Question

1) Why does the ACI code requires the provision of concrete cover for the reinforcing bars in beams and one-way slabs?

2) Explain the concept of "effective flange width" in T-Beam design. Which parameters are included in the calculation of the effective flange width?

Answer 1

1) To restrict to provide minimum cover to the reinforcement for the protection of reinforcement from the rust and chemical attack from outer environment conditions.

2) The concept behind is the use of effective width which shows simplified equivalent width stress to make calculation easy instead of real stress acting on the beam.

Parameters included are Effective Width (b), width of web (bw), Depth of Flange (hf), Span of beam and clear distance between beams