Section 10.6.1 Beams and One-way Slabs - Crack Control
Equation 10-6 is implemented
A cracked section analysis is performed to calculate the stress in the reinforcement.
Iteration is used to find the minimum number of bars that meets the criteria. Fractions of bars can be used (e.g., 4.3 bars).
The section width used to determine the spacing is the width of the extreme tension face. For beams with webs in tension, this will typically be the sum of the web widths.
The spacing is considered as the tension face width divided by the number of bars. An additional bar is not added to make the width start and end with a bar.
RAM Concept may use more reinforcement than "necessary" in two circumstances:
The reinforcement is necessary for equilibrium in the cracked section analysis.
Compression reinforcement added later in the design process lowers the reinforcement demands.
