. Check bar diameter and spacing
3. Solve for xu and Lever arm. z = d − γxu
rules
4. Resistance Mu,R = T z
8. Output and checks
5. Iterate As until Mu,R ≥ Mu ▶ Final b, D, d
4. Flexure checks and detailing ▶ Main steel. bar size, count, provided As
▶ xu ≤ xu,max for chosen fy
▶ Shear. stirrup dia, legs, spacing by zones
▶ Min and max check for steel
▶ Cover, Ld , curtailment notes
▶ Select bars to meet As . Check spacing and cover
▶ Verify all code limits for spacing, minimum steel,
ϕ σs maximum spacing of stirrups
▶ Development length Ld = , with
4 τbd
σs ≤ 0.87fy
▶ Provide anchorage and curtailment as per code
Example 1 – RC Beam Design Step-by-Step
Given:
▶ Concrete: M20 → fck = 20 MPa
▶ Steel: Fe 415 → fy = 415 MPa
▶ Beam width: b = 300 mm, Effective depth: d = 500 mm
▶ Factored moment: Mu = 100 kNm = 100 × 106 Nmm
▶ Factored shear: Vu = 120 kN = 120 × 103 N
Step 1: Limiting depth of neutral axis:

xu,max = 0.48 × d = 0.48 × 500 = 240 mm

Step 2: Flexure steel area:

Mu 100 × 106
Ast = = ≈ 611.25 mm2
0.87fy (d − 0.42xu ) 0.87 × 415 × (500 − 100.8)
Example 1 – Flexure Reinforcement Selection

Step 3: Bar selection:

π
▶ 2 bars of 16 mm: 2 × 4 × 162 = 402 mm2 (Insufficient)
π
▶ 2 bars of 20 mm: 2 × 4 × 202 = 628 mm2 OK
Provide: 2 bars of 20 mm dia at bottom.
Example 1 – Shear Reinforcement Design

Step 4: Nominal shear stress:

Vu 120 × 103 2
τv = = = 0.8 N/mm
bd 300 × 500
Step 5: Concrete shear strength: For M20 and
Ast 628 2
bd ≈ 150000 × 100 = 0.42%, from IS 456 Table 19, τc ≈ 0.48 N/mm .
Step 6: Since τv = 0.8 > τc , shear reinforcement required. Shear
resisted by steel:

Vus = (τv − τc )bd = (0.8 − 0.48) × 300 × 500 = 48, 000 N

Example 1 – Shear Reinforcement Detailing
Step 7: Spacing of vertical stirrups:
0.87fyv Asv d
s=
Vus
Take 2-legged 8 mm dia stirrups:
π
Asv = 2 × × 82 = 100.5 mm2
4

0.87 × 250 × 100.5 × 500

s= ≈ 228 mm
48, 000
Step 8: Code limits: max spacing = min(0.75d, 300) = 300 mm. Adopt
8 mm 2-legged stirrups @ 225 mm c/c.
Final Design:
▶ Flexure: 2 bars of 20 mm dia
▶ Shear: 8 mm 2-legged stirrups @ 225 mm c/c
Example 2 – New Beam Design

Given:
▶ M25 concrete, Fe 500 steel
▶ b = 250 mm, d = 400 mm
▶ Mu = 120 kNm = 120 × 106 Nmm
Step 1: xu,max = 0.46 × 400 = 184 mm
Step 2: Assume xu = xu,max , calculate Ast :

120 × 106
Ast =
0.87 × 500 × (400 − 0.42 × 184)
Example 2 – Calculation and Bar Selection

Continue:
120 × 106 120 × 106
Ast = = ≈ 480 mm2
0.87 × 500 × (400 − 77.3) 0.87 × 500 × 322.7

Try:
▶ 2 bars of 16 mm → 402 mm2 Not safe
▶ 2 bars of 20 mm → 628 mm2 Checked OK
Final Selection: 2 bars of 20 mm
Example 3 – Moment Capacity from Given Steel

Given:
▶ M20, Fe 415, b = 300 mm, d = 450 mm
▶ Provided Ast = 4 bars of 16 mm, i.e., 804 mm2
Step 1: Compute xu :
0.87fy Ast 0.87 × 415 × 804
xu = = ≈ 201.9 mm
0.36fck b 0.36 × 20 × 300
Step 2: xu,max = 0.48 × 450 = 216 mm OK
Example 3 – Compute Moment Capacity

Step 3: Moment capacity:

Mu = 0.87 × 415 × 804 × (450 − 0.42 × 201.9) × 10−6

Mu ≈ 0.87 × 415 × 804 × (450 − 84.8) × 10−6 = 106.7 kNm

Conclusion: The section can resist 106.7 kNm. If applied Mu ≤ 106.7,
the design is safe.
Example 4 – Complex RC Beam Design with Cover and
Bar Check

Given:
▶ Concrete: M30 → fck = 30 MPa
▶ Steel: Fe 500 → fy = 500 MPa
▶ Clear cover = 25 mm, bar diameter assumed = 20 mm
▶ Overall depth D = 550 mm →
d = D − cover − 0.5ϕ = 550 − 25 − 10 = 515 mm
▶ Width b = 300 mm
▶ Factored moment: Mu = 160 kNm = 160 × 106 Nmm
Example 4 – Step 1: Calculate xu,max

From IS 456 Table 2: For Fe 500, xu,max = 0.46d

xu,max = 0.46 × 515 = 236.9 mm

Assume section is under-reinforced and xu = xu,max

Example 4 – Step 2: Calculate Required Ast

Use:
Mu
Ast =
0.87fy (d − 0.42xu )
Substitute:
160 × 106
Ast =
0.87 × 500 × (515 − 0.42 × 236.9)

160 × 106 160 × 106

= =
0.87 × 500 × (515 − 99.5) 0.87 × 500 × 415.5
Ast ≈ 882.24 mm2
Example 4 – Step 3: Provide Reinforcement Bars

Try:
π
▶ 2 bars of 20 mm = 2 × 4 × 202 = 628 mm2
▶ Not sufficient. Try 3 bars:
π
▶ 3 bars of 20 mm = 3 × 4 × 202 = 942 mm2 Checked OK
Provide: 3 bars of 20 mm diameter
Example 4 – Step 4: Check Provided xu and Moment
Capacity

Check xu :
0.87fy Ast 0.87 × 500 × 942
xu = = ≈ 151.4 mm
0.36fck b 0.36 × 30 × 300
Check: xu = 151.4 < xu,max = 236.9 Checked OK
Now compute:
Mu = 0.87fy Ast (d − 0.42xu )
= 0.87 × 500 × 942 × (515 − 63.6) × 10−6
≈ 183.5 kNm ⇒ Safe (capacity > demand)
Realistic Design Problem, Data

Given
▶ Simply supported RC beam, clear span 6.0 m. Use an effective span
L = 6.0 m.
▶ Supported on two columns of face width 500 mm, Material to be
used: M30 concrete and Steel Fe 500.
▶ Tributary slab over this beam is supported at every 3.0 m. Slab
thickness = 150 mm.
▶ Floor finish load = 1.5 kN/m2 . Live load = 3.0 kN/m2 .
▶ Environmental Exposure: Moderate to severe
▶ Bars available at site: 20 to 25 mm.
Find
▶ Factored load on beam. Factored bending moment.
▶ Effective depth that works. Final bar arrangement.
Code facts
▶ Load factor for DL+LL = 1.5, IS 456 Limit State of Collapse.
▶ Bredth 500 mm so that the beam end matches the column
face
▶ Clear cover 40 − 50 mm: Assume 45 mm (Clause 26.4.2,
Table 16)
▶ Limiting xu,max /d, For Fe 500, xu,max = 0.46d.
Step 1, Unfactored line loads
Slab load on beam per metre length
▶ Slab self weight = 0.15 × 1 × 3.0 × 25 = 11.25 kN/m
▶ Floor finish = 1 × 3.0 × 1.5 = 4.50 kN/m
▶ Live load = 3.0 × 1 × 3.0 = 9.00 kN/m
Preliminary depth from span to depth check
▶ Simply supported, basic L/d ≈ 20. Target d ≈ 6000/20 = 300 mm.
▶ Provide room for cover and bar. Try overall D ≈ 450 mm, then
d ≈ 400 mm.
Beam self-weight with trial size
▶ wg ,beam = 0.3 × 0.45 × 25 = 3.375 kN/m
Dead load total
▶ wg = 11.25 + 4.50 + 3.375 = 19.125 kN/m
Live load
▶ wq = 9.00 kN/m
Step 2, Factored load and moment

Factored UDL

wu = 1.5 (wg + wq ) = 1.5 (19.125 + 9.00) = 42.1875 kN/m

Factored bending moment, simply supported

wu L2 42.1875 × 62
Mu = = = 189.84 kNm
8 8
Factored shear at support
wu L 42.1875 × 6
Vu = = = 126.56 kN
2 2
Check span to depth
▶ L/d = 6000/400 = 15. Less than 20. OK for deflection control with
modification factors. (Clause 23.2.1.a)
Step 3, Size confirmation with limiting moment

Limiting neutral axis

xu,max = 0.46d = 0.46 × 400 = 184 mm

Limiting moment for a singly reinforced section

Mu,lim = 0.36fck bxu,max (d − 0.42xu,max )

Mu,lim = 0.36 × 30 × 300 × 184 × (400 − 0.42 × 184) × 10−6

Mu,lim ≈ 192.46 kNm

Compare
Mu = 189.84 kNm < Mu,lim = 192.46 kNm
⇒ Singly reinforced is feasible with d = 400 mm
Step 4, Steel area from moment
Use moment equilibrium with xu = xu,max for a first pass
Mu
Ast =

0.87fy d − 0.42xu,max
189.84 × 106
Ast = ≈ 1352 mm2
0.87 × 500 × (400 − 0.42 × 184)
Minimum steel check
0.85 0.85
As,min = bd = × 300 × 400 = 204 mm2 OK
fy 500
Balanced steel (upper limit for ductility)
0.36fck bxu,max
As,bal = ≈ 1370 mm2
0.87fy

Ast must be between 1352 and 1370 mm2

Step 5, Provide bars and verify
Choose bars close to required and below balanced
▶ Option, 2 of 25 mm plus 1 of 22 mm
▶ Area = 2 × 490.9 + 380.1 ≈ 1361 mm2
Neutral axis with provided steel

0.87fy Ast 0.87 × 500 × 1361

xu = = ≈ 182.73 mm < 184 mm OK
0.36fck b 0.36 × 30 × 300
Moment capacity with provided steel

Mu,cap = 0.87fy Ast (d − 0.42xu ) 10−6

= 0.87 × 500 × 1361 × (400 − 0.42 × 182.73) × 10−6

≈ 191.38 kNm > 189.84 kNm Safe

Step 6, Shear and detailing notes

Design shear

Vu 126.56 × 103 2
τv = = ≈ 1.055 N/mm
bd 300 × 400
Find concrete shear strength
▶ Percentage tension steel pt = 100 Ast /(bd) ≈ 1.13 percent
▶ From IS 456 Table 19 for M30 and pt ≈ 1.13, read τc
▶ If τv ≤ τc , provide minimum stirrups
▶ If τv > τc , design stirrups for Vu − τc bd
Anchorage and spacing
▶ Clear cover 40 mm. Check bar spacing against Clause 26.3.
▶ Curtail bars as per the bending moment diagram. Provide
development length per Clause 26.2.
Final design summary

Section
▶ b = 300 mm, D = 450 mm, d ≈ 400 mm
Materials
▶ M30 concrete, Fe 500 steel
Actions
▶ Factored UDL wu = 42.19 kN/m
▶ Factored moment Mu = 189.84 kNm
▶ Factored shear Vu = 126.56 kN
Flexure
▶ Provide 2 of 25 mm plus 1 of 22 mm at bottom, Ast ≈ 1361 mm2
▶ Check xu = 182.73 mm, less than xu,max = 184 mm
▶ Capacity Mu,cap ≈ 191.38 kNm, safe
Shear
▶ Compute τc from Table 19. Design stirrups accordingly.
Serviceability
▶ L/d = 15. Deflection control OK with modification factors.