CE 13 | PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED

/ PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
LECTURE NO.1 FEB. 08, 2025

INTRODUCTION TO REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN Reinforcing steel bars used for concrete structures may be in
form of bars or welded wire fabric. Reinforcing bars are
Concrete and Reinforced Concrete referred to as plane or deformed bars. The deformed bars
ribbed projections rolled into their surfaces to provide better
Concrete is a mixture of sand, gravel, crushed rock, or other bonding between the concrete and steel. Plane bars are not
aggregates held together in a rocklike mass with a paste of used very often except for wrapping around longitudinal bars
cement and water. Sometimes one or more admixtures are primarily in columns. Reinforcing steel bars are commercially
added to change certain characteristics of the concrete such available in lengths of 6m, 7.5m, 9m, 10.5m and even longer
as its workability, durability, and time of hardening. As with lengths. 6m bars are always available, 7.5m bars are
most rocklike substances, concrete has a high compressive sometimes readily available, but longer lengths, when needed
strength and a very low tensile strength. may be ordered.

Reinforced concrete is a combination of concrete and steel

wherein the steel reinforcement provides the tensile strength
lacking in the concrete. Steel reinforcing is also capable of
resisting compression forces and is used in columns as well as in
other situations.

Aggregates used in concrete occupy about three-fourths of

the concrete volume. Since they are less expensive than
cement, it is desirable to use as much of them as possible. Both
fine aggregates (usually sand) and coarse aggregates (usually
gravel or crushed stone) are used. Any aggregate that passes
a No. 4 sieve (about 6mm in size) is said to be fine aggregates.
Material of a larger size is coarse aggregate.

Water used in mixing concrete shall be clean and free from Advantages of Reinforced Concrete as a Structural Material
injurious amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, (non-drinkable)
water shall not be used in concrete unless selection of Reinforced concrete may a dominant structural material
concrete proportions shall be based organic materials or other available for construction in every country. It is used in one
substances that may be deleterious to concrete or form or another for almost all structures such as buildings,
reinforcement. Non-potable water shall not be used in bridges, dams, and so on. Some of the numerous advantages
concrete unless the following are satisfied: (a) Selection of of reinforced concrete are the following:
concrete proportions shall be based on concrete mixes using
water from the same source and (b) mortar test cubes made 1. Concrete is strong in compression compared with other
with non-potable mixing water shall have 7-day and 28-day materials.
strengths equal to at least 90 percent of strengths of similar 2. Concrete building has a great resistance to the actions
specimens made with potable water. of fire and water.
3. Reinforced concrete structures are very rigid.

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4. It requires less maintenance than a structural steel or Philippines (NSCP 2015) by the Association of Structural
timber. Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP) as adopted in
5. It has a very long service life as compared to other ACI318M-14 “Building code requirements for structural
materials. Under proper conditions, reinforced concrete concrete and commentary” generally referred to as ACI
structures can be used indefinitely without reduction of Code. Minimum design requirements for various types of
their load-carrying abilities. reinforced concrete members are presented in the code.
6. Concrete material is very widely available, and the Frequent references are made in this text and section numbers
reinforcing steel can be transported easily to the are provided. It should be realized that codes provide only a
construction site than a structural steel. In most remote general guide for design.
areas, reinforced concrete is the preferred construction
materials. NSCP 2015 Code allowed design of concrete structures either
7. Concrete has its ability to be cast into any variety of by strength design or by working stress design.
shapes and dimensions of desired structures.
Concrete Design Properties (NSCP 2015 Section 419.2)
Disadvantages of Reinforced Concrete as a Structural Material
Specified Compressive Strength (NSCP 2015 Section 419.2.1)
Some of the factors that may cause to select a material other
than reinforced concrete are the following: [Link] The value of f’c shall be specified in construction
documents and shall be in accordance with (a) through (c):
1. Concrete has a very low tensile strength requiring the a. Limits in Table [Link].
use of tension steel reinforcement. b. Durability requirements in Table [Link].
2. The construction of cast-in-place structures requires c. Structural strength requirements.
forms and shoring to hold the concrete in place and
support its weight until it hardens and until its strength is
adequate.
3. It has a relatively low strength per unit weight or
volume. It means concrete members require a larger
volume and a greater weight of materials which has a
great effect on bending moments.
4. The properties of concrete vary widely because of
variations in its proportioning and mixing.

Design codes and Specifications – The National Structural

Code of the Philippines 2015

Design and construction of buildings are regulated by building

codes to protect the public’s health and safety nationwide.
The latest design specifications for the reinforced concrete
building in the Philippines is the National Structural Code of the

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Modulus of Elasticity (NSCP 2015 Section 419.2.2) [Link] Groups of parallel reinforcing bars bundled in contact
to act as a unit shall be limited to four in any one bundle.
It is the ratio of normal stress to corresponding strain for tensile
or compressive stresses below the proportional limit of the [Link] Bundled bars shall be enclosed within transverse
material. Concrete has a modulus of elasticity which varies reinforcement. Bundled bars in compression members shall be
with the different concrete strength, concrete age, type of enclosed by transverse reinforcement at least 12mmØ in size.
loading and the proportions of cement and aggregates.
[Link] Bars larger than 36mmØ shall not be bundled in
[Link] Modulus of Elasticity, Ec for concrete shall be beams.
permitted to be calculated as (a) or (b):
[Link] Individual bars within a bundle terminated within the
a. For values of wc between 1440 and 2560 kg/m3 span of flexural members shall terminate at different points with
at least 40db stagger.
Ec = wc1.5 0.043√𝒇′𝒄 (in MPa)
[Link] Development length for individual bars within a
b. For normal weight concrete bundle, in tension or compression, shall be that of the
individual bar, increased 20 percent for a three-bar bundle,
and 33 percent for a four-bar bundle.
Ec = 4700√𝒇′𝒄 (in MPa)
[Link] A unit in bundled bars shall be treated as a single bar
Minimum Spacing of Reinforcement (NSCP Section 425.2)
with an area equivalent to that of the bundle and a centroid
coinciding with that of a bundle. The diameter of equivalent
425.2.1 For parallel non-prestressed reinforcement in a bar shall be used for db in (a) through (c):
horizontal layer, clear spacing shall be at least the greatest of
25mm, db, and (4/3)dagg. a. Spacing limitations based on db
b. Cover requirement based on db
425.2.2 For parallel non-prestressed reinforcement placed in c. Spacing and cover values in Section [Link]
two or more horizontal layers shall be placed directly above d. Confinement term in Section [Link]
reinforcement in the bottom layer with a clear spacing e. 𝚿𝒆 factor in Section 425.4.4
between layers of at least 25mm.
Specified Concrete Cover Requirements (NSCP 2015 Section
425.2.3 For longitudinal reinforcement in columns, pedestals, [Link])
struts, and boundary elements in walls, clear spacing between
bars shall be at least the greatest of 40mm, 1.5db, and [Link].1 Non-prestressed cast-in-place concrete members
(4/3)dagg shall have specified concrete cover for reinforcement at that
given in Table [Link].1.
Bundled Reinforcement (NSCP 2015 Section 425.6)

425.6.1 Non-Prestressed Reinforcement

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[Link].4 For bundled bars, specified concrete cover shall be

at least the smaller of (a) and (b):

a. The equivalent diameter of the bundle

b. 50mm
c. And for concrete cast against and permanently in
contact with ground, the specified cover shall be
75mm.

Strength Reduction Factors (NSCP 2015 Section 421.2)

421.2.1 Strength reduction factor Ø shall be in accordance

with Table 421.2.1 except as modified by Sections 421.2.2,
421.2.3, and 421.2.4.

[Link].2 Cast-in-place prestressed concrete members shall

have specified concrete cover for reinforcement, ducts and
end fittings at least that given in Table [Link].2.

421.2.2 Strength reduction factors for moment, axial force, or

combined moment and axial force shall be in accordance
with Table 421.2.2.

[Link] For deformed reinforcement, 𝜀𝑡𝑦 shall be fy/Es. For

Grade 280 reinforcement, it shall be permitted to take 𝜀𝑡𝑦
equal to 0.002.

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construction loads, overhead service cranes, equipment

operating loads, and many others. In general, they are
induced by gravity.

Environmental Loads – are loads caused by the environment

where the structure is located. For buildings, they are caused
by rain, wind, temperature change, and earthquake. In fact,
these are also live loads, but they are the result of environment
where the structure is located. Although they do vary with
NSCP Section 203.3 presents the load factors and time, they are not all caused by gravity or operating
combinations that are to be used in design of reinforced conditions, as is typical with other live loads.
concrete structures using Strength Design Method. The
required strength must at least equal to the largest value Load Combinations using Strength Design or Load and
obtained by substituting into NSCP Equations 203-1 to 203-7. On Resistance Factor Design (NSCP 2015 Section 203.3)
the other hand, NSCP Section 203.4 presents the load factors
and combinations using Working Stress Design and must at
least be equal to the largest value obtained by substituting 203.3.1 Where strength design or load resistance factor design
into NSCP Equations 203-8 to 203-12. is used, structures and all portions thereof shall resist the most
critical effects from the following combinations of factored
Loads and Load Combinations loads:

Perhaps the most important and most difficult task faced by 1.4(D+F) (203-1)
the structural designer is the accurate estimation of the loads 1.2(D+F+T) + 1.6(L+H) + 0.5(Lr or R) (203-2)
that may be applied to a structure during its life. No loads that 1.2D + 1.6(Lr or R) + (f1L or 0.5W) (203-3)
may reasonably be expected to occur may be overlooked. 1.2D + 1.0W + f1L + 0.5(Lr or R) (203-4)
After loads are estimated, the next problem is to decide the 1.2D + 1.0E + f1L (203-5)
worst possible combinations of these loads that might occur at 0.9D + 1.0W + 1.6H (203-6)
one time. Loads are classified as being dead, live, or 0.9D + 1.0E + 1.6 H (203-7)
environmental.
f1 = 1.0 for floors in places of public assembly, for live loads in
Dead Loads – are loads of constant magnitude that remain in
excess of 4.8 kPa, and for garage live load, or
one position. They include the weight of the structure under
= 0.5 for other live loads
consideration as well as any fixtures that are permanently
D - dead load
attached to it. For a reinforced concrete building, some dead
E – earthquake load set forth in Section 208.6.1
loads are frames, wall, floors, ceilings, stairways, roofs, and
Em – estimated maximum earthquake force that can be
plumbing. Unit weight of concrete = 23.54 kN/m 3.
developed in the structure as set forth in Section 208.6.1.
F – load due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maximum
Live Loads – are loads that can change in magnitude and
heights
position. They include occupancy loads, warehouse materials,

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H – load due to lateral pressure of soil and water in soil Arrangement of Reinforcing bars for most efficient rectangular
L – live load, except roof live load, including any permitted live beam section
load reduction
Lr – roof live load, including any permitted live load reduction For rectangular beams to be the most efficient, reinforcing
R – rain load on the undeflected roof bars should be arranged in such a way that the effective
T – self-straining forces and effects arising from contraction or depth of the reinforcement is the maximum. Minimum cover,
expansion resulting from temperature change, shrinkage, which for beams not exposed to weather or in contact with
moisture change, creep in component materials, movement the ground is 40mm, and minimum spacing between parallel
due to differential settlement, or combinations thereof bars which is the greater between 25mm or diameter of bar,
W – load due to wind pressure must be followed.

Load Combinations using Allowable Stress or Allowable The minimum width of a rectangular beam, bmin:
Strength Design (NSCP 2015 Section 203.4)
bmin = 2cc + 2ds + ndb + (n-1)sc

203.4.1 Where allowable stress or allowable strength design is where:

used, structures and all portions thereof shall resist the most cc – concrete cover
critical effects from the following combinations of factored ds – diameter of stirrup
loads: db – diameter of bar
sc – clear spacing between the longitudinal bars
D+F (203-8) n – number of longitudinal bars
D+H+F+L+T (203-9)
D + H + F + (Lr or R) (203-10) Sample problem no. 1
D + H + F + 0.75(L + T(Lr or R)) (203-11)
𝑬 Beams will be designed for the roof and floor systems of an
D + H + F + (0.6W or 𝟏.𝟒) (203-12) office building. The loads for these systems are as follows:
No increase in allowable stresses shall be used with these load
combinations except as specifically permitted by Section Roof: dead load = 1.44kPa, roof live load = 0.96kPa, and a rain
203.4.2. load consisting of 100mm of water.

The following are the most common load combinations for Floor: dead load = 2.97kPa and occupancy live load =
most applications: 3.83kPa.

a. 1.4D a. For each of these systems, determine the required factored

b. 1.2D + 1.6L load capacity for Strength Design. Which load combination
c. 1.2D + 1.0L + 1.0W controls?
d. 1.2D + 1.0L + 1.0E b. For each of these systems, determine the required Allowable
e. 0.9D + 1.0W Strength Design load capacity. Which load combination
f. 0.9D + 1.0E controls?

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CE 13 | PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED
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LECTURE NO.1 FEB. 08, 2025

Sample problem no. 2

Draw the details of the most efficient beam in terms of flexure if

the beam is cast-in-place, non-prestressed and not exposed to
weather or in contact with the ground. Beam section is 250mm
x 360mm reinforced with 10mmØ stirrups and 6-16mmØ
longitudinal bottom bars.

Sample problem no. 3

Draw the details of the most efficient beam in terms of flexure if

the beam is cast-in-place, non-prestressed and not exposed to
weather or in contact with the ground. Beam section is 280mm
x 480mm reinforced with 10mmØ stirrups, area of required steel
reinforcement, As = 3122mm2. Bending moment is negative.
Use 20mmØ longitudinal bars. Vertical spacing between the
layers of bars should be 25mm minimum.

Problem for Practice:

1. Draw the details of the most efficient beam in terms of

flexure if the beam is cast-in-place, non-prestressed
and not exposed to weather or in contact with the
ground. Beam section is 200mm x 350mm rectangular
beam reinforced with 12mmØ stirrups and 8-16mmØ
longitudinal bottom bars.

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