Theory

Casting of Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Reinforced concrete is an amalgamated material in which the comparatively low
tensile strength and ductility of concrete are counteracted by the inclusion of a form
of reinforcement having higher tensile strength and in most cases higher degrees of
ductility also. The reinforcement is commonly steel reinforcing bars and is
customarily embedded in the concrete before the concrete sets. In such a case of
composing a reinforced concrete beam, the steel bar is placed and the concrete mix
is added just after mixing to contain within its structure, the steel.
The concrete used in reinforced concrete consists of inert aggregate particles
bounded together by a paste made from Portland cement and water. The paste fills
the voids between aggregate particles and after the fresh concrete is placed, it
hardens as a result of exothermic reactions between cement and water to form the
solid and durable structural material. The size of aggregate has a significant impact
on the amount of cement and water required to produce a given unit of concrete
with a particular consistency. In addition the quantity of water in relative to quantity
of cement is the most decisive factor in determining the strength of concrete.
During consolidation, the densification and subsequent volume shrinkage of the
fresh concrete forces entrapped air voids and excess water out of the cement mix.
The water tends to migrate upward due to a density differential and become bleed
water. The air bubbles, however, seek the nearest route to reach pressure
equilibrium

Testing of Reinforced Concrete Beams:

The purpose of reinforcement in concrete beams is to hold and support the areas
that are weak in tension. Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension
whereas steel is strong in tension and compression, therefore steel is an ideal form
of reinforcement. The concept of design in a reinforced concrete beam is for all the
compression in the member to be taken by the concrete and the tension to be taken
by the steel. When the beam is subjected to tensile loading, the first sign of a crack
in the concrete specifies that the concrete has failed. The fact that the beam has
not collapsed indicates that the steel is functioning as intended and is holding the
beam together by supporting the load.

The ultimate moment of resistance will be calculated in accordance to the

ACI 318-89 design codes for reinforced concrete.
According to the ACI 318 89 Standards:

M n= A s f y d t

a
2

)
(

M n = A s F y d t

a
2

Where:
Mn Ultimate Moment of Resistance (Moment Capacity)
As Area of Steel (mm2)
dt effective depth (mm)
a depth of stress block (mm)
= 0.9 (tension controlled factor)
Fy yield strength (N/mm2)

The theoretical maximum moment is calculated as follows:

S + R=2 P
Taking moments about Point A : RL=Pa+ P ( lx )
RL=Px+ PLPx
R=PS=P

Taking moments about X : M + P

M+P

( L2 x )=P ( L2 )

( L2 x )=S( L2 )

M =P

M=

( L2 )P ( L2 )+ Px2

Px
where Pis 0.5 F
2