UNIT8 INTRODUCTION TO WORKING

STRESS METHOD AND FLEXURAL

MECHANICS OF SINGLY
REINFORCED RECTAYGUALAR
SECTION
Structure
8.1 Introduction
Objectives

Basic Assumptions
Permissible Stresses in Concrete and Steel
Analytical Aspects of Design of Reinforcement Concrete Beams
Types of Singly Reinforced Rectangular Sections
Types of Problems in Singly Reinforced Rectangular Sections
Summary
Answers to SAQs

8.1 INTRODUCTION
R.C. structures or their elements.may be designed by any of the three methods :
(i) Limit State Method
(ii) Working Stress Method, and

(iii) Methods Based on Experimental Investigations

In this unit, Working Stress Method only shall be discussed. According to basic principles
of design, structures or their elements must be safe and serviceable under design loads.
Here design loads are actual Ioads (characteristic loads) on a structure. Safety of a
structure is measured against permissible stresses due to design loads. These permissible
stresses are 'Charactristic Strengths' divided by 'Factor of Safety' which are different for
different materials. General design and detailing requirements including Limit State of
Serviceability are the same as those applicable for Limit State Design except
Redistribution of Moments in continuous beams and frames. Accordingly moments over
supports for any assumed arrangement of loading, including the dead load moments may
be increased or decreased by not more than 15%, provided that the modified moments
over supports are used for calculation of the corresponding moments in the spans. Thus,
Working Stress Method of design of a structure or its elements is one in which under
design loads the stresses developed are within permissible limits, and the detailing of
concrete section as well as reinforcements are so as to meet the serviceablility
requirements.

Objectives
Through this unit a student will be able to learn the following :
o Basics of Woking Stress Method of Design
o Permissible Stresses in Concrete and Reinforcement used in design, and
0 Analytical Aspect of Design of a structure and its elements under design
loads
Working Stress Method SAQ 1
(i) Explain various methods of designing a R.C structure.
(ii) Define
(a) Working Stress Method
(b) Factor.of Safety
(c) Permissile Stress

(d) Design Loads in Working Stress Method

8.2 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

All structures under design loads are analysed according to linear elastic theory. The
design of different sections for providing adequate concrete and reinforcenents are based
on simplifying assumptions enumerated and discussed as follows :
(i) A plane section of a structural element remains plane before and after
bending
(ii) The strain-stress (E-o) relationship for concrete and steel under design
loads (working or service loads) is linear.
(iii) The tensile stress resistance of concrete in bending is zero, except
specifically permitted, and

280
(iv) The modular ratio, "' = -
36cbc

Assuntions (i), Qii)and (iii) need no explanation as assumptions (i) and (iii) have been
explained in Limit State Method and assunption (ii) is self explanatory. According to
assumption (v), for example, for M 15 concrete the modular ratio,

E
As per Strength of Materials, generally, modular ratio, '$ . From code, modulus of
C

elasticity of steel . Es = 2 x i d m and short term static modulus of elasticity of concrete,

E 2x20~
Ec = 57% = 5709fi
= 227076 MPa and accordingly, m =
= 22076 -- 9.06
C

This discrepancy is due to the fact that the value calculated as per assumption takes into
account the long~termeffects such as creep. The creep or any long-term effect goes on
continuously deforming the elements during the whole life time of a R.C. structure and,
in effect, lowers the modulus of elasticity of concrete. Thus actual smaller value of Ec
results in higher modular ratio, m.
 Introduction to Working
Stress: Method and
Flexural klechanics of
Singly Reinforced
Rectangular Section

Grade of concrete M 10 M 15 M20 M25 M30 M35 M 40

Permissible Tensile
1.2 2.0 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.4
Stress, o,
Working Strcrs Method Table 8.3 Permissible Shear Stress in concrete without
Shear Reinforcement

GRADE OF CONCRETE

Note : As = Area of longitudinal tensile reinforcement whicR continues at least 'd'

beyond the section being considered except at supports where the full area
of tension reiforcements may be used provided tRe detailing conforms to
coda1 provisions.

Table 8.4 : Maximum Shear Stress with Shear Reinforcement, 7 ,,,,

 -

Stress Method end

Flexural Meelraarcs of
Sing17 Reinforced
Steel Reinforcement Reetonguler Section

ed yield stress sub-

ject to a maximum

column bars (Us,)

pressive resistance
of the concrete is
taken into accounl

slab where the

compressive resis-
tance of the concret
is not taken into

Half the guaranteed

yield stress subject
to a maximum of

Note : (i) 0.2%proof strers may be used for yield stress us)
for those steel for
which there is no clearly defined yield point, and
(ii) When mild steel conforming to Grade I1 of IS 432 : (Part I) - 1966 is
used, the permissible stresses shall be 90% of the permissible streses
of Grade of IS : 432 (Part) - 1966, but if the area of reinforcement
have already been designed and detai1,ed as per Grade of IS : 432
(Part I) - 1966 steel, the area of reinforcement shall be increased by
10% of that required for Grade I steel.
Working Stress Method
8.4 ANALYTICAL ASPECT OF DESIGN OF
REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS
Bending moment causes internal strains and stresses perpendicualr to the cross-sections of
a beam (Figure S.l(a)).

Cmss Section Strain Diagram Stress Diagram

(b)
Figure 8.1 :Explaining Bendi~gMechanics of a Rectangular Beam
From the assumption (Basic Assumption(i)) that plane section remains plane before and
after bending, the strain diagram is linear acr;oss the section (Figure g.l(b)). If these strains
are multiplied by the modulus of elasticity of concrete, Ec, the resulting stress diagram
may be obtained (Basic Assumption (ii)). As tensile resistance of concrete is zero (Basic
Assumtion (iii), a fictitious tensile stress in concrete.fc,, (i.e.fcIwould have delveloped if
concrete were resisting tensile stiess at the level of reinforceing steel) is assumed to
evaluate the tensile stress,f\,.The moment of resistance may then be calculated as
follows :
(i) From Stress Diagram

Reinforced concrete being a composite material (i.e. perfect bond develops

between concrete and steel), the strains at the level of centroid of steel both in
concrete and steel are the same i.e.,
(ii) From Strain Diagram Introduction to Working
Stress Method and
C t=Cct where Ccl= strain in concrete at the level of centroid of steel area Flexural Mechanics-of
Singly Reinforced
f\t - fct Rectangular Section
or Es, Ec

or

280
or fst = M awhere m=-
30cbc
(Basic Assumption iv)

(iii) From Force Equilibrium

C-T=O
or C=T
or 112 fcbc
bkd =fst
A,
(iv) From Moment Equilibrium
Applied Bending Moment = Resisting Bending Moment
or Mapplied = M , = c.la= ~ . l ~

= R b& =fs, A, jd where R = !1Ak kj

SAQ 3
Derive from the basic principles the Moment of Resistance, MR.of a
singly reinforced concrete section.

8.5 TYPES OF SINGLY REINFORCED

RECTANGULAR SECTIONS
Based on fundamentals of analysis in the above section, a singiy reinforced rectangular
section may be put in any of the three categories :
(i) a Balanced Section
(ii) an Under-Reinforced Section, and
(iii) an Over-Reinforced Section
Working Stress Method (i) Balanced Section
A section is balanced when the extreme fibre of concrete in compression and the
tensile steel reach their respective permissible stresses simultaneously under
applied bending moment
Under applied bending moment, Mapplled, the maximum stress in concrete in
compression and tensile stress in steel are their respective permissible values, Ocbc
and o,,(Figure 8.2).

Cross Section Strain Diagram Stress Diagram

Figure 8.2 :A Balanced Section
Neutral-axis depth in this case is denoted by k,d or x, where k, = coefficient for
n.a. depth for balanced section.
Therefore, Moment of Resistance

(ii) Under-Reinforced Section

As the name suggests an under-reinforced section is one in which the area of
tensile reinforcement provided is less than that required for balanced section.
Let a cross section of reinforced concrete may be taken in which the area of
tensile steel is less than that required to make it a balanced section (Figure 8.3). If
applied moment is increased gradually on such section, the permissible tensile
stress in steel will reach first since As,c AS,,, and at this stage the stress in concrete
will be&, cSr,b,(Figure 8.3(d)).

(8) Cross (b) stnin (c) <Less (d) S h e s Dingam for

Section Diigram Diignm Under-Reinforced
& Balanced

Figure 8.3 :An Under Reinforced Section

 The n.a. depth may be determined by equating moment of area of concrete in Introduction to Working
compression and equivalent area of tensile steel in terms of concrete about n.a. Stress Method and
Fleiural Mechanics of
kd Singly Reinforced
b.kd.- = I?& (d - kd) Rectangular Section
2
The resulting value of kd < k,d (Fig : 8.3 d) and hence

(iii) Over Reinforced Section

An qver Reinforced Section is one in which the tensile reinforcing steel area is
more that required for a balanced section.

(a) Cross (b) wfIh.l (c) (d) Stress Diagram h

Section Diagram Diagram Over-Reinforcod&
Balanced !kctiom

Figure 8.4 :An Over-Reinforced Section

As AS,> A S , , the permissible stress in concrete (ocbc)will reach first due to gradual
application of bending moment resulting in kd > k,d (Figure 8.4 d), the value of
kd may be obtained by equating moment of area of concrete in compression and
equivalent area of tensile stecl in terms of concrete about n.a.
I

b.k.d.*d = *A$, (d - kd)

t 2
I Hence moment of resistance

SAQ 4
I (i) How many types of singly reinforced sections can be had based on
percentage of rei~forcementprovided?
(ii) Define and explain Balanced Section
I
(iii) Explain the meaning of a Under-Reinforced Section,

(iv) Is Moment of Resistance of an over-reinforced section is more than that

for a Balanced Section, if so, explain why ?
Working Stress Method
8.6 TYPES OF PROBLEMS IN SINGLY REINFORCED
RECTANGULAR SECTIONS
Four types of problems may be encountered

Type I : To determine M, and w for a given cross section

Type I1 : To deterniir~~ maximum compressive stress in concrete (fcbc)and tensile
stress in steel CfSJ for a given cross section and Mapplned.
Type 111 : To determine M,, and AS,, when concrete cross section is only given,
and
Type IV : To design a singly reinforced section for a given bending moment
The above mentioned types of problems have been given and illustrated with examples
given below.
Example 8.1
Determine moment of resistance and uniformly distributed super-imposed load
carried by a simply supported singly reinforced R.C. beam having effective span
5m and a cross section of 300 x 555 ( b x d ) reinforced with 5$20. Use M 15
concrete and Fe 250 steel.
Solution

(a) Given Cross Section (b)Stress Diagram

Figure 8.5 :Showing Cross-Section and Stress Diagram of the Beam

Equatin$ moment of area of concrete in compression and equivalent area of
tensile steel in terms of concrete about n.a. ( Figure 8.5(a)).

280 280
H~~~ m = = - " l9 and
kc,, 3x5
 or x2 + 198.97 X- 110427.24 Introduction to Working
Stress Method and
Or x = 247.4 Flexural Mechanics of
Singly Reinforced
The value of x, is next determined to compare it with x and to know the type of Rectangular Section
the section.

~ = 222 < 247.4 Hence the section is over-reinforced (Figure 8.4(d))

x, = 0 . 4 555
and the stress distribution across the section is as shown is Figure 8.5(b)

= 87.68 kNm Ans

As the beam is simply-supported with a u.d.L. (w) over the whole span,

or w = 28.05 kN/m (including self weight)

Self weight = 0.3 x 0.6 x 1 x 25 = 4.5 kN/m (taking 45 as effective cover)
. Super-imposed load w, = 28.05- 4.5
= 23.55 kN/m Aas

Calculate the maximum compressive stress in concrete and tensile stress in

reinforcing steel for a R.C.beam of 3.6m effective span having a cross section bf
300 x 600 (b x D ) with q 2 0 and clear concrete cover of 25. The beam is loaded
with a super-imposed u.d.1. af 80 kN. Use m = 19
Solution
Total u.d.1. = Super-imposed load + self weight

Equating moment of areas of concrete in compression and transformed area of

tensile steel about n.a..
Working Stress Method

or x2 + 159.lx - 89930.67= 0
or x = 230.68

The maximum stress in concrete and steel may now be evaluated as mder :

or fcbC = 2.56 N/mmz Ans 1

Again

or fs, = 70.58 N/mm2 Ans

Example 8.3
Determine moment of resistance and the area of tensile steel required for a section
of R.C. beam of 300 x 550 ( b x d ). Use M 15concrete and Fe 415 steel.
Solution

(a) Cross Section (b) Stress Diagram

Figure 8.6 :Showing Cross-Section and the Stress Diagram for Balanced Section
As M, and As, are to determined for balanced section, the value of k , is first
determined Figure 8.6.
 280 280 - 19 Introduction to Working
where m=--3 x 0 , ~_--
~3 x 5 Stress Method and
FlexuraY Mechanics of
Singly Reinforced
Rectangular Section

.'. MR = M, = R,bd2 = 0 . 6 5 9 x 3 0 0 ~ 5 5 5x ~lo6

= 59.86 kNm Ans

Example 8.4
Design for flexure only a R.C. beam of 5m clear span supported on two walls of
300 thickness and carrying a super-imposed load of 20 kN/m. Use M 15 concrete
and Fe 415 steel.
Solution
Design coefficients

For balanced section

1
RB = tITckkB js = - x 5 x 0.292 x 0.903 = 066
2
Depth (D)
(9 Thumb Rule

ref ref Therefore taking D =

D lying between --to-. -
= 5.3 x lo3 -
- 44 1.67
10 20 12 12
(where lei = clc distance between supports = 5.3m)
(ii) From Deflection kriteria

d4 [ef
K~ K~K2K3
K, = 20 for simply supported beam
 and correspondingly K, = 1.4
K2 3 K3= 1
Substituting thesc values in the above equation

Taki'mg D = 450 a n d d = 4 1 5
and taking b ( between 013 to 2D/3) = 225
l,,is lesser of
(i) C/Cdistance between supports

(ii) clear span + d

=5m+'0.415 m=5.415m
Thus Ze, = 5.3 m
(iii) From moment of resistance consideration
Loads
Self weight = 0.225 x 0.45 x 1 x 25 = 2.53 kN/m
Super imposed load
Total load w

Taking 0 = 775, d = 730 and b 2 350

Loads
Self weight = 0.775 x 0.35 x 1 x 25 = 6.78 kN/m
Super imposed load
Total load w

.; d= = = 638 < 730 (to be provided)

0 . 6 6 350
~

Check for Lateral Stabilitv

Assuming the lateral restraints have been provided at the centres of supports
( 1 , ) = 5 . 3 r n ~ ( 6 0 b = 6 0 ~ 0 . 3 5 = 2m1) a n d
 Introduction to Working
Stress Method and
Flexural Mechanics of
Singly Reinforced
Rectangular Section
Hence provided D = 775; d = 730 and b = 350

A 8,

Hence provided 4#16 (AS,= 804 mrn2> 619.98 rnrn2)

Side Face Reinforcement

O.lX35OX775
0.1 % of total Cross Sectional Area of concrete = = 27 1.25-2
100

Provided 4#10 (As = 314.16 mm2> 271.25 mm2)

The designed cross section is shown in Figure 8.7.

Hanger Bars 2-#12

4-# 10

Figure 8.7 :Cross-Section of the Designed Beam

SAQ 5
(i) Calculate the Moment of Resistance M,, of a singly reinforced R.C.
Section b x d = 250 x 550 reinforced with 3 # 20. Use M 20 concrete and
Fe 415 steel.
(ii) A singly reinforced cross section, b x d = 250 x 400 is reinforced with
3 # 20. Determine maximum compressive stress in concrete and tensile
stresss in steel if a bending moment 30 kNm is applied on it. Use M 15
concrete and Pe 415 steel.
(iii) Determine Moment of Resistance, M, and percentage of tensile steel p,%,
for a concrete section b x d = 300 x 500 taking M 15 concrete and
Fe 250 steel.
Jlorking Stress Method
(iv) Design for flexure only a R.C. simply supported beam for the following
data :
Clear Span = 5.6m
Super imposed Dead Load = 10 kN/m
Live Load
Width of Supports
Use M 15 concrete and Fe 4 15 steel

8.7 SUMMARY
Basic principles involved in the analysis and design for flexure by Working Stress Method
have been explained. Assumptions made to simplify the analysis & design have been
enunciated and discussed. Flexure Mechanics of R.C. Sections have been explained through
derivation of basic equations and parameters of simple singly reinforced sections from the
given data. Examples have been solved to illustrate the above mentioned facts.

8.8 ANSWERS TO SAQs

SAQ 1
(i) Refer text 8.1
(ii) Refer text 8.1

SAQ 2
(i) Refer text 8.2
(ii) Refer text 8.2
SAQ 3
Refer text 8.4

SAQ 4
(i) Rdfer text 8.5
(ii) Refer text 8.5
(iii) Refer text 8.5
(iv) Refer text 8.5
SAQ 5 Introduction to Working
Stress Method and
(i) 90.27 k ~ m Flexural Mechanics of
Singly Reinforced
(ii) JI., = 3.95 N/mm2 andLl = 93.45 Nlrnrn2 Rectangular Section
(iii) h l , = 65.54 k N m , pl% = 0.71

(IV) Provide h x d = 400 x 760 reinforced with 4 # 16 (A,, = 804 rnrn2 > reqd.
622.63 mm2) and side face reinforcement of 4 # 10.