What is a theoretical bar cut-off point?

Why does the Code

disallow curtailment of flexural tension reinforcement at this
point?

Discuss the Code requirement related to ensuring adequate

development length in the bars near the zero moment
location.

The theoretical cut-off point for a

bar in a flexural member is that
point beyond which it is
(theoretically) no longer needed
to resist the design moment.

CURTAILMENT OF FLEXURAL TENSION

REINFORCEMENT
In order to achieve economy in the design, it is
desirable to progressively curtail (cut-off) the
flexural tension reinforcement in proportion to
the decrease in BM.
Several factor to be considered in arriving at the
actual bar cut off points are:
unexpected shifts in maximum moments
development length requirements
influence on shear strength and development of diagonal tension
cracks due to the effects of discontinuity.

(Cl. 26.2.3) has listed out a number of requirements that need

to be considered for the curtailment of flexural reinforcement.

 Unexpected shifts in design moments:

The theoretical bending moment diagrams
represent idealizations or best estimates: these
are subject to some variability on account of the
assumptions and approximations involved in the
calculation of load and load effects.
Development length requirements:
The stress at the end of a bar is zero; it builds
up gradually along its length through bond with the
surrounding concrete . In order to develop the full
design stress (0.87fy) in the bar at a section, a
minimum development length Ld is required on
either side of the section.

 Development of premature
diagonal tension cracks:
Cutting off bars in the
tension zone lowers substantially
the shear strength (and ductility)
of beams. The discontinuity at the
cut end of the bar introduces
stress concentration which can
cause premature flexural cracks
that may further develop into
diagonal tension cracks
particularly if the shear stress at
this section is relatively high

IS456:2000

To safeguard against
the development of
diagonal tension
cracks, the tension
steel should not be
terminated.
(Shear Strength
Requirements for
Curtailment )

The requirement of end

extension should be
satisfied by the curtailed
bars (i.e., assuming there
are additional continuing
bars) of both positive
moment reinforcement
and negative moment
reinforcement

 Development Length Requirements

No bar should be terminated without providing
the required development length Ld on either side of
the point of maximum design stress (0.87fy).
At the supports at exterior columns, the bars
may be bent (standard 90 degree bend) to anchor
them suitably and thus provide the required Ld for
the negative moment reinforcement.
In the case of positive moment reinforcement
of beams (in frames) that constitute part of a lateral
load resisting system, the Code requires that such
steel should also be anchored into the support by a
length Ld beyond the face of the support.

It is seen that adequate flexural strength can invariably be ensured by providing a full
development length Ld to a point D beyond a critical section at B, located at a distance
MuR/Vu from the section of zero moment (C). Here MuR denotes the ultimate moment of
resistance due to the continuing bars and Vu denotes the factored shear force at the
section of zero moment,

 A rectangular reinforced concrete beam,

located inside a building in a coastal town, is
simply supported on two masonry walls 230
mm thick and 6m apart (centre-to-centre).
The beam has to carry, in addition to its own
weight, a distributed live load of 10 kN/m and
a dead load of 5 kN/m. Design the beam
section for maximum moment at midspan.
Assume Fe 415 steel.
Ast = 1119 mm2 (1-25 and 220), b = 250 mm, d = 399 mm, fy = 415 MPa,
fck = 25 MPa, factored load = 28.1 kN/m, span = 6.0 m, Mwu
u,max = 126 kNm