CHAPTER 6: DESIGN FOR TORSION

6
6.1 INTRODUCTION

The torsion or twisting of reinforced concrete members is caused by a torsional 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 as shown in Figure 6.1.

Figure 6.1 Cantilever beam subject to combined shear, moment and torsion.

Most designers focus more on axial forces, shears, and bending moments in designing structures, yet most reinforced
concrete members are subjected to torsion which is should not be neglected. Torsion occurs in some part of the building,
for instance, a spandrel beam running between the exterior columns which supports the slabs and floor beams on the
edge of the building as shown in Figure 6.2. Other cases where torsion is significant are due to earthquake loads. For
an asymmetrical structure, where the centers of mass and rigidity do not coincide.

Figure 6.2 Torsion in spandrel beams

6.2 CODE REQUIREMENTS

411.7 Design for Torsion

Design for torsion shall be in accordance with Sections 411.7.1 through 411.7.6, or 411.7.7.

411.7.1 Threshold Torsion

It shall be permitted to neglect torsion effects if the factored torsional moment 𝑇𝑢 is less than:
1. For nonprestressed members:
(Equation 411-18)
𝝓𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒄𝒑 𝟐
( )
𝟏𝟐 𝒑𝒄𝒑
2. For nonprestressed members subjected to an axial tensile or compressive force:
(Equation 411-20)
𝝓𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒄𝒑 𝟐 𝑵𝒖
( ) √𝟏 +
𝟏𝟐 𝒑𝒄𝒑 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝑨𝒈 𝝀√𝒇′𝒄
For members cast monolithically with slab, the overhanging flange width used in computing 𝐴𝑐𝑝 and 𝑝𝑐𝑝 shall conform
to Section 413.3.4. For a hollow section, 𝐴𝑔 shall be used in place of 𝐴𝑐𝑝 in Section 411.7.1, and the outer boundaries
of the section shall conform to Section 413.3.4.

411.7.1.1 For isolated members with flanges and for members cast monolithically with a slab, the overhanging flange
width used to compute 𝐴𝑐𝑝 and 𝑝𝑐𝑝 shall conform to Section 413.3.4, except that the overhanging flanges shall be
neglected in cases where the perimeter 𝐴2 𝑐𝑝 ⁄𝑝𝑐𝑝 calculated for a beam with flanges is less than that computed for the
same beam ignoring the flanges.

413.3.4 For monolithic or fully composite construction, a beam includes that portion of slab on each side of the beam
extending a distance equal to the projection of the beam above or below the slab, whichever is greater, but not greater
than four times the slab thickness.

411.7.2 Calculation of Factored Torsional Moment

411.7.2.1 If the factored torsional moment, 𝑇𝑢 , in a member is required to maintain equilibrium and exceeds the minimum
value given in Section 411.7.1, the member shall be designed to carry 𝑇𝑢 in accordance with Sections 411.7.3 through
411.7.6.

411.7.2.2 In a statically indeterminate structure where reduction of the torsional moment in a member can occur due to
redistribution of internal forces upon cracking the maximum factored torsional moment, 𝑇𝑢 shall be permitted to be
reduced to the values given:
1. For nonprestressed members, at the sections described in Section 411.7.2.4:
(Equation 411-21)
𝝓𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒄𝒑 𝟐
( )
𝟑 𝒑𝒄𝒑
2. For nonprestressed members subjected to an axial tensile or compressive force:
(Equation 411-22)
𝝓𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒄𝒑 𝟐 𝑵𝒖
( ) 𝟏+
𝟑 𝒑𝒄𝒑 √ 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝑨𝒈 𝝀√𝒇′𝒄
In (1) or (2), the correspondingly redistributed bending moments and shears in the adjoining members shall be used in
the design of these members. For hollow sections, 𝐴𝑐𝑝 shall not be replaced with 𝐴𝑔 in Section 411.7.2.2.

411.7.2.4 In nonprestressed members, sections located less than a distance 𝑑 from the face of a support shall be
designed for not less than the torsion 𝑇𝑢 computed at a distance 𝑑. If a concentrated torque occurs within this distance,
the critical section for design shall be at the face of the support.

411.7.3 Torsional Moment Strength

411.7.3.1 The cross-sectional dimensions shall be such that:
1. For solid sections:
(Equation 411-24)
𝟐
𝑽 𝟐 𝑻 𝒑 𝑽 𝟐√𝒇′𝒄
√( 𝒖 ) + ( 𝒖 𝒉 ) ≤ 𝝓 ( 𝒄 + )
𝒃𝒘 𝒅 𝟏. 𝟕𝑨𝒐𝒉 𝟐 𝒃𝒘 𝒅 𝟑
2. For hollow sections:
(Equation 411-25)
𝑽𝒖 𝑻𝒖 𝒑 𝒉 𝑽𝒄 𝟐√𝒇′𝒄
( )+( 𝟐
) ≤ 𝝓( + )
𝒃𝒘 𝒅 𝟏. 𝟕𝑨𝒐𝒉 𝒃𝒘 𝒅 𝟑
411.7.3.2 If the wall thickness varies around the perimeter of a hollow section, Eq. 411-25 shall be evaluated at the
location where the left-hand side of Eq. 411-25 is a maximum.

411.7.3.3 If the wall thickness is less than 𝐴𝑜ℎ ⁄𝑝ℎ , the second term in Eq. 411-25 shall be taken as:
𝑻𝒖
( )
𝟏. 𝟕𝑨𝒐𝒉 𝒕
where 𝑡 is the thickness of the wall of the hollow section at the location where the stresses are being checked.

411.7.3.4 The values of 𝑓𝑦 and 𝑓𝑦𝑡 used for design of torsional reinforcement shall not exceed 415 MPa.
411.7.3.5 Where 𝑇𝑢 exceeds the threshold torsion, design of the cross section shall be based on:
(Equation 411-26)
𝝓𝑻𝒏 ≥ 𝑻𝒖
411.7.3.6 𝑇𝑛 shall be computed by:
(Equation 411-27)
𝟐𝑨𝒐 𝑨𝒕 𝒇𝒚𝒕
𝑻𝒏 = 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜽
𝒔
where 𝐴𝑜 shall be determined by analysis except that it shall be permitted to take 𝐴𝑜 equal to 0.85𝐴𝑜ℎ ; 𝜃 shall not be
taken smaller than 30 degrees nor larger than 60 degrees. It shall be permitted to take 𝜃 equal to:
1. 45 degrees for nonprestressed members or members with less prestress than in Item 2 below,
2. 37.5 degrees for prestressed members with an effective prestress force not less than 40 percent of the tensile
strength of the longitudinal reinforcement.

411.7.3.7 The additional longitudinal reinforcement required for torsion shall not be less than:
(Equation 411-28)
𝑨𝒕 𝒇𝒚𝒕
𝑨𝒍 = 𝒑 𝒉 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝟐 𝜽
𝒔 𝒇𝒚
where 𝜃 shall be the same value used in Eq. 411-27 and 𝐴𝑡 ⁄s shall be taken as the amount computed from Eq. 411-27
not modified in accordance with Section 411.7.5.2 or 411.7.5.3; 𝑓𝑦𝑡 refers to the closed transverse torsional
reinforcement, and 𝑓𝑦 refers to longitudinal torsional reinforcement.

411.7.3.9 It shall be permitted to reduce the area of longitudinal torsion reinforcement in the flexural compression zone
by an amount equal to 𝑀𝑢 ⁄(0.9𝑑𝑓𝑦 ), where 𝑀𝑢 occurs at the section simultaneous with 𝑇𝑢 , except that the requirement
provided shall not be less than that required by Sections 411.7.5.3 or 411.7.6.2.

411.7.4 Details of Torsional Reinforcement

411.7.4.1 Torsion reinforcement shall consist of longitudinal bars or tendons and one or more of the following:
1. Closed stirrups or closed ties, perpendicular to the axis of the member;
2. A closed cage of welded wire fabric with transverse wires perpendicular to the axis of the member; or
3. In nonprestressed beams, spiral reinforcement.

411.7.4.2 Transverse torsional reinforcement shall be anchored by one of the following:

1. A 135-degree standard hook, or seismic hook as defined in Section 402, around a longitudinal bar;
2. According to Sections 412.14.2.1, 412.14.2.2 or 412.14.2.3 in regions where the concrete surrounding the anchorage
is restrained against spalling by a flange or slab or similar member.

411.7.4.3 Longitudinal torsion reinforcement shall be developed at both ends.

411.7.4.4 For hollow sections in torsion, the distance measured from the centerline of the transverse torsional
reinforcement to the inside face of the wall of a hollow section shall not be less than 0.5𝐴𝑜ℎ ⁄𝑝ℎ

411.7.5 Minimum Torsion Reinforcement

411.7.5.1 A minimum area of torsional reinforcement shall be provided in all regions where the factored torsional
moment 𝑇𝑢 exceeds the values specified in Section 411.7.1.

411.7.5.2 Where torsional reinforcement is required by Section 411.7.5.1, the minimum area of transverse closed
stirrups shall be computed by:
(Equation 411-29)
𝒃𝒘 𝒔
(𝑨𝒗 + 𝑨𝒕 ) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟐√𝒇′𝒄
𝒇𝒚𝒕
but shall not be less than (0.35𝑏𝑤 𝑠)⁄𝑓𝑦𝑡 .

411.7.5.3 Where torsional reinforcement is required by Section 411.7.5.1, the minimum total area of longitudinal
reinforcement, 𝐴𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 shall be computed by:
(Equation 411-30)
𝟓√𝒇′𝒄 𝑨𝒄𝒑 𝑨𝒕 𝒇𝒚𝒕
𝑨𝒍 𝒎𝒊𝒏 = −( ) 𝒑
𝟏𝟐𝒇𝒚 𝒔 𝒇𝒚 𝒉
where 𝐴𝑡 ⁄s shall not be taken less than 0.175𝑏𝑤 ⁄𝑓𝑦𝑡 ; 𝑓𝑦𝑡 refers to the closed transverse torsional reinforcement, and 𝑓𝑦
refers to longitudinal reinforcement.

411.7.6 Spacing of Torsion Reinforcement

411.7.6.1 The spacing of transverse torsion reinforcement shall not exceed the smaller of 𝑝ℎ ⁄8 or 300 mm.
411.7.6.2 The longitudinal reinforcement required for torsion shall be distributed around the perimeter of the closed
stirrups with a maximum spacing of 300 mm. The longitudinal bars or tendons shall be inside the stirrups. There shall
be at least one longitudinal bar or tendon in each corner of the stirrups. Longitudinal bars shall have a diameter of at
least 1/24 of the stirrup spacing but not less than 10 mm.

where:
𝐴𝑐𝑝 = area enclosed by outside perimeter of concrete cross section, mm2
𝐴𝑔 = gross area of section, mm 2. For a hollow section, 𝐴𝑔 is the area of concrete only and does not include the area of
the void(s)
𝐴𝑙 = total area of longitudinal reinforcement to resist torsion, mm 2
𝐴𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = minimum area of longitudinal reinforcement to resist torsion, mm 2
𝐴𝑜 = gross area enclosed by shear flow path, mm 2
𝐴𝑜ℎ = area enclosed by centerline of the outermost closed transverse torsional reinforcement, mm2
𝐴𝑡 = area of one leg of closed stirrup resisting torsion within a distance 𝑠, mm2
𝐴𝑣 = area of shear reinforcement within a distance 𝑠, mm2
𝑏𝑤 = web width, or diameter of circular section, mm
𝑑 = distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of longitudinal tension reinforcement, mm
𝑓′𝑐 = specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa
𝑓𝑦 = specified yield strength of reinforcement, MPa
𝑓𝑦𝑡 = specified yield strength of transverse reinforcement, MPa
𝑝𝑐𝑝 = outside perimeter of concrete-cross section
𝑝ℎ = perimeter of centerline of outermost closed transverse torsional reinforcement, mm
𝑁𝑢 = factored axial load normal to cross-section occurring simultaneously with 𝑇𝑢 , to be taken as positive for
compression, negative for tension, in N
𝑠 = center to center spacing of items such as longitudinal reinforcement, transverse reinforcement, prestressing tendons,
wires, or anchors, mm.
𝑇𝑛 = nominal torsional moment strength, N-mm
𝑇𝑢 = factored torsional moment at section, N-mm
𝑡 = thickness of wall of a hollow section, mm.
𝑉𝑐 = nominal shear strength provided by concrete, N
𝜆 = modification factor reflecting the reduced mechanical properties of lightweight concrete, all relative to normal weight
concrete of the same compressive strength
𝜃 = angle of compression diagonals in truss analogy for torsion
𝜙 = strength reduction factor

Steps in design for torsion:

Step 1: Compute sectional properties: 𝐴𝑐𝑝 , 𝑝𝑐𝑝 . Check if torsion reinforcement is needed. (Section 411.7.1)
If 𝑇𝑢 is less than the threshold torsion, torsion is neglected
If 𝑇𝑢 is greater than the threshold torsion, torsion must be considered
Step 2: Compute sectional properties: 𝐴𝑜ℎ , 𝐴𝑜 , 𝑝ℎ .
Step 3: Verify if the concrete section is sufficiently large to support torsion (Section 411.7.3.1). Increase dimensions if
not satisfied then go back to step 1.
Step 4: Determine the transverse torsional reinforcement required by calculating 𝑇𝑛 (Section 411.7.3.5) and 𝐴𝑡 ⁄s
(Section 411.7.3.6).
Step 5: Calculate the area of shear reinforcing required 𝐴𝑣 ⁄s.
Step 6: Calculate the total transverse reinforcing required (combined torsion and shear) for two legs, 𝐴𝑣+𝑡 ⁄s and select
stirrups to be used. Verify if it satisfies minimum requirement (Section 411.7.5.2)
𝑨𝒗+𝒕 𝑨𝒗 𝟐𝑨𝒕
= +
𝒔 𝒔 𝒔
Step 7: Calculate the required longitudinal reinforcement to resist torsion, 𝐴𝑙 . Verify if it satisfies minimum requirement
(Section 411.7.5.3)
Step 8: Design the final sections based on calculations to satisfy requirements in Section 411.7.6.

Example 1: A beam section is to be designed to carry the following factored critical loads:
Positive bending moment, 𝑀𝑢 = (+) 160 kN-m; Negative bending moment, 𝑀𝑢 = (-) 90 kN-m; Shear force, 𝑉𝑢 = 100 kN;
Torsional moment, 𝑇𝑢 = 13 kN-m;
Assume the following beam properties for calculations:
𝑏 = 300 mm, ℎ = 500 mm, d = 435 mm, d’ = 65 mm, clear concrete cover = 40 mm, diameter of main reinforcement =
16 mm, diameter of 2-legged vertical stirrup = 10 mm, diameter of web reinforcement = 12 mm, 𝑓′𝑐 = 28 MPa, 𝑓𝑦 = 414
MPa (main and web), 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 276 MPa (stirrups).
a. Calculate the required area of flexural reinforcement for top and bottom of beam section;
b. Assuming torsion is neglected, calculate the required spacing of stirrups;
c. Considering the effects of torsion, determine if torsional reinforcements is needed and design the entire section
based on the factored critical loads.