RCC Structures Design - Engineering

Q1:

The ratio of the breadth to effective depth of a beam is kept

A 0.25

B 0.50

C 0.70

D 0.75

E none of these.

ANS:B - 0.50

The ratio of the breadth (width) to effective depth of a beam, often denoted as db​, is typically kept within certain limits for structural efficiency and to ensure proper behavior under loading conditions. Among the options provided:

  • b/d​=0.25 would result in a relatively slender beam, which might not provide enough width to accommodate the required reinforcement or to resist shear forces adequately. This ratio is generally too low for practical beam design.
  • b/d​=0.50 is a common ratio used in beam design. It strikes a balance between providing sufficient width for reinforcement while maintaining an effective depth that allows for efficient load distribution and shear resistance.
  • b/d​=0.70 and b/d​=0.75 would result in wider beams relative to their depth. While wider beams may offer benefits such as increased stiffness and load-carrying capacity, they may also lead to inefficiencies in material usage and construction costs.
Therefore, the most suitable option among those provided is 0.50 (b/d​=0.50). This ratio is commonly used in beam design to achieve a balance between structural efficiency, material economy, and satisfactory performance under loading conditions.