Reinforced Concrete Beam Calculation

Reinforced concrete beam calculation

Scheme

Beam dimensions in mm:
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Hinge-Hinge

Free end

Reinforcement:
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Calculation result:
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Pay attention!

In accordance with rules, the maximum distance in reinforced concrete beams between the axes of the rods for longitudinal reinforcement is:

  • – No more than 200 mm — with a cross-sectional height h≤150 mm;
  • – No more than 400 mm or 1.5 h — with a cross-sectional height h>150 mm;

Longitudinal reinforcement:

  • – In beams and ribs wider than 150 mm, the number of longitudinal working stretched rods in the cross-section should be at least two.
  • – In beams and ribs with an element width of 150 mm or less, it is allowed to install one longitudinal rod in the cross-section.
  • – The diameter of the transverse reinforcement in the knitted frames of bending elements (beams, girders, etc.) should be at least 6 mm.
  • –With the load scheme "free end", the upper reinforcement takes the tension load.

Information

Computing the deflection and load-bearing capacity of a reinforced concrete beam online can be challenging without specialized expertise. Since these beams are integral to both new construction and renovation projects, this calculation finds wide application. A dependable solution is essential for evaluating the bending performance and overall structural integrity of reinforced concrete beams.

Our online reinforced concrete beam calculator provides precise results within seconds.

Features of Reinforced Concrete Beam Calculation

  • Reinforcement is specified for both the lower (tension) and upper (compression) zones;
  • In cantilever configurations, reinforcement is positioned at the top in the tension layer.

Please note that the outputs are for reference only and do not substitute a complete design study.

Calculation Procedure

  • Define the dimensions of the beam.

This calculation is performed for the most commonly used cross-section – the rectangular profile. Due to its practicality in residential or on-site conditions, a rectangular beam can be quickly cast without complex formwork. Alternatively, the T-beam profile can be evaluated to meet specialized construction requirements.

Please ensure you enter the beam's width (t) and height (h) in millimeters. This dimensional relationship guarantees optimal resistance to deformation.

Reinforced Beam

Keep in mind that the beam’s length refers to the clear span between its internal support points rather than the overall dimension. Our calculator considers various parameters for an accurate analysis.

  • Select the concrete grade.

This parameter reflects the concrete’s structural strength, which depends on both its grade and the sand-to-cement ratio. A higher grade indicates a stronger mix, crucial for monolithic construction.

  • Select the reinforcement grade.

Our tool accommodates the primary reinforcement types, including deformed (ribbed) and plain (smooth) bars.

The mechanical properties of the reinforcement are indicated by its grade and designation:

  • The letter "A" or "B" denotes its production process (hot-rolled or cold-deformed, respectively);
  • The subsequent number represents the yield strength of the steel.

This detailed information is available in the reinforcement certification documents.

  • Determine the load scheme.

The boundary conditions of the beam play a crucial role in the calculation. Load distribution varies between beams with hinged supports and those with fixed (embedded) constraints. Our reinforced concrete beam calculator supports both configurations – choose between hinged support and fixed embedding at one end.

Load Schemes

  • Enter the load value.

The load is typically distributed (expressed in kilograms per linear meter). If a specific value is unavailable, a standard load of 200 kg/m is employed, common in inter-floor load conditions.

  • Specify the number of reinforcement layers.

This parameter reflects the beam’s capacity – increasing the number of longitudinal reinforcement layers enhances its bending resistance. When calculating reinforcement, focus on the properties of the lower layer, which usually bears the greatest load.

  • Provide the parameters for the most stressed, bottom layer of the beam.

Environmental factors, including humidity and exposure to the elements, are critical for reinforced concrete beams. Select these parameters based on the available data.

  • Enter the reinforcement details for the top layer.

If custom specifications are required, this section allows you to define the compressed (upper) layer of the beam. Our calculator handles such detailed analysis, ensuring that even critical load scenarios are properly addressed. It computes designs for both rectangular and T-beam cross-sections.

For the fabrication of truss and sub-truss reinforced concrete beams, reinforcement should be prestressed, although exceptions may be permitted under regulatory standards.

During the production of reinforced concrete structures, the density of concrete placement is governed by the compaction factor (the ratio of actual concrete density to its theoretical maximum). More details on this topic can be found in our comprehensive article.

Accurate assessment and calculation of beam loads are fundamental to a building's structural reliability. While static load evaluations are relatively straightforward, accounting for dynamic loads in all scenarios can be challenging and may lead to increased construction costs.

Therefore, dynamic loads are incorporated using various coefficients that estimate the probability of concurrent dynamic impacts at a given location.