Torsional Effect

A building center of mass “CM” is a point where the base shear assumed to act. This base shear
is resisted by the vertical members at the ground level with different rigidity and thus provides a
different lateral resisting force in the opposite direction of the shear. The resultant of all the resultant
rigidity is called center of rigidity “CR”.

Countering Force (Rigidity)

MTorsional
CM
CR ex

V (Shear)

Figure 1
If the building center of mass “CM” does not coincide with its center of rigidity “CR”, the
building will tend to act as if it is “pinned” at its center of rigidity. This distance between “CM” and “CR”
is called eccentricity “e” that causes the torsional moment of the building.

NSCP 2015 requires that an accidental eccentricity of (based on the maximum

building dimension at that level perpendicular to the direction of the seismic load) shall be added to the
actual eccentricity.

Figure 2a Figure 2b

Figure 2a and 2b shows a translation effect of the shear. This shear may occur along North-
South, South North, East-West or West-East direction. This represent that the analysis of lateral forces
should be computed along this direction. After the effect of shear in translation only, additional forces
shall be added due to rotations or torsion.
 Figure 3
Figure 3 shows the effect of torsion to the building when the eccentricity “ex” between CR and
CM have an absolute value greater than zero. The base shear makes the building to rotate counter
clockwise (torsional moment) and the wall rigidity resist this moment.

Example:
Refer to our previous example:
the CR and CM are also computed as:

TORSIONAL EFFECT AT ROOF DECK:

Eccentricity:

Accidental eccentricity: 5% of the longest length along x-axis and y-axis in addition to
eccentricity computed

𝑒𝑎𝑥 0.52m
𝑒𝑎𝑦 0.64m

Design eccentricity
𝑒𝑑𝑥
𝑒𝑑𝑦
The result of the design eccentricity is:
At X-axis, eccentricity will fall 0.78m and -0.26m from CM. The negative sign indicates that center of
mass “CM” transfer to the other side of CR (e.g. from Right to left or from bottom to top) depends on to
the orientation of your drawing. See figure.

From the figure, the red colors are the computed CM base on the gravity loads and its centroid
and CR base on the dimension of column and rigidity. The green colors are the accidental eccentricity
and the blue colors are the possible locations of the roof base shear.
Since we have now two possible locations, we will analyse the effect of shear at every location
per direction. What does it mean?

 We have to analyse the effect of earthquake on roof deck when the design shear is at the left
side of CR with an eccentricity of 0.78m.
 At this point (0.78m) analyse using the direction of shear. That is +Y or upward direction.
 Using the shear with -Y or downward direction.
  After analysis of the first location, we have to analyse the 2nd location (0.26m) using +Y and -Y
direction of shear force.

In other words, each floor there is 8 analyses, four analyses along X axis and four analyses along Y axis.
The aid of computer is very beneficial in this computation.

For our example:

When the shear is at 0.78m left of CR the building will rotate clockwise and will be counteracted by the
frames rigidity at point CR as shown on the figure below.

𝑀𝑇𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑉 𝑒
From the figure:
𝑀𝑇𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑘𝑁 𝑚
also:
𝑹𝒊 𝒅𝒊
𝑭𝒊 𝑴𝑻𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝑹𝒊 𝒅𝒊 𝟐
𝐹𝑖 = to the shear force acting on the frame in
location i
𝑅𝑖 = relative rigidity of the frame in a certain
location (
𝑑𝑖 =perpendicular distance form CR to the frame

For this computation, since we will only considering the roof deck, we will again compute for the relative
rigidity on roof deck only:
Computation of relative rigidity on Roof Deck only
NORTH-SOUTH DIRECTION Total K
Location per
Frame A Frame C Frame E Frame F Floor
3F 5K 5K 5K 3K 18K

EAST-WEST DIRECTION Total K

Location per
Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 6 Frame 7 Frame 8 Floor
3F 3K 3K 3K 4K 3K 16K
TOTAL K
= 34K
 Relative EAST-WEST DIRECTION
Rigidity Frame A Frame C Frame E Frame F
0.147 0.147 0.147 0.088
Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 6 Frame 7 Frame 8
0.088 0.088 0.088 0.118 0.088

For the Forces:

FRAME Relative di, Ri.di Ri.di 2 Fi
Rigidity, distance
Ri from CR
to Frame
Roof Deck M tortional = 499.62 kN.m
A 0.147 -5.07 -0.74559 3.78 -20.35
C 0.147 -1.07 -0.15735 0.17 -4.30
E 0.147 2.93 0.430882 1.26 11.76
F 0.088 5.33 0.470294 2.51 12.84
1 0.088 6.76 0.596471 4.03 16.28
2 0.088 4.96 0.437647 2.17 11.95
6 0.088 -0.04 -0.00353 0.00 -0.10
7 0.118 -4.24 -0.49882 2.12 -13.62
8 0.088 -5.07 -0.44735 2.27 -12.21
1.000 TOTAL 18.30
For the distance di, reference (0,0) is now located at CR. Example for
frame A, located to the left of CR which is consider as negative.

Notice the sign on the result of

forces. Base on the figure, say
frame 1 the effect of torsional
force is downward direction. This
means that the consideration of
sign is very important. We deal
with the sign positive if the forces
are upward and negative for
downward direction.

Now we will combine the force

due to translational effect and
torsional effect. In adding the
forces we will consider again the
sign convention that we used.
Adding the two forces:
FRAME Fi V Design Notice the direct forces of frame perpendicular to the
Direct Shear applied shear, the result are all zero. This result is due
force Forces to the frames that countered the direct shear force.
Only frame A, C, E and F or the frames along North-
Roof Deck South direction are countering the shear in that
A -20.35 -177.93 -198.28 direction also.
C -4.30 -177.93 -182.22
E 11.76 -177.93 -166.17
F 12.84 -106.76 -93.92
1 16.28 0.00 16.28
2 11.95 0.00 11.95
6 -0.10 0.00 -0.10
7 -13.62 0.00 -13.62
8 -12.21 0.00 -12.21

ROOF DECK DESIGN FORCES

FRAME +Y, -Y, +X -X, For your activity:
direction direction direction direction Continue the analysis along -Y, +X and -X
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) direction of forces

Roof Deck
A -198.28
C -182.22
E -166.17
F -93.92
1 16.28
2 11.95
6 -0.10
7 -13.62
8 -12.21
At one point of CM with the direction of shear along +Y, -Y, +X and -X shows that at every point there are
two possible answer since +Y and -Y have the same numerical values but the only difference are the
directions of forces of counteracting frame. Same with +X and -X.

The above solution was for the location number 1 where the shear occurs 0.78m left of CR with upward
direction. Transition force only occurs when the building does not rotate or have zero eccentricity or
have a direct effect of earthquake. While torsional effect occurs if there is an eccentricity between the
CR and CM, weather it is accidental or direct effect.
Since the accidental eccentricity fall along X and Y of CM with 5% of length along this axis the possible
design forces have eight (8) values. But as what the result on the analysis having +Y and -Y have the
same numerical value the solution for the particular torsion effect reduce to four.
See the overall solution below for this particular problem.

At location 1, eccentricity is 0.78m left of CR. Considering V in upward direction (+Y direction)
ROOF DECK DESIGN FORCES (e x1)
Roof Deck Loca ti on w/out Loca ti on w/ a cci denta l eccentri ci ty
a cci denta l eccentri ci ty

Dimensions Along CR CM CMx 1 CMx 2 CMy1 CMy2

X 10.40 m X 5.07 4.81 4.29 5.33
Y 12.80 m Y 6.04 5.75 6.56 5.4
e ea e x1 e x2 e y1 e y2
X -0.26 0.52 -0.78 0.26
V Y -0.29 0.64 -0.93 0.35
Note: Cl ockwi s e Story Shear (V) = 640.54 kN use e = 0.78 m
Rota ti on (-)
M tortional = 499.62 kN.m
FRAME Relative di, Ri.di Ri.di 2 Vi V Design
Rigidity, distance Direct Shear
Ri from CR force Forces
to Frame
A 0.147 -5.07 -0.74559 3.78 -20.35 -177.93 -198.28
C 0.147 -1.07 -0.15735 0.17 -4.30 -177.93 -182.22
E 0.147 2.93 0.430882 1.26 11.76 -177.93 -166.17
F 0.088 5.33 0.470294 2.51 12.84 -106.76 -93.92
1 0.088 6.76 0.596471 4.03 16.28 0.00 16.28
2 0.088 4.96 0.437647 2.17 11.95 0.00 11.95
6 0.088 -0.04 -0.00353 0.00 -0.10 0.00 -0.10
7 0.118 -4.24 -0.49882 2.12 -13.62 0.00 -13.62
8 0.088 -5.07 -0.44735 2.27 -12.21 0.00 -12.21
1.000 TOTAL 18.30
Note: The direction of Vi to check for the sign conventions are frames along Y

NORTH-SOUTH DIRECTION Total K

Location
Frame A Frame C Frame E Frame F per Floor
3F 5K 5K 5K 3K 18K

EAST-WEST DIRECTION Total K

Location
Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 6 Frame 7 Frame 8 per Floor
3F 3K 3K 3K 4K 3K 16K
TOTAL K = 34K

Relative EAST-WEST DIRECTION

Rigidity Frame A Frame C Frame E Frame F
0.147 0.147 0.147 0.088
Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 6 Frame 7 Frame 8
0.088 0.088 0.088 0.118 0.088
When shear V is going downward:
ROOF DECK DESIGN FORCES (e x1)
Roof Deck Loca ti on w/out Loca ti on w/ a cci denta l eccentri ci ty
a cci denta l eccentri ci ty

Dimensions Along CR CM CMx 1 CMx 2 CMy1 CMy2

X 10.40 m X 5.07 4.81 4.29 5.33
Y 12.80 m Y 6.04 5.75 6.56 5.4
e ea e x1 e x2 e y1 e y2
X -0.26 0.52 -0.78 0.26
V Y -0.29 0.64 -0.93 0.35
Note: Cl ockwi s e Story Shear (V) = -640.54 kN use e = 0.78 m
Rota ti on (-)
M tortional = -499.62 kN.m
FRAME Relative di, Ri.di Ri.di 2 Vi V Design
Rigidity, distance Direct Shear
Ri from CR force Forces
to Frame
A 0.147 -5.07 -0.74559 3.78 20.35 177.93 198.28
C 0.147 -1.07 -0.15735 0.17 4.30 177.93 182.22
E 0.147 2.93 0.430882 1.26 -11.76 177.93 166.17
F 0.088 5.33 0.470294 2.51 -12.84 106.76 93.92
1 0.088 6.76 0.596471 4.03 -16.28 0.00 -16.28
2 0.088 4.96 0.437647 2.17 -11.95 0.00 -11.95
6 0.088 -0.04 -0.00353 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.10
7 0.118 -4.24 -0.49882 2.12 13.62 0.00 13.62
8 0.088 -5.07 -0.44735 2.27 12.21 0.00 12.21
1.000 TOTAL 18.30
Note: The direction of Vi to check for the sign conventions are frames along Y

NORTH-SOUTH DIRECTION Total K

Location
Frame A Frame C Frame E Frame F per Floor
3F 5K 5K 5K 3K 18K

EAST-WEST DIRECTION Total K

Location
Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 6 Frame 7 Frame 8 per Floor
3F 3K 3K 3K 4K 3K 16K
TOTAL K = 34K

Relative EAST-WEST DIRECTION

Rigidity Frame A Frame C Frame E Frame F
0.147 0.147 0.147 0.088
Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 6 Frame 7 Frame 8
0.088 0.088 0.088 0.118 0.088
 +V -V The result shows the previous
-198.279 198.2794 explanation when shear force
-182.223 182.2229 direction is along +Y and negative Y.
-166.166 166.1664
-93.9195 93.91947
16.28132 -16.2813
11.94606 -11.9461
-0.09634 0.096339
-13.6159 13.61594
-12.211 12.21099

Location 2
To continue, we need to analyse the second location of CM having the effect of accidental eccentricity.
CM falls 0.26m to the right of CR. Due to shear force V upward (+Y) the roof deck of the building tends to
translate on Y axis back and forth. Also having an eccentricity of 0.26m this allows the roof deck of the
building to turn counter clockwise (Torsion effect).
ROOF DECK DESIGN FORCES (e x2)
Roof Deck Loca tion w/out Loca tion w/ a cci dental eccentri ci ty
a cci dental eccentri ci ty

Dimensions Along CR CM CMx 1 CMx 2 CMy1 CMy2

X 10.40 m X 5.07 4.81 4.29 5.33
Y 12.80 m Y 6.04 5.75 6.56 5.4
e ea e x1 e x2 e y1 e y2
X -0.26 0.52 -0.78 0.26
V Y -0.29 0.64 -0.93 0.35
Note: Cl ockwi s e Story Shear (V) = 640.54 kN use e = 0.26 m
Rotation (-)
M tortional = 166.54 kN.m
FRAME Relative di, Ri.di Ri.di 2 Vi V Design
Rigidity, distance Direct Shear
Ri from CR force Forces
to Frame
A 0.147 -5.07 -0.74559 3.78 6.78 -177.93 -171.14
C 0.147 -1.07 -0.15735 0.17 1.43 -177.93 -176.50
E 0.147 2.93 0.430882 1.26 -3.92 -177.93 -181.85
F 0.088 5.33 0.470294 2.51 -4.28 -106.76 -111.04
1 0.088 6.76 0.596471 4.03 -5.43 0.00 -5.43
2 0.088 4.96 0.437647 2.17 -3.98 0.00 -3.98
6 0.088 -0.04 -0.00353 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.03
7 0.118 -4.24 -0.49882 2.12 4.54 0.00 4.54
8 0.088 -5.07 -0.44735 2.27 4.07 0.00 4.07
1.000 TOTAL 18.30
Note: The direction of Vi to check for the sign conventions are frames along Y
Location 3:
The CM is located 0.93m below CR. Assuming the shear force V is going toward right resulting to
translate the roof deck left and right and to rotate counterclockwise.
Roof Deck Loca tion w/out Loca tion w/ a cci dental eccentri ci ty
a cci dental eccentri ci ty

Dimensions Along CR CM CMx 1 CMx 2 CMy1 CMy2

X 10.40 m X 5.07 4.81 4.29 5.33
Y 12.80 m Y 6.04 5.75 6.56 5.4
e ea e x1 e x2 e y1 e y2
X -0.26 0.52 -0.78 0.26
V Y -0.29 0.64 -0.93 0.35
Note: Cl ockwi s e Story Shear (V) = 640.54 kN use e = 0.93 m
Rotation (-)
M tortional = 595.70 kN.m
FRAME Relative di, Ri.di Ri.di 2 Vi V Design
Rigidity, distance Direct Shear
Ri from CR force Forces
to Frame
A 0.147 -5.07 -0.74559 3.78 -24.27 0.00 -24.27
C 0.147 -1.07 -0.15735 0.17 -5.12 0.00 -5.12
E 0.147 2.93 0.430882 1.26 14.02 0.00 14.02
F 0.088 5.33 0.470294 2.51 15.31 0.00 15.31
1 0.088 6.76 0.596471 4.03 19.41 -270.36 -250.95
2 0.088 4.96 0.437647 2.17 14.24 -270.36 -256.12
6 0.088 -0.04 -0.00353 0.00 -0.11 -270.36 -270.48
7 0.118 -4.24 -0.49882 2.12 -16.23 -360.49 -376.72
8 0.088 -5.07 -0.44735 2.27 -14.56 -270.36 -284.92
1.000 TOTAL 18.30
Note: The direction of Vi to check for the sign conventions are frames along X
Location 4:
Finally the final possible location of CM having an accidental eccentrity is 0.35m above CR. Assuming the
shear force V is going toward right resulting to translate the roof deck left and right and to rotate
clockwise.
Roof Deck Loca tion w/out Loca tion w/ a cci dental eccentri ci ty
a cci dental eccentri ci ty

Dimensions Along CR CM CMx 1 CMx 2 CMy1 CMy2

X 10.40 m X 5.07 4.81 4.29 5.33
Y 12.80 m Y 6.04 5.75 6.56 5.4
e ea e x1 e x2 e y1 e y2
X -0.26 0.52 -0.78 0.26
V Y -0.29 0.64 -0.93 0.35
Note: Cl ockwi s e Story Shear (V) = 640.54 kN use e = 0.35 m
Rotation (-)
M tortional = 224.19 kN.m
FRAME Relative di, Ri.di Ri.di 2
Vi V Design
Rigidity, distance Direct Shear
Ri from CR force Forces
to Frame
A 0.147 -5.07 -0.74559 3.78 -9.13 0.00 -9.13
C 0.147 -1.07 -0.15735 0.17 -1.93 0.00 -1.93
E 0.147 2.93 0.430882 1.26 5.28 0.00 5.28
F 0.088 5.33 0.470294 2.51 5.76 0.00 5.76
1 0.088 6.76 0.596471 4.03 7.31 -270.36 -263.06
2 0.088 4.96 0.437647 2.17 5.36 -270.36 -265.00
6 0.088 -0.04 -0.00353 0.00 -0.04 -270.36 -270.41
7 0.118 -4.24 -0.49882 2.12 -6.11 -360.49 -366.59
8 0.088 -5.07 -0.44735 2.27 -5.48 -270.36 -275.84
1.000 TOTAL 18.30
Note: The direction of Vi to check for the sign conventions are frames along X

In summary:
The shear forces acting on roof deck are:
ROOF DECK DESIGN FORCES
FRAME e x1 e x2 e x3 e x4 Use Vi
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN)
A 198.28 171.14 24.27 9.13 198.28
C 182.22 176.50 5.12 1.93 182.22
E 166.17 181.85 14.02 5.28 181.85
F 93.92 111.04 15.31 5.76 111.04
1 16.28 5.43 250.95 263.06 263.06
2 11.95 3.98 256.12 265.00 265.00
6 0.10 0.03 270.48 270.41 270.48
7 13.62 4.54 376.72 366.59 376.72
8 12.21 4.07 284.92 275.84 284.92
The same procedure will be followed in analysing the 3rd and 2nd floor.

Activity:
Continue analysis for 3rd and 2nd floor.

The final result of our activity is tabulated below.

ROOF DECK DESIGN SHEAR FORCES (V), kN
FRAME 2nd Floor 3rd Floor Roof
Deck
A 223.74 223.74 198.28
C 187.60 187.60 182.22
E 178.61 178.61 181.85
F 107.50 107.50 111.04
1 249.69 249.69 263.06
2 255.19 255.19 265.00
6 270.60 270.60 270.48
7 393.49 393.49 376.72
8 299.97 299.97 284.92

Example of frame to be analyse are drawn.

Each frame should be analysed individually base on the computed loadings.
After analysis using what you learned in your theory of structure, the moment and reactions that you
get from your analysis will be used in your load combinations.

Here is the result of frame 1:

DEAD LOAD:

LOADINGS (DL) SHEAR DIAGRAM (DL)

MOMENT DIAGRAM (DL)

DEFLECTION (DL)
LIVE LOAD RESULT:

LOADINGS (LL)

SHEAR DIAGRAM (LL)

MOMENT DIAGRAM (LL)

DEFLECTION (LL)
EARTHQUAKE LOAD (+X):

DEFLECTION (EL) +X

SHEAR DIAGRAM (EL) +X

MOMENT DIAGRAM (EL) +X

DEFLECTION (EL) +X
EARTHQUAKE LOAD (-X):

LOADINGS (EL) -X

SHEAR DIAGRAM (EL) -X

MOMENT DIAGRAM (EL) -X

MOMENT DIAGRAM (EL) -X

The result from manual (e.g. double integration, moment area method, moment distribution, etc.)
calculation or from any computer application can be used for gravity loads (LL and DL). Earthquake load
will be analyse in +X direction and -X direction or +Z and -Z, depends on where the frame are located.
The maximum quantity of the result from earthquake loads using +X and -X or +Z and -Z will be used for
design. In our computation, the example presented for earthquake load is going to the right or +X only
(for computation purpose only). You can use portal method for EL.

Based on the result from the methods used in solving the shear and moment, you can now proceed to
the combination of the loads based on NSCP 2015 section 203.3.

Example: Now we will combine the computed moments from DL, LL and EL on roof beams. Along frame
1 at beam RB2a:

RB2a RB2a

24.90KN
21.19KN

-13.26KN -9.55KN
-22.25KN
-25.96KN
18.94KN.m
11.54KN.m 11.39KN.m

-10.58 KN.m -12.46KN.m

DEAD LOADS
 RB2a RB2a

3.62KN
2.99KN

-2.31KN -1.69KN
-3.78KN -3.16KN

2.88KN.m
1.62 KN.m 1.63KN.m

-1.74 KN.m -2.01KN.m

LIVE LOADS

-61.40KN -61.30KN 61.30KN -61.40KN

109.59KN.m -135.73KN.m 135.73.m 109.59KN.m

-136.01KN.m -109.47KN.m -136.01N.m

-109.47KN.m
EARTHQUAKE LOAD (+X) EARTHQUAKE LOAD (-X)
 Member Max. Shear (kN) Member Max. Moment (kN.m)
/ /
Shear Right Midspan Left Moment Right Midspan Left
Support Support Support Support

RB2a RB2a
DL 21.19 13.26 25.96 DL 11.54 10.58 18.94
LL 2.99 2.31 3.78 LL 1.62 1.74 2.01

EL (+X) 61.4 61.4 61.4 EL (+X) 136.01 0 109.59

EL (-X) 61.3 61.3 61.3 EL (-X) 135.73 0 109.47
use EL 61.4 61.4 61.4 use EL 136.01 0 109.59
Vu 91.612 81.008 98.6 1.2DL+1.6LL+EL Mu 152.45 15.48 135.534

Since the frame is symetrical, the result of earthquake load about +X and -X has a small descripancy. But
the highest values govern when seismic occur. Therefore the load to be used for your design are the
value that are geater. Same procedure will be used for columes and footings.

After the analysis of loading is done, we will check the pounding effect of the building. So that we can
check if your design will not collide to the nearest adjascent building. This analysis will be the drift of the
beuilding or the deflection of the frame. If it does not reach the minimum deflection or the design will
eventually hit the adjascent structure, you need to adjust your column property.