Chapter 1 - Torsion

Chapter 1 :

Torsion
(Ref.2 ch.7)

Refer To ACI 318-11 sec 11.5

1
Subjects:

1.1 – Introduction & Theory

Chapter 1 - Torsion
1.2 – Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete - Members Subjected To Torsion

1.3 – Design Method s For Torsion

1.4 – Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method

1.5 – Design for Torsion and Shear—ACI code

1.6 – Application of ACI code design method for Torsion

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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

 Twisting Moment, Torque or Torsion Moment; T.

Chapter 1 - Torsion
 Torsion results from:
Eccentric loading of beams
Deformations resulting from the continuity

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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

 Stress Distribution due to Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
 Soap-film analogy (slope value ~ Stress due to torsion)

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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

 NB: For a hollow member with continuous walls, the membrane

Chapter 1 - Torsion
covers the entire section shape and is similar circular or rectangular
shape, except that the region inside the hollow part is represented by
an elevated plane having the shape of the hole.

 The torsional moment is proportional to the volume under the

membrane
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 the volume under a solid section or full hollow section is much
greater than that under an open figure.
1.1 Introduction & Theory:

 Formulation:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
 As per Mechanics of Materials:

 As Elastic Behavior:

series of thin rectangles:

 As Plastic Behavior: (shearing stress will be the same at all points) So

Pyramid Shape instead Parabolic (cte slope)
For a solid rectangular cross section 
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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

 Hollow Members:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Example 7.1: Compute the shear stresses τ, at the top and bottom of the

Chapter 1 - Torsion
side walls and in the lower flange that are due to an applied torque of
1650 kip-ft, for the bridge cross section shown hereunder.

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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Example 7.1: Solution

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Example 7.1: Solution (cont’d)

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Principal Stresses Due to Torsion: Long. Bars and Closed Stirrups

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Principal Stresses due to Torsion and Shear:

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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Circulatory Torsion and Warping Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Two families to resist the torsion:
1. Circulatory torsion or St. Venant Torsion:
SOLID CROSS SECTION (square, rectangular, circular, or polygonal)
Or CLOSED SECTION - q=τt
Resisted by Torsional Stresses τ (acting in continuous manner)
&
2. Warping Torsion: for the sections producing non uniformity of
stress (Strain) at the section’s edges (i.e. I shape and section formed by
many wall connected for I and U shapes))
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NB: Always and most sections have the both families of torsion
1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Case & Sample 1:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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1.1 Introduction & Theory:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
The balance of this chapter will
consider only circulatory torsion.
Analyses of structures subjected
to warping torsion are presented
in advanced strength of
materials or on bridge design

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1.2 Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete - Members Subjected To Torsion:

- Torsion – Stresses

Chapter 1 - Torsion
- Longitudinal Bars at Corner with and without closed stirrups
- Behavior of the beam subjected to torsion

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1.2 Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete - Members Subjected To Torsion:

- Comparison between solid and hollow section

Chapter 1 - Torsion
- After the cracking of a reinforced beam, failure may occur in several ways. The
stirrups, or longitudinal reinforcement, or both, may yield, or, for beams that are
over-reinforced in torsion, the concrete between the inclined cracks may be crushed 16
by the principal compression stresses prior to yield of the steel. The most ductile
behavior results when both reinforcements yield prior to crushing of the concrete.
1.2 Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete - Members Subjected To Torsion:

- Combined Torsion, Moment, and Shear

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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1.3 Design Method s For Torsion:

Two very different theories are used to explain the strength of

Chapter 1 - Torsion
reinforced concrete members:
- skew bending theory: This theory assumes that some shear and
torsion is resisted by the concrete, the rest by shear and torsion
reinforcement (Provisions of 71 and ACI 318-98)

- Thin-walled tube/plastic space truss model: similar to the plastic-

truss analogy presented in shear Design (Provisions or European
design recommendations and ACI since 1995)

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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Both solid and hollow members are considered as tubes.

Chapter 1 - Torsion
• Once torsional cracking has occurred, the concrete in the center of
the member has little effect on the torsional strength of the cross
section and hence can be ignored  equivalent tubular member.
After cracking, the tube is

Solid Section
idealized as:
A hollow truss consisting of
closed stirrups,
longitudinal bars in the
corners, & compression
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diagonals approximately
centered on the stirrups
1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• The walls of an equivalent tube for a concrete member are being

Chapter 1 - Torsion
on the order of one-sixth to one-quarter of the smaller side of a
rectangular member.
• Lower Limit on consideration of Torsion: Reinf’t not needed if
torsional cracks do not occur

Solid Section
• Tensile stress σ1 due to torsion is:
• ACI318-11 – 11.5.1:
3 ACP
t= ( PRIOR − TO − ANY − CRACK )
4 PCP Case with Flange
ACI318-11 Sect 13.2.4
2 ACP
AO =
3
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Pcp: is the perimeter of the concrete section
Acp: is the area enclosed by Pcp
A0: (centerline of the thin wall), is the area, including the area of the hole in the center of the tube
1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Torsional cracking is assumed to occur when: σ1 >

Chapter 1 - Torsion
(Biaxial tension-compression / while uniaxial is for )
So Torque at Cracking:

Solid Section
• Combined Shear and Torsion:

• If T=0.25Tcr  

• Threshold Torsion below which torsion can be ignored in a solid

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cross section: SI:
1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• According to ACI318-11 sec. 11.5.1Threshold Torsion below which

Chapter 1 - Torsion
torsion can be ignored in a Thin-walled section:

Ag: the area of the concrete in the cross section, not including the area of the voids.

Torsion Alone
• Area of Stirrups for Torsion:
− Closed Stirrups, Long. Bars, Inclined cracks, θ angle, etc…

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Summing moments about

one corner of the truss
1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Area of Stirrups for Torsion: cont’d

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Torsion Alone
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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Area of Stirrups for Torsion: cont’d

Chapter 1 - Torsion
The area enclosed by the shear flow, Ao, is not known because the thickness of the
equivalent concrete tube for the cracked member, which carries the shear flow and the
compression diagonals, is not known. To avoid the need to determine the thickness of
this equivalent tube, ACI Code Section [Link] allows the area A0 to be taken as

Torsion Alone
0.85Aoh where Aoh is the area enclosed by the outermost closed stirrups.

• Area of Longitudinal Reinforcement:

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Al: Longitudinal reinforcement with a total area

1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Area of Longitudinal Reinforcement: cont’d

Chapter 1 - Torsion
ph: = 2(x0+y0) approximately equal to the perimeter of the
closed stirrup

Torsion Alone
• ACI eq 11-22 

One bar must be placed in

each corner of the stirrups
to anchor the compression
struts where the
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compressive forces change
direction around the corner.
1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Discussion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Torsion & Shear
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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Maximum Shear and Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Crack Width Limitation
The shear Stress:
Section A0 after torsional Cracking:

Torsion & Shear

Shear Stress due to torsion:

For Hollow Section

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For Solid Section
1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Maximum Shear and Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Crack Width Limitation
For Hollow Section

Torsion & Shear

For Solid Section

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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Maximum Shear and Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Web Crushing Limit
The resulting compressive stress due to torsion is

Torsion & Shear

The diagonal compressive stresses due to shear

Combined (shear & Torsion)

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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Combined Moment and Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
o Torsion  Tension forces at corners: N/2 in the Top and N/2 in
the bottom
o Bending Moment  T & C

Torsion & Shear

o In the flexural compression zone, the force C tends to cancel out
some, or all, of N/2. ACI Code Section [Link] allows the area
of the longitudinal torsion reinforcement in the compression
zone to be reduced by an amount equal to where is the moment
that acts in conjunction with the torsion at the section being
designed

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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Torsional Stiffness: (Torsional Rigidity)

Chapter 1 - Torsion
 The torsional stiffness, Kt, of a member of length “l” is defined
as the torsional moment, T, required to cause a unit twist in the
length “l” that is, or

Torsion & Shear

 Or, External work ~ internal works (Virtual work)

If t=cte
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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Equilibrium and Compatibility Torsion: (Very Important)

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Torsional loadings can be separated into two basic categories: equilibrium torsion,
where the torsional moment is required for the equilibrium of the structure, and
compatibility torsion, where the torsional moment results from the compatibility of
deformations between members meeting at a joint.

Torsion & Shear

Discussion

SI,

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1.4 Thin-walled Tube/Plastic Space Truss Design Method:

• Calculate of Torsional Moments:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
1. Equilibrium Torsion Statically Determinate: simple calculation
for the value of Tu.
2. Equilibrium Torsion Statically Indeterminate: As defined the

Torsion & Shear

equity of the torque angle.
In most cases, it is sufficiently
accurate to design stirrups in
this class of beams for T=tl/2 at
each end by using the torque
diagram

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1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
The design procedure for combined torsion, shear, and moment
involves designing for the moment while ignoring the torsion and
shear, and then providing stirrups and longitudinal reinforcement to
give adequate shear and torsional strength.

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1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Selection of Cross Section for Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Torsion Moment resisted by: Shear Stresses for un-cracked section
Shear Flow V1, V2 for Cracked Sect.
• Greatest efficiency: Shear flow and stresses located as far from the
axis  rect sect more efficiency than U shape section.
• For equal Volume  closed section is more efficiency than solid
section.
• Recommendations:
1. Distance from centerline stirrups to inside face of thin-wall t >

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2. Otherwise, is replaced by
3. Fillets for inside corners ??????
1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Location of Critical Section for Torsion: similar to shear, at d with

Chapter 1 - Torsion
the conditions …….

• Definition of Aoh: ACI 318-11 Sect. [Link]

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1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Torsional Reinforcement:
Single leg to be computed

Chapter 1 - Torsion
Just outer to be computed

According to ACI318-11 Sect. [Link], these are added to the

longitudinal bars and stirrups provided for flexure and shear.
• NB: Verification of Limits:
- Crack width
- Web under compression – Crashing of concrete
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- Thresholds !!!!!!
1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Types of Torsional Reinforcement and Its Anchorage:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
A problem at section corner “Spalls off”

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1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Minimum Torsional Reinforcement:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
1. the factored torsional moment exceeds the threshold torsion:

2. ACI 318-11 Sect [Link]  Minimum area closed stirrups:

3. For Almin: (pure torsion)

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4. Combined with shear ??????
At one leg
1.5 Design for Torsion & Shear – ACI Code:

• Spacing of Torsional Reinforcement:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
- ACI 318-11 Sect. [Link]  ph/8 or 12 in
ph is the perimeter of the outermost closed stirrups
- ACI 318-11 Sect. 11.56.2  Al should be sym. With 12in long bars
spacing
- Diam long bar > 1/24 stirrups spacing (1/31 outward et failure) &
0.375 in
- Long. bars at corners
- bt+d continue a distance start at:
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1.6 Application of ACI code design method for torsion:

• Steps of design method:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
1. Calculation of Mu.
2. Determine the b, h and d of the section.
3. Mu, Vu and Tu values based on the final dimensions and then
calculate the As (flexure reinforcement)
4. Verify if the Tu must be considered according to
5. Verify if it is equilibrium or compatibility Torsion
If Compatibility  Tu to be reduced to
at d from face of support and Moment and shear to be adjusted
6. Check if the section is large enough: ACI [Link] to [Link]
Hollow section Solid section 41
1.6 Application of ACI code design method for torsion:

• Steps of design method:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
7. Compute the required stirrups for shear Vu
8. Compute the stirrups for Torsion Tu
9. Add together the calculated stirrups with the spacing according
to ACI sect. [Link], [Link] & [Link] (closed stirrups)
10. Long. Rebars to be calculated, added to flexural reinforcement,
verify the minimum and compile with ACI [Link] & [Link]
& [Link]

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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

1. Dimension estimation (ACI 9.5a – gives too small dimensions) by

Chapter 1 - Torsion
trial, we pose: b=14 in h=24 in  d=21.5 in
 Dead Load

Bending moment: Mu=228 kip-ft

2. Select the As for flexure.

From Table A-3 and by interpolation:

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selecting the bars will be after torsion verifications.

Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

3. Mu, Vu and Tu to be computed from the diagrams. Noting that Vu

Chapter 1 - Torsion
and Tu to be taking at d.
4. Verifying if Torsion should be considered: ACI 11.5.1

Since Tu=28.0 [Link] , so torsion must be considered.

5. Equilibrium or Compatibility torsion ???? Equilibrium
6. Verification if section is enough: according to ACI [Link](a)
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

6. Verification if section is enough: according to ACI [Link](a)

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

7. Compute the stirrups for Shear (refer to chapter 6)

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

8. Compute the stirrup area required for torsion.

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

9. Add the stirrup areas and select stirrups.

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

10. Longitudinal Reinforcement for Torsion:

Chapter 1 - Torsion
52
Example 7.2: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Solution

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Example 7.3: Design for Torsion, Shear, and Moment - Equilibrium Torsion - Hollow Sect.
Redesign the cantilever beam from Example 7-2, using a
hollow cross section. This is a hypothetical example to show the

Chapter 1 - Torsion
differences between the design for a solid section and that for a hollow
section. For a beam of this size, the additional costs of forming the
void, holding the void forms in place when the concrete is placed, and
removing them when the concrete has hardened would more than offset
any material savings due to the void.

Solution Notes:
1. As to be calculated with flanged section method
2. Shear stirrups design to consider the hollow section
3. Threshold for Tu to be considered with hollow section

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Example 7.4: Design for Compatibility Torsion

Chapter 1 - Torsion
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Cheating Sheet – Chapter 1 – Torsion (ch.7 Ref 2)

Chapter 1 - Torsion
3 ACP
t= ( PRIOR − TO − ANY − CRACK )
4 PCP
2 ACP
AO =
3

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