Application of the value engineering to the cross-sectional design of concrete frame beams

The principle of value engineering was adopted to analyze the functions and cost of concrete frame beams. On the basis of "value factor identification method", it has been decided that the longitudinal reinforcement is the major design target in the reform of cross-sectional design of concrete frame beams. Through the study on the characteristics of reinforcement and design methods of cross sections, modified methods for the cross sectional design of reinforced concrete frame beams were put forth. Practical cases show that the methods proposed in the paper have marked effect on saving of longitudinal reinforcement and reduction of material cost of reinforced concrete frame beams, hence are of significant value in engineering application.