Information
Calculating the deflection and strength of a reinforced concrete beam online is challenging to perform independently without specialized knowledge. The use of beams in construction and renovation is ubiquitous, making this task universally relevant. A reliable solution is required for calculating the strength and deflection of reinforced concrete beams.
Our online calculator for reinforced concrete beam calculations can help with this in seconds.
Features of Reinforced Concrete Beam Calculation
- Reinforcement is specified both at the bottom and the top;
- For a cantilever beam, the reinforcement will be located at the top – in the tensioned layer.
The results are of a reference nature and not of a design study.
Calculation Procedure
- Specify the dimensions of the beam.
This reinforced concrete beam calculation is performed for the most commonly used cross-section – rectangular. The relevance of this shape is emphasized by its practicality: in home or "field" conditions, such a beam can be quickly made without complex forms. It is also possible to calculate the T-beam cross-section for specific construction needs.
It is required to specify the width "t" and height "h" in millimeters – not vice versa: the beam most effectively resists deformation with this ratio.
The length of the beam is not the overall value, but the distance between the inner end points of the beam's contact with the supports. Our floor beam load calculator allows for the consideration of various parameters to obtain an accurate result.
- Select the concrete grade.
This parameter indicates the strength of the structure – it directly depends on the concrete grade and the ratio of sand to cement. The higher the number, the stronger the concrete, which is critically important for a monolithic structure.
- Select the reinforcement grade.
Our online reinforced concrete beam calculator takes into account the main types of reinforcement – periodic transverse section and smooth.
The strength characteristics of the reinforcement are described by the grade and mark:
- The letter "A" or "B" indicates the manufacturing technology (hot-rolled or cold-deformed reinforcement, respectively);
- The number following it indicates the yield strength level of the steel.
This information is found in the reinforcement certificate.
- Determine the load scheme.
The working conditions of the deformable bar are a key factor for the calculation: the order and accuracy of the result depend on this. The load action varies for hinged ends and rigidly embedded ends. Our online reinforced concrete beam calculation is designed for these options: choose between hinged support and embedding one end.
The typical loading case is a distributed load (kilograms per linear meter). If it is not possible to determine the exact value, there is a standard value for inter-floor overlap: 200 kg/m.
- The number of reinforcement layers.
This parameter reflects the strength of the beam – the more longitudinal reinforcement is laid, the more bending the product will withstand. For reinforcement calculation, it is important to consider the parameters of the bottom, most loaded, layer of the beam.
- The parameters of the bottom, most loaded, layer of the beam.
The operating conditions of a reinforced concrete beam are decisive, particularly the levels of humidity and atmospheric protection. The choice should be made based on the available data.
- The reinforcement parameters of the top layer.
If the product is to be made according to special requirements, this section will help to specify the compressed layer of the beam. Our resource has this capability – the reinforced concrete beam will be calculated for the most significant loads. At the same time, the strength calculation considers both rectangular and T-shaped sections.
Reinforcement for the manufacture of truss and sub-truss reinforced concrete beams must be pre-stressed, with exceptions allowed for certain types as provided by standards.
When manufacturing reinforced concrete structures, the density of concrete placement is controlled by the compaction factor (the ratio of the actual density of the concrete to its calculated value). Read about this type of product in this article.
The accuracy of collecting and calculating loads on the beam determines the structural reliability of the building. While static loads are relatively straightforward, calculating possible dynamic loads for all scenarios is a thankless task and would lead to unjustified construction cost increases.
Therefore, dynamic loads are taken with various coefficients, approximating the possibilities of the simultaneous occurrence of different dynamic impacts in a specific location.
