Title:
CRSI Detailing Corner: Wide Beam Stirrup Configurations
Author(s):
CRSI Staff
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
32
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
62-64
Keywords:
wide beams, stirrups, code requirements, constructibility
DOI:
Date:
3/1/2010
Abstract:
As beam-slab floor systems become shallower, wide reinforced concrete beams are being used to directly carry applied loads or serve as transfer girders in the framing scheme. Making beams wider than the column dimension is also a key constructibility concept in order to avoid interference between longitudinal beam corner bars and column corner bars. A wide beam will likely have a number of longitudinal tension reinforcing bars distributed across the cross-section. To ensure adequate shear capacity, a vertical stirrup leg is required in close proximity to an internal longitudinal bar. To simplify construction, a large open stirrup should be detailed to the full net width within the beam, and a top crosstie used to close the detail when required. The full-width stirrup will help maintain the correct concrete cover and ease installation after pre-assembly. Interior stirrup legs can comprise smaller-width U-stirrups with 135 degree hooks. Code requirements for beam stirrups are summarized.