Simple Analytical Model for T-Beams in Flexure

A simple model to account for the contribution of slabs to the strength and stiffness of beams under negative bending at a beam-column connection is proposed. In the model, the slab is assumed to act as a tensile membrane that reinforces the tension region of the beam. The extent to which the slab contributes to the beam is determined from the geometry of the connection and the mechanical properties of the slab reinforcement. Closed-form expressions are derived for the equivalent width of slab that should be taken into account in the flexural analysis of T or L beams.