Worked Examples

Interactive Development-Length Tool

Use the simulation below to reproduce the straight-tension examples. It implements the general metric equation and shows the factor and confinement calculations explicitly.

Development, Anchorage, and Cutoff Laboratory

Concept and model scope

NSCP 2015 / adopted ACI 318-14 teaching model. Each mode uses a distinct code mechanism rather than applying the straight-tension equation to every anchorage.

Geometry is driven by the same state as the displayed calculation, including bundled-bar count and the confinement cross-section. The headed-bar mode enforces the 318M-14 teaching limits shown in the lesson; mechanical anchorage remains a qualification/detailing topic rather than a fabricated equation.

The cutoff panel separates moment-capacity intersection, minimum continuation beyond a theoretical cutoff, and full development from the relevant critical section. It is not a substitute for project-specific seismic, shear-at-cutoff, or integrity detailing.

Available length900 mm
fc′f'_c28 MPa
fyf_y420 MPa
Clear cover50 mm
Clear spacing100 mm
AtrA_{tr}0 mm²
Tie spacing150 mm
Bars along splitting plane2
Anchorage geometry for the selected calculation modeThe drawing uses a fixed model-to-screen longitudinal length scale. Reinforcement form, available embedment, and required length correspond to the selected anchorage mechanism; bar stroke thickness remains a legibility symbol. Requirements longer than the view are explicitly marked rather than rescaled.critical sectionrequired = 722 mmavailable reinforcement length = 900 mm · fixed scale 5.7 mm/px
Required length
722 mm
Available length
900 mm
Length check
PASS
Length utilization
80%
Confinement ratio used
2.50

Moment capacity and bar-cutoff interpretation

Bars before cutoff4
Bars continuing2
Provided continuation700 mm
Moment capacity and reinforcement cutoff interpretationFactored simply-supported uniform-load moment demand is compared with strain-compatible full and reduced reinforcement capacities. At the left-side cutoff, added bars continue beyond the theoretical intersection toward the support, and all continuation distances use the same horizontal span scale.provided 700 mmminimum 500 mmtheoretical cutofffull φMncontinuing φMnall horizontal distances use the same span scale; development is checked separately
Full reinforcement φMn
328.2 kN·m (φ=0.90)
Continuing reinforcement φMn
174.8 kN·m (φ=0.90)
Reference maximum Mu
225.0 kN·m
Full-section capacity check
PASS
Theoretical cutoff from support
1.58 m
Minimum continuation screen
500 mm
Cutoff extension check
PASS
Development check
PASS

Reference beam for this interpretation panel: b=300 mm, d=500 mm, L=6.0 m, wu=50 kN/m. The blue curve uses the exact simply-supported uniform-load moment equation. Capacity is calculated from strain compatibility with the ACI tension/transition-controlled strength-reduction factor; the capacity intersection does not waive development, support anchorage, continuing-bar, or shear-at-cutoff provisions.

Example 1: General Tension Development with the Confinement Cap

Problem: A 25 mm25\ \text{mm} uncoated bottom bar has fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa} and is embedded in normal-weight concrete with fc′=28 MPaf'_c=28\ \text{MPa}. Clear cover is 75 mm75\ \text{mm}, clear spacing to the adjacent developed bar is 100 mm100\ \text{mm}, and Ktr=0K_{tr}=0. Determine the required straight tension development length.

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Example 2: Explicit K_tr and an Epoxy-Coated Bar

Problem: Four 25 mm25\ \text{mm} epoxy-coated bottom bars are developed in normal-weight concrete with fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa} and fc′=21 MPaf'_c=21\ \text{MPa}. For the bar being checked, cb=40 mmc_b=40\ \text{mm}. Two 10 mm10\ \text{mm} transverse-reinforcement legs cross the potential splitting plane within each s=200 mms=200\ \text{mm} spacing. There are n=4n=4 developed bars along that splitting plane. The coating condition requires ψe=1.5\psi_e=1.5. Determine KtrK_{tr} and ldl_d.

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Example 3: Top-Bar and Epoxy Product Cap

Problem: A 20 mm20\ \text{mm} top bar has more than 300 mm300\ \text{mm} of fresh concrete cast below it. It is epoxy coated under a condition that gives ψe=1.5\psi_e=1.5. Use fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa}, fc′=28 MPaf'_c=28\ \text{MPa}, normal-weight concrete, and a confinement ratio capped at 2.52.5. Determine ldl_d.

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Example 4: Simplified NSCP Table Check for a 25 mm Bar

Problem: A 25 mm25\ \text{mm} bottom, uncoated bar in normal-weight concrete has fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa} and fc′=28 MPaf'_c=28\ \text{MPa}. Its clear spacing and cover satisfy the favorable simplified-table conditions. Determine the simplified development length.

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Example 5: Compression Development Length

Problem: Determine the compression development length of a 25 mm25\ \text{mm} deformed bar with fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa} in normal-weight concrete with fc′=28 MPaf'_c=28\ \text{MPa}. No qualifying confinement reduction is taken.

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Example 6: Standard 90-Degree Hook in Tension

Problem: A 20 mm20\ \text{mm} uncoated bar in normal-weight concrete has fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa} and fc′=28 MPaf'_c=28\ \text{MPa}. It terminates in a standard 90∘90^\circ hook. The applicable cover conditions permit ψc=0.7\psi_c=0.7, but no hook-confinement reduction is taken, so ψr=1.0\psi_r=1.0. Determine ldhl_{dh}.

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Example 7: A Hook Does Not Repair Compression Development

Problem: A 25 mm25\ \text{mm} footing dowel carries compression. From Example 5, ldc=476.2 mml_{dc}=476.2\ \text{mm}, but the detail provides only 375 mm375\ \text{mm} of straight embedment before the bar bends into a 90∘90^\circ hook. Is the dowel adequately developed in compression?

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Example 8: Class B Tension Lap Splice

Problem: A permitted tension lap splice has a development length ld=800 mml_d=800\ \text{mm}. The provided reinforcement is less than twice that required by analysis and all bars are spliced at the same location. Determine the required splice length.

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Example 9: Compression Lap Splice

Problem: Two 20 mm20\ \text{mm} bars with fy=420 MPaf_y=420\ \text{MPa} are lap-spliced in compression. Use the basic NSCP expression for bars not requiring a higher-strength-steel provision and assume no special low-strength-concrete or confinement modifier. Determine lscl_{sc}.

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Example 10: Bundled-Bar Development Increase

Problem: A straight 25 mm25\ \text{mm} bar has an individual required development length of 722 mm722\ \text{mm} before the bundled-bar modifier. Determine the required length when that bar is part of (a) a three-bar bundle and (b) a four-bar bundle.

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Example 11: Available Footing-Bar Anchorage from the Critical Section

Problem: A 3.0 m3.0\ \text{m} square footing supports a 400 mm400\ \text{mm} square column. Bottom 20 mm20\ \text{mm} bars have 75 mm75\ \text{mm} edge cover and a calculated tension development length of 462 mm462\ \text{mm}. Check straight anchorage from the column face to the bar end.

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Example 12: Headed-Bar Eligibility and Development

Problem: A normal-weight concrete member uses a headed 25 mm25\ \text{mm} Grade 420 bar with fc′=28 MPaf'_c=28\ \text{MPa}, no epoxy coating, 50 mm50\ \text{mm} clear cover, 100 mm100\ \text{mm} clear spacing, and net head bearing area at least 4Ab4A_b. Check the ACI 318M-14 teaching eligibility represented by this topic and calculate ldtl_{dt}.

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Example 13: Flexural Bar Cutoff, Continuation, and Development

Problem: A beam calculation shows that a selected pair of bars is no longer required for flexure at a theoretical point 1.20 m1.20\ \text{m} from the support. Let d=500 mmd=500\ \text{mm}, db=25 mmd_b=25\ \text{mm}, the required straight development from the governing critical section be 650 mm650\ \text{mm}, the available development be 850 mm850\ \text{mm}, and the bars physically terminate 600 mm600\ \text{mm} beyond the theoretical cutoff. Screen the cutoff detail.

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Example 14: Mechanical or Welded Splice Selection

Problem: A large bar cannot be lap-spliced under the applicable provision and the construction joint leaves insufficient length for an ordinary lap. Should the designer invent an equivalent lap multiplier for a coupler or field weld?

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Keep Force State and Anchorage Type Matched

Straight tension development, hooked tension development, straight compression development, and lap-splice length are different checks. A numerical length from one provision is not interchangeable with another merely because the same bar diameter is involved.