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STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF BUILDINGS

Updated: Apr 1

TIP - WHY DO WE DO MOMENT RE-DISTRIBUTION

What is redistribution of moments in a beam?

To understand what is moment redistribution, see the figure below.

Consider support A - Say after analysis, we got a moment of 100 and a steel of 2-T12+ 2-T20 is
needed at support A. If we dont provide required steel, the beam will start to fail.However the
moment crack forms,the stiffness or fixity reduces and the beam deflection increases.

This means the span moment will increase. If the steel at span is increased to take care of this
new moment, the beam will not fail.

This is what is redistribution - An alternate load path!

Why do we have to redistribute in first place?

Consider that in a small house project,you have 20 numbers of beams and all of it except one
needs only a max rebar dia of 16. Only one beam has a requirement of 20dia bar.

To avoid this , we can redistribute the moment from support to span thereby economise and
avoid using a larger dia bar in support.

If you see the above figure, the useage of 20 dia bar can be avoided by redistribution in this
particular case.

Note : If the moment in span was much higher before redistribution, then it may not be sensible
to redistribute as the span will need 20dia bars anyways.

How much redistribution is possible?

The code IS-456-2000 allows moment redistribution of up to 30% in a beam.

Redistribution of moments may be done in accordance with 37.1.1 as per clause 22.7 of IS-456

If you read the clause , there are many conditions that needs to be satisfied if you are
redistributing the moment. The main point is only 30% moment is allowed to be redistributed.

Note : Redistribution is not desirable in seismic zones and hence avoid for seismic combinations
Why is it restricted to 30% ?

Say we do 100% redistribution, that means we are making it like a simply supported beam.This
means there should be no restraint.If we do that, then the frame will crack so badly that it
becomes free at the joint like a simply supported beam. This will create durability,aesthetics and
all kind of issues.

Though we say 30% redistribution,in reality redistribution may NOT even occur since the actual
moment is less by around 50% (Considering a Factor of safety 1.5). So if the BM is 100 ,actual is
only 50. Code is not letting you even reach there as 30% is only allowed. 70 is more than the
unfactored moment 50. We also have a high Live load always considered if we follow the Live
load code IS-875-Part 2

So in reality redistribution may not even occur unless the beam is over loaded.

Infact redistribution ability exists in all beams and all structural members even if you dont
consider this in design and that is why many times a non engineered building also stands if the
detailing is all proper!

A one way slab even if have slight deficiency of steel in short direction,may not have an issue as
there is minimum steel provided in longer direction too. The slab will be able toredistribute load.

Redistribution purposely or by chance is a significant point to understand if you are a civil

engineer aspiring to be a structural engineer.

Conclusion

How to do moment releases in ETABS and staad, how to learn etabs appreciating all these basics
will be a separate discussion in another blog.However be sure that taking a training in etabs is
not adequate unless you understand these points.

Before taking up online training in structural design and detailing ,ensure the content is rich and
the structural design training covers structural scheme development,seismic analysis,basic
principles of earth quake design,ductile detailing,stiffness modification, structural detailing and
so on.