Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU)

Department Of Civil Engineering

REINFORCE CONCRETE III

Chapter one: - Deep beams and Corbels

AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

Chapter one

Deep beams and Corbels

1.1. Introduction

In this section we will see the design of special beams such as deep beams and corbels (brackets).
The behavior of these structures is different from those shallow (slender) beams. In deep beams
and corbels, plane section before bending does not remain plane after bending.

1.2 Deep Beams

Deep beams are Reinforced concrete structural elements with large depths in relation to their spans.
According to the EBCS 2 1995, beams are considered as deep beams when

Where l is the effective span measured center to center of supports or 1.15 times clear span,
whichever is smaller and h is the overall depth of the deep beam.

Deep beams occur at transfer girders used in multistory buildings, rectangular suspended
containers (tanks), raft slabs, pile caps, shear walls etc.

Behavior of Deep Beams

The behavior of deep beams is significantly different from that of beams of normal proportion
(shallow beams) that it requires special consideration in analysis, design and detailing of
reinforcement. Elastic analysis of such beams indicates that the usual hypothesis plane section
before bending remains plane after bending is not valid for such members. Thus flexural stresses
are not linearly distributed even in the elastic range and hence the usual methods used for analysis
and design of ordinary reinforced concrete beams are neither suitable nor adequate to determine
the strength of reinforced concrete deep beams.

The followings are the major different of deep beam element compared with ordinary beam:

Two-Dimensional Action, because of the dimension of deep beam they behave as two-
dimensional action rather than one-dimensional action.
Plane Section Do Not Remain Plane, the assumption of plane section remain plane cannot
be used in the deep beam design. The strain distribution is no longer linear.
Shear Deformation, the shear deformation cannot be neglected as in the ordinary beam.
The stress distribution is not linear even in the elastic stage. At the ultimate limit state the
shape of concrete compressive stress block is not parabolic shape again.
The distribution of tensile stress at bottom fiber is constant over the span. In other word the
value of tensile stress at bottom fiber at support and at mid span is only little different, for
this reason in deep beam the tension reinforcement must be extend to the end of support

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

although that region is small bending moment region (in ordinary beam we can Cut off the
tension reinforcement and not all of the tension reinforcement in mid span is extended to
the end of support, practically only two for anchor the stirrups).

The maximum tensile stress at the bottom fiber is far exceeding the magnitude of
compressive stress.

a) Stress distribution for deep beam at mid span and quarter span

b)

Fig 11

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

Two methods are used to design deep beams namely empirical method and strut and tie model
method.

a. Empirical method

Design for flexure

Tension zone become relatively much smaller in deep beams and main flexural reinforcement
should be placed in this lower zone. The area of steel required to carry the tension is determined
by the empirical method of assuming a value for the lever arm Z.

For design of simple span deep beams

For design of multiple (continuous) span deep beams, the lever arm Z, for both negative and
positive moment may be computed using

Theory, confirmed by tests, indicate that the flexural strength can be predicted with sufficient
accuracy using the same methods employed for beams with normal depths as follows;

Detailing of reinforcements

All positive bars should extend through the span without curtailment beyond
the supports and preferably bent upwards at the ends to obtain adequate
embedment and anchorage.
Half the negative bars over the support should extend over full length of
adjacent spans. The other half can be stopped at a distance of 0.4l or 0.4h,
whichever is smaller, from the edge of the support.
Flexural reinforcements are uniformly placed using relatively small size bars
over a vertical distance of (0.25h-0.05l) for positive bending moment, where
the vertical distance is measured from bottom extreme face of the cross
section.

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note


Negative bars are uniformly distributed in to two bands in such a way that In
upper band for a distance of 0.2h from extreme face of the cross section

In lower band with in a depth of 0.6h below upper band



To supplement the main reinforcement, one layer of mesh reinforcement shall

 be provided near each face of the deep beams as



Fig 1.2.Distribution of positive reinforcements in simply supported beams

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

Fig. 1.3 Distribution of negative reinforcements in continuous beams

As1 is distributed along height h1=0.2h and As2 is distributed along h2=0.6h.

Design for Shear

These provisions apply to

a) Shear Spans supporting a principal load located at a distance avnot greater than twice the
effective depth d.
b) Shear spans not supporting a principal load or portions of beams supporting uniform loads
in which the distance lsbetween the points of zero shear and the support is less than three
times the effective depth.

Principal load is a concentrated load, which causes 50% or more the shear at the support of
that shear span.

The critical shear Vsd shall be computed at av/2 for supporting principal loads and at
ls/3 for other shear spans not supporting principal load or for supporting uniform
load and the shear reinforcement required at this section shall be used through out
the entire shear span.
The shear resistance of deep beams shall be taken as the sum of the resistances of the
concrete Vc and the vertical and horizontal stirrups Vsand V ,h respectively, and the
applied shear, Vsd, shall not exceed the limit VRd.

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

b. Strut and tie model method

Structural members may be divided into portions called B-Regions, in which beam theory applies,
including linear strains and so on, and other portions called discontinuity regions, or D-regions,
adjacent to discontinuities or disturbances, where beam theory does not apply. D-regions can be
geometric discontinuities, adjacent to holes, abrupt changes in cross section, and in regions near
concentrated loads and reactions.

Saint Venant’s Principle suggests that the localized effect of disturbance will dissipate out by about
one member depth from the point of the disturbance. According to this, D-regions are assumed to
extend one member depth each way from the discontinuity.

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

Fig. 1.4 division of structures to B and D-regions

The Strut-and-Tie model (STM) approach evolves as one of the most useful design methods for
shear critical structures and for other disturbed (discontinuity) regions in concrete structures. The
model provides a rational approach by representing a complex structural member with an
appropriate simplified truss models.

There is no single, unique STM for most design situations encountered.

Components of the STM

The STM consists of

• Diagonal compression struts is an idealization of some part of the beam concrete as a

compression member.

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

• Tie is a tension member within the STM that consists of reinforcements.

• Nodes are points within the STM where the axis of strut, ties and concentrated loads
intersect.

The most common types of struts utilized in design are

1. The simplest type is the “prism type “which has a constant width that is prismatic strut

2. The second type is the “bottle type” in which the strut expands and contracts along its length.

3. The final type is the “fun type” where an array of strut with varying inclination meets at or
radiate from a single node.

Fig 1.5 Types of struts a) Prism strut b) bottled strut and c) fan (tapered) strut

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AASTU Reinforced concrete III (RC-III) Lecture Note

Fig.1.6 strut and tie model of deep beam subjected to concentrated load at mid span

The strut and tie model shown above may fail in one of the four ways

1. The tie could yield

2. One of the struts could crush when the stress in the strut exceed fce
3. A node could fail by being subjected to stresses that are greater than its effective
compressive strength; this involves a bearing failure at the loads or reactions.
4. The anchorage of the tie could fail.

Because a tension failure of the steel will be more ductile than either a strut failure or a node
failure, the beam should be proportioned so that the strength of the steel governs. ACI Design
provisions for STM

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Example 1.1: Empirical Method – Deep Beam

A transfer girder is to support one symmetrically located column having a factored load of P = 5000 kN and is
supported on 600mmx600mm square columns. The clear span of the transfer girder is 6m. The girder should
also carry an additional factored uniform load (including self-weight) of 206.5 kN/m. The overall depth
of the beam is (h = 4000mm) and the width of the beam is (b=400mm). Using C25 concrete and S360
reinforcing steel, design the deep beam using Empirical method.

P = 5000 kN

ω = 206.5 kN/m

4000

400
6m
0.6 m 0.6 m

Step 1: Check for deep beam (According to EBCS2/1995):

The Criteria for Deep beam is;

Step2: Design for Flexure:

For C25 :

For S360 Rebar:

For simple span deep beams, the lever arm (Z), can be taken as:
Since

Maximum Moment (at mid span span) and max shear force (at support):

From this, the percentage of shear force caused by concentrated load only will be;

Therefore, this load is Principal Load.

Main (Flexural) Reinforcements

Assume Ø20mm longitudinal bars and Ø14mm stirrups to be used;

The zone where positive reinforcements should be distributed (y-distance from the bottom surface) is;

Assume Clean cover (Cc) to stirrup surface is equal to 50mm. The effective cover ( ) upto first row of
reinforcements can then be determined as:

Where;

Cc = clean cover (concrete cover to stirrup surface), Øs = diameter of stirrups and Øl = diameter of longitudinal
bars.
Considering the EBCS2/1995 code requirements for minimum spacing between rebar, lets determine the
maximum No of bars that can be placed in the first row. Assume that the minimum horizontal clear spacing
(Gap) between bars as (which is the max bar size). The spacing of bars in the first row will then
be;

Therefore, we can put 7 No of Ø20mm longitudinal bars in the first raw.

These 7 bars are placed, , away from the bottom concrete surface and the actual horizontal gap
that is used between these bars is:

If 7 bars are placed in the first raw, 13 bars will be placed in each face of the deep beam distributed within the
depth .

The vertical spacing between those bars ( will therefore be;

The actual vertical gap used between the bars in both faces of the deep beam will be;
 CC
m
S2 d14
m
33 – Φ20mm

Y = 670 mm

d’

Cb S1
m m
d1
m
b = 400 mm

Check for Minimum and Maximum requirements

Assignment: Design Supplementary Reinforcements (you can use the following Hint)

To Supplement the main reinforcements, one layer of mesh reinforcements shall be provided near each face of
the deep beam. The minimum percentage of reinforcement of each mesh in each direction shall be given by:

The spacing between adjacent bars shall not exceed twice the thickness of the deep beam or
300 mm.
Step 3: Design for Shear

Design shear, Vsd (the critical shear for principal load is at av/2 from the center of the support (i.e. at 1.65m =
1650mm.

P = 5000 kN

av
ω = 206.5 kN/m

3300

3000

l = 6600
mm
RA=Vmax = 3181.45 kN RB= RA = 3181.45 kN

3181.45
Vsd
2500

1650
2500

3181.45
Total shear to be resisted by stirrups,

Let’s use Ø14mm for vertical stirrups and Ø12mm for horizontal stirrups. The area of 2-legged both vertical
and horizontal stirrups will then be;

Homework: Check and against minimum requirements.

Assume 1000 kN will be carried by vertical stirrups ( ) and 697 kN will be carried by
horizontal stirrups ( .
Provide Ø14mm vertical stirrups @ c/c distance of 140mm and Ø12mm horizontal stirrups @ c/c distance of
200mm.

Ø14mm@c/c 140 mm
vertical stirrups

Ø12mm@c/c 200 mm 33 – Ø20mm Main

horizontal stirrups reinforcements
Example 1.2: Strut & Tie Method (STM) - Deep Beam

A transfer girder is to carry two 600X600 square columns each with factored load of 4800 kN located at the
third Point of a 6m span beam. The beam has a thickness of 600mm and a total depth of 2.4m. Using C-40
Concrete and S-460 Steel, Design the beam by STM method. (Neglect self-weight of the beam).

4800 kN 4800 kN

600 600
2400
A B

600
6m

Step 1: Check for D-Region

4800 kN 4800 kN
2m 2m 2m

D - Region D - Region D - Region h = 2.4m

RA = 4800 kN RB = 4800 kN

As shown on the above picture, Beam is fully D-Region thus we can use STM.

Step 2: Determining width of struts and ties and Effective depth (d):

The thickness of the struts (ties) is equal to the thickness of the beam, which is b = 600mm.

From geometry or static analysis, the reactions at A and B are equal to 4800 kN.
 B C

d h
d

A D

4800 kN 4800 kN

B C

A D

4800 kN 4800 kN

Assume Z = 0.8h and d = 0.9h

From this

Taking point, A:
FAB

ϴ
A FAD

48000 kN
Taking a section that carries tie AD and strut BC.
FBC

ϴ
A FAD

48000 kN

Bearing stress,

Width of struts:

The width of struts and ties can be determined based on the first method of calculating the strut and tie widths
(i.e. hydrostatic pressure):

Actual lever arm will then be,

Again take point A and follow all the above procedures and necessary iterations until ϴ approaches to a
constant value.
Now you can the value of ϴ with the help of calculator or Excel software package formula and the value of ϴ
will finally be, .

Then for this constant value of ϴ, analyze the truss again.

Taking Point, A:

FAB

40.19°
A FAD

48000 kN

Actual depth will therefore be:

Step 3: Checking Each Component of the STM for Failure (adequacy of Nodes & struts against failure and
designing ties):
 Checking for Nodes A, B, C and D:

For Node B & C: (-C-C-C) node,

For Node A & D: (-C-C-T) node,

Therefore, all nodes are safe.

Check for Struts AB, BC and CD:

For Strut AB and CD: Having the same width of strut ( , which is

Therefore, struts AB and CD are safe.

For Strut BC:

Therefore, struts BC is also safe.

 Designing of Tie:

Assuming 34ϕmm Longitudinal rebar and ϕ14mm Stirrups are used.

What if ϕ32mm Longitudinal rebar and ϕ14mm Stirrups are used.

Classwork: Show and compare the possible arrangement of both 19-Ø34mm bars and 21-Ø34mm bars and put
your comment.

Step 4: Designing for Shear

Use 2-legged Ø14mm stirrups;

Provide 2-legged Ø14mm vertical stirrups @ c/c distance of 200 mm.

Again, for the horizontal stirrups, you can either use the same diameter or assume . Let use the same
diameter as above (i.e. 14mm).

In the ACI 318 code for concrete strengths not exceeding 40Mpa, the requirement for transverse
reinforcement is considered to be satisfied if the axis of the strut being crossed by layers of reinforcement
satisfies the following equation.

But, if this condition is not satisfied, go back to the assumptions you have made earlier for spacing of vertical
and/or horizontal stirrups and then try for lower value of spacing. (i.e. you can try 150 mm for vertical stirrups
instead of 200 mm and 200 mm for horizontal stirrups instead of 300 mm.
Example 1.3: Strut & Tie Method – Corbels

Design a corbel to support a factored ultimate load of 400 kN at a distance of 360mm from the face of a
300mm X 300mm column. Proportion the various dimensions and find the amount of reinforcements required
to resist the load without failure. (Use C30 and S400 Class-I works).

Fvd=400 kN
av=360 mm

hc

d h

Solution:

Step 1: Initial Proportioning (determining, d)

The effective depth d of the corbel shall be determined from considerations of shear.

Material design Strength:

For C30 :

For S400 Rebar:

Checking for diagonal compression failure, :

Fvd=400 kN
av=360 mm

T
α hc ≥ 0.5h = 0.5*500 = 250 mm
z
a
d h
C

∑ FX = 0

∑ Mt = 0
Step 2: Flexural Design

Flexural Reinforcements:

Assuming Ø20mm main bars are going to be used, the No of bars will be;

Step 3: Designing for shear

Shear design/ Shear reinforcements:

Shear reinforcements are provided up to

Assume Ø12mm horizontal stirrups are going to be used;

Provide 3 No of Ø12mm horizontal stirrups within 2/3d = 300 mm @ c/c distance of 100 mm.

Assignment: Repeat the above problem if h = 600 using the following Hint.

In corbel with hc ≥ 300 mm, when the area of the Primary horizontal tie AS is such that:

Where Ac is the sectional area of the concrete in the corbel at the column), then closed stirrups, having a total
area not less than should be distributed over the effective depth d in order to cater for splitting stresses in
the concrete strut. They can be placed either horizontally or inclined (See EBCS 2-1995 Page-88).

Step 4: Check for Bearing

Homework: Show the possible detailing of both shear and main reinforcements of the corbel (you can use the
Hint on the figure Below).

Note: The solutions the above problems can be integrated wherever necessary.

Fvd=400 kN
av=360 mm
Main Reinforcements

hc = 250mm

Closed Stirrups
d h

Horizontal Reinforcements

Column Reinforcements