3,4 &5 .

DESIGN OF BEAM –
SHEAR, DEFLECTION AND CRACK

When loads applied to beams produce not only bending moment but also
internal shear forces. In the reinforced concrete beams, the primary longitudinal
bending reinforcement is usually considered first. This leads to the size of the section
and the arrangement of the reinforcement to provide the necessary moment
resistance. Limits are placed on the amount of bending reinforcement to ensure that if
failure were ever to occur, it would gradually, giving warning to the occupants.

Once the primary longitudinal reinforcement has been determined, then the
reinforced concrete beams are designed to resist the shear forces resulting from the
various combinations of ultimate loads. Most of shear failure is frequently sudden and
brittle, hence the design for shear must ensure that the shear strength equals or
exceeds the flexural strength at all points in the beam. The manner in which shear
failure can occur varies widely depending on the dimensions, geometry, loading and
properties of the members.

3.1 Shear Failure Patterns

The figures below show the possible modes failure of shear in beam.

Case I : av / d > 6

av

Case II : 2 < av / d > 6

av

1
Case III : av / d < 2

av

v Figure 3.1

3.2 Shear Resistance

Taylor (1974) did research on shear resistance in reinforced concrete beam

without shear reinforcement. He stated that in a reinforced concrete beam
without shear reinforcement the shear is carried by a combination of three
main components. These are :-

(i) concrete in the compression zone

(ii) dwelling action of tensile reinforcement
(iii) aggregate interlock across flexural cracks

Concrete in compression

Vcz = shear in compression zone 20 – 40%

Va = interlocking between aggregates (35 – 50%)

tensile steel
Vd = dwelling action (35 – 50%)

v
Figure 3.2

Total shear resistance given by the beam,

Vc = Vcz + Va + Vd

The actual relationship between all forces is complex and is difficult to analyse
theoretically. However BS 8110, simplified the analysis and design for shear
reinforcement have been developed.

2
3.3 The Truss Analogy

The analysis and design of a reinforced concrete beam in shear is based on the
concept of an equivalent truss:

d b

o o
d Link
s
T o o

v Figure 3.3

Applying the method of section for a stirrup spacing = d

Tensile force in stirrup = Shear at the section

0.95 fyv Asv =V

In practice some of the shear is taken by the concrete so that

0.95 fyv Asv = V – vc bvd

where Asv = the cross – sectional area of the

legs of the stirrup

d = the effective depth

fyv = the characteristic tensile stress for

the links or stirrups

V = the shear force

vc = the ultimate shear stress

resistance of the concrete

Let V = v bvd

Where v is the average shear stress at the section

Then

0.95 fyv . Asv = (v - vc) bv d

3
With a stirrup spacing reduced from d to sv the force in the stirrups is reduced
proportionately, so that

( v  v c )bd
0.95 fyv . Asv =
d / sv

 Asv   bv ( v  v c ) 
i.e.    Eqn. Table 3.7
 Sv   0.95  BS 8110
[Link or stirrup sizes are usually smaller diameter and they are often of mild steel to
minimize the radii of bends.]

Shear resistance of a Given Section – Concrete + Stirrups

Total shear resistance, V = vbd

 Asv   bv ( v  v c ) 
As shown   
 Sv   0.95f yv 

Therefore re-arranging

Asv
vb  .0.95fyv  v c
Sv

Total shear resistance

 A 0.95fyv 
vbd   sv .  v c .bd
 Sv b 

Minimum Shear Reinforcement

Asv 0.4bv

s v min 0.95f yv

For mild steel (fy = 250 N/mm2)

Asv
 0.0016bv
sv min

For high yield steel (fy = 460 N/mm2)

4
 Asv
 0.0009bv
ss min

Ultimate Shear Resistance of the Concrete, vc

Value of vc are given in Table 3.8 of BS 8110 and can be calculated from the formula:
1/ 3 1/ 4
 100 As   400  1
v c  0.79    d 
 bv d    m

where As = area of longitudinal shear

reinforcement that continues a
distance at least d beyond the
section considered.

 = partial safety factor = 1.25

m

100 As
>3
bv d

400 As
<1
d

If the characteristic strength of the concrete is greater than 25 N/mm 2 vc can be

multiplied by (fcu/25)1/3 but fcu should not be taken as greater than 40 N/mm.

To resist the shearing forces, bars may be bent up near the support as shown in
figure 5.3. The bent-up bars and the concrete in compression are considered to act
as an analogous lattice girder and the shear resistance of the bars is determined by
taking a section XX through the girder.

From the geometry of part (a) of the figure, the spacing of the bent-up bars is

sb   d  d '   cot   cot  

and the section XX the shear resistance of the single bar is

v  0.95fyv Asb sin 

x
Anchorage
where Asb is the cross-sectional area of the bent-up bar.
d'
Length

A sb A sb
d
 

x
5
(a) Single System
s   d  d'  cot   cot  
 A sb
 

sb

(b) Multiple System

Figure 3.4

For a multiple system of bent-up bars, as in part (b) of the figure, the shear
resistance is increased proportionately to the spacing sb. Hence

V  0.95fyv Asb sin 

 d  d  cot   cot  
1

sb

or

d  d'
Vb  Asb  0.95fy v  cos   sin  cot  
sb
equation 4
BS 8110

The angles  and  should both be greater than, or equal to 45 o and the code
requires that the spacing sb has a maximum value of 1.5d. With  =  = 45o and
sb   d  d 1  , equation 5.5 becomes

V  1.34fyv Asb

6
 and this arrangement is commonly referred to as a double system.

Example 3.1

Ult. design load, w = 10KN/m

125
2 T 12
o o
6m

250
V = 30 KN

o o
2 T 20
V = 30 KN A S  629 mm 2
v
v
bd

30 x103
  0.96
125 x 250

Maximum shear stress, 0.8 fcu  4N / mm 2

100 As 100 x 629

  2. 0
bd 125 x 250

v c  0.95 N from Table 3.8 or

mm 2

vc is derived from the expression

1 1 1
 100 As  3  400  4  fcu  3

0.79     
 bd   d   25 
vc 
m
1 1
 400  4  30  3

 0.79 2.0 
1
3
    1.25
 250   25 

0.79 x1.26 x1.12 x1.06

  0.945
1.25

v c  0.4  0.95  0.4  1.35 N mm 2

7
 0.5v  v  v c  0.4

 minimum links for the whole length of beam

Try R8, Asv = 101

Asv 0.4bv

Sv 0.95fy v

Asv 0.4 x125


Sv 0.95 x 250

 0.2105

101
 Sv   480  0.75d 187.5mm 
0.21

 Use R 8  175mm
a

R8 - 175

a
2 T 12
o o

R8 - 175

Example 3.2

Ult. design load w= 64 KN/m

o o
2 T 20
250

5m

160KN d = 450

8
o o
o 4 T 20
160KN
o
Ultimate shear stress at support

V 160 x10 3
v    1.42 N mm 2
bv d 250 x 450

v  0.8 f cu  4.38 N mm 2 

 The size of the beam is ok.

The ultimate shear stress is less than the maximum shear stress.

  fcu 25
1

0.79 
100 As  3 400 1
4
1
3

 bv d  d
vc 
m
1 1
 100 As  3
 100 x1257  3

   0.56 
13
  
 bv d   250 x 450 

400 d 
1
1
 400  4

   1 .6 
4 14

 250 

fcu 25  30 25

1
3
1
3
  1 .2 
13

v c  0.79 0.56  1.6 1.2

13 14 13

1.25

  0.79 x 0.824 x1.125 x1.06 

1.25

 0.62 N
mm

v c  0.4  1.02 N mm 2

v c  0. 4   0.8 fcu

9
 shear reinforcement is required

Asv b v  v c 

Sv 0.95fy v

2501.42  0.62 

0.95 x 250

 0.84

Try R8, Asv = 101mm2

 Sv  1010.84

 120mm  0.75d  337.5mm 

Use link R8 – 100

Nominal reinforcement

Asv 0 .4 b

Sv 0.95fy

0.4 x 250
  0.42
0.95 x 250

Try R8, Asv = 101 mm2

101
Sv = = 24 mm < 0.75d (337.5)
0.42

Use links R8-225

Shear resistance R8-225

Asv b( v  v c )

Sv 0.95fyv

101 250( v  v c )

225 0.95 x 250

V  V   0.43
c

v = 0.43 + 0.62 = 1.05 N/mm2

V = vbd

= 1.05 x 250 x 450 = 118.0 KN

10
 or

 A 0.95ffy 
  sv .  Vc  bd
 Sv b 

 101 0.95 x 250 

 .  0.62 250 x 450
 225 250 

 1.05 x 250 x 450  118 .80KN

160.0KN

118.0KN

a 118
 118.0KN
2.5 160
160.0KN

a  1.84m
R8 - 100 R8 - 225 R8 - 100

3.4 Summary of design procedures for shear reinforcement according to

BS8110
0.66 3.68m 0.66m

(1) Calculate ultimate shear stress

V
v 
bv d

(2) Check  0.8 fcu or 5N mm 12 , which is the lesser.

(3) Determine c from Table 3.8 BS 8110 or from formula.

0.79100 As bvd  3  400 d  4

1 1

v
m

where  m  1.25

(4) If v < v c , for member of minor structural shear

11
 reinforcement can be omitted but for beam of
structural importance minimum links should be
provided.

Asv 0.4bv

Sv 0.95fyv

(5) If 0.5Vc  V  Vc  0.4  , minimum links should be provided

0.4bv
Asv 
0.95fyv

(6) If Vc  0.4   V  0.8 fcu or 5N mm 2 links should be provided

Asv bv V  Vc 

Sv 0.95fyv

(7) Choose a link size and spacing

(8) Plot shear force diagram with shear resistance of concrete and
minimum links. Specify arrangement.

The spacing of the links,

Sv  0.75d

Deflection

Having analysed the section at ultimate limit state and calculated the
necessary reinforcement for the moment and shear, it is however necessary to
consider to check that the serviceability limit state are satisfied. The three principal
criteria regarding serviceability are that, when a member is subjected to the forces
and moments that arise from working load, deflection, vibration and cracking must not
be excessive.

However BS 8110 stated that for reinforced concrete members, the general
requirements to be regarded as acceptable limit are (a) that the final deflection
(including all time-dependent effects such as creep and shrinkage as well as those of
temperature) of each horizontal member below the supports must not exceed
span/250, and (b) that the deflection occuring after the construction of a partition or
the application of a finish should not exceed the lesser of span/350 or 20 mm for non-
brittle partition, and span/500 or 20 mm for brittle materials.

That can be expressed as follow:

a1

a2 12
 a1 = deflection before erection of partitions, etc.
a2 = deflection after erection of partitions
span
a2 > or 20 mm whichever is the lesser
350
span
a1 + a2 >
250

Example 3.3

Deflection

Refer Example 3.1

W=10 kN/m
Asreq  490.4mm
As prov  629.0mm
6m

o o

WL2 10 X 6 2
M   45.0KNm
8 8
13
 L d  basic = 20 (Table 3.9, simply supported
rectangular section)

The design service stress in the tension reinforcement in a member may be

estimated from,
As req 1
fs  2 f y x
3 As b
prov

490
 2 x 460 x x1
3 629

 238.9 N mm 2

Modification factor for tension reinforcement

 0.55 
 477  fs   2.0
 M  2 T 12
120 0.9   o o
 bd 2 

250

 0.55 
 477  238.9
 45.0 x10 6 
120 0.9  
 125 x125 2 

 0.55 
 477  238.9 
120  0.9  5.76 

 0.85

14
 Modification factor for compression reinforcement

100 A' s 100 x 226

  0.72
bd 125 x 250

1.20

0.06
1.14 M. F = 1.19
0.22

0.5 0.72 0.75

0.22 a

0.25 0.06

a = 0.053

100 A' s prov

1 bd
100 A' s prov
3
bd

0.72
1  1  0.19  1.19
3.72

 d  limit  20 x 0.85 x1.19  20.2mm

 d  actual 
6000
250
 24.0mm

 d  actual >  d  limit

 Deflection is not satisfactory. Hence, it is advisable to increase the size of the
beam.

15
 Cracking

As with deflection, any crack in reinforced concrete will not be excessive.

Excessive cracking and wide deep cracks affect durability and this leads to corrosion
of reinforcement although strength may not be affected. BS 8110 states that for
reinforcement concrete cracking should be kept within reasonable bounds.

Cracking is controlled by specifying the maximum distance between bars in

tension. The spacing limits are specified in clause.3.12.11.2. The clause indicates
that in normal condition the internal or external exposure the bar spacing given will
limit crack widths to 0.3mm. The rules are asBars diameter less than 0.45, the largest
bar in the section should be ignored except when considering bars in the side faces
the beams.

1. The clear horizontal distance s 1 between bars or groups near the tension
face beam should not be greater than the values given in Table 3.28, the
code which are given by the expression.

o o o o anti – crack
reinforcement
o o
S2 Sb
S2
o o

16
 Sb
o o o o
o o o

S1 S1 S1

where S1 > value in Table 3.28

S2 > ½ S 1
Sb > 250mm

Example 3.4

(a)
225

30 2 T 16
o o
450
R8 - 150

y o o 2T
S1
y

Refer 3.12.11.2.3 BS 8110

Clear horizontal distance between bars in tension,

S1  b  2  cov er   2 links   2 bar 

 225  2 30   2 8   2 25

 99mm

Allowable clear distance between bars

17
 = 155 ( Table 3.28, fy = 460 and no
redistribution 0%)

Clear distance between the face of the beam and nearest longitudinal bar in tension

S2  y 2
 y 2    bar 2

y  cov er  links   bar 2

 30  8  25  50.5mm
2

S2  50.5 2  50.5 2  25
2

 58.9mm

Allowable distance

= 155 x 0.5 = 77.5

 S2  77.5mm

 satisfied
(b)
300mm

40 2 T 20

R10 - 200
1500mm

S2
25
o
o o o
o 5 T 25
S1 S1
25 25

Clear distance between horizontal tension bars

      
S1  b  2 cov er  2 links  3 bar
2

18
   300  2 30   210   3 25  
2

 72.5mm  155mm

 O.K

y 2  y 2  bar 
S2 
2

cov er  link  bar

y
2

 30  10  25  52.5
2

S2  52.5  52.5  25
2 2

 61.7mm  77.5mm

h > 250mm

 Bars should be provided in side faces of beam to

control cracking.

Distance between bars

Sb  200mm  250mm 

Minimum size of bar

   Sb b fy 
 

 200x 300
460

= 11.4mm

 Provide T12 @ 200 mm

19