Chapter 4: Shear in Beams

4.1 Introduction
Shear forces create additional tensile stresses.
• The concrete itself provides some shear strength.
• Steel reinforcing must be added to provide additional shear strength if the
shear exceeds the shear strength of the concrete.

The concepts of bending stresses and shearing stresses have been presented in
previous courses.
• Bending stress: f = Mc/I
• Shear stress: v = VQ/Ib

Most points along the length of a beam are subject to both shear stress and
bending stress.
• Exceptions include the following.
- Shear stress is zero at the extreme fibers.
- Bending stress is zero at the neutral axis.

The state of plane stress at a point is represented by normal stress components

and shear stress components acting on an element.
• The magnitudes of the normal stress and shear stress
acting on an element depend on the inclination of the
plane on which these stresses act.
• A unique combination of normal stress and shear
stress at a point on a beam results in maximum and
minimum normal stresses and shear stress at that
point.
- These maximum stresses occur on planes that are
inclined with respect to the horizontal axis of the
beam.
• The maximum and minimum normal stresses act on perpendicular planes.
- These planes are commonly called the principal planes.
- The stresses are called principal stresses.
The principal stresses occurring at a point in a beam subjected to shear and
bending stresses may be calculated using the following formula.
fpr = f/2 ± (f2/4 + v2)1/2

4.1
where
fpr = the principal stress
f = the bending stress
v = the shear stress
The orientation of the principal planes may
be determined using the following formula.
tan 2α = 2v/f
where
α = the angle measured from the horizontal

The magnitudes of the shearing stresses and bending stresses vary along the
length of the beam and with the distance from the neutral axis.
• Thus, the inclination of the principal planes varies with location.
• The magnitudes of the principal stresses vary with location.
- At the neutral axis, the principal stresses occur at a 45° angle, where
f = 0, tan 2α = ∞, and α = 45°

Consider the small square element shown at the right.

• The vertical shear stresses are equal and
opposite on the two vertical faces to satisfy
equilibrium requirements.
• The horizontal shear stresses are equal and
opposite on the two horizontal faces to satisfy
equilibrium requirements.
- The horizontal stresses must be equal to the
vertical shear stresses.

Consider a set of orthogonal planes that are inclined at 45° with respect to the
original element.
• Resolve the shear stresses into
components that are parallel and
perpendicular to these planes.
• The components combine so that
one of the inclined planes is in
compression and the other is in
tension.

4.2
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.
• There is a tendency for the concrete to crack along the plane subject to
tension if the stress is large enough.
• The tensile force resulting from the tensile stress acting along a diagonal is
known as diagonal tension.
• When the diagonal tension becomes large enough, shear reinforcing must be
provided.

Tensile stresses of various inclinations and magnitudes exist in all parts of the
beam.
• These tensile stresses result from either shear alone or the combined action of
shear and bending.
• These tensile stresses must be considered in the analysis and design of
reinforced concrete beams.

In plain concrete beams, consider the following.

• The portion of the beam where the shear force is high and shear failure may
occur is referred to as the shear span.
- When the shear span exceeds
approximately three times the
effective depth of the beam, the
mode of failure in shear is diagonal
tension failure.
• For plain concrete beams with shorter
spans, the failure mode is a
combination of shear, crushing, and
splitting.
• For plain concrete beams with longer shear spans, cracks due to bending
(tension) stresses occur long before cracks due to diagonal tension.

In concrete beams reinforced for flexure (moment), note the following.

• Tensile strength is furnished by the steel reinforcing.
• However, the steel placed in the beam to reinforce for moment is not located
where the large diagonal tension stresses (due to shear) occur.
• Additional reinforcing steel must be furnished to resist the diagonal tension
stresses due to shear.

4.3
 Considerable research has been conducted to establish the exact distribution of
the shear stresses over the depth of the beam cross section.
• Despite extensive studies, the precise shear-failure mechanism is still not fully
understood.

The ACI 318-08 furnishes design guidelines for shear reinforcement based on the
vertical shear force Vu that develops at any given cross section.
• Although it is really the diagonal tension for which shear reinforcement is
provided, diagonal tensile forces (or stresses) are not calculated.
• Vertical shear forces are taken as a good indicator of the diagonal tension that
is present in the beam section.

4-2 Shear Reinforcement Design Requirements

The design of non-prestressed bending members for shear is based on the
following assumptions and rationale.
• The concrete resists part of the shear.
• Shear reinforcement must resist any additional shear in excess of what the
concrete can resist.
• Shear reinforcement (a.k.a. web reinforcement) is provided to cross the
diagonal tension cracks and keep the cracks from opening.

Web reinforcement may take several forms. The ACI Code allows
• Vertical stirrups (the most common form of web reinforcement).
• Welded wire reinforcement with wires located perpendicular to the axis of the
member.
• Spirals, circular ties or hoops.
• Additionally, for non-prestressed members, the code allows shear
reinforcement composed of
- Inclined or diagonal stirrups.
- Main reinforcement bent to act as inclined stirrups.

For members of normal-weight concrete subject to shear and flexure only, the
amount of shear force that the concrete alone (i.e. un-reinforced for shear) can
resist is Vc.
Vc = 2λ√fc’ bw d [ACI Eq. (11-3)]
where
λ = 1.0 for normal-weight concrete

4.4
 fc’ = concrete compressive strength (psi)
bw = width of the web (stem) for T-beams
= b (beam width) for rectangular beams (inches)
d = effective depth of the beam section

Theoretically, no shear reinforcement is required if the practical shear strength

of the concrete is greater than or equal to the factored shear force, that is,
φVc ≥ Vu
where
Vu = the design shear force, determined from factored loads
φ = strength-reduction factor for shear
= 0.75

It is permitted to determine Vc using a more detailed calculation (ref. ACI 318-08,

Section 11.2.2).
• For most designs, it is convenient and conservative to use the ACI Equation (11-
3) noted above.

Minimum shear reinforcement: The ACI Code requires a minimum area of shear
reinforcement in all reinforced concrete flexural members where Vu exceeds ½φVc,
except as follows.
• In slabs and footings.
• In concrete joist construction (as defined by the ACI Code, Section 8.13).
• In shallow beams.
- A member qualifies as a shallow beam if the total depth is not greater than
the largest of the following three values (ref. ACI Code, Section 11.4.6.1).
◦ 10”
◦ 2½ times the flange thickness
◦ One-half times the width of the web

The provision of the code requiring minimum shear reinforcement guards against
cases where an unforeseen load would cause failure due to shear.
• Shear failure of a flexural member is sudden and without warning.

In cases where shear reinforcement is required for strength or because V u > ½φVc,
the minimum area of shear reinforcement is found using the following equation.
Av = 0.75√fc’ (bw s/fyt) ≥ 50 bws/fyt [ACI Eq. (11-13)]

4.5
 where
Av = total cross-sectional area of the shear reinforcement within a distance s.
= 2As for single-loop stirrups
where
As = the cross sectional area of the stirrup bar (in2)
bw = web width
= b (beam width) for rectangular sections (inch)
s = center-to-center spacing of shear reinforcement in a direction parallel to
the longitudinal reinforcement (inch)
fyt = yield strength of shear reinforcing steel (psi)

When fc’ ≤ 4444 psi, the minimum area of shear reinforcement is controlled by
50 bw s/fyt.

When determining the shear strength Vc of reinforced or prestressed concrete

beams and concrete joist construction, the value of √fc’ is limited to 100 psi unless
minimum web reinforcement is provided.

The portion of any span in which shear reinforcement is theoretically necessary is

determined by using the factored shear (Vu) diagram.
• When the factored shear Vu exceeds the practical shear strength of the
concrete web (i.e. φVc), shear reinforcement is required.
• Minimum web reinforcement must be provided elsewhere in the span where
Vu > ½ φVc.

The basis for shear design is outlined in the ACI Code (Section 11.1.1).
• The practical shear strength must be greater than or equal to the factored
shear force.
φVn ≥ Vu [ACI Eq. (11-1)]
where
Vn = Vc + Vs [ACI Eq. (11-2)]

from which
φVc + φVs ≥ Vu
where
Vn = the total nominal shear strength from the concrete and steel
Vc = the nominal shear strength provided by the concrete alone

4.6
 Vs = the nominal shear strength provided by the shear reinforcement

The design of the stirrups usually follows the selection of the beam size.
• Knowing the beam size, Vc can be determined from ACI Eq. (11-3).
• Vu is determined from the shear diagram.
• The stirrups are designed to provide the required shear strength Vs.
φVs = Vu - φVc

For vertical stirrups, Vs may be calculated using the following equation.

Vs = Av fyt d/s [ACI Eq. (11-15)]

For inclined stirrups at 45°, Vs may be calculated using the following equation.
Vs = 1.414Av fyt d/s [ACI Eq. (11-16)]
where
s = the horizontal center-to-center distance of stirrups parallel to the main
longitudinal steel.

It is often more practical to rearrange the ACI equations and determine the
spacing.
• Bar size, steel strength, and beam effective depth are usually predetermined.
• For vertical stirrups, the equation to determine spacing follows.
s = Av fyt d/required Vs

Because the practical shear strength of the reinforcing steel φVs is usually
determined, the ACI Eq. (11-15) equation can be rewritten as follows.
φVs = φAv fyt d/s
Then, the required spacing for the stirrups can be determined as follows.
required s = φAv fyt d/required φVs
or
required s = φAv fyt d/(Vu – φVc)

• Similarly, for inclined stirrups at 45°, the required spacing can be determined
as follows.
required s = 1.414 φ Av fyt d/(Vu – φVc)

4.7
 • These equations give the maximum spacing of stirrups based on required
strength that must be provided by the steel reinforcing.

4-3 Shear Analysis Procedure

The shear analysis procedure involves the following.
• Check the shear strength in an existing (reinforced or plain) concrete member
and determine if shear reinforcing is required.
- The practical shear strength (whether from the concrete alone, or from the
concrete and steel) must be greater than or equal to the factored shear
force for all locations in the beam member.
φVc + φVs ≥ Vu
• Verify that the details of the reinforcement pattern comply with the ACI Code
provisions.

4.8
Example – Shear Analysis

Example 4-1 (p. 127 of the textbook)

Given: The reinforced concrete beam

section shown.
fc’ = 4000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi
Normal weight concrete

Find: The maximum factored shear

force Vu permitted on the member
by the ACI Code.

Solution

The member qualifies as a flexural member based on the following criteria.

• It is not a slab.
• It is not a concrete joist.
• The member does not qualify as a shallow beam since the total depth is greater
than 10”.

Because no shear reinforcement is provided, the ACI code (Section 11.4.6.1)

requires that Vu not exceed ½ φVc.

Maximum Vu = ½ φ Vc
= 0.5 φ (2 λ √fc’) bw d
= 0.5 (0.75) 2 (1.0) ( 4000 ) (18) (10.25)
Maximum Vu = 8,752 lb

4.9
Example – Shear Analysis

Example 4-2 (p. 127 of the textbook)

Given: The reinforced concrete beam

section shown.
fc’ = 4000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi

Find: The maximum factored shear

force Vu permitted on the member
by the ACI Code.

Solution

Vc = 2 λ √fc’ bw d
= 2 (1.0) 4000 (18) (33)
Vc = 75,140 lb (75.1 kips)

Vs = Av fyt d/s
= 2 (0.11) (60.0) (33)/12
Vs = 36.3 kips

Maximum Vu = φVc + φVs

= 0.75 (75.1) + 0.75 (36.3)
Maximum Vu = 83.6 kips

4.10
Example – Shear Analysis

Problem 4-1 (p. 157 of the textbook)

Given: The reinforced concrete beam

section shown.
Vu = 9,000 lb
fc’ = 3000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi

Find: Is the beam adequate for shear?

Solution

The beam is reinforced for moment only (no shear reinforcement).

Is the member exempt from the requirement for shear reinforcement?
• It is not a slab, so no exemption.
• It is not a concrete joist, so no exemption.
• If the member is a shallow beam, then it is exempt.

The member qualifies as a shallow beam if the total depth is not greater than the
largest of the following three values (ref. ACI Code, Section 11.4.6.1).
• 10”
• 2½ times the flange thickness
• One-half times the width of the web

Check the criteria to determine if the member qualifies as a shallow beam.

• Determine the total depth h.
- Assume that #11 reinforcing bars are used for flexure reinforcement.
h = d + 1.50 (cover) + ½ (diameter of the reinforcing bar)
= 7.25 + 1.50 + 1.41/2 = 9.46”
• Determine 2½ times the flange thickness: Not applicable (the beam is not
integral with a slab).
• Determine one-half times the width of the web.
½ times the width of the web = ½ (12”) = 6”
The total depth of 9.46” is the largest of the three values and controls.

4.11
Since the total depth of 9.46” is less than 10”, the member qualifies as a shallow
beam and no shear reinforcement (i.e. Av) is required.

Because no shear reinforcement is provided, and the member qualifies as a shallow

beam, the ACI code (Section 11.4.6.1) requires that Vu not exceed φVc.
• Thus, Vu ≤ φVc.

φVc = φ 2 λ √fc’ bw d
= 0.75 (2) (1.0) 3000 (12) (7.25) = 7,148 lb < Vu = 9,000 lb
Therefore, the beam is not adequate for shear.

4.12
4-4 Stirrup Design Procedure
In the design for shear reinforcement (i.e. stirrups), the result is a determination
of stirrup size and spacing pattern.

A general procedure follows.

1. Determine the shear values based on span and loading; draw the factored shear
(Vu) diagram.
2. Determine if stirrups are required.
• For flexural members, if Vu ≤ ½φVc, then stirrups are not required.
3. Determine the portion of the span over which stirrups are required (assuming
that stirrups are required).
• For flexural members, when Vu ≤ ½φVc, stirrups are no longer required.
4. On the Vu diagram, determine the area representing “required φVs.”
• This area displays the required strength of the web reinforcement that is to
be provided.
5. Select the size of the stirrup and determine the spacing that is required at the
critical section (i.e. a distance “d” from the face of the support) based on the
required φVs.
• The most common stirrup size is #3.
• This is the minimum spacing; at this location, the stirrups are the most
closely spaced.
6. Establish the ACI Code maximum spacing requirements.
7. Determine the spacing requirements based on shear strength to be furnished
by the web reinforcing.
8. Establish the spacing pattern and show sketches.

Notes on Stirrup Design

1. Materials and maximum stresses
a. The ACI Code (Section 11.4.2) limits the design yield strength of shear
reinforcement to reduce excessive crack widths in beam webs subject to
diagonal tension.
• Reinforcing bars: 60,000 psi.
• Deformed wire reinforcing: 80,000 psi.
b. The value of Vs must not exceed 8√fc’ bw d no matter the amount of web
reinforcement (per ACI Code, Section 11.4.7.9).

4.13
2. Bar sizes for stirrups
a. The most common stirrup size used is a #3 bar.
• The use of a #4 bar may be required if span and loading conditions
produce large shear values.
- Rarely is anything larger than a #4 bar stirrup required.
• In large beams, multiple stirrup sets are sometimes provided in which a
diagonal crack would be crossed by four or more vertical bars at one
location of a beam.
- Single loop stirrups are generally satisfactory for b ≤ 24”.
- Double loop stirrups are satisfactory for 24” < b ≤ 48”.
- Triple loop stirrups are satisfactory for b > 48”.
b. When conventional single loop stirrups are used, the web area A v provided by
each stirrup is twice the cross sectional area of the bar because each
stirrup crosses a diagonal crack twice.
• Av = 0.22 in2 for #3 bars
• Av = 0.40 in2 for #4 bars
c. Do not vary the stirrup bar sizes.
• Use the same bar size unless other alternatives are not reasonable.
• Spacing should generally be varied and size held constant.
3. Stirrup spacing
a. When stirrups are required, the maximum spacing for vertical stirrups must
not exceed d/2 or 24 inches, whichever is smaller (ACI Code, Section
11.4.5.1).
• If Vs exceeds 4 √fc’ bw d, the maximum spacing must not exceed d/4 or 12
inches, whichever is smaller (ACI Code, Section 11.4.5.3).
• The maximum spacing may be governed by ACI Equation (11-13).
smax = Av fyt/0.75 √fc’ bw ≤ Avfyt/50 bw
b. Stirrups should be spaced no closer than 4 inches.
c. It is economical and practical to compute the spacing required at several
locations and to place stirrups in groups of varying spacing.
• Spacing values should be made to not less than 1-inch increments.
d. The ACI Code (Section 11.1.3) permits the maximum shear to be the shear at
the section a distance “d” from the face of the support (called the critical
section) for the following conditions.

4.14
 • The support reaction introduces a vertical compression into the end
region of the member.
• No concentrated load occurs between the face of the support and the
distance “d” from the face of the support.
• The beam is loaded at or near the top.
• This consideration is not applicable for brackets, short cantilevers, and
special isolated conditions.

Sections located less than a distance “d” from the face of the support may
be designed for the same Vu as the shear at the critical section.
• Stirrup spacing should be constant from the critical section back to the
face of the support and based on the spacing requirements at the critical
section.
• The first stirrup should be placed at a maximum distance of s*/2 from
the face of the support
- The distance “s*” represents the minimum stirrup spacing required
from the face of the support to the critical section.
- A distance of 2” is commonly used.
• For the balance of the span, the stirrup spacing is determined by
- The shear strength that is required by the stirrups, or
- The maximum spacing limitations.
e. The actual stirrup pattern used in the beam is the designer’s choice.
• The choice of pattern is governed by strength requirements and
economy.
- Many patterns satisfy strength requirements.
• Because the shear typically decreases from the support to the center of
the span, the stirrup spacing can be continually increased from the
critical section up to the maximum spacing allowed by the Code.
- Such spacing design requires tedious design, detailing, and bar placing
operations, but results in the least steel used.
- This is not warranted economically.
• In the usual uniformly loaded beams, no more than two or three different
spacings should be used within a pattern.
- Longer spans or concentrated loads may warrant more detailed spacing
patterns.

4.15
Example – Stirrup Design Procedure

Example 4-3 (p. 130 of the textbook)

Given: The simply supported rectangular

concrete beam shown.
fc’ = 4000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi

Find: Design the web reinforcement.

Solution

1. Determine the shear values based

on clear span and loading; draw the
factored shear (Vu) diagram.
• Maximum Vu = 115.0 kips (from
the shear diagram)
• The shear force at the critical
section (located a distance “d”
from the face of the support):
d = 25” = 2.08’
Vu* = 115.0 – 2.08 (11.5) = 91.1 kips

2. Determine if stirrups are required.

The ACI Code (Section 11.4.6) requires stirrups if Vu > ½φVc.
φVc = φ(2√fc’ bw d) = 0.75 (2) 4000 (16) (25) = 37,947 lb (37.9 kips)
½ φVc = 0.5 (37.9) = 18.95 kips < 91.1 kips
Stirrups are required.

3. Determine the portion of the span over which stirrups are required.
Stirrups must be provided to the point where Vu = ½φVc.
• Locate where Vu = ½φVc = 18.95 kips.
From the face of the support: (115.0 – 18.95)/11.5 = 8.35 feet
Minimum web reinforcement must be provided where ½φVc < Vu < φVc.
• Locate where Vu = φVc = 37.9 kips.
From the face of the support: (115.0 – 37.9)/11.5 = 6.70 feet

4.16
4. On the Vu diagram, determine the area representing “required φVs.”
• The “required φVs” is the area enclosed by the φVc line, the Vu* line, and the
sloping Vu line.
- This area shows the required strength of the shear reinforcing at any
point along the span.
- This area graphically shows φVc + φVs ≥ Vu.
• For this Vu diagram, the “required φVs” can be written in equation form.
- Designating the slope (kips/ft) as m, taking x (feet) from the face of the
support, and considering the range 2.08’ ≤ x ≤ 6.70’,
Required φVs = maximum Vu – φVc – mx
= 115.0 – 37.9 – 11.5 x
= 77.1 – 11.5 x

5. Select the size of the stirrup and determine the spacing that is required at the
critical section (i.e. a distance “d” from the face of the support) based on the
required φVs.
• Assume a #3 stirrup (As = 0.11 in2, so Av = 0.22 in2).
• From ACI Equation (11-15),
Required s* = φ Av fyt d/required φVs*
= 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(25)/(91.1 – 37.9) = 4.65”
Note that the denominator in the preceding expression (required φVs*) is
equal to Vu* - φVc.
Use a 4” spacing.
• The 4” spacing is the spacing used in the portion of the beam between the
face of the support and the critical section (which lies the distance “d” from
the face of the support).
• This spacing is based on the amount of shear strength that must be provided
by the shear reinforcing.
• If the required spacing had been less than 4 inches (a minimum spacing), a
larger bar would be needed for the stirrup.

6. Establish the ACI Code maximum spacing requirements.

• If Vs < 4 √fc’ bw d, the maximum spacing is d/2 or 24”, whichever is smaller.
Compare Vs (= Vs*) at the critical section with 4 √fc’ bw d.
4 √fc’ bw d = 4 4000 (16)(25) = 101,200 lb (101.2 kips)
Vs* = φVs*/φ = (91.1 – 37.9)/0.75 = 70.9 kips < 101.2 kips

4.17
 Since 70.9 kips < 101.2 kips, the maximum spacing should be the smaller of
d/2 or 24”.
d/2 = 25/2 = 12.5” < 24” Use 12”
• A second criterion for maximum spacing is based on the ACI Code minimum
area requirement (ACI Code, Section 11.4.6.3).
ACI Equation (11-13) may be rewritten in the form
smax = Avfyt/0.75√fc’ bw ≤ Avfyt/50 bw
where the units of fyt are psi.

Evaluate the following two expressions.

smax = Avfyt/0.75√fc’ bw = 0.22(60,000)/0.75 4000 (16) = 17.39”
smax = Avfyt/50 bw = 0.22(60,000)/50(16) = 16.50”

Based on the two maximum spacing criteria, the smaller value controls.
• Therefore, the 12” spacing controls throughout the beam wherever stirrups
are required.

7. Determine the spacing requirements based on the shear strength to be

furnished by the web reinforcing.
• The spacing required at the critical section is 4”.
• The maximum spacing is 12” where stirrups are required.
• Stirrups are required from the face of the support to a point 8.35’ from the
face of the support.

Determine the spacing requirements for the rest of the beam.

• The spacing required is established at various distances from the face of
the support.
• The stirrups are placed in groups; each group has a different spacing.
• The number of locations at which the required spacing should be determined
is based on judgment and is a function of the shape of the required φVs
portion of the Vu diagram.
Required s = φAvfyt d/required φVs
where the denominator is the expression given in Step 4.

4.18
8. Establish the spacing pattern and show sketches.
Determine the theoretical stopping points for various spacings based on the
formula for the “required s” by solving for x at various values of s.
• The first stirrup is placed 2” away from the face of the support (i.e. a
distance equal to one-half the required spacing at the critical section).
• Use spacing values in increments of 1-inch for spacings from the minimum
spacing to a spacing equal to the maximum spacing.
- Develop a table showing s and corresponding x values.
- A table for Example 4-3 is shown below.

Required s = φAvfyt d/required φVs

s = 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(25)/(77.1 – 11.5x)
77.1 – 11.5x = 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(25)/s = 247.5/s
11.5 x = 77.1 - 247.5/s

s 4” 5” 6” 7” 8” 9” 10” 11” 12”

1.32’ = 2.40’ = 3.11’ = 3.63’ = 4.01’ = 4.31’ = 4.55’ = 4.75’ = 4.91’ =
x
16” 29” 37” 44” 48” 52” 55” 57” 59”

Develop a table to evaluate the possible spacing patterns.

Actual Actual
Theoretical Length Number of
Spacing length stopping
stopping point required to spaces to
(inches) covered point (inches
(from FOS) cover (inch) use
(inches) from FOS)

2” - - 1 2” 2”

4” 29” 27” 7 28” 30”

5” 37” 7” 2 10” 40”

6” 44” 4” 1 6” 46”

7” 48” 2” 1 7” 53”

8” 52” - - - -

9” 55” 2” 1 9” 62”

10” 57” - - - -

11” 59” - - - -

12” 101” (8.35’) 39” 4 48” 110”

12” 120” (10’ C/L) 10” 1 10” 120”

4.19
Develop a table to establish the final spacing pattern.

Actual Actual
Theoretical Length Number of
Spacing length stopping
stopping point required to spaces to
(inches) covered point (inches
(from FOS) cover (inch) use
(inches) from FOS)

2” - - 1 2” 2”

4” 29” 27” 7 28” 30”

5” 59” 29” 6 30” 60”

12” 101” (8.35’) 41” 4 48” 108”

12” 120” (10’ C/L) 12” 1 12” 120”

• Use three spacing groups with spacings of 4”, 5”, and 12”.
- The last stirrup in the 12”-spacing group is located 9’ from the face of
the support.
- One additional stirrup in the 12”-spacing group places a stirrup at the
centerline of the beam, thus providing stirrups across the full length of
the beam.
◦ This is common practice and conservative.
• The final stirrup design is shown below (ref. Figure 4-9, p. 136 of the
textbook).

4.20
Example – Stirrup Design

Problem 4-11 (p. 159 of the textbook)

Given: Beam loaded as shown.

Loads shown are factored loads.
fc’ = 3000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi

Find: Design single-loop stirrups.

Solution

1. Determine the shear values based

on clear span and loading; draw the
factored shear (Vu) diagram.
• Maximum Vu = 77.5 kips (from
the shear diagram)
• The shear force at the critical
section (located a distance “d”
from the face of the support):
d = 32” = 2.67’
Vu* = 77.5 – 2.67 (2.5) = 70.8 kips

2. Determine if stirrups are required.

The ACI Code (Section 11.4.6) requires
stirrups if Vu > ½φVc.
φVc = φ(2√fc’bwd) = 0.75 (2) 3000 (14)(32)
= 36,807 lb (36.8 kips)
½φVc = 0.5(36.8) = 18.4 kips < 70.8 kips
Stirrups are required.

3. Determine the portion of the span over which stirrups are required.
Stirrups must be provided to the point where Vu = ½φVc.
• Locate where Vu = ½φVc = 18.4 kips.
From a point 10 feet from the face of the support,
(22.5 - 18.4)/2.5 = 1.64’ (11.64’ from the face of support)

4.21
 Minimum web reinforcement must be provided where ½φVc < Vu < φVc.
• Locate where Vu = φVc = 36.8 kips.
Because of the discontinuity in the shear diagram, the practical shear value
φVc = 36.8 kips occurs at a point 10’ from the face of support.

4. On the Vu diagram, determine the area representing “required φVs.”

• The “required φVs” is the area enclosed by the φVc line, the Vu* line, and the
sloping Vu line.
From 0’ < x < 5’
Required φVs = maximum Vu – φVc – mx
= 77.5 – 36.8 – 2.5 x
= 40.7 – 2.5 x
From 5’ < x < 10’
Required φVs = maximum Vu – φVc – m (x – 5)
= 50.0 – 36.8 - 2.5 (x – 5)
= 25.7 – 2.5 x

5. Select the size of the stirrup and determine the spacing that is required at the
critical section (i.e. a distance “d” from the face of the support) based on the
required φVs.
• Assume a #3 stirrup (As = 0.11 in2, so Av = 0.22 in2).
• From ACI Equation (11-15),
Required s* = φ Av fyt d/required φVs*
= 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(32)/(70.8 – 36.8) = 9.32”
Note that the denominator in the preceding expression (required φVs*) is
equal to Vu* - φVc.

Use a 9” spacing.
• The 9” spacing is the spacing used in the portion of the beam between the
face of the support and the critical section (which lies the distance “d” from
the face of the support).

6. Establish ACI Code maximum spacing requirements.

• If Vs < 4 √fc’ bw d, the maximum spacing is d/2 or 24”, whichever is smaller.
Compare Vs* at the critical section with 4√fc’ bwd.
4√fc’ bw d = 4 3000 (14)(32) = 98,150 lb (98.2 kips)
Vs* = φVs*/φ = (70.8 – 36.8)/0.75 = 45.3 kips < 98.2 kips

4.22
 Since 45.3 kips < 98.2 kips, the maximum spacing should be the smaller of
d/2 or 24”.
d/2 = 32/2 = 16” < 24” Use 16”
• A second criterion for maximum spacing is based on the ACI Code minimum
area requirement (ACI Code, Section 11.4.6.3).
ACI Equation (11-13) may be rewritten in the form
smax = Avfyt/0.75√fc’bw ≤ Avfyt/50bw
where the units of fyt are psi.

Evaluate the following two expressions.

smax = Avfyt/0.75√fc’ bw = 0.22(60,000)/0.75 3000 (14) = 22.95”
smax = Avfyt/50bw = 0.22(60,000)/50(14) = 18.86”

Based on the two maximum spacing criteria, the smaller value controls.
• Therefore, the 16-inch spacing controls throughout the beam wherever
stirrups are required.

7. Determine the spacing requirements based on the shear strength to be

furnished by the web reinforcing.
• Spacing required at the critical section is 9”.
• The maximum spacing is 16” where stirrups are required.
• Stirrups are required from the face of the support to a point 11.64’ from
the face of the support.

Determine the spacing requirements for the rest of the beam.

• The spacing required is established at various distances from the face of
the support.
• The stirrups are placed in groups; each group has a different spacing.
• The number of locations at which the required spacing should be determined
is based on judgment and is a function of the shape of the required φVs
portion of the Vu diagram.
Required s = φAvfyt d/required φVs
where the denominator is the expression given in Step 4.

4.23
8. Establish the spacing pattern and show sketches.
Determine the theoretical stopping points for various spacings based on the
formula for the “required s” by solving for x at various values of s.
• The first stirrup is placed 2” away from the face of the support.
• Use spacing values in increments of 1-inch for spacings from the minimum
spacing to a spacing equal to the maximum spacing.
- Develop a table showing s and corresponding x values.
- A table for Problem 4-11 is shown below.
• Use caution at the discontinuity in the shear diagram at x = 5’.
From 0’ < x < 5’
Required s = φAvfyt d/required φVs
s = 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(32)/(40.7 – 2.5 x)
40.7 – 2.5 x = 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(32)/s = 316.8/s
2.5 x = 40.7 – 316.8/s

s 10” 11” 12”

5.72’ > 5.0’
x 3.61’ = 43” 4.76’ = 57”
(See Note)

Note: For the 12” spacing, x is greater than 5.0’ and is outside the range for
the applicable equation.

From 5’ < x < 10’

Check required spacing when x = 5’.
Required s = φAvfyt d/required φVs
s = 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(32)/(25.7 – 2.5 x)
= 0.75(0.22)(60.0)(32)/[25.7 – 2.5 (5)]
s = 316.8/13.2 = 24.0” > 16” (Use 16”)

Develop a table to evaluate the possible spacing patterns.

Actual Actual
Theoretical Length Number of
Spacing length stopping
stopping point required to spaces to
(inches) covered point (inches
(from FOS) cover (inch) use
(inches) from FOS)

2” - - 1 2” 2”

9” 43” 41” 5 45” 47”

10” 57” 10” 1 10” 57”

11” 60” (5.0’) 3” 1 11” 68”

16” 140” (11.64’) 72” 5 80” 148”

4.24
Develop a table to establish the final spacing pattern.
• For simplification, a spacing of 9” is used from a point 2” from the face of
the support to a point 5’ from the face of the support.
• From a point 5’ from the support to a point 11.64’ from the support the
maximum spacing of 16” is used.

Actual Actual
Theoretical Length Number of
Spacing length stopping
stopping point required to spaces to
(inches) covered point (inches
(from FOS) cover (inch) use
(inches) from FOS)

2” - - 1 2” 2”

9” 60” (5.0’) 58” 7 63” 65”

16” 140” (11.64’) 75” 5 80” 145”

16” 180” (15’ C/L) 35” 2 32” 177”

• Use two spacing groups with spacings of 9” and 16”.

- The first stirrup is placed 2” away from the face of the support.
◦ Use a distance no greater than one-half the required spacing at the
critical section.
◦ A 2” spacing is commonly used.
- The last required stirrup in the 16”-spacing group is located 12’-1” from
the face of the support.
- Using two additional stirrups in the 16”-spacing group places a stirrup at a
point 3” left of the centerline, providing stirrups across the full length of
the beam.
• The final stirrup pattern is shown in the sketch below.

Design sketch for Problem 4-11

4.25
4-5 Torsion of Reinforced Concrete Members
The twisting (torsion) of reinforced concrete members is caused by a moment that
acts about the longitudinal axis of the member due to unbalanced loads applied to
the member.
• The torsional moment usually acts in combination with bending moment and
shear force.
• The torsion may be due to unbalanced loads due to unequal adjacent spans
supported by the beam.
• The torsion may be due to unequal live loads on adjacent spans.
• The torsion may be due to the sequence of construction loads.
- Loads could be applied to one side of the beam before the loads are applied
to the other side of the beam.

In the ACI Code, the design of torsion in solid and hollow concrete beams is based
on a thin-walled tube model (ref. Figures 4-15 and 4-16, p. 141 of the textbook).
• The outer concrete cross section that is centered on the stirrups is assumed to
resist the torsion.
• The concrete in the core is neglected (after cracking, the core is ineffective in
resisting torsion).

Torsional moments cause additional shear stresses that result in diagonal tension
stresses in the concrete member.
• These diagonal tension stresses cause spiral inclined cracks to form around the
surface of the concrete member (ref. Figure 4-16, p. 141 of the textbook).
- Example: Spiral failure by twisting a piece of chalk.
• After cracking, the torsional resistance of the concrete member is provided by
the outermost closed stirrups and the longitudinal reinforcement located near
the surface of the beam.

One of two conditions occurs in the design of reinforced concrete members for
torsion: compatibility torsion or equilibrium torsion.
1. Compatibility torsion: Compatibility torsion occurs in statically indeterminate
structures.
- The design torsion may be reduced due to redistribution of internal forces
to maintain compatibility of deformations.
Example: Spandrel beam (ref. Figure 4-17, p. 143 of the textbook).
- The rotation of the slab is restrained by the spandrel beam.

4.26
 - For compatibility, the restraining moment at the exterior end of the slab is
equal to the torsional moment in the beam (per each unit length along the
spandrel beam).
- As the slab rotates and cracks, the slab moments are redistributed and the
torsional moment on the spandrel beam is reduced.

2. Equilibrium torsion: Equilibrium torsion occurs in statically determinate

structures.
- The torsion cannot be reduced because redistribution of internal moments
and forces is not possible in statically determinate structures.
- The full design torsion must be resisted by the beam.
- Examples of concrete members in equilibrium torsion are shown in Photo 4-1
(p. 143 of the textbook) and Figure 4-18 (p. 144 of the textbook).

Torsion Design of Reinforced Concrete Members (ACI Code, Section 11.5)

The ACI Code design approach for torsion follows a similar approach to the design
for shear.
• The critical section is located a distance “d” from the face of the support.
- If a concentrated torque occurs within a distance of “d” from the support,
the critical section for torsion is at the face of the support.

Check to determine if torsion can be neglected.

• Torsion can be neglected in non-prestressed members if the factored torque at
the critical section is less than or equal to one-quarter of the cracking torque
of the beam section, that is
Tu* ≤ 0.25φTcr
where
Tcr = the cracking torque
= 4 λ √fc’ (Acp)2/Pcp
Thus, torsion may be neglected when
Tu* ≤ 0.25φTcr = 0.25φ [4 λ √fc’ (Acp)2/Pcp]
= φ λ √fc’ (Acp)2/Pcp
where
φ = 0.75 (ACI Code, Section 9.3.2.3)

4.27
 Acp = area of outside perimeter of the cross section
= b h for rectangular beams not cast monolithically with a slab
(For isolated beams cast monolithic with a slab, the area Acp can be
determined from ACI Sections 11.5.1.1 and 13.2.4.)
Pcp = outside perimeter of the cross section
= 2 (b + h) (ref. Figure 4-15)
λ = the lightweight aggregate factor
= 1.0 for normal weight concrete
• When the torsion can be neglected, closed stirrups are not required.
• Torsional reinforcement is required to resist the full applied torsional moment
(as specified in ACI Section 11.5.2.1), when
Tu* > φ λ √fc’ (Acp)2/Pcp

Check the required cross sectional dimensions.

• The ACI Code requires that solid and hollow concrete beam cross-sectional
dimensions satisfy ACI Code Equations (11-18) and (11-19).
- To reduce unsightly cracks on the surface of the beam, and
- To prevent crushing of the concrete from stresses due to combined shear
and torsion.
For solid sections, the dimensions must satisfy the following.
{(Vu*/bwd)2 + [Tu*ph/1.7(Aoh)2]2}½ ≤ φ(Vc/bwd + 8√fc’) ACI Eq. (11-18)
For hollow sections, the dimensions must satisfy the following.
Vu*/bwd + Tu*ph/1.7(Aoh)2 ≤ φ(Vc/bwd + 8√fc’) ACI Eq. (11-19)
where
Vc = 2 λ √fc’ bw d
Aoh = area enclosed by the centerline of the outermost closed stirrup
= x1 y1 (ref. Figure 4-19, p. 146 of the textbook)
x1 = width measured to the centerline of the outermost stirrup
y1 = height measured to the centerline of the outermost stirrup
ph = perimeter along the centerline of the outermost closed stirrup
= 2(x1 + y1)
• The size of the beam should be increased if these equations are not satisfied.
• The ACI Code has additional provisions for hollow sections with a varying wall
thickness.

4.28
Torsion Reinforcement
The reinforcement for torsion is added to that required for other load effects
that act in combination with the torsional moment.
• The torsional reinforcement consists of
- Closed stirrups, and
- Longitudinal reinforcement at the corners of the beam.
• The yield strength of the torsional reinforcement shall not be greater than
60,000 psi (per ACI Code, Section 11.5.3.4).

Transverse Reinforcement Required for Torsion (Stirrups)

The required torsional stirrup area is determined by the following equation.
At/s = Tu*/(2 φ Aofyt cot θ)
where
At = the area of one leg of the torsional or outermost closed stirrup
(inches2)
s = stirrup spacing
θ = 30° to 60°; use 45° for non-prestressed members (ACI Code, Section
11.5.3.6[a])
fyt = yield strength of stirrups (60,000 psi)
Tu* = factored torque at the critical section
Ao ≈ 0.85 Aoh = 0.85 x1 y1

The critical section for torsion is permitted to be at a distance “d” from the face
of the support provided no concentrated torque occurs within a distance “d” from
the face of the support.
• If a concentrated torque occurs within a distance “d” from the face of the
support, the critical section is at the face of the support (ACI Code, Section
11.5.2.4).

The nominal torsional strength (Tn) is found from the following equation
Tn = 2AoAtfyt/s (cot θ) [ACI Eq. (11-21)]

The total stirrup area required for combined shear and torsion is obtained from
the following equation (ref. ACI Code, Section 11.5.5.2).
Avt/s = Av/s + 2At/s ≥ 50 bw/fyt
≥ 0.75 √fc’ (bw/fyt)

4.29
 where
Avt = area of two legs of closed stirrups required for combined shear plus
torsion
At = area of one leg of closed stirrups required for torsion
Av = area of two legs of closed stirrups required for shear
Ao ≈ 0.85 Aoh = 0.85 x1 y1
fyt = yield strength of stirrups (60,000 psi)
bw = width of beam stem
s = spacing of stirrups
≤ ph/8 and 12” (ACI Code, Section 11.5.6.1)
ph = perimeter along the centerline of the outermost closed stirrup
= 2(x1 + y1)

Additional Longitudinal Reinforcement Required for Torsion

Additional longitudinal reinforcement required to resist torsion
• Must be added to the reinforcement required for bending
• Is obtained from the following equations:
Aℓ = (At/s) ph (fyt/fyℓ) cot2θ [ACI Eq. (11-22)]
≥ 5√fc’ (Acp/fyℓ) – (At/s) ph (fyt/fyℓ) [ACI Eq. (11-24)]
where
At/s = torsional stirrup area
≥ 25 bw/fyt
ph = 2(x1 + y1)
Acp = b h
bw = width of beam stem
fyt = stirrup yield strength (psi)
fyℓ = longitudinal steel yield strength (psi)

Additional notes regarding the required torsional reinforcement.

• The additional longitudinal reinforcement must be distributed around the
surface of the beam with a maximum spacing of 12 inches.
• There should be at least one longitudinal bar in each corner of the closed
stirrups.

4.30
• The additional longitudinal reinforcement diameter should be
- At least 0.042 times the stirrup spacing (i.e. 0.042 s),
- Not less than a #3 bar (ACI Code, Section 11.5.6.2).
• The additional longitudinal rebar area should be added to the longitudinal rebar
area required for bending.
• The closed torsional stirrups should be closed with 135° hooks (ACI Code,
Section 11.5.4.1).
- At least one longitudinal bar should be enclosed by and at each corner of the
stirrup.
- 90° hooks are ineffective after the corners of the beam spall off due to
torsion failure.

Torsion Design Procedure

The design procedure for torsion is as follows.
1. Determine the maximum factored concentrated or uniformly distributed
torsional load (wtu) and the corresponding factored gravity load (wu) that occurs
simultaneously.
2. Determine the factored torsional moment (Tu), the factored shear (Vu), and the
factored bending moment (Mu).
3. Determine the reinforcement required to resist the factored bending moment
Mu.
4. Calculate the concrete shear strength φVc and determine the portion of the
beam over which stirrups are required due to vertical shear.
5. Determine if torsion can be neglected. If torsion cannot be neglected,
determine the portion of the beam over which stirrups are required due to
torsional shear.
6. Determine if the torsion in the member is caused by compatibility torsion or by
equilibrium torsion .
a. For compatibility torsion, design the member for a reduced torque of φTcr.
b. For equilibrium torsion, design the member for the full torsional moment
(Tu*) calculated in Step 2.
7. Check the dimensions of the member cross section to assure that crushing is
prevented.
• Use ACI Code Equation (11-18) for solid sections
• Use ACI Code Equation (11-19) for hollow sections

4.31
8. Determine the required torsional stirrup area (At/s), the stirrup area required
for shear (Av/s), and the total stirrup area required for combined shear and
torsion (Avt/s).
• Check that the maximum stirrup spacing is not exceeded.
• Check the minimum stirrup area.
Using the torsional diagram and the shear force diagram, the required spacing
can be laid out to match the variation in shear and torsional moment.
9. Determine the additional longitudinal reinforcement required for torsion.
10. Draw the detail of the reinforcement.

4.32
Example – Design of Beams for Torsion

Example 4 – 5 (p. 151 of the textbook)

Given: Beam section shown.

Span = 27’ between columns
Dead loads
Stud wall partitions = 10 psf
Mech/elect equip = 5 psf
Precast planks = 75 psf
2” Topping = 20 psf
Live load = 60 psf
Normal weight concrete
λ = 1.0
fc’ = 4000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi

Find: Design the beam for torsion and shear.

Solution

1. Determine the maximum factored concentrated or uniformly distributed

torsional load (wtu) and the corresponding factored gravity load (wu) that occurs
simultaneously.
Dead loads
Stud wall partitions = 10 psf
Mech and Elect = 5 psf
Precast planks = 75 psf
2” Topping = 20 psf
Total dead load = 110 psf
Live load
Operating room floor, LL = 60 psf
Tributary widths (TW) of Beam
TW (30’ span) = 30/2 = 15 feet
TW (24’ span) = 24/2 = 12 feet

4.33
 The torsion in this beam is equilibrium torsion caused by the eccentricity of the
plank loads.
• Determine the eccentricity of the hollow-core plank load.
e = 18”/2 + 3”/2 = 10.5” (0.875’)

The maximum uniform torsional loading occurs due to checkerboard (or partial)
loading on the planks.
• The full design dead load and live load is assumed on the 30-foot span.
• The full design dead load and one-half of the design live load is assumed on
the 24-foot span.
- Such an assumption is common practice among designers.
- Such an assumption generally results in a slightly more conservative
design.

The maximum torsion and the corresponding maximum uniform vertical load
occur at the same time.

The maximum factored uniform torsional load for a 1-foot width of plank is
wtu = (1.2 wDL + 1.6wLL)(30’/2) e – (1.2 wDL + 1.6wLL/2)(24’/2) e
= [1.2(110 psf) + 1.6(60 psf)](15’)(0.875’)
– [1.2(110 psf) + 1.6(60 psf)/2](12’)(0.875’)
= 228(15)(0.875) – 180(12)(0.875)
wtu = 1102.5 lb-ft/ft (1.10 kip-ft/ft width of plank)

The corresponding maximum factored uniform vertical load for a 1-foot width
of plank is
wu = [1.2(110 psf) + 1.6(60 psf)](15’)
+ [1.2(110 psf) + 1.6(60 psf)/2](12’)
= 228(15) + 180(12)
wu = 5580 lb/ft (5.58 kip/ft width of plank)

2. Determine the factored torsional moment (Tu), the factored shear (Vu), and the
factored bending moment (Mu).
Calculate the effective depth (assume one layer of reinforcement).
d = 24” – 1.5” (cover) – 0.5” (#4 stirrups) – 1.27/2 (#10 bar)
= 21.37” (1.78’)

4.34
 Factored torsional moment
The maximum design torsional moment at the face of the support is
Tu = wtuℓ/2 = 1.10 (27)/2 = 14.85 kip-ft
The maximum design torsional moment at the critical section is
Tu* = Tu - wtu d = 14.85 – 1.10(1.78’) = 12.89 kip-ft
Factored shear
The maximum design shear at the face of the support (occurring at the same
time as the maximum torsion) is
Vu = wuℓ/2 = 5.58(27)/2 = 75.3 kips
The maximum design shear at the critical section is
Vu* = Vu - wu d = 75.3 – 5.58(1.78’) = 65.4 kips
Factored bending moment
The uniformly distributed load due to fully loaded planks is
wu = [1.2(110 psf) + 1.6(60 psf)](15’)
+ [1.2(110 psf) + 1.6(60 psf)](12’)
= 228(15) + 228(12)
wu = 6156 lb/ft (6.16 kip/ft width of plank)
The maximum bending moment at mid-span is
Mu = wuℓ2/8 = 6.16(27)2/8 = 561.3 kip-ft

3. Determine the reinforcement required to resist the factored bending

moment Mu.
• Compute the practical moment strength φMnf with the full effective flange
assumed to be in compression (assuming a tension-controlled section).
φMnf = φ NC Z = φ(0.85 fc’) b hf (d – hf/2)
= 0.90(0.85)(4.0)(18)(10)(21.37 – 10/2) = 9,016.6 kip-inch
φMnf = 751.4 kip-ft > 561.3 kip-ft (Rectangular beam design)
• Compute the required k value.
k = Mu/φ b d2 = 561.3(12)/0.9(18)(21.37)2
k = 0.9104 ksi
• From Table A-10, ρ = 0.01806, εt = 0.005, φ = 0.90
As = 0.01806 b d = 0.01806 (18)(21.37) = 6.95 in2
(As)min = 0.0033 bw d = 0.0033(24)(21.37) = 1.69 in2 < 6.95 in2 OK
• Try #10 bars in one row.
Six - #10 provide As = 7.62 in2, bmin = 18” < 24” OK

4.35
 • Check d (assume #4 stirrups):
d = 24 – 1.5 – 0.50 – 1.27/2 = 21.37” = 21.37” OK

4. Calculate the concrete shear strength φVc and determine the portion of the
beam over which stirrups are required due to vertical shear.
• The concrete shear strength is
φVc = φ 2 λ √fc’ bw d
φVc = 0.75(2)√4000(18)(21.37) = 36,490 lb (36.5 kips)
• Determine the portion of the beam over which stirrups at minimum spacing
are required due to vertical shear.
x = (Vu - φVc)/wu = (75.3 – 36.5)/5.58 = 6.95’
• Determine the portion of the beam over which stirrups are no longer
required due to vertical shear.
½ φVc = 0.5(36.5) = 18.25 kips
x = (Vu - ½ φVc)/wu = (75.3 – 18.25)/5.58 = 10.22’
Stirrups for vertical shear are required from the face of the support to a point
10.22’ from the face of the support.
• Minimum reinforcement for vertical is required from 6.95’ to 10.22’ from
the face of the support.

5. Determine if torsion can be neglected.

If torsion cannot be neglected, determine the portion of the beam over which
stirrups are required due to torsional shear.
• Torsion can be neglected if Tu* ≤ 0.25 φTcr
Tcr = 4 λ √fc’ (Acp)2/Pcp
= 4 (1.0) 4000 (18 x 24)2/[2(18 + 24)]
Tcr = 562,054.2 lb-inch (46.84 kip-ft)
0.25 φTcr = 0.25 (0.75) 46.84 = 8.78 kip-ft

Alternatively, 0.25 φTcr = λ φ √fc’(Acp)2/Pcp

0.25 φTcr = (1.0)(0.75) 4000 (18 x 24)2/[2(18 + 24)]
0.25 φTcr = 105,385 lb-inch (8.78 kip-ft)
Because Tu* = 12.89 kip-ft > 8.78 kip-ft, the beam must be designed for torsion.
• Determine the portion of the beam over which stirrups are required due to
torsional shear.
- Theoretical cut-off point:
x = (Tu – 0.25φTcr)/wtu = (14.85 – 8.78)/1.10 = 5.52’

4.36
 - Torsional reinforcement must be provided a distance of at least (bt + d)
beyond the point required by analysis per ACI Code (Section 11.5.6.3).
bt = the width of that part of the cross section containing the
torsional reinforcement.
(bt + d) = 18” + 21.37” = 39.37” (3.28’)
- Stirrups for torsion are required from the face of the support to a point
8.80’ (i.e. 5.52’ + 3.28’ = 8.80’) from the face of the support.

6. Determine if the torsion in the member is caused by compatibility torsion or by

equilibrium torsion (ref. pp. 142 - 144 of the textbook).
• The torsion in this beam is equilibrium torsion caused by the eccentricity of
the plank loads.
- The member must be designed for the full torsional moment (Tu*)
calculated in Step 2.

7. Check the dimensions of the member cross section to assure that crushing is
prevented.
• Known: b = 18”, h = 24”, d = 21.37”, θ = 45°, φ = 0.75
x1 = 18” – (2 sides)(1.5” cover + 0.5” stirrup/2) = 14.5”
y1 = 24” – (2 sides)(1.5” cover + 0.5” stirrup/2) = 20.5”
Aoh = x1 y1 = (14.5)(20.5) = 297.3 in2
Ao = 0.85 Aoh = 0.85(297.3) = 252.7 in2
ph = 2(x1 + y1) = 2(14.5 + 20.5) = 70.0”
Acp = b h = 18(24) = 432.0 in2
• Check the beam cross sectional dimensions using ACI Eq (11-18):
{(Vu*/bwd)2 + [Tu* ph/1.7(Aoh)2]2}1/2
≤ φ(Vc/bw d + 8√fc’) = (φVc/bw d + φ 8 √fc’)
{[65,400/(18)(21.37)]2 + [12,890(12)(70.0)/1.7(297.3)2]2}1/2
≤ 36,500/(18)(21.37) + (0.75) 8 4000
[(170.0)2 + (72.1)2]1/2 ≤ (94.9 + 379.5)
184.7 psi < 474.4 psi OK
The size of the beam is adequate to resist the torsional moments.

4.37
8. Determine the required torsional stirrup area (At/s), the stirrup area required
for shear (Av/s), and the total stirrup area for the combined shear and torsion
(Avt/s).
• The required torsional stirrup area is
At/s = Tu*/(2 φ Ao fyt cot θ)
= 12,890(12)/2(0.75)(252.7)(60,000)(1.0)
At/s = 0.0068
• The stirrup area required to resist the maximum factored shear acting with
the maximum torsion is
Av/s = (Vu* – φVc)/φ fyv d
= (65,400 – 36,500)/0.75(60,000)(21.37)
Av/s = 0.0300
• The total stirrup area required (2-leg stirrups) is
Avt/s = Av/s + 2At/s = 0.0300 + 2(0.0068) = 0.0436
• Check the minimum stirrup area.
Avt/s ≥ 50 bw/fyt = 50(18)/60,000 = 0.0150 < 0.0436 OK
Avt/s ≥ 0.75√fc’ (bw/fyt) = 0.75√4000(18/60,000) = 0.0142 < 0.0436 OK
The total stirrup area required is Avt/s = 0.0436
• Determine the minimum stirrup spacing.
- Use a #4 stirrup: Avt (2 legs) = 2(0.20 in2) = 0.40 in2
- The minimum spacing of the stirrups to resist the maximum combined
shear and torsion is
s = “selected Avt”/(Avt/s) = 0.4/0.0436 = 9.2”
[Note: If #3 stirrups were used, then s = 2(0.11)/0.0436 = 5.05”, which is less than
the 8” spacing for the #4 stirrups noted below.]

- The spacing of the transverse torsion reinforcement shall not exceed the
smaller of the following (per ACI 11.5.6.1):
ph/8 or 12”
ph/8 = 70”/8 = 8.75” (controls) – Use 8”
Minimum stirrup spacing: Use #4 closed stirrups at 8” center-to-center.
• Determine the maximum stirrup spacing.
- Transverse reinforcement for torsion is required from the face of the
support to a point 8.80’ from the face of the support.
- Transverse reinforcement for shear is required from the face of the
support to a point 10.22’.

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 - From a point 8.80’ from the face of the support to a point 10.22’ from
the face of the support, only transverse reinforcement for the vertical
shear force is required.
◦ In this portion of the beam (8.80’ to 10.22’ from the face of the
support), the stirrup spacing required for vertical shear alone is the
maximum spacing allowed by the ACI Code.
4 √fc’ bw d = 4 4000 (18) (21.37) = 97,312 lb (97.3 kips)
Vs* = φ Vs*/ φ = (Vu* - φVc)/φ = (65.4 – 36.5)/0.75 = 38.5 kips
Vs* < 4 √fc’ bw d, thus the maximum spacing is d/2 or 24”
smax = d/2 = 21.37/2 = 10.68” < 24”
smax = (Avfyt)/(0.75 √fc’ bw) = (0.40)(60,000)/[0.75 4000 (18)] = 28.1”
smax = (Avfyt)/(50 bw) = 0.40(60,000)/50(18) = 26.7”
Maximum stirrup spacing: Use #4 closed stirrups at 10” center-to-center.
• Use a table to establish the final spacing pattern.
Actual Actual
Theoretical Length Number of
Spacing length stopping
stopping point required to spaces to
(inches) covered point (inches
(from FOS) cover (inch) use
(inches) from FOS)
3” - - 1 3” 3”
8” 106” (8.80’) 103” 13 104” 107”
10” 123” (10.22’) 16” 2 20” 127”
162”
10” 35” 3 30” 157”
(13.5’ C/L)

Three additional stirrups are included to provide transverse reinforcement across the full
length of the beam.
• The position of the first stirrup is taken as 3” from the face of the support to put the
last stirrup 5” from the centerline of the span for a symmetrical design.

9. Determine the additional longitudinal reinforcement required for torsion.

bw = width of the beam stem = 18”
fyt = stirrup yield strength = 60,000 psi
fyℓ = longitudinal steel yield strength = 60,000 psi
At/s = 0.0068 (as previously calculated)
≥ 25 bw/fyt = 25(18)/60,000 = 0.0075
Therefore use At/s = 0.0075

4.39
From ACI Equation (11-22) and (11-24) the additional longitudinal reinforcement
is determined as follows.
Aℓ = (At/s) ph (fyt/fyℓ) cot2θ = 0.0075(70.0)(60,000/60,000)(1.0)2 = 0.53 in2
≥ 5√fc’ (Acp/fyℓ) – (At/s) ph (fyt/fyℓ)
5√fc’ (Acp/fyℓ) – (At/s) ph (fyt/fyℓ)
= 5 4000 (432.0/60,000) – (0.0075)(70.0)(60,000/60,000)
= 2.28 – 0.53 = 1.75 in2
Therefore, the additional longitudinal steel required for torsion is Aℓ = 1.75 in2.
Requirements for the additional longitudinal reinforcement for torsion.
• The additional longitudinal steel should be distributed at the corners of the
beam.
• The spacing between those bars should be no greater than 12”.
• Where the spacing exceeds 12”, provide additional longitudinal bars at the
mid-width or the mid-depth of the beam.
• This longitudinal reinforcement is in addition to the reinforcement required
to resist the bending moments on the beam.

If the additional reinforcement is concentrated on the top and bottom layers,

the total areas of the top and bottom longitudinal reinforcement in the beam
are determined as follows.
As,top = As,top (due to bending) + ½ (1.75)
= 0 + 0.88 = 0.88 in2
As,bottom = As,bottom (due to bending) + ½ (1.75)
= 6.95 + 0.88 = 7.83 in2

For the beam in this example, the spacing of the longitudinal reinforcement
exceeds the maximum spacing of 12”.
• The center-to-center distance between rebars in the top row is
approximately 13” (assuming #5 rebars in the top row).
18” – 2(1.5” + 0.5” + 0.625”/2) = 13.4”
• The center-to-center distance between the top and bottom rebars is
approximately 19” (assuming #5 bars in the top row and #10 bars in the
bottom row).
24” – 2(1.5” + 0.5”) - 0.625”/2 - 1.27”/2 = 19.1”

4.40
 The additional longitudinal reinforcement is distributed as follows.
As,top = As,top (due to bending) + (1/3)(1.75)
= 0 + 0.58 = 0.58 in2
As,midheight = (1/3)(1.75) = 0.58 in2
As,bottom = As,bottom (due to bending) + (1/3)(1.75)
= 6.95 + 0.58 = 7.53 in2
The minimum diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement is the largest of the
following.
0.042s = 0.042 (8) = 0.34”, or
3/8” (controls)
Use 3 - #4 bars at the top (As = 0.60 in2)
Use 2 - #5 bars at mid-height (As = 0.62 in2)
Use 6 - #10 bars at the bottom in one row (As = 7.62 in2, bmin = 18” < 24” OK)

10. Draw the details of the reinforcement.

4.41