Structural

Basics

STRUCTURAL DESIGN
CHEATSHEET
A summary of the most important
formulas, equations & diagrams

𝑞𝑙 2
𝑀=
8
 DISCLAIMER
This Structural Design Cheatsheet covers the engineering
formulas and equations I use regularly as a structural engineer.
It’s a “short” summary of many of the blog posts we published
on structuralbasics.com.

While this document covers many important formulas, be aware

that it doesn’t cover every formula. And as for any structural
engineering book or formula sheet, some explanations and
formulas are simplified. For example, the wind load is only
shown from one direction, or the steel Eurocode provides also
formulas for bending and shear, normal force and bending, etc.

Structural engineering is simply too complex to cover every

design situation.

Use the content of the document as a guide, but question

everything critically.

This document is supplied 'as-is,' without any express or implied

warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of the
information it contains. The user assumes all risks associated
with its use. The author will not be held responsible for any
damage or harm to any person or entity that may come from
utilizing this document.

With that out of the way, I hope this document helps you get a
good overview of structural design.

Structural
Basics
 STATICS
Simply supported beam – Line load
q
Reation forces:
𝑙
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑅𝑏 = 𝑞
2
l
Ra Rb Max. shear forces:
𝑙
M 𝑉𝑎 = 𝑉𝑏 = 𝑞
2
Mmax
Va
Max. bending moment:
V 𝑙2
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑞
Vb 8

Simply supported beam – Point load

Q
Reation forces:
𝑏 𝑎
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑄 , 𝑅𝑏 = 𝑄
𝑙 𝑙
a b
Ra Rb
l
Shear forces:
M 𝑏 𝑎
𝑉𝑎 = 𝑄 , 𝑉𝑏 = 𝑄
Mmax linear 𝑙 𝑙
Va
V Max. bending moment:
𝑎∙𝑏
Vb 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄
𝑙
For more moment and shear force formulas of the simply supported beam click here.

Cantilever beam – Line load

q
Reation forces:
Ma
1
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑀𝑎 = − ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙2
2
l
Ra
Mmax Shear forces:
parabolic 𝑉𝑎 = −𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
M
Max. bending moment:
V
1
Vb 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = − ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 2
linear 2

Structural
Basics
 STATICS
Cantilever beam – Point load
Q
Reation forces:
Ma
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑄
b a
Ra Max. shear forces:
l
linear Mmax 𝑉𝑎 = −𝑄

M
Max. bending moment:
V 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄 ∙ 𝑎
Va
For more moment and shear force formulas of the cantilever beam click here.

2 span continuous beam – Line load on 2 spans

q
Reation forces:
3 5
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑅𝑐 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑅𝑏 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
8 4

Ra l Rb l Rc Shear forces:
Mb(-) parabolic
3
𝑉𝑎 = 𝑉𝑐 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑉𝑏 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
5
- 8 8

+ + M
Va Mmax(+) Bending moments:
9 1
V 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 2 , 𝑀𝑏 = − ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 2
128 8
Vb
Vc

2 span continuous beam – Line load on 1 span

q
Reation forces:
7 5
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑅𝑏 = 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙,
16 4
1
𝑅𝑐 = − 𝑞∙𝑙
Ra Rb Rc 16
l l
Mb(-) Shear forces:
parabolic - 𝑉𝑎 = 𝑅𝑎 , 𝑉𝑏 = −
9
𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑉𝑐 = −𝑅𝑐
+ M 16

Va Mmax(+) Vc Max. bending moment:

49 1
V 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 2 , 𝑀𝑏 = − ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙2
Vb 512 16
For more moment and shear force formulas of the 2 span continuous beam click here.

Structural
Basics
 STATICS
3 span continuous beam – Line load on 3 spans
q
Reation forces:
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑅𝑑 = 0.4 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙,
𝑅𝑏 = 𝑅𝑐 = 1.1 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
Ra l Rb l Rc l Rd Shear forces:
Mb(-) parabolic 𝑉𝑎 = 𝑉𝑑 = ±0.4 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 ,
- - 𝑉𝑏 − = −𝑉𝑐 + = −0.6 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 ,
+ M
+ + 𝑉𝑏 + = −𝑉𝑐 − = 0.5 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
Mmax(+)
Va
Bending moment:
V
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.08 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 2 , 𝑀𝑏 = −0.1 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 2
Vb Vc Vd

3 span continuous beam – Line load on 2 spans

q
Reation forces:
𝑅𝑎 = 0.383 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑅𝑏 = 1.2 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙,
𝑅𝑐 = 0.45 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑅𝑑 = −0.033 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙

Ra l Rb l Rc l Rd Shear forces:
Mb(-) 𝑉𝑎 = 0.383 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙 , 𝑉𝑑 = 0.033 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
Mc(-) 𝑉𝑏 − = −0.617𝑞𝑙 , 𝑉𝑏 + = −0.583𝑞𝑙
- -
+ M 𝑉𝑐 − = −0.417𝑞𝑙, 𝑉𝑐 + = 0.033𝑞𝑙
+
Mmax(+) Mbc(+)
Va Vd Bending moments:
V 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.074𝑞𝑙 2 , 𝑀𝑏 = −0.117𝑞𝑙 2 ,
𝑀𝑏𝑐 = 0.053𝑞𝑙 2 , 𝑀𝑐 = −0.033𝑞𝑙 2
Vb Vc

3 span continuous beam – Line load on 1 span

q

Reation forces:
𝑅𝑎 = 0.433 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑅𝑏 = 0.65 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙,
Ra l Rb Rc l Rd 𝑅𝑐 = −0.1 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙, 𝑅𝑑 = 0.017 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝑙
l
Mb(-)
- Bending moments:
+ M
Mmax(+) Mc(+) 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.094𝑞𝑙 2 , 𝑀𝑏 = −0.067𝑞𝑙 2 ,
Vd 𝑀𝑐 = 0.017𝑞𝑙 2
V
Va Vb Vc
For more moment and shear force formulas of the 3 span continuous beam click here.

Structural
Basics
 GEOMETRY
Centroid
The centroid is a point of a cross-section that represents the center of mass. It’s the
point at which the entire area of the section can be assumed to be concentrated.

z1
1
z2
z
σ𝑛𝑖=1 𝐴𝑖 ∙ 𝑧𝑖
centroid 𝑧=
𝐴

With,

n number of “parts” of the cross-section (n=2 in the shape above)

Ai area of the part i
zi distance of the centroid of part i from the point of origin (top fibre in
the shape above)
A area of the section

Moment of inertia
The moment of inertia is a measure of an object’s resistance to changes in rotational
motion. It is used to calculate the bending stresses that a structural element will
experience when subjected to a load.

1 𝐴1
z1
𝑛
z2 c 𝐼 = ෍ 𝐼0.𝑖 + 𝐴𝑖 ∙ 𝑧𝑖 2
𝑖=1
𝐴2
2

With,

n number of “parts” of the cross-section (n=2 in the shape above)

I0.i moment of inertia of part i
Ai area of the part i
zi distance of the centroid of part i from the centroid c

Structural
Basics
 GEOMETRY
Section modulus
Section modulus of top fibre:
1
z1 𝐼
𝑊=
𝑧1
centroid
z2 Section modulus of bottom fibre:
𝐼
𝑊=
2 𝑧2

With,

I moment of inertia around strong axis

z distance of fibre from centroid

Moment of inertia formulas

Rectangular section I/H section

𝑤ℎ3 𝑡𝑓
𝑤ℎ3 (𝑤−𝑡𝑤 )∙(ℎ−2𝑡𝑤 )3
𝐼𝑦 = 𝐼𝑦 = -
12 12 12
ℎ ℎ
ℎ𝑤 3 𝑡𝑤 ℎ𝑤 3 (𝑤−𝑡𝑤 )3 ∙(ℎ−2𝑡𝑤 )
𝐼𝑧 = 𝐼𝑧 = -
12 12 12

𝑤 𝑤

Hollow circular section Rectangular hollow section

(𝐷4 − 𝑑4 ) ∙ 𝜋 𝐵𝐻 3 − 𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝑦 = 𝐼𝑦 =
𝑑 64 12
𝐻 ℎ
(𝐷4 − 𝑑 4 ) ∙ 𝜋 𝐻𝐵3 − ℎ𝑏 3
𝐼𝑧 = 𝐼𝑧 =
64 𝑏 12

𝐷 𝐵
For more moment of inertia formulas of other sections click here.

Structural
Basics
 LOADS
Overview of loads used in structural design
The “common” characteristic loads that are used in the structural design
of buildings are:
• Dead load
• Live load
• Horizontal wind load on walls
• Wind loads on roofs
• Snow load
• Soil pressure
• Seismic load

Dead load
The dead load represents permanent loads, such as the self-weight of
structural and non-structural building materials. The self-weight of a
concrete slab, a timber truss roof and windows are examples of the dead
load. The weight is calculated and then applied to the structural member
that carries it.

Area dead load:

𝑘𝑁
𝑔𝑘 = 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 ⋅ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 [ ]
𝑚
Click here for the in-depth article.

Live load
The live load represents variable loads such as weight of people, furniture,
cars, office equipment, etc. that can change over time. It’s an
approximation for structural engineers to estimate the additional weight
(excluding self-weight) that can act on structures due to different room
categories.

You’ll find the values of the live load for different room classes in EN 1991-
1-1 Table 6.2 and the National Annex of your country.
Click here for the in-depth article.

Structural
Basics
 LOADS
Horizontal wind loads on walls
The horizontal wind load on buildings are split up in 4 or 5 areas (A, B, C, D,
E) with different load values.

E C
B
A
C
B D
A

Wind loads on walls:

𝑤𝑘 = 𝑞𝑝 ⋅ 𝑐𝑝𝑒

With,

qp peak velocity pressure

cpe pressure coefficient for each area according to EN 1991-
1-4 Table 7.1

Click here for step-by-step guide for the peak velocity pressure.
And here for the full calculation guide for horizontal wind loads.

Structural
Basics
 LOADS
Wind loads on pitched roofs
The wind loads on pitched roofs are split up in 4 or 5 areas (F, G, H, I, (J))
with different load values.

J
I
F H
G
F

Wind loads on pitched roofs:

𝑤𝑘 = 𝑞𝑝 ⋅ 𝑐𝑝𝑒

With,

qp peak velocity pressure

cpe pressure coefficient for each area according to EN 1991-
1-4 Table 7.4a.

Click here for the calculation guide for wind loads on pitched roofs.

Structural
Basics
 LOADS
Wind loads on flat roofs
The wind loads on flat roofs are split up in 4 areas (F, G, H, I) with different
load values.

H
F I
G
F

Wind loads on flat roofs:

𝑤𝑘 = 𝑞𝑝 ⋅ 𝑐𝑝𝑒

With,

qp peak velocity pressure

cpe pressure coefficient for each area according to EN 1991-
1-4 Table 7.2.

Click here for the calculation guide for wind loads on flat roofs.

Structural
Basics
 LOADS
Snow loads on flat and pitched roofs
The snow load on pitched and flat roofs is calculated as (EN 1991-1-3 (5.1)):
𝑠 = 𝜇𝑖 ⋅ 𝐶𝑒 ⋅ 𝐶𝑡 ⋅ 𝑠𝑘

With,

μi snow load shape coefficient

Ce exposure coefficient
Ct thermal coefficient
sk characteristic snow load value on ground

Click here for a calculation guide for snow loads on pitched roofs.
And here for flat roofs.

Structural
Basics
LOAD COMBINATIONS
Ultimate limit state (ULS)

෍ 𝛾𝐺.𝑗 ⋅ 𝐺𝑘.𝑗 + 𝛾𝑄.1 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.1 + ෍ 𝛾𝑄.𝑖 ⋅ 𝜓0.𝑖 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.𝑖

𝑗≥1 𝑖>1

With,

γG partial factor for permanent actions

Gk characteristic value of permanent action (e.g. dead load)
γQ partial factor for variable actions
Qk characteristic value of variable action (e.g. live, snow and
wind load)
Ψ0 factor for combination value of a variable action

Serviceability limit state (SLS)

Characteristic combination:

෍ 𝐺𝑘.𝑗 + 𝑄𝑘.1 + ෍ 𝜓0.𝑖 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.𝑖

𝑗≥1 𝑖>1

Frequent combination:

෍ 𝐺𝑘.𝑗 + 𝜓1.1 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.1 + ෍ 𝜓2.𝑖 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.𝑖

𝑗≥1 𝑖>1

Quasi-permanent combination:

෍ 𝐺𝑘.𝑗 + ෍ 𝜓2.𝑖 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.𝑖

𝑗≥1 𝑖≥1

With,

Ψ1 factor for frequent value of a variable action

Ψ2 factor for quasi-permanent value of a variable action

Structural
Basics
LOAD COMBINATIONS
Accidental limit state (ALS)

෍ 𝐺𝑘.𝑗 + 𝐴𝑑 + ( 𝜓1.1 𝑜𝑟 𝜓2.1 ) ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.1 + ෍ 𝜓2.𝑖 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.𝑖

𝑗≥1 𝑖>1

Seismic combination:

෍ 𝐺𝑘.𝑗 + 𝐴𝐸𝑑 + ෍ 𝜓2.𝑖 ⋅ 𝑄𝑘.𝑖

𝑗≥1 𝑖≥1

With,

Ad design value of an accidental action

AEd design value of seismic action

Full in-depth article about load combinations: here

Structural
Basics
 TIMBER DESIGN
Bending verification
Design bending stresses:
𝑀𝑦.𝑑 ℎ
𝜎𝑚.𝑦.𝑑 = ⋅
𝐼𝑦 2
𝑀𝑧.𝑑 𝑤
𝜎𝑚.𝑧.𝑑 = ⋅
𝐼𝑧 2
With,

Md design bending moment around y/z-axis

I moment of inertia around y/z-axis
h cross-sectional height
w cross-sectional width

Design bending strengths (EN 1995-1-1 (2.17)):

𝑓𝑚.𝑦.𝑘
𝑓𝑚.𝑦.𝑑 = 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑑
𝛾𝑚
𝑓𝑚.𝑧.𝑘
𝑓𝑚.𝑧.𝑑 = 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑑
𝛾𝑚
With,

kmod modification factor (EN 1995-1-1 Table 3.1)

fm.k characteristic bending strength of timber material
γm partial factor (EN 1995-1-1 Table 2.3)

Bending verification (EN 1995-1-1 (6.11) + (6.12))

𝑘𝑚 = 0.7/1.0 EN 1995-1-1 6.1.6 (2)

𝜎𝑚.𝑦.𝑑 𝜎𝑚.𝑧.𝑑
+ 𝑘𝑚 ⋅ ≤1
𝑓𝑚.𝑦.𝑑 𝑓𝑚.𝑧.𝑑
𝜎𝑚.𝑦.𝑑 𝜎𝑚.𝑧.𝑑
𝑘𝑚 ⋅ + ≤1
𝑓𝑚.𝑦.𝑑 𝑓𝑚.𝑧.𝑑
Structural
Basics
 TIMBER DESIGN
Shear verification
Design shear stress:

3 𝑉𝑑
𝜏𝑣.𝑑 = ⋅
2 𝑤⋅ℎ

With,

Vd design shear force

h cross-sectional height
w cross-sectional width

Design shear strengths (EN 1995-1-1 (2.17)):

𝑓𝑣.𝑘
𝑓𝑣.𝑑 = 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑑
𝛾𝑚

With,

kmod modification factor (EN 1995-1-1 Table 3.1)

fv.k characteristic shear strength of timber material
γm partial factor (EN 1995-1-1 Table 2.3)

Shear verification (EN 1995-1-1 (6.13))

𝜏𝑣.𝑑
≤1
𝑓𝑣.𝑑

Structural
Basics
 TIMBER DESIGN
Compression verification (columns)
Design compression stress:

𝑁𝑑
𝜎𝑐.0.𝑑 =
𝑤⋅ℎ

With,

Nd design normal force

h cross-sectional height
w cross-sectional width

Design compression strength – parallel to grain (EN 1995-1-1 (2.17)):

𝑓𝑐.0.𝑘
𝑓𝑐.0.𝑑 = 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑑
𝛾𝑚

With,

kmod modification factor (EN 1995-1-1 Table 3.1)

fc.0.k characteristic compression strength parallel to grain
γm partial factor (EN 1995-1-1 Table 2.3)

Compression verification (EN 1995-1-1 (6.2))

𝜎𝑐.0.𝑑
≤1
𝑓𝑐.0.𝑑

Structural
Basics
 TIMBER DESIGN
Buckling verification (columns)
Buckling length: 𝑙

𝐼
Radius of inertia: 𝑖=
𝑤⋅ℎ
𝑙
Slenderness ratio: 𝜆=
𝑖
𝜆 𝑓𝑐.0.𝑘
Relative slenderness ratio (EN 𝜆𝑟𝑒𝑙.𝑦 = ⋅
1995-1-1 (6.21)): 𝜋 𝐸0.𝑔.05

βc factor (EN 1995-1-1 (6.29)) 𝛽𝑐

Instability factor (EN 1995-1-1 𝑘 = 0.5 ⋅ (1 + 𝛽𝑐 ⋅ 𝜆𝑟𝑒𝑙.𝑦 − 0.3 + 𝜆2𝑟𝑒𝑙.𝑦 )

(6.27))
1
Buckling reduction factor 𝑘𝑐 =
coefficient (EN 1995-1-1 (6.25)) 𝑘+ 𝑘 2 − 𝜆2𝑟𝑒𝑙.𝑦

Utilization check one axial 𝜎𝑐.0.𝑑 𝜎𝑚.𝑑

+ ≤1
bending (EN 1995-1-1 (6.23)) 𝑘𝑐 ⋅ 𝑓𝑐.0.𝑑 𝑓𝑚.𝑑

With,

fc.0.k characteristic compression strength parallel to grain

E0.g.05 E-modulus parallel to grain, 5% fractile
I moment of inertia
h cross-sectional height
w cross-sectional width

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
Material properties
E-modulus: 𝐸 = 0.21 ∙ 106 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑘𝑔
Density: 𝜌 = 7850
𝑚3

Poissons ratio: 𝜈 = 0.3

𝐸
Shear modulus: 𝐺=
2 ⋅ (1 + 𝜈)

Yield and ultimate strength: 𝑓𝑦 , 𝑓𝑢

Check out the tables on Eurocodeapplied.com (link)

Strength properties of bolts (EN 1993-1-8 Table 3.1)

Bolt class

Property 4.6 4.8 5.6 5.8 6.8 8.8 10.9

Yield strength fyb (MPa) 240 320 300 400 480 640 900

Ultimate tensile 400 400 500 500 600 800 1000

strength fub (MPa)

Ultimate tensile strength of fu = fu of the weaker steel plate

welds:

Correlation factor 𝛽0
(dependent on steel strength
(EN 1993-1-8 Table 4.1)

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
Geometric properties
Cross-sectional height: ℎ

𝑤
Cross-sectional width:

Web thickness: 𝑡𝑤

Flange thickness: 𝑡𝑓

Root radius: 𝑟

You can find these and many more parameters on Eurocodeapplied.com

(link)

Bolt nominal diameter: 𝑑

Bolt Hole diameter: 𝑑0

Stress area (threaded part of 𝐴𝑠

bolt):

You can find these and many more parameters on Eurocodeapplied.com

(link)

Weld throat thickness: 𝑎

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
ULS compression verification
𝐴 ⋅ 𝑓𝑦
Compressive design 𝑁𝑐.𝑅𝑑 =
resistance (EN 1993-1-1 (6.10)): 𝛾𝑀0

With,

A full/effective cross-sectional area depending on the cross-

section class
fy steel yield strength
γM0 partial factor
𝑁𝐸𝑑
Compression verification ≤ 1.0
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.9): 𝑁𝑐.𝑅𝑑

With,

NEd design compression force (normal force)

ULS bending verification

𝑊𝑝𝑙 ⋅ 𝑓𝑦
Bending design resistance 𝑀𝑐.𝑅𝑑 =
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.13)): 𝛾𝑀0

With,

Wpl plastic section modulus (cross-section classes 1+2). You

can find the value here.
𝑀𝐸𝑑
Bending verification ≤ 1.0
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.12): 𝑀𝑐.𝑅𝑑

With,

MEd design bending moment

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
ULS shear verification
𝑓𝑦
3
Shear design resistance 𝑉𝑝𝑙.𝑅𝑑 = 𝐴𝑣
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.18)): 𝛾𝑀0

With,

Av shear area. You can find the values here.

235𝑀𝑃𝑎
Check if shear buckling 𝜀≤
verification is required 𝑓𝑦
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.22)):

𝜂 ≤ 1.0

ℎ𝑤 𝜀
≤ 72 ⋅
𝑡𝑤 𝜂

Shear verification
𝑉𝐸𝑑
≤ 1.0
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.17): 𝑉𝑐.𝑅𝑑

With,

VEd design shear force

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
ULS flexural buckling verification (columns)
Buckling length: 𝑙

𝐼
Radius of inertia: 𝑖=
𝑤⋅ℎ
𝐸
Slenderness (EN 1993-1-1 𝜆1 = 𝜋
6.3.1.3 (1)): 𝑓𝑦
𝑙 1
Non-dimensional slenderness: 𝜆 = ⋅
𝑖 𝜆1

Buckling curve (EN 1993-1-1 𝛼

Table 6.1):

Reduction factors 𝜙 = 0.5 ⋅ (1 + 𝛼 ⋅ 𝜆 − 0.2 + 𝜆2 ))

(EN 1993-1-1 (6.49)):
1
𝜒=
𝜙 + 𝜙 2 − 𝜆2

𝜒 ⋅ 𝐴 ⋅ 𝑓𝑦
Design buckling resistance 𝑁𝑏.𝑅𝑑 =
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.47)) 𝛾𝑀1

With,

A full/effective cross-sectional area depending on the cross-

section class

𝑁𝐸𝑑
Utilization check ≤1
(EN 1993-1-1 (6.46)) 𝑁𝑏.𝑅𝑑

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
Fillet weld design – directional method
𝑁 𝑀
Normal stress perpendicular 𝜎90 = + 𝑎
2 ⋅ 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑓 ⋅ 𝑎 ⋅ 2 2
to throat: 2 ⋅ 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑓 ⋅ ⋅ 2
6

𝑉
Shear stress parallel to the 𝜏0 =
axis of weld: 2 ⋅ 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑓 ⋅ 𝑎

Shear stress perpendicular to 𝜏90 = 𝜎90

the axis of weld:
𝑀
𝑁
𝑉

𝜏90
𝜏0
𝜎90

2
𝑓𝑢
Verification criteria 1 𝜎90 + 3(𝜏02 + 𝜏90
2
)≤
(EN 1993-1-8 (4.1)):
𝛽𝑤 ⋅ 𝛾𝑀2

𝑓𝑢
Verification criteria 2 𝜎90 ≤ 0.9
(EN 1993-1-8 (4.1)): 𝛾𝑀2

Structural
Basics
 STEEL DESIGN
Fillet weld design – simplified method
𝑁 𝑀
Normal stress in weld: 𝜎𝑁 = +
𝑙𝑤 ⋅ 𝑎 𝑊

With,

lw length of weld
W section modulus of weld

Shear stress in weld:

𝑉𝑑
Shear stress perpendicular to 𝜏𝑣 =
the axis of weld: 𝑙𝑤 ⋅ 𝑎

Resulting stress: 𝐹𝑤.𝐸𝑑 = 𝜎𝑁2 + 𝜏𝑣2

𝑓𝑢
Resistance stress: 𝐹𝑤.𝑅𝑑 =
3 ⋅ 𝛽𝑤 ⋅ 𝛾𝑀2

Utilization check 𝐹𝑤.𝐸𝑑 ≤ 𝐹𝑤.𝑅𝑑

(EN 1993-1-8 (4.2)):

Full in-depth article about fillet weld design here.

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
Material properties
E-modulus concrete 𝐸
(dependent on concrete
strength class):

Partial factor – concrete: 𝛾𝑐

Partial factor – reinforcement: 𝛾𝑠

Characteristic cylinder 𝑓𝑐𝑘

compressive strength:
𝑓𝑐𝑘
Design compressive strength: 𝑓𝑐𝑑 =
𝛾𝑐

Mean tensile concrete 𝑓𝑐𝑡𝑚

strength:
𝑓𝑐𝑡𝑚
Design tensile strength: 𝑓𝑐𝑡𝑑 =
𝛾𝑐

Yield strength of 𝑓𝑦𝑘

reinforcement:
𝑓𝑦𝑘
Design yield strength: 𝑓𝑦𝑑 =
𝛾𝑠

You can find the values of these properties on Eurocodeapplied.com

(link)

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
ULS Bending verification
Lever arm of longitudinal 𝑑
reinforcement to compression
fibre
𝑀𝑑
𝜇=
𝑤 ⋅ 𝑑 2 ⋅ 𝜂 ⋅ 𝑓𝑐𝑑

𝜔 =1− 1−2⋅𝜇

𝑤 ⋅ 𝑑 ⋅ 𝜂 ⋅ 𝑓𝑐𝑑
Required longitudinal 𝐴𝑠.𝑟𝑒𝑞 = 𝜔 ⋅
reinforcement: 𝑓𝑦𝑑

With,

Md bending moment
w width of RC beam
𝜂 factor dependent on concrete class

𝑓𝑐𝑡𝑚 𝑓𝑦𝑑 𝑓𝑦𝑑

Degree of reinforcement 𝜔𝑚𝑖𝑛 = max(0.26 ⋅ ; 0.0013 )
checks: 𝑓𝑦𝑘 𝑓𝑐𝑑 𝑓𝑐𝑑
𝜀𝑐𝑢3
𝜔𝑏𝑎𝑙 = 𝜆
𝜀𝑐𝑢3 ⋅ 𝜀𝑦𝑑
𝑓𝑦𝑑
𝜔𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.044
𝜂 ⋅ 𝑓𝑐𝑑

Check 1: 𝜔 > 𝜔𝑚𝑖𝑛

Check 2: 𝜔 < 𝜔𝑏𝑎𝑙

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
Check 3: 𝜔 < 𝜔𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑓𝑐𝑡𝑚
0.26 ⋅𝑤⋅𝑑
Minimum reinforcement (EN 𝐴𝑠.𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 ቐ 𝑓𝑦𝑘
1992-1-1 9.2.1.1 (9.1N)): 0.0013 ⋅ 𝑤 ⋅ 𝑑

ULS Shear verification

First, check if shear reinforcement is required.

Members not requiring design shear reinforcement

200
EN 1992-1-1 6.2.2 (1): 𝑘 =1+
𝑑
𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠
𝜌1 = min( ; 0.02)
𝑤⋅𝑑
0.18 1
⋅ 𝑘 ⋅ (100𝜌1 ⋅ 𝑓𝑐𝑘 )3
𝛾𝑐
Design value of shear 𝜐𝑅𝑑.𝑐 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥
0.051 3
resistance (EN 1992-1-1 ⋅ 𝑘 2 ⋅ 𝑓𝑐𝑘
(6.2.a)): 𝛾𝑐
𝑉𝑅𝑑.𝑐 = 𝜐𝑅𝑑.𝑐 ⋅ 𝑤 ⋅ ℎ

Shear reinforcement required 𝑉𝐸𝑑 > 𝑉𝑅𝑑.𝑐

if:

With,

h height of RC beam
VEd width of RC beam

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
Members requiring design shear reinforcement

EN 1992-1-1 Figure 6.5 𝑧 = 0.9 ⋅ 𝑑

Coefficient taking into 𝛼𝑐𝑤

account state of stress in
compression chord:

Strength reduction factor for 𝜐1

concrete cracked in shear (EN
1992-1-1 (6.9)):

Angle between concrete 𝜃

compression strut and beam
axis perp. to shear force:
𝑓𝑐𝑑
Shear resistance (EN 1992-1-1 𝑉𝑅𝑑.𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛼𝑐𝑤 ⋅ 𝑤 ⋅ 𝑧 ⋅ 𝜐1 ⋅
(6.9)): cot 𝜃 + tan 𝜃
𝑉𝐸𝑑
Verification 𝜂=
𝑉𝑅𝑑.𝑚𝑎𝑥

Reduction of design yield 𝑓𝑦𝑤𝑑 = 0.8 ⋅ 𝑓𝑦𝑘

strength of reinforcement (EN
1992-1-1 (6.8)):
𝑉𝐸𝑑
Shear links (EN 1992-1-1 (6.8)): 𝐴𝑠𝑤 =
𝑧 ⋅ 𝑓𝑦𝑤𝑑 ⋅ cot(𝜃 )

Inclination of shear 𝛼
reinforcement:

Max. spacing (EN 1992-1-1 𝑠𝑙.𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.75 ⋅ 𝑑 ⋅ (1 + cot 𝛼 )

(9.6N)):

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
SLS Crack width verification
Crack width limit (EN 1992-1-1 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥
Table 7.1N)

Final creep coefficient 𝜙

𝐸𝑐𝑚
E-modulus of concrete long- 𝐸𝑐.𝑒𝑓𝑓 =
term (quasi-permanent): 1+𝜙
𝐸𝑠
Long-term steel-concrete 𝛼𝑠 =
ratio: 𝐸𝑐.𝑒𝑓𝑓

Fc
x

d
d – x/3

Fs

𝑥
Equilibrium of 1. moment of 𝑤⋅𝑥⋅ = 𝛼𝑠 ⋅ 𝐴𝑠 ⋅ (𝑑 − 𝑥)
area: 2
𝛼𝑠 ⋅ 𝐴𝑠 2⋅𝑤⋅𝑑
Neutral axis (solving for x): 𝑥= ⋅ (−1 + 1 + )
𝑤 𝛼𝑠 ⋅ 𝐴𝑠

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
𝑀𝑞𝑝
Stress in reinforcement: 𝜎𝑠 = 𝑥
𝑑 − ⋅ 𝐴𝑠
3
Factor dependent on duration 𝑘𝑡
of load (EN 1992-1-1)

𝑓𝑐𝑡.𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑓𝑐𝑡𝑚

ℎ−𝑥 ℎ
Effective height (EN 1992-1-1 ℎ𝑐.𝑒𝑓𝑓 = min(2.5 ⋅ ℎ − 𝑑 ; ; )
(7.3.2 (3)): 3 2
𝐴𝑠
. 𝜌𝑝.𝑒𝑓𝑓 =
ℎ𝑐.𝑒𝑓𝑓 ⋅ 𝑤

EN 1992-1-1 (7.9):
𝑓𝑐𝑡.𝑒𝑓𝑓
𝜎𝑠 − 𝑘𝑡 ⋅ ⋅ (1 + 𝛼𝑠 ⋅ 𝜌𝑝.𝑒𝑓𝑓 )
𝜌𝑝.𝑒𝑓𝑓
𝜀𝑠𝑚 − 𝜀𝑐𝑚 = max 𝐸𝑠
𝜎𝑠
0.6 ⋅
𝐸𝑠

Coefficient (EN 1992-1-1 (7.11)) 𝑘1

Coefficient (EN 1992-1-1 (7.11)) 𝑘2

𝑑𝑠
Max. cracking spacing: 𝑠𝑟.𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3.4 ⋅ 𝑐 + 0.425 ⋅ 𝑘1 ⋅ 𝑘2 ⋅
𝜌𝑝.𝑒𝑓𝑓
𝑑𝑠
Verification: 𝑠𝑟.𝑚𝑎𝑥 < 5 ⋅ (𝑐 + )
2

Structural
Basics
 RC DESIGN
Crack width: 𝑤𝑘 = 𝑠𝑟.𝑚𝑎𝑥 ⋅ (𝜀𝑠𝑚 − 𝜀𝑐𝑚 )

𝑤𝑘
Utilization: 𝜂=
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥

SLS Deflection verification

The deflection calculation of reinforced concrete elements is not as
straightforward as for timber or steel structures. However, according
to Eurocode EN 1992-1-1 the deflection requirement is likely to be
satisfied if the span – effective depth ratio is less than the values given
in EN 1992-1-1 Table 7.4N.

Click here for a reinforced concrete beam design guide.

Structural
Basics