Minimum Flexural Reinforcement As,min (ACI 318-19 9.6.1.2)

The least flexural steel a concrete beam is allowed to have.

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Details, formula, and sources

As,min = max(3 sqrt(f'c)/fy, 200/fy) x bw x d, so the beam does not fail suddenly at first cracking. 4000 psi, Grade 60, 12x20 -> 0.80 in^2 (200/fy floor governs); at 5000 psi the sqrt term governs, 0.85 in^2. A design aid; the engineer of record's stamped design governs.

ratio = max(3 sqrt(f'c)/fy, 200/fy); As,min = ratio x bw x d.

The ACI 318-19 9.6.1.2 minimum flexural reinforcement, by name.

ACI 318 is readable free through the ACI online reading room at concrete.org; the 9.6.1.2 minimum-reinforcement provisions are in the published code.

Estimate. AHJ and licensed professional govern.

Field names used by the API: fc_psi, fy_psi, bw_in, d_in, as_min_in2

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