Reinforced concrete structural systems such as floors, roofs, decks, etc.

, are almost monolithic, except for precast systems. Forms are built for beam sides the underside of slabs and the entire construction is poured at once, from the bottom of the deepest beam to the top of the slab. Due to monolithic casting, beams and a part of the slab act together. Under the action of positive bending moment i.e., between the supports of a continuous beam, the slab, up to a certain width greater than the width of the beam, forms the top part of the beam. Such beams having slab on top of the flanged beams - either T- or L- type depending on whether the slab is on both sides or on one side of the beam. Sometimes an L-Beam is called Spandrel or Edge Beam (beam with a slab on one side only).

(Figure: 1)

Positive Bending Moment: In the analysis and design of floor and roof systems, it is common practice to assume that the monolithically placed slab and supporting beam interact as a unit in resisting the positive bending moment. The slab becomes the compression flange, while the supporting beam becomes the web or stem. T-Beam: The interacting flange and web produce the cross section having the typical T-shape, thus the T-Beam gets its name (see Figure 2). L-Beam: The interacting flange and web produce the cross section having the typical L-shape, thus the L-Beam gets its name (see Figure 2). Sometimes an L-beam is called Spandrel or Edge Beam (beam with a slab on one side only.

(Figure: 2)

Negative Bending Moment: It should be noted that when the T- or L-Beam is subjected to negative moment, the slab at the top of the stem (web) will be in tension while the bottom of the stem is in

compression. This usually occurs at interior support of continuous beam. In these cases, the support sections would inverted doubly reinforced sections having As at the bottom fibers and as at the top fibers (see Figure 3)

(Figure: 3)

ACI Code Provisions for T- and L-Beams

T-Beam: Section 8.10.2 of ACI318-02 Code stipulates: Width of slab effective as a T-beam flange shall not exceed one-quarter of the span length of the beam, and the effective overhanging flange width on each side of the web shall not exceed: (a) Eight times the slab thickness;

(b) One-half the clear distance to the next web. L -Beam (slab on one side only): Section 8.10.3 of ACI318-02 Code stipulates: -For beams with a slab on one side only, the effective overhanging flange width shall not exceed: (a) One-twelfth the span length of the beam; (b) Six times the slab thickness; (c) One-half the clear distance to the next web. The following simplified interpretations for the preceding ACI provisions are listed. 1. The effective flange width must not exceed (a). One-fourth the span length (b). bw + 16hf (c). Center-to-center spacing of the beam The smallest of the three values will control 2. For beam having a flange on one side only (L-beam), the effective overhanging flange width must not exceed one-twelfth of the span length of the beam, nor six times the slab thickness, nor one-half of the clear distance to the next beam. 3. For isolated beam in which the T-shape is used only for the purpose of providing additional compressive area, the flange thickness must not be less than one-half of the width of the web, and the total flange width must not be more than four times the web width.

Minimum Steel Ratio for T-Beams: The T-beam is subjected to positive moment: The steel area shall not be less than that given by f c fy f c fy

As, min = 3

bw d

200 bw d fy

min = 3

200 fy

Note that the first expression controls if f c > 4440 psi Minimum Steel Ratio for T-Beams: The T-beam is subjected to negative moment: The steel area As shall equal the smallest of the following expression: As ,min = 6 f c fy f c fy bw d or 3 f c fy f c fy bw d ( the smallest value is taken)

min = 6

or

( the smallest value is taken)

Analysis of T-Beams: In analyzing a T-beam, there might exist two cases: 1. The stress block may be completely within the flange, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. 2. The stress block may cover the flange and extend into the web, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. These two conditions will result in what are termed: a rectangular T-beam and a true Tbeam, respectively.

b
hf

0.85 f c

C N. A

d
T

bw

(Figure: 5)

(Figure: 6)

Case I: A Rectangular T-beam: Stress Block Completely within the Flange c < hf And a < hf

The nominal moment capacity in this case can be calculated from a M n = As f y d 2 where a= As f y 0.85 f cb

Case II: A True T-beam: Stress Block Cover Flange and Extends into web c >h f Two possible situations: a < hf or a > hf

If a < h f ,then the nominal moment strength can be computed as in Case I. The beam section can be considered as rectangular section. Case II (contd): A True T-beam: If a > h f , then the nominal moment strength can be computed from h a M n = ( As Asf ) f y d + Asf f y d f 2 2 Where 0.85 f c( b bw ) h f Asf = fy a=

(A A ) f
s sf

0.85 f cbw

Checks for T and L Beams: To check whether a beam is considered a real T or L-beam, the tension force As fy generated by steel should be greater than the compression force capacity of the total flange area, that is As f y > 0.85 f cbh f or where a= Asf f y > hf 0.85 f cb

( a = 1.18d ) > h f
In terms of neutral axis c, 1.18d c = > hf 1

As f y bdf c

Flow Chart For the Analysis of T- and L-beams: