Reduction in flexural strength in rectangular RC beams due to slenderness

This paper presents the results of 15 experimental tests on rectangular slender reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The results reveal limitations in existing theoretical formulations to estimate the failure moment capacity and mode of failure. An improved theoretical formulation is proposed here to predict the critical buckling moment including effects related to nonlinearity and cracking of concrete. Also, following the trends in steel design, an improved measure of slenderness ratio is proposed. Based on a study of 72 test results, it is shown that there is an interaction between flexural tension and instability modes of failure in moderately slender beams. To avoid lateral instability failure, it is suggested that the slenderness ratio be limited to unity. A ‘moment reduction factor’ is also proposed to account for slenderness effects in RC beams.