Side Reinforcement in Beams

To control cracking in beams with a total depth ˃ 750mm, side bars are provided in the side faces of the beam. 1
Minimum diameter of bars in side of beam 2, φ sb

φ sb > (s * b / f )
b y
0.5

Where
s b = bar spacing ≤ 250mm
b = breadth of section
IF
b > 500mm
THEN
b = 500
f y = Characteristic strength of reinforcement
The diameter of the bar to be used is subject to qualification by the user therefore;
φ sb = MAX[φ , φ sb ]
sb,min

The maximum spacing of side reinforcement bars 3 s ≤ 250mm b, max

The distribution of these bars is over a distance of two-third of the beam’s overall depth measured from its
tension face.
The number of side bars in each vertical face of the beam is given by;
n sb = [d-(h/3)]/s b, max

where
d = effective depth of the tension reinforcement
Parent topic
Design Parameters for Longitudinal Bars
1. BS 8110-1:1997 3.12.11.2.6
2. BS 8110-1:1997 3.12.5.4
3. BS 8110-1:1997 3.12.11.2.6