Concrete Frame

Design Manual
CSA A23.3-14
For

ISO ETA080522M30 Rev. 1

Proudly developed in the United States of America July 2023
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 Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Organization 1-2

1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3

Chapter 2 Design Prerequisites

2.1 Design Load Combinations 2-1

2.2 Design and Check Stations 2-3

2.3 Identifying Beams and Columns 2-3

2.4 Design of Beams 2-3

2.5 Design of Columns 2-4

2.6 Design of Joints 2-5

2.7 P-Delta Effects 2-6

i
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-04

2.8 Element Unsupported Length 2-6

2.9 Choice of Input Units 2-7

Chapter 3 Design Process

3.1 Notation 3-1

3.2 Design Load Combinations 3-4

3.3 Limits on Material Strength 3-5

3.4 Strength Resistance Factors 3-6

3.5 Column Design 3-7

3.5.1 Generation of Biaxial Interaction Surface 3-8
3.5.2 Calculate Column Capacity Ratio 3-11
3.5.3 Required Reinforcing Area 3-17
3.5.4 Design Column Shear Reinforcement 3-17

3.6 Beam Design 3-26

3.6.1 Design Beam Flexural Reinforcement 3-27
3.6.2 Design Beam Shear Reinforcement 3-37
3.6.3 Design Beam Torsion Reinforcement 3-45

3.7 Joint Design 3-45

3.7.1 Determine the Panel Zone Shear Force 3-49
3.7.2 Determine the Effective Area of Joint 3-50
3.7.3 Check Panel Zone Shear Stress 3-53
3.7.4 Beam-Column Flexural Capacity Ratios 3-53

Appendix A Second Order P-Delta Effects

Appendix B Member Unsupported Lengths and Computation

of K-Factors

References

ii
 Chapter 1
Introduction

The design of concrete frames is seamlessly integrated within the program.

Initiation of the design process, along with control of various design parameters,
is accomplished using the Design menu.

Automated design at the object level is available for any one of a number of
user-selected design codes, as long as the structures have first been modeled and
analyzed by the program. Model and analysis data, such as material properties
and member forces, are recovered directly from the model database, and no
additional user input is required if the design defaults are acceptable.

The design is based on a set of user-specified loading combinations. However,

the program provides default load combinations for each design code supported
in the program. If the default load combinations are acceptable, no definition of
additional load combinations is required.

In the design of columns, the program calculates the required longitudinal and
shear reinforcement. However, the user may specify the longitudinal steel, in
which case a column capacity ratio is reported. The column capacity ratio gives
an indication of the stress condition with respect to the capacity of the column.

The biaxial column capacity check is based on the generation of consistent

three-dimensional interaction surfaces. It does not use any empirical formula-
tions that extrapolate uniaxial interaction curves to approximate biaxial action.

1-1
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Interaction surfaces are generated for user-specified column reinforcing con-

figurations. The column configurations may be rectangular, square or circular,
with similar reinforcing patterns. The calculation of moment magnification
factors, unsupported lengths and strength reduction factors is automated in the
algorithm.

Every beam member is designed for flexure and shear at output stations along
the beam span.

All beam-column joints are investigated for existing shear conditions.

For Ductile and Moderately Ductile moment resisting frames, the shear design
of the columns, beams and joints is based on the probable moment capacities of
the members. Also, the program will produce ratios of the beam moment
capacities with respect to the column moment capacities, to investigate weak
beam/strong column aspects, including the effects of axial force.

Output data can be presented graphically on the model, in tables for both input
and output data, or on the calculation sheet prepared for each member. For each
presentation method, the output is in a format that allows the engineer to quickly
study the stress conditions that exist in the structure and, in the event the member
reinforcing is not adequate, aids the engineer in taking appropriate remedial
measures, including altering the design member without rerunning the entire
analysis.

1.1 Organization
This manual is designed to help you quickly become productive with the
concrete frame design options of CSA A23.3-14. Chapter 2 provides detailed
descriptions of the Deign Prerequisites used for CSA A23.3-14. Chapter 3
provides detailed descriptions of the code-specific process used for CSA
A23.3-14. The appendices provide details on certain topics referenced in this
manual.

1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice

It is strongly recommended that you read this manual and review any applicable
“Watch & Learn” Series™ tutorials, which are found on our web site,

1-2 Organization
 Chapter 1 - Introduction

[Link] before attempting to design a concrete frame. Ad-

ditional information can be found in the on-line Help facility available from
within the program’s main menu.

Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3

 Chapter 2
Design Prerequisites

This chapter provides an overview of the basic assumptions, design precondi-

tions, and some of the design parameters that affect the design of concrete
frames.

In writing this manual it has been assumed that the user has an engineering
background in the general area of structural reinforced concrete design and
familiarity with CSA A23.3-14 codes.

2.1 Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are used for determining the various combina-
tions of the load cases for which the structure needs to be designed/checked. The
load combination factors to be used vary with the selected design code. The load
combination factors are applied to the forces and moments obtained from the
associated load cases and are then summed to obtain the factored design forces
and moments for the load combination.

For multi-valued load combinations involving response spectrum, time history,

moving loads and multi-valued combinations (of type enveloping, square-root
of the sum of the squares or absolute) where any correspondence between in-
teracting quantities is lost, the program automatically produces multiple sub
combinations using maxima/minima permutations of interacting quantities.

2-1
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Separate combinations with negative factors for response spectrum cases are not
required because the program automatically takes the minima to be the negative
of the maxima for response spectrum cases and the above described permuta-
tions generate the required sub combinations.

When a design combination involves only a single multi-valued case of time

history or moving load, further options are available. The program has an option
to request that time history combinations produce sub combinations for each
time step of the time history. Also an option is available to request that moving
load combinations produce sub combinations using maxima and minima of each
design quantity but with corresponding values of interacting quantities.

For normal loading conditions involving static dead load, live load, wind load,
and earthquake load, or dynamic response spectrum earthquake load, the pro-
gram has built-in default loading combinations for each design code. These are
based on the code recommendations and are documented for each code in the
corresponding manuals.

For other loading conditions involving moving load, time history, pattern live
loads, separate consideration of roof live load, snow load, and so on, the user
must define design loading combinations either in lieu of or in addition to the
default design loading combinations.

The default load combinations assume all load cases declared as dead load to be
additive. Similarly, all cases declared as live load are assumed additive. How-
ever, each load case declared as wind or earthquake, or response spectrum cases,
is assumed to be non additive with each other and produces multiple lateral load
combinations. Also wind and static earthquake cases produce separate loading
combinations with the sense (positive or negative) reversed. If these conditions
are not correct, the user must provide the appropriate design combinations.

The default load combinations are included in design if the user requests them to
be included or if no other user-defined combination is available for concrete
design. If any default combination is included in design, all default combinations
will automatically be updated by the program any time the design code is
changed or if static or response spectrum load cases are modified.

Live load reduction factors can be applied to the member forces of the live load
case on an element-by-element basis to reduce the contribution of the live load to
the factored loading.

2-2 Design Load Combinations

Chapter 2 - Design Prerequisites

The user is cautioned that if moving load or time history results are not requested
to be recovered in the analysis for some or all of the frame members, the effects
of those loads will be assumed to be zero in any combination that includes them.

2.2 Design and Check Stations

For each load combination, each element is designed or checked at a number of
locations along the length of the element. The locations are based on equally
spaced segments along the clear length of the element. The number of segments
in an element is requested by the user before the analysis is made. The user can
refine the design along the length of an element by requesting more segments.

When using the CSA A23.3-14 design code, requirements for joint design at the
beam to column connections are evaluated at the top most station of each col-
umn. The program also performs a joint shear analysis at the same station to
determine if special considerations are required in any of the joint panel zones.
The ratio of the beam flexural capacities with respect to the column flexural
capacities considering axial force effect associated with the weak-beam/strong-
column aspect of any beam/column intersection are reported.

2.3 Identifying Beams and Columns

In the program, all beams and columns are represented as frame elements. But
design of beams and columns requires separate treatment. Identification for a
concrete element is accomplished by specifying the frame section assigned to
the element to be of type beam or column. If any brace element exists in the
frame, the brace element also would be identified as a beam or a column
element, depending on the section assigned to the brace element.

2.4 Design of Beams

In the design of concrete beams, in general, the program calculates and reports
the required areas of steel for flexure and shear based on the beam moments,
shears, load combination factors, and other criteria, which are described in detail
in the code-specific chapters. The reinforcement requirements are calculated at a
user-defined number of stations along the beam span.

Design and Check Stations 2-3

Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

All the beams are only designed for major direction flexure and shear. Effects
due to any axial forces, torsion and minor direction bending that may exist in the
beams must be investigated independently by the user.

In designing the flexural reinforcement for the major moment at a particular

section of a particular beam, the steps involve the determination of the maximum
factored moments and the determination of the reinforcing steel. The beam
section is designed for the maximum positive and maximum negative factored
moment envelopes obtained from all of the load combinations. Negative beam
moments produce top steel. In such cases, the beam is always designed as a
Rectangular section. Positive beam moments produce bottom steel. In such
cases, the beam may be designed as a Rectangular beam or a T beam. For the
design of flexural reinforcement, the beam is first designed as a singly reinforced
beam. If the beam section is not adequate, the required compression reinforce-
ment is calculated.

In designing the shear and torsion reinforcement for a particular beam for a
particular set of loading combinations at a particular station due to the beam
major shear, the steps involve the determination of: the factored shear force, the
factored torsion, the shear force that can be resisted by concrete, and the rein-
forcement steel required to carry the balance.

Special considerations for seismic design are incorporated into the program for
CSA A23.3-14.

2.5 Design of Columns

In the design of the columns, the program calculates the required longitudinal
steel, or if the longitudinal steel is specified, the column stress condition is
reported in terms of a column capacity ratio, which is a factor that gives an
indication of the stress condition of the column with respect to the capacity of
the column. The design procedure for the reinforced concrete columns of the
structure involves the following steps:

 Generate axial force-biaxial moment interaction surfaces for all of the

different concrete section types of the model.

 Check the capacity of each column for the factored axial force and bending
moments obtained from each loading combination at each end of the

2-4 Design of Columns

Chapter 2 - Design Prerequisites

column. This step is also used to calculate the required reinforcement (if
none was specified) that will produce a capacity ratio of 1.0.
The generation of the interaction surface is based on the assumed strain and
stress distributions and some other simplifying assumptions. These stress and
strain distributions and the assumptions are documented in Chapter 3.

The shear reinforcement design procedure for columns is very similar to that for
beams, except that the effect of the axial force on the concrete shear capacity
must be considered.

For certain special seismic cases, the design of columns for shear is based on the
capacity shear. The capacity shear force in a particular direction is calculated
from the moment capacities of the column associated with the factored axial
force acting on the column. For each load combination, the factored axial load is
calculated, using the load cases and the corresponding load combination factors.
Then, the moment capacity of the column in a particular direction under the
influence of the axial force is calculated, using the uniaxial interaction diagram
in the corresponding direction, as documented in Chapter 3.

2.6 Design of Joints

To ensure that the beam-column joint of special moment resisting frames pos-
sesses adequate shear strength, the program performs a rational analysis of the
beam-column panel zone to determine the shear forces that are generated in the
joint. The program then checks this against design shear strength.

Only joints having a column below the joint are designed. The material proper-
ties of the joint are assumed to be the same as those of the column below the
joint. The joint analysis is done in the major and the minor directions of the
column. The joint design procedure involves the following steps:

 Determine the panel zone design shear force,

 Determine the effective area of the joint, and

 Check panel zone shear stress.

The joint design details are documented in Chapter 3.

Design of Joints 2-5

Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

2.7 P-Delta Effects

The program design process requires that the analysis results include P-delta
effects. The P-delta effects are considered differently for “braced” or
“non-sway” and “unbraced” or “sway” components of moments in columns or
frames. For the braced moments in columns, the effect of P-delta is limited to
“individual member stability.” For unbraced components, “lateral drift effects”
should be considered in addition to individual member stability effect. The
program assumes that “braced” or “nonsway” moments are contributed from the
“dead” or “live” loads. Whereas, “unbraced” or “sway” moments are contrib-
uted from all other types of loads.

For the individual member stability effects, the moments are magnified with
moment magnification factors, as documented in Chapter 3 of this manual.

For lateral drift effects, the program assumes that the P-delta analysis is
performed and that the amplification is already included in the results. The
moments and forces obtained from P-delta analysis are further amplified for
individual column stability effect if required by the governing code, as in the
CSA A23.3-14 codes.

Users should be aware that the default analysis option in the program is that
P-delta effects are not included. The user can include P-delta analysis and set the
maximum number of iterations for the analysis. The default number of iteration
for P-delta analysis is 1. Further details on P-delta analysis are provided in
Appendix A of this design manual.

2.8 Element Unsupported Lengths

To account for column slenderness effects, the column unsupported lengths are
required. The two unsupported lengths are l33 and l22. These are the lengths
between support points of the element in the corresponding directions. The
length l33 corresponds to instability about the 3-3 axis (major axis), and l22 cor-
responds to instability about the 2-2 axis (minor axis).

Normally, the unsupported element length is equal to the length of the element,
i.e., the distance between END-I and END-J of the element. The program,
however, allows users to assign several elements to be treated as a single

2-6 P-Delta Effects

Chapter 2 - Design Prerequisites

member for design. This can be done differently for major and minor bending as
documented in Appendix B of this design manual.

The user has options to specify the unsupported lengths of the elements on an
element-by-element basis.

2.9 Choice of Input Units

English as well as SI and MKS metric units can be used for input. But the codes
are based on a specific system of units. All equations and descriptions presented
in the subsequent chapters correspond to that specific system of units unless
otherwise noted. For example, the CSA A23.3-14 code is published in Milli-
meter-Newton-Second units. By default, all equations and descriptions pre-
sented in the chapter “Design for CSA A23.3-14” correspond to Millimeter-
Newton-Second units. However, any system of units can be used to define and
design the structure in the program.

Choice of Input Units 2-7

 Chapter 3
Design Process

This chapter provides a detailed description of the code-specific algorithms the

program uses to design concrete frames when the Canadian code CSAA23.3-14
(CSA 2014) is selected. For simplicity, all equations and descriptions presented
in this chapter correspond to Newton-Millimeter-Second units unless otherwise
noted.

The program provides options to design or check Conventional, Moderately

Ductile (moderate seismic risk areas), and Ductile (high seismic risk areas) Mo-
ment Resisting frames as required for seismic design. The details of the design
criteria used for the different framing systems are described in this chapter.

3.1 Notation
The various notations used in this chapter are described herein:

Ac Area enclosed by outside perimeter of concrete cross-section, in-

cluding area of holes (if any), sq-mm
Acv Area of concrete used to determine shear stress, sq-mm
Acore Area of concrete core, sq-mm
Ag Gross area of concrete, sq-mm

3-1
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Ao Area enclosed by shear flow path, including area of holes (if any),
sq-mm
Aoh Area enclosed by centerline of exterior closed transverse torsion
reinforcement, including area of holes (if any), sq-mm
As Area of tension reinforcement, sq-mm
A′s Area of compression reinforcement, sq-mm
As(required) Area of steel required for tension reinforcement, sq-mm
Ast Total area of column longitudinal reinforcement, sq-mm
Av Area of shear reinforcement, sq-mm
a Depth of compression block, mm
ab Depth of compression block at balanced condition, mm
b Width of member, mm
bf Effective width of flange (T-beam section), mm
bw Width of web (T-beam section), mm
Cm Coefficient, dependent upon column curvature, used to calculate
moment magnification factor
c Depth to neutral axis, mm
cb Depth to neutral axis at balanced conditions, mm
d Distance from compression face to tension reinforcement, mm
d′ Concrete cover to center of reinforcing, mm
ds Thickness of slab (T-beam section), mm
Ec Modulus of elasticity of concrete, MPa
Es Modulus of elasticity of reinforcement, assumed as 200,000 MPa
f′ c Specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa
fy Specified yield strength of flexural reinforcement, MPa
fyh Specified yield strength of shear reinforcement, MPa
h Dimension of beam or column, mm

3-2 Notation
Chapter 3 - Design Process

hc Dimension of concrete core of rectangular section measured per-

pendicular to the direction of applied shear force, mm
Ig Moment of inertia of gross concrete section about centroidal axis,
neglecting reinforcement, mm4
Ist Moment of inertia of reinforcement about centroidal axis of mem-
ber cross-section, mm4
k Effective length factor
L Clear unsupported length, mm
M1 Smaller factored end moment in a column, N-mm
M2 Larger factored end moment in a column, N-mm
Mc Factored moment to be used in design, N-mm
Mns Non-sway component of factored end moment, N-mm
Ms Sway component of factored end moment, N-mm
Mf Factored moment at section, N-mm
Mfx Factored moment at section about X-axis, N-mm
Mfy Factored moment at section about Y-axis, N-mm
Nf Factored axial load at section (tension positive), N
pc Outside perimeter of the concrete cross-section, mm
ph Perimeter of the centerline of the closed transverse torsion rein-
forcement, mm
Pb Axial load capacity at balanced strain conditions, N
Pc Critical buckling strength of column, N
Pr,max Maximum axial load strength allowed, N
Po Axial load capacity at zero eccentricity, N
Pf Factored axial load at section (compression positive), N
Tf Factored torsion at section, N-mm
Vc Shear resisted by concrete, N
VD+L Shear force from span loading, N

Notation 3-3
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Vp Shear force computed from probable moment capacity, N

Vf Factored shear force at a section, N
Vs Shear force at a section resisted by steel, N
α Reinforcing steel overstrength factor
α1 Factor for obtaining average compressive stress in concrete block
β Factor accounting for shear resistance of cracked concrete
β1 Factor for obtaining depth of compression block in concrete
βd Absolute value of the ratio of the maximum factored axial dead
load moment to the maximum factored total load moment
θ Angle of inclination of diagonal compressive stresses with the
longitudinal axis of beam or column
δb Moment magnification factor for non-sway moments
δs Moment magnification factor for sway moments
εc Strain in concrete
εs Strain in reinforcing steel
φc Strength reduction factor for concrete
φs Strength reduction factor for steel
φm Strength reduction factor for member
λ Shear strength factor

3.2 Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are the various combinations of the prescribed
load cases for which the structure is to be checked. The program creates a num-
ber of default design load combinations for a concrete frame design. Users can
add their own design load combinations as well as modify or delete the program
default design load combinations. An unlimited number of design load combi-
nations can be specified.

3-4 Design Load Combinations

Chapter 3 - Design Process

To define a design load combination, simply specify one or more load cases,
each with its own scale factor. The scale factors are applied to the forces and
moments from the load cases to form the factored design forces and moments
for each design load combination. There is one exception to the preceding. For
spectral analysis modal combinations, any correspondence between the signs of
the moments and axial loads is lost. The program uses eight design load combi-
nations for each such loading combination specified, reversing the sign of axial
loads and moments in major and minor directions.

As an example, if a structure is subjected to dead load, DL, and live load, LL,
only, the CSA A23.3-14 design check may need only one design load combina-
tion, namely, 1.25 DL +1.5 LL. However, if the structure is subjected to wind,
earthquake or other loads, numerous additional design load combinations may
be required.

The program allows live load reduction factors to be applied to the member
forces of the reducible live load case on a member-by-member basis to reduce
the contribution of the live load to the factored responses.

The design load combinations are the various combinations of the prescribed
load cases for which the structure is to be checked. For this code, if a structure
is subjected to dead load (DL), live load (LL), snow load (SL), wind (WL), and
earthquake (EL) loads, and considering that wind and earthquake forces are
reversible, the following load combinations should be considered (CSA 8.3.2,
Table C-1a, NBCC Table [Link].A):

1.4 DL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 1)

1.25 DL + 1.5 LL + 1.0 SL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 2)
1.25 DL + 1.5 LL ± 0.4 WL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 2)
1.25 DL + 1.0 LL + 1.5 SL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 3)
1.25 DL + 1.5 SL ± 0.4 WL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 3)
1.25 DL + 0.5 SL ± 1.40 WL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 4)
1.25 DL + 0.5 LL ± 1.40 WL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 4)
0.90 DL ± 1.40 WL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 4)
1.00 DL ± 1.00 EL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 5)
1.00 DL + 0.50 LL +0.25 SL ± 1.00 EL (CSA 8.3.2, Table C.1, Case 5)

Design Load Combinations 3-5

Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

These are also the default design load combinations in the program whenever
the CSA A23.3-14 code is used. In generating the preceding default loading
combinations, the importance factor is taken as 1. The user should use other ap-
propriate design load combinations if roof live load is separately treated, or if
other types of loads are present. PLL is the live load multiplied by the Pattern
Live Load Factor. The Pattern Live Load Factor can be specified in the Prefer-
ences.

When using the CSA A23.3-14 code, the program design assumes that a P-delta
analysis has been performed.

3.3 Limits on Material Strength

The upper and lower limits of f c′ should be 80 MPa and 20 MPa respectively,
for all framing types (CSA [Link], [Link]).

f c′ ≤ 80 MPa (CSA [Link], [Link])

f c′ ≥ 20 MPa (CSA [Link])

The upper limit of fy should be 500 MPa for all frames (CSA 8.5.1). For seismic
design, the normal limit of fy is 400 MPa (CSA [Link].1).

When the compression strength of concrete used in design is beyond the given
limits or when the yield strength of steel used in design exceeds the given limits,
the code does not cover such cases. The code allows use of f c′ and fy beyond the
given limits, provided special care is taken regarding the detailing and ductility
(CSA [Link], [Link]).

The program does not enforce any of these limits for column P-M-M interaction
check or design and flexure design of beam. The specified strengths are used for
design. The user is responsible for using the proper strength values while defin-
ing the materials. For shear design, special limits are applicable (CSA 11.3.4,
[Link], [Link]) and enforced in the program as described herein.

The code allows the use of reinforcement with fy less than 400 MPa in members
resisting earthquake induced forces without any restriction. The program also
allows the use of fy greater than 400 MPa. However, if fy is between 400 MPa
and 500 MPa, the code requires that increased strain be taken into account

3-6 Limits on Material Strength

Chapter 3 - Design Process

because higher-yield-strength steel, in general, reduces ductility (CSA [Link]).

The program also considers the increased strain through strain-compatibility re-
lations during P-M-M interaction capacity calculations.

3.4 Strength Resistance Factors

The strength resistance factor , ϕ, is material dependent and is defined as

ϕc =0.65for concrete and (CSA 8.4.2 )

ϕs =0.85for steel. (CSA 8.4.3a)

In some special cases, a member resistance factor, ϕm , is used as an additional

reduction factor in addition to ϕc and ϕs (CSA 8.4.1). In connection with buck-
ling resistance, ϕm is taken as 0.75 (CSA [Link]). The values of ϕc and ϕs
given herein are the default values. These values can be modified in the Prefer-
ences. For structural concrete manufactured in pre-qualified manufacturing
plants, ϕc can be taken as 0.7 (CSA 8.4.2, 16.1.3).

3.5 Column Design

The user may define the geometry of the reinforcing bar configuration of each
concrete column section. If the area of reinforcing is provided by the user, the
program checks the column capacity. However, if the area of reinforcing is not
provided by the user, the program calculates the amount of reinforcing required
for the column. The design procedure for the reinforced concrete columns of the
structure involves the following steps:

 Generate axial force/biaxial moment interaction surfaces for all of the different
concrete section types of the model. A typical biaxial interaction surface is
shown in Figure 3-1. When the steel is undefined, the program generates the
interaction surfaces for the range of allowable reinforcement: 1 to 8 percent
for Conventional and Moderately Ductile Moment Resisting frames (CSA
10.9.1, 10.9.2, and [Link].1) and 1 to 6 percent for Ductile Moment Resisting
frames (CSA [Link]).
 Calculate the capacity ratio or the required reinforcing area for the factored
axial force and biaxial (or uniaxial) bending moments obtained from each
loading combination at each station of the column. The target capacity ratio is
taken as one when calculating the required reinforcing area.

Strength Resistance Factors 3-7

Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

 Design the column shear reinforcement.

The following three subsections describe in detail the algorithms associated with
this process.

3.5.1 Generation of Biaxial Interaction Surfaces

The column capacity interaction volume is numerically described by a series of
discrete points that are generated on the three-dimensional interaction failure
surface. In addition to axial compression and biaxial bending, the formulation
allows for axial tension and biaxial bending considerations. A typical interaction
surface is shown in Figure 3-1.

The coordinates of these points are determined by rotating a plane of linear strain
in three dimensions on the section of the column. See Figure 3-2. The linear
strain diagram limits the maximum concrete strain, εc , at the extremity of the
section to 0.0035 (CSA 10.1.3).

3-8 Column Design

Chapter 3 - Design Process

Figure 3-1 A typical column interaction surface

The formulation is based consistently on the general principles of ultimate

strength design (CSA 10.1), and allows for any doubly symmetric rectangular,
square, or circular column section.

The stress in the steel is given by the product of the steel strain and the steel
modulus of elasticity, ε s Es , and is limited to the yield stress of the steel, f y
(CSA [Link]). The area associated with each reinforcing bar is assumed to be
placed at the actual location of the center of the bar, and the algorithm does not
assume any further simplifications in the manner in which the area of steel is
distributed over the cross-section of the column (such as an equivalent steel tube
or cylinder), as shown in Figure 3-2.

Column Design 3-9

Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Figure 3-2 Idealized strain distribution for generation of interaction surface

The concrete compression stress block is assumed to be rectangular, with a stress

value of α1 f c′ (CSA 10.1.7). See Figure 3-3. The depth of the stress block is
β1c, where

α=
1 0.85 − 0.0015 f c′ , α1 ≥ 0.67 (CSA 10.1.7)

β
=1 0.97 − 0.0025 f c′ , β1 ≥ 0.67. (CSA 10.1.7)

3 - 10 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

Figure 3-3 Idealization of stress and strain distribution in a column section

The interaction algorithm provides a correction to account for the concrete area
that is displaced by the reinforcement in the compression zone.

The effects of the strength reduction factors are included in the generation of the
interaction surfaces. The maximum compressive axial load is limited to Pr,max ,
where the maximum factored axial load resistance is given by

Pr,max
 ( )
= 0.80 ϕc α1 f c′ Ag − Ast + ϕs f y Ast  (tied column)

(CSA 10.10.4)

Pr=
,max
 ( )
0.90 ϕc α1 f c′ Ag − Ast + ϕs f y Ast  (spiral column).

(CSA 10.10.4)

3.5.2 Calculate Column Capacity Ratio

The column capacity is checked for each loading combination at each check sta-
tion of each column. In checking a particular column for a particular loading
combination at a particular location, the program uses the following steps:

 Determine the factored moments and forces from the load cases and the
specified load combination factors to give Pf , M fx , and M fy .

 Determine the moment magnification factors for the column moments.

 Apply the moment magnification factors to the factored loads obtained in the

Column Design 3 - 11
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

first step. Determine whether the point, defined by the resulting axial load and
biaxial moment set, lies within the interaction volume.
The following three sections describe in detail the algorithms associated with
this process.

[Link] Determine Factored Moments and Forces

The factored loads for a particular load combination are obtained by applying
the corresponding load factors to all the load conditions, giving Pf, Mfx, and Mfy.
The computed moments are further amplified by using “Moment Magnification
Factors” to allow for “Lateral Drift Effect” and “Member Stability Effect.”

[Link] Determine Moment Magnification Factors

The moment magnification factors are applied in two stages. First the moments
are separated into their “sway” and “non-sway” components. The sway compo-
nents are amplified for lateral drift effect (CSA 10.16). Although according to
the code, this amplification is significant for “unbraced” frames only and may
be avoided for “braced” frames, the program treats all frames uniformly to am-
plify non-sway components of moments. These amplified moments are further
amplified for individual member stability effect. According to the code, the in-
dividual member stability effect is only significant if:

10 M1
25 −
kL M2
> , for non-sway frames, and (CSA 10.15.2)
r Pf
fc′ Ag

kL 35
> , for sway frames. (CSA 10.16.4)
r Pf
fc′ Ag

However, the program considers individual member stability effect for all com-
pression column elements.

[Link].1 Lateral Drift Effect

For all frames, the moment magnification factor for lateral drift effect is applied
only to the “sway” moment in the program.

3 - 12 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

M M ns + δ s M s
= (CSA 10.16.2)

The moment obtained from analysis is separated into two components: the sway
(Ms) and the non-sway (Mns) components. The non-sway or braced components,
which are identified by “ns” subscripts are predominantly caused by gravity
load. The sway components are identified by “s” subscripts. The sway moments
are predominantly caused by lateral loads and are related to the cause of side-
sway.

The moment magnification factors in the major and minor directions can, in gen-
eral, be different. The moment magnification factors for moments causing side-
sway, δsx and δsy can be taken as 1.0 if a P-delta analysis is carried out (CSA
[Link]). The program assumes that a P-delta analysis has been performed and,
therefore, moment magnification factors for moments causing sidesway are
taken as unity. For the P-delta analysis the load should correspond to a load com-
bination of (1.25 DL + 1.40 LL)/ϕm (CSA 10.16.5), where ϕm is the strength
reduction factor for stability and is equal to 0.75 (CSA 10.15.3). See also White
and Hajjar (1991).

The user is reminded of the special analysis requirements, especially those re-
lated to the value of EI used in analysis (CSA 10.14.1). The program analysis
uses the EI of the gross cross-sectional area in conjunction with a multiplication
factor. The multiplication factors are defined on a section-by-section basis, so
that the effect of axial force and cracking can be modeled in a first order analysis.

If the program assumptions are not satisfactory for a particular member, the user
can explicitly specify values of δsx and δsy .

[Link].2 Member Stability Effects

All compression members are designed using the factored axial load, Pf , from
the analysis and a magnified factored moment, Mc. The magnified moment is
computed as,

δb M 2 ≥ M 2 ,
Mc = (CSA [Link])

where M2 is the column maximum end moment obtained from elastic analysis
after considering minimum eccentricity and lateral drift effect, and Mc is the
maximum moment occurring at the end or at an interior point within the span of

Column Design 3 - 13
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

the column. The moment magnification factor, δb, for moments not causing side-
sway associated with the major or minor direction of the column is given by

Cm
=δb ≥ 1.0, where (CSA [Link])
Pf
1−
ϕm Pc

ϕm =0.75, (CSA [Link])

π2 EI
Pc = , (CSA [Link])
( kL )2
k is conservatively taken as 1, however the user can overwrite the value,

EI is associated with a particular column direction given by

0.4 Ec I g
EI = , and (CSA [Link])
1 + βd

Ma
0.6 0.4
Cm =+ ≥ 0.4, (CSA [Link])
Mb

Ma and Mb are the moments at the ends of the column, and Mb is numerically
larger than Ma. Ma / Mb is positive for single curvature bending and negative for
double curvature bending. The preceding expression of Cm is valid if there is no
transverse load applied between the supports. If transverse load is present on the
span, or the length is overwritten, or for any other case, Cm = 1 (CSA [Link]).
Cm can be overwritten by the user on an element- by-element basis.

The pre-magnified factored moments are increased, if required, to obtain mini-

mum eccentricities such that M /Pf is at least (15 + 0.03h) mm about each axis
separately, where h is the dimension of the column in mm units in the corre-
sponding direction (CSA [Link]).

M ≥ Pf (15 + 0.03h ) (CSA [Link])

The moment magnification factor, δb, must be a positive number and greater than
one. Therefore, Pf m must be less than ϕmPc. If Pf is found to be greater than or

3 - 14 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

equal to ϕmPc, a failure condition is declared. δb is taken as 1 for tension mem-

bers.

The preceding calculations use the unsupported length of the column. The two
unsupported lengths are l22 and l33 corresponding to instability in the minor and
major directions of the element, respectively. These are the lengths between the
support points of the element in the corresponding directions.

If the program assumptions are not satisfactory for a particular member, the user
can explicitly specify values of δs and δb.

[Link] Determine Capacity Ratio

As a measure of the stress condition of the column, a capacity ratio is calculated.
The capacity ratio is basically a factor that gives an indication of the stress con-
dition of the column with respect to the capacity of the column.

Before entering the interaction diagram to check the column capacity, the mo-
ment magnification factors are applied to the factored loads to obtain Pf, Mfx, and
Mfy. The point (Pf, Mfx, Mfy) is then placed in the interaction space, shown as
point L in Figure 3-4. If the point lies within the interaction volume, the column
capacity is adequate; however, if the point lies outside the interaction volume,
the column is overstressed.

This capacity ratio is achieved by plotting the point L and determining the
location of point C. The point C is defined as the point where the line OL (if
extended outwards) will intersect the failure surface. This point is determined by
three-dimensional linear interpolation between the points that define the failure
OL
surface. See Figure 3-4. The capacity ratio, CR, is given by the ratio .
OC

 If OL = OC (or CR = 1) the point lies on the interaction surface and the column
is stressed to capacity.

Column Design 3 - 15
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Figure 3-4 Geometric representation of column capacity ratio

 If OL < OC (or CR < 1) the point lies within the interaction volume and the
column capacity is adequate.

 If OL > OC (or CR > 1) the point lies outside the interaction volume and the
column is overstressed.

The maximum of all the values of CR calculated from each load combination is
reported for each check station of the column, along with the controlling Pf , Mfx,
and Mfy set and associated load combination number.

If the reinforcing area is not defined, the program computes the reinforcement
that will give an interaction ratio of unity.

3 - 16 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

3.5.3 Required Reinforcing Area

If the reinforcing area is not defined, the program computes the reinforcement
that will give a column capacity ratio equal to the Utilization Factor Limit, which
is set to 0.95 by default.

3.5.4 Design Column Shear Reinforcement

The shear reinforcement is designed for each loading combination in the major
and minor directions of the column. In designing the shear reinforcing for a par-
ticular column for a particular loading combination due to shear forces in a par-
ticular direction, the program uses the following steps:

 Determine the factored forces acting on the section, Mf, Pf, and Vf. Note that
Mf and Pf are needed for the calculation of vc .

 Determine the shear stress, vc , that can be resisted by concrete alone.

 Calculate the reinforcement steel required to carry the balance.

For Ductile and Moderately Ductile moment resisting concrete frames, the shear
design of the columns is also based on the probable and nominal moment capac-
ities, respectively, of the members in addition to the factored moments (CSA
[Link].1, 21.4.5). Effects of the axial forces on the column moment capacities
are included in the formulation.

The following three sections describe in detail the algorithms associated with
this process.

[Link] Determine Section Forces

In the design of the column shear reinforcement of a Conventional moment re-
sisting concrete frame, the forces for a particular load combination, namely, the
column axial force, Pf , the column moment, Mf, and the column shear force, Vf
, in a particular direction are obtained by factoring the program load cases with
the corresponding load combination factors.

In the shear design of Ductile moment resisting frames (seismic design), the fol-
lowing are checked in addition to the requirement for Conventional moment re-
sisting frames. In the design of Ductile moment resisting concrete frames, the
design shear force, Vf , in a particular direction is also calculated from the

Column Design 3 - 17
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

probable moment capacities of the column associated with the factored axial
force acting on the column (CSA [Link](b)).

For each load combination, the factored axial load, Pf , is calculated. Then, the
positive and negative moment capacities, M +f and M −j , of the column in a par-
ticular direction under the influence of the axial force Pf are calculated using the
uniaxial interaction diagram in the corresponding direction. The design shear
force, Vf , is then given by

V=
f Vp + VD + L (CSA [Link](b))

where, VP is the shear force obtained by applying the calculated probable ulti-
mate moment capacities at the two ends of the column acting in two opposite
directions. Therefore, VP is the maximum of VP1 and VP 2 , where

M I− + M J+
VP1 = , and
L

M I+ + M J−
VP 2 = , where
L

M I+ , M I− = Positive and negative moment capacities at end I of the

αf
column using a steel yield stress value of y and no ϕ
factors ( s
ϕ =ϕc =1.0 )
,

M J+ , M J− = Positive and negative moment capacities at end J of the

αf y
column using a steel yield stress value of and no ϕ
factors ( s
ϕ =ϕc =1.0 )
, and

L = Clear span of column.

For Ductile moment resisting frames, α is taken as 1.25 (CSA 2.2, [Link]).
VD + L is the contribution of shear force from the in-span distribution of gravity
loads. For most of the columns, it is zero.

The Vp is enforced not to be greater than the factored shear force component
from specified gravity load increased by Rd Ro (CSA [Link]).

3 - 18 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

In the design of Moderately Ductile moment resisting frames (seismic), the shear
capacity of the column is also checked for the nominal shear due to the nominal
( ϕs =ϕc =1.0 ) moment capacities and the factored gravity load (CSA [Link]),
in addition to the design checks required for Conventional moment resisting
frames. The procedure for calculating nominal moment capacity is the same as
that for computing the probable moment capacity for Ductile moment resisting
frames, except that α is taken equal to 1 (CSA 2.2, 21.7.2.3a) rather than 1.25.
The design shear strength is enforced not to be greater than the factored shear
force with the seismic load increased by Rd Ro (CSA 21.7.2.3b). See also Table
3-1 for details.

[Link] Determine Concrete Shear Capacity

Given the design force set M f , N f , and V f , the shear capacity provided by the
concrete alone, Vc , is calculated as follows:

𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 𝜙𝜙𝑐𝑐 𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣 (CSA 11.3.4)

ϕc is the resistance factor for concrete. By default, it is taken as 0.65 (CSA

8.4.2). For concrete produced in a pre-qualified manufacturing plants, its
value can be taken as 0.70 (CSA 16.1.3). This value can be overwritten in
the Preferences.

λ is the strength reduction factor to account for low density concrete (CSA
3.2). For normal density concrete, its value is 1 (CSA 8.6.5), which is the
program default value. For concrete using lower density aggregate, the user
can change the value of λ in the material properties. The recommended val-
ues for λ is as follows (CSA 8.6.5).

1.00, for normal density concrete,

0.85, for semi-low-density concrete

λ = in which all of the fine aggregate is natural sand,
0.75, for semi-low-density concrete

 in which none of the fine aggregate is natural sand.

�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ ≤ 8MPa (CSA 11.3.4)

Column Design 3 - 19
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

β is the factor for accounting for the shear resistance of cracked concrete (CSA
2.2). Its value is normally between 0.1 and 0.4. It is determined according to
section 11.3.6 of the Code, which is described in the sections that follow.

bw is the width of the cross-section resisting the shear perpendicular to the shear
force direction. For columns with rectangular cross-sections, bw is taken as
the width of the section perpendicular to the shear direction (CSA [Link]).
For columns with circular cross-sections, bw is taken as the average width
for the shear direction (CSA [Link]).

d v is the effective shear depth. It is taken as the greater of 0.9d or 0.72h,

dv = max {0.9d ,0.72h} (CSA 2.2)

where d is the distance from the extreme compression fiber to the centroid of
tension reinforcement, and h is the overall depth of the cross-section in the di-
rection of shear force. For Section Designer sections with shape other than rec-
tangle and circle, the defaulted value of dv is determined as described in the
Appendix C.

The value of the β factor is preferably determine using the Simplified method
(CSA [Link]) if applicable. When the conditions of Simplified method do not
apply, the General method (CSA [Link]) is used. For designing concrete col-
umn sections for shear force, the special value of β does not apply (CSA
[Link])

When the axial force is compressive, the specified yield strength of the longitu-
dinal reinforcing f y does not exceed 400 MPa, and the specified concrete

strength f c′ does not exceed 60 MPa, β is determined in accordance with the

Simplified method, as follows (CSA [Link]):

 When the section contains at least the minimum transverse reinforcement, β

is taken as 0.18 (CSA 11.6.3.3a).
β = 0.18 (CSA [Link](a))

 When the section contains no transverse reinforcement, β is determined

based on the specified maximum nominal size of coarse aggregate, ag .

3 - 20 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

For maximum-sized coarse aggregate not less than 20 mm, β is taken as:

230
β= (CSA [Link] (b))
1000 + d v

where d v is the effective shear depth expressed in millimeter, as described in

preceding sections.

For maximum sized coarse aggregate less than 20 mm, β is taken as:

230
β= (CSA [Link](c))
1000 + sze

35
=
where, sze sz ≥ 0.85sz . (CSA [Link](c))
15 + ag

In the preceding expression, the crack spacing parameter, sze , shall be taken as
the minimum of d v , and the maximum distance between layers of distributed
longitudinal reinforcement. However, sz is conservatively taken as equal to
dv .

In summary, for simplified cases, β can be expressed as follows:



0.18, if minimum transverse reinforcement is provided,
 230
β  , if no transverse reinforcement provided, and ag ≥ 20mm,
1000+d v
 230
 , if no transverse reinforcement provided, and ag < 20mm.
1000+s ze

When the axial force is tensile, or the specified yield strength of the longitu-
dinal reinforcing f y > 400 MPa, or the specified concrete strength f c′ > 60
MPa, β is determined in accordance with the General method, as follows
(CSA [Link], [Link]):

Column Design 3 - 21
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

0.40 1300
=β • (CSA [Link])
(1 + 1500ε x ) (1000 + S ze )
In the preceding expression, the equivalent crack spacing parameter, 𝑆𝑆𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 , is
taken as equal to 300 mm if minimum transverse reinforcement is provided
(CSA [Link]). Otherwise it is determined as stated in simplified method.



300, if minimum transverse

Sze =  reinforcement is provided,
 35
 Sz ≥ 0.85Sz , otherwise.
15 + ag

The longitudinal strain, ε x , at mid-depth of the cross-section is computed from

the following equation:

M f d v + V f + 0.5 N f
εx = (CSA [Link])
2 ( Es As )

In evaluating the ε x , the following conditions apply:

Vf Mf
 and are taken as positive quantities (CSA 11.3.6.4a)
 As is taken as the total area of longitudinal reinforcement in the column sec-
tion. For the column section check option, the program uses the sum of user-
defined reinforcement in the section. For the column section design option,
the longitudinal reinforcement area is taken as the envelope of reinforcement
required for all design load combinations. Actual provided reinforcement
might be slightly higher than this quantity. The reinforcement should be de-
veloped to achieve full strength (CSA [Link](b)).
 If the value of ε x calculated from the preceding equation is negative, it is
recalculated as follows:
Mf
+ V f + 0.5 N f
dv
=εx ≥ − 0.0002 (CSA [Link] (d))
2 ( Es As + Ec Act )

3 - 22 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

For sections closer than dv from the face of the support, εx is calculated based
on Mf, Vf, and Nf at a section at a distance dv from the face of the support
(CSA [Link] d).

If the axial tension is large enough to crack the flexural compression face of
the section, the value of ε x is increased by a factor of 2 (CSA 11.3.6.4e).
The program uses a linear elastic stress distribution to check this condition.

An upper limit on ε x is imposed as follows:

ex ≤ 0.003 (CSA [Link] (f))

ε x is positive for tensile action.

N f is positive for tensile action.

For Ductile moment resisting frames, an upper limit on 𝛽𝛽 of 1.0 is enforced

(CSA [Link]) as follows:

β ≤ 0.10 (CSA 21.5.2)

𝜃𝜃 ≥ 45° (plastic hinge zone) (CSA [Link].2)

In both the Simplified method and the General method, the shear strength of the
section due to concrete, vc , depends on whether the minimum transverse rein-
forcement is provided. To check this condition, the program performs the design
in two passes. In the first pass, it is assumed that no transverse shear reinforce-
ment is needed. When the program determines that shear reinforcement is need,
the program performs the second pass with the assumption that at least minimum
shear reinforcement is provided.

[Link] Determine Required Shear Reinforcement

The minimum possible factored shear resistance, Vr,max is computed as follows:

= 0.25ϕc f c′bw d v .
Vr ,max (CSA 11.3.3)

The shear reinforcement per unit spacing, Av s , is computed as follows:

If V f ≤ Vc ,

Column Design 3 - 23
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Av
=0 (CSA [Link])
s

else if Vc < V f ≤ Vr ,max

Av
=
( )
V f − Vc tan θ
(CSA 11.3.3, [Link])
s ϕs f yh d v

else if V f > Vr ,max

a failure condition is declared. (CSA 11.3.3)

 A minimum area of shear reinforcement is provided in the following regions

(CSA [Link]):
(a) in regions of flexural members where the factored shear force V f ex-
ceeds Vc ,

(b) in regions of beams and columns with an overall depth greater than 750
mm, and

(c) in regions of beams and columns where the factored torsion T f exceeds
0.25 Tcr .

 Where the minimum shear reinforcement is required by section CSA

[Link], or by calculations, the minimum area of shear reinforcement per
unit spacing is taken as:

Av f′
≥ 0.06 c bw (CSA [Link])
s fy

 In the preceding, the term θ is used. Here θ is the angle of inclination of

diagonal compressive stresses to the longitudinal axis of the member. The θ
value is normally between 22 to 44 degrees. It is determined according to
Section 11.3.6 of the code.
Similar to the β factor, which was described previously, the value of θ is
preferably determined using the Simplified method (CSA [Link]), when-
ever applicable. The program uses the General method when the conditions
for the Simplified methods are not satisfied (CSA [Link]). For designing

3 - 24 Column Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

concrete column sections for shear forces, the special value of θ does not
apply (CSA [Link]).

If the axial force is compressive, the specified yield strength of the longitu-
dinal reinforcing fy does not exceed 400 MPa, and the specified concrete
strength f c′ does not exceed 60 MPa, θ is taken to be 35 degrees (CSA
[Link]).

θ =35o for Pf ≥ 0 or f y ≤ 400MPa or f c′ ≤ 60MPa (CSA11.3.6.3)

If the axial force is tensile, the specified yield strength of the longitudinal
reinforcing fy > 400 MPa, and the specified concrete strength f c′ > 60 MPa,
θ is determined using the General method as follows (CSA [Link]).

θ= 29 + 7000ε x

for Pf < 0 or f y > 400 MPa or f c′ > 60 MPa (CSA11.3.6.4)

where ε x is the longitudinal strain at the mid-depth of the cross-section for

the factored load. The calculation procedure has been described in the pre-
ceding sections.

The maximum of all of the calculated Av s values obtained from each load
combination is reported for the major and minor directions of the column,
along with the controlling shear force and associated load combination num-
ber.

For all columns and at any station, the minimum area of transverse circular
hoop reinforcement is imposed as follows:
𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 2𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 ′ ℎc
≥ 0.5 � − 1� (CSA 10.9.4)
𝑠𝑠 𝐴𝐴core 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦ℎ 4

In potential plastic hinge locations of Ductile moment resisting frames as

described later, the minimum area of circular hoops and transverse stirrups
is imposed as follows:
𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 ′ ℎc
≥ (Hoops) (CSA [Link])
𝑠𝑠 𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦ℎ 4

Column Design 3 - 25
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 𝑓𝑓 ′ ℎc
𝑠𝑠
≥ 0.45 �𝐴𝐴 − 1� 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 (Hoops) (CSA [Link], 10.9.4)
core 𝑦𝑦ℎ 4

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝑓𝑓 ′
𝑠𝑠
≥ 0.09 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 ℎc (Stirrups) (CSA [Link])
𝑦𝑦ℎ

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔
𝑠𝑠
≥ 0.2𝐾𝐾𝑛𝑛 𝐾𝐾𝑝𝑝 𝐴𝐴 ℎc (Stirrups) (CSA [Link])
core

n1 Pf
where K n
= = and K p
( n1 − 2 ) Po

hc is defined as the dimension of concrete core of rectangular section meas-

ured perpendicular to the direction of applied shear force. For Section De-
signer sections with shape other than rectangle and circle, the defaulted value
of hc is determined as described in the Appendix C.

Transverse reinforcement shall be provided over a length, lo , from the face

of each joint and on both sides of any section where flexural yielding can
occur as a result of inelastic displacement of the frame. The length, lo , is
determined as follows:

(a) where Pf ≤ 0.5φc f c′ Ag , lo shall not be less than 1.5 times the largest
member cross-section dimension or 1/6 of the clear span of the member;
and

(b) where Pf > 0.5φc f c′ Ag , lo shall not be less than 2.0 times the largest
member cross-section dimension or 1/6 of the clear span of the member.
(CSA [Link])

The column shear reinforcement requirements reported by the program are

based on the preceding considerations. Any other minimum stirrup require-
ments to satisfy spacing or volumetric requirements must be investigated
independently of the program by the user.

3.6 Beam Design

In the design of concrete beams, the program calculates and reports the required
areas of steel for flexure and shear based on the beam moments, shears, load
combination factors and other criteria described in the subsections that follow.

3 - 26 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

The reinforcement requirements are calculated at a user-defined number of

check stations along the beam span.

All of the beams are designed for major direction flexure and shear only. Effects
due to any axial forces, minor direction bending, and torsion that may exist in
the beams must be investigated independently by the user.

The beam design procedure involves the following steps:

 Design beam flexural reinforcement

 Design beam shear reinforcement

3.6.1 Design Beam Flexural Reinforcement

The beam top and bottom flexural steel is designed at a user-defined number of
design stations along the beam span. In designing the flexural-reinforcement for
the major moment of a particular beam for a particular section, the program uses
the following steps:

 Determine the maximum factored moments

 Determine the reinforcing steel

[Link] Determine Factored Moments

In the design of flexural reinforcement of Ductile (CSA 21.5), Moderately Duc-
tile (CSA 21.47), or Conventional (CSA 21.8) moment resisting concrete frame
beams, the factored moments for each load combination at a particular beam
station are obtained by factoring the corresponding moments for different load
cases with the corresponding load factors. The beam section is then designed for
+ −
the maximum positive M f and maximum negative M f factored moments ob-
tained from all of the load combinations.

Positive beam moments produce bottom steel. In such cases, the beam may be
designed as a Rectangular or T-beam. Negative beam moments produce top
steel. In such cases, the beam is always designed as a Rectangular section.

[Link] Determine Required Flexural Reinforcement

In the flexural reinforcement design process, the program calculates both the
tension and compression reinforcement. Compression reinforcement is added

Beam Design 3 - 27
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

when the applied design moment exceeds the maximum moment capacity of a
singly reinforced section. The user has the option of avoiding the compression
reinforcement by increasing the effective depth, the width, or the grade of con-
crete.

The design procedure is based on the simplified rectangular stress block, as

shown in Figure 3-5 (CSA 10.1.7).

Figure 3-5 Rectangular beam design

Furthermore, it is assumed that the compression carried by concrete is less than
that which can be carried at the balanced condition (CSA 10.1.4). When the ap-
plied moment exceeds the moment capacity at the balanced condition, the area
of compression reinforcement is calculated on the assumption that the additional
moment will be carried by compression and additional tension reinforcement.

The design procedure used by the program for both rectangular and flanged sec-
tions (L and T-beams) is summarized in the sections that follow. It is assumed
that the design ultimate axial force in a beam is negligible; hence, all of the
beams are designed for major direction flexure and shear only.

3 - 28 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

[Link].1 Design for Flexure of a Rectangular Beam

In designing for a factored negative or positive moment, M f , (i.e., designing top
or bottom steel) the depth of the compression block is given by a , as shown in
Figure 3-5, where,

2| M f |
a =−
d d2 − , (CSA 10.1)
α1 f c′ϕc b

where the value of ϕc is 0.65 (CSA 8.4.2) in the preceding and following equa-
tions. Also , α1 , β1 , and cb are calculated as follows:

0.85 0.0015 f c′ ≥ 0.67,

α1 =− (CSA 10.1.7)

β=
1 0.97 − 0.0025 f c′ ≥ 0.67, and (CSA 10.1.7)

700
cb = d. (CSA 10.5.2)
700 + f y

The balanced depth of the compression block is given by

ab = β1cb . (CSA 10.1.4, 10.1.7)

 If a ≤ ab (CSA 10.5.2), the area of tensile steel reinforcement is then given

by
Mf
As = .
 a
ϕs f y  d − 
 2

This steel is to be placed at the bottom if M f is positive, or at the top if M f

is negative.

 If a > ab (CSA 10.5.2), compression reinforcement is required and is calcu-

lated as follows:
The factored compressive force developed in the concrete alone is given by

C = ϕc α1 f c′bab , and (CSA 10.1.7)

Beam Design 3 - 29
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

the factored moment resisted by the concrete and bottom steel is

 a 
M
= fc Cd − b .
 2 

The moment resisted by compression steel and tensile steel is

M=
fs M f − M fc .

So, the required compression steel is given by

M fs
As′ = , where
( )
ϕs f s′ − ϕc α1 f c′ ( d − d ′ )

c − d′
=f s′ 0.0035 Es   ≤ fy. (CSA 10.1.2 , 10.1.3)
 c 

The required tensile steel for balancing the compression in concrete is

M fc
As1 = , and
 a 
fy  d − b  ϕs
 2 

the tensile steel for balancing the compression in steel is

M fs
As 2 = .
f y ( d − d ′ ) ϕs

Therefore, the total tensile reinforcement A

=s As1 + As 2 , and total compres-
sion reinforcement is As′ . As is to be placed at the bottom, and As′ is to be
placed at the top if M f is positive, and vice versa.

[Link].2 Design for Flexure of a T-Beam

Flanged Beam Under Negative Moment

In designing for a factored negative moment, M f , (i.e., designing top steel), the
contribution of the flange to the strength of the beam is ignored. The design

3 - 30 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

procedure is therefore identical to the one used for Rectangular beams, except
that in the corresponding equations, b is replaced by b f .

Flanged Beam Under Positive Moment

If M f > 0, the depth of the compression block is given by (see Figure 3-6).

2M f
a =−
d d2 − . (CSA 10.1)
α1 f c′ϕc b f

where the value of ϕc is 0.65 (CSA 8.4.2) in the preceding and following equa-
tions. See Figure 3-6. Also α1 , β1 , and cb are calculated as follows:

α=
1 0.85 − 0.0015 f c′ ≥ 0.67, (CSA 10.1.7)

β=
1 0.97 − 0.0025 f c′ ≥ 0.67, and (CSA 10.1.7)

700
cb = d. (CSA 10.5.2)
700 + f y

The depth of the compression block under balanced condition is given by

ab = β1cb . (CSA 10.1.4, 10.1.7)

 If a ≤ d s , the subsequent calculations for As are exactly the same as previ-

ously performed for the rectangular section design. However, in this case,
the width of the beam is taken as b f . Whether compression reinforcement is
required depends on if a > ab .

Beam Design 3 - 31
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Figure 3-6 T-beam design

 If a > d s , calculation for As is performed in two parts. The first part is for
balancing the compressive force from the flange, C f , and the second part is
for balancing the compressive force from the web, Cw . As shown in,

( )
α1 f c′ b f − bw d s .
Cf = (CSA 10.1.7)

C f ϕc
Therefore, As1 = and the portion of M f that is resisted by the flange is
f y ϕs

 d 
M ff = C f  d − s  ϕc .
 2 

Therefore, the balance of the moment, M f to be carried by the web is given

by

M=
fw M f − M ff .

The web is a Rectangular section of dimensions bw and d , for which the

depth of the compression block is recalculated as

3 - 32 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

2 M fw
a1 =−
d d2 − . (CSA 10.1)
α1 f c′ϕc bw

 If a1 ≤ ab (CSA 10.5.2), the area of tensile steel reinforcement is then given

by
M fw
As 2 = , and
 a 
ϕs f y  d − 1 
 2

A
=s As1 + As 2 .

This steel is to be placed at the bottom of the T-beam.

 If a1 > ab (CSA 10.5.2), compression reinforcement is required and is cal-

culated as follows:
The factored compressive force in the concrete web alone is given by

C =ϕc α1 f c′bab , and (CSA 10.1.7)

the factored moment resisted by the concrete web and tensile steel is

 a 
M
= fc Cd − b .
 2 

The moment resisted by compression steel and tensile steel is

M
= fs M fw − M fc .

Therefore, the compression steel is computed as

M fs
As′ = , where
( )
ϕs f s′ − ϕc α1 f c′ ( d − d ′ )

c − d′
=f s′ 0.0035 Es   ≤ fy. (CSA 10.1.2, 10.1.3)
 c 

The tensile steel for balancing compression in web concrete is

Beam Design 3 - 33
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

M fc
As 2 = , and
 a 
fy  d − b  ϕs
 2 

the tensile steel for balancing compression in steel is

M fs
As 3 = .
f y ( d − d ′ ) ϕs

Total tensile reinforcement As = As1 + As 2 + As 3 , and total compression rein-

forcement is As′ . As is to be placed at the bottom and As′ is to be placed at
the top.

[Link] Minimum and Maximum Tensile Reinforcement

The minimum flexural tensile steel required for a beam section is given by the
minimum of the two limits:

0.2�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 ′
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 ≥ 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦
𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 ℎ, or (CSA [Link])

4
As = As (required) . (CSA [Link])
3

where:

In addition, the minimum flexural tensile steel provided in a T section with

flange under tension is given by the limit:

As ≥ 0.004 ( b − bw ) d s . (CSA [Link])

An upper limit of 0.04 times the gross web area on both the tension reinforce-
ment and the compression reinforcement is arbitrarily imposed as follows:

0.04bd Rectangular beam

As ≤ 
0.04bw d T beam
0.04bd Rectangular beam
As′ ≤ 
0.04bw d T beam

3 - 34 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

[Link] Special Consideration for Seismic Design

For Ductile moment resisting concrete frames (seismic design), the beam design
satisfies the following additional conditions (see also Table 3-1 for a compre-
hensive listing):

 The minimum longitudinal reinforcement shall be provided at both the top and
the bottom. Any of the top and bottom reinforcement shall not be less than
As ( min ) .

1.4
As ( min ) ≥ bw d (CSA [Link])
fy

 The beam flexural steel is limited to a maximum given by

As ≤ 0.025bw d . (CSA [Link])

 At any end (support) of the beam, the beam positive moment capacity (i.e.,
associated with the bottom steel) would not be less than one-half of the beam
negative moment capacity (i.e., associated with the top steel) at that end (CSA
[Link]).
 Neither the negative moment capacity nor the positive moment capacity at any
of the sections within the beam would be less than one-fourth of the maximum
of positive or negative moment capacities of any of the beam end (support)
stations (CSA [Link]).
For Conventional moment resisting concrete frames (seismic design), the beam
design would satisfy the following conditions:

 At any support of the beam, the beam positive moment capacity would not be
less than one-third of the beam negative moment capacity at that end (CSA
[Link].1).
 Neither the negative moment capacity nor the positive moment capacity at any
of the sections within the beam would be less than one-fifth of the maximum
of positive or negative moment capacities of any of the beam end (support)
stations (CSA [Link].1).

Beam Design 3 - 35
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Table 3-1: Design Criteria

Type of Conventional Moderately Ductile Moment Ductile Moment
Check/ Moment Resisting Frames Resisting Frames Resisting Frames
Design (Non-Seismic) (Seismic) (Seismic)

fc′ ≤ 80 MPa fc′ ≤ 80 MPa fc′ ≤ 80 MPa

Strength of
fc′ ≤ 500 MPa fc′ ≤ 500 MPa fc′ ≤ 500 MPa
Materials
fc′ ≤ 8 MPa fc′ ≤ 8 MPa fc′ ≤ 8 MPa

Column
Check NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations
(interaction)

Column NLDa Combinations

NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations
Design 1% < ρ < 6%
1% < ρ < 8% 1% < ρ < 8%
(Interaction) α = 1.0

NLDa Combinations Modified NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations and

or Nominal Capacity Shear (Vp) Probable Capacity Shear (Vp)
ϕ = 1.0 and α = 1.0
ϕ = 1.0 and α = 1.25
Column Strength based on
Shears β ≤ 0.1, θ ≥ 45° at potential
plastic hinge region
Minimum hoop Minimum hoop reinforcement Minimum hoop reinforcement
Special reinforcement in hinge

NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations

Beam
ρ ≤ 0.04 ρ ≤ 0.04 ρ ≤ 0.04
Design
Flexure ρ ≥ 0.2 fc′ f y ρ ≥ 0.2 fc′ f y ρ ≥ 0.2 fc′ f y

1 − 1 −
M u+END ≥ M uEND M u+END ≥ M uEND
Beam Min. 3 2
Moment
Override
No Requirement
1
{
M u+SPAN ≥ max M u+ , M u−
5
}
END
1
{
M u+SPAN ≥ max M u+ , M u−
4
}
END
Check
− 1
{
+
M uSPAN ≥ max M u , M u
5
−
}
END
− 1
{
+
M uSPAN ≥ max M u , M u
4
−
}
END

NLDa Combinations NLDa Combinations or Nominal NLDa Combinations and

Capacity Shear (Vp) with α = 1.0 Probable Capacity Shear (Vp)
and ϕ = 1.0 plus VD+L, or with α = 1.0 and ϕ = 1.0 plus
Beam
modified load combination with VD+L, or modified load
Design
earthquake load amplified by combination with earthquake
Shear
RdRo. load amplified by RdRo; strength
based on β = 0 and β = 45
degree in potential plastic hinge.

3 - 36 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

3.6.2 Design Beam Shear Reinforcement

The shear reinforcement is designed for each load combination at a user-defined
number of stations along the beam span. In designing the shear reinforcement
for a particular beam for a particular loading combination at a particular station
due to the beam major shear, the program uses the following steps:

 Determine the factored forces acting on the section, M f and V f . Note that
M f is needed for the calculation of Vc .

 Determine the shear stress, Vc , that can be resisted by concrete alone.

 Calculate the reinforcement steel required to carry the balance.

For Ductile and Moderately ductile moment resisting frames, the shear design
of the beams is also based on the probable and nominal moment capacities of the
members, respectively (CSA [Link].1, 21.4.5). The effect of axial forces on the
beam are neglected.

The following three sections describe in detail the algorithms associated with
these steps.

[Link] Determine Shear Force and Moment

In the design of the beam shear reinforcement of a Conventional moment resist-
ing concrete frame, the shear forces and moments for a particular load combina-
tion at a particular beam section are obtained by factoring the associated shear
forces and moments with the corresponding load combination factors.

In the design of Ductile moment resisting concrete frames (seismic design), the
shear capacity of the beam is also checked for the probable shear due to the
probable moment capacities and the factored gravity load, in addition to the de-
sign checks required for Conventional moment resisting frames. The procedure
for calculating the design shear force in a beam from probable moment capacities
is the same as that described for a column in the Column Design section. See
also Table 3-1 and Figure 3-7 for more details. The design shear force V f is then
given by:
V=
f V p + VD + L (CSA [Link])

Beam Design 3 - 37
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

where, V p is the shear force obtained by applying the calculated probable ulti-
mate moment capacities at the two ends of the beams acting in two opposite
directions. Therefore, V p is the maximum of VP1 and VP 2 , where

V=
P1 (M −
I + M J+ ) L , and

V=
P2 (M −
I + M J+ ) L , where

M I+ = Moment capacity at end I, with bottom steel in tension, using a

steel yield stress value of αf y and no ϕ factors ( ϕs =ϕc =1.0 ) ,

M J+ = Moment capacity at end J, with bottom steel in tension, using a

steel yield stress value of αf y and no ϕ factors ( ϕs =ϕc =1.0 ) ,

M I− = Moment capacity at end I, with top steel in tension, using a steel

yield stress value of αf y and no reduction factors ( φs =φc =1.0 )
,

M J− = Moment capacity at end J, with top steel in tension, using a steel

yield stress value of αf y and no ϕ factors ( ϕs =ϕc =1.0 ) , and

L = Clear span of beam.

The overstrength factor α is always taken as 1.25 for Ductile moment resisting
frames (CSA 2.2, [Link]). VD + L is the contribution of shear force from the in-
span distribution of gravity loads.

In the design of Moderately Ductile moment resisting frames (seismic), the shear
capacity of the beam is also checked for the nominal shear due to the nominal
( ϕs =ϕc =1.0 ) moment capacities and the factored gravity load (CSA
[Link](a), 2.2), in addition to the design checks required for Conventional mo-
ment resisting frames. The procedure for calculating nominal moment capacity
is the same as that for computing the probable moment capacity for Ductile mo-
ment resisting frames, except that α is taken equal to 1 (CSA [Link].(a), 2.2)
rather than 1.25. The design shear strength is enforced not to be greater than the

3 - 38 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

factored shear force with the seismic load amplified by a factor of Rd Ro (CSA
[Link], [Link](b)). See also Table 3-1 for details.

POINT OF
INFLECTION
Vu

COLUMN
ABOVE

TOP OF BEAM

COLUMN PANEL
HEIGHT ZONE
(H)
M uL CR
TL Vuh

CL TR
M uR

COLUMN
BELOW

Vu
POINT OF
INFLECTION

ELEVATION

Figure 3-7 Column shear force Vu

[Link] Determine Concrete Shear Capacity

Given the design force set M f and V f , the shear capacity provided by the con-
crete alone, Vc , is calculated as follows:

Vc = ϕc λβ f c′ bw d v , (CSA 11.3.4)

Beam Design 3 - 39
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

ϕc is the resistance factor for concrete. By default, it is taken as 0.65 (CSA

8.4.2). For concrete produced in a pre-qualified manufacturing plants, its
value can be taken as 0.70 (CSA 16.1.3). This value can be overwritten in
the Preferences.

λ is the strength reduction factor to account for low density concrete (CSA
2.2). For normal density concrete, its value is 1 (CSA 8.6.5), which is taken
by the program as the default value. For concrete using lower density aggre-
gate, the user can change the value of λ in the material property data. The
recommended value for λ is as follows (CSA 8.6.5).

1.00, for normal density concrete,

0.85, for semi-low-density concrete

λ = in which all of the fine aggregate is natural sand,
0.75, for semi-low-density concrete

 in which none of the fine aggregate is natural sand.

β is the factor for accounting for the shear resistance of cracked concrete (CSA
2.2). Its value is normally between 0.1 and 0.4. It is determine according to
the section 11.3.6 of the Code, which is described in the sections that follow.

bw is the effective web width. For rectangular beam, it is the width of the beam.
For T-beam, it is the width of the web of the beam.

d v is the effective shear depth. It is taken as the greater of 0.9d or 0.72h,

d v = max {0.9d ,0.72h} (CSA 2.2)

where d is the distance from the extreme compression fiber to the centroid of
tension reinforcement, and h is the overall depth of the cross-section in the di-
rection of shear force.

The value of the β factor is preferably taken as the Special value (CSA [Link])
or it is determined using the Simplified method (CSA [Link]), if applicable.
When the conditions of the Special value or Simplified method do not apply, the
General method is used to determine the β factor (CSA [Link]).

3 - 40 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

If the overall beam depth, h, is less than 250 mm or if the beam depth of a
T-beam before the slab is not greater than one-half of the width of web or 350
mm, β is taken as 0.21 (CSA [Link])

When the specified yield strength of the longitudinal reinforcing fy does not ex-
ceed 400 MPa, and the specified concrete strength f c′ does not exceed 60 MPa,
β is determined in accordance with the Simplified method, as follows (CSA
[Link]):

 When the section contains at least the minimum transverse reinforcement, β is

taken as 0.18 (CSA [Link](a)).
β = 0.18 (CSA 11.6.3a)

 When the section contains no transverse reinforcement, β is determined based

on the specified maximum nominal size of coarse aggregate, ag .

For maximum size of coarse aggregate not less than 20 mm, β is taken as:

230
β= (CSA 11.3.6.3b)
1000 + d v

where is the effective shear depth expressed in millimeter, which is described

in preceding sections.

For maximum size of coarse aggregate less than 20 mm, β is taken as:

230
β= (CSA 11.3.6.3c)
1000 + sze

35
where, 𝑆𝑆𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 = 𝑆𝑆 ≥ 0.85𝑆𝑆𝑧𝑧 (CSA [Link].c)
15+𝑎𝑎𝑔𝑔 𝑧𝑧

In the preceding expression, the crack spacing parameter, 𝑆𝑆𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 , shall be taken
as the minimum of d v and the maximum distance between layers of distributed
longitudinal reinforcement. However, 𝑆𝑆𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 is conservatively taken as equal to
dv .

In summary, for Simplified cases, β can be expressed as follows:

Beam Design 3 - 41
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14



 0.18, if minimum transverse reinforcement is provided,
 230
β  , if no transverse reinforcement provided, and ag ≥ 20mm,
1000 + d v
 230
 , if no transverse reinforcement provided, and ag < 20mm.
1000 + S ze

 When the specified yield strength of the longitudinal reinforcing fy > 400 MPa,
or the specified concrete strength f c′ > 60 MPa, β is determined in accordance
with the General method as follows (CSA [Link], [Link]):
0.40 1300
𝛽𝛽 = (1+1500𝜀𝜀 ) • (1000+𝑆𝑆 (CSA [Link])
𝑥𝑥 𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 )

In the preceding expression, the equivalent crack spacing parameter, 𝑆𝑆𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 , is

taken as equal to 300 mm if minimum transverse reinforcement is provided
(CSA [Link]). Otherwise it is determined as stated in the Simplified method.

300 if minimum transverse reinforcement is provided,


Sze =  35
S ≥ 0.85Sz otherwise.
15 + a z
 g

The longitudinal strain, ε x , at mid-depth of the cross-section is computed

from the following equation:

M f dv + V f
εx = (CSA [Link])
2 ( Es As )

In evaluating the ε x , the following conditions apply:

V f and M f are taken as positive quantities. (CSA 11.3.6.4a)

As is taken as the total area of longitudinal reinforcement in the beam sec-

tion. It is taken as the envelope of reinforcement required for all design
load combinations. Actual provided reinforcement might be slightly
higher than this quantity. The rebar should be developed to achieve full
strength (CSA 11.3.6.3b).

3 - 42 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

For sections closer than d v from the face of the support, ε x is calculated
based on M f and V f at a section at a distance d v from the face of the sup-
port (CSA [Link] d).

An upper limit on ε x is imposed as follows:

ex ≤ 0.003 (CSA 11.3.6.4f)

ε x is positive for tensile action.

 For Ductile moment resisting frames, in the region of potential plastic hinge,
the shear reinforcement is designed assuming β is equal to zero:
β =0 (CSA [Link])

In both the Simplified and General methods, the shear strength of the section
due to concrete, vc , depends on whether the minimum transverse reinforce-
ment is provided. To check this condition, the program performs the design in
two passes. In the first pass, it is assumed that no transverse shear reinforce-
ment is needed. When the program determines that shear reinforcement is
need, the program performs the second pass with the assumption that at least
minimum shear reinforcement is provided.

[Link] Determine Required Shear Reinforcement

The minimum possible factored shear resistance, Vr ,max is computed as follows:

= 0.25ϕc f c′bw d v
Vr ,max (CSA 11.3.3)

The shear reinforcement per unit spacing, Av s , is computed as follows:

If V f ≤ Vc

Av
=0 (CSA [Link])
s

else if Vc < V f ≤ Vr ,max

Beam Design 3 - 43
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Av
=
( )
V f − Vc tan θ
(CSA 11.3.3, [Link])
s ϕs f yh d v

else if V f > Vr ,max

a failure condition is declared. (CSA 11.3.3)

A minimum area of shear reinforcement is provided in the following regions

(CSA [Link]):

(a) in regions of flexural members where the factored shear force V f ex-
ceeds Vc ,

(b) in regions of beams and columns with an overall depth greater than 750
mm, and

(c) in regions of beams and columns where the factored torsion T f exceeds
0.25 Tcr .

Where the minimum shear reinforcement is required by section CSA [Link],

or by calculations, the minimum area of shear reinforcement per unit spacing is
taken as Tcr .

Av f′
≥ 0.06 c bw (CSA [Link])
s fy

In the preceding, the term θ is used. Here θ is the angle of inclination of diago-
nal compressive stresses to the longitudinal axis of the member. The θ value is
normally between 22 to 44 degrees. It is determined according to section 11.3.6
of the code.

Similar to the β factor, which was described previously, the value of θ is pref-
erably taken as the Special value (CSA [Link]) or it is determined using the
Simplified method (CSA [Link]), whenever applicable. The program uses the
General method when conditions for the Simplified method are not satisfied
(CSA [Link]).

 If the overall beam depth, h, is less than 250 mm or if the depth of the

3 - 44 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

T-beam below the slab is not greater than one-half of the width of web or 350
mm, θ is taken as 42 degrees (CSA [Link]).
 If the specified yield strength of the longitudinal reinforcing fy does not exceed
400 MPa, and the specified concrete strength f c′ does not exceed 60 MPa, θ
is taken to be 35 degree (CSA [Link]).
θ =35o for Pf ≥ 0 or f y ≤ 400 MPa or 60 MPa (CSA11.3.6.4)

 If the axial force is tensile, the specified yield strength of the longitudinal re-
inforcing fy > 400 MPa, and the specified concrete strength f c′ > 60 MPa, θ
is determined using the General method as follows (CSA [Link]),

θ= 29 + 7000ε x for Pf < 0 or f y > 400 MPa or 60 MPa (CSA11.3.6.4)

where ε x is the longitudinal strain at the mid-depth of the cross-section for the
factored load. The calculation procedure has been described in preceding sec-
tions.

The maximum of all of the calculated Av s values, obtained from each load
combination, is reported for the major directions of the beam along with the con-
trolling shear force and associated load combination number.

The beam shear reinforcement requirements reported by the program are based
purely on the considerations herein. Any other minimum stirrup requirements to
satisfy spacing and volumetric requirements must be investigated independently
of the program by the user.

3.6.3 Design Beam Torsion Reinforcement

The torsion reinforcement is designed for each design load combination at a
user-defined number of stations along the beam span. The following steps are
involved in designing the shear reinforcement for a particular station because of
beam torsion:

 Determine the factored torsion, Tf.

 Determine special section properties.

 Determine critical torsion capacity.

Beam Design 3 - 45
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

 Determine the reinforcement steel required.

Note that the torsion design can be turned off by choosing not to consider torsion
in the Preferences.

[Link] Determine Factored Torsion

In the design of torsion reinforcement of any beam, the factored torsions for each
design load combination at a particular design station are obtained by factoring
the corresponding torsion for different load cases with the corresponding design
load combination factors (CSA [Link]).

In a statistically indeterminate structure where redistribution of the torsional mo-

ment in a member can occur due to redistribution of internal forces upon crack-
ing, the design Tf is permitted to be reduced in accordance with code (CSA
[Link]). However, the program does not try to redistribute the internal forces
and to reduce Tf. If redistribution is desired, the user should release the torsional
DOF in the structural model.

[Link] Determine Special Section Properties

For torsion design, special section properties such as 𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 , 𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ , 𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 , 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 , and 𝑝𝑝ℎ are
calculated. These properties are described as follows.
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = Area enclosed by outside perimeter of concrete cross-sec-
tion
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = Area enclosed by shear flow path, including area of holes
(if any)
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = Area enclosed by centerline of the outermost closed trans-
verse torsional reinforcement, including area of holes (if
any)
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = Outside perimeter of concrete cross section
𝑝𝑝ℎ = Perimeter of centerline of outermost closed transverse tor-
sional reinforcement

In calculating the section properties involving reinforcement, such as 𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ , 𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 ,

and 𝑝𝑝ℎ , it is assumed that the distance between the centerline of the outermost
closed stirrup and the outermost concrete surface is 40 mm. For torsion design
of Tee and angle sections, it is assumed that placing torsion reinforcement in the
flange area is inefficient. With this assumption, the flange is ignored for torsion
reinforcement calculation. However, the flange is considered during 𝑇𝑇𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

3 - 46 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

calculation. With this assumption, the special properties for a Rectangular beam
section are given as follows:

𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = 𝑏𝑏ℎ (CSA 3.2)

𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐)(ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐) (CSA 3.2)
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = 0.85𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ (CSA [Link], 3.2)
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 2𝑏𝑏 + 2ℎ (CSA 3.2)
𝑝𝑝ℎ = 2(𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐) + 2(ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐) (CSA 3.2)

where, the section dimensions b, h and c are shown in Figure 3-8. Similarly, the
special section properties for a trapezoidal section are given as follows:
(𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 )
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = ℎ
2
(𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 )
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)
2
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = 0.85𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ
𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 2
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 2�ℎ2 + � �
2

𝑝𝑝ℎ = 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 + 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 2�𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡2 + (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)2

where:
ℎ
𝑠𝑠 = 2
(𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 )
𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 =
𝑠𝑠
ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡 =
𝑠𝑠
𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 = 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 2𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐
𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 = 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 2𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡
The dimensions 𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 , 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 , 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 , and 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 for trapezoidal section are shown in Figure
3-8.

Beam Design 3 - 47
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Figure 3-8 Closed stirrup and dimensions of rectangular and trapezoidal sections for
torsion design

The special section properties for a T-Beam section are given as follows:

𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 ℎ + �𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 �𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 (CSA 3.2)

𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 − 2𝑐𝑐)(ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐) (CSA 3.2)
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = 0.85𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ (CSA [Link], 3.2)
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 2𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 + 2ℎ (CSA 3.2)
𝑝𝑝ℎ = 2(ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐) + 2(𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 − 2𝑐𝑐) (CSA 3.2)

where the section dimensions 𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 , 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 , ℎ, 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 and 𝑐𝑐 for a T-beam are shown in
Figure 3-9.

For T-beam section with tapered web, the special section properties are deter-
mined as follows:
�𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 �
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = (ℎ − 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 ) + 𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠
2
(𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 )
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)
2
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = 0.85𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ
2
𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 2𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 + 2𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 + 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 2�(ℎ − 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 )2 + � �
2

𝑝𝑝ℎ = 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 + 2�𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡2 + (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)2

where:

3 - 48 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

(ℎ − 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 )
𝑠𝑠 = 2
�𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 �
𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 =
𝑠𝑠
ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡 =
𝑠𝑠
𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 = 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 2𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐
𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 = 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 2𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡

And the section dimensions 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 , 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 , 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 , and 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 for T-beam with tapered web
are shown in Figure 3-10.

Figure 3-9 Closed stirrup and dimensions of Tee sections for torsion design

The special section properties for an angle section are given as follows:
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 ℎ + �𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 �𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 − 2𝑐𝑐)(ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = 0.85𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 2ℎ + 2𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓
𝑝𝑝ℎ = 2(ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐) + 2(𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 − 2𝑐𝑐)

For angle section with tapered web, the special section properties are determined
as follows:
�𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 �
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 = (ℎ − 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 ) + 𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠
2

Beam Design 3 - 49
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

(𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 )
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)
2
𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜 = 0.85𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ
2
𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = ℎ + 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 + 2𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 + 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + �(ℎ − 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 )2 + �𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 �

𝑝𝑝ℎ = 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 + (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐) + �𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡2 + (ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐)2

where:
(ℎ − 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 )
𝑠𝑠 =
�𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 − 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 �
𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 =
𝑠𝑠
ℎ − 2𝑐𝑐
𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡 =
𝑠𝑠
𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 = 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 − 2𝑐𝑐
𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 = 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 + 𝑥𝑥𝑡𝑡

And the section dimensions 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 , 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 , 𝑤𝑤𝑏𝑏 , and 𝑤𝑤𝑡𝑡 for angle section with tapered
web are shown in Figure 3-10.

Figure 3-10 Closed stirrup and dimensions of angle sections for torsion design

[Link] Determine Critical Torsion Capacity

The critical torsion limits, Tcr, for which the torsion in the section can be ignored,
is calculated as follows:

3 - 50 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

 A2  φ p Pcp
T
=cr 0.38λφc f c′  c  1 + (CSA [Link])
 pc  0.38 Ac λφc f c′

where Ac and pc are the area and perimeter of concrete cross-section as described
in detail in the previous section, Pcf is the factored axial force (compression pos-
itive), φc is the strength reduction factor for torsion, which is equal to 0.65 by
default (CSA 8.2.7), φp is the strength reduction factor for prestressing tendons,
which is equal to 0.9 by default (CSA 8.4.3)and f c′ is the specified concrete
strength.

[Link] Determine Torsion Reinforcement

If the factored torsion Tf is less than the threshold limit, 0.25Tcr, torsion can be
safely ignored (CSA [Link]). In that case, the program reports that no torsion
is required. However, if Tf exceeds the threshold limit, 0.25Tcr, it is assumed that
the torsional resistance is provided by closed stirrups, longitudinal bars, and
compression diagonals (CSA 11.3.10).

If T f > 0.25Tcr , the required longitudinal rebar area is calculated as follows:

There are two components of torsional longitudinal rebar, i.e., flexural tension
side and flexural compression side as described below:

Flexural tension side torsional longitudinal rebar is provided to resist the sum of
tension forces including tension caused by flexure, shear and applied axial forces
(CSA [Link]).

𝑀𝑀 𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓 2 0.45𝑝𝑝ℎ 𝑇𝑇𝑓𝑓 2

𝐹𝐹𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 = � 𝑑𝑑 𝑓𝑓 + + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝜃𝜃 ��𝑉𝑉𝑓𝑓 − 0.5𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 − 𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝 � + � � �
𝑣𝑣 2 2𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜

(CSA Eqn. 11.14)

Where Mf and Vf are taken as positive quantities and Nf is positive for axial ten-
sion and negative for axial compression. In equation CSA 11.14, Vs is not taken
greater than Vf and dv is taken as lever arm corresponding to the factored moment
resistance.

Required reinforcing tension longitudinal steel (Flt) is computed as:

Beam Design 3 - 51
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Flt
Ast =
φs f y

At flexural compression side, a net tension force is computed (Flc) using CSA
Eqn. 11.5

𝑀𝑀 𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓 2 0.45𝑝𝑝ℎ 𝑇𝑇𝑓𝑓 2

𝐹𝐹𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 = �− 𝑑𝑑 𝑓𝑓 + + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝜃𝜃 ��𝑉𝑉𝑓𝑓 − 0.5𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 − 𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝 � + � � �
𝑣𝑣 2 2𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜

(CSA Eqn. 11.15)

Required reinforcing compression longitudinal steel (Flc) is computed as:

Flc
Asc =
φs f y

Program checks the flexural rebar both at tension and compression sides and
report the additional longitudinal rebar when tension and compression side rebar
is larger than flexural rebar.

and the required closed stirrup area per unit spacing, At /s, is calculated as:

At T f tanθ
= (CSA [Link])
s φs ( 2 A0 f ys )

An upper limit of the combination of Vf and Tf that can be carried by the section
is also checked using the following equation.

2 2
 V f   T f ph 
  + 2 
≤ 0.25φc f c' (CSA [Link](b))
b d
 w v   1.7 Aoh 

For rectangular sections, bw is replaced with b. If the combination of Vf and Tf

exceeds this limit, a failure message is declared. In that case, the concrete section
should be increased in size.

When torsional reinforcement is required (i.e., T * > 0.25φ Tcr ), the area of trans-
verse closed stirrups and the area of regular shear stirrups satisfy the following
limit.

3 - 52 Beam Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

When torsional reinforcement is required (Tf > Tcr), the area of transverse closed
stirrups and the area of regular shear stirrups satisfy the following limit.

 Av A  f′
 + 2 t  ≥ 0.06 c bw (CSA [Link])
 s s  fy

If this equation is not satisfied with the originally calculated Av s and At s ,

Av s is increased to satisfy this condition. In that case, Av s does not need to
satisfy CSA Section [Link] independently.

The maximum of all the calculated At and At s values obtained from each design
load combination is reported along with the controlling combination names.

The beam torsion reinforcement requirements reported by the program are based
purely on strength considerations. Any minimum stirrup requirements and lon-
gitudinal rebar requirements to satisfy spacing considerations must be investi-
gated independently of the program by the user.

3.7 Joint Design

To ensure that the beam-column joint of Ductile and Moderately Ductile mo-
ment resisting frames possesses adequate shear strength, the program performs
a rational analysis of the beam-column panel zone to determine the shear forces
that are generated in the joint. The program then checks this against design shear
strength.

Only joints having a column below the joint are designed. The material proper-
ties of the joint are assumed to be the same as those of the column below the
joint.

The joint analysis is completed in the major and the minor directions of the col-
umn. The joint design procedure involves the following steps:

 Determine the panel zone design shear force, Vuh

 Determine the effective area of the joint
 Check panel zone shear stress

Joint Design 3 - 53
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

The following three sections describe in detail the algorithms associated with
these steps.

3.7.1 Determine the Panel Zone Shear Force

For a particular column direction, major or minor, the free body stress condition
of a typical beam-column intersection is shown in Figure 3-9.

The force Vuh is the horizontal panel zone shear force that is to be calculated. The
forces that act on the joint are Pf, Vf, M Lf and M Rf . The forces Pf and Vf are axial
force and shear force, respectively, from the column framing into the top of the
joint. The moments M Lf and M Rf are obtained from the beams framing into the
joint. The joint shear force Vuh is calculated by resolving the moments into C and
T forces. Noting that TL = CL and TR = CR ,

Vuh = TL + TR − Vu

3 - 54 Joint Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

Figure 3-9 Beam-column joint analysis

The location of C or T forces is determined by the direction of the moment. The
magnitude of C or T forces is conservatively determined using basic principles
of ultimate strength theory (CSA 10.1).

Joint Design 3 - 55
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

The moments and the forces from beams that frame into the joint in a direction
that is not parallel to the major or minor direction of the column are resolved
along the direction that is being investigated, thereby contributing force compo-
nents to the analysis.

Also, the program calculates the positive and negative moments, considering the
fact that the concrete cover may be different for the direction of moment.

In the design of Ductile moment resisting concrete frames, the evaluation of the
design shear force is based on the maximum probable moment capacities (with
reinforcing steel overstrength factor, α, and no ϕ factors) of the beams framing
into the joint (CSA [Link], [Link].1). In the design of Moderately Ductile
moment resisting frames, the evaluation of the design shear force is based on the
nominal capacities (with no reinforcing steel overstrength factor, i.e., α =1, and
no ϕ factors, i.e., ϕc =ϕs =1 of the beams framing into the joint (CSA
[Link].1). The C and T force are based on these moment capacities. The pro-
gram calculates the column shear force, Vu , from the beam moment capacities
as follows:
M uL + M uR
Vu ,beam =
H
It should be noted that the points of inflection shown on Figure 3-5 are taken as
midway between actual lateral support points for the columns. If there is no col-
umn at the top of the joint, the shear force from the top of the column is taken as
zero.

The program also checks the capacity shear that can be developed in the column
based on its positive and negative moment capacities for the presence of factored
axial load, Pf .

 M
+ top
+ M u− bot M u− top + M u+ bot 
Vu ,col = min  u , 
 H H 
Vu is taken as the minimum of the two values Vu ,beam and Vu ,col .

Vu = min {Vu ,beam ,Vu ,col }

3 - 56 Joint Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

The effects of load reversals, as illustrated in Case 1 and Case 2 of Figure 3-9
(CSA [Link].2, [Link]) are investigated, and the design is based on the
maximum of the joint shears obtained from the two cases.

3.7.2 Determine the Effective Area of Joint

The joint area that resists the shear forces is assumed always to be rectangular in
plan view. The dimensions of the rectangle correspond to the major and minor
dimensions of the column below the joint, except if the beam framing into the
joint is very narrow. The effective width of the joint area to be used in the cal-
culation is limited to two times the width of the beam. The area of the joint is
assumed not to exceed the area of the column below. The joint area for joint
shear along the major and minor directions is calculated separately (CSA 3.2).

The effective joint shear area, AJ , is given by

AJ = min {bcol hcol , 2bw hcol } (CSA 3.2)

where,

bcol is the width of column section perpendicular to direction of shear,

hcol is the depth of column section in the direction of shear, and

bw is the width of the beam or its web.

For circular column, both bcol and hcol are taken equal to the overall diameter of
the column. For a section designer section, bcol and hcol are based on equiva-
lence.

It should be noted that if the beam frames into the joint eccentrically, the pre-
ceding assumptions may not be conservative and the user should investigate the
acceptability of the particular joint.

3.7.3 Check Panel Zone Shear Stress

The panel zone shear force Vuh is compared to the factored shear resistance of
the joint Vc (CSA [Link], [Link].2). Vc is calculated from the following
equation:

Joint Design 3 - 57
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

 ′
2.2λϕc f c AJ , for joints confined on all four sides,

Vc 1.6λϕc f c′ AJ , for joints confined on three faces or on two opposite faces,
=

1.3λϕc f c′ AJ , for all other joints.

ϕc is the resistance factor for concrete. By default, it is taken as 0.65 (CSA
8.4.2). For concrete produced in a pre-qualified manufacturing plant, its
value can be taken as 0.70 (CSA 16.1.3). Its value can be overwritten in the
Preferences.

f c′ is the specified compressive strength of concrete. It is assumed to be the

same as that of the column below the joint. The f c′ should not be greater
than 8 MPa.

f c′ ≤ 8MPa

AJ is the effective joint shear area appropriate for the direction.

A beam that frames into a face of a column at the joint is considered in the pro-
gram to provide confinement to the joint if at least three-quarters of the face of
the joint is covered by the framing member (CSA [Link], [Link].2).

3.7.4 Beam-Column Flexural Capacity Ratios

At a particular joint for a particular column direction, major or minor, the pro-
gram will calculate the ratio of the sum of the beam moment capacities to the
sum of the column moment capacities. For Ductile and Moderately Ductile mo-
ment resisting frames, the following CSA provision must be satisfied (CSA
[Link], [Link]).

∑M ≥ ∑M c b

For Ductile moment resisting frames ∑M c and ∑M b are defined as follows:

 ∑M c is the sum of the nominal flexural strength of columns, M nc , framing

into the joint evaluated at the center of the joint. Individual column flexural

3 - 58 Joint Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

strength is calculated for the associated factored axial forces, Pf . The nominal
capacity is calculated with no overstrength factor, i.e., α =1, and no ϕ factors
or ϕc =ϕs =1.

 ∑M b is the sum of the maximum probable flexural strength of beams, M pb ,

framing into the joint evaluated at the face of the joint. The probable capacity
is calculated with an overstrength factor, i.e., α =1.25, and no ϕ factors or
ϕc =ϕs =1.

For Moderately Ductile moment resisting frames, ∑M c and ∑M b are de-

fined as follows:

 ∑M c is the sum of the design strength of columns, ϕM nc , framing into the

joint evaluated at the center of the joint. Individual column flexural strength is
calculated for the associated factored axial forces, Pf . The design capacity is
calculated with no overstrength factor, i.e., α =1, and with appropriate ϕc and
ϕs factors.

 ∑M b is the sum of the nominal flexural strength of beams, M n , framing into

the joint evaluated at the face of the joint. The nominal capacity is calculated
with no overstrength factor, i.e., α =1, and no ϕ factors, i.e., ϕc =ϕs =1 .
The moment capacities of beams that frame into the joint in a direction that is
not parallel to the major or minor direction of the column are resolved along the
direction that is being investigated and the resolved components are added to the
summation.

The column capacity summation includes the column above and the column be-
low the joint. For each load combination, the factored axial force, Pf , in each of
the columns is calculated from the load combinations. For each load combina-
tion, the moment capacity of each column under the influence of the correspond-
ing factored axial load Pf is then determined separately for the major and minor
directions of the column, using the uniaxial column interaction diagram; see Fig-
ure 3-10. The moment capacities of the two columns are added to give the ca-
pacity summation for the corresponding load combination. The maximum
capacity summations obtained from all of the load combinations is used for the
beam-column capacity ratio.

Joint Design 3 - 59
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Figure 3-10 Moment capacity Mf at a given axial load Pf

The beam-column capacity ratio is determined for a beam-column joint only

when the following conditions are met:

 The frame is a Ductile or Moderately Ductile moment resisting frame.

 When a column exists above the beam-column joint, and it is a concrete col-
umn.
 All of the beams framing into the column are concrete beams.
 The connecting member design results are available.
 The load combination involves seismic load.

The beam-column flexural capacity ratios are reported only for Ductile and
Moderately Ductile moment resisting frames involving seismic design load com-
binations. If this ratio is greater than 1.0, a warning message is printed in the
output file.

3 - 60 Joint Design
Chapter 3 - Design Process

Joint Design 3 - 61
APPENDICES
 Appendix A
Second Order P-Delta Effects

Typically, design codes require that second order P-delta effects be considered
when designing concrete frames. They are the global lateral translation of the
frame and the local deformation of members within the frame.

Consider the frame object shown in Figure A-1, which is extracted from a story
level of a larger structure. The overall global translation of this frame object is
indicated by ∆. The local deformation of the member is shown as δ. The total
second order P-delta effects on this frame object are those caused by both ∆ and
δ.

The program has an option to consider P-delta effects in the analysis. When
P-delta effects are considered in the analysis, the program does a good job of
capturing the effect due to the ∆ deformation shown in Figure A-1, but it does
not typically capture the effect of the δ deformation (unless, in the model, the
frame object is broken into multiple elements over its length).

A-1
Design Manual Concrete Frame CSA A23.3-14

Figure A-1 The Total Second Order P-Delta Effects on a

Frame Element Caused by Both ∆ and δ

Consideration of the second order P-delta effects are generally achieved by

computing the flexural design capacity using a formula similar to that shown in
the following equation.

M CAP = aM nt + bM lt where,

M CAP = Flexural design capacity required

M nt = Required flexural capacity of the member assuming there is no
joint translation of the frame (i.e., associated with the δ defor-
mation in Figure A-1)
M lt = Required flexural capacity of the member as a result of lateral
translation of the frame only (i.e., associated with the ∆ defor-
mation in Figure A-1)
a = Unitless factor multiplying M nt
b = Unitless factor multiplying M lt (assumed equal to 1 by the
program; see below)
When the program performs concrete frame design, it assumes that the factor b
is equal to 1 and calculates the factor a. That b = 1 assumes that P-delta effects
have been considered in the analysis, as previously described. Thus, in general,
when performing concrete frame design in this program, consider P-delta ef-
fects in the analysis before running the program.

A-2 Appendix A
 Appendix B
Member Unsupported Lengths and
Computation of K-Factors

The column unsupported lengths are required to account for column slenderness
effects. The program automatically determines the unsupported length ratios,
which are specified as a fraction of the frame object length. Those ratios times
the frame object length gives the unbraced lengths for the members. Those ratios
can also be overwritten by the user on a member-by-member basis, if desired,
using the overwrite option.

There are two unsupported lengths to consider. They are L 33 and L 22 , as shown
in Figure B-1. These are the lengths between support points of the member in the
corresponding directions. The length L 33 corresponds to instability about the 3-3
axis (major axis), and L 22 corresponds to instability about the 2-2 axis (minor
axis).

B-1
Concrete Frame Design CSA A23.3-14

Figure B-1 Axis of bending and unsupported length

In determining the values for L 22 and L 33 of the members, the program recog-
nizes various aspects of the structure that have an effect on these lengths, such as
member connectivity, diaphragm constraints, and support points. The program
automatically locates the member support points and evaluates the corre-
sponding unsupported length.

It is possible for the unsupported length of a frame object to be evaluated by the

program as greater than the corresponding member length. For example, assume
a column has a beam framing into it in one direction, but not the other, at a floor
level. In that case, the column is assumed to be supported in one direction only at
that story level, and its unsupported length in the other direction will exceed the
story height.

B-2 Member Unsupported Lengths and Computation of K-Factors

 References

CSA, 2014. A23.3-14, Design of Concrete Structures, Canadian Standards As-

sociation, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada,
L4W 5NG.

CSI, 2014. CSI Analysis Reference Manual, Computers and Structures, Inc.,
Walnut Creek, California.

NRCC, 2005, National Building Code of Canada, Canadian Commission on

Building and Fire Code, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal
Rd., Ottowa, ON KIA 929.

White, D. W. and J. F. Hajjar, 1991. “Application of Second-Order Elastic

Analysis in LRFD: Research to Practice,” Engineering Journal, American
Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., Vol. 28, No. 4.