DESIGN OF T-BEAMS

CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

T-BEAMS
Reinforced concrete floor systems normally consist of slabs and beams that are
placed monolithically. As a result, the two parts act together to resist loads. In
effect, the beams have extra widths at their tops, called flanges, and the resulting
T-shaped beams are called T beams. The part of a T beam below the slab is
referred to as the web or stem. (The beams may be L shaped if the stem is at the
end of a slab.) The stirrups in the webs extend up into the slabs, as perhaps do
bent-up bars, with the result that they further make the beams and slabs act
together.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

There is a problem involved in estimating how much of the slab acts as part of the
beam. Should the flanges of a T beam be rather stocky and compact in cross
section, bending stresses will be fairly uniformly distributed across the
compression zone. If, however, the flanges are wide and thin, bending stresses
will vary quite a bit across the flange due to shear deformations. The farther a
particular part of the slab or flange is away from the stem, the smaller will be its
bending stress.
Instead of considering a varying stress distribution across the full width of the
flange, the ACI Code (8.12.2) calls for a smaller width with an assumed uniform
stress distribution for design purposes. The objective is to have the same total
compression force in the reduced width that actually occurs in the full width with
its varying stresses
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

The hatched area in Figure 5.1 shows the effective size of a T beam. For T beams with
flanges on both sides of the web, the code states that the effective flange width may not
exceed one-fourth of the beam span, and the overhanging width on each side may not
exceed eight times the slab thickness or one-half the clear distance to the next web. An
isolated T beam must have a flange thickness no less than one-half the web width, and
its effective flange width may not be larger than four times the web width (ACI 8.12.4). If
there is a flange on only one side of the web, the width of the overhanging flange cannot
exceed one-twelfth the span, 6hf , or half the clear distance to the next web (ACI 8.12.3).
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

The analysis of T beams is quite similar to the analysis of rectangular beams in that
the specifications relating to the strains in the reinforcing are identical. To repeat
briefly, it is desirable to have 𝝐𝒕 values ≥ 0.005, and they may not be less than 0.004
unless the member is subjected to an axial load ≥ 0.10 𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒈 . You will learn that 𝜖𝑡
values are almost always much larger than 0.005 in T beams because of their very
large compression flanges. For such members, the values of c are normally very
small, and calculated 𝜖𝑡 values very large.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

The neutral axis (N.A.) for T beams can fall either in the flange or in the stem,
depending on the proportions of the slabs and stems. If it falls in the flange, and it
almost always does for positive moments, the rectangular beam formulas apply, as can
be seen in Figure 5.2(a). The concrete below the neutral axis is assumed to be cracked,
and its shape has no effect on the flexure calculations (other than weight). The section
above the neutral axis is rectangular. If the neutral axis is below the flange, however, as
shown for the beam of Figure 5.2(b), the compression concrete above the neutral axis
no longer consists of a single rectangle, and thus the normal rectangular beam
expressions do not apply.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

If the neutral axis is assumed to fall within the flange, the value of a can be
computed as it was for rectangular beams:

𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 ρ𝑓𝑦 𝑑
𝑎 = =
0.85 𝑓′𝑐 𝑏 0.85 𝑓′𝑐

The distance to the neutral axis, c, equals a/β1. If the computed value of a is equal to or
less than the flange thickness, the section for all practical purposes can be assumed to
be rectangular, even though the computed value of c is actually greater than the flange
thickness.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

A beam does not really have to look like a T beam to be one. This fact is shown by
the beam cross sections shown in Figure 5.3. For these cases the compression
concrete is T shaped, and the shape or size of the concrete on the tension side,
which is assumed to be cracked, has no effect on the theoretical resisting moments.
It is true, however, that the shapes, sizes, and weights of the tensile concrete do
affect the deflections that occur, and their dead weights affect the magnitudes of the
moments to be resisted.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

ACI specs

Section 10.5.1 states that the minimum amount of reinforcing required

equals the larger of the two values that follow:

3 𝑓′𝑐 200
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

For statically determinate members with their flanges in tension, 𝑏𝑤 in

the above expression is to be replaced with either 2𝑏𝑤 or the width of the
flange, whichever is smaller.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

FOR NSCP 2001 AND 2010

Effective Flange Width with Slabs on Both Sides

CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

FOR NSCP 2001 AND 2010

CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

FOR NSCP 2015

S1 S2

A. T-Beams B. L-Beams
b should be smallest of the ff. b should be smallest of the ff.
a. bw + 16t a. bw + 6t
b. bw + S1/2 + S2/2 b. bw + S1/2
c. bw + ln/4 c. bw + ln/12
where:
ln = clear distance between column supports
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

Design of T Beams

1. Compute the factored loads and ultimate moments

2. Determine the effective flange width

3. Assume that the neutral axis is on the flange, then compute for a
𝒂
𝑴𝒖 = 𝝓 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓 𝒇′𝒄 𝒂 𝒃 𝒅 −
𝟐

If a > t. then analyze as a T beam, however, if a  t , analyze as a rectangular beam

CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

4. Compute for actual “a”

𝑀𝑢 = 𝑀𝑢1 + 𝑀𝑢2
𝑡 𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙𝐶1 𝑑 − + 𝜙𝐶2 𝑑 −
2 2
𝐶1 = 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 b − 𝑏𝑤 𝑡

𝑇1 = 𝐶1
0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 b − 𝑏𝑤 𝑡
𝐴𝑠1 =
𝐴𝑠1 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 b − 𝑏𝑤 𝑡 𝑓𝑦
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

𝑡
𝑀𝑢1 = 𝜙𝐶1 𝑑 −
2
𝑀𝑢2 = 𝑀𝑢 − 𝑀𝑢1
𝑎
𝑀𝑢2 = 𝜙 0.85 𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑏𝑤 𝑑−
2
Solve for actual a, then check
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

5. Compute 𝐴𝑠2

𝑇2 = 𝐴𝑠2 𝑓𝑦 𝐶2 = 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏𝑤
𝑇2 = 𝐶2
𝐴𝑠2 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏𝑤 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏𝑤
𝐴𝑠2 =
𝑓𝑦

6. Compute 𝐴𝑠

𝐴𝑠 = 𝐴𝑠1 + 𝐴𝑠2
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

7. Check for ductility

𝐴𝑠
𝜌 = 𝐴𝑠1
𝑏𝑤 𝑑 𝜌𝑓 =
𝑏𝑤 𝑑
1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑓𝑦 0.85 𝑓′𝑐 𝛽1 600
𝑏 =
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦 + 600
𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75 𝑏 + 𝜌𝑓 > 𝜌

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥 > 𝜌 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑦𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡

𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 < 𝜌 < 𝜌𝑚𝑎𝑥

CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

Investigation of T Beams

1. Solve for 𝐴𝑠

2. Solve for a, if a > t , then analyze as a T-beam, if a t, then analyse as rectangular

beam
𝐶=𝑇
0.85 𝑓′𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 = 𝐴𝑠𝑓𝑦
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

3. Solve for 𝐴𝑠1

0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 b − 𝑏𝑤 𝑡
𝐴𝑠1 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 b − 𝑏𝑤 𝑡 𝐴𝑠1 =
𝑓𝑦

4. Solve for 𝐴𝑠2

𝐴𝑠2 = 𝐴𝑠 − 𝐴𝑠1
5. Solve for actual “a”
𝑇2 = 𝐶2 𝐴𝑠2 𝑓𝑦
𝑎=
𝐴𝑠2 𝑓𝑦 = 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏𝑤 0.85 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 𝑏𝑤
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

6. Solve for 𝑀𝑢1

𝑡
𝑀𝑢1 = 𝜙𝐶1 𝑑 −
2
′
𝑡
𝑀𝑢1 = 𝜙0.85 𝑓 𝑐
b − 𝑏𝑤 𝑡 𝑑 −
2
7. Solve for 𝑀𝑢2
𝑎
𝑀𝑢2 = 𝜙 0.85 𝑓′𝑐 𝑎𝑏𝑤 𝑑−
2
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

8. Solve for 𝑀𝑢

𝑀𝑢 = 𝑀𝑢1 + 𝑀𝑢2
𝑀𝑢 > 𝑀𝑢 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑, 𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒!

9. Check for ductility

CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

P-1
Determine the area of reinforcing steel required for the T beams shown if 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 28 MPa
and 𝑓𝑦 = 420 MPa.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

P-2
Design a T-beam for the floor system shown. Thickness of slab is 75mm and width
of web is 380mm. The beam carries a dead load moment of 270kNm and a live load
moment of 460kNm. The beam has a span of 5.4m and has a spacing center to
center of 1.8m. Use 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 21MPa , 𝑓𝑦 = 345MPa

75mm

600mm

380mm
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

P-3
Determine the ultimate moment capacity for the T-Beam section shown. Use fc’=
20.7 MPa and fy = 414 MPa.
CE 368 PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED/PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

P-4
A floor system consists of a 75 mm concrete slab supported by T-beams of 7.30 m
spans spaced at 1.20 m on centers. Web dimensions are bw = 280 mm and d =510
mm. What tensile reinforcement is required at midspan to resist a moment of 720
kN-m if fc’ = 20.7 MPa and fy = 414 MPa.