Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics and Design, 9th edition

  • James K. Wight
  • , Luis B. Fargier

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ISBN-13: 9780135431832 (2026 update)

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Reinforced Concrete offers current coverage of reinforced concrete design to future civil engineers and architects, using design theory to explore the scientific and artistic principles of civil engineering. The authors introduce topics often covered at the advanced level, making them accessible to all audiences by building a foundation of core engineering concepts. Problems and examples help you develop and apply your engineering judgment.

The 9th Edition updates all text chapters to comply with the 2025 edition of the ACI Building Code. New problems have been added throughout, and examples have been updated.

Published by Pearson (February 11th 2026) - Copyright © 2027

ISBN-13: 9780135431832

Subject: Civil Engineering

Category: Concrete

1: Introduction

  • 1-1: Reinforced Concrete Structures
  • 1-2: Mechanics of Reinforced Concrete
  • 1-3: Reinforced Concrete Members
  • 1-4: Factors Affecting Choice of Reinforced Concrete for a Structure
  • 1-5: Historical Development of Concrete and Reinforced Concrete as Structural Materials
  • 1-6: Building Codes and the ACI Code
  • References

2: The Design Process

  • 2-1: Objectives of Design
  • 2-2: The Design Process
  • 2-3: Limit States and the Design of Reinforced Concrete
  • 2-4: Structural Safety
  • 2-5: Probabilistic Calculation of Safety Factors
  • 2-6: Design Procedures Specified in the ACI Building Code
  • 2-7: Load Factors and Load Combinations in the 2025 ACI Code
  • 2-8: Loadings and Actions
  • 2-9: Design for Economy
  • 2-10: Sustainability
  • 2-11: Customary Dimensions and Construction Tolerances
  • 2-12: Inspection
  • 2-13: Accuracy of Calculations
  • 2-14: Handbooks and Design Aids
  • Problems
  • References

3: Materials

  • 3-1: Concrete
  • 3-2: Behavior of Concrete Failing in Compression
  • 3-3: Compressive Strength of Concrete
  • 3-4: Strength of Concrete Under Tensile and Multiaxial Loads
  • 3-5: Stress–Strain Curves for Concrete
  • 3-6: Time-Dependent Volume Changes
  • 3-7: Thermal Expansion
  • 3-8: High-Strength Concrete
  • 3-9: Lightweight Concrete
  • 3-10: Fiber Reinforced Concrete
  • 3-11: Durability of Concrete
  • 3-12: Behavior of Concrete Exposed to High and Low Temperatures
  • 3-13: Shotcrete
  • 3-14: Reinforcement
  • 3-15: Deformed Steel Bars (Hot-Rolled)
  • 3-16: Welded-Wire Reinforcement
  • 3-17: Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforcement
  • 3-18: Prestressing Steel
  • Problems
  • References

4: Flexure: Behavior and Nominal Strength

  • 4-1: Introduction
  • 4-2: Flexure Theory
  • 4-3: Flexure Theory for Reinforced Concrete
  • 4-4: Effect of Major Section Variables on the Flexural Strength and Ductility
  • 4-5: Simplifications in Flexure Theory for Design
  • 4-6: Flexural Strength of Singly Reinforced Sections
  • 4-7: Balanced Conditions
  • 4-8: Code Definitions of Tension-Controlled and Compression-Controlled Sections
  • 4-9: Flexural Strength of Doubly Reinforced Sections
  • 4-10: Flexural Strength of Flanged Sections
  • Problems
  • References

5: Flexural Design of Reinforced Concrete Members

  • 5-1: Introduction
  • 5-2: Floors Systems. One-Way and Two-Way
  • 5-3: Live Load Reductions
  • 5-4: Typical Factored Load Combinations for a Continuous Floor System
  • 5-5: ACI Moment and Shear Coefficients
  • 5-6: Location of Longitudinal Reinforcement
  • 5-7: Sizing Beams and One-Way Slabs
  • 5-8: Minimum Longitudinal Reinforcement in Tension. Beams and One-Way Slabs
  • 5-9: Maximum Longitudinal Reinforcement in Tension or Compression. Beams and Slabs
  • 5-10: Design of Singly Reinforced Beam Sections and One-Way Slabs
  • 5-11: Design of Doubly Reinforced Beam Sections
  • 5-12: Simplified Flexural Design
  • 5-13: Design of One-Way Slabs for Flexure
  • Problems
  • References

6: Shear in Concrete Members

  • 6-1: Introduction
  • 6-2: Basic Theory
  • 6-3: Behavior of Beams Without Transverse Reinforcement Failing in Shear
  • 6-4: Factors Affecting the Shear Strength of Beams Without Transverse Reinforcement
  • 6-5: Behavior of Beams With Transverse Reinforcement
  • 6-6: Behavior of Beams Constructed With Fiber Reinforced Concrete
  • 6-7: Design of Flexural Members for Shear: ACI Code
  • 6-8: Contribution of Concrete to Shear Resistance
  • 6-9: Contribution of Transverse Reinforcement to Shear Resistance
  • 6-10: Maximum Spacing of Transverse Reinforcement
  • 6-11: Behavior of Beams With Transverse Reinforcement Failing in Shear
  • 6-12: Types of Transverse Reinforcement
  • 6-13: Minimum Transverse Reinforcement in Beams
  • 6-14: Location of Maximum Shear for the Design of Members
  • 6-15: Limiting the Design Shear Strength Provided by the Transverse Reinforcement
  • 6-16: Design Examples
  • 6-17: Other Shear Design Methods
  • 6-18: Hanger Reinforcement
  • 6-19: Design of Axially Loaded Members for Shear
  • Problems
  • References

7: Torsion in Concrete Members

  • 7-1: Introduction and Basic Theory
  • 7-2: Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Members Subjected to Torsion
  • 7-3: Thin-Walled Tube Analogies
  • 7-4: Equilibrium and Compatibility Torsion
  • 7-5: Definitions of Acp, pcp, and Aoh
  • 7-6: Limits on the Contributions of Concrete and Steel Reinforcement Strengths for Design
  • 7-7: Stirrups for Torsion
  • 7-8: Longitudinal Reinforcement for Torsion
  • 7-9: Combined Shear and Torsion
  • 7-10: Combined Moment and Torsion
  • 7-11: Detailing for Torsion
  • 7-12: Minimum Reinforcement to Resist Torsion
  • 7-13: Spacing of Torsional Reinforcement
  • 7-14: Maximum Factored Shear and Torsion Allowed in Design
  • 7-15: ACI Code Design Method for Torsion
  • 7-16: Sizing the Cross Section for Torsion
  • 7-17: Threshold Torsion
  • 7-18: Design Steps
  • 7-19: Design Examples
  • Problems
  • References

8: Development, Anchorage, and Splicing of Reinforcement

  • 8-1: Introduction
  • 8-2: Mechanism of Bond Transfer
  • 8-3: Development Length and Bond Strength in Flexural Members
  • 8-4: Development Length of Bars in Tension
  • 8-5: Development Length of Bars in Compression
  • 8-6: Development Lengths for Bundled Bars in Tension or Compression
  • 8-7: Development Lengths for Coated Bars
  • 8-8: Development Lengths for Welded-Wire Reinforcement
  • 8-9: Hooked Anchorages in Tension
  • 8-10: Development Length of Hooked Bars in Tension
  • 8-11: Development Length of Headed Bars in Tension
  • 8-12: Design Examples
  • 8-13: Bar Cutoffs and Development of Bars in Flexural Members
  • 8-14: Splices
  • 8-15: Reinforcement Continuity and Structural Integrity Requirements
  • 8-16: Design Examples. Calculation of Bar Cutoff Points
  • 8-17: Preliminary Detailing of Beams
  • 8-18: Anchorage of Bar Groups in Tension
  • 8-19: Design Example. Group of Bar in Tension. Connection Between the Footing and Pedestal
  • Problems
  • References

9: Serviceability of Concrete Structures

  • 9-1: Introduction
  • 9-2: Elastic Analysis of Beams in Bending
  • 9-3: Analysis of Cracked Beams at Service-Loads
  • 9-4: Concrete Cracking
  • 9-5: Crack Width Control
  • 9-6: Maximum Bar Spacing
  • 9-7: Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement
  • 9-8: Skin Reinforcement
  • 9-9: Deflections of Concrete Beams
  • 9-10: Flexural Stiffness and Moment of Inertia
  • 9-11: Effective Moment of Inertia
  • 9-12: Instantaneous and Additional Sustained-Load Deflections
  • 9-13: Limit States Resulting from Deflections
  • 9-14: Deflection Control by Span-to-Depth Ratios
  • 9-15: Design Example. Immediate Deflection
  • 9-16: Design Example. Sustained-Load Deflection
  • 9-17: Frame Deflections
  • 9-18: Vibrations
  • 9-19: Fatigue
  • Problems
  • References

10: Design of Continuous Beams and One-Way Slabs

  • 10-1: Introduction
  • 10-2: Continuity in Reinforced Concrete Structures
  • 10-3: Influence Lines and Pattern Loading for Live Loads
  • 10-4: Braced and Unbraced Frames
  • 10-5: Design Loads for a Continuous Floor System
  • 10-6: Transfer of Column Loads through the Floor System
  • 10-7: Structural Analysis of Continuous Beams and One-Way Slabs
  • 10-8: Design Examples. Continuous Beams
  • 10-9: Slab Beam Connection
  • 10-10: Design Example. Continuous One-Way Slabs
  • 10-11: Joist Floors
  • Problems
  • References

11: Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

  • 11-1: Introduction
  • 11-2: Tied and Spiral Columns
  • 11-3: Behavior of Tied and Spiral Columns
  • 11-4: Theoretical Strength of Axially Loaded Columns
  • 11-5: Interaction Diagrams, Elastic Columns
  • 11-6: Strain Compatibility, Reinforced Concrete Columns
  • 11-7: Interaction Diagrams, Reinforced Concrete Columns
  • 11-8: Limiting Axial Compression in Design
  • 11-9: Obtaining the Interaction Diagrams of a Reinforced Concrete Column Section
  • 11-10: Interaction Diagrams for Circular Columns
  • 11-11: Nondimensional Interaction Diagrams
  • 11-12: Columns With Unsymmetrical Cross Section
  • 11-13: Simplified Interaction Diagrams for Columns
  • 11-14: Design of Columns
  • 11-15: Minimum and Maximum Longitudinal Reinforcement Ratios in Columns
  • 11-16: Sizing the Cross Section of Columns
  • 11-17: Slender Columns
  • 11-18: Spacing of Column Longitudinal Reinforcement
  • 11-19: Splices of Column Longitudinal Reinforcement
  • 11-20: Ties in Columns
  • 11-21: Spirals in Columns
  • 11-22: Design Example. Column With Ties
  • 11-23: Design Example. Column With Spirals
  • 11-24: Design Example. Column With Ties Under Axial Compression and Bending
  • 11-25: Contribution of Longitudinal Reinforcement and Concrete to Column Strength
  • 11-26: Biaxially Loaded Columns
  • 11-27: Design Examples. Biaxially Loaded Columns
  • 11-28 Design of Columns in Multistory Buildings
  • Problems
  • References

12: Slender Columns

  • 12-1: Introduction
  • 12-2: Buckling of Axially Loaded Elastic Columns
  • 12-3: Slender Columns in Structures
  • 12-4: Behavior and Analysis of Pin-Ended Columns
  • 12-5: Limiting Slenderness Ratios for Slender Columns
  • 12-6: Design of Slender Columns in Nonsway Frames with the ACI Moment Magnifier Design Procedure
  • 12-7: Effective Length of Columns in Nonsway Frames
  • 12-8: Design Example. Slender Column in a Braced Frame
  • 12-9: Behavior Columns in Sway Frames
  • 12-10: Column Moments in Sway Frames Using Second-Order Analysis
  • 12-11: Design of Slender Columns in Sway Frames
  • 12-12: Design Example. Slender Column in a Sway Frame
  • 12-13: General Analysis of Slenderness Effects
  • 12-14: Torsional Critical Load
  • Problems
  • References

13: Two-Way Slabs: Behavior, Analysis, and Design

  • 13-1: Introduction
  • 13-2: History of Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-3: Behavior of Slabs Loaded to Failure in Flexure
  • 13-4: Moments in Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-5: Distribution of Moments in Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-6: Design of Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-7: Beam-to-Slab Stiffness Ratio, αf
  • 13-8: Minimum Thickness of Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-9: The Direct-Design Method
  • 13-10: Equivalent-Frame Analysis Methods
  • 13-11: Shear Behavior of Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-12: Design for Two-Way (Punching) Shear
  • 13-13: Contribution of Concrete to Two-Way (Punching) Shear Resistance
  • 13-14: Flexurally Induced Punching Shear Failures
  • 13-15: Contribution of Concrete to One-Way Shear Resistance
  • 13-16: Design Example. Flat-Plate, Two-Way Shear Design
  • 13-17: Increasing the Shear Strength of Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-18: Contribution of Transverse Reinforcement to Two-Way (Punching) Shear Resistance
  • 13-19: Combined Shear and Moment Transfer Between the Slab and Column
  • 13-20: Fraction of the Unbalanced Moment Transferred by Shear (gvMu)
  • 13-21: Fraction of the Unbalanced Moment Transferred by Flexure (gfMu)
  • 13-22: Polar Moment of Inertia, Jc
  • 13-23: Load Patterns for Maximum Shear Due to Combined Shear and Moment Transfer
  • 13-24: Design Example. Shear and Moment Transfer, Interior Column
  • 13-25: Moment about the Centroid of Shear Perimeter
  • 13-26: Transfer of Shear and Moments in Both Principal Directions
  • 13-27: Summary. Two-Way Shear Strength of Slab-Column Connections
  • 13-28: Drop Panels, Column Capitals, and Shear Caps
  • 13-29: Placement of Reinforcement, Concrete Cover, Effective Depth
  • 13-30: Minimum Longitudinal Reinforcement in Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-31: Longitudinal Reinforcement in Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-32: Bar Cutoffs, Anchorages, Detailing at Edge Columns, and Structural Integrity Reinforcement
  • 13-33: Design Example. Two-Way Slabs Without Beams
  • 13-34: Construction Loads on Slabs
  • 13-35: Deflection in Two-Way Slabs
  • 13-36: Use of Post-Tensioning
  • Problems
  • References

14: Elastic and Yield-Line Analyses of Slabs

  • 14-1: Elastic Analysis of Slabs
  • 14-2: Design Moments from a Finite-Element Analysis
  • 14-3: Yield-Line Analysis of Slabs: Introduction
  • 14-4: Axes of Rotation and Yield-Lines
  • 14-5: Equilibrium Method. Yield-Line Analysis
  • 14-6: Virtual-Work Method. Yield-Line Analysis
  • 14-7: Yield-Line Analysis: Applications for Two-Way Slab Panels
  • 14-8: Examples. Yield-Line Analysis
  • 14-9: Yield-Line Patterns at Discontinuous Corners
  • 14-10: Yield-Line Patterns at Columns or at Concentrated Loads
  • Problems
  • References

15: Footings

  • 15-1: Introduction
  • 15-2: Soil Pressure Under Footings
  • 15-3: Design Methods
  • 15-4: Limit States for the Design of Foundations
  • 15-5: Presumptive Load-Bearing Values
  • 15-6: Elastic and Plastic Soil Pressure Distribution Under a Footing
  • 15-7: Load and Resistance Factors for the Structural Design of Footings
  • 15-8: Gross and Net Soil Pressures
  • 15-9: Preliminary Sizing of Footings Under Concentric Compression
  • 15-10: Structural Design of Footings
  • 15-11: Minimum Thickness of Footings and Construction Aspects
  • 15-12: Structural Design of Wall Footings
  • 15-13: Design Example. Wall Footing
  • 15-14: Design Example. Square Footing Under Concentric Compression
  • 15-15: Design Example. Rectangular Footing Under Concentric Compression
  • 15-16: Design Example. Rectangular Footing Under Compression and Bending
  • 15-17: Combined Footings
  • 15-18: Design Example. Combined Footing
  • 15-19: Mat Foundations
  • 15-20: Pile Caps
  • Problems
  • References

16: Shear Friction, Horizontal Shear Transfer, and Composite Concrete Beams

  • 16-1: Introduction
  • 16-2: Shear Transfer Strength
  • 16-3: Shear-Friction Tests
  • 16-4: Shear-Friction Model
  • 16-5: Coefficients of Friction
  • 16-6: Shear Friction. ACI Code Design Equations
  • 16-7: Limiting Design Shear Friction Strength Across the Shear Plane
  • 16-8: Measured vs. Calculated Shear Friction Strength. ACI Design Equation
  • 16-9: Cohesion-plus-Friction Equation
  • 16-10: Walraven Equation
  • 16-11: Loov and Patnaik Equation for Composite Beams
  • 16-12: Measured vs. Calculated Shear Friction Strength. Different Equations
  • 16-13: Development of Reinforcement Across the Shear Plane
  • 16-14: Design Example. Bearing Region of a Precast Beam
  • 16-15: Horizontal Shear Transfer in Composite Concrete Beams
  • 16-16 Design Example. Composite Beam
  • References

17: Discontinuity Regions and Strut-and-Tie Models

  • 17-1: Introduction
  • 17-2: Strut-and-Tie Models
  • 17-3: Struts
  • 17-4: Ties
  • 17-5: Nodes and Nodal Zones
  • 17-6: Other Strut-and-Tie Elements
  • 17-7: Layout of Strut-and-Tie Models
  • 17-8: Deep Beams
  • 17-9: Brackets and Corbels
  • 17-10: Dapped Ends
  • 17-11: Beam - Column Joints
  • 17-12: Bearing Strength
  • 17-13: T-Beam Flanges
  • Problems
  • References

18: Walls and Shear Walls

  • 18-1: Introduction
  • 18-2: Bearing Walls
  • 18-3: Retaining Walls
  • 18-4: Tilt-Up Walls
  • 18-5: Shear Walls
  • 18-6: Lateral Load-Resisting Systems for Buildings
  • 18-7: Shear-Wall–Frame Interaction
  • 18-8: Coupled Shear Walls
  • 18-9: Design of Structural Walls—General
  • 18-10: Flexural Strength of Shear Walls
  • 18-11: Shear Strength of Shear Walls
  • 18-12: Design Example. Wall Resisting Wind Loads
  • 18-13: Design Example. Wall Resisting Equivalent Lateral Earthquake Loads
  • 18-14: Critical Loads for Axially Loaded Walls
  • Problems
  • References

19: Design for Earthquake Resistance

  • 19-1: Introduction
  • 19-2: Seismic Response Spectra
  • 19-3: Factors Affecting Peak Response Spectra
  • 19-4: Seismic Design Categories
  • 19-5: Reinforced Concrete Lateral Force-Resisting Structural Systems
  • 19-6: Effect of Building Configuration on the Structural Response
  • 19-7: Seismic-Induced Forces on Structures
  • 19-8: Equivalent Lateral Force Method for Computing Earthquake Forces
  • 19-9: Distribution of Lateral Forces over the Height of a Building
  • 19-10: Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Members
  • 19-11: General ACI Code Provisions for Seismic Design
  • 19-12: Beams in Special Moment Frames
  • 19-13: Design Example. Beam in a Special Moment Frame
  • 19-14: Columns in Special Moment Frames
  • 19-15: Design Example. Column in a Special Moment Frame
  • 19-16: Joints of Special Moment Frames
  • 19-17: Design Example. Joint of Special Moment Frame
  • 19-18: Structural Diaphragms
  • 19-19: Structural Walls
  • 19-20: Design Example. Boundary Element in a Structural Wall
  • 19-21: Frame Members Not Proportioned to Resist Forces Induced by Earthquake Motions
  • 19-22: Special Precast Structures
  • 19-23: Foundations
  • 19-24: Design Drift Limits
  • 19-25: Design for Drift Control, Special Moment Resisting Frames
  • 19-26: Design for Drift Control, Special Structural Walls
  • 19-27: Slab-Column Connections
  • 19-28: Detailing Earthquake-Resistant Structures
  • Problems
  • References

20: Prestressed Concrete Members in Building Structures

  • 20-1: Prestressed Concrete in Buildings
  • 20-2: Materials
  • 20-3: Preliminary Sizing
  • 20-4: Prestress Losses
  • 20-5: Allowable Stresses
  • 20-6: Equivalent Loads
  • 20-7: Load Balancing, Beams, and One-Way Slabs
  • 20-8: Design Checks
  • 20-9: An Overview of the Design Process
  • 20-10: Design Example
  • 20-11: The Central Kern and Its Application to Design
  • 20-12: Design Example. Continuous Beam
  • 20-13: Contribution of Concrete to One-Way Shear Resistance in Prestressed Members
  • 20-14: Contribution of Transverse Reinforcement to One-Way Shear Resistance in Prestressed Concrete Members
  • 20-15: Bonded Reinforcement
  • 20-16: Flexural Behavior and Strength of Prestressed Concrete Members
  • 20-17: Design Example. Prestressed Concrete Beam
  • 20-18: Secondary Moments
  • 20-19: Load Balancing Applied to Two-Way Prestressed Slabs
  • 20-20: Two-Way (Punching) Shear Design of Prestressed Concrete Members
  • 20-21: Design of Two-Way Prestressed Concrete Slabs
  • 20-22: Design Examples. Two-Way Prestressed Concrete Slabs
  • 20-23: Tendon Profile in the Field
  • 20-24: Classical Equivalent Frame Method (CEFM) for Gravity Loads
  • Problems
  • References

Appendix A

Appendix B