© ISO 2001 – All rights reserved

ISO TC 71/SC 5
Date: 2001-10-22

ISO/DIS 15673
ISO TC 71/SC 5/WG

Secretariat: ICONTEC

Guidelines for the Simplified Design of Structural Reinforced Concrete for

Buildings

Document type: International Standard

Document subtype:
Document stage: (40) Enquiry
Document language: E
ISO/DIS 15673

Copyright notice
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Contents
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 2
4 Symbols and abbreviations........................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 Symbols ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
4.2 Abbreviations............................................................................................................................................... 17
5 Design and construction procedure.......................................................................................................... 17
5.1 Procedure ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Design documentation ................................................................................................................................ 20
5.2.1 Calculation memoir ..................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2.2 Geotechnical report..................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2.3 Structural drawings ..................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2.4 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 20
6 General Guides ............................................................................................................................................ 20
6.1 Limitations.................................................................................................................................................... 20
6.1.1 Occupancy ................................................................................................................................................... 20
6.1.2 Maximum number of stories....................................................................................................................... 21
6.1.3 Maximum area per floor .............................................................................................................................. 21
6.1.4 Maximum story height................................................................................................................................. 21
6.1.5 Maximum span length ................................................................................................................................. 21
6.1.6 Maximum difference in span length .......................................................................................................... 22
6.1.7 Minimum number of spans ......................................................................................................................... 22
6.1.8 Maximum cantilever span ........................................................................................................................... 22
6.1.9 Maximum slope for slabs, girders, beams and joists .............................................................................. 22
6.1.10 Maximum slope of the terrain..................................................................................................................... 22
6.2 Limit states ................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3 Ultimate limit state design format.............................................................................................................. 22
6.3.1 General.......................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3.2 Required factored strength ........................................................................................................................ 23
6.3.3 Design strength ........................................................................................................................................... 23
6.4 Serviceability limit state design format..................................................................................................... 23
7 Specific guides ............................................................................................................................................ 24
7.1 Structural systems and layout ................................................................................................................... 24
7.1.1 Description of the components of the structure ...................................................................................... 24
7.1.2 General program.......................................................................................................................................... 25
7.1.3 Structural layout .......................................................................................................................................... 26
7.1.4 Feasibility under the guidelines ................................................................................................................. 28
7.2 Actions (loads)............................................................................................................................................. 28
7.2.1 General.......................................................................................................................................................... 28
7.2.2 Load factors and load combinations......................................................................................................... 29
7.2.3 Mass of materials......................................................................................................................................... 30
7.2.4 Dead loads.................................................................................................................................................... 30
7.2.5 Live loads ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
7.2.6 Specified snow load .................................................................................................................................... 30
7.2.7 Specified wind forces.................................................................................................................................. 31
7.2.8 Specified earthquake forces....................................................................................................................... 31
7.3 General reinforced concrete requirements............................................................................................... 31
7.3.1 General.......................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.3.2 Materials for reinforced concrete............................................................................................................... 31
7.3.3 Minimum and maximum reinforcement bar diameter.............................................................................. 32
7.3.4 Concrete cover of reinforcement ............................................................................................................... 33
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7.3.5 Minimum reinforcement bend diameter ....................................................................................................34

7.3.6 Standard hook dimensions.........................................................................................................................34
7.3.7 Bar separation and maximum aggregate size ..........................................................................................35
7.3.8 Development length, lap splicing and anchorage of reinforcement ......................................................39
7.3.9 Limits for longitudinal reinforcement ........................................................................................................40
7.3.10 Minimum amounts of transverse reinforcement ......................................................................................44
7.3.11 Strength of members subjected to flexural moments .............................................................................47
7.3.12 Strength of members subjected to axial loads with or without flexure .................................................52
7.3.13 Strength of members subjected to shear stresses ..................................................................................55
7.3.14 Bearing strength ..........................................................................................................................................60
7.4 Floor system.................................................................................................................................................61
7.4.1 Types of floor systems................................................................................................................................61
7.4.2 Criteria for the selection of the floor system ............................................................................................64
7.4.3 Guides for structural integrity ....................................................................................................................65
7.4.4 Slab one-way and two-way action and load path .....................................................................................66
7.4.5 Minimum allowable depth of the elements of the floor system ..............................................................66
7.4.6 Initial trial dimensions for the floor system ..............................................................................................68
7.5 Solid slabs supported on girders, beams, joists or structural concrete walls .....................................68
7.5.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................68
7.5.2 Design load definition .................................................................................................................................69
7.5.3 Details of reinforcement..............................................................................................................................69
7.5.4 Top thin solid slab that spans between joists ..........................................................................................73
7.5.5 Cantilevers of slabs supported on girders, beams or walls ...................................................................74
7.5.6 One-way one-span solid slabs spanning between girders, beams, or structural concrete walls ......77
7.5.7 One-way solid slabs supported on girders, beams, or walls, with two or more spans .......................79
7.5.8 Two-way solid slabs spanning between girders, beams, or structural concrete walls .......................82
7.6 Girders, beams and joists...........................................................................................................................91
7.6.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................91
7.6.2 Design load definition .................................................................................................................................91
7.6.3 Details of reinforcement..............................................................................................................................92
7.6.4 Joists and beams supported on girders ...................................................................................................99
7.6.5 Girders that are part of a frame ................................................................................................................105
7.7 Columns......................................................................................................................................................112
7.7.1 General........................................................................................................................................................112
7.7.2 Design load definition ...............................................................................................................................113
7.7.3 Dimensional guides ...................................................................................................................................114
7.7.4 Details of reinforcement............................................................................................................................116
7.7.5 Flexural guides...........................................................................................................................................120
7.7.6 Shear guides ..............................................................................................................................................121
7.8 Lateral force resistance ............................................................................................................................122
7.8.1 General........................................................................................................................................................122
7.8.2 Specified lateral forces .............................................................................................................................122
7.8.3 Lateral force resisting structural system ................................................................................................122
7.8.4 Minimum amount of structural concrete walls .......................................................................................123
7.8.5 Special reinforcement details for seismic zones ...................................................................................124
7.9 Structural concrete walls ..........................................................................................................................133
7.9.1 General........................................................................................................................................................133
7.9.2 Design load definition ...............................................................................................................................134
7.9.3 Dimensional guides ...................................................................................................................................136
7.9.4 Details of reinforcement............................................................................................................................137
7.9.5 Flexural guides...........................................................................................................................................139
7.9.6 Shear guides ..............................................................................................................................................139
7.9.7 Calculation of the reactions at the foundation .......................................................................................140
7.10 Foundations ...............................................................................................................................................140
7.10.1 Dimensioning of the foundation elements ..............................................................................................140
7.10.2 Footings......................................................................................................................................................140
7.10.3 Foundation mats ........................................................................................................................................141
7.10.4 Footings on piles .......................................................................................................................................142
7.10.5 Foundation beams .....................................................................................................................................142

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Annex A. Equivalent equations for material factors ......................................................................................... 143

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Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.

Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO should not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard ISO 15673 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 71, Concrete, Reinforced
Concrete and Prestressed Concrete, Subcommittee SC 5, Simplified Design Standard for Concrete Structures.

This second/third/... edition cancels and replaces the first/second/... edition (), [clause(s) / subclause(s) / table(s) /
figure(s) / annex(es)] of which [has / have] been technically revised.

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Introduction
The aim of this International Standard is to provide rules for the design and construction of low-rise concrete
structures of small area to be built in the less developed areas of the world. The document is developed for
countries that do not have existing national standards. This document shall not be used in place of a national
standard unless specifically considered and accepted by the national standard body or other appropriate
regulartory organization. The design rules are based in simplified worldwide-accepted strength models. The
document is self-contained; therefore actions (loads) and simplified analysis procedures are included, as well as
minimum acceptable construction practice guidelines.

The minimum dimensional guidelines contained in this document are intended to account for undesirable side
effects that will require more sophisticated analysis and design procedures. Material and construction guidelines
are aimed at site mixed concrete as well as ready-mixed concrete, and steel of the minimum available strength
grades.

The earthquake resistance guidelines are included to account for the fact that numerous underdeveloped regions
of the world lay in earthquake prone areas. The earthquake resistance is based upon the employment of structural
concrete walls (shear walls) that limit the lateral deformations of the structure and provide for its lateral strength.

The document contains guidelines that can be modified by the national standards body due to local design and
construction requirements and practices. These guidelines that can be modified are included using ["boxed
values"]. The authorities in each member country are expected to review the "boxed values" and may substitute
alternative definitive values for these elements for use in the national application of the document.

A great effort was made to include self-explanatory tables, graphics, and design aids to simplify the use of the
document and provide foolproof procedures. Notwithstanding, the economic implications of the conservatism
inherent in approximate procedures as a substitution to sound and experienced engineering should be a matter of
concern to the designer that employs the document, and to the owner that hires him.

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Guidelines for the Simplified Design of Structural Reinforced

Concrete for Buildings — — —

1 Scope
This document can be permitted to be used as an alternative to the development of a National Concrete Building
Code, or equivalent document in countries where no national design codes are available by themselves, or as an
alternative to the National Concrete Building Code in countries where specifically considered and accepted by the
national standard body or other appropriate regulartory organization, and applies to the planning, design and
construction of structural reinforced concrete structures to be used in new low-rise buildings of restricted
occupancy, number of stories, and area.

The purpose of this guidelines is to provide a registered Civil Engineer or Architect with sufficient information to
perform the design of the structural reinforced concrete that comprises the structural framing of a low-rise building
that complies with the limitations established in 6.1. The rules of design as set forth in the present document are
simplifications of the more elaborate requirements.

Although the guidelines contained in this document were drawn to produce, when properly employed, a reinforced
concrete structure with an appropriate margin of safety, these guidelines are not a replacement of sound and
experienced engineering. In order for the resulting structure designed employing this guidelines to attain the
intended margin of safety, the document must be used as a whole, and alternative procedures should be employed
only when explicitly permitted by the guidelines. The minimum dimensioning guides as prescribed in the document
replace, in most cases, more elaborate procedures as those prescribed in the National Building Code, and the
eventual economic impact is compensated by the simplicity of the procedures prescribed here.

The professional performing the structural design under this guidelines should meet the legal requirements for
structural designers in the country of adoption and have training and a minimum appropriate knowledge of
structural mechanics, statics, strength of materials, structural analysis, and reinforced concrete design and
construction.

2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this part of ISO 15673. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part of ISO 15673 are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain
registers if currently valid International Standards.

ISO 679: Methods of testing cements - Determination of strength

ISO 680: Cement - Test methods - Chemical analysis

ISO 863: Cement - Test methods - Pozzolanicity test for pozzolanic cements

ISO 2103: Loads due to use and occupancy in residential and public buildings

ISO 2633: Determination of imposed floor loads in production buildings and warehouses

ISO 3010: Bases for design of structures - Seismic actions on structures

ISO/TR 3956: Principles of Structural Fire-Engineering Design with Special Regard to the Connection Between
Real Fire Exposure and the Heating Conditions.

ISO 4354: Wind actions on structures

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ISO 6274: Concrete - Sieve analysis of aggregates

ISO 6782: Aggregates for concrete - Determination of bulk density

ISO 6783: Coarse aggregates for concrete - Determination of particle density and water absorption - Hydrostatic
balance method

ISO 6935-1: Steel for the reinforcement of concrete - Part 1: Plain bars

ISO 6935-2: Steel for the reinforcement of concrete - Part 2: Ribbed bars

ISO 6935-3: Cor: 2000 Steel for the reinforcement of concrete - Part 3: Welded fabric

ISO 7033: Fine and coarse aggregates for concrete - Determination of the particle mass-per-volume and water
absorption - Pycnometer method

ISO 9194: Bases for design of structures - Actions due to the self-weight of structures, non-structural elements and
stored materials - Density

ISO 9597: Cements - Test methods - Determination of setting time and soundness

ISO 10144: Certification scheme for steel bars and wires for the reinforcement of concrete. Welded-wire fabric

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this International Guidelines, the following terms and definitions apply:

3.1
acceleration of gravity, g
the acceleration produced by gravity at the surface of earth.

NOTE. For the application of this guidelines its value can be approximated to g [10] m/s2.

3.2
admixture
material other than water, aggregate, or hydraulic cement, used as an ingredient of concrete and added to concrete
before or during its mixing to modify its properties.

3.3
aggregate
granular material, such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and iron blast-furnace slag, used in conjunction with a
cementing medium to form a hydraulic cement concrete or mortar.

3.4
anchorage
a device used to anchor a non-structural element to the structural framing.

3.5
bar diameter, nominal
approximate diameter of a steel reinforcing bar, often used as a class designation.

NOTE. For deformed bars, it is common practice to use the diameter of a plain bar having the same area.

3.6
base of structure
level at which earthquake motions are assumed to be imparted to a building.

NOTE. This level does not necessarily coincide with the ground level.

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3.7
beam
horizontal, or nearly horizontal, structural member supported at one (such as a cantilever) or more points, but not
throughout its length, transversely supporting a load, and subjected primarily to flexure.

3.8
bearing capacity of the soil
the maximum permissible stress on the foundation soil that provides adequate safety against bearing failure of the
soil, or settlement of the foundation of such magnitude as to impair the structure.

NOTE. Its value is defined at the working stress level.

3.9
bending moment
product of a force and the distance to a particular axis, producing bending effects in a structural element.

3.10
boundary elements
portions along wall edges strengthened by longitudinal and transverse reinforcement.

NOTE. Boundary elements do not necessarily require an increase in thickness of the wall.

3.11
buildings
structures, usually enclosed by walls and a roof, constructed to provide support or shelter for an intended
occupancy.

3.12
caisson
a foundation pile of large diameter, built partly or totally above ground and sunk below ground usually by digging
out the soil inside.

3.13
cement
material as specified in the corresponding referenced ISO standards, which, when mixed with water, has hardening
properties, used either in concrete or by itself.

3.14
column
vertical member used primarily to support axial compressive loads.

3.15
collector elements
elements that serve to transmit the inertia forces within the diaphragm to members of the lateral-force resisting
system.

3.16
combined footing
footing that transmits to the supporting soil the load carried by several columns or structural concrete walls.

3.17
compression reinforcement
reinforcement provided to resist compression stresses induced by flexural moments acting on the member section.

3.18
concrete
mixture of portland cement and any other hydraulic cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water, with or
without admixtures.

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3.19
concrete mix design
the choice and proportioning of the ingredients of concrete.

3.20
concrete, specified compressive strength of, f c'
compressive cylinder strength of concrete used in design and evaluated in accordance with the appropriate ISO
standard, expressed in megapascals (MPa).

NOTE. Whenever the quantity f c' is under a radical sign ( f c' ), the positive square root of numerical value only is
intended, and result has units of megapascals (MPa).

3.21
confinement hook
a hook on a stirrup, hoop, or crosstie having a bend not less than 135° with a six-diameter (but not less than 75 mm)
extension that engages the longitudinal reinforcement and projects into the interior of the stirrup or hoop.

3.22
confinement stirrup or tie
closed stirrup, tie or continuously wound spiral.

NOTE. A closed stirrup or tie can be made up of several reinforcement elements each having confinement hooks at
both ends. A continuously wound spiral should have a confinement hook at both ends.

3.23
corrosion
gradual removal or weakening of metal from its surface that requires the presence of humidity and oxygen, and is
helped by the presence of other materials.

3.24
cover, concrete
the thickness of concrete between surface of any reinforcing bar and the nearest face of the concrete member.

3.25
crosstie
a continuous reinforcing bar having a 135° hook at one end and a hook not less than 90° at least a six-diameter
extension at the other end.

NOTE. The hooks should engage peripheral longitudinal bars. The 90° hooks of two successive crossties engaging
the same longitudinal bars should be alternated end for end.

3.26
curing
keeping the concrete damp for a period of time, usually several days, starting from the moment it is cast, in order to
the cement to be provided with enough water to harden and attain the intended strength.

NOTE. Appropriate curing will greatly reduce shrinkage, increase strength of concrete, and should reduce surface
cracking. Curing time will depend on temperature and relative humidity of surrounding air, the amount of wind, the
direct sunlight exposure, the type of concrete mix employed, and other factors.

3.27
curtain wall
walls that are part of the façade or enclosure of the building.

3.28
deformed reinforcement
steel reinforcement that have deformations in its surface to increase its bond to the concrete.

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NOTE. The following steel reinforcement should be considered deformed reinforcement under this guidelines:
deformed reinforcing bars, deformed wire, welded plain wire fabric, and welded deformed wire fabric conforming to
the appropriate ISO standards.

3.29
depth of member, h
the vertical size of a cross section of a horizontal structural element.

3.30
design load combinations
combinations of factored loads and forces as specified in this guidelines.

3.31
design strength
the product of the nominal strength multiplied by a strength reduction factor φ.

3.32
development length
length of embedded reinforcement required to develop the design strength of reinforcement at a critical section.

3.33
development length for a bar with a standard hook
the shortest distance between the critical section (where the strength of the bar is to be developed) and a tangent
to the outer edge of the 90° or 180° hook.

3.34
differential settlement
when the foundation of different parts of a structure settle different amounts.

3.35
effective depth of section, d
distance measured from extreme compression fiber to centroid of tension reinforcement.

3.36
embedment length
length of embedded reinforcement provided beyond a critical section.

3.37
essential facilities
buildings and other structures that are intended to remain operational in the event of extreme environmental
loading from wind, snow, or earthquakes.

3.38
factored loads and forces
specified nominal loads and forces multiplied by the load factors prescribed in this guidelines.

3.39
fire protection of reinforcement
amount of concrete cover necessary for protection of the reinforcement against the effects of the high temperatures
produced by fire.

NOTE. The concrete cover is a function of the number of hours of exposure to the fire.

3.40
flange
Top or bottom part of an I shaped section separated by the web.

3.41
flexural
pertaining to the flexure bending moment.
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3.42
flexural reinforcement
reinforcement provided to resist the tensile stresses induced by flexural moments acting on the member section.

3.43
floor system
the structural elements that comprise the floor of a story in a building.

NOTE. It includes the beams and girders, the joists (if employed), and the slab that spans between them.

3.44
footing
that portion of the foundation which transmits loads directly to the soil.

NOTE. May be the widening part of a column, a structural concrete wall or several columns, in a combined footing.

3.45
formwork
a temporary construction to contain concrete in a plastic state while it is cast and setting, and that forms the final
shape of the element as the concrete hardens.

3.46
foundation
any part of the structure that serves to transmit loads to the underlying soil, or to contain it.

3.47
foundation beam
a beam that rests on the foundation soil and spans between footings, used either to support walls or to limit
differential settlement of the foundation.

3.48
foundation mat
a continuous slab laid over the ground as part of the foundation and that transmits to the underlying soil the loads
from the structure.

3.49
girder
main horizontal support beam, usually supporting other beams.

3.50
gravity loads
loads that act downward and are caused by the acceleration of gravity, g, acting on the mass of the elements that
cause the dead and live loads.

3.51
hook
bend at the end of a reinforcing bar.

NOTE. They are defined by the angle that the bend forms with the bar as either 90°, 180° or 135° hooks.

3.52
joist
T-shaped beam used in parallel series directly supporting floor and ceiling loads, and supported in turn by larger
girders, beams, or bearing structural concrete walls.

3.53
lap splice
splice between two reinforcing bars obtained by overlapping them for a specified length.

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3.54
lateral-force resisting system
that portion of the structure composed of members proportioned to resist forces related to earthquake effects.

3.55
lightweight aggregate concrete
concrete made with coarse granular material that weigh less than the granular material used in normal weight
concrete.

NOTE. This type of concrete is not covered by this guidelines.

3.56
limit state
a condition beyond which a structure or member becomes unfit for service and is judged either to be no longer
useful for its intended function (serviceability limit state) or to be unsafe (strength limit state).

3.57
live load
live loads are those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building and do not include construction or
environmental loads.

NOTE. Such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load, or dead load (without load factors).

3.58
load effects
forces and deformations produced in structural members by the applied loads.

3.59
load factor
a factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominal load, for uncertainties in the analysis that
transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur
simultaneously.

3.60
loads
forces or other actions that result from the weight of all building materials, occupants and their possessions,
environmental effects, differential movement, and restrained dimensional changes.

3.61
longitudinal reinforcement
reinforcement that is laid parallel to the longitudinal axis of the element, generally to account for flexural effects.

3.62
mass
quantity of matter in a body.

3.63
mesh wire
welded-wire fabric reinforcement.

3.64
modulus of elasticity
ratio of normal stress to corresponding strain for tensile or compressive stresses below proportional limit of
material.

3.65
negative moment
flexural moment that produces tension stresses at the upper part of the section of a horizontal, or nearly horizontal
element, and that requires placing negative flexural reinforcement in the upper part of the element section.

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3.66
negative reinforcement
in horizontal or nearly horizontal elements, the flexural reinforcement required for negative moment and that is
placed in the upper part of the section of the element.

3.67
nominal loads
the magnitudes of the loads specified in this guidelines (dead, live, soil, wind, snow, rain, flood, and earthquake).

3.68
nominal strength
the capacity of a structure or member to resist the effects of loads, as determined by computations using specified
material strengths and dimensions and the formulas set forth by this guidelines.

NOTE. Which in turn are derived from accepted principles of structural mechanics or by field tests or laboratory
tests of scaled models, allowing for modelling effects and differences between laboratory and field conditions.

3.69
non-structural elements
correspond to architectural, mechanical, and electrical components and systems permanently attached to the
building.

3.70
occupancy
the purpose for which a building or other structure, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used.

3.71
partitions
non-structural walls that are employed to divide spaces.

NOTE. They do not support other parts of the building except themselves. When they are built in the exterior
sometimes they are referred as curtain walls.

3.72
pedestal
upright compression member with a ratio of unsupported height to average least lateral dimension of less than 3.

3.73
permanent loads
are those loads in which variations over time are rare or of small magnitude.

NOTE. All other loads are variable loads (see also nominal loads).

3.74
pile
slender timber, concrete or structural steel element embedded in the ground to support loads.

3.75
plain reinforcement
smooth surfaced steel reinforcement, or reinforcement that does not conform to the definition of deformed
reinforcement.

3.76
positive moment
flexural moment that produces tension stresses at the lower part of the section of a horizontal, or nearly horizontal
element, and that requires placing positive flexural reinforcement in the lower part of the element section.

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3.77
positive reinforcement
in horizontal or nearly horizontal elements, the flexural reinforcement required for positive moment and that is
placed in the lower part of the section of the element.

3.78
reaction
resistance to a force or load, or upward resistance of a support such as a structural concrete wall or column against
the downward pressure of a loaded member such as a beam.

3.79
reinforcement
steel bars, wire, or mesh wire, used for reinforcing the concrete where tensile stresses are expected, due either to
the applied loads, or to environmental effects such as variation of temperature.

3.80
required factored strength
strength of a member or cross section required to resist factored loads or related internal moments and forces in
such combinations as are stipulated by this guidelines.

3.81
retaining wall
a wall built to hold back earth.

3.82
selfweight
weight of the structural element, caused by the material that composes the element.

3.83
service load
load specified by this guidelines (without load factors).

3.84
settlement
downward movement of the supporting soil.

3.85
shear
internal force acting tangential to the plane where it acts.

NOTE. Also called diagonal tension.

3.86
shear reinforcement
reinforcement designed to resist shear.

3.87
shores
vertical or inclined support members designed to carry the weight of the formwork, concrete, and construction loads
above.

3.88
shrinkage and temperature reinforcement
reinforcement normal to flexural reinforcement provided for shrinkage and temperature stresses in structural solid
slabs and footings where flexural reinforcement extends in one direction only.

3.89
slab
the upper flat part of a reinforced concrete floor carried by supporting joists or beams or columns.

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3.90
slab on grade
a slab set directly on the ground that serves either as a internal traffic surface or as part of the foundation.

3.91
solid slab
a slab of uniform thickness that does not have voids to make it lighter.

3.92
span length
horizontal distance between supports of a horizontal structural element.

NOTE. Such as a slab, joist, beam, or girder.

3.93
specifications
written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, method of installation, and quality of
workmanship.

3.94
specified lateral earthquake forces
lateral forces corresponding to the appropriate distribution of the design base shear force prescribed by this
guidelines, for earthquake-resistant design.

3.95
specified wind forces
nominal pressure of wind to be used in design performed in accordance with this guidelines.

3.96
spiral reinforcement
continuously wound reinforcement in the form of a cylindrical helix.

3.97
spread footing
is an isolated footing that transmit to the supporting soil the load carried by a single column.

3.98
stairway
flight of steps leading from one level to another.

3.99
stirrup
reinforcement used to resist shear and torsion stresses in a structural member.

NOTE. Typically bars, wires, or welded wire fabric (plain or deformed) either single leg or bent into L, U, or
rectangular shapes and located perpendicular to or at an angle to longitudinal reinforcement. (The term "stirrups" is
usually applied to lateral reinforcement in girders, beams, and joists the term "ties" to those in columns and walls.)
See also tie.

3.100
story height
the vertical distance between the upper part of the slab of a story and the upper part of the slab of the floor below.

3.101
strength reduction factor, φ
coefficient that accounts for deviations of the actual strength from the nominal strength, according to the manner
and consequences of failure.

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NOTE. Including the probability of understrength members due to variations in material strengths and dimensions,
approximations in the design equations, to reflect the degree of ductility and required reliability on the member
under the load effects being considered, and to reflect the importance of the element in the structure.

3.102
stress
intensity of force per unit area.

3.103
structural concrete
all concrete used for structural purposes including plain and reinforced concrete.

3.104
structural concrete walls
walls proportioned to resist combinations of shear, moments, and axial forces.

NOTE. A "shearwall" is a "structural wall."

3.105
structural diaphragms
structural members, such as floor and roof slabs which transmit inertial induced by earthquake motions.

3.106
support
structural element that provides support to an other structural element.

3.107
tank
container for the storage of water or other fluids.

3.108
temporary facilities
buildings or other structures that are to be in service for a limited time and have a limited exposure period for
environmental loadings.

3.109
tie
loop of reinforcing bar or wire enclosing longitudinal reinforcement.

NOTE. A continuously wound bar or wire in the form of a circle, rectangle, or other polygon shape without re-
entrant corners is acceptable.

3.110
tie elements
elements which serve to transmit inertia forces and prevent separation of such building components as footings
and walls.

3.111
transverse reinforcement
reinforcement located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the element, comprising stirrups, ties, spiral
reinforcement, among others.

3.112
wall
member, usually vertical, used to enclose or separate spaces.

3.113
web
thin vertical portion of an I shaped section that connects the flanges.

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3.114
weight
vertical downward force exerted by a mass, when subjected to the acceleration of gravity.

NOTE. The weight is equal to the value of the mass multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, g.

3.115
wire
reinforcing bar of small diameter.

3.116
working stress
allowable stress to be used with unfactored loads.

3.117
yield strength, fy
specified minimum yield strength or yield point of reinforcement.

NOTE 1. The yield strength is expressed in units of megapascals, MPa.

NOTE 2. Applicable International Standards specify that the yield strength or yield point be determined in tension.

4 Symbols and abbreviations

4.1 Symbols

a = depth of equivalent uniform compressive stress block, mm.

2
Ab = area of an individual reinforcement bar or wire, mm .

Ac = Loaded area of bearing on concrete or the area of the confined column core, in a column with spiral
reinforcement, measured center to center of the spiral, mm2.
2
Ag = gross area of section of element, mm .

Aj = Effective cross-sectional area within a joint for shear evaluation or area of additional hanger
2
reinforcement, where beams are supported by girders or other beams, in mm .

As = area of longitudinal tension reinforcement, mm2.

A 's = area of longitudinal compression reinforcement, mm2.

2
As,min = minimum area of longitudinal tension reinforcement, mm .

Ase = total extreme steel area in a column or structural concrete wall for computation of the balanced moment
2
strength, mm .

Ass = total side steel area in a column or structural concrete wall for computation of the balanced moment
2
strength, mm .
2
Ast = total area of longitudinal reinforcement, mm .
2
Asu = wind exposed surface area, m .
2
Av = area of shear reinforcement within a distance s, mm .

b = width of compression face of member, or width of the section of the member, mm.

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bc = width of the column section, or largest plan dimension of capital or drop panel, for punching shear
evaluation, mm.

bcol = dimension of column section in the direction perpendicular to the girder span, m.

bf = effective width of the compression flange in a T shaped section, mm.

bw = web width in a T-shaped section, or web width of girders, beams or joists, or thickness of the web in a
structural concrete wall, mm.

b0 = perimeter of critical section for punching shear in slabs, mm.

d = effective depth, should be taken as the distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of tension
reinforcement, mm.

d' = distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of compression reinforcement, mm.

db = nominal diameter of reinforcing bar or wire, mm.

dc = distance from extreme tension fiber to centroid of tension reinforcement or diameter of the confined core
of column with spiral reinforcement, mm.

D = dead loads, or related internal moments and forces.

E = load effects of earthquake, or related internal moments and forces.

Ec = modulus of elasticity of concrete, MPa.

f c' = specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa.

fc' = square root of specified compressive strength of concrete. The result should have units of MPa.

fcd = compressive strength of concrete reduced by the material factor, MPa.

fcu = extreme fiber factored compressive stress at edges of structural walls, MPa.

fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement, MPa.

fyd = yield strength of reinforcement reduced by the material factor, MPa.

fypr = probable specified maximum strength of reinforcement, MPa (fypr = 1,25 · fy).

fys = specified yield strength of transverse or spiral reinforcement, MPa.

fysd = yield strength of transverse or spiral reinforcement reinforcement reduced by the material factor, MPa.

F = loads due to weight and pressures of fluids with well-defined densities and controllable maximum
heights, or related internal moments and forces.

Fi, Fx = design wind or seismic force applied at level i or x, respectively, in kN.

Fiu, Fxu = factored design lateral force applied to the wall at level i or x, respectively, in N.

h = depth or thickness of structural element or overall thickness of member, in mm.

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hb = vertical distance measured from the bottom of the supporting girder to the bottom of the supported
beam, in mm.

hcol = dimension of column section in the direction parallel to the girder span, m.

hc = height of the column section, mm.

hf = slab thickness, mm.

hi, hx = height above the base to level i or x, respectively, m.

hn = clear vertical distance between lateral supports of columns and walls, mm.

hpi = story height of floor I, measured from floor finish of the story to floor finish of the story immediately
below, mm.

hs = total height of the supporting girder, in mm.

hw = height of entire structural concrete wall from base to top, mm.

H = loads due to the weight and pressure of soil, water in soil, or other materials, or related internal
moments and forces.

Ic = moment of inertia of the column section, m4.

l = span of structural element or length of span measured center-to-center of beams or other supports.

la = length of clear span in the short direction of two-way slabs, measured face-to-face of beams or other
supports, m.

lb = length of clear span in the long direction of two-way slabs, measured face-to-face of beams or other
supports, m.

ld = development length for reinforcing bar, mm.

lm = length of clear span in the direction that moments, shears and reinforcement are being determined,
measured face-to-face of supports, m.

lj = clear spacing between joists, m.

ln = length of clear span in the long direction of two-way construction, measured face-to-face of supports in
slabs without beams, and face-to-face of beams or other supports in other cases or length of clear span,
measured face-to-face of supports in slabs without beams, and face-to-face of beams or other supports
in other cases, mm.

lw = horizontal length of structural concrete wall, mm.

lo = column confinement length.

L = live loads, or related internal moments and forces.

Lr = sloping roof live load, or related internal moments and forces.

Mbn = nominal flexural moment strength at section at balanced conditions, N · mm.

Mbr = flexural moment strength at section at balanced conditions, N · mm.

Miu, Mxu= factored story moment caused by lateral loads at story i or x, respectively, in N.

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Mn = nominal flexural moment strength at section, N · mm.

Mr = flexural moment strength at section, N · mm.

Mpr = probable flexural moment strength of the element at the joint face computed using fypr and φ = 1, N · m.

Mu = factored flexural moment at section, N · m.

Mu− = factored negative flexural moment at section, N ⋅ m.

Mu+ = factored positive flexural moment at section, N ⋅ m.

Mc = sum of lowest flexural strengths (φ⋅ Mn) of columns framing into a joint N ⋅ m.

Mg = sum of flexural strengths (φ⋅ Mn) of girders framing into a joint, N ⋅ m.

∆ Mu = factored unbalanced moment at a column-girder joint or factored unbalanced moment at a wall-girder

joint, N ⋅ m.

Pd = non factored dead load axial force at section or non factored concentrated dead load applied directly to
the element, N.

Pbn = nominal compression axial load strength at section at balanced conditions, N.

Pbr = nominal compression axial load strength at section at balanced conditions, N.

Pcu = factored compression load on wall boundary element, including earthquake effects.

Pl = non factored live load axial force at section or non factored concentrated live load applied directly to the
element, N.

Pn = nominal axial load strength at section, N.

Pn(max) = maximum compression nominal axial load strength at section, N.

Ptn = axial tension strength at section, N.

Ptu = factored tension force on wall boundary element, including earthquake effects.

Pu = factored axial load at section or factored concentrated design load applied directly to the element or
factored axial load on column or wall, N.

P0n = axial compressive strength at section, N.

Pu = sum of all factored concentrated design loads within the span, N.

2
qd = non-factored dead load per unit area, N/m .
2
ql = non-factored live load per unit area, N/m .

qu = factored load per unit area, N/m2.

ru = factored uniformly distributed reaction from the slab on the supporting girder, beam or structural
concrete wall, N/m.

Ra = rain load, or related internal moments and forces.

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Ru = total factored concentrated reaction from a supported structural element, N.

Ru = sum of all factored reactions from supported structural elements at the same story, N.

s = center-to-center spacing of transverse reinforcement measured along the axis of the element or spacing
between stirrups or vertical spacing between bars of skin reinforcement or spacing of longitudinal or
transverse reinforcement or clear distance between webs, mm

S = snow load, or related internal moments and forces.

T = cumulative effect of temperature, creep, shrinkage, or differential settlement, or related internal

moments and forces.

Tu = factored torsional moment at section, N ⋅ mm.

U = required factored strength to resist factored loads or related internal moments and forces.

Vc = contribution of the concrete to the nominal shear strength at section, N.

∆Ve = factored design shear force from the development of the probable flexural capacity of the element at the
faces of the joints, N.

Viu, Vxu = factored story shear caused by lateral loads at story i or x, respectively, in N.

Vn = nominal shear strength at section, N.

Vs = contribution of the horizontal reinforcement to the nominal shear strength at section, N.

Vu = factored shear force at section, N.

wd = non-factored uniformly distributed dead load per unit element length applied directly to the element, N/m.

wl = non-factored uniformly distributed live load per unit element length applied directly to the element, N/m.

wu = factored uniformly distributed design load per unit element length applied directly to the element, N/m.

W = wind loads, or related internal moments and forces.

Wu = total factored uniformly distributed design load per unit element length, kN/m.

αa = fraction of the load that travels in the short direction in two-way slabs-on-girders.

αb = fraction of the load that travels in the long direction in two-way slabs-on-girders.

αs = constant used to compute nominal punching shear strength in slabs.

β = ratio of clear spans in long to short direction of two-way slabs.

φ = strength reduction factor.

As
ρ = ratio of longitudinal tension reinforcement, .
b⋅d

ρ' = ratio of longitudinal compression reinforcement.

ρh = ratio of horizontal reinforcement in structural concrete walls.

ρmax = maximum permissible ratio of longitudinal flexural tension reinforcement.

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ρmin = minimum permissible ratio of longitudinal flexural tension reinforcement.

ρs = ratio of spiral reinforcement.

A st
ρt = ratio of total longitudinal reinforcement area to gross concrete section area, .
b⋅d

ρv = ratio of vertical reinforcement in structural concrete walls.

4.2 Abbreviations

max. maximum

min. minimum

5 Design and construction procedure

5.1 Procedure

The design procedure comprises the following steps. See Figure 1.

5.1.1 Step A

Definition of the layout in plan and height of the structure, following the guides of 7.1. Verification that the limitations
of 6.1 are met.

5.1.2 Step B

Calculation of all gravity loads that act on the structure using the guides of 7.2, excluding the selfweight of the
structural elements.

5.1.3 Step C

Definition of an appropriate floor system, depending on the span lengths and the magnitude of the gravity loads,
according to the guides of 7.4.

5.1.4 Step D

Trial dimensions for the slab of the floor system. Calculation of the selfweight of the system, and design of the
elements than comprise it, correcting the dimension as required by the strength and serviceability limit states,
complying with the guides of 7.5 for slab systems with beams.
5.1.5 Step E

Trial dimensions for the beams and girders. Calculation of their selfweight. Flexural and shear design of the beams
and girders, correcting the dimension as required by the strength and serviceability limit states, complying with the
guides include in 7.6.

5.1.6 Step F

Trial dimensions for the columns. Calculation of their selfweight. Column slenderness verification and design for
combination of axial load and moment, and shear; correcting the dimension as required by the strength and
serviceability limit states, complying with the guides of 7.7.

5.1.7 Step G

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If lateral loads such as earthquake, wind, or lateral earth pressure exist, their magnitude is established using the
guides of 7.2; otherwise the designer should proceed to Step I.

5.1.8 Step H

Preliminary location, and trial dimensions for structural concrete walls capable of resisting the lateral loads are
established, using the guides of 7.8 for earthquake forces, the influence of their selfweight is evaluated, and flexure
and shear design of the structural concrete walls is performed, complying with the guides of 7.9.

5.1.9 Step I

The loads at the foundation level are determined, and a definition of the foundation system is performed employing the
guides of 7.10. The structural elements of the foundation are designed.

5.1.10 Step J

Production of the structural drawings.

5.1.11 Step K

The construction of the structure, should be performed complying with the local construction and practice.

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Start

Definition of
the structure

Definition of
the loads

Floor
slabs

Girders

Columns

Earthquake?

no
yes

Structural
walls

Foundation

Change member Are

no
section or add dimensions
structural members OK?

yes

Structural
drawings

Construction

Figure 1 — Design procedure under the Standard

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5.2 Design documentation

The design steps should be fully recorded in the following documents:

5.2.1 Calculation memoir

The structural designer should document all design steps in a calculation memoir. This memoir should contain, as a
minimum, the following:

a) The general structural requirements of the project, as required by 7.1.

b) A description of the structural system employed.

c) Loads employed.

d) Grade, strength and fabrication standards for all structural materials.

e) Presentation of all design computations.

f) Sketches of the reinforcement layout for all structural elements.

5.2.2 Geotechnical report

The geotechnical report should record, as a minimum, the soil investigation performed, the definition of the
allowable bearing capacity of the bearing soil, the lateral soil pressures required for design of any soil retaining
structure, and all other information required in 7.10.

5.2.3 Structural drawings

All the drawings required for construction of the structure of the building.

5.2.4 Specifications

The construction specifications required.

6 General Guides

6.1 Limitations

This guidelines should be employed only when the building being designed complies with all the limitations set forth
in 6.1.1 to 6.1.10.

6.1.1 Occupancy

6.1.1.1 Permitted occupancies

The intended use of the building being designed should be permitted for the occupancy subgroup as presented in
Table 1.

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Table 1 — Permitted occupancies

Occupancy Group Occupancy Subgroup Permitted

A-1 Churches, theatres, stadiums, coliseums, gymnasiums NO

Group A – Assembly [ YES ]
A-2 Building having an assembly room with capacity less of 100
persons and not having a stage
Building for use as offices, professional services, containing [ YES ]
Group B – Business B
eating and drinking establishments with less than 50 occupants
Group E – E-1 Classrooms for schools up to high-school [ YES ]
Educational E-2 Classrooms for universities [ YES ]

F-1 Light industries not employing heavy machinery [ YES ]

Group F – Industrial
F-2 Heavy industries employing heavy machinery NO

G-1 Garages for vehicles with carrying capacity up to 2 000 kg YES

Group G – Garages
G-2 Garages for trucks of more than 2 000 kg carrying capacity NO

H-1 Nurseries for day care of infants [ YES ]

Group H – Health H-2 Health care centers for ambulatory patients [ YES ]
H-3 Hospitals NO

Group M – Mercantile M Display and sale of merchandise YES

R-1 Hotels [ NO ]
Group R – Residential
R-2 Houses and apartment buildings YES

S-1 Storage of light materials YES

Group S – Storage
S-2 Storage of heavy or hazardous materials NO
Group U – Utility U Utilities, water supply systems, power generating plants NO

6.1.1.2 Mixed occupancy

Buildings of mixed occupancy should be permitted to be designed using this guidelines when all the types of
occupancy in the building are permitted by Table 1.

6.1.2 Maximum number of stories

The maximum number of storyes for a building designed using this guidelines should be [5]. This number of storyes
should include the floor at the level of the ground and any basement, and should not include the roof. The number
of basements should not exceed one.

6.1.3 Maximum area per floor

2
The maximum area per floor should not exceed [500] m .

6.1.4 Maximum story height

The maximum story height, measured from the floor finish to the floor finish of the story immediately below, should
not exceed [4] m.

6.1.5 Maximum span length

The maximum span length for girders, and beams, measured center to center of the supports, should not exceed
[10] m.

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6.1.6 Maximum difference in span length

Span should be approximately equal, with the larger of two adjacent spans not greater than the shorter by more
than 20 percent of the larger span. All the spans must be approximately equal.

6.1.7 Minimum number of spans

The minimum number of spans in each of the two principal directions in plan of the building should not be less than
two. It should be permitted to use one span in buildings of one or two stories, but the span length should not exceed
[5] m.

6.1.8 Maximum cantilever span

The maximum clear span length for girders, beams and slabs in cantilever should not exceed 1/3 of the span length
of the first interior span of the element, in order to avoid cantilevers too long for the purposes of this guidelines.

6.1.9 Maximum slope for slabs, girders, beams and joists

It should be permitted to use sloping slabs; girders, beams and joists, but the slope of the structural element should
not exceed 15°, except in members that are part of stairways.

6.1.10 Maximum slope of the terrain

The slope of the terrain where the building is located should not exceed, in any direction, a value that will produce a
rise of the terrain, in the length of the building in that direction, of more than the story height of the first floor of the
building, without exceeding a slope of [30°].

6.1.11 Distance between centre of mass and centre of rigidity

The distance between centre of mass and centre of rigidity shall be kept small to reduce the risk of global torsion of
the structure.

6.2 Limit states

The design approach of the present guidelines is based on limit states, where a limit state is a condition beyond
which a structure or member becomes unfit for service and is judged either to be no longer useful for its intended
function or to be unsafe.

The following limit states are considered implicitly in the design procedure:

(1) structural integrity limit state,

(2) lateral load story drift limit state,

(3) durability limit state, and

(4) fire limit state.

(5) Ultimate and serviceability limit states.

6.3 Ultimate limit state design format

6.3.1 General

For the ultimate limit state design the structure and the structural members should be designed to have design
strength at all sections at least equal to the required strengths calculated for the factored loads and forces in such
combinations as are stipulated in this guidelines.

The basic requirement for ultimate limit state should be:

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Resistances ≥ Load effects (1)

To allow for the possibility that the resistances may be less than computed, and the load effects may be larger than
computed, strength reduction factors, φ, less than one, and load factors, γ, generally greater than one, should be
employed:

φ ⋅ Rn ≥ γ 1 ⋅ S1 + γ 2 ⋅ S 2 + (2)

Rn stands for nominal strength and S stands for load effects based on the nominal loads prescribed by this
guidelines. Therefore, the ultimate limit state design format requires that:

Design Strength ≥ Required Factored Strength (3)

or

φ · (Nominal Strength) ≥ U (4)

...
Where the required factored strength is U = γ1 · S1 + γ2 · S2 +

6.3.2 Required factored strength

The required factored strength, U, should be computed by multiplying service loads, or forces, by load factors using
the load factors and combinations in 7.2.2.

6.3.3 Design strength

The design strength provided by a member, its connections to other members, and its cross-sections, in terms of
flexure, axial load, and shear, should be taken as the nominal strength calculated in accordance with the
requirements and assumptions of this guidelines for each particular force effect in each of the element types at the
critical sections defined by this guidelines, multiplied by the following strength reduction factors φ:

6.3.3.1 Flexure, without axial load ....................................................................... φ = [0,90]

6.3.3.2 Axial tension, and axial tension with flexure ...................................... φ = [0,90]

6.3.3.3 Axial compression and axial compression with flexure

(a) Columns with ties, and structural concrete walls ......................... φ = [0,70]

(b) columns with spiral reinforcement ............................................. φ = [0,75]

6.3.3.4 Shear and torsion ................................................................................. φ = [0,85]

6.3.3.5 Bearing of concrete .................................................................... φ = [0,70]

6.4 Serviceability limit state design format

Serviceability limit states correspond to conditions beyond which specified performance requirements for the
structure, or the structural elements, are no longer met. The compliance with the serviceability limit state under this

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guidelines, should be obtained indirectly thorough the observance of the limiting dimensions, cover, detailing, and
construction requirements. These serviceability conditions include effects such as:

(a) lack of durability due to long-term environmental effects, including exposure to aggressive
environment or corrosion of the reinforcement,

(b) dimensional changes due to variations in temperature, relative humidity, and other effects,

(c) excessive cracking of the concrete,

(d) excessive horizontal deflections,

(e) excessive vertical deflections, and

(f) excessive vibration.

7 Specific guides

7.1 Structural systems and layout

7.1.1 Description of the components of the structure

For the purposes of this guidelines, the building structure should be divided in the following components:

7.1.1.1 Floor system

The floor system consists of the structural elements that comprise the floor of a story in a building. In 7.4 the
different types of floor systems covered by this guidelines are described. The floor system includes the girders,
beams, and joists (if employed), and the slab that spans between them, or the slab, when it is directly supported on
columns, as in slab-column systems.

7.1.1.2 Vertical supporting elements

The vertical supporting elements hold up the floor system at each story, and carry the accumulated gravity loads all
the way down to the foundation of the structure. Under these guidelines, they can be either columns or structural
concrete walls.

7.1.1.3 Foundation

The foundation comprises all structural elements that serve to transmit loads from the structure to the underlying
supporting soil, or are in contact with the soil, or serve to contain it. Includes elements such as spread footings,
combined footings, foundation mats, basement and retaining walls, grade beams, and slabs on grade, among
others. Deep foundations, such as piles and caissons, and their pile footings and caps, are beyond the scope of
these guidelines, and are not covered by it.

7.1.1.4 Lateral load resisting system

The lateral load resisting system comprises the structural elements that acting jointly support and transmit to the
ground the lateral loads arising from earthquake motions, wind, and lateral earth pressure. The floor system should
act as a diaphragm that carry in its plane the lateral load from the point of application to the vertical elements of the
lateral load resisting system. The vertical elements of the lateral load resisting system, in turn, collect the forces
arising from all floors and carry them down to the foundation, and through the foundation to the underlying soil.
Under the guides of these guidelines the main vertical elements of the lateral load resisting system should be
structural concrete walls.

7.1.1.5 Other structural elements

Other structural elements that are part of the structure of the building are: stairways, ramps, water tanks, and slabs
on grade.
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7.1.2 General program

7.1.2.1 Architectural program

A general architectural program of the building should be coordinated with the structural designer before actual
structural design begins. The general architectural program should include, at least, the following items:

a) Plan shape and dimensions of all the floors of the building.

b) Elevation of the building, and its relationship with the terrain, including the basement, if any.

c) Type of roof, its shape and slopes, the type of water-proofing, the means to facilitate the runoff of
water from rain and melting snow or hail, and the location of drainage gutters.

d) Use of internal spaces of the building, its subdivision, and means of separation, in all stories.

e) Minimum architectural clear height in all floors.

f) Location of stairways, ramps, and elevators.

g) Type of buildings enclosure, internal partitions, architectural, and non-structural elements.

h) Location of ducts and shafts for utilities such as power supply, lighting, thermal control, ventilation,
water supply, and waste water, including enough information to detect interference with the
structural elements.

7.1.2.2 General structural guides for the project

Based in the general architectural program information, the structural designer should define the general structural
guides for the structure being designed under these guidelines. These general structural guides should include, at
least, the following items:

a) Intended use of the building.

b) Nominal loads related to the use of the building.

c) Special loads required by the owner.

d) [Design earthquake motions, if the building is located in a seismic zone.]

e) Wind requirements for the site.

f) Requirements for [snow,] [hail,] or rain.

g) Fire requirements.

h) Type of roof, and appropriate loads when not built from reinforced concrete.

i) Site information related to slopes and site drainage.

j) Allowable soil bearing capacity, and recommended foundation system derived from the geotechnical
investigation, and additional restrictions related to expected settlement.
k) Environmental requirements derived from local seasonal and daily temperature variations, humidity,
presence of deleterious chemicals and salts.

l) Availability, type, and quality of materials such as reinforcing bars, cement, aggregates.

m) Availability of materials for formwork.

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n) Availability of a testing lab for concrete mix design and quality control during construction.

o) Availability of qualified workmanship.

7.1.3 Structural layout

7.1.3.1 General structural layout

The structural designer should define a general structural layout in plan. This general layout should include all
information, in plan, that is common to all levels of the structure. See Figure 2. The general structural layout in plan
should include:

a) A dimensioned grid of axis, or centerlines, in both principal direction in plan.

b) These axis should intersect at the location of the vertical supporting elements (columns, and
structural concrete walls).

c) Location in plan of all vertical supporting elements, columns and structural concrete walls. These
vertical supporting element should be aligned vertically, and should be continuous all the way down
to the foundation. Walls that separate spaces, built of reinforced concrete, can be made into
structural concrete walls if they are continuous all the way down to the foundation and have no
openings for windows or doors.

d) Location of all duct, shafts, elevators, and stairways, that are continuous from floor to floor.

e) Horizontal distance between centerlines, l, which corresponds to the center-to-center span lengths of
the floor system.

f) In seismic zones the location and distribution of all structural concrete walls.

wall

A
shaft
l ab

B
centerlines
span grid
l cd
length
C

l cd column

l 12 l 23 l 34
1 2 3 4

Figure 2— General structural layout in plan

7.1.3.2 Floor layout

For each typical floor, the structural designer should develop a structural floor layout. See Figure 3. This layout
should contain:

a) The superposition of the floor perimeter on the general grid of axis.

b) Girder and beam location, or column and middle strips for slab-column systems
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c) Additional information including all substantial architectural openings in the floor.

d) An approximate load path from all floor areas to the supporting beams and girders.

7.1.3.3 Vertical layout

The structural designer should define a general structural vertical layout. See Figure 4. This vertical layout should
include all relevant information in height of the structure, including:

a) Number of stories.

b) For all floors, the story height, defined as the vertical distance from floor finish to floor finish of the
floor immediately below.

c) Slope and shape of the roof.

d) Architectural vertical clearance from floor finish to ceiling, as required by the use of the building.

e) Vertical space necessary to accommodate horizontal vertical service elements for power, water
supply and drainage, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

f) Slope of the terrain, and its relationship to the ground floor or basement, if any.

g) Supporting soil stratum depth, and water table depth.

girder
beam

structural
A perimeter

l ab
load
path
B

l bc

l cd

l 12 l 23 l 34
1 2 3 4

Figure 3 — Typical floor structural layout

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max. slope 15°

floor finish h p5
5
slab
h p4
service 4
elements
h p3
3

ceiling h pi h p2
architectural 2
story
vertical height
floor finish clearance h p1 max. slope 30°
1
water table

bearing soil stratum

floor section details building elevation

Figure 4 — Vertical layout of the building

7.1.4 Feasibility under the guidelines

Based on the layout information, the structural designer should verify the feasibility of performing the structural
design under the guidelines. The compliance with the following limitations should be verified:

a) The use of the building should be within the accepted occupancies of 6.1.1, and if of mixed use, all
types of intended occupancies should be within those permitted.

b) The number of storyes should not exceed the maximum permissible, given in 6.1.2.

c) The area of the largest floor should not exceed the maximum permissible area of 6.1.3.

d) The story height of the tallest story, measured from finish-to-finish, should not exceed the maximum
permissible story height given in 6.1.4.

e) The span lengths should be within the maximum span length prescribed in 6.1.5.

f) The difference between adjacent spans should not exceed the limit of 6.1.6.

g) The number of spans in both directions, and in all floors, should not be less than two, as required in
6.1.7, or within the exceptions stated there.

h) No girder, beam or slab cantilever, should exceed the limit of 6.1.8.

i) No sloping girder, beam, joist, or slab should have a slope greater than the maximum permissible
value of 6.1.9.

k) The slope of the terrain, at the building site, should not exceed the maximum prescribed in 6.1.10.

7.2 Actions (loads)

7.2.1 General

This subclause provides minimum load guides for the design of buildings under these guidelines. Loads and the
appropriate load combinations, should be used together.

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7.2.2 Load factors and load combinations

The following load factors and combinations should be employed to obtain the required factored strength of the
structural member or element, U, as stated in 6.3.1 of these guidelines. In the following load combinations set forth
to obtain the required factored strength U, the symbol ± in alternating forces that can act in one direction or the
opposite, should be interpreted as the force with the sign that leads to the maximum (positive) or minimum
(negative) value of U.

7.2.2.1 Dead and live load

Required factored strength, U, to resist dead load D and live load L should be at least equal to the greater of

U = [1,6] ⋅ D (5)

and

U = [1,4] ⋅ D + [1,7] ⋅ L (6)

7.2.2.2 Rain load, snow load, and sloping roof live load

If resistance to structural effects of a specified rain load, Ra, snow load, S, or sloping roof live load, Lr, are required
to be included by the guides of the present guidelines, the following combinations of D, L, and (Ra, S, or Lr) should
be investigated to determine the greatest required factored strength U:

U = [1,4] ⋅ D + [1,7] ⋅ L + [0,6] ⋅ (Ra or S or Lr) (7)

and

U = [1,4] ⋅ D + [0,6] ⋅ L + [1,7] ⋅ (Ra or S or Lr) (8)

but for any combination of D, L, and (Ra, S, or Lr), the required factored strength U should not be less than the
value obtained employing Eq. (5) and Eq. (6).

7.2.2.3 Wind

If resistance to structural effects of a specified wind load, W, are required to be included by the guides of the
present guidelines, the following combinations of D, L, and W should be investigated to determine the greatest
required factored strength U:

U = [0,75] ⋅ ([1,4] ⋅ D + [1,7] ⋅ L) ± [1,3] ⋅ W = [1,1] ⋅ D + [1,3] ⋅ L ± [1,3] ⋅ W (9)

where load combinations should include both full value and zero value of L to determine the more severe condition,
and

U = [0,9] ⋅ D ± [1,3] ⋅ W (10)

but for any combination of D, L, and W, the required factored strength U should not be less than the value obtained
employing Eq. (5) and Eq. (6).

7.2.2.4 Earthquake forces

If resistance to specified earthquake forces, E, are required to be included by the guides of the present guidelines,
the following combinations of D, L, and E should be investigated to determine the greatest required factored
strength U:

U = [0,75] ⋅ ([1,4] ⋅ D + [1,7] ⋅ L) ± [1,0] ⋅ E = [1,1] ⋅ D + [1,3] ⋅ L ± [1,0] ⋅ E (11)

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where load combinations should include both full value and zero value of L to determine the more severe condition,
and

U = [0,9] ⋅ D ± [1,0] ⋅ E (12)

but for any combination of D, L, and E, the required factored strength U should not be less than the value obtained
employing Eq. (5) and Eq. (6).

7.2.2.5 Earth pressure

If resistance to earth pressure, H, is required by the design procedure of these guidelines, the required factored
strength U should be at least equal to

U = [1,4] ⋅ D + [1,7] ⋅ L + [1,7] ⋅ H (13)

except that where D or L reduce the effect of H, the following combination should be employed

U = [0,9] ⋅ D + [1,7] ⋅ H (14)

For any combination of D, L and H, the required factored strength U should not be less than the value obtained
employing Eq. (5) and Eq. (6). When the building structure as a whole should resist permanent uncompensated
horizontal loads due to lateral soil pressure, ([1,7] ⋅ H) should be added to the right side of Eq. (5), Eq. (6), Eq. (10),
Eq. (11), Eq. (12), Eq. (13), and Eq. (14).

7.2.2.6 Weight and pressure of fluids

If resistance to loadings due to weight and pressure of fluids with well-defined densities and controllable maximum
heights, F, is required by the design procedure of these guidelines, ([1,7] ⋅ F) should be added to the right side of
Eq. (5), Eq. (6), Eq. (11), and Eq. (13).

7.2.2.7 Other effects

Where structural effects, T, of differential settlement, shrinkage, or temperature change are significant in design, the
design should not be preformed using these guidelines, and the appropriate Standard of each country should be
employed.

7.2.3 Mass of materials

For defining the mass of materials the requirements of the National corresponding Standard should be met. When
no National Standard is available, the requirements of ISO 9194 should be used.

7.2.4 Dead loads

Dead loads consist of the weight of all material of construction incorporated into the building, including, but not
limited to: structure, walls and partitions, floors, roofs, ceilings, stairways, ramps, finishes, cladding, and other
incorporated architectural and structural systems, and fixed service equipment. In determining dead loads for
purposes of design, the actual weights of materials and constructions should be used. In determining dead loads
for purposes of design, the weight of fixed service equipment, such as plumbing stacks and risers, electrical
feeders, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, should be included.

7.2.5 Live loads

For live loads the requirements of the National corresponding Standard should be met. When no National Standard
is available, the requirements of ISO 2103 should be used. For buildings in industrial and storage facilities the
requirements of ISO 2633 should be consulted for the determination of realistic live loads.

7.2.6 Specified snow load

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When due to geographical latitude or altitude, or their combination, snow is expected to fall, the loads caused by its
accumulation should be taken into account in the design of the roof. The requirements of the National
corresponding Standard should be met, and when no National Standard is available it should be permitted to
employ the requirements ISO 4355.

7.2.7 Specified wind forces

For wind loading the requirements of the National corresponding Standard should be met. When no National
Standard is available the requirements of ISO 4354 should be employed.

7.2.8 Specified earthquake forces

For earthquake loading the requirements of the National corresponding Standard should be met. When no National
Standard is available, the requirements of ISO 3010 should be used.

7.3 General reinforced concrete requirements

7.3.1 General

7.3.1.1 Scope

The present subclause contains the guides that are common to the reinforced concrete structural elements covered
by these guidelines. They include: guides for materials, concrete cover of reinforcement, details and limits on the
amount of reinforcement, and the procedures for defining the design strength of members subjected to flexural
moments, axial loads with or without flexure, and shear.

7.3.1.2 Additional requirements

The designer should comply with the additional requirements for each individual element type of 7.4 to 7.10 of these
guidelines.

7.3.2 Materials for reinforced concrete

7.3.2.1 General

All materials employed in the construction of the structure designed following these guidelines should conform to
the following ISO standards:

7.3.2.2 Cement

Cement should conform to the following ISO Standards, or corresponding national cement standards:

ISO 679

ISO 680

ISO 863

7.3.2.3 Aggregates

Aggregates should conform to the following ISO Standards, or corresponding national aggregate standards:

ISO 6274

ISO 6782

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ISO 6783

ISO 7033

7.3.2.4 Water

Water used in mixing concrete should be potable, clean and free from injurious amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts,
organic materials, or other substances deleterious to concrete or reinforcement, and should conform to the
applicable ISO standards, or corresponding national mixing water standard.

7.3.2.5 Steel reinforcement

Steel reinforcement should be deformed reinforcement, with the exceptions noted in 7.3.2.5.3, and should conform
to the following limitations, and comply to the corresponding ISO standards, specially ISO 10144. Welded-wire
fabric should be considered deformed reinforcement, under the present guidelines.

7.3.2.5.1 Deformed reinforcement

The maximum specified yield strength for deformed reinforcement should be 400 MPa. Deformed reinforcing bars
should conform to ISO 6935-2 or corresponding national deformed reinforcement standard. ISO 6935-2 covers grades
RB 300, RB 400, and RB 500 (300 MPa, 400 MPa, and 500 MPa characteristic upper yield stress, respectively) and
nominal diameters of (6, 8, 10,12, 16, 20, 25, 32 and 40) mm, although under the present guidelines the nominal
diameter of deformed reinforcement bars is limited to 25 mm (see 7.3.3).

7.3.2.5.2 Welded-wire fabric.

The maximum specified yield strength for wires being part of welded-wire fabric should be 400 MPa. Welded wire
fabric should conform to ISO 6935-3 or corresponding national welded-wire fabric standard. Under the present
guidelines the nominal diameter of wire for welded-wire fabric is limited to 10 mm (see 7.3.3).

7.3.2.5.3 Plain reinforcement

Plain reinforcement should be permitted only for stirrups, ties, spirals, and when it is part of a welded-wire fabric.
The maximum specified yield strength for plain reinforcement should be 300 MPa. Plain reinforcing bars should
conform to ISO 6935-1 or corresponding national plain reinforcement standard. ISO 6935-1 covers grades PB 240
and PB 300 (240 MPa and 300 MPa characteristic upper yield stress, respectively) and nominal diameters of (6, 8,
10,12, 16 and 20) mm, although under the present guidelines the nominal diameter of plain reinforcement bars is
limited to 16 mm (see 7.3.3).

7.3.2.6 Admixtures

Admixtures should conform to the applicable ISO standards, or corresponding national admixtures standard.

7.3.2.7 Storage of materials

Cement and aggregates should be stored in such manner as to prevent deterioration and intrusion of foreign
matter. Any material that has deteriorated or has been contaminated should not be used for concrete.

7.3.3 Minimum and maximum reinforcement bar diameter

Reinforcement employed in structures designed under these guidelines should not have a nominal diameter, db,
less than the minimum diameter, nor should it be larger than the maximum diameter given:

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Minimum bar Maximum bar

diameter, db diameter, db

(a) Deformed reinforcing bars (see 7.3.2.5.1) 6 mm 25 mm

(b) Wire for welded-wire fabric (see 7.3.2.5.2) 4 mm 10 mm

(c) For stirrups and ties 6 mm 16 mm

(d) Plain reinforcing bars (see 7.3.2.5.3) 6 mm 16 mm

7.3.4 Concrete cover of reinforcement

7.3.4.1 Minimum concrete cover

The following minimum concrete cover should be provided for reinforcement:

70 mm

Figure 5 — All types of reinforcement of elements cast and permanently exposed to earth. Minimum
concrete cover 70 mm

50 mm

Figure 6 — All types of reinforcement of elements exposed to weather. Minimum concrete cover 50 mm

40 mm

Figure 7 — All types of reinforcement of girders, beams, or columns, when not exposed to weather or in
contact with ground. Minimum concrete cover 40 mm
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30 mm

Figure 8 — All types of reinforcement of solid slabs, structural concrete walls or joists, when not
exposed to weather or in contact with ground. Minimum concrete cover 30 mm

7.3.4.2 Special fire protection

When the designated fire protection in hours, for the building, is greater than 1 hour, the concrete cover guides of
7.3.4.1 should be increased 12 mm per each additional fire protection in hours beyond the first hour. The structural
designer should consult the requirements of ISO/TR 3956.

7.3.4.3 Special corrosion protection

In very aggressive environments special corrosion protection of the reinforcement should be employed, such as
epoxy-coated bars, air-entrained concrete and other means. This type of protection is beyond the scope of these
guidelines.

7.3.5 Minimum reinforcement bend diameter

Diameter of bend of the reinforcement, measured on the inside of the bar, should not be less than the following
values:

Diameter of bend

6d b

db

a) Deformed reinforcing bars 6 db

b) Plain reinforcing bars 6 db 4d b

db
c) For stirrups and ties 4 db

Figure 9 — Minimum
reinforcement bend diameter

7.3.6 Standard hook dimensions

The term "standard hook" as used in these guidelines should mean one of the following:

12 db 6 db

a 90° bend plus a 12 db

a) 90° hook db
extension at free end of bar

Figure 10 — 90° hook

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4d b

6d b
db
a 180° bend plus 4 db
b) 180° hook
extension at free end of bar

Figure 11 — 180° hook

4 db
a 90° bend plus 6 db 6 db
extension at free end of db
bar, or
c) For stirrup and tie
hooks

6db

4db
db
a 135° bend plus 6 db
extension at free end of bar

Figure 12 — For stirrup and tie

hooks

6d b > 75 mm

4d b
d) For confinement a 135° bend plus 6 db db
stirrups and ties in seismic extension at free end of bar,
zones but not less than 75 mm

Figure 13 — For confinement

stirrups and ties in seismic
zones

6d b > 75 mm

a 135° bend plus 6 db 4d b

e) For crossties in seismic
extension at free end of bar, db
zones
but not less than 75 mm

Figure 14 — For crossties in

seismic zones

7.3.7 Bar separation and maximum aggregate size

The clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer and the maximum coarse aggregate size should be interrelated
as follows:
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7.3.7.1 Maximum nominal coarse aggregate size

Maximum nominal coarse aggregate size, see Figure 15, should be not larger than:

a) 1/5 of the narrowest dimension between sides of forms, nor

b) 1/3 of the depth of slabs, nor

c) 3/4 the minimum clear spacing between parallel reinforcing bars or wires.

a slab < 3s/4

< a/5 h

< h/3
s
s

Figure 15 — Maximum nominal coarse aggregate size

7.3.7.2 Minimum clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer

In solid slabs, girders, beams and joists, the minimum clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer should be the
largest nominal bar diameter, db, but not less than 25 mm. See Figure 16. This guides should apply also for the
separation between parallel stirrups or ties.

7.3.7.3 Minimum clear spacing between parallel layers of reinforcement

In girders, beams and joists, where parallel reinforcement is placed in two or more layers, bars in the upper layer should
be placed directly above bars in the bottom layer with clear distance between layers not less than 25 mm. See Figure 16.

db s
s s

> 25 mm

> 25 mm

s s
s > 25 mm
db s s > 2.5 d b

Figure 16 — Minimum clear spacing between parallel bars in a layer, and clear distance between parallel
layers of reinforcement

7.3.7.4 Minimum clear spacing between longitudinal bars in columns

In columns, clear distance between longitudinal bars should not be less than 1,5 db or 40 mm. See Figure 17.

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s
s
db
db s
s

s > 1,5 d b
s > 40 mm

Figure 17 — Clear distance between longitudinal bars in columns

7.3.7.5 Clear spacing between parallel lap splices

Clear distance limitation between bars should apply also to the clear distance between a contact lap splice and
adjacent splices or bars.

7.3.7.6 Maximum flexural reinforcement spacing in solid slabs

In solid slabs, primary flexural reinforcement should be spaced no farther apart than two times the slab thickness,
nor more than 300 mm (see Figure 18).

s < 2h

s < 300 mm

h
s
s
s
s

Figure 18 — Spacing between flexural reinforcement in solid slabs

7.3.7.7 Maximum shrinkage and temperature reinforcement spacing in solid slabs

In slabs, shrinkage and temperature reinforcement, should be spaced no farther apart than three times the slab
thickness, nor more than 300 mm. See Figure 19.

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s < 3h

s < 300 mm

s
s

Figure 19 — Spacing between shrinkage and temperature reinforcement in slabs

7.3.7.8 Maximum reinforcement spacing in structural concrete walls

7.3.7.8.1 Vertical and horizontal reinforcement

In structural concrete walls vertical and horizontal reinforcement should be spaced no farther apart than three times
the structural concrete wall thickness, nor more than 300 mm. See Figure 20.

7.3.7.8.2 Number of layers of reinforcement

Structural concrete walls more than 250 mm thick should have vertical and horizontal reinforcement placed in two
layers parallel with faces of wall. Each layer should have approximately half of the reinforcement in that direction.
The layers should be placed no less than 30 mm nor more than one-third of the thickness of the wall from the
surface of the wall. For exterior exposure the exterior surface layer should be placed no less than 50 mm, instead
of the 30 mm prescribed.

s
s
h
s
s

s
s < 3h

s s < 300 mm

Figure 20 — Spacing between reinforcement in structural concrete walls

7.3.7.9 Special details per element type

The designer should comply with the additional reinforcement detail required for each individual element type, as
guide by 7.3 to 7.10 of these guidelines.

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7.3.8 Development length, lap splicing and anchorage of reinforcement

7.3.8.1 Development length

7.3.8.1.1 Reinforcing bars

The minimum length of embedment, ld, required on each side of a critical section, for a reinforcing bar to develop its
full strength should be 50 db, for the bar diameters permitted by these guidelines in 7.3.3. It should be permitted to
replace development length in one side of the critical section by a length of bar ending in a standard hook
complying with the minimum anchorage distance of 7.3.8.3. See Figure 21.

critical section

db

l d = 50d b l d = 50db
critical section

db

l d = 50d b
anchorage distance
(see 7.3.8.3)

Figure 21 — Required development length for reinforcing bars

Whenever plain bars may be used instead of deformed bars, the development length specified here must be
multiplied by 1.8.

7.3.8.1.2 Welded-wire fabric

The development length ld, of welded-wire fabric measured on each side of the critical section to the end of wire
should contain two cross-wires, but should not be less than 200 mm, for the wire diameters permitted by these
guidelines in 7.3.3. See Figure 22.

critical section

l d = 2 cross-wires ld = 2 cross-wires
> 200 mm > 200 mm

Figure 22 — Required development length for welded-wire fabric

7.3.8.2 Lap splice dimensions

7.3.8.2.1 Reinforcing bars

The minimum length of lap for splicing of reinforcing bars should be 50 db, for the bar diameters permitted by these
guidelines in 7.3.3. See Figure 23.

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db

50 d b

Figure 23 — Minimum lap splice length for reinforcing bars

7.3.8.2.2 Welded-wire fabric

Welded-wire fabric splicing should be attained by superimposing two cross-wires, but the distance between the
edge cross-wires should not be less than 250 mm, for the wire diameters permitted by these guidelines in 7.3.3. See
Figure 24.

2 cross-wires > 250 mm

Figure 24 — Minimum lap splice length for welded-wire fabric

7.3.8.3 Minimum standard hook anchorage distance

The minimum distance between the outer face of concrete and the critical section where the hooked bar develops
its full strength should not be less than 20 db. See Figure 25.

critical critical db
section section

20 d b critical
db
section

db

20 d b
cover
cover
requirement
requirement 20 d b
cover
requirement

Figure 25 — Minimum standard hook anchorage distance

7.3.9 Limits for longitudinal reinforcement

7.3.9.1 General

Longitudinal reinforcement in reinforced concrete structural elements should be provided to resist axial tension,
axial compression, flexural induced tension and compression, and/or stresses induced by variation of temperature
and drying shrinkage from the concrete. The amount of longitudinal reinforcement employed in the structural
elements covered by these guidelines should be that required to resist the factored loads and forces, but should be
not less than the minimum values given in 7.3.9. The dimensions of the structural element should be appropriately
modified when the amount of calculated reinforcement required to resist the factored loads and forces exceed the
maximum amounts permitted by 7.3.9.

7.3.9.2 Solid slabs and footings

7.3.9.2.1 Minimum area of shrinkage and temperature reinforcement

Reinforcement for shrinkage and temperature stresses normal to flexural reinforcement should be provided in
structural solid slabs and footings where flexural reinforcement extends in one direction only. See Figure 26. The
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maximum spacing for this reinforcement should comply with 7.3.7.7. The following minimum ratios of reinforcement
area to gross concrete area, ρt, should be provided for shrinkage and temperature:

a) where deformed bars with fy < 350 MPa are used .................................... ρt ≥ 0,0020

b) where deformed bars or welded-wire fabric with fy ≥ 350 MPa are used ρt ≥ 0,0018

7.3.9.2.2 Minimum area of tension flexural reinforcement

The minimum area of tension flexural reinforcement, As,min, in structural solid slabs and footings should be greater
or equal to the reinforcement area required for shrinkage and temperature stresses as required by 7.3.9.2.1,
(As,min ≥ ρt ⋅ b ⋅ h). See Figure 26. The maximum spacing of this reinforcement should comply with 7.3.7.6.

d
h

dc

As

Figure 26 — Slab or footing section

7.3.9.2.3 Maximum area of tension flexural reinforcement

The maximum reinforcement ratio, ρ = As/(b · d), permitted for tension flexural reinforcement in solid slabs and
footings should not exceed the value of ρmax, stipulated in Table 2. In solid slabs and footings, flexural
reinforcement in compression should not be taken into account in the computation of design moment strength.

Table 2 — Maximum flexural reinforcement ratio, ρmax for solid slabs and footings

fy (MPa)
240 300 400

15 0,0160 0,0120 0,0080

fc′ 20 0,0220 0,0160 0,0110

(MPa) 25 0,0270 0,0200 0,0140

30 0,0320 0,0240 0,0160

NOTE: It should be permitted to interpolate for different values of fy and fc′

7.3.9.3 Girders, beams and joists

7.3.9.3.1 Minimum area of tension flexural reinforcement

At every section of a girder, beam or joist, where tension flexural reinforcement is required by 7.7, the minimum
area of tension flexural reinforcement, As,min, should be greater or equal to the following values, where ρmin, is the
value stipulated in Table 3:

(a) For rectangular sections, and for T sections where the flange is in compression (See Figure 27):

A s,min = ρ min ⋅ d ⋅ b w (15)

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b bf

d d
h h

dc dc

As bw = b As bw

Figure 27 — Rectangular section and T-shaped section with flange in compression

(b) For T sections where the flange is in tension (see Figure 28), should be greater or equal to the
smaller value obtained from Eq. (16) or (17):

A s,min = 2 ⋅ ρ min ⋅ d ⋅ b w (16)

A s,min = ρ min ⋅ d ⋅ b f (17)

bf
dc

h d
As

bw

Figure 28 — T-shaped section with flange in tension

Table 3 — Minimum flexural reinforcement ratio, ρmin, for girders, beams and joists

fy (MPa)
240 300 400

15 0,0040 0,0032 0,0024

fc′ 20 0,0047 0,0037 0,0028

(MPa) 25 0,0052 0,0042 0,0031

30 0,0057 0,0046 0,0034

NOTE It should be permitted to interpolate for different values of fy and fc′ , or use the following equation:

fc' 1,4
ρ min ≥ 0,25 ≥
fy fy

7.3.9.3.2 Maximum flexural reinforcement ratios

The ratio of tension flexural reinforcement, ρ, should not exceed the following values expressed in function of ρmax
as given in Table 4:

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(a) in girders, beams and joists, having only tension flexural reinforcement:

As
ρ= ≤ ρ max (18)
b⋅d

(b) in girders, beams and joists, having tension and compression flexural reinforcement (See Figure 29):

A s − A ′s
ρ − ρ′ = ≤ ρ max (19)
b⋅d

d'

d
h
A's

dc

As

Figure 29 — Section with tension and compression reinforcement

Table 4 — Maximum flexural reinforcement ratio, ρmax, for girders, beams and joists
fy (MPa)

240 300 400

15 0,0240 0,0180 0,0120

fc′
20 0,0320 0,0240 0,0160

(MPa) 25 0,0400 0,0300 0,0200

30 0,0480 0,0360 0,0240

NOTE It should be permitted to interpolate for different values of fy and fc′ or use the following equation:

f c' 600
ρ máx ≥ 0,55 ⋅
f y 600 + f y

7.3.9.4 Columns

7.3.9.4.1 Minimum and maximum area of longitudinal reinforcement

The total area of longitudinal reinforcement for columns, Ast, should not be less than 0,01 nor more than 0,06 times
the gross area, Ag, of section:

A st
0,01 ≤ ρ t = ≤ 0,06 (20)
Ag

7.3.9.4.2 Minimum diameter of longitudinal bars

Longitudinal bars in columns should have a nominal diameter, db, of 16 mm or more.

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7.3.9.4.3 Minimum number of longitudinal bars

There should be at least one longitudinal bar in each corner of the section for a minimum 4 bars, in square and
rectangular columns with ties, and a minimum of 6 longitudinal bars in round columns with spirals.

7.3.9.4.4 Distribution of longitudinal bars

The longitudinal bars in the column should be distributed along the perimeter of the section in such a manner that
the clear spacing between bars along all faces of the column is approximately equal.

7.3.9.5 Structural concrete walls

7.3.9.5.1 Minimum area of vertical reinforcement

The minimum ratio, ρv, of vertical reinforcement area to gross concrete horizontal section area should be 0,0025.

7.3.9.5.2 Maximum area of vertical reinforcement

The maximum ratio, ρv , of vertical reinforcement area to gross structural concrete wall horizontal section area
should be 0,06, but when the ratio, ρv, exceeds 0,01 the vertical reinforcement should be enclosed with ties as
prescribed for columns in 7.3.10.4.1.

A st
0,0025 ≤ ρ v = ≤ 0,06 (21)
bw . lw

7.3.10 Minimum amounts of transverse reinforcement

7.3.10.1 General

Transverse reinforcement in reinforced concrete structural elements should be provided to resist shear, diagonal
tension, and torsion stresses. It should be provided also to counteract the tendency of compression loaded bars to
buckle out of the concrete by bursting the thin outer concrete cover, and to prevent displacement of the longitudinal
reinforcement during construction operations. In seismic zones it should be placed in special regions of the
structural elements to provide confinement of concrete subjected to stresses in the non-linear range. The amount of
transverse reinforcement employed in the structural elements covered by these guidelines should be that required
to resist the factored loads, forces, and stresses, but should be not less than the minimum values given by 7.3.10.
The dimensions of the structural element should be appropriately modified when the amount of calculated
reinforcement required to resist the factored loads, forces and stresses, exceed the maximum amounts permitted
by 7.3.10.

7.3.10.2 Slabs

The design procedures for slabs prescribed by these guidelines do not require the employment of transverse
reinforcement in slabs. The procedures for design of transverse or shear reinforcement in slabs are beyond the
scope of these guidelines.

7.3.10.3 Girders, beams and joists

7.3.10.3.1 Minimum transverse reinforcement

The minimum transverse reinforcement in girders, beams and joist should be the required for shear, as specified in
7.3.13.4.3 and 7.3.13.4.4, with the exceptions noted in 7.3.10.3.2 to 7.3.10.3.4.

7.3.10.3.2 Girders and beams in seismic zones

Girders and beams framing into columns and structural concrete walls located in seismic zones should be provided
with confining transverse reinforcement as required in 7.8.

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7.3.10.4 Columns

All columns should have transverse reinforcement in the form of either tie reinforcement or spiral reinforcement
conforming to the guides of 7.3.10.4.1 or 7.3.10.4.2, respectively.

7.3.10.4.1 Ties

Transverse reinforcement in columns in the form of ties, should comply with the following guides:

a) All longitudinal columns bars should be enclosed by lateral ties made with bars at least 8 mm in
diameter (db ≥ 8 mm).

b) Ties should be arranged in such a manner that every corner and alternate longitudinal bar should
have lateral support provided by the corner of a tie or a crosstie. See Figure 30.

c) No longitudinal bar should be farther than 150 mm clear on each side along the tie from a laterally
supported longitudinal bar. See Figure 30.

d) The vertical spacing of ties, s, should not exceed 16 longitudinal bar diameters, 48 tie bar diameters,
or the least dimensions of the columns section. See Figure 31.

e) The first tie should be located one-half spacing from the top of the slab, beam or footing, where the
column is supported, and the uppermost one should be located no more than one-half tie spacing
below the lowest horizontal reinforcement of shallowest member supported above.

x < 150 mm x > 150 mm

x x x x x x
x x x x x x

x x

x x

Figure 30 — Arrangement of ties in a tied column section

longitudinal bars

tie

16 d b longitudinal bar

s < smaller of 48 d b tie bar

Figure 31 — Vertical spacing of ties in a tied column

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7.3.10.4.2 Spirals

Columns with spiral reinforcement should comply with the following guides:

a) All longitudinal column bars should be enclosed by a spiral consisting of an evenly spaced
continuous bar at least 8 mm in diameter (db ≥ 8 mm).

b) Clear spacing between spirals should not exceed 80 mm, nor be less than 25 mm, and should
comply with the guides of 7.3.7.

c) Anchorage of the spiral reinforcement should be provided by 1½ extra turns at each end of a spiral
unit.

d) Splices in spiral reinforcement should comply with 7.3.8.

e) Spirals should extend from top of footing or slab to level of lowest horizontal reinforcement of
shallowest member supported above. In columns with capitals, the spiral should extend to a level at
which the diameter or width of capital is two times that of the column.

f) Ratio of spiral reinforcement, ρs, defined as ratio of the volume of reinforcement contained in one
loop of the spiral to the volume of concrete in the core of the column confined by the same loop of
spiral, should be not less than any of the values given by Eq. (22). See Figure 32:

fc′
0,12 ⋅
f ys
Ab ⋅ π ⋅ d c
ρs = ≥ (22)
Ac ⋅ s Ag f′
0,45 ⋅ −1 ⋅ c
Ac f ys

Where Ab is the area of the bar of spiral, dc is the center-to-center diameter of the spiral, s is the vertical
spacing of the spiral, Ac is the area of the confined column core measured center to center of the spiral
π ⋅ d c2
( Ac = ), Ag is the gross column section area, f c′ is the specified concrete strength of the column, and fys
4
is the yield strength of the steel of the spiral.

spiral

longitudinal bars

Ag

dc h

s Ac

longitudinal bars

Figure 32 — Spiral reinforcement of column

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7.3.10.4.3 Column-girder joints

At joints of frames where columns and girders meet, a minimum of three column ties, complying with 7.3.10.4.2(a)
to 7.3.10.4.2(c), should be provided within the joint and the maximum vertical spacing between ties should be 150 mm.
As many ties, as necessary to comply with the maximum spacing should be provided. See Figure 33.

7.3.10.5 Structural concrete walls

The minimum ratio, ρh, of horizontal reinforcement area to gross concrete vertical section area should be 0,0025.

column
longitudinal
reinforcement

column ties

girder stirrups girder stirrups

girder
longitudinal
reinf.

joint ties:
joint
s < 150 mm

column ties

Figure 33 — Column ties in column-girder joints

7.3.11 Strength of members subjected to flexural moments

7.3.11.1 General

Calculation of the design strength of member sections subjected to flexural moments should be performed
employing the requirements of 7.3.11. If the factored axial compressive load on the member, Pu, exceeds
( )
0,10 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A g , the calculation of the design strength should be performed employing the requirements of 7.3.12.

7.3.11.2 Factored flexural moment at section

The factored flexural moment at section, Mu, caused by the factored loads applied to the structure should be
determined, for the particular element type, from the requirements of 7.5 to 7.10.

7.3.11.3 Minimum design flexural moment strength

The design flexural moment strength of the section, (φ⋅ Mn), should be greater or equal than the factored flexural
moment at that section, Mu, as shown in Eq. (23)

φ ⋅ Mn ≥ Mu (23)

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7.3.11.4 Design moment strength for rectangular sections with tension reinforcement only

7.3.11.4.1 Design moment strength

For a section with tension reinforcement only, the design moment strength at the section, should be obtained using
Eq. (24):

a
φ ⋅ Mn = φ ⋅ A s ⋅ f y d − (24)
2

where the depth of the equivalent uniform stress block, a, should be (see Figure 34):

A s ⋅ fy
a= (25)
0,85 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b

Mn 0,85 f c' b a
b
0,85 f c'
a/2

a Mn
d
a d-a/2
0,85 f c' b a
As f y dc
d As f y

Figure 34 — Flexural nominal moment strength

It should be permitted to use Eq. (26), where the value of a has been introduced in Eq. (24), through Eq. (26):

A s ⋅ fy
φ ⋅ Mn = φ ⋅ A s ⋅ f y ⋅ d ⋅ 1 − 0,59 ⋅ (26)
b ⋅ d ⋅ fc′

For the purposes of these guidelines, it should be permitted to approximate the design moment strength in slabs,
ρ
and also in girders, beams and joists where ρ < máx , with ρmax from Table 4, as:
2

φ ⋅ Mn ≈ φ ⋅ A s ⋅ f y ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ d (27)

7.3.11.4.2 Obtaining the flexural tension reinforcement area

As
The required ratio of flexural reinforcement, ρ = , should be obtained combining Eq. (23) with Eq. (24), and
(b ⋅ d)
using the factored flexural moment, Mu, as:

As Mu 2⋅α f c′
ρ= = α − α2 − ⋅ where α = (28)
b⋅d φ⋅b⋅d 2 fy 1,18 ⋅ f y

or using the approximate Eq. (27), in slabs where ρ < ρmax, with ρmax from Table 2, and in girders, beams and joists
ρ
where ρ < máx , with ρmax from Table 4, as:
2

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As Mu
ρ= ≈ (29)
b ⋅ d φ ⋅ b ⋅ d ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ f y
2

In Eqs. (28) and Eq. (29), φ = [0,90] (see 6.3.3.1). If the value obtained from Eq. (28) or Eq. (29) is smaller than ρmin
from 7.3.9.3.1 ρ should be increased to that value. For slabs, if the obtained value of ρ is greater than ρmax from Table 2,
the slab depth, h, should be increased, correcting the selfweight of the slab. For girders, beams, and joists, if the
obtained value of ρ is greater than ρmax from Table 4, the possibility of either using compression reinforcement (see
7.3.11.5), or changing dimensions, making the appropriate correction for the selfweight, should be investigated.

7.3.11.5 Use of compression reinforcement in girders, beams, and joists

7.3.11.5.1 Tension reinforcement less than maximum

If the ratio of tension reinforcement, ρ, is less than ρmax as given in 7.3.9.3.2, the effect of reinforcement in the
compression face of the element should be permitted to be disregarded.

7.3.11.5.2 Shallow doubly reinforced sections

d'
If the ratio of is greater than the values given in Table 5 the compression reinforcement should be considered
d
not to be effective.
d'
Table 5 — Maximum values of for compression reinforcement to be effective
d

fy (MPa) 240 300 400

d' 0,320 0,250 0,150
d

NOTE It should be permitted to interpolate for different values of fy

7.3.11.5.3 Design moment strength of sections with compression reinforcement

d'
When the condition of is met, the design moment strength at the section, should be (see Figure 35):
d

a
φ ⋅ Mn = φ ⋅ (A s − A ′s ) ⋅ f y d − + A ′s ⋅ f y ⋅ (d − d′) (30)
2

where the depth of the equivalent uniform stress block, a, should be in this case:

(A s − A ′s ) ⋅ f y
a= (31)
0,85 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ b

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A's f y
A's f y
Mn 0,85 f c' b a
b
0,85 f c'
a/2

d' a Mn
d
a d-a/2
0,85 f c' b a
As f y dc
d
As f y

Figure 35 — Flexural nominal moment strength for doubly reinforced sections

7.3.11.5.4 Obtaining the flexural tension and compression reinforcement area

The required area of flexural tension reinforcement, As, and compression reinforcement, A ′s , should be obtained
combining Eq. (23) with Eq. (30), and using the factored flexural moment, Mu, as follows:

A ′s =
Mu
φ ⋅ f y ⋅ (d − d′)
[
− b ⋅ d 2 ⋅ ρ max ⋅ f y ⋅ 0,8 ] (32)

and

A s = A ′s + max ⋅b⋅d (33)

In Eq. (32) and Eq. (33), φ = [0,90] (see 6.3.3.1). The steel ratio, ρmax, should be obtained from Table 4. This
d'
procedure should be used only when the condition of of 7.3.11.5.2 is met. Compression reinforcement should be
d
enclosed by ties as required by 7.3.10.3.2.

7.3.11.6 T-beam effect

In beams that are cast monolithically with a slab, and when subjected to flexural moments that induce compression
stresses in the slab a portion of the slab should be permitted to act as a flange of the beam, and the flexural design
should comply with the requirements of 7.3.11.6.1 to 7.3.11.6.5.

7.3.11.6.1 Effective flange width for beams with slab in both sides

The width of slab effective as a T-beam flange, b, should not exceed (see Figure 36):

a) one-quarter of the span length of the beam,

b) sixteen times the slab thickness hf, plus the web thickness, bw,

c) the clear distance between webs plus the web thickness, bw.

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l /4

b < min.of 16 h f + bw

b s + bw
hf

bw s

Figure 36 — Effective flange width for T-beams with slab in both sides

7.3.11.6.2 Effective flange width for beams with slab in one side only

The width of slab effective as a T-beam flange, b, should not exceed (see Figure 37):

(a) one-twelfth of the span length of the beam plus the web thickness, bw,

(b) six times the slab thickness hf, plus the web thickness, bw,

(c) one-half the clear distance to the next web plus the web thickness, bw.

hf b

l /12 + bw

b < min.of 6 h f + bw

s/2 + bw

s bw

Figure 37 — Effective flange width for T-beams with slab in one side only

7.3.11.6.3 Isolated T-beams

The flange thickness hf, in isolated T-beams should be at least one-half of the web thickness, bw, and the effective
flange width, b, should not exceed 4·bw nor bf (see Figure 38).
bf

4 bw
hf b < min.of
bf

bw

Figure 38 — Effective flange width for isolated T-beams

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7.3.11.6.4 Design moment strength of T-beams

When the flange is in compression the moment strength should be calculated as for a rectangular beam using
7.3.11.4.1, as long as the depth of the equivalent uniform stress block, a, lies within the flange thickness, hf. See
Figure 29. The last condition should be verified using Eq. (34).

A s ⋅ fy
hf ≥ a and a= (34)
0,85 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b

hf

dc

As bw

Figure 39 — Effective cross section for moment strength calculation of T-beams

7.3.11.6.5 Obtaining the flexural tension reinforcement area

As
The required ratio of flexural reinforcement, ρ < for T-beams, should be obtained from Eq. (28) or Eq. (29),
(b ⋅ d)
and the flexural reinforcement ratio, ρ, should not exceed the value given by Eq. (35) in order for the depth of the
equivalent uniform stress block, a, to lie within the flange thickness, hf.

0,85 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ h f
ρ≤ (35)
fy ⋅ d

If the value obtained from Eq. (28) or Eq. (29) is smaller than ρmin from 7.3.9.3.1 ρ should be increased to that
value. If the obtained value of ρ is greater than ρmax from Table 4, the dimensions should be changed, making the
appropriate correction for the selfweight.

7.3.12 Strength of members subjected to axial loads with or without flexure

7.3.12.1 General

Calculation of the design strength of member sections of columns and structural concrete walls subjected to axial
loads or axial loads accompanied by flexural moments should be performed employing the requirements of 8.3.12.

7.3.12.2 Combined factored axial load and factored flexural moment

The factored axial load, Pu, and the factored flexural moment, Mu, which accompanies it and are caused by the
factored loads applied to the structure, should be determined, for the particular element type, from the guides of 7.5
to 7.10.

7.3.12.3 Design strength for axial compression

7.3.12.3.1 Design strength for axial compression without flexure

Eq. (36) should be used to determine the design axial strength for axial compression without flexure, φ⋅ P0n.

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[ ( )
φ ⋅ P0n = φ ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ A g − A st + A st ⋅ f y ] (36)

In Eq. (36) φ = [0,70] for columns with ties and structural concrete walls, and φ = [0,75] for columns with spiral
reinforcement (see 6.3.3.3).

7.3.12.3.2 Maximum design axial load strength

The design strength for axial load, φ⋅ Pn, in columns and structural concrete walls subjected to compression, with or
without flexure, should not be taken greater than the following:

(a) Columns with ties and structural concrete walls:

φ ⋅ Pn(max) ≤ 0,80 ⋅ φ ⋅ P0n (with φ = [0,70]) (37)

(b) Columns with spiral reinforcement:

φ ⋅ Pn(max) ≤ 0,85 ⋅ φ ⋅ P0n (with φ = [0,75]) (38)

7.3.12.4 Balanced strength for axial compression with flexure

7.3.12.4.1 Square and rectangular tied columns, and structural concrete walls

The values for axial force, φ⋅ Pbn, and moment, φ⋅ Mbn, at the balanced design strength point should be determined
using Eq. (39) and Eq. (40) respectively. However these equations only apply to rectangular columns with
symmetrical reinforcement.

φ ⋅ Pbn = φ ⋅ 0,42 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ h ⋅ b (39)

h
φ ⋅ Mbn = φ ⋅ Pbn ⋅ 0,32 ⋅ h + φ ⋅ [0,6 ⋅ A se + 0,15 ⋅ A ss ] ⋅ f y ⋅ − d′ (40)
2

For Eq. (40) the total longitudinal reinforcement area, Ast, should be divided into extreme steel, Ase, and side steel,
Ass, in such a manner that Ase + Ass = Ast. See Figure 40. In Eq. (39) and Eq. (40) φ = [0,70] (see 6.3.3.3).

φ M bn
h

φ M bn d'

h
b

dc

d'
dc Ass
Ass Ase
Ase

Figure 40 — Dimensions for calculation of balanced moment design strength

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7.3.12.4.2 Circular section columns with spiral reinforcement

The values for axial force, φ⋅ Pbn, and moment, φ⋅ Mbn, at the balanced design strength point should be determined
using Eq. (41) and Eq. (42) respectively:

φ ⋅ Pbn = φ ⋅ 0,5 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A c (41)

h
φ ⋅ Mbn = φ ⋅ Pbn ⋅ 0,2 ⋅ h + φ ⋅ 0,6 ⋅ A st ⋅ f y ⋅ − d′ (42)
2

For Eq. (41) h should be taken as the diameter of the section of the column. In Eq. (41) and Eq. (42) φ = [0,75] (see 6.3.3.3).

7.3.12.5 Design strength for axial tension without flexure

The design strength for axial tension without flexure, φ⋅ Ptn, should be determined using Eq. (43):

φ ⋅ Ptn = φ ⋅ A st ⋅ f y (43)

In Eq. (7.3.29) φ = [0,90] (see 6.3.3.2).

7.3.12.6 Minimum design combined axial load and moment strength

The design moment strength at the section of the element, (φ⋅ Mn), at the level of applied factored axial load, Pu,
should be greater or equal than the greater factored flexural moment, Mu, that can accompany the factored axial
load, Pu, as shown in Eq. (44)

φ ⋅ M n ≥ Mu (44)

The compliance with Eq. (44) should be accomplished by proving that the coordinates of (Mu, Pu) in a moment vs. axial load
interaction diagram relating φ⋅ Mn and φ⋅ Pn, are inside the interaction design strength surface, shaded portion in Figure 41.

axial load
φ Pn

Design strength
for axial compression

φ P n maximum allowable axial

compression load

φ Pn (max) interaction desing

strength surface

balance design
strength point

φ Pbn
design moment
Pu strength at factored
required factored axial axial load level, Pu
load and moment
moment

Mu φ M bn φ Mn

φ Ptn
Design strength
for axial tension

Figure 41 — Interaction diagram for (φ⋅ Mn, φ⋅ Pn)

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The following conditions should be met for all couples of Pu and Mu that act on the column section:

Pu ≤ φ ⋅ Pn(max) (45)

Pu ≥ − (φ ⋅ Ptn ) (46)

For values of Pu ≥ φ · Pbn:

Mu ≤ φ ⋅ Mn =
(φ ⋅ P0n ) − Pu ⋅ (φ ⋅ M ) (47)
(φ ⋅ P0n ) − (φ ⋅ Pbn ) bn

For values of Pu < φ ·⋅ Pbn:

Pu + (φ ⋅ Ptn )
Mu ≤ φ ⋅ Mn = ⋅ (φ ⋅ Mbn ) (48)
(φ ⋅ Pbn ) + (φ ⋅ Ptn )
7.3.12.7 Use of interaction diagrams

It should be permitted to use interactions diagrams for columns from authoritative sources, if the employment of the
strength reduction factors, φ, as set forth in these guidelines is warranted.

7.3.12.8 Biaxial moment strength

Corner columns, and other columns subjected to moments about each axis simultaneously should comply with Eq. (49):

(Mu )x (Mu )y
+ ≤ 1,0 (49)
(φ ⋅ Mn )x (φ ⋅ Mn )y

where (Mu)x and (Mu)y correspond to the factored moments that act about axis x and y, simultaneously with the
factored axial load Pu. (φ⋅ Mn)x and (φ⋅ Mn)y correspond to the values of the design moment strength obtained from
Eq. (47) or Eq. (48) for the factored axial load value Pu, and for the appropriate direction x or y.

7.3.13 Strength of members subjected to shear stresses

7.3.13.1 General

Calculation of the design strength of member sections subjected to diagonal tension or shear stresses should be
performed employing the requirements of 7.3.13. Two type of shear stress effects are covered by these guidelines:

(a) beam-action shear that accompany flexural moments and occurs in girders, beams, joists, solid
slabs and structural concrete walls, in the vicinity of supports and concentrated loads, and

(b) punching-shear or two-way action shear, that occurs in solid slabs and footings, also in the vicinity
of supports and concentrated loads.

Other types of diagonal tension effects, such as: special effects in deep flexural members, shear-friction employed
in the design of brackets and corbels, and strut-and-tie models, are beyond the scope of these guidelines.

7.3.13.2 Factored shear

The factored shear, Vu, caused by the factored loads applied to the structure should be determined, for the
particular element type, from the requirements of 7.5 to 7.10.

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7.3.13.3 Design shear strength

The design shear strength at the section of the element, (φ⋅ Vn), should be greater or equal than the factored shear,
Vu, as shown in Eq. (50)

φ ⋅ Vn ≥ Vu (50)

In Eq. (50) φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

7.3.13.4 Beam-action shear

7.3.13.4.1 General

The guides in 7.3.13.4 should be applied to the design of members for beam-action shear. The following general
guides should be employed:

a) where shear reinforcement is used the design shear strength, φ⋅V n, should be computed using Eq. (51).

φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ (Vc + Vs ) (51)

In Eq. (51), φ⋅ Vc is the contribution of the concrete to the design shear strength, and φ⋅ Vs is the contribution of the
shear reinforcement, where employed, to the design shear strength. In Eq. (51) φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

b) where support reaction, in direction of the applied shear, introduces compression into the end
regions of the member, and no concentrated load occurs between the face of support and a
distance from the support equal to d for girders, beams, joists, columns, slabs and footings, the
sections in between should be permitted to be designed for the same factored shear, Vu, computed
at d.

7.3.13.4.2 Contribution of concrete to beam-action design shear strength

At each critical location to be investigated, only the contribution of the concrete of the web of the beam should be
taken into account, see Figure 42, and it should be computed using Eq. (52) with φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

f c′
φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ 2 ⋅ ⋅ bw ⋅ d (52)
6

In Eq. (52) for solid slabs and footings, bw should be taken as the width of the section, b. See Figure 43.

7.3.13.4.3 Shear reinforcement

In girders, beams, and joists, the contribution to the design shear strength at the section of the shear reinforcement
perpendicular to the axis of the element should be:

A v ⋅ f ys ⋅ d
φ ⋅ Vs = φ ⋅ (53)
s

where Av corresponds to the area of shear reinforcement perpendicular to the axis of the element within a distance
s, and fys is the yield strength of the steel of the shear reinforcement. In Eq. (53) φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

The contribution of the shear reinforcement to the design shear strength should not be taken greater than:

2
φ ⋅ Vs ≤ φ ⋅ ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b w ⋅ d = 4 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc (54)
3

Shear reinforcement for solid slabs and footings is beyond the scope of these guidelines.
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φ Vc
d
φ c

dc
d

bw

Figure 42 — Contribution of concrete to beam-action shear strength in girders, beams, and joists

d
Vn
b
d

dc
Vn

Figure 43 — Contribution of concrete to beam-action shear strength in solid slabs

7.3.13.4.4 Design of shear reinforcement

Shear reinforcement in girders, beams and joists, should be provided using stirrups perpendicular to the axis of the
member with a maximum spacing s measured along the axis of the element:

a) where the factored shear Vu is less than one-half φ⋅ Vc, it should be permitted to waive the use of
shear reinforcement.

b) where the factored shear, Vu, exceeds one-half φ⋅ Vc, and is less than φ⋅ Vc, a minimum amount of
shear reinforcement should be employed as specified by Eq. (55). The maximum spacing s along
the axis of the element should not exceed d/2, nor 600 mm. See Figure 44.

1 b ⋅ s bw ⋅ s
Av = fc′ w ≥ (55)
16 f ys 3 ⋅ f ys

In Eq. (55) Av corresponds to the product of the area of the bar of the stirrup, Ab, multiplied by the number of
vertical legs of the stirrup.

c) where the factored shear, Vu exceeds φ⋅ Vc the difference (Vu - φ⋅ Vc) should be provided for by
shear reinforcement, using Eqs. (51), (52) and (53), and the following limitations should be
employed (see Table 6):

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(1) The amount of shear reinforcement should not be less than that determined using Eq. (55).

(2) If the value of φ⋅ Vs, calculated using Eq. (53) is less than (2 · φ⋅ Vc) the spacing limits of
7.3.13.4.4 b) should be employed.

(3) If the value of φ⋅ Vs, calculated using Eq. (53) is greater than (2 · φ⋅ Vc) the spacing limits
should be half of the values of 7.3.13.4.4(b).

(4) The value of φ⋅ Vs, calculated using Eq. (53) should not be taken greater than (4 ⋅φ⋅ Vc).
Av = (# of legs) A b

d
s < min.

dc
bw s s s s s

Figure 44 — Minimum shear reinforcement in girders, beams, and joists when (φ⋅ Vc/2 ≤ Vu < φ⋅ Vc)

Table 6 — Shear reinforcement in girders, beams, and joists, maximum spacing

Required minimum
Value of factored area of shear
Limiting value of (φ⋅ Vs) reinforcement Av Maximum spacing, s
shear, Vu
within a distance s
(φVc )
> Vu not required
2

1 b ⋅s
Av = fc′ w
(φVc ) 16 f ys d/2
(φVc ) > Vu ≥ s ≤ min. of
2 bw ⋅ s 600 mm
≥
3 ⋅ f ys

(Vu − φ ⋅ Vc ) ⋅ s d/ 2
Av =
2 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc > φ ⋅ Vs φ ⋅ f ys ⋅ d s ≤ min. of 600 mm
3 ⋅ A v ⋅ f ys / b w

Vu ≥ (φVc )
Av =
(Vu − φ ⋅ Vc ) ⋅ s d/ 4
4 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc > φ ⋅ Vs ≥ 2 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc
φ ⋅ f ys ⋅ d s ≤ min. of 300 mm
3 ⋅ A v ⋅ f ys / b w

φ ⋅ Vs ≥ 4 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc not permitted

7.3.13.5 Two-way action shear (punching shear) in solid slabs and footings

7.3.13.5.1 General

The shear strength for two-way action shear, or punching-shear, should be investigated at edges of columns,
concentrated loads, and supports, and at changes of thickness such as edges of capitals and drop panels.

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7.3.13.5.2 Critical section definition for two-way action shear

The critical sections to be investigated should be located at a distance d/2 so that its perimeter b0 is a minimum.

7.3.13.5.3 Two-way action shear design strength

The design shear strength should be the smallest of the values obtained from Eq. (56), Eq. (57), and Eq. (58), with
φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4):

2 f c′
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ 1 + ⋅ ⋅ b0 ⋅ d (56)
βc 6

where βc is the ratio of long side to short side of the column, concentrated load or reaction area,

αs ⋅ d f c′
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ 2 + ⋅ ⋅ b0 ⋅ d (57)
b0 12

where αs is 40 for interior columns, 30 for edge columns, and 20 for corner columns, and:

fc′
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ ⋅ b0 ⋅ d (58)
3

7.3.13.6 Shear in structural concrete walls

7.3.13.6.1 General

The guides in 7.3.13.6 should be applied to the design of structural concrete walls for shear. The following general
guides should be employed:

a) the design for shear forces perpendicular to the face of the structural concrete wall should be in
accordance to the provisions for solid slabs in 7.3.13.4. The design for shear forces in the plane of
the structural concrete wall should be performed following the guides of 7.3.13.6.

b) the structural concrete wall should be continuous for the roof all the way down to the foundation
and have no openings for windows or doors.

c) the structural concrete wall should have distributed reinforcement in the vertical and horizontal
direction, not less than the minimum values of 7.3.9.5 and 7.3.10.5, and complying with the
maximum spacing of 7.3.7.8.

d) where shear reinforcement is used the design shear strength, φ⋅ Vn, should be computed using Eq. (59).

φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ (Vc + Vs ) (59)

In Eq. (59), φ⋅ Vc is the contribution of the concrete to the design shear strength, and φ⋅ Vs is the contribution of the
reinforcement to the design shear strength. In Eq. (59) φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

7.3.13.6.2 Contribution of concrete to shear strength in structural concrete walls

At each critical location to be investigated, only the contribution of the concrete of the web of the structural concrete
wall should be taken into account and it should be computed using Eq. (60) with φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

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f c′
φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ ⋅ bw ⋅ lw (60)
6

where bw is the thickness of the web of the structural concrete wall, and lw its horizontal length. In Eq. (61) φ = [0,85] (see
6.3.3.4).

7.3.13.6.3 Shear reinforcement in structural concrete walls

The contribution to the design shear strength of the horizontal reinforcement located in the web of the structural
concrete wall should be:

[
φ ⋅ Vs = φ ⋅ ρ h ⋅ f y ⋅ b w ⋅ l w ] (61)

where ρh is the ratio of horizontal reinforcement and fy its yield strength. In Eq. (61) φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

7.3.13.6.4 Design of shear reinforcement

Where the factored shear, Vu exceed φ⋅ Vc, the ratio of horizontal reinforcement should not be less than the amount
determined from Eq. (62), with φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

Vu − φ ⋅ Vc
ρh ≥ (62)
φ ⋅ fy ⋅ b w ⋅ lw

In addition the following requirements should be met:

a) two curtains of reinforcement should be employed, both in vertical and horizontal reinforcement,

hw
b) if is less than 2, the vertical steel ratio, ρv, should not be less than the horizontal steel ratio, ρh.
lw

c) The value of φ⋅ Vn should not exceed the value given by Eq. (63).

5
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ (Vc + Vs ) ≤ φ ⋅ ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b w ⋅ l w (63)
6
7.3.13.7 Torsion

Design for torsion is beyond the scope of the present guidelines, and it should be permitted to neglect torsion
effects when the calculated factored torsion, Tu, is less than the value obtained from Eq. (64):

f c′ h2 ⋅ b2
Tu ≤ φ ⋅ ⋅ (64)
24 h+b

Notwithstanding, in members where torsion smaller than the value given by Eq. (64) is present, closed stirrups with
a minimum bar diameter of 10 mm, should be provided near the supports with a spacing measured along the length
of the element not greater than b/4 or d/4, the smaller, for a distance equal to 1/4 of the clear span of the element
measured from the internal face of each support. In Eq. (64) φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

7.3.14 Bearing strength

The factored compression normal load, Pu, applied concentrically on an area, Ac, should not exceed the design
bearing strength on concrete (φ⋅ Pn) obtained using Eq. (65):

φ ⋅ Pn = φ ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A c (65)
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2
where Ac corresponds to the contact area in mm , and φ = [0,70] (see 6.3.3.5).

7.4 Floor system

7.4.1 Types of floor systems

7.4.1.1 General

8.4.1 describes the floor systems covered by the scope of these guidelines. The floor system employed by a
building designed under this guidelines should be one of the systems covered or their permitted variations. The
selection of an appropriate floor system should be performed studying several alternatives.

7.4.1.2 Slab-on-girder system

7.4.1.2.1 Description of the basic system

This system consists of a grid of girders in both main plan directions with a slab spanning the space between
girders. These girders are located in the column lines or axis, spanning the distance between columns. A solid slab
is supported by the girders. The slab can cantilever out of the edge beam. In this system the slab has a shallower
depth than the girders. See Figure 45. For this system the guides for structural integrity of 7.4.3 should be complied
with.

girder
slab

Figure 45 — Slab-on-girder floor system

7.4.1.2.2 Use of intermediate beams

One of the main variations of the system is the use of intermediate beams, supported on the girders. One or
several beams can be employed per span. The intermediate beams can be of the same height of the girders, or
shallower. These intermediate beams can be used in one direction, as shown in Figure 46, or in two directions, as
shown in Figure 47. The use of too many intermediate beams will make the system gravitate to the joist system,
described in 7.4.1.3.
7.4.1.2.3 Advantages of slab-on-girder system

For the slab-on-girder system each component has the appropriate minimum depth and width to comply with the
strength or serviceability guides; therefore, having a relatively low selfweight. The system can accommodate spans
of any size, can easily be adapted to any plan shape, and large perforations, ducts and shafts, can be located
without major problems.

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girder
slab

Intermediate
one-direction
beam

Figure 46 — Use of one-direction intermediate beams in the slab-on-girder floor system

girder
slab

Intermediate
two-direction
beam

Figure 47— Use of two-direction intermediate beams in the slab-on-girder floor system

7.4.1.3 Joist systems

7.4.1.3.1 Description of the basic system

The joist system consists of a series of parallel ribs, or joists, supported by girders. The girders are located in the
column lines or axis, spanning the distance between columns. A thin solid slab spans the space between joists.
See Figure 48. For this system the guides for structural integrity of 7.4.3 should be complied with. The thin slab can
not cantilever out of the edge joist. In this system the joists area usually of the same depth of the girders, but can
have a shallower depth. The separation between parallel joists, measured center-to-center of the joists, should not
exceed [2,5] times the depth, h, of the joist, nor [1,2] m. The width of the web of the joist should be not less than
[120] mm at the upper part. The minimum width should not be less than [100] mm. The clear depth of the joist
should be not more than [5] times its average width. See Figure 50. The thin slab should comply with the minimum
thickness guides of 7.4.5.2.1.

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edge joist

thin top slab

joist

girder or beam

Figure 48 — Joist floor system

s < 2,5 h s < 2,5 h

s < 1,2 m s < 1,2 m

h < 5 baverage

> 120 mm b w = b average > 100 mm

Figure 49 — Joist section dimension guides

7.4.1.3.2 Type of formwork

When the joists have the same depth of the girders, a flat formwork decking supported on shores, is employed.
Joist shallower than the girders, may require more elaborate formwork. In order to create the voids, permanent and
removable pans, or domes; of different shape and material are employed. Among those more popular are:
permanent and removable wood pans, removable pans made out of metal, fiberglass, plastic or styrofoam, or
permanent cement, cinder or clay filler blocks.

7.4.1.3.3 Distribution ribs

In joist systems that span in only one direction, in order to avoid that a concentrated load be carried by just one
joist, transverse distribution ribs should be employed with separations of no more than 10 times the total depth, h,
of the joist, without exceeding 4 m. See Figure 50.

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s < 10 h
s<4m
distribution rib

Figure 50 — Distribution ribs

7.4.1.3.4 Two-way joist systems

For approximately equal spans in both directions, it could be advantageous to use joists in both directions. In this
case in order for the system to be classified as a joist system, the joists must be supported on girders. This system
is referred as a waffle-on-beams slab. See Figure 51. If the beams are omitted the system should be classified as
the waffle-slab system described in 7.4.1.3.4.

Figure 51 — Two-way joist system or waffle-on-beams system

7.4.1.3.5 Advantages of joist systems

The joist system can accommodate medium to large spans, with relatively low selfweight. It is easy to locate small
perforations, ducts and shafts. For heavy live loads or large permanent loads, the serviceability deflection guides
can easily be accommodated because of the relatively high depth of the system. The clear spacing between joists
is a tradeoff between a thinner top slab and requiring a larger amount of joists, thus allowing the designer great
freedom in the choice of appropriate dimensions.

7.4.2 Criteria for the selection of the floor system

The structural designer should select a floor system from the systems covered by these guidelines, as presented in
7.4.1. Several alternatives should be studied and the final selection should be performed taking into account the
merits of each of them in terms of:

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a) the magnitude of the dead and live loads, and specially the selfweight of the system,

b) the geometry of the structural plan layout, specially the span lengths in both plan directions, and the
ratio between them,

c) the presence of cantilevers, and their maximum span and direction,

d) the type of occupancy of the building,

e) the available material strengths, both for concrete and reinforcing steel,

f) the expected behaviour of the slab system, and the adequacy to comply with the serviceability and
deflection criteria,

g) the amount of materials -concrete, steel and formwork - required to build the floor system, taking into
account that the floor system is probably responsible for the majority of the materials employed to
build the structure,

h) local tradition in floor system construction plays an important role in the selection, and following it
might simplify construction coordination,

i) workmanship training and proficiency should affect the selection, thus avoiding systems that require
more training and proficiency than what the local workers can comply with, and

j) the relative cost of the alternatives, but the economical advantages should be pondered against the
expected behaviour and safety of the system.

7.4.3 Guides for structural integrity

7.4.3.1 General

The following should constitute minimum guides for improving the redundancy and ductility of the structure as a
whole, in order for it to be able to be functional in the event of damage to a major supporting element or an
abnormal loading event, by confining the damage to a relatively small area and maintaining overall stability.

7.4.3.2 Perimeter girders in slab-and-girder and joist systems

A ring of beams should be provided linking the perimeter columns and structural concrete walls of the structure,
even when girders in slab-and-girder systems and joist systems are required for support of the slab or joists only in
one direction in plan. These perimeter beams, or girders, should have a minimum area of continuous top and
bottom longitudinal reinforcement, tied with closed stirrups, as guide by 7.6.5.5. This reinforcement should always
be lap-spliced using the minimum lap spliced length of 7.3.8.2.

7.4.3.3 Other beams and girders

All beams and girders, except the perimeter girders guide by 7.4.3.2 should have closed stirrups and a minimum
area of continuous bottom longitudinal reinforcement, as required by 7.6.4.5 and 7.6.5.5. This reinforcement should
always be lap-spliced, at or close to the supports, using the minimum lap splice length of 7.3.8.2.

7.4.3.4 Joists

In joists at least one bottom bar should be continuous over the support or should be spliced there using the
minimum lap splice length of 7.3.8.2, and at not continuous supports should be terminated with a standard hook.
See 7.6.4.5.

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7.4.4 Slab one-way and two-way action and load path

7.4.4.1 General

The way the load is transported from the point of application to the supports in a slab system, depends on the
geometrical plan dimensions of the slab panel, and on the stiffness of the supporting elements. For the purposes of
this guideline, the way the loads are carried to the support should be classified into one-way and two-way action.

7.4.4.2 One-way action

A slab, solid or with joists, should be considered to work in one-way when:

a) has two opposing free edges, without vertical support, and has girders or beams or a structural
concrete wall along the full length of the edge, that provide vertical support in the other two opposing
edges,

b) the slab panel has a rectangular plan shape, has girders, beams or structural concrete walls, that
provide vertical support in all edges, and the long slab span is greater than twice the short slab span,
or

c) have joists, except the distribution ribs, in only one direction.

7.4.4.3 Two-way action

A slab, solid or with joists in both directions, should be considered to work in two-ways when the slab panel has a
rectangular plan shape, and has girders, beams or structural concrete walls along the full length of the edges, that
provide vertical support in all edges, and the long slab span is less or equal than twice the short slab span.

7.4.4.4 Floor system load path

Based on the way the slab works, an approximate load path should be identified. The approximate load path
should be used to assigning tributary load to all slab-supporting elements, and also in obtaining the preliminary
dimensions of the slab and the supporting elements. The load path and the tributary load on the supporting
elements should be verified, and corrected as needed, during the design and dimensioning stage of each of the
structural elements.

7.4.5 Minimum allowable depth of the elements of the floor system

7.4.5.1 General

The following minimum allowable depth for elements of the floor system should be considered sufficient to meet the
serviceability limit state, thus providing enough stiffness to the element to avoid undesirable deflections caused by
the dead and live loads.

7.4.5.2 Solid one-way slabs supported by girders, beams, joists, or structural walls

7.4.5.2.1 Top thin solid slab that spans the space between joists

The top thin slab should have a minimum thickness of l/20, but should not be less than [45] mm, when permanent
concrete or clay filler blocks are employed, nor less than [50] mm in all other cases.

7.4.5.2.2 Non-structural elements not likely to be damaged by large deflections

When the slab does not support partitions or other non-structural elements, or they are built of materials that are
not likely to be damaged by large deflections, the minimum thickness, h, should not be less than the values given in
Table 7, where the span length l, should be taken as the center-to-center distance between supports, except that
when the span is less than 3 m, it should be permitted to take l as the clear span.

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Table 7 — Minimum thickness, h, for one-way solid slabs supporting

non-structural elements that can accommodate large deflections

Continuity across the supports Minimum thickness, h

l
Simply supported
20
l
One end continuous
24
l
Both ends continuous
28
l
Cantilever
10

7.4.5.2.3 Non-structural elements likely be damaged by large deflections

When the slab supports either top or bottom edge of partitions or other non-structural elements that are likely to be
damaged by large deflections, the minimum thickness, h, should not be less than the values given in Table 8,
where the span length l, should be taken as the center-to-center distance between supports, except that when the
span is less than 3 m, it should be permitted to take l as the clear span.

Table 8 — Minimum thickness, h, for one-way solid slabs supporting

non-structural elements likely to be damaged by large deflections
Minimum thickness,
Continuity across the supports
h
l
Simply supported
14
l
One end continuous
16
l
Both ends continuous
19
l
Cantilever
7

7.4.5.3 Girders, beams and one-way joists supporting the slab

7.4.5.3.1 Non-structural elements not likely to be damaged by large deflections

When the girder, beam or one-way joist does not support partitions or other non-structural elements, or they are
built of materials that are not likely to be damaged by large deflections, the minimum thickness, h, should not be
less than the values given in Table 9, where the span length l, should be taken as the center-to-center distance
between supports, except that for joists when the span is less than 3 m, it should be permitted to take l as the clear span.

Table 9 — Minimum thickness, h, for girders, beams, and one-way joists supporting
non-structural elements that can accommodate large deflections
Continuity across the supports Minimum thickness, h
l
Simply supported
16
l
One end continuous
18,5
l
Both ends continuous
21
l
Cantilever
8

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7.4.5.3.2 Non-structural elements likely be damaged by large deflections

When the girder, beam or one-way joist supports either top or bottom edge of partitions or other non-structural
elements that are likely to be damaged by large deflections, the minimum thickness, h, should not be less than the
values given in Table 10, where the span length l, should be taken as the center-to-center distance between
supports, except that for joists when the span is less than 3 m, it should be permitted to take l as the clear span.

Table 10 — Minimum thickness, h, for girders, beams, and one-way joists supporting
non-structural elements likely to be damaged by large deflections
Continuity across the supports Minimum thickness, h
l
Simply supported
11
l
One end continuous
12
l
Both ends continuous
14
l
Cantilever
5

7.4.5.4 Two-way slabs supported by girders, beams, or structural concrete walls

The minimum allowable depth of two-way slabs, including two-way joist and waffle-on-beams systems, supported
by girders, beams or structural concrete walls in all edges of the panel, should be as given in Eq. (66), and for solid
slabs should be nor less than 120 mm for spans, ln, greater than 3 m, and should not be less than 100 mm for
spans, ln, less or equal to 3 m.

ln
h= (66)
30 + 3 ⋅ β

Where the span length ln, should be taken as the clear span in the long direction, measured face-to-face of the
supporting beams, and β is the ratio of long clear span to short clear span of the slab panel. The procedure for
design of two-way slabs-on-girders of this guideline guide that the supporting girders or beams should have a
depth not less than three times the slab thickness (see 7.5.8.1).

7.4.6 Initial trial dimensions for the floor system

Initial trial dimensions should be defined for all the elements of the floor system. These initial trial dimensions
should be assigned using the minimum depth or thickness, h, given in 7.4.5. For beam and girders the initial trial
width, bw, should be taken as one half of the depth, h, of the element but not less than 200 mm, and for joists
should be defined using the minimum width dimensions given in 7.4.1.3.1.

These initial trial dimensions meet the serviceability limit state, and should be corrected as required by the strength
limit state as the definite design proceeds. The selfweight calculated using the initial trial dimension should be
corrected as modifications to the dimensions are introduced during the design process.

7.5 Solid slabs supported on girders, beams, joists or structural concrete walls

7.5.1 General

The design of one-way and two-way solid slabs supported by girders, beams, or structural concrete walls in their
edges should be performed employing the guides of present 7.5. Guides for the top thin solid slab that span
between joists are also included.

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7.5.2 Design load definition

7.5.2.1 Loads to be included

The design load for solid slabs supported on girders, beams, joists, or structural concrete walls should be
established from the requirements of 7.2. The gravity loads that should be included in the design are:

a) Dead loads: selfweight of the structural element, flat non-structural elements, standing non-structural
elements, and fixed equipment loads, if any.

b) Live loads.

c) If the slab is part of the roof system, the appropriate values of roof live load, rain load and snow load,
should be employed.

7.5.2.2 Dead load and live load

2
The values of qd for dead load and ql for live load should be in N/m . qd should include the selfweight of the solid
slab, at 24 N/m2 per mm of thickness, and the weight of the flat and standing non-structural elements also in N/m2.
Live load should be determined as guide by 7.2.6. If the slab is part of the roof system the specified snow loads in
7.2.7 should be included, if appropriate.

7.5.2.3 Factored design load

2
The value of the factored design load, qu in N/m , should be the greater value obtained combining qd and ql using
Eq. (5) and Eq. (6). If the slab is part of a roof system, Eq. (7) and Eq. (8) should also be investigated, choosing the
greatest value of all four Eqs.

7.5.3 Details of reinforcement

7.5.3.1 General

For the purposes of the present guidelines, the reinforcement of solid slabs-on-girders should be of the types
described and should comply with the guides of 7.5.3.2 to 7.5.3.8.

7.5.3.2 Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement

7.5.3.2.1 Description

Reinforcement for shrinkage and temperature stresses normal to the flexural reinforcement of the slab should be
provided in slabs-on-girders where the flexural reinforcement extends in one direction only.

7.5.3.2.2 Location

Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement should be located on top of the positive flexural reinforcement
perpendicular to it, except in on roof slabs where it should be located under the negative flexural reinforcement
perpendicular to it.

7.5.3.2.3 Minimum reinforcement area

Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement should comply with the minimum reinforcement steel ratio, ρt, of
7.3.9.2.1.

7.5.3.2.4 Maximum and minimum reinforcement spacing

Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement should not be spaced further apart than guide by 7.3.7.7, nor should it
be placed closer than guide by 7.3.7.2.

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7.5.3.2.5 Reinforcement splicing

It should be permitted to lap-splice shrinkage and temperature reinforcement at any location. The splice length
should comply with 7.3.8.2.

7.5.3.2.6 End anchorage of reinforcement

At edges of the slab, shrinkage and temperature reinforcement should end in a standard hook. It should be
permitted to place the hook horizontally.

7.5.3.3 Positive flexural reinforcement

7.5.3.3.1 Description

Positive flexural reinforcement should be provided in the lower part of the slab section, as guide in present 7.5, and
should comply with the general guides of 7.5.3.3, and the particular guides for each slab type as set forth in 7.5.4 to
7.5.8.

7.5.3.3.2 Location

Positive flexural reinforcement should be provided parallel to the short span in one-way solid slabs-on-girders, and
in both directions in two-way-slabs. Positive flexural reinforcement should be located as close as concrete cover
guides permit (see 7.3.4.1) to the bottom surface of the slab. In two-way systems the short span positive flexural
reinforcement should be located under the long span positive flexural reinforcement. The amount of positive
flexural reinforcement should be that required to resist the factored positive design moment at the section.

7.5.3.3.3 Minimum reinforcement area

Positive flexural reinforcement should have an area at least equal to the area guide by 7.3.9.2.2.

7.5.3.3.4 Maximum reinforcement area

Positive flexural reinforcement area should not exceed the values set forth in 7.3.9.2.3.

7.5.3.3.5 Maximum and minimum reinforcement spacing

Positive flexural reinforcement should not be spaced further apart than required by 7.3.7.6, nor should it be placed
closer than permitted by 7.3.7.2.

7.5.3.3.6 Cut off points

It should be permitted to suspend at the locations indicated in 7.5.6 to 7.5.8 for each slab type, no more than one-
half of the positive flexural reinforcement required to resist the corresponding factored design positive moment at
mid-span.

7.5.3.3.7 Reinforcement splicing

It should be permitted to lap-splice the remaining positive flexural reinforcement between the cut-off point and the
opposite face of the support.

7.5.3.3.8 Embedment at interior supports

Positive flexural reinforcement suspended at an interior support should be embedded by continuing it to the
opposite face of the support.

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7.5.3.3.9 End anchorage of reinforcement

Positive flexural reinforcement perpendicular to a discontinuous edge should extend to the edge of the slab and
should end with a standard hook in the girder, beam, or structural concrete wall that provides support at the edge.

7.5.3.4 Negative flexural reinforcement

7.5.3.4.1 Description

Negative flexural reinforcement should be provided in the upper part of the slab section, at edges and supports, in
the amounts and lengths required in present 7.5, and should comply with the general guides of 7.5.3.4, and the
particular guides for each slab type as set forth in 7.5.4 to 7.5.8.

7.5.3.4.2 Location

Negative flexural reinforcement should be provided perpendicular to edge and intermediate supporting girders,
beams, and structural concrete walls. Negative flexural reinforcement should be located as close as concrete cover
guides permit (see 7.3.4.1) to the upper surface of the slab. In two-way systems the short span negative flexural
reinforcement should be located above the long span negative flexural reinforcement. The amount of negative
flexural reinforcement should be that required to resist the factored negative design moment at the section.

7.5.3.4.3 Minimum reinforcement area

Negative flexural reinforcement should have an area at least equal to the area guide by 7.3.9.2.2.

7.5.3.4.4 Maximum reinforcement area

Negative flexural reinforcement area should not exceed the values set forth in 7.3.9.2.3.

7.5.3.4.5 Maximum and minimum reinforcement spacing

Negative flexural reinforcement should not be spaced further apart than guide by 7.3.7.6, nor should it be placed
closer than permitted by 7.3.7.2.

7.5.3.4.6 Cut off points

It should be permitted to suspend all the negative flexural reinforcement, except for cantilevers, at the locations
indicated in 7.5.6 to 7.5.8 for each slab type. Where adjacent spans are unequal, negative flexural reinforcement
cut-off points should be based on the guides for the longer span.

7.5.3.4.7 Reinforcement splicing

It should not be permitted to lap-splice negative flexural reinforcement between the cut-off point and the support.

7.5.3.4.8 End anchorage of reinforcement

Negative flexural reinforcement perpendicular to a discontinuous edge should be anchored with a standard hook
into the edge girder, beam, or structural concrete wall that provides support at the edge, complying with the
anchorage distance guide by 7.3.8.3. At the external edge of cantilevers negative flexural reinforcement
perpendicular to the edge should end in a standard hook. It should be permitted to place the hook horizontally.

7.5.3.5 Shear reinforcement

The design procedures for slabs prescribed by these guidelines do not require the employment of transverse
reinforcement in slabs. The procedures for design of transverse or shear reinforcement in slabs are beyond the
scope of these guidelines.

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7.5.3.6 Corner reinforcement

Special top and bottom slab reinforcement, in addition to other reinforcement, should be provided at exterior
corners of the slab, different from cantilevers, for a distance equal to one-fifth of the longer clear span of the slab
panel (see Figure 52), The amount of reinforcement, top and bottom, should be sufficient to resist a moment equal
to the maximum positive factored design moment, per meter of width, in the slab panel, in accordance with
7.5.3.6.1 and 7.5.3.6.2.

7.5.3.6.1 Top corner reinforcement

Special reinforcement parallel to the diagonal of the panel should be placed in the top of the slab. This
reinforcement should be anchored with a standard hook at the supporting girders, beams, or structural concrete
walls.

7.5.3.6.2 Bottom corner reinforcement

Special reinforcement perpendicular to the diagonal of the panel should be placed in the bottom of the slab. This
reinforcement should be anchored with a standard hook at the supporting girders, beams, or structural concrete
walls.
girder, beam, or wall
lb / 5

corner top
reinforcement

lb / 5
corner bottom
reinforcement
slab panel
diagonal

Figure 52 - Special slab corner reinforcement

7.5.3.7 Welded-wire fabric used in short span slabs

Welded-wire fabric used in slabs not exceeding 3,5 m in clear span should be permitted to simultaneously act as
negative and positive flexural reinforcement by curving it from a point near the top of slab over the support to a
point near the bottom of slab at midspan, provided such reinforcement is either continuous over or anchored at
support. The area of longitudinal reinforcement should comply with the maximum required factored moment, either
positive or the negative. See Figure 53. In two-way slabs the wires of the welded-wire fabric in the perpendicular
direction should comply with the required area of flexural reinforcement in that direction, and in one-way slabs with
the required shrinkage and temperature reinforcement.

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placed close to top of

slab over supports

welded - wire fabric

l n < 3,5 m as positive and
negative reinforcement
placed close to bottom
of slab near midspan

Figure 53 — Welded-wire fabric in short spans

7.5.3.8 Practical considerations for the value of dc and d to employ in solid slabs

The determination of the distance from extreme tension fiber to centroid of tension reinforcement, [dc], should
include the appropriate concrete cover from 7.3.4, the bar diameters employed, and the existence of reinforcement
in the perpendicular direction placed between the reinforcement under study and the concrete surface. It should be
permitted to use the following values of dc to compute d as d = h-dc. For one-way slabs and for the reinforcement in
the short direction in two way slabs, dc = 40 mm for internal exposure and dc = 60 mm for external exposure. For
reinforcement in the long direction of two-way slabs, dc = 55 mm for internal exposure and dc = 75 mm for external
exposure.

7.5.4 Top thin solid slab that spans between joists

7.5.4.1 Dimensional guides

The thin solid slab that spans between joists should comply with the minimum thickness guides of 7.4.5.2.1. The
top thin slab should not be permitted to cantilever out of the edge joist (see 7.4.1.3.1).

7.5.4.2 Factored flexural moment

The factored flexural moment, Mu, in N ⋅ m/m, for negative and positive flexural moment in the thin slab that spans
between joist in joist construction should be calculated using Eq. (67), where lj is the clear spacing between joists in
2
m and qu should be employed in N/m . See Figure 54.

qu ⋅ l 2j
M u+ = M u− = (67)
12

7.5.4.3 Reinforcement

The flexural reinforcement ratio ρ, perpendicular to the joist direction should be determined employing Eq. (28) or
3
Eq. (29), with the value of Mu obtained from Eq. (67), converted to N ⋅ mm (1 N ⋅·m/m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm/m), using d in
mm as one-half the thickness of the thin slab, and b = 1 000 mm. ρ should be made greater or equal to the
shrinkage and temperature ratio prescribed in 7.3.9.2.1. See Figure 54. The flexural reinforcing bar separations
should meet the guides of 7.3.7.6. The reinforcement parallel to the joist direction should meet the guides of
7.5.3.2.

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top thin slab shrinkage and

negative and positive temperature
flexural reinforcement reinforcement

lj lj lj
joist
Figure 54 — Reinforcement of the thin solid slab that span between joists

7.5.4.4 Shear strength verification

The factored shear Vu, in N/m, for the thin slab that span between joists in joist construction should be calculated
2
using Eq. (68), where lj is the clear spacing between joists in m and qu should be employed in N/m . See Figure 54.

qu ⋅ l j
Vu = (68)
2

The design shear strength φ⋅ Vn, in N/m, should be calculated using Eq. (52), with d as one-half the thickness of the
thin slab, in mm, and bw = b = 1 000 mm. Eq. (50) should be complied with.

7.5.4.5 Calculation of the reactions on the joists

Factored uniformly distributed reaction on the supporting joists ru, in N/m, should be the value obtained from Eq. (69),
where Vu is the factored shear from 7.5.4.4, in N/m, l is the center-to-center spacing of the joist, in m, and lj is the
clear spacing between joists, also in m.

2 ⋅ Vu ⋅ l
ru = (69)
lj

7.5.5 Cantilevers of slabs supported on girders, beams or walls

7.5.5.1 Dimensional guides

Solid slab cantilevers spanning out of the edge girder, beam or structural concrete wall, should comply with the
minimum thickness guides of 7.4.5.2. The cantilever span should not exceed the limits of 6.1. No openings for
ducts or shafts should be permitted in the internal one-half span of the cantilever. It should be permitted for the slab
to cantilever in two directions at corners, with the same limitations for single cantilevers. The thin top slab that
spans between joists should not cantilever out of the edge joist.

7.5.5.2 Factored negative flexural moment

The factored negative flexural moment, Mu, for slab cantilevers that span out of the edge supporting girders, beams
or structural concrete walls, should be calculated supposing that one-half of the distributed factored load, qu, acts
as a concentrated load at the tip of the cantilever, and the other one-half acts as uniformly distributed load over the
full span, using Eq. (70), but it should not be less than the factored negative flexural moment of the first interior
span at the exterior supporting girder, beam or structural concrete wall, nor less than one-third of the positive
flexural moment, in the same direction, of the first interior span. See Figure 55.

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3 ⋅ qu ⋅ l m2
M u− = (70)
4

where lm should be the clear span of the cantilever in m, qu should be employed in N/m , and Mu− should be
2

obtained in N·m/m.

concentrated load

qu qu
lm uniform
2 2 load

Mu

moment
diagram
lm
lm
cantilever
clear span

Figure 55 — Calculation of negative moment at slab cantilevers

7.5.5.3 Reinforcement

7.5.5.3.1 Negative flexural reinforcement

The negative flexural reinforcement ratio, ρ, in the direction of the cantilever should be determined employing Eq.
3
(28) or Eq. (29), using the value of Mu obtained from Eq. (70), converted to N ⋅mm/m (1 N m/m = 10 ·⋅N ⋅ mm/m),
with the appropriate value of d in mm, and b = 1 000 mm. The negative flexural reinforcement should comply with
7.5.3.4. This reinforcement should be anchored in the first interior span not less than ld for the reinforcing bar (see
7.3.8.1), nor the distance required for the negative reinforcement of the interior slab panel at the edge support. See
Figure 56.

shrinkage and
temperature
reinforcement negative
cantilever
reinforcement

distance as required for

ln negative reinforcement
of first interior span, but
minimum positive not less than l n for bar
reinforcement

Figure 56 — Reinforcement for slab cantilevers

7.5.5.3.2 Positive flexural reinforcement

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A minimum amount of positive flexural reinforcement with an area greater or equal to the shrinkage and
temperature reinforcement, complying with the guides of 7.5.3.2 should be provided in the direction of the
cantilever. See Figure 56.

7.5.5.3.3 Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement

Reinforcement parallel to the edge of the cantilever complying with 7.5.3.1 should be provided. See Figure 56.

7.5.5.3.4 Reinforcement of two-way cantilevers

At corners where the slab cantilevers in two-directions, the negative flexural reinforcement should be calculated for
the larger span cantilever, using the guides of 7.5.5.3.1. This reinforcement should be placed in both directions
(see Figure 57), for a distance measured from the corner equal to the cantilever clear span plus two times the
larger cantilever span, but not less than the distance required for the negative flexural reinforcement of the first
interior span plus the cantilever span. Reinforcement as guide by 7.5.5.3.2 should be placed in both directions.

two-way cantilever
negative reinforcement smaller cantilever span
3 l nb

l na

l na + 2 l nb girder, beam or wall

one-way negative
cantilever
reinforcement

one-way
negative
cantilever
reinforcement
l nb

larger cantilever span

Figure 57 — Negative flexural reinforcement in two-way slab cantilevers

7.5.5.4 Shear verification

The factored shear Vu, in N/m, at the support of cantilever slabs should be calculated using Eq. (71), where lm
2
should be the clear span of the cantilever in m, and qu should be employed in N/m .

Vu = q u ⋅ l m (71)

For two-way cantilevers the value of Vu should be taken as twice the value obtained from Eq. (71) using the larger
cantilever span.

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The design shear strength φ⋅Vn, in N/m, should be calculated using Eq. (52) with the appropriate value of d in mm,
and b = 1 000 mm. Eq. (50) should be complied with.

7.5.5.5 Calculation of the reactions on the supports

Uniformly distributed factored reaction on the support of the cantilever ru, in N/m, should be the value obtained from
Eq. (72), where Vu is the factored shear from 7.5.5.4, in N/m, l is the span of the cantilever measured from the
centerline of the supporting element, in m, and lm is the clear span of the cantilever, also in m.

Vu ⋅ l
ru = (72)
lm

Where two-way cantilevers exists it should be permitted in the calculation of the value of Ru to use Eq. (72)
employing the value of Vu obtained from Eq. (71) for the larger cantilever span, without doubling it.

7.5.6 One-way one-span solid slabs spanning between girders, beams, or structural concrete walls

7.5.6.1 Dimensional guides

One-way one-span solid slabs should comply with the minimum thickness guides of 7.4.5.2. In addition to the
appropriate guides of 7.5.6, these slabs should comply with the general dimensional guides set forth in 6.1, and the
particular guides of 7.4.1.2 for slab-on-girder systems.

7.5.6.2 Factored flexural moment

The factored positive and negative flexural moment, Mu, in N ⋅ m/m, for one-span one-way slabs should be
calculated using the Eqs. given in Table 11.

Table 11 — Factored flexural moment for one-way, one-span slabs

Positive moment:

(73)
qu ⋅ l m2
M u+ =
8

Negative moment at supports:

(74)
qu ⋅ l m2
M u− =
24

7.5.6.3 Longitudinal flexural reinforcement

7.5.6.3.1 Positive flexural reinforcement

The positive reinforcement ratio, ρ, in the direction of the span lm, should be determined employing Eq. (28) or Eq.
(29), with the value of Mu+ obtained from Eq. (73) converted to N ⋅ mm (1 N ·m/m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm/m), using d in mm,
3

and b = 1 000 mm. This reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.5.3.3. In those cases in which the slab is
cast monolithically with a supporting girder, beam or structural concrete wall, and the supporting element has a
depth at least three times greater than the depth of the slab, it should be permitted to suspend up to one-half of the
positive flexural reinforcement at a distance equal to lm/8 measured from the internal face of the supports into the
span. See Figure 58.

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shrinkage and
negative flexural negative flexural
temperature
reinforcement reinforcement
reinforcement
l /4 l /4
m m

positive flexural reinforcement l /8 0 mm l m /8

suspension, only if slab m
built monolithically with
support at least three positive flexural reinforcement
times deeper than slab

Figure 58 — Reinforcement for one-span one-way slabs

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7.5.6.3.2 Negative flexural reinforcement

The negative flexural reinforcement ratio, ρ, in the direction of the span lm , should be determined employing Eq.
(28) or Eq. (29), with the value of Mu− obtained from Eq. (74) converted to N · mm (1 N m/m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm/m),
3

using d in mm, and b = 1 000 mm. This reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.5.3.4. At a distance
equal to lm /4 measured from the internal face of the supports into the span, all the negative flexural
reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended. See Figure 58.

7.5.6.3.3 Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement

The reinforcement perpendicular to the span should meet the guides for shrinkage and temperature reinforcement
of 7.5.3.2. See Figure 58.

7.5.6.4 Shear verification

The factored shear, Vu, in N/m, for the one-span one-way slab should be calculated at the face of the supports
2
using Eq. (75), where lm is the clear span in m and qu should be employed in N/m . See Figure 58.

qu ⋅ l m
Vu = (75)
2

The design shear strength, φ⋅ Vn, in N/m, should be calculated using Eq. (52), with d in mm, and bw = b = 1 000 mm.
Eq. (50) should be complied with.

7.5.6.5 Calculation of the reactions on the supports

Uniformly distributed factored reaction on the supports of one-way one-span slabs, ru, in N/m, should be the value
obtained from Eq. (76) plus the uniformly distributed reaction from any cantilever spanning from that support. In Eq.
(76) Vu is the factored shear from 7.5.6.4, in N/m, l is the center-to-center span of the slab, in m, and lm is the clear
span of the slab, also in m.

Vu ⋅ l
ru = (76)
lm

7.5.7 One-way solid slabs supported on girders, beams, or walls, with two or more spans

7.5.7.1 Dimensional guides

One-way solid slabs with two or more spans should comply with the minimum thickness guides of 7.4.5.2. In
addition to the appropriate guides of 7.5, slabs should comply with the general dimensional guides set forth in 6.1,
and the particular guides of 7.4.1.2 for slab-on-girder systems.

The following restrictions should be in effect for slabs designed under 7.5.7:

a) there are two or more spans,

b) the spans are approximately equal, with the larger of two adjacent spans not greater than the shorter
by more than 20 per cent (see 6.1),

c) loads are uniformly distributed,

d) unit live load, ql, does not exceeds three times unit dead load, qd, and

e) for negative moment evaluation at internal supports, lm should correspond to the largest of the
neighbouring spans.

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7.5.7.2 Factored flexural moment

The factored positive and negative flexural moment, Mu, in N ⋅m/m, for one-way slabs should be calculated using
the Eqs. (7.7), (7.8), (7.9), (8.0), (8.1), and (8.2) given in Table 12 for slabs with two or more spans.

Positive moment

at end spans

qu ⋅ l n2
Mu+ = (77)
11

at interior spans:

qu ⋅ l n2
Mu+ = (78)
16

Negative moment at supports

at interior face of external support

qu ⋅ l n2
Mu− = (79)
24

at exterior face of first internal support, only two spans

qu ⋅ l n2
Mu− = (80)
9

at faces of internal supports, more than two spans

qu ⋅ l n2
Mu− = (81)
10

at faces of all supports for slabs with spans not exceeding 3 m:

qu ⋅ l n2
Mu− = (82)
12

7.5.7.3 Longitudinal flexural reinforcement

7.5.7.3.1 Positive flexural reinforcement

The positive reinforcement ratio, ρ, in the direction of the span lm, should be determined employing Eq. (28) or Eq. (29),
with the appropriate value of Mu+ obtained from Eq. (77) or Eq. (78), converted to N ⋅ mm/m (1 N ⋅m/m = 10 ⋅N ⋅mm/m),
3

using d in mm, and b = 1 000 mm. This reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.5.3.3. At internal supports, at a
distance equal to lm/8 measured from the face of the supports into the span, up to one-half of the positive flexural
reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended. See Figs. 59 and 60.

7.5.7.3.2 Negative flexural reinforcement

The negative flexural reinforcement ratio, ρ, in the direction of the span, lm , should be determined employing
Eq. (28) or Eq. (29), with the appropriate value of Mu− obtained, from Eq. (79), to Eq. (82), converted to
3
N ⋅ mm/m (1 N ⋅ m/m = 10 ⋅N ⋅mm/m), using d in mm, and b = 1 000 mm. This reinforcement should comply with the
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guides of 7.5.3.4. At internal supports, at a distance equal to lm/3, where lm should correspond to the largest of the
neighboring spans, measured from the face of the support into the span, all the negative flexural reinforcement
should be permitted to be suspended. At external supports, at a distance equal to lm/4 measured from the internal
face of the support into the span, all the negative flexural reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended. See Figs.
59 and 60.

7.5.7.3.3 Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement

The reinforcement perpendicular to the span should meet the guides for shrinkage and temperature reinforcement
of 7.5.3.2. See Figs. 59 and 60.

negative reinforcement cut-off

points should be based upon
greater of the two negative reinforcement
neighboring spans interior support for two spans greater negative
negative reinforcement from
reinforcement at that required for the
0 mm shrinkage and
interior face of external support or
temperature
external support l 1 /3 l 2 /3 for the cantilever
reinforcement
l 1 /4 l 1 /5 l 2 /5 l 2 /3

0 mm l 1 /8 l 2 /8 0 mm l 2 /8

l1 l2 ln

positive positive minimum

reinforcement reinforcement cantilever positive
end span interior span reinforcement

Figure 59 — Reinforcement for two-span one-way slabs supported

by girders, beams, or structural concrete walls

negative reinforcement cut-off

points should be based upon
greater of the two
negative reinforcement cut-off neighboring spans
points should be based upon
greater of the two negative reinforcement at
negative neighboring spans faces of internal supports negative
reinforcement at more than two spans reinforcement at
interior face of 0 mm 0 mm interior face of
external support l 1 /3 l 2 /3 l 2 /3 l 3 /3 external support

l 1 /4 l 1 /5 l 2 /5 l 2 /5 l 3 /5 l 3 /4

0 mm l 1 /8 l 2 /8 0 mm l 2 /8 l 3 /8 0 mm

l1 l2 l3

positive positive shrinkage and positive

reinforcement reinforcement temperature reinforcement
end span interior span reinforcement end span

Figure 60 — Reinforcement one-way slabs supported by girders,

beams, or structural concrete walls, with three or more spans

7.5.7.4 Shear verification

The factored shear, Vu, in N/m, for the slab should be calculated at the faces of all supports using the Eqs. (83) and
2
(84), where lm is the clear span in m and qu should be employed in N/m . See Figs. 59 and 60.

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at exterior face of first interior support

qu ⋅ lm
Vu = 1,15 ⋅ (83)
2
at faces of all other supports

qu ⋅ lm
Vu = (84)
2

The design shear strength, φ⋅Vn, in N/m, should be calculated using Eq. (52), with d in mm, and bw = b = 1 000 mm.
Eq. (50) should be complied with at all faces of supports.

7.5.7.5 Calculation of the reactions on the supports

Uniformly distributed factored reaction on the support contributed by any span of one-way slabs, ru, in N/m, should
be the value obtained from Eq. (85), where Vu is the factored shear from 7.5.7.4, in N/m, l is the center-to-center
span, in m, and lm is the clear span, also in m.

Vu ⋅ l
ru = (85)
lm

Total factored uniformly distributed reaction on the external supports should be equal to the value of the factored
uniformly distributed reaction from the span, ru, obtained from Eq. (85) at the support, plus the uniformly distributed
reaction of any cantilever spanning from that support. Total factored uniformly distributed reactions on internal
supports should be the sum of the factored uniformly distributed reactions, ru, obtained using Eq. (85) for both
neighbouring spans at that support.

7.5.8 Two-way solid slabs spanning between girders, beams, or structural concrete walls

7.5.8.1 Dimensional guides

Two-way solid slabs having girders, beams, or structural concrete walls in all edges should comply with the
minimum thickness guides of 7.4.5.4. In addition to the appropriate guides of 7.5, two-way slabs should comply with
the general dimensional guides set forth in 6.1, and the particular guides of 7.4.1.2 for slab-on-girder systems.

The following restrictions should be in effect for the use of the procedure of 7.5.8:

a) there are two or more spans,

b) the spans are approximately equal, with the larger of two adjacent spans not greater than the shorter
by more than 20 per cent of the larger (see 6.1),

c) the supporting girders or beams should be cast monolithically with the slab and should have a total
depth not less than 3 times the slab thickness,

d) loads are uniformly distributed, and

e) unit live load, ql, does not exceeds three times unit dead load, qd.

The slab panel should be divided, in both directions, into central and border regions. The central region should be
the central half of the panel, and the border regions should be two one-quarter regions adjacent on both sides of
the central region. See Figure 61.

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la
la
la / 4 la / 2 la / 4

lb / 4

border
region

lb lb / 2 la
central
region

lb / 4
border
region

Figure 61 — Central and border regions for two-way slabs supported on girders, beams, or structural
concrete walls

7.5.8.2 Factored flexural moment

The factored positive and negative moment, Mu, for two-way solid slabs should be calculated using the procedure
set forth in 7.5.8.2. The negative and positive factored flexural moment for the central region of the panel, in each
direction, should be calculated using the Eqs. given in Table 12 for central panels, in Table 13 for edge panels with
the short span at the edge, in Table 14 for edge panels with the long span at the edge, and in Table 15 for corner
panels. In each table the values of the factored flexural moments should be obtained for the appropriate ratio, β, of
long clear span, lb, to short clear span, la, and the corresponding edge continuity conditions.

The negative moment at discontinuous edges should be one-third of the positive moment in the same direction.
See Figure 62.

M+

M+
M- = value of negative moment
3
at discontinuous edge

M-
moment diagram

discontinuous edge
end slab span

Figure 62 — Negative moment at discontinuous edges of two-way solid slabs-on-girders

It should be permitted to decrease the moment strength values at the edge of the central regions, to one-third of
this value at the edge of the panel, as shown in Figure 63 for moments in the short directions, and in Figure 64 for
moments in the long direction.

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M-a
3
la Variation of M a along l a

Ma-

variation of M-a along l b

variation of Ma+ along l b

-
Ma
l b /4
3

l b /2
lb M+a
3
l b /4 Ma+

Figure 63 — Variation of moment Ma across the width of critical sections for design,
for two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

l a /4
la Variation of Mb along l b
l a /2
+
Variation of Mb along la
l a /4
M+ b
3

lb M b-
3
-
Mb
-
Variation of Mb along la
+
Mb Mb-
+
Mb 3
3

Figure 64 — Variation of moment, Mb, across the width of critical sections for design,
for two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

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Table 12 — Central panel of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

β = lb/la Short direction (la) Long direction (lb)

Panel
Negative Positive Load Negative Positive Load
span
moment moment fraction moment moment fraction
ratio

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
1,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,50 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,50
22 42 22 42

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
1,2 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,67 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,33
16 30 35 60

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
1,4 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,80 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,20
14 25 50 100

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
1,6 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,87 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,13
13 22 85 145

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
1,8 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,92 Mb− = M b+ = αb = 0,08
12 20 135 225

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,94 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,06
11 18 170 340

qu l a2 q u l 2a Temperature and shrinkage

> 2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 1,00 αb = 0,00
10 16 reinforcement

la

lb

Figure 65 — Central panel of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

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Table 13 — Edge panel with la parallel to edge, of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or walls

β = lb/la Short direction (la) Long direction (lb)

Panel
Negative Positive Load Negative Positive Load
span
moment moment fraction moment moment fraction
ratio

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 q u l b2
1,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,67 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,23
16 35 33 40

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,2 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,80 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,20
14 28 50 65

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,4 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,88 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,12
13 23 90 110

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,6 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,93 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,07
12 21 135 160

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,8 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,95 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,05
12 20 200 220

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,97 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,03
11 18 330 340

qu l a2 q u l a2 Temperature and shrinkage

> 2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 1,00 αb = 0,00
10 16 reinforcement

la

lb

Figure 66 — Edge panel with la parallel to edge, of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or walls

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Table 14 — Edge panel with lb parallel to edge, of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or walls

β = lb/la Short direction (la) Long direction (lb)

Panel
Negative Positive Load Negative Positive Load
span
moment moment fraction moment moment fraction
ratio

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,33 Mb− = Mb+ = αb= 0,67
30 39 16 35

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,2 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,51 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,49
19 26 22 50

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,4 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,66 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,34
15 20 32 70

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,6 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,77 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,23
12 17 50 100

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
1,8 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,85 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,15
11 15 70 150

qu l a2 q u l a2 qu l b2 qu l b2
2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,92 Mb− = Mb+ = αb = 0,08
10 14 100 200

qu l a2 q u l a2 Temperature and shrinkage

> 2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 1,00 αb = 0,00
9 11 reinforcement

la

lb

Figure 67 — Edge panel with lb parallel to edge, of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or walls

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Table 15 — Corner panel of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls
β = lb/la Short direction (la) Long direction (lb)

Panel
Negative Positive Load Negative Positive Load
span
moment moment fraction moment moment fraction
ratio

qu l a2 q u l a2 q u l b2 q u l b2
1,0 M a− = M a+ = αa= 0,50 M b− = M b+ = αb = 0,50
20 31 20 31

qu l a2 q u l a2 q u l b2 q u l b2
1,2 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,67 M b− = M b+ = αb = 0,33
15 23 30 45

qu l a2 q u l a2 q u l b2 q u l b2
1,4 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,80 M b− = M b+ = αb = 0,20
13 19 50 70

qu l a2 q u l a2 q u l b2 q u l b2
1,6 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,87 M b− = M b+ = αb = 0,13
11 16 75 100

qu l a2 q u l a2 q u l b2 q u l b2
1,8 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,92 M b− = M b+ = αb = 0,08
11 15 120 150

qu l a2 q u l a2 q u l b2 q u l b2
2,0 M a− = M a+ = αa = 0,96 M b− = M b+ = αb = 0,04
10 14 165 200

qu l a2 qul2a Temperature and shrinkage

> 2,0 M a− = Ma+ = αa = 1,00 αb = 0,00
9 11 reinforcement

la

lb

Figure 68 — Corner panel of two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

7.5.8.3 Longitudinal flexural reinforcement

7.5.8.3.1 Positive flexural reinforcement

In the central region of the slab panel the positive flexural reinforcement should be determined based on the values
of the factored positive flexural moment obtained from the appropriate Eqs. of Tables 12 to 15. The positive flexural
steel ratio, ρ, for reinforcement parallel to the short span la, or the long span lb, should be determined using Eq.

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(28), or Eq. (29) for the corresponding value of Ma+ or Mb+ in N ⋅ m/m. Ma+ and Mb+ should be converted to N mm/m
3
(1 N ⋅ m/m = 10 ·⋅ N ⋅ mm/m), using d in mm and b = 1 000 mm. All guides for positive flexural reinforcement of
7.5.3.3 should be met. At a distance equal to la/8 or lb/8 measured from the face of any interior support, it should be
permitted to suspend up to one-half of the positive flexural reinforcement required at the center of the
corresponding span. No suspension of positive flexural reinforcement perpendicular to a discontinuous edge
should be permitted. It should be permitted to decrease gradually the positive flexural reinforcement required at the
central region from the edge of the central regions, to one-third of this value at the edge of the panel, but not below
the value required for shrinkage and temperature. See Figure 69.

7.5.8.3.2 Negative flexural reinforcement

At the supporting edges of the central region of the slab panel the negative flexural reinforcement should be
determined based on the values of the factored negative flexural moment obtained from the appropriate Eqs. of
Tables 12 to 15. The negative flexural steel ratio, ρ, for reinforcement parallel to the short span la, or the long span
lb, should be determined using Eq. (28), or Eq. (29) for the corresponding value of Ma− or Mb− in N ⋅ m/m. Ma− and
Mb− should be converted to N · mm/m (1 N · m/m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm/m), using d in mm and b = 1 000 mm. All guides for
3

negative flexural reinforcement of 7.5.3.4 should be met. At a distance equal to la/5 or lb/5 measured from the face
of any interior support, it should be permitted to suspend up to one-half of the negative flexural reinforcement
required at the support, and a distance equal to la/3 or lb/3 measured from the face of any interior support, it should
be permitted to suspend all the negative flexural reinforcement required at the support of the corresponding span. It
should be permitted to decrease gradually the negative flexural reinforcement required at the central region from
the edge of the central regions, to one-third of this value at the edge of the panel, but not below the value required
for shrinkage and temperature. See Figure 69.

negative reinforcement cut-off negative reinforcement cut-off

points should be based upon points should be based upon
negative reinforcement at greater of the two
greater of the two
negative fases of internal supports neighboring spans
neighboring spans
reinforcement at more than two spans negative
interior face of reinforcement at
0 mm 0 mm
external support interior face of
l a1 /3 l a2 /3 l a2 /3 l a2 /3 external support
without continuity
l a1 /4 l a1 /5 l a2 /5 l a2 /5 l a2 /5 l a3 /4 without continuity

0 mm l a1 /8 l a2 /8 0 mm l a2 /8 l a3 /8
0 mm

l a1 l a2 l a3
positive
positive reinforcenment
reinforcement positive
reinforcement positive reinforcement in the end span
end span other direction (negative
interior span
reinforcement not shown)

Figure 69 — Reinforcement for two-way slabs supported by girders, beams, or structural concrete walls

7.5.8.4 Shear verification

The factored shear, Vu, of the slab at the faces of the supporting elements should be determined employing the
values of the load fractions, αa and αb, travelling in the short and long directions respectively, as given in Tables 12
to 15 for the corresponding panel edge conditions and panel span ratio, β. See Figure 70. The factored shear
2
should not be less than the factored shear caused by factored design load, qu (in N/m ) acting on a tributary area
bounded by 45° lines drawn from the corner of the panel and the centerline of the panel parallel to the long span.
See Figure 71.

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a b . qu . l a . l b a a . qu . l a . l b

la

lb

Figure 70 — Fraction of the total load in the panel travelling in each direction
in two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

45°
la

45°

lb

Figure 71 — Tributary areas for minimum shear at the supports of

two-way slabs supported on girders, beams or structural concrete walls

The factored shear, Vu, in N/m, should not be less than the value obtained from Eq. (86) at the short span
supporting element.

α a ⋅ qu ⋅ lb q ⋅l
Vu = ≥ u a (86)
2 4

and from Eq. (87) at the long span supporting element.

α b ⋅ qu ⋅ l a l l2
Vu = ≥ qu ⋅ a − a (87)
2 2 4 ⋅ lb

The design shear strength, φ⋅ Vn, should be calculated employing Eq. (52) with bw = b = 1 000 mm. Eq. (50) should
be complied with. This should be accomplished by using an effective depth d, in mm, for the slab greater or equal
to the largest value obtained from Eq. (88), Eq. (89), and Eq. (90).

3 ⋅ qu ⋅ α a ⋅ l a
d≥ (88)
φ ⋅ f c′

3 ⋅ qu ⋅ α b ⋅ lb
d≥ (89)
φ ⋅ fc′

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3 ⋅ qu ⋅ l a
d≥ (90)
2 ⋅ φ ⋅ f c′

2
In Eqs. (88) to (90), qu should be used in N/m , la and lb in m, fc′ in MPa, and φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

7.5.8.5 Calculation of the reactions on the supports

Uniformly distributed factored reaction on the support contributed by any panel of two-way slabs, ru in N/m, in the
short direction should be the value obtained from Eq. (91) and in the long direction the value obtained from Eq. (92).

Vu ⋅ l
ru = 91)
la

Vu ⋅ l
ru = 92)
lb

In Eq. (91) or Eq. (92), Vu is the corresponding factored shear from Eq. (86) or Eq. (87), in N/m, l is |the center-to-
center span in that direction, in m, and la and lb are the corresponding clear spans, also in m.

Total factored uniformly distributed reaction on the external supports of edge panels should be equal to the value of
the factored uniformly distributed reaction from the panel, ru, at the edge support, obtained from Eq. (91)or Eq. (92)
plus the uniformly distributed reaction of any cantilever spanning from that support. Total factored uniformly
distributed reactions on internal supports should be the sum of the factored uniformly distributed reactions, ru,
obtained using either Eq. (91) or Eq. (92), as appropriate, for both neighbouring spans at that support.

7.6 Girders, beams and joists

7.6.1 General

The design of girders, beams and joists should be performed employing the requirements of present 7.6. The
guides apply to isolated beams, to girders, beams and joists that are part of a floor system, and to girders that are
part of a moment resisting frame supported on columns or concrete structural walls.

7.6.2 Design load definition

7.6.2.1 Loads to be included

The design load for girders, beams, and joists should be established from the guides of 7.2. The gravity loads that
should be included in the design of the element should be divided in tributary loads from other structural elements
supported by the element being designed, and loads applied directly on the element being designed. Adjustments
for the effects of lateral loads should be performed employing the guides of 7.8.

7.6.2.1.1 Tributary loads

The reactions from other structural elements supported by the girder, beam or joist should consider:

a) Dead loads: including the selfweight of the supported structural elements, the loads caused by flat
and standing non-structural elements and the loads from any fixed equipment carried by these
supported elements, and

b) Live loads applied on the supported elements.

7.6.2.1.2 Loads carried directly by the beam, girder or joist

Loads carried directly by the beam, girder or joist should consider:

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a) Dead loads: including selfweight of the structural element, and the flat and standing non-structural
elements, and fixed equipment loads, applied directly on the element, and

b) Live loads applied directly to the element being designed.

7.6.2.2 Factored design load

7.6.2.2.1 Factored design load for loads carried directly by the element:

a) For uniformly distributed loads carried directly by the girder, beam, or joist, the value of the uniformly
distributed factored design load, wu in N/m, should be the greater value obtained combining wd and
wl using Eq. (5) and Eq. (6). If the girder, beam, or joist, is part of a roof system, Eq. (7) and Eq. (8)
should also be investigated, choosing the greatest value of all four Eqs.

b) For all concentrated loads carried directly by the girder, beam, or joist, the value of any concentrated
factored design load, pu, in N, should be the greater value obtained combining pd and pl using Eq. (5)
and Eq. (6), for each concentrated load locations in the girder, beam, or joist span.

7.6.2.2.2 Factored reactions from supported structural elements:

a) The largest factored uniformly distributed reaction from all tributary structural elements, ru, in N/m,
should be obtained.

b) For concentrated loads, the largest factored concentrated reactions from all the supported structural
elements, Ru, in N, should be obtained for all concentrated load locations in the girder, beam, or joist
span.

7.6.2.2.3 Total factored design load:

a) The total factored uniformly distributed load W u, in N/m, should be the sum of the values obtained for
factored uniformly distributed loads, wu, from 7.6.2.2.1 and reactions, ru, from 7.6.2.2.2.

b) For all concentrated load locations in the girder, beam, or joist span the total factored concentrated
load Pu, in N, should be the sum of the values obtained for factored concentrated loads, pu, from
7.6.2.2.1 and reactions, Ru, from 7.6.2.2.2.

7.6.3 Details of reinforcement

7.6.3.1 General

For the purposes of the present guidelines, the reinforcement of girders, beams, and joists, should be of the types
described and should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.2 to 7.6.3.9.

7.6.3.2 Transverse reinforcement

7.6.3.2.1 Description

Transverse reinforcement for girders, beams, and joists, should consist of stirrups that surround the longitudinal
reinforcement and are placed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the element at varying intervals along the
axis. The stirrup should consist of single or multiple vertical legs. Each vertical leg should engage a longitudinal bar
either by bending around it when the stirrup continues, or by the use of a standard stirrup hook (see 7.3.6)
surrounding the longitudinal bar at the end of the stirrup. See Figure 72. Under the present guidelines all stirrups in
girders and beams should be closed stirrups with 135° hooks, as shown in Figure 72(a). In joists it should be
permitted to employ all the stirrup types shown in Figure 72.

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7.6.3.2.2 Location

7.6.3.2.3 Minimum transverse reinforcement area

The minimum area of shear reinforcement, Av , within a distance s, should comply with the guides of 7.3.13.4.4. Av
corresponds to the product of the area of the bar of the stirrup, Ab, multiplied by the number of vertical legs of the
stirrup.

7.6.3.2.4 Maximum and minimum spacing of stirrups

Stirrups should not be spaced further apart than guide by 7.3.13.4.4, nor should it be placed closer than guide by
7.3.7.2.

Figure 72 — Typical stirrup shapes

7.6.3.2.5 Stirrup leg splicing

It should not be permitted to lap-splice bars that are part of stirrups.

7.6.3.2.6 Hanger reinforcement

Where beams are supported by other girders or beams of similar height, special hanger reinforcement stirrups
should be provided as guide in 7.6.4.5.4.

7.6.3.2.7 Support of stirrups

Stirrups should be attached and anchored in the upper part of the section to longitudinal negative supporting bars
in order to avoid that the stirrups fall during casting of the concrete. See 7.6.3.4.10.

stirrup
negative flexural supporting
reinforcement bars

positive flexural stirrup

reinforcement separation s

Figure 73 — Typical stirrups spacing along the girder, beam or joist

7.6.3.3 Positive flexural reinforcement

7.6.3.3.1 Description

Positive flexural reinforcement should be provided in the lower part of the girder, beam or joist section, as required
in present 7.6, and should comply with the general guides of 7.6.3.3, and the particular guides for each element
type as set forth in 7.6.4 or 7.6.5.

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7.6.3.3.2 Location

Positive flexural reinforcement should be provided longitudinally in the girder, beam or joist. Positive flexural
reinforcement should be located as close as concrete cover guides permit (see 7.3.4.1) to the bottom surface of the
girder, beams or joist. The amount of positive flexural reinforcement should be that required to resist the factored
positive design moment at the section. Where girders, beams or joists give support to other girders, beams, or
joists, the positive flexural reinforcement of the supported element should be placed on top of the positive flexural
reinforcement of the supporting element.

7.6.3.3.3 Minimum reinforcement area

Positive flexural reinforcement should have an area at least equal to the area guide by 7.3.9.3.1. The minimum
number of bars guide by 7.6.3.6 should be complied with.

7.6.3.3.4 Maximum reinforcement area

Positive flexural reinforcement area should not exceed the values set forth in 7.3.9.3.2.

7.6.3.3.5 Minimum and maximum reinforcement separation

Positive flexural reinforcement should not be spaced closer than guide by 7.3.7.2 and 7.6.3.5. The maximum
reinforcement separation should comply with 7.6.3.6. When two or more layers of positive reinforcement are
employed the layers should not be placed closer than permitted by 7.3.7.3.

7.6.3.3.6 Cut off points

It should be permitted to suspend, at the locations indicated in 7.6.4.5 or 7.6.5.5, no more than one-half of the
positive flexural reinforcement required to resist the corresponding factored design positive moment at mid-span.

7.6.3.3.7 Reinforcement splicing

It should be permitted to lap-splice the remaining positive flexural reinforcement from 7.6.3.3.6 between the cut-off
point and the opposite face of the support.

7.6.3.3.8 Embedment at interior supports

Positive flexural reinforcement suspended at an interior support should be embedded by continuing it to the
opposite face of the support, plus the distance required to comply with the lap splice guide of 7.3.8.2.

7.6.3.3.9 End anchorage of reinforcement

Positive flexural reinforcement at the end of the girder, beam or joist should extend to the edge and should end with
a standard hook.

7.6.3.3.10 Positive flexural reinforcement acting in compression

Positive flexural reinforcement acting in compression should be surrounded with stirrups or ties that comply with
7.3.10.3.2.

7.6.3.3.11 Minimum diameter of longitudinal reinforcement

Longitudinal bars of beams and girders should have a nominal diameter, db, of 12 mm or more.

7.6.3.4 Negative flexural reinforcement

7.6.3.4.1 Description

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Negative flexural reinforcement should be provided in the upper part of the girder, beam or joist section, at edges
and supports, in the amounts and lengths guide in present 7.6, and should comply with the general guides of
7.6.3.4, and the particular guides of 7.6.4 or 7.6.5.

7.6.3.4.2 Location

Negative flexural reinforcement should be provided at edge and intermediate supports. Negative flexural
reinforcement should be located as close as concrete cover guides permit (see 7.3.4.1) to the upper surface of the
of the girder, beams or joist. At supports where girders or beams intersect the negative flexural reinforcement of the
elements with the larger span should be located above the negative flexural reinforcement of the intersecting
element with the shortest span. The amount of negative flexural reinforcement should be that required to resist the
factored negative design moment at the section.

7.6.3.4.3 Minimum reinforcement area

Negative flexural reinforcement should have an area at least equal to the area guide by 7.3.9.3.1. The minimum
number of bars required by 7.6.3.6 should be complied with.

7.6.3.4.4 Maximum reinforcement area

Negative flexural reinforcement area should not exceed the values set forth in 7.3.9.3.2

7.6.3.4.5 Minimum and maximum reinforcement separation

Negative flexural reinforcement should not be spaced closer than guide by 7.3.7.2 and 7.6.3.5. The maximum
reinforcement separation should comply with 7.6.3.6. When two or more layers of negative reinforcement are
employed the layers should not be placed closer than permitted by 7.3.7.3. Negative reinforcement of T-beam
construction should comply with 7.6.3.8.1.

7.6.3.4.6 Cut off points

It should be permitted to suspend the negative flexural reinforcement, except for cantilevers, at the locations
indicated in 7.6.4.5 or 7.6.5.5. Where adjacent spans are unequal, cut-off points of negative flexural reinforcement
should be based on the guides for the longer span.

7.6.3.4.7 Reinforcement splicing

It should not be permitted to lap-splice negative flexural reinforcement between the cut-off point and the support.

7.6.3.4.8 End anchorage of reinforcement

Negative flexural reinforcement at the end of a girder, beam or joist should be anchored employing a standard hook
into the edge girder, beam, column, or structural concrete wall that provides support at the edge, complying with
the anchorage distance required by 7.3.8.3. At the external edge of cantilevers negative flexural reinforcement
perpendicular to the edge should end in a standard hook.

7.6.3.4.9 Negative flexural reinforcement acting in compression

Negative flexural reinforcement acting in compression should be surrounded with stirrups or ties that comply with
7.3.10.3.2.

7.6.3.4.10 Negative reinforcement for support of stirrups

In the distance along the span of the girder, beam, or joist, between negative reinforcement cut-off points, negative
reinforcement should be provided for attachment and anchorage of stirrups. The diameter of the bars should be greater or
equal to the bar diameter of the stirrups. It should be permitted to lap splice these bars a length greater or equal to 150 mm.

7.6.3.5 Maximum number of longitudinal bars in a layer

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The maximum number of longitudinal bars in a layer should be determined for the longitudinal and transverse
reinforcement bar diameters, the appropriate concrete cover (see 7.3.4), the maximum nominal coarse aggregate
size, and the minimum clear spacing between bars (see 7.3.7). When these computations are not performed, it
should be permitted to employ the guides of 7.6.3.5.1 to 7.6.3.5.3.

7.6.3.5.1 Girders and beams with bw ≥ 300 mm

For girders and beams whose width, bw, is greater or equal to 300 mm it should be permitted to determine the
maximum number of bars in a layer employing Eq. (93) where bw is the girder or beam width in mm. See Table 16.

bw
No. of bars in a layer ≤ −3 (93)
50

7.6.3.5.2 Girders and beams with bw < 300 mm

Three longitudinal bars should be permitted for girders and beams whose width, bw, is less than 300 mm and
greater or equal to 250 mm. Two longitudinal bars should be employed for girders and beams whose width, bw, is
less than 250 mm. See Table 16.

Table 16 — Maximum number of longitudinal bars in a layer for girders and beams

beam web width bw Maximum number of

(mm) longitudinal bars
b w < 200 mm section not permitted

200 mm ≤ b w < 250 mm

2 bars

250 mm ≤ b w < 300 mm

3 bars

bw
300 mm ≤ b w ≤ − 3 bars
50

7.6.3.5.3 Joists

The maximum number of longitudinal bars in joists should be one for web widths bw, (see Figure 49), less or equal
to 150 mm, but it should be permitted to bundle in contact up to two bars locating one in top of the other. For web
widths greater than 150 mm and less than 200 mm the maximum number of bars in a single layer should be two,
and it should not be permitted to bundle them. For web widths greater and equal to 200 mm the maximum number
of bars in a single layer should be one more than those allowed for girders and beams in 7.6.3.5.1 and 7.6.3.5.2.

7.6.3.6 Minimum number of longitudinal bars in a layer

To minimize flexural cracking width at points of maximum moment a larger number of smaller diameter bars should
be employed as opposite to a small number of large diameter bars. For joists the minimum number of longitudinal
bars should be one. The guides of 7.6.3.6.1 and 7.6.3.6.2 should be met at sections of maximum positive and
negative moment for girders and beams whose width, bw, is greater or equal to 300 mm. For girders and beams
with bw less than 300 mm the minimum number of longitudinal bars should be two.

7.6.3.6.1 Exterior exposure

The minimum number of longitudinal bars in a layer that should be employed for girders, and beams that are
exposed to earth or weather, should be greater or equal to the value given by Eq. (94), where bw is the girder or beam
width in mm.
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bw
No. of bars in a layer ≥ (94)
100

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7.6.3.6.2 Interior exposure

The minimum number of longitudinal bars in a layer that should be employed for girders, and beams, that are not
exposed to earth or weather, should be greater or equal to the value given by Eq. (95), where bw is the girder or
beam width in mm.

bw
No. of bars in a layer ≥ (95)
200

7.6.3.7 Skin reinforcement

If the effective depth d of a girder, beam, or joist exceeds 800 mm, longitudinal skin reinforcement should be
uniformly distributed along both side faces of the member for a vertical distance equal to d/2 nearest the flexural
tension reinforcement. The vertical spacing s, in mm, between bars should be obtained using Eq. (96), but it should
not exceed d/6, nor 300 mm. See Figure 74.

1000 ⋅ A b
s= (96)
d − 750

negative
reinforcement
in tension

s
s
skin d/2
reinforcement s
d s
s d
s
d/2
s
s

positive
reinforcement
in tension

Figure 74 — Skin reinforcement for girders, beams and joists with d > 800 mm

7.6.3.8 Reinforcement in flanges of T-beams

For girders and beams that are shaped as T-beams, except joists, with a flange or slab in the upper part, the
guides of 7.6.3.8.1 and 7.6.3.8.2 for the reinforcement located in the flange should be employed. When the girder
or beam is part of a slab-on-girder system, the reinforcement in the flange should not be less than the required for
the slab.

7.6.3.8.1 Distribution of negative flexural reinforcement in flanges of T-beams

Where flanges of T-beam construction are in tension negative flexural reinforcement in the direction of the beam
should be distributed over width equal to the smaller of the effective flange width defined in 7.3.11.6 or one-tenth of
the span of the beam. If the effective flange width of 7.3.11.6 exceeds one-tenth of the span, the rest of the
effective flange width should have reinforcement in the direction of the beam greater or equal to the shrinkage and
temperature reinforcement for slabs of 7.3.9.2.1. See Figure 75. For this case the guides of 7.6.3.5 should not
apply.

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whith for distribution

of negative flexural transverse reinforcement
reinforcement in tension minimun of the effective calculated supposing the
flange whith or one-tenth flange acts as a cantilever
of the beam span

shirnkage and temperature ln

reinforcement outside of whith for d
beam negative
distribution of negative reinforcement
flexural clear cantilever span for obtainig
reinforcement transverse reinforcement, equal
in tension to overhanging portion of
effective flange width or full
overhang for isolated T-beams

Figure 75 — Reinforcement in flanges of T-beams

7.6.3.8.2 Transverse flange reinforcement

In the top of the flange reinforcement perpendicular to the beam should be provided to resist the factored negative
moment obtained from Eq. (70), using a value of lm equal to the overhanging portion of the flange width defined in
7.3.11.6, and for isolated T-beams the full width of overhanging flange or the flange width defined in 7.3.11.6. This
reinforcement should comply with the guides for negative flexural reinforcement in slabs as set forth in 7.5.3.4. See
Figure 75.

7.6.3.9 Girder and beam reinforcement in seismic zones

In girders and beams supported directly on columns and structural concrete walls that are part of a moment
resisting frame located in seismic zones, reinforcement should comply with the additional requirements of 7.8.
Joists and beams that are not part of a frame are exempt from the additional seismic guides.

7.6.4 Joists and beams supported on girders

7.6.4.1 General

The guides of 7.6.4 cover joists and beams that are supported on girders, and are cast monolithically with them.
Two-way joist systems or waffle-on-beams systems, as described in 7.4.1.3.4, are covered and should comply with
the general guides of 7.4.

7.6.4.2 Dimensional guides

The following dimensional guides should be observed:

7.6.4.2.1 Joists

In addition to the appropriate guides of 7.6, joists should comply with the general dimensional guides of 6.1, and
the particular guides of 7.4.1.3.1. The minimum allowable depth should comply with 7.4.5.3 for one-way joist and of
7.4.5.4 for two-way joists.

7.6.4.2.2 Beams

In addition to the appropriate guides of 7.6, beams supported on girders should comply with the general
dimensional guides of 6.1, and the particular guides of 7.4.1.2. The minimum allowable depth should comply with
7.4.5.3. The width of the web of beams, bw, should not be less than 200 mm. The spacing between lateral supports
of isolated beams should not exceed 50 times the least width b of compression flange or face.

7.6.4.2.3 Cantilevers of joists and beams

All cantilevers of joists or beams should be the external continuation of an element that spans between supports
provided by beams, girders or structural walls. No double cantilever should be permitted.

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7.6.4.3 Factored flexural moment

7.6.4.3.1 Cantilevers of joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls

-
The factored negative flexural moment, M u, for beam and joist cantilevers that span out of the edge supporting
girders, beams or structural concrete walls, should be calculated supposing that one-half of the distributed factored
load, W u, acts as a concentrated load at the tip of the cantilever along with all concentrated loads that act on the
span of the cantilever, Pu , and the other one-half acts as uniformly distributed load over the full span, using Eq.
(97), but it should not be less than the factored negative flexural moment of the first interior span at the exterior
supporting girder, beam or structural concrete wall, nor less than one-third of the positive moment, in the same
direction, of the first interior span.

3 ⋅ Wu ⋅ l n2
Mu− = + l n ⋅ Pu (97)
4

where lm should be the clear span of the cantilever in m, W u should be employed in N/m, Pu should be in N, and
Mu− should be obtained in N ⋅ m.

7.6.4.3.2 One-span joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls

The factored positive and negative flexural moment, Mu, in N ⋅ m, for one-span beams and one-span one-way joists
should be calculated using the Eqs. (98) and (99), where lm should be the clear span of the beam or joist in m, W u
should be employed in N/m, and Pu should be in N.

Positive moment:

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu+ = + ⋅ Pu (98)
8 4

Negative moment at supports:

Wu ⋅ lm2 l
Mu− = + m ⋅ Pu (99)
24 16
7.6.4.3.3 Joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls, with two or more spans

The factored positive and negative flexural moment, Mu, in N ⋅ m, for beams and one-way joists supported on
beams, girders or structural walls should be calculated using the Eqs. (100) to (105), where lm should be the clear
span of the beam or joist in m, W u should be employed in N/m, and Pu should be in N.

Positive moment

at end spans

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu+ = + ⋅ Pu (100)
11 9
at interior spans:

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu+ = + ⋅ Pu (101)
16 5

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Negative moment at supports

at interior face of external support

Wu ⋅ lm2 l
Mu− = + m ⋅ Pu (102)
24 16
at exterior face of first internal support, only two spans

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu− = + ⋅ Pu (103)
9 6
at faces of internal supports, more than two spans

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu− = + ⋅ Pu (104)
10 7
at faces of all supports for joists with spans not exceeding 3 m:

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu− = + ⋅ Pu (105)
12 8
7.6.4.3.4 Use of frame analysis for joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls

It should be permitted to use a frame analysis for obtaining the factored moment and shear as a substitute for the
values obtained from 7.6.4.3.1 to 7.6.4.3.3, and 7.6.4.4.1 to 7.6.4.4.3, if the following guides are met:

a) The analysis procedure should be based on established principles of structural mechanics.

b) The procedure should take into account equilibrium, compatibility of deformations, general stability,
and short- and long-term material properties.

c) The analysis procedure should take into account the flexibility of the supports and the interaction
between flexure and torsion of the supported and supporting elements.

d) The modulus of elasticity of concrete should be permitted to be taken as E c = 4500 f c′ , in MPa.

e) Use of any set of reasonable assumptions should be permitted for computing relative flexural and
torsional stiffness of the structural elements. The assumptions adopted should be consistent
throughout the analysis.

f) Span length should be taken as the distance center-to-center of supports, but it should be permitted
to obtain the factored moment and shear at faces of supports.

g) It should be permitted to assume that the arrangement of live load is limited to combinations of
factored dead load on all spans with full factored live load on two adjacent spans, and factored dead
load on all spans with full factored live load on alternate spans.

7.6.4.3.5 Two-way joists supported on beams, girders or walls

It should be permitted to obtain the factored moment for two-way joists supported on beams, girders or structural
walls employing the guides of 7.5.8.1 and 7.5.8.2, except the minimum depth of the supporting beams or girders
guide in 7.5.8.1(c) (see 7.4.1.3.4).

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7.6.4.4 Factored shear

7.6.4.4.1 Cantilevers of joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls

The factored shear, Vu, at the support of cantilevers should be calculated using Eq. (106), where lm should be the
clear span of the cantilever in m, W u should be employed in N/m, and Pu in N.

Vu = Wu ⋅ lm + Pu (106)

7.6.4.4.2 One-span joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls

The factored shear, Vu, in N, for one-span beams and one-span one-way joists should be calculated using Eq.
(107), where lm should be the clear span of the beam or joist in m, W u should be employed in N/m, and Pu should
be in N.

Wu ⋅ lm
Vu = + 0,8 ⋅ Pu (107)
2
7.6.4.4.3 Joists and beams supported on beams, girders or walls, with two or more spans

The factored positive and negative flexural moment, Mu, in N ⋅ m, for beams and one-way joists supported on
beams, girders or structural walls should be calculated using the Eqs. (108) and (109), where lm should be the clear
span of the beam or joist in m, W u should be employed in N/m, and Pu should be in kN.

at exterior face of first interior support

Wu ⋅ lm
Vu = 1,15 ⋅ + 0,80 ⋅ Pu (108)
2
at faces of all other supports

Wu ⋅ lm
Vu = + 0,75 ⋅ Pu (109)
2
7.6.4.4.4 Use of frame analysis

It should be permitted to use a frame analysis for obtaining the factored shears as a substitute for the values
obtained from 7.6.4.4.1 to 7.6.4.4.3 if the guides of 7.6.4.3.4 are met.

7.6.4.4.5 Two-way joists supported on beams, girders or walls

It should be permitted to obtain the factored shear for two-way joists supported on beams, girders or structural
walls employing the guides of 7.5.8.1 and 7.5.8.4, except the minimum depth of the supporting beams or girders
guide in 7.5.8.1(c) (see 7.4.1.3.4).

7.6.4.5 Reinforcement

7.6.4.5.1 Positive flexural reinforcement

The positive reinforcement area should be determined employing Eq. (28) or Eq. (29), with the appropriate value of
Mu+ obtained from 7.6.4.3 converted to N · mm (1 N ⋅ m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm), using d and b in mm. When a slab is
3

present in the upper part of the section, or when the beam or joist is T-shaped, it should be permitted to employ the
T-beam effect as indicated in 7.3.11.6. The positive flexural reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.3.
At internal supports, at a distance equal to lm/8 measured from the face of the supports into the span, up to one-half
of the positive flexural reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended if there are no concentrated loads within

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that distance. For one-span beams and joists no suspension of positive reinforcement should be permitted. See
Figure 76.

7.6.4.5.2 Negative flexural reinforcement

The negative flexural reinforcement area should be determined employing Eq. (28) or Eq. (29), for the greater value
of Mu− obtained from 7.6.4.3 for both sides of the support, converted to N · mm (1 N ⋅ m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm), using d
3

and b in mm. This reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.4. When a slab is present in the upper part
of the section, or when the beam or joist is T-shaped, negative flexural reinforcement should comply with 7.6.3.8. At
a distance equal to lm/4 for external supports, and lm/3 for internal supports, measured from the internal face of the
support into the span, all the negative flexural reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended. See Figure 76.
No suspension of negative reinforcement should be permitted in cantilevers.

negative reinforcement
cut-off points based greater
of the neighboring spans negative reinforcement
interior support
negative reinforcement greater of cantilever
at interior face of negative reinforcement or
external support required for internal support

l n1 /4 l n1 /3 l n2 /3 l n2 /3

0 mm l n1 /8 l n2 /8 0 mm l n2 /8
l n1 l n2 l n3

positive reinforcement positive reinforcement

end span interior span
splice according splice according
to 7.3.8.2 to 7.3.8.2

Figure 76 — Reinforcement for beams and joists supported on beams or girders

7.6.4.5.3 Transverse reinforcement

The values of Vu at the faces of the right and left supports should be obtained using the appropriate equation from
7.6.4.4. A diagram showing the shear variation within the span should be constructed, starting with the value of Vu in N,
at the face of the left support taken as positive. The shear from this point proceeding to the right should be decreased at
a rate equal to [(Vu)left supp. + (Vu)right supp. - Pu ]/lm, in kN/m. At any place were a concentrated load is applied, the
value of Pu in N, should be subtracted from the value of shear shown in the diagram at the left of the load.
Proceeding as described, at the face of the left support the negative value of Vu in N there should be reached in the
diagram. See Figure 77. At any place within the span, the value of (l⋅ Vn) as calculated following the guides of
7.3.13.4 should be greater or equal than the absolute value of Vu(x) as shown in the calculated diagram.

The shear reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.2 and 7.3.13.4. The limits for (φ ⋅ Vn) as defined in
7.3.13.4.4 should be marked in the shear diagram, and a minimum amount of shear reinforcement as defined by
Eq. (55) should be established. Appropriate values of the spacing of stirrups s should be defined for the different
region within the shear diagram. A minimum practicable spacing of stirrups as guide by 7.3.7.2 should be observed.
The first stirrup should not be placed further than s/2 from the face of the supporting element, being s the required
spacing of stirrups at the support.

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P u1 P u2
Wu

(Vu ) left supp. (Vu ) right supp.

Vu (x)
1
(Vu ) left supp. +(Vu ) right supp. - Σ Pu
ln

Vu (x)

Figure 77 — Calculation of the shear diagram of the beam or joist supported on beams or girders

7.6.4.5.4 Hanger reinforcement

When a beam is supported by a girder of essentially the same depth, hanger reinforcement should be provided in
the joint. The forces from the reaction from the supported beam tend to push down the bottom of the supporting
girder, and should be resisted by hanger reinforcement in the form of closed stirrups placed in both elements in
addition to the stirrups for shear. See Figure 78. The determination of the hanger reinforcement should be made
complying with:

f c′
a) If Vu from the supported beam at the interface is less than φ ⋅ ⋅ b w ⋅ d it should be permitted to
4
waive the hanger reinforcement, where φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4).

b) If hb is greater that one-half the total depth of the supporting girder, where hb is the vertical distance
measured from the bottom of the supporting girder to the bottom of the supported beam, it should be
permitted to waive the hanger reinforcement.

c) The hanger reinforcement should be full depth closed stirrups with a total area Ai as determined from
Eq. (110).

hb
1− Vu
hs
Ai ≥ (110)
φ ⋅ fy

d) In Eq. (110) Vu is the shear from the supported beam at the interface, Ai is the area of the additional
stirrups, hs is the total height of the supporting girder, fy is the specified yield strength of the steel of
the stirrups, and φ = [0,85] (see 6.3.3.4)

e) Additional stirrups with an area greater or equal to 2/3 of Ai should be placed in the supporting girder
for a distance along the longitudinal axis of the supporting girder equal or less than the width of the
supported beam, bw, plus hb at each side. In the computation of the 2/3 of Ai, only the area of legs of
the additional stirrups that are located at the side of the supported beam should be taken into
account.

f) Additional stirrups with an area not greater than 1/3 of Ai should be placed in the supported beam for
a distance d/4 along the longitudinal axis of the supported beam from the face of the supporting
girder, where d is the effective depth of the supported beam.

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g) The bottom longitudinal reinforcement of supported beam should be placed over the bottom
longitudinal reinforcement of the supporting girder.

b+2h b
supported beam < Ai /3
supporting girder
> 2Ai /3

h5 hb

b
d/4

Figure 78 — Hanger reinforcement

7.6.4.6 Calculation of the reactions on beams and girders

7.6.4.6.1 One-way joists

The factored reaction on the supports of joist should be permitted to be considered uniformly distributed. The
factored reaction on the supports ru, in N/m, should be the value obtained from Eq. (111) plus the uniformly
distributed reaction from any cantilever spanning from that support. In Eq. (111) Vu is the factored shear from
7.6.4.4, in N, l is the center-to-center span of the joist, in m, n is the clear span of the joist in m, and s is the center-
to-center spacing between joists also in m (see Figure 49).

Vu ⋅ l
ru = (111)
s ⋅ ln

7.6.4.6.2 Two-way joists supported on beams, girders or walls

It should be permitted to obtain the required factored reactions for two-way joists supported on beams, girders or
structural walls employing the guides of 7.5.8.1 and 7.5.8.5, except the minimum depth of the supporting beams or
girders required in 7.5.8.1(c), (see 7.4.1.3.4).

7.6.4.6.3 Beams

The factored reaction on the supports Ru, in N, should be the value obtained from Eq. (112) plus the factored
reaction from any cantilever spanning from that support. In Eq. (112) Vu is the factored shear from 7.6.4.4, in N, l is
the center-to-center span of the beam, in m, and lm is the clear span of the beam, also in m.

Vu ⋅ l
Ru = (112)
lm

7.6.5 Girders that are part of a frame

7.6.5.1 General

The guides of 7.6.5 cover girders that are part of a moment resistant frame where the girders are cast
monolithically and are supported directly by columns or structural concrete walls.

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7.6.5.2 Dimensional guides

7.6.5.2.1 General

In addition to the appropriate guides of 7.6, girders that are part of a frame should comply with the general
dimensional guides set forth in 6.1, and the particular guides for beams spanning between columns of 7.4.1.

7.6.5.2.2 Girder depth and width

The girder should be prismatic without haunches, brackets or corbels. The height h should comply with the
minimum thickness guides of 7.4.5.3. The clear span of the member should not be less than four times its height h.
The width-to-height (bw/h) ratio should not be less than 0,3. The width bw should not be less than 200 mm, nor more
than the width of the supporting column (measured on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the girder)
plus distances on each side of the supporting member not exceeding 3/4 of the height h of the girder. See Figure 79.

bc
> min. of 7.4.5.3
h
< l n /4

> 200 mm
bw > 0,3 . h
< bc + 1,5 . h bw

Figure 79 — Limits on girder depth and width

7.6.5.2.3 Girders supported by structural concrete walls

Girders supported by structural concrete walls should continue along the full horizontal length of the wall when the
wall is located in the plane of the frame. The width of the girder should not be less than the thickness of the wall.
When girders are supported by walls perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the girder, the walls should be
provided with a beam that runs along the full horizontal length of the wall at the same level and having the same
depth of the girder. The width of the beam should not be less than the thickness of the wall, neither 200 mm.
Vertical reinforcement of the wall should pass through the girder or beam as guide in 7.9.

7.6.5.2.4 Lateral support

In girders that are not laterally supported by the floor slab or secondary beams the clear distance between lateral
supports should not exceed 50 times the least width b of compression flange or face.

7.6.5.2.5 Special guides

The following restrictions should be in effect for girders of frames designed under 7.6.5:

a) there are two or more spans,

b) the spans are approximately equal, with the larger of two adjacent spans not greater than the shorter
by more than 20 per cent of the larger span (see 6.1),

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c) loads are uniformly distributed, and adjustments for concentrated loads are performed,

d) unit live load, wl, does not exceeds three times unit dead load, wd, and

e) sloping girders should not have a slope exceeding 15°.

7.6.5.3 Factored flexural moment

7.6.5.3.1 Factored positive and negative moment

The factored positive and negative moment, Mu, in N ⋅ m, for girders and beams that are part of a frame where the
vertical elements are columns and concrete structural walls, should be calculated using the Eqs. (113) to (119),
where lm is the clear span in m, W u should be employed in N/m, and Pu corresponds to the sum of all total
factored concentrated loads that act on the span, in N.

Positive moment

at end spans

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu+ = + ⋅ Pu (113)
14 6
at interior spans:

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
+
M = u + ⋅ Pu (114)
16 7
Negative moment at supports

at interior face of external column or perpendicular structural wall

Wu ⋅ lm2 l
Mu− = + m ⋅ Pu (115)
16 10
at exterior face of first internal column or perpendicular structural wall, only two spans

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
Mu− = + ⋅ Pu (116)
9 6
at faces of internal columns or perpendicular structural walls, more than two spans

Wu ⋅ lm2 l
Mu− = + m ⋅ Pu (117)
10 6.5
at faces of structural walls parallel to the plane of the frame

Wu ⋅ lm2 lm
−
M = u + ⋅ Pu (118)
12 7
at support of girder cantilevers

3 ⋅ Wu ⋅ lm2
Mu− = + lm ⋅ Pu (119)
4
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7.6.5.3.2 Girders of frames parallel to the direction of one-way joist systems

In order to take into account the effect of the distribution ribs of the joist system (see 7.4.1.3.3) on girders of frames
parallel to the direction of one-way joist systems, a factored load equivalent to two times that used to design the
individual joist should be employed in addition to the loads on the girder. This effect should also be employed in
obtaining the factored shear in 7.6.5.4.1.

7.6.5.3.3 Use of frame analysis

It should be permitted to use a frame analysis for obtaining the factored flexural moment and shear as a substitute
for the values obtained from 7.6.5.3.1 and 7.6.5.4.1 if the following guides are met:

a) The analysis procedure should be based on established principles of structural mechanics.

b) The procedure should take into account equilibrium, compatibility of deformations, general stability,
and short- and long-term material properties.

c) The modulus of elasticity of concrete should be permitted to be taken as E c = 4500 f c′ , in MPa.

d) Use of any set of reasonable assumptions should be permitted for computing relative flexural and
torsional stiffness of columns, walls, beams and girders. The assumptions adopted should be
consistent throughout the analysis.

e) Span length should be taken as the distance center-to-center of supports, but it should be permitted
to obtain the factored moment and shear at faces of supports.

f) It should be permitted to assume that the arrangement of live load is limited to combinations of
factored dead load on all spans with full factored live load on two adjacent spans, and factored dead
load on all spans with full factored live load on alternate spans.

7.6.5.4 Factored shear

7.6.5.4.1 Factored shear

Vu, in N, for the slab should be calculated at the faces of all supports using the Eqs. (120) to (122), where lm is the
clear span in m, W u should be employed in N/m, and Pu corresponds to the sum of all total factored concentrated
loads that act on the span, in N.

at exterior face of first interior column

Wu ⋅ lm
Vu = 1,15 ⋅ + 0,80 ⋅ Pu (120)
2
at faces of all other columns

Wu ⋅ lm
Vu = + 0,75 ⋅ Pu (121)
2
at supports of girder cantilevers

Vu = Wu ⋅ lm + Pu (122)

7.6.5.4.2 Use of frame analysis

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It should be permitted to use a frame analysis for obtaining the factored shears as a substitute for the values
obtained from 7.6.5.4.1 if the guides of 7.6.5.3.3 are met.

7.6.5.5 Reinforcement

7.6.5.5.1 Positive flexural reinforcement

The positive flexural reinforcement area should be determined employing the guides of 7.3.11.4, with the
appropriate value of Mu+ obtained from Eq. (113) or Eq. (114), converted to N ⋅ mm (1 N ⋅ m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm), using d
3

and b in mm. If a slab exist in the upper part of the girder, it should be permitted to employ the guides to take into
account the T-beam effect of 7.3.11.6. Positive flexural reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.3. At
internal supports, at a distance equal to lm/8 measured from the face of the supports into the span, up to one-half of
the positive flexural reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended if there are no concentrated loads within
that distance. See Figures 80 and 81.

7.6.5.5.2 Negative flexural reinforcement

The negative flexural reinforcement area should be determined employing the guides of 7.3.11.4, for the greater value of
Mu− for both sides of the support, obtained from Eq. (115) to Eq. (119), converted to N ⋅ mm (1 N ⋅ m = 10 ⋅ N ⋅ mm), using
3

d and b in mm. This reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.4. When a slab is present in the upper part of
the section, or when the beam or joist is T-shaped, negative flexural reinforcement should comply with 7.6.3.8. At
internal supports at a distance equal to lm/3, and at external supports at a distance equal to lm/4, measured from the
face of the support into the span, all the negative flexural reinforcement should be permitted to be suspended (see
Figure 80), except in the beams belonging to the perimeter ring of beams guide by 7.4.3.2, where one-quarter of
the negative reinforcement should be continuous through the span, or spliced at midspan (see Figure 81). No
suspension of negative reinforcement should be permitted in cantilevers.

negative reinforcement
cut-off points based greater
of the neighboring spans
negative reinforcement greater of cantilever
negative reinforcement interior support negative reinforcement
at interior face of or required for internal
external support support

l m1 /4 l m1 /3 l m2 /3 l m2 /3

0 mm l m1 /8 l m2 /8 0 mm l m2 /8
l m1 l m2 l m3

positive reinforcement
interior span
positive reinforcement splice according splice according
end span to 7.3.8.2 to 7.3.8.2

Figure 80 — Reinforcement in girders that are part of a moment

resisting frame by columns or structural concrete walls

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negative reinforcement
cut-off points based greater
of the neighboring spans greater of cantilever
negative reinforcement
negative reinforcement
negative reinforcement interior support
at interior face of or required for
internal support
external support

l m1/4 l m1 /3 l m2 /3 l m2 /3
0 mm 0 mm 0 mm

0 mm l m1 /8 l m2 /8 0 mm l m2 /8
l m1 l m2 l m3

positive reinforcement
interior span
positive reinforcement splice according splice according
exterior span to 7.3.8.2 to 7.3.8.2

Figure 81 — Reinforcement in girders that are part of the perimeter frame

7.6.5.5.3 Transverse reinforcement

The values of Vu at the faces of the right and left supports should be obtained using the appropriate value from Eq.
(120) to Eq. (122). A diagram of shear variation along the span should be calculated employing the guides of
7.6.4.5.3 (see Figure 77). At any place within the span, the value of (φ⋅ Vn) as calculated following the guides of
7.3.13.4 should be greater or equal than the absolute value of Vu(x) as shown in the calculated diagram.

The shear reinforcement should comply with the guides of 7.6.3.2 and 7.3.13.4. The limits for (φ⋅ Vn) as defined in
7.3.13.4.4 should be marked in the shear diagram, and a minimum amount of shear reinforcement as defined by
Eq. (55) should be established. Appropriate values of the spacing of stirrups s should be defined for the different
region within the shear diagram. A minimum practicable spacing of stirrups as guide by 7.3.7.2 should be observed.
The first stirrup should not be placed further than s/2 from the face of the supporting element, being s the required
spacing of stirrups at the support.

7.6.5.5.4 Hanger reinforcement

When the girder supports a beam of essentially the same depth hanger reinforcement as guide by 7.6.4.5.4 should
be employed.

7.6.5.6 Calculation of the reactions on columns and structural concrete walls

7.6.5.6.1 Vertical reaction at column and walls

The factored reaction on the supports Ru, in N, should be the value obtained from Eq. (123) plus the factored
reaction from any cantilever spanning from that support. In Eq. (123) Vu is the factored shear from Eq. (120) to Eq.
(122), in N, l is the center-to-center span of the beam, in m, and lm is the clear span of the beam, also in m.

Vu ⋅ l
Ru = (123)
lm

7.6.5.6.2 Unbalanced moment from vertical loading applied to girder

The moment reaction on columns should be evaluated using the unbalanced factored moment, ∆Mu, caused by the
factored vertical loads on the girders on the plane of the frame that span from the column at that level. The

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unbalanced moment should be distributed to the column above and below the girder in proportion to their relative
stiffnesses. The following procedure should be employed to calculate the unbalanced moment:

a) The unbalanced moment, ∆Mu, should correspond to the largest difference in girder factored
negative moment at the column when two load cases are evaluated.

b) In the first case (Case A of Figure 82) the whole girder should be loaded with the factored dead load
and alternate spans should be loaded with the factored live load.

c) In the second case (Case B of Figure 82) the whole girder should be loaded with the factored dead
load and the other alternate spans should be loaded with the factored live load.

7.6.5.6.3 Distribution of the unbalanced moment to the columns and walls

The following procedure should be employed to distribute the unbalanced moment to the columns or walls above
and below the girder:

a) For joints of columns, or walls, supporting the roof girders (Types B, D, and F of Figure 83) the
column factored moment should correspond to ∆Mu.

b) For joints of columns, or walls, of floors different from the roof (Types A, C, and E of Figure 83), the
unbalanced moment should be distributed to the column, or wall, above using Eq. (124)

(Ic hpi )up

(Mu )up = ∆Mu ⋅ (124)
(Ic hpi )up + (Ic hpi )down
c) For joints of columns, or walls, of floors different from the roof (Types A, C, and E of Figure 83), the
unbalanced moment should be distributed to the column, or wall, below using Eq. (125).

(Ic hpi )down

(Mu )down = ∆Mu ⋅ (125)
(Ic hpi )up + (Ic hpi )down
d) In Eqs. (124) and (125) Ic should be evaluated employing Eq. (126), where bcol is the dimension of
the column, or wall, section in the direction perpendicular to the girder span in m, hcol is the
dimension of the column, or wall, section in the direction perpendicular to the girder span in m, hpi is
the story height corresponding to the column or wall (see Figure 82).

bcol ⋅ hcol
3
I col . = (126)
12

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factored live load factored live load

factored live load

Case A A
∆M u ∆M u
A

A A
∆M u ∆M u

factored live load factored live load

factored dead load

Case B ∆M u
B

B
B B
∆M u
∆M u ∆M u

Figure 82 — Girder unbalanced moment to be transferred to columns

Type F Type D Type E

h p3

h p2

h p1

Type C Type A Type B

Figure 83 — Types of joints for determination of column moments

7.7 Columns

7.7.1 General

The design of columns should be performed using the guides of present 7.7. The members covered by this
subclause are members reinforced with longitudinal bars and lateral ties, and members reinforced with longitudinal
bars and continuous spiral. Both rectangular and circular sections are covered.

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7.7.2 Design load definition

7.7.2.1 Loads to be included

The design load for columns belonging to frames or slab-column systems should be established from the tributary
loads from each floor located above the column, plus the selfweight of the column. Tributary loads should be
established from the guides of 7.2.1 and the particular guides of each tributary element type. See Figure 84 and
Figure 85.

M u-
actions at
Ru ΣR u the joint

M u-
reactions at
the ends of Ru
the element ∆M u
M u- Ru
P u = ΣR u
loads applied
to the top of M -u
the column Ru
M u = ∆M u
reactions at
the ends of
the element

Figure 84 — Column factored design forces from one story and in one direction

actions at the joint of

story n from tributary
ΣR u elements

∆M ux ∆M uy
loads applied
to the top of
the column P u top

story n M ux M uy

selfweight of
the column P u bottom equal to
P u top plus the
M uy column selfweight
M ux
column moment obtained from
distribution of unbalanced P u bottom actions at the joint of
moment at joint of same level story n-1 from
ΣR u tributary elements

∆M ux ∆M uy P u top of story n-1 equal

loads applied to Pu bottom from story n
to the top of plus ΣR u from story n-1
the column P u top

M ux M uy
story n-1

selfweight of
the column P u bottom equal to
P u top plus the
M uy column selfweight
M ux

P u bottom

Figure 85 — Column forces in different floors

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7.7.2.2 Dead load and live load

The values of Pd for dead load and Pl for live load should be in N. Pd should include the selfweight of the column,
3 3
at 24 x 10 N/m . The selfweight should be factored employing the load factors for dead load of the
corresponding combination equation from 7.2.2.1. It should be permitted to apply the selfweight of the column
corresponding to each floor at the lower part of the column in that floor. See Figure 85.

7.7.2.3 Factored design forces

The value of the factored design forces Pu and Mu should be established for the column at the upper and lower part
of the column in each story. A distinction should be made about the direction of the axis in plan along which the
moments Mux and Muy act. See Figure 85.

7.7.3 Dimensional guides

7.7.3.1 General

In addition to the appropriate guides of the present subclause, columns should comply with the general
dimensional guides set forth in 6.1. Columns should be aligned vertically, without eccentricity between upper and
lower columns, and should be continuous all the way down to the foundation. Column section shape should be
either rectangular or circular. All other cross-section shapes are beyond the scope of these guidelines.

7.7.3.2 Limiting section dimensions

7.7.3.2.1 Minimum section dimensions for rectangular columns

Under the present guidelines, section dimension for rectangular columns should comply with the following limits
(see Figure 86):

a) The shortest cross-sectional dimension should not be less than 300 mm. For columns in buildings
located in seismic risk zones see 7.8.5.3.1.

b) The ratio of the largest cross-sectional dimension to the perpendicular shortest dimension should not
exceed 3.

bc

b c > 300 mm

hc
h <3
bc

Figure 86 — Minimum cross-section dimensions for rectangular columns

7.7.3.2.2 Minimum section dimensions for circular columns

Columns with circular cross-section should have a diameter of at least 300 mm.

h > 300 mm

Figure 87 — Minimum cross-section dimension for circular columns

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7.7.3.3 Distance between lateral supports

7.7.3.3.1 General

It should be considered that lateral restraint is provided by the floor system in the two horizontal directions at all
levels that are supported by the column. See Figure 88.

h na /10 h nc /9 h ne /9 h nf /8

h na h nc h nf

h ne
h nb /10 h nd /10 h ne /9 h ng /8

h nb h nc h ng

central edge edge corner

Figure 88 — Lateral restraint for columns

7.7.3.3.2 Central columns

The clear distance between lateral supports, hn, for central columns should not exceed 10 times the dimension of
the column cross-section parallel to the direction of the support. See Figure 88.

7.7.3.3.3 Edge columns

The clear distance between lateral supports, hn, perpendicular to an edge for edge columns should not exceed 9
times the dimension of the column cross-section perpendicular to the edge. See Figure 88.

7.7.3.3.4 Corner columns

The clear distance between lateral supports, hn, for corner columns should not exceed 8 times the minimum
dimension of the column cross-section. See Figure 88.

7.7.3.4 Column built monolithically with wall

Outer limits of the effective cross-section of a tied or spirally reinforced column built monolithically with a concrete
wall should be taken not greater than 40 mm outside the tie or spiral reinforcement or the lateral wall faces. See
Figure 89.

wall
40 mm 40 mm

Figure 89 — Effective cross-section of columns built monolithically with a wall

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7.7.4 Details of reinforcement

7.7.4.1 General

For the purposes of these guidelines, the reinforcement of columns should be of the types described in this
subclause and should comply with the guides of 7.7.4.2 to 7.7.4.4.

7.7.4.2 Longitudinal reinforcement

7.7.4.2.1 Description and location

Longitudinal reinforcement should be provided in the periphery of the column section, as guide in 7.3.9.4.4.
Longitudinal reinforcement should be located as close as concrete cover guides permit (see 7.3.4.1 and 7.7.4.2.9)
to the lateral surfaces of the column. The amount of longitudinal reinforcement should be that guide to resist the
simultaneous action of a combination of factored axial load and factored moments at the section acting about the
two main axis of the section of the column. See Figure 91.

7.7.4.2.2 Minimum and maximum longitudinal reinforcement area

The maximum and minimum longitudinal reinforcement area should comply with the guides of 7.3.9.4.1 (0,01≤ ρt ≤
0,06).The maximum longitudinal reinforcement area is also limited by the beam reinforcement in the beam –
column joint.

7.7.4.2.3 Minimum diameter of longitudinal bars

Longitudinal bars of columns should comply with the minimum guide nominal diameter, db, as set forth in 7.3.9.4.2
(16 mm).

7.7.4.2.4 Minimum number of longitudinal bars

The minimum number of longitudinal bars in rectangular and round columns should be as set forth in 7.3.9.4.3 (4 bars
in rectangular columns or 6 in circular columns).

7.7.4.2.5 Minimum and maximum reinforcement separation

Longitudinal reinforcement should not be spaced closer than guide by 7.3.7.4 (1,5 db or 40 mm).

7.7.4.2.6 Reinforcement splicing

It should be permitted to lap-splice up to one-half the longitudinal reinforcement at any given section, as long as
only alternate bars are lap-spliced. See Figure 91. All lap splices of longitudinal reinforcement should comply with
7.3.8.2.1. [“alternative methods like gas pressure welding or mechanical connectors could be used taking account
of the practical situation of each country”]

7.7.4.2.7 End anchorage of reinforcement

Longitudinal reinforcement at the upper end of the columns, and at the foundation elements that transmits the
loads to the underlying soil should extend to the extreme and end with a standard hook.

7.7.4.2.8 Longitudinal bar offset

Offset bent longitudinal bars should conform to the following:

a) Slope of inclined portion of an offset bar with axis of column should not exceed 1 in 6.

b) Portions of bar above and below an offset should be parallel to axis of column.

c) Horizontal support at offset bends should be provided by lateral ties or spirals.

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d) Horizontal support provided should be designed to resist 1,5 times the horizontal component of the
computed force in the inclined portion of an offset bar.

e) Lateral ties or spirals should be placed not more than 150 mm from points of bend.

f) Offset bars should be bent before placement in the forms.

g) Where a column face is offset from the face of the column below more than 1/6 of the depth of the
girder or slab, or 80 mm, longitudinal bars should not be offset bent. Separate dowels, lap spliced
with the longitudinal bars adjacent to the offset column faces should be provided. Lap splices should
conform to 7.3.8.2.1.

Figure 90 — Longitudinal bar offset

7.7.4.2.9 Maximum number of longitudinal bars per face of rectangular column

The maximum number of longitudinal bars in a layer should be determined for the longitudinal and transverse
reinforcement bar diameters, the appropriate concrete cover (see 7.3.4), the maximum nominal coarse aggregate
size, and the minimum clear spacing between bars (see 7.3.7). When these computations are not performed, it
should be permitted to employ the following guides:

a) For columns section dimension under study, bc, greater or equal to 400 mm it should be permitted to
determine the maximum number of bars in a layer employing Eq. (127), where bc is the column
dimension under study in mm. See Table 17.

bc
No. of bars per face ≤ −1 (127)
68

b) Three longitudinal bars should be permitted in the face of columns whose dimension under study, bc,
is less than 400 mm and greater or equal to 300 mm. See Table 17.

Table 17 — Maximum number of longitudinal bars per face of rectangular column

column dimension Maximum number of
bc (mm) longitudinal bars

bc < 300 mm section not permitted

300 mm ≤ bc < 400 mm 3 bars

bc
400 mm ≤ b c ≤ − 1 bars
68

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7.7.4.2.10 Maximum number of longitudinal bars in circular columns

The maximum number of longitudinal bars in circular columns should be determined for the longitudinal and
transverse reinforcement bar diameters, the appropriate concrete cover (see 7.3.4), the maximum nominal coarse
aggregate size, and the minimum clear spacing between bars (see 7.3.7). When these computations are not
performed, it should be permitted to determine the maximum number of bars employing Eq. (128), where h is the
column diameter in mm. See Table 18.

h
No. of bars ≤ −6 (128)
22

Table 18 — Maximum number of longitudinal bars in circular columns

column diameter Maximum number of

h (mm) longitudinal bars
h < 300 mm section not permitted

h
300 mm ≤ h ≤ − 6 bars
22

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joint ties

s
lap splice as s/2
guide in 7.3.8.2

joint ties

s s/2
Type A
lap splice as
joint ties guide in 7.3.8.2
Type A
long. bars

s
lap splice as s/2
guide in 7.3.8.2
Type B
long. bars
joint ties

Type B
Column cross-section
s
s/2

joint ties lap splice as

guide in 7.3.8.2

grade
beam s
foundation
element
bearing
soil
Type A Type B
long. bars long. bars

Figure 91 — Typical column reinforcement layout

7.7.4.3 Transverse reinforcement

7.7.4.3.1 General

Transverse reinforcement in the form either of tie reinforcement, complying with 7.3.10.4.1, or spiral reinforcement,
complying with 7.3.10.4.2, should be provided in all columns. At column-beam joints a minimum amount of ties, as
guide by 7.3.10.4.3 should be placed. It should not be permitted to lap-splice bars that are part of column ties.

7.7.4.3.2 Maximum and minimum tie and spiral spacing

The maximum spacing along the axis of the column of the ties or spiral should be as indicated in 7.3.10.4.1 or
7.3.10.4.2, respectively. Tie and spirals should not be spaced closer than guide by 7.3.7.2.

7.7.4.3.3 Tie hooks

Under the present guidelines all ties of columns should have 135° hooks (see 7.3.6). It should be permitted to
employ crossties with a 135° hook in one end and a 90° in the other end, and consecutive crossties engaging the
same longitudinal bar should have their 90° hooks at opposite sides of the flexural member. (Referring flexural
members to the columns).

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7.7.4.4 Column reinforcement in seismic zones

In columns that are part of a moment resisting frame located in seismic zones, reinforcement should comply with
the additional guides of 7.8. Columns that are part of slab-column frames in seismic zones should comply with the
additional guides of 7.8.

7.7.5 Flexural guides

7.7.5.1 Guide factored loads

The guide factored axial load, Pu, and moment, Mu, at section under study should be obtained following the
requirements of 7.7.2.

7.7.5.2 Initial trial cross-section dimensions and longitudinal reinforcement

7.7.5.2.1 Trial cross-section dimensions

It should be permitted to establish initial trial cross-section dimensions in the following manner:

a) First trial gross cross-sectional area Ag should be obtained from Eq. (129)

2 ⋅ (Pu )max .
Ag ≈ (129)
f c′

b) For rectangular cross-sections least dimension, b, should comply with:

≥ 300 mm
≥h 3
b ≥ hn 10 for central columns
(130)
≥ hn 9 for edge columns
≥ hn 8 for corner columns

c) For rectangular cross-sections larger dimension, h, should comply with:

≥ 300 mm
≤ 3⋅b
h ≥ hn 10 for central columns
(131)
≥ hn 9 for edge columns
≥ hn 8 for corner columns

d) For circular columns diameter, h, should comply with:

≥ 300 mm
≥ hn 10 for central columns (132)
h
≥ hn 9 for edge columns
≥ hn 8 for corner columns

7.7.5.2.2 Trial longitudinal reinforcement

It should be permitted to establish initial trial area of longitudinal reinforcement, Ast, in the following manner:

a) For rectangular cross-sections the first trial area of longitudinal reinforcement, Ast, should comply
with:

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0,01 ⋅ A g
A st ≥ (133)
4 ⋅ (A b )min. for minimum bar diameter of 7.3.9.4.2

b) For circular cross-sections the first trial area of longitudinal reinforcement, Ast, should comply with:

0,01 ⋅ A g
A st ≥ (134)
6 ⋅ (A b )min. for minimum bar diameter of 7.3.9.4.2

7.7.5.3 Factored flexural moment verification

Interaction diagrams for the column dimensions and reinforcement should be calculated in both directions using the
guides of 7.3.12.2 to 7.3.12.5. The design moment in both directions should be verified employing the guides of
7.3.12.6. If the factored flexural moment, Mu, at required factored axial load, Pu, exceeds the design moment
strength at axial load level Pu, the area of longitudinal reinforcement should be increased, without exceeding the
maximum reinforcement area permitted by 7.3.9.4.1 or the maximum number of bars in the face of column of
7.7.4.2.10 or 7.7.4.2.11. If an increase of the column dimensions is required because these limits are exceeded,
the columns selfweight should be corrected, and the column should be verified for the new dimensions. These
verifications should be performed at the upper and lower sections of the column of the same story.

7.7.5.4 Biaxial moment strength verification

Once the column is verified for both directions independently, the biaxial design moment should be verified
employing the guides of 7.3.12.8 at the upper and lower sections of the column of the same story.

7.7.6 Shear guides

7.7.6.1 Factored shear

The factored shear, Vu, should be determined from the vertical loads, and from the horizontal loads. The value
should be that obtained from the appropriate load combinations from 7.2.2.

7.7.6.1.1 Factored shear from vertical loads

The factored shear caused by the vertical loads should be determined from Eq. (135) for each direction:

(Mu )top + (Mu )bottom

Vu = (135)
hn

where (Mu)top corresponds to the factored moment at the upper end of the column, (Mu)bottom to the factored moment
at the lower end of the columns, and hn is the clear distance between lateral supports of the column.

7.7.6.1.2 Factored shear from horizontal loads

The factored shear, Vu, caused by horizontal loads should be determined from the horizontal loads prescribed in
7.2, employing the appropriate load combinations from 7.2.2.

7.7.6.2 Shear strength verification

The shear strength verification should be performed for beam-action shear employing the guides of 7.3.13.3 and
7.3.13.4. The contribution of concrete to shear strength should be evaluated using Eq. (52). The contribution of the
transverse reinforcement of the column should be determined in the direction under study using Eq. (53) where Av
corresponds to the area of the tie legs parallel to the shear, and s to the larger tie spacing within the clear height of
the column. The verification in the direction under study should be performed employing Eq. (50) and Eq. (51). If
Eq. (50) is not met, the tie spacing s should be reduced.

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7.7.6.3 Biaxial shear strength verification

When the column is subjected to shear in the direction of each axis simultaneously, it should comply with Eq. (136):

(Vu )x 2
(Vu )y 2

+ ≤ 1,0 (136)
(φ ⋅ Vn )x (φ ⋅ Vn )y

where (Vu)x and (Vu)y correspond to the factored shear that act in the direction of axis x and y, and (φ·⋅Vn)x and
(φ·⋅Vn)y correspond to the values of the design shear strength obtained from Eq. (135) for the appropriate direction
x or y.

7.8 Lateral force resistance

7.8.1 General

The resistance to lateral (horizontal) forces, under the present guidelines, should be evaluated and provided for,
following the guides of present 7.8. Wind forces, earthquake forces, and soil lateral pressure are covered.

7.8.2 Specified lateral forces

7.8.2.1 General

The specified lateral forces prescribed in 7.2 should be employed in design. The simultaneous occurrence of the
prescribed lateral forces with other forces and loads should be evaluated employing the load combination guides of
7.2.2. When the lateral forces are applied to structural, and non-structural, elements a continuous load path from
the point of application of the force to the lateral-force resisting structural elements should be devised, and
adequate strength should be provided to all elements along the load path.

7.8.2.2 Lateral forces covered

7.8.2.2.1 Wind forces

Wind forces should be determined employing the guides of 7.2.7.

7.8.2.2.2 Earthquake forces

Earthquake forces should be determined employing the guides of 7.2.8.

7.8.2.2.3 Soil lateral forces

Soil lateral pressure forces should be determined employing the guides of 7.2.2.5.

7.8.2.2.4 Lateral fluid pressure

Auxiliary structures subjected to lateral fluid pressure, such as tanks, should be self-contained and the lateral fluid
pressure should be compensated within the auxiliary structure. The main building structure should not be employed
to resist any lateral forces derived from the contained liquids.

7.8.3 Lateral force resisting structural system

7.8.3.1 General

The lateral force resisting system comprises the structural elements that acting jointly support and transmit to the
ground the lateral forces arising from earthquake motions, wind, and lateral earth pressure. See Figure 92.

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prescribed
floor lateral
forces

floor
diaphragm

lateral load resisting

structural walls

Figure 92 — Lateral force structural resisting system

The floor system should act as a diaphragm that carry in its plane the lateral force from the point of application to
the vertical elements of the lateral force resisting system. The vertical elements of the lateral force resisting system,
in turn, collect the forces arising from all floors affected and carry them down to the foundation, and through the
foundation to the underlying soil. Under the guides of this guidelines the main vertical elements of the lateral force
resisting system should be a number of structural concrete walls in both principal directions in plan. These
structural concrete walls should have no openings for windows or doors.

7.8.4 Minimum amount of structural concrete walls

7.8.4.1 General

A minimum amount of reinforced concrete structural walls should be provided for factored lateral force resistance.
These structural walls should comply with the following guides:

a) The structural walls should have rectangular cross-sections. Other cross sections are beyond the
scope of the present guidelines.

b) The structural walls should be continuous from foundation to roof, except for resistance for
unbalanced lateral soil pressure in a basement where the walls for this purpose should be permitted
to be suspended at the level of the first story.

c) The structural walls should be aligned vertically, and where reductions of section occur the cross-
section of the wall underneath should be greater than the one of the wall in the floor above, and the
centroid of the cross-section of wall above should be in the middle third, in both directions, of the
cross-section of the wall below.

d) The structural walls should have no openings for windows or doors.

e) In both principal direction in plan, there should be at least two groups consisting each one in one or
more walls acting in the same plane parallel to the principal direction, and the planes of each group
should be as further apart as possible. Priority should be given to place the structural walls in the
periphery of the building.

f) The walls should be located as symmetrically as possible with respect to the centers of mass and
stiffness of each floor.

g) Dimensions of the structural walls should comply with the guides of 7.8.4.2 and 7.8.4.3.

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7.8.4.2 Guide wall area for shear strength

At any floor i, for the two principal directions, x and y, the sum of the cross-section areas (Ag = lw ⋅ bw) for all
structural walls acting in the principal direction under study should be obtained from Eq. (137):

Vu
(l w ⋅ b w ) ≥ (137)
1
⋅ f c′
9

In Eq. (137) only walls where the horizontal length of wall, lw, is parallel to the direction under study should be
included, bw corresponds to the wall thickness, and Vu should be obtained from the guides of 7.9.6. The guide area
should be divided into a minimum of two groups of walls as guide by 7.8.4.1(e).

7.8.4.3 Guide wall dimensions for lateral stiffness

The slenderness ratio (hw/lw) for any individual wall should comply with Eq. (138):

hw
≤4 (138)
lw

In Eq. (138), hw corresponds to the total height of the wall from the foundation to the roof, and lw corresponds to the
horizontal length of wall. The thickness of wall, bw, should comply with the guides of 7.9.

7.8.5 Special reinforcement details for seismic zones

7.8.5.1 General

The following additional guides for the structural elements mentioned should be employed in buildings designed
under these guidelines located in seismic zones.

7.8.5.2 Girders of frames

7.8.5.2.1 Dimensional guides

The minimum width, bw, for girder should be 250 mm, and it should comply with the guides of 7.6.5.2.

7.8.5.2.2 Longitudinal reinforcement

In addition to the guides of 7.6.5.5, the following guides should be met:

a) At least two bars should be provided both top and bottom.

b) At any section both the ratios of positive and negative reinforcement should be greater or equal to
the minimum guide by 7.3.9.3.

c) At any section both the ratios of positive and negative reinforcement should not exceed 0,025.

d) The area of positive reinforcement at the joint faces should not be less than one-half the area
provided for negative reinforcement at the same joint face.

e) The area of positive and negative reinforcement at any section should not be less than one-fourth of
the maximum negative reinforcement area at the face of either joint.

f) Lap splices should not be used in the zones comprised by the beams -columns joint and the
confinement zones defined in 7.8.5.2.3(a). The full length of the lap splice should have confinement
stirrups as defined in 7.8.5.2.3(b) with a maximum spacing of d/4 or 100 mm.

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7.8.5.2.3 Transverse reinforcement

In addition to the guides of 7.6.5.5.3, the following guides should be met:

a) Over a distance equal to twice the member depth, h, measured from the face of the supporting
element toward midspan, at both ends of the girder, the transverse reinforcement should be
confinement stirrups. See Figure 93.

b) Confinement stirrups should be closed stirrups at least 10 mm in diameter, with hooks as defined in
7.3.6(d), and complying with the guides for column ties of 7.3.10.4.1. Crossties should comply with
the guides of 7.3.6(e).

c) First confinement stirrup should be located no more than 50 mm from the face of the supporting
element.

d) Maximum spacing of confinement stirrups should not exceed d/4 nor 125 mm.

e) For the central part of the girder span, between confinement zones, the transverse reinforcement
should be closed stirrups with hooks complying with 7.3.6(d), and the maximum stirrup spacing
should not exceed more than d/2.

d/4
50 mm s< 50 mm
125 mm

s<d/2

2h 2h

confinement zones

Figure 93 — Confinement stirrup spacing

7.8.5.2.4 Shear strength

In addition to the guides of 7.6.5.5.3, the following guides should be met:

a) The additional factored design shear force, ∆Ve, corresponding to the probable flexural capacity
development of the span at the faces of the joints should be obtained as the largest value from Eq.
(139) and Eq. (140). See Figure 94.

(M )
+
pr left
−
+ Mpr( )right
∆Ve = (139)
ln

(M )
−
pr left
+
+ Mpr( ) right
∆V e = (140)
ln

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∆ Ve

- ln +
M pr M pr

Figure 94 — Calculation of ∆Ve

+ −
b) In Eqs. (139) and (140) Mpr , and Mpr correspond respectively to the positive and negative flexural
probable strength at the joint faces, obtained from Eq. (26) using the corresponding longitudinal
reinforcement area, 1,25 fy and a strength reduction factor φ = 1.

c) The largest value of ∆Ve obtained from Eq. (139) or Eq. (140) should be added to Vu at the faces of
the supports, and the shear diagram should be recalculated as guide in 7.6.4.5.3. See Figure 95.

d) The guide transverse reinforcement for shear should be obtained as prescribed in 7.6.5.5.3, except
that if ∆Ve is greater than Vu for the gravity loads at the face of the support, in computing the shear
reinforcement, the contribution of concrete to the shear strength should be taken as (φ· Vc = 0) in the
confinement zones guide in 7.8.5.2.3(a).

e) The confinement stirrups guide by 7.8.5.2.3 should be permitted to be employed as part of the
required shear reinforcement.

P u1 P u2
Wu

(Vu ) left supp. (Vu ) right supp.

Vu (x)
1
1 (Vu ) left supp. +(Vu ) right supp. - Σ Pu
lu

Vu (X)

(Vu ) left supp. + ∆Ve

(Vu ) right supp. - ∆Ve
1
x
(Vu ) left supp. - ∆Ve (Vu ) right supp. + ∆Ve
Vu (X)
shear euvelope

Figure 95 — Calculation of the envelope of shear in the girder

7.8.5.3 Columns

7.8.5.3.1 Dimensional guides

The guides of 7.8.3 should be complied with, and 7.7.3.2.1 should change to:

a) The shortest cross-sectional dimension should not be less than 300 mm.

b) The ratio of the largest cross-sectional dimension to the perpendicular shortest dimension should not
exceed 2,5.
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7.8.5.3.2 Longitudinal reinforcement

The guides of 7.7.4 should be complied with, and in 7.7.4.2.6 should change to restrict the location of splices only
to the center half of the member length.

7.8.5.3.3 Minimum flexural strength of columns

Unless the full clear length of the column is provided with transverse reinforcement complying with 7.8.5.3.4 the
flexural strengths of the columns should satisfy:

6
Mc ≥ Mg (141)
5

Where Mc is the sum of the lowest flexural strengths (φ⋅ Mn) of the columns framing into the joint and Mg is the
sum of the flexural strength (φ⋅ Mn) of the girders framing into the joint. The flexural strengths of the columns should
correspond to the lowest flexural strength computed using the appropriate equation of Eqs. (47) and (48), for the
range of axial loads Pu that act on the column. Flexural strengths should be summed such that the column
moments oppose the beam moments. Eq. (141) should be satisfied for beam moments acting in both directions in
the vertical plane of the frame considered. See Figure 96.

Mc Mc Mc Mc
Mg Mg Mg

Mg Mg Mg Mg Mg
Mc Mc Mc Mc
Mc Mc

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 96 — Minimum flexural strength of columns

7.8.5.3.4 Columns with transverse reinforcement in the form of ties

When the column transverse reinforcement are ties, in addition to the guides of 7.3.10.4.1 and 7.8.4.3, the
following guides should also be met:

a) Over a distance l0 not less than the largest column cross-section dimension, one-sixth of the clear
length of the member, or 500 mm, equal to twice the member depth measured from the face of the
supporting element toward midspan, at both ends of the girder, the transverse reinforcement should be
confinement stirrups. See Figure 97.

b) Confinement ties should be closed single or overlapping ties with hooks as defined in 7.3.6 d), and
complying with the guides for column ties of 7.3.10.4.1.

c) It should be permitted to use crossties complying with the guides of 7.3.6 e) of the same bar diameter
and spacing as the confinement ties. Each end of the crosstie should engage a peripheral longitudinal
reinforcing bar. Consecutive crossties should be alternated end to end along the longitudinal
reinforcement.

d) For each direction parallel to sides of the cross-section, the maximum horizontal distance, measured
center-to-center, between legs of the peripheral confinement tie and crossties, and between crossties,
should not exceed 200 mm or one-half of the smallest cross-section dimension, otherwise additional
crossties should be provided. If the number of legs of confinement ties and crossties exceeds the
number of bars located in that face of the cross section, additional longitudinal bars should be provided.
See Figure 97.

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x x x

x < 200 mm
bc / 2
x bc

hc

Figure 97 — Separation between legs of confinement ties and crossties

e) Maximum spacing of confinement ties should not exceed 100 mm neither the value obtained from Eq.
(142).

A b ⋅ f ys
s≤ (142)
f c′ ⋅ 15 mm

In Eq. (142) Ab is the confinement tie and crosstie bar area, and fys is the nominal yield strength of the confinement
tie and crosstie. See Figure 98.

f) The first confinement tie should be located no more than 50 mm from the face of the joint.

g) When reinforcement as indicated above is not placed in all the column clear length, in the central
part of the column clear length between confinement zones, the transverse reinforcement should be
confinement ties of the same diameter, strength, fys, and number of crossties employed in the
confinement zones, and the maximum center-to-center spacing should not exceed the smaller of six
times the diameter, db, of the longitudinal column bars or 150 mm. See Figure 98.

joint transverse
reinforcement as guide 50 mm
lo
by 7.8.5.4.3

confinement zones
long.
100 mm
hc reinforcement 6d b long. bar
lap splices s< s< Ab . fys
lo > hn / 6 150 mm
may be
f'c . 15 mm
500 mm made in the
central zone

lo
50 mm

joint transverse
reinforcement as guide
by 7.8.5.4.3

Figure 98 — Confinement tie spacing in columns

7.8.5.3.5 Columns with transverse reinforcement in the form of spiral

When the column transverse reinforcement are spirals, in addition to the guides of 7.3.10.4.2 and 7.7.4.3, the
following guides should also be met:

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a) Over a distance not less than the largest column cross-section dimension, one-sixth of the clear
length of the member, or 500 mm, equal to twice the member depth measured from the face of the
supporting element toward midspan, at both ends of the girder, the transverse reinforcement should
be spiral complying with the other guides of 7.8.5.3.5.

b) The volumetric ratio of the spiral should not be less than indicated by Eq. (22) and by Eq. (143)

A b ⋅ π ⋅ dc f′
ρs = ≥ 0,12 ⋅ c (143)
Ac ⋅ s f ys

c) When spiral reinforcement as indicated above is not placed in all the column clear length, in the
central part of the column clear length between confinement zones, the transverse reinforcement
should be spiral of the same diameter and yield strength, fys, employed in the confinement zones
and the maximum center-to-center spacing should not exceed the smaller of six times the diameter,
db, of the longitudinal column bars or 150 mm.

7.8.5.3.6 Shear strength

In addition to the guides of 7.7.6 the following guides should be met:

a) The factored design shear force, ∆Ve, corresponding to the probable flexural capacity development
of the column at the faces of the joints should be obtained employing Eq. (144) for both principal
directions in plan. See Figure 99.

(Mpr )top + (Mpr )bottom

∆Ve = (144)
hn

M pr

hn ∆Ve

M pr

Figure 99 — Calculation of ∆Ve for columns

b) In Eq. (144) Mpr corresponds to flexural probable strength at the joint faces, obtained using 1,25 fy
and a strength reduction factor φ = 1. The flexural strengths of the columns should correspond to the
lowest probable flexural strength computed using the appropriate equation of Eqs. (47) and (48), for
the range of axial loads, Pu, that act on the column. The factored design shear force for the column,
∆Ve, does not need to exceed the value determined from the joint strength based on probable
moment strength Mpr of the girders framing into the joint obtained in 7.8.5.2.4. See Figure 100.

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M pr-c M pr-c M pr-c M pr-c

M pr-g M pr-g M pr-g

M pr-c M pr-c
M pr-g M pr-g M pr-g M pr-g M pr-g
M pr-c M pr-c
M pr-c M pr-c

M pr-c = ΣM pr-g /2 M pr-c = M pr-g /2 M pr-c = M pr-g

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 100 — Maximum Mpr for the columns needed to obtain column shear ∆Ve

c) The required transverse reinforcement for shear should be obtained as prescribed in 7.7.4.3, except
that in computing the shear reinforcement, the contribution of concrete to the shear strength should
be taken as (φ⋅ Vc = 0) in the confinement zones guide in 7.8.5.3.4 a) and 7.8.5.3.5 a).

d) The confinement ties or spiral guide by 7.8.5.3.4 and 7.8.5.3.5 should be permitted to be employed
as the guide shear reinforcement.

7.8.5.4 Joints

7.8.5.4.1 General

The guides of 7.8.5.4 should be complied with at joints of frames located in seismic zones, instead of the guides of
7.3.10.4.3.

7.8.5.4.2 Limit on column dimensions at the joint based of girder longitudinal reinforcement

Where longitudinal reinforcement extends through the column-girder joint the column dimension parallel to the
beam should not be less than 20 times the diameter db of the largest longitudinal girder bar.

7.8.5.4.3 Transverse reinforcement within the joint

The following amounts of transverse reinforcement within the joint should be provided within the column-girder
joint:

a) Horizontal transverse confinement reinforcement in the same amounts and spacing as guide by
7.8.5.3.4 should be provided within the column-girder joint. If girders having a width greater or equal
to 3/4 of the column width, frame in all four lateral sides of the joint the confinement ties spacing can
be two times as guide by 7.8.5.4.3, without exceeding 150 mm.

b) When the longitudinal girder reinforcement is located outside the joint confined core provided by the
reinforcement required by (a), vertical confinement stirrups as guide for girders by 7.8.5.2.3 should
be provided to confine it.

7.8.5.4.4 Joint shear strength

The horizontal shear strength within the joint should be verified for the shear forces that develop due to the
probable moment strength of columns and girders that frame into the joint. See Figure 101. The following guides
should be employed for the verification:

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plane where shear M pr-c

Vu is evaluated ∆Ve-col column

T's = 1,25f y . A's Cc = Ts = 1,25f y . As

C'c = T's = 1,25f y . A's Ts = 1,25f y . As

girder
M pr-c ∆Ve-col

Figure 101 — Joint shear determination

a) The factored shear at the joint, Vu, should be obtained for both principal directions using Eq. (145)
for joints where girders frame in both sides and using Eq. (146) where girders frame in only one side.

Vu = 1,25 f y ⋅ (A s + A ′s )girder − (∆Ve )column (145)

1,25 f y ⋅ (A s )girder − (∆Ve )column

Vu ≥ (146)
1,25 f y ⋅ (A ′s )girder − (∆Ve )column

In Eqs. (145) and (146) the reinforcement area corresponds to the girder longitudinal reinforcement.
The shear from development of strength at the column should be determined from 7.8.5.3.6.
b) The nominal shear strength at the critical plane in the joint should be (for Aj see Figure 102 and
Figure 103):

For joints confined on all four faces φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ 1,70 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ A j

For joints confined on three faces or on opposite faces φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ 1,25 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ A j

For other joints φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ 1,00 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A j

c) A member that frames into a face of a joint is considered to provide confinement to the joint if at
least 3/4 of the face of the joint is covered by the framing member.

bw Aj

bw

Figure 102 — Definition of Aj for girder wider than column

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x Aj

bw

b w + 2x
<
bw + h

Figure 103 — Definition of Aj for girder narrower than column

Aj corresponds to the effective cross-sectional area within the joint in a plane parallel to the plane of the
reinforcement generating the shear and is equal to the product of joint depth by the effective width of the joint. The
joint depth corresponds to the dimension of the column parallel to the direction of the girders. The joint effective
width is equal to the girder width for girders larger or equal to the column width. See Figure 102. For girders
narrower than the column width the joint effective width is equal to the smaller of the girder width plus the joint
depth, or the girder width plus twice the smaller perpendicular distance from the longitudinal axis of the girder to the
column side, without exceeding the column width. See Figure 103.

7.8.5.4.5 Anchorage of girder reinforcement at the joint

Longitudinal reinforcement terminating at the joint should end with a 90° standard hook located within the confined
core of the column. The anchorage distance should comply with 7.3.8.3.

7.8.5.4.6 Girder longitudinal reinforcement straight bars

Straight longitudinal girder reinforcing bars should comply with the development length of 7.3.8.1.

7.8.5.5 Walls

7.8.5.5.1 General

Structural concrete walls located in seismic zones should comply with the guides of 7.9, plus the additional guides
of 7.8.5.5.

7.8.5.5.2 Boundary elements

Boundary elements in structural walls should be governed by the following guides:

a) Boundary element should be provided at both edges of structural walls, when maximum factored
compressive extreme fiber stress, fcu, evaluated employing Eq. (147), corresponding to factored
forces, Pu and Mu, from the load combinations that include earthquake effects, exceeds (0,2 ⋅ f c′ ),
unless the entire wall is reinforced to comply with the guides of confinement transverse
reinforcement for columns of 7.8.5.3.4.

Pu 6 ⋅ Mu
f cu = + 2 (147)
A g lw ⋅ b w

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b) The boundary elements should be permitted to be discontinued where the calculated factored
compressive stress, fcu, is less than (0,15 ⋅ f c′ ) .

c) The thickness of the boundary elements, where required, should not be less than hn/16 nor bw, and
should have a length not less than 300 mm at each edge. See 7.9.3.2.1, and Figure 104.

boundary boundary
elements elements
> h n / 16 150 mm
bw b w > h / 20
bw n
l w / 25

> 300 mm > 300 mm > 300 mm > 300 mm

lw lw

Figure 104 — Dimensions of boundary elements

d) Boundary elements, where required, should have transverse reinforcement as specified for columns
in 7.8.5.3.4.

e) Boundary elements should be proportioned to resist all factored gravity loads on the wall, including
tributary loads and selfweight, as well as the vertical force required to resist overturning moment
calculated from factored related earthquake effect following the guides of 7.9.2.3. The factored axial
load in compression on the boundary elements, Pcu, should be obtained from Eq. (148), and the
factored axial load in tension, Ptu, on the boundary elements from Eq. (149).

Pu Mu
Pcu = + (148)
2 (l w − 300 mm )
Pu Mu
Ptu = − ≤0 (149)
A g (l w − 300 mm )

f) The longitudinal reinforcement of the boundary elements should be proportioned for the factored
compression axial load, Pcu, employing Eqs. (36) and (37). In Eq. (36) Ag should be substituted by
the area of the boundary element. The reinforcement ratio of the boundary element should not
exceed the amount prescribed by 7.9.4.3.2. If the longitudinal reinforcement obtained from Eqs. (36)
and (37) exceeds these limits, the size of the boundary element should be increased until the limits
are met. If the size of the boundary elements is increased, the value of Pcu and Ptu should be
corrected, changing the 300 mm of Eqs. (148) and (149) for the new value.

g) The longitudinal reinforcement of the boundary element should be verified for the absolute value of
the factored tension axial load, Ptu, if it is present [a value less than zero in Eq. (149) means no
tension forces], employing Eq. (43).

h) Where boundary elements are columns part of frames, in addition they should be verified as
columns, employing the guides of 7.8.

7.8.5.5.3 Shear strength

Shear strength of structural walls should comply with 7.3.13.6.

7.9 Structural concrete walls

7.9.1 General

The design of structural concrete walls should be performed using the guides of present 7.9. Both in-plane and out-
of-plane effects on reinforced concrete structural walls are covered.

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7.9.2 Design load definition

7.9.2.1 Loads to be included

The design load for structural concrete walls should be established from the guides of 7.2. The loads that should be
included in the design are (See Figure 105):

a) Tributary live and dead loads from the tributary structural elements from each floor located above.
Tributary loads should be established from the guides of 7.2 and the particular guides of each
tributary element type.

(b) Selfweigth of the structural concrete wall.

(c) Lateral forces from wind, earthquake or soil lateral pressures.

actions at the
joint of story n
from tributary unbalanced moment
elements from tributary story
elements in direction x
ΣR u
lateral force applied
to the wall at story n ∆M ux
in direction x

lateral force applied ∆M uy

to the wall at story n
P u top unbalanced moment
in direction y
Vuy from tributary story
M ux top elements in direction y

Vuy
M uy top
selfweight

M ux bottom
actions at the
joint of story
n-1 from unbalanced moment
P u bottom M uy bottom
tributary from tributary story
elements in direction x
ΣR u
lateral force applied
to the wall at story ∆M ux
n-1 in direction x

lateral force applied ∆M uy

to the wall at story
P u top unbalanced moment
n-1 in direction y
Vuy from tributary story
M ux top elements in direction y

Vu of story n-1 wall equal Vuy P u top of story n-1 wall

to Vu from story n plus equal to Pu bottom from
lateral force from story n M uy top
selfweight story n plus SRu from
story n-1

M ux bottom

P u bottom M uy bottom

Figure 105 — Structural concrete wall applied factored design forces

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7.9.2.2 Dead load and live load

The values of Pd for dead load and Pl for live load should be in N. Pd should include the selfweight of the structural
3 3
concrete wall, at 24 x 10 N/m . The selfweight should be factored employing the load factors for dead load of the
corresponding combination equation from 7.2.2.1. It should be permitted to apply the selfweight of the wall
corresponding to each floor at the lower part of the structural concrete wall in that floor. The value of the
unbalanced moment caused by vertical loads should be obtained from the guides of the supported element. See
7.6.5.6.

7.9.2.3 Lateral design load

The value of the applied factored horizontal design shear, Vu, at every story and in both principal directions should
be obtained from the guides of 7.9. The value of the factored lateral load moment, Mu, should be established at the
upper and lower part of the structural concrete wall in both principal plan direction at each story in the following
manner:

a) The lateral load factored shear at each story x, Vxu, should be obtained for the wall from the guides
of section 7.8.

b) The factored lateral force applied at each story x, Fxu, should be obtained as the difference in
factored shear between the two neighbouring stories, Vxu and V(x+1)u.

c) Factored lateral load moment, Mxu, at each story x should be obtained employing Eq. (150).

n
M xu = [Fiu ⋅ (hi − h x )] (150)
i= x

F 5u

V5u

F 4u

V4u (h 5 - h 2)

F 3u (h 4 - h 2)

V3u h5 (h 3 - h 2)

F 2u h4
V2u lateral load
V2u h3 factored design
M 2u
forces at level 2
F 1u h2

V1u
M 2u = F5u .(h 5-h 2) + F4u .(h 4-h 2) + F3u .(h 3-h 2)

wall wall shears wall lateral

forces

Figure 106 — Calculation of the lateral load factored moment

7.9.2.4 Factored design load

The value of the factored design forces Pu, Vu, and Mu should be established at the upper and lower part of the
structural concrete wall in each story. A distinction should be made about the direction of the horizontal forces,
dividing them into in-plane and out-of-plane forces. See Figure 107.

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axial
force
in-plane
moment

in-plane
shear

out-of-plane
shear
selfweight out-of-plane
moment

Figure 107 — In-plane and out-of-plane forces

7.9.3 Dimensional guides

7.9.3.1 General

In addition to the appropriate guides of the present subclause, structural concrete walls should comply with the
general dimensional guides set forth in 6.1 and 7.8.4.1. Structural concrete wall section shape should be
rectangular. All other cross-section shapes are beyond the scope of these guidelines, with the exception permitted
by 7.9.3.2.2. Structural concrete walls should be aligned vertically, and should be continuous all the way down to
the foundation.

7.9.3.2 Limiting dimensions

7.9.3.2.1 Minimum thickness structural concrete walls

Under the present guidelines, the thickness of structural concrete walls should not be less than 150 mm (see
Figure 108) nor 1/25 of the length of the wall lw, and at changes of thickness in contiguous stories, the guides of
7.8.4.1 c) should be met.

lw

bw
hn
150 mm
bw > h n / 20
l w / 25

Figure 108 — Minimum cross-section dimensions for rectangular structural concrete walls

7.9.3.2.2 Columns embedded in walls

When columns are built monolithically embedded in walls, it should be permitted to make the wall thicker at the
location of the column, without having to increase the thickness of the whole wall cross-section. The transverse
dimension of the column should meet the guides of 7.7.3.3. It should be permitted to place the increase of
thickness at one side of the cross-section.

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7.9.3.3 Distance between lateral supports

It should be considered that lateral restraint is provided by the floor system in the two horizontal directions at all
levels that are supported by the wall. See Figure 108. The clear distance between vertical lateral supports, hn, for
structural concrete walls should not exceed 20 times the thickness of the structural concrete wall.

7.9.3.4 Beams on top of walls

Beams or girders should be provided for the full horizontal length of the wall at every floor and roof supported by
the structural wall. These beams or girders should comply with the guides of 7.6.5.2.3, and should be reinforced as
collector elements following the guides of 7.6.4.3.

7.9.4 Details of reinforcement

7.9.4.1 General

For the purposes of these guidelines, the reinforcement of structural concrete walls should be of the types
described in this subclause and should comply with the guides of 7.9.4.2 to 7.9.4.4.

7.9.4.2 Number of curtains of reinforcement

7.9.4.2.1 Two curtains of reinforcement

Two curtains of reinforcement parallel with the faces of the wall should be employed in the following cases:

a) When the wall is more than 250 mm thick.

b) In walls where the vertical reinforcement ratio, ρv , exceeds 0,01. See 7.3.9.5.2 and 7.9.4.3.2.

c) In walls where the in-plane factored shear force, Vu, in the wall exceeds (φ⋅ Vc) as given by Eq. (60).

The division of reinforcement into layers, and their location within the wall section should comply with 7.3.7.8.2.

7.9.4.2.2 One curtain of reinforcement

In all the other cases not covered by 7.9.4.2.1 it should be permitted to employ only one curtain of reinforcement
located in the center of the thickness of the wall.

7.9.4.3 Vertical reinforcement

7.9.4.3.1 Description

Vertical reinforcement should consist in one or two layers of bars or welded-wire fabric placed parallel with the
faces of the walls. The amount of vertical reinforcement should be that required to resist the simultaneous action of
a combination of factored axial load and factored moments at the section acting about the two main axis of the
section of the structural concrete wall.

7.9.4.3.2 Minimum and maximum vertical reinforcement area

The maximum and minimum vertical reinforcement area should comply with the guides of 7.3.9.5. When the
amount and separation of vertical reinforcement vary within the wall cross-section, or columns are built
monolithically embedded within the wall cross-section, the following guides should be met:

a) Where the vertical reinforcement is concentrated either by increasing the vertical bar diameter or
reducing the spacing between bars, the vertical reinforcement ratio, ρv, in that portion of the wall
should not exceed maximum vertical reinforcement ratio set forth by 7.3.9.5.2. The vertical
reinforcement ratio should be evaluated over an area bounded by the faces of the wall and 50 mm
measured along the length of wall from the last bars with a closer spacing or larger diameter. See
Figure 109 a).
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b) Where the vertical reinforcement is reduced either by separating it further apart or by decreasing the
vertical bar diameter, the vertical reinforcement ratio, ρv , should not be less than the minimum
vertical reinforcement ratio set forth by 7.3.9.5.1 at any place within the wall cross-section. See
Figure 109 b).

area for
computation
of the steel
ratio s s area for
computation
of the steel
ratio

50 mm s/2 s/2
(a) (b)

Figure 109 — Computation of the vertical reinforcement ratio

7.9.4.3.3 Maximum reinforcement separation

Vertical reinforcement should not be spaced further apart than guide by 7.3.7.8.

7.9.4.3.4 Reinforcement splicing

Lap splices of vertical wall reinforcement should comply with the lap splice length of 7.3.8.2. It should be permitted
to lap-splice all the vertical reinforcement at any given section, except at the supported element of the floor system.

7.9.4.3.5 End anchorage of reinforcement

Vertical reinforcement at the upper end of the structural concrete walls, and at the foundation elements that
transmit the loads to the underlying soil should extend to the extreme and end with a standard hook.

7.9.4.4 Horizontal reinforcement

7.9.4.4.1 General

Horizontal reinforcement should consist in one or two layers of bars or welded-wire fabric placed parallel with the
faces of the walls, and under the circunstances described in 7.9.4.3.2. Transverse reinforcement, as in columns,
should be provided. The amount of horizontal reinforcement should be that required to resist the factored in-plane
shear at the section of the structural concrete wall.

7.9.4.4.2 Walls with transverse reinforcement as in columns

Where the vertical reinforcement ratio, ρv, exceeds 0,01, vertical reinforcement should be enclosed by ties
complying with the guides for column tie transverse reinforcement as guide by 7.3.10.4.1. See 7.3.9.5.2 and
7.8.9.4.3.2 a). The vertical spacing of this tie reinforcement should meet the guides for columns.

7.9.4.4.3 Minimum horizontal reinforcement area

The minimum horizontal reinforcement area should comply with the guides of 7.3.10.5.

7.9.4.4.4 Maximum horizontal reinforcement spacing

The maximum vertical spacing of the horizontal reinforcement should be as indicated in 7.3.7.8.1

7.9.4.4.5 Reinforcement splicing

It should be permitted to lap-splice the horizontal reinforcement complying with the lap splice length of 7.3.8.2.
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7.9.4.4.6 End anchorage of reinforcement

Horizontal reinforcement terminating at the edges of structural walls should have a standard hook engaging the
edge vertical reinforcement, or should have U-shaped stirrups having the same size and spacing as, and spliced to,
the horizontal reinforcement.

7.9.4.5 Structural concrete wall reinforcement in seismic zones

Structural concrete walls that are part of the lateral load resisting system in seismic zones, reinforcement should
comply with the additional guides of 7.8.

7.9.5 Flexural guides

7.9.5.1 Required factored loads

The required factored axial load, Pu, and moment, Mu, at section under study should be obtained following the
requirements of 7.9.2.

7.9.5.2 Initial trial vertical reinforcement

It should be permitted to establish initial trial area of vertical reinforcement, Ast, employing the minimum vertical
reinforcement ratio of 7.3.9.5.1.

7.9.5.3 Required factored moment strength verification

Interaction diagrams for the structural concrete wall dimensions and reinforcement should be calculated in both
directions using the guides of 7.3.12.2 to 7.3.12.5. The total vertical reinforcement area, Ast, should be divided into
total extreme steel area, Ase, and total side steel area, Ass, for the direction under study, as guide by 7.3.12.4.1.
The design moment in both directions should be verified employing the guides of 7.3.12.6. If the required factored
moment, Mu, at required factored axial load, Pu, exceeds the design moment strength at axial load level, Pu, the
area of vertical reinforcement should be increased, without exceeding the maximum reinforcement area permitted
by 7.3.9.5.2. If an increase of the structural concrete wall dimensions is required because these limits are
exceeded, the wall selfweight should be corrected, and the wall should be verified for the new dimensions. These
verifications should be performed at the upper and lower sections of the same story.

7.9.6 Shear guides

7.9.6.1 Factored shear

The factored in-plane shear, Vu, should be determined from the vertical loads, and from the horizontal loads, as
guide by 7.9.2.4.

7.9.6.2 Shear strength verification

The wall shear strength should be verified as follows:

a) The out-of-plane wall shear strength should be verified in accordance with the provisions for solid
slabs in 7.3.13.4. If the factored shear, Vu, exceeds (φ·⋅ Vc) as given by Eq. (52) employing the wall
horizontal length lw instead of bw, the wall thickness should be increased correcting the wall
selfweight.

b) The in-plane shear strength should be verified employing the guides of 7.3.13.6. The contribution of
concrete to shear strength should be evaluated using 7.3.13.6.2. The contribution of the horizontal
reinforcement of the structural concrete wall should be evaluated using 7.3.13.6.3. If the factored
shear, Vu, exceeds (φ ⋅· Vn) as given by Eq. (59), the amount of horizontal reinforcement should be
increased complying with 7.3.13.6.4, where the required horizontal reinforcement ratio, ρh, should be
obtained using Eq. (62). If the factored shear, Vu, exceeds (φ ⋅· Vn) as given by Eq. (63), the wall
thickness should be increased correcting the wall selfweight.

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7.9.7 Calculation of the reactions at the foundation

7.9.7.1 Load reaction

The vertical load reaction, Ru, at the foundation should be equal to the value of Pu at the lower end of the structural
concrete wall that is supported directly by the foundation.

7.9.7.2 Moment reaction

The unbalanced moment reaction ∆Mu in each principal direction at the foundation should be equal to the value of
Mu in that direction at the lower end of the structural concrete wall that is supported directly by the foundation. This
unbalanced moments should be distributed to the foundation elements as prescribed in 7.10.

7.10 Foundations

7.10.1 Dimensioning of the foundation elements

The foundation elements should be dimensioned to be able to support factored loads and induced reactions,
according to the appropriate design guides. The forces on the foundation elements should be transferred to the soil
on which they are supported but not exceeding the allowable stresses on soil.

For footings on piles, estimate of moments and shears may be based on the assumption that any pile’s reaction is
applied on its center.

The foundation elements base support area or the number and distribution of the piles should be stated from the
stresses and external moments without majoring and the allowable stress on soil or allowable capacity of the piles,
determined through the soil mechanics guidelines.

Due to seismic reasons, and in order to avoid differential settlements, the foundation elements must be connected
between them.

7.10.2 Footings

7.10.2.1 Footings supporting circular or regular polygon-shaped columns or pedestals

At the location of critical sections of moment, shear, and development of footing reinforcement circular or regular
polygon-shaped columns or pedestals concrete, may be treated as square elements with the same area.

7.10.2.2 Moment in footings

External moment at any section of a footing should be determined by passing a vertical plane through the footing
and estimating the stresses acting on the whole of the footing area on a side of that vertical plane.

The maximum factored moment for an isolated footing should be estimated based on 7.10.2.2 at the following
critical sections:

a) In the column, pedestal or wall face, for footings that support columns, pedestals or concrete walls.

b) In the middle of the distance between the wall center and the wall edge, for footings that support a
masonry wall.

In one way footings and in rectangular (or square) two way footings and geometrically similar to the columns that
serve as foundations, reinforcement should be distributed uniformly across its width.

7.10.2.3 Shear in footings

Shear strength in slabs and footings in the vicinity of the concentrated loads and reactions is ruled by the most
severe of the two following conditions:

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a) Action as beam for slab or footing, with a critical section that is extended over a plane through the
total width and is located at a d distance from the face of the concentrated load or reaction area. For
this condition, slab or footing should be designed as guide in 7.3.13.4.

b) Action in two directions (punching shear) for slab or footing, with a critical section perpendicular to
the slab plane and located as to its perimeter, bo, will be minimum, but not nearest to less than d/2
of the column sides and corners, concentrated loads or supports, or changes in thickness of the
slab, such capitals or drop panels edges. Design for this condition should be performed according to
the 7.3.13.5.

Shear in any section through a footing supported on piles should be performed according to the following
indications:

a) The whole of the reaction of any pile, whose center is located dp/2 or more out the section, should
be deemed as producing shear in this section.

b) Reaction of any pile, whose center is located dp/2 or more in the section, should be deemed as not
producing shear in this section.

c) For middle positions from the pile center, the pile reaction portion that is assumed to produce cutting
in the section should be based on a lineal interpolation between the total value in dp/2 out the
section and the zero value in dp/2 inside the section.

7.10.2.4 Development of reinforcement in footings

The estimate of the reinforcement development in footings should be according to 7.3.8.

Tension or compression reinforcement in each section should be developed on each side of that section by the
appropriate length of anchoring, external anchoring, hooks or by combining all of these.

Critical sections for the reinforcement development should be assumed on the same locations defined on 7.10.2.2
for the maximum factored moment and all the other vertical planes where section or reinforcement changes occur.

7.10.2.5 Minimum footing depth

Footing thickness over the lower reinforcement should not be less than 150 mm for footings on the soil, nor less
than 300 mm for footings on piles.

7.10.2.6 Transfer of forces at base of column, wall or reinforced pedestal

All the moments and forces applied to the column, wall or pedestal base should be transferred to the footing by
bearing on concrete and by reinforcement. If conditions of the required loads include lifting forces, total tensional
stress should be withstood by the reinforcement.

Contact forces on surface between the supporting item and the supported one should not exceed concrete bearing
strength in any of the two surfaces, given in 7.3.14

7.10.2.7 Sloped or stepped footings

In sloped or stepped footings, angle of slope or depth and location of steps should be such that the design guides
are satisfied at every section.

Sloped or stepped footings that are designed as a whole unit should be constructed in order to ensure its action as
such.

7.10.3 Foundation mats

Footings supporting more than one column, pedestal or wall should be proportioned to resist the factored loads and
induced reactions, in accordance with the appropriate design guides stated on these guidelines.
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Soil stresses distribution under combined footings and foundation slabs should be accordingly to the soil properties
and the structure and to the soil mechanics guidelines.

7.10.4 Footings on piles

7.10.4.1 General

Guides introduced in this subclause correspond to the minimum structural guides, without having into account the
digging impact effects, earth pressure and seismic effects.

7.10.4.2 Anchorage of reinforcement

The piles longitudinal reinforcement should be anchored on the footing, at least, at a distance equal to the length of
development under tension.

7.10.4.3 Maximum axial stresses

Allowable maximum axial compression stresses resulting from gravitational loads are:

D + L = 0,20 f c' ⋅ Ag

1,4 D + 1,7 L = 0,3 f c' ⋅ Ag

7.10.4.4 Reinforcement minimum ratios and lengths

Unless a major stress is required, the following minimum reinforcement ratios and lengths should be used:

Minimum strength of concrete 17,5 MPa

Minimum longitudinal reinforcement ratio 0,05

Minimum number of longitudinal bars 4

Minimum longitudinal reinforcement length Upper half of the pile, but not less than 6,0 m

Stirrup bar diameter 10 mm

Maximum stirrups separation 75 mm within the upper 120 mm of the pile, and 16 diameters
of longitudinal bar along the reinforced area.

7.10.5 Foundation beams

7.10.5.1 Dimensional guides

Grade beams dimensions should be established according to the stresses that affect them. However, it may be
used as a minimum section whose highest dimension should be higher or equal to the span divided by 20.

7.10.5.2 Longitudinal reinforcement

Grade beams that connect foundations on piles or footings should have a continuous longitudinal reinforcement
developing their yield stress, fy, in their anchorage at the external column of the end span.

7.10.5.3 Transverse reinforcement

Closed stirrups should be placed along all the length with a maximum separation equal to the half of the lowest
dimension of the section or 300 mm.

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Annex A

Equivalent equations for material factors

In the limit state design procedure, structural safety is achieved, in part, by the use of factors to magnify the loads
and, simultaneously, factors to reduce the materials strength. In many countries, the set of reducing factors
depends on the type of stress being considered in the design, regardless of the material used to build the structural
element, while in others, these factors vary according to the type of material used. The latter are known as the
material factors, while the former are known as the φ factors and are used in the body of these guidelines.

This appendix includes the equivalent equations needed when material factors are to be used in place of the φ
factors. In such a case, ultimate resistant force is not obtained by reducing a nominal force with a factor, but rather
the ultimate resistant force is obtained by reducing the specified yield strength for steel or reducing the specificed
compressive strength for concrete, or both, by means of dividing these values by the corresponding material
factors. Thus, the reduced strength values are:

fy
f yd = (A-1)
γ ms

fc′
fcd = (A-2)
γ mc

The material factor, γmc, vary according to the material used as follows:

MATERIAL γmc γms

Cast in place concrete [1.5] [1.15]

Standard control not available [1.7] [1.25]

The resistant force is then identified by the subindex r, and no reference to nominal forces is needed.

Each equation in terms of φ factors is tabulated together with its corresponding equation in terms of material factor.
Although the results using either equation, in each case, are different, the material factor equations always result in
safe values, as compared to the φ factors equations.

Equation In terms of φ factors In terms of material factors

f cd f yd
(2) φ ⋅ Rn ≥ γ 1 ⋅ S1 + γ 2 ⋅ S 2 + R =f , ≥ γ 1 ⋅ S1 + γ 2 ⋅ S 2 +
γ mc γ ms
fcd fyd
(4) φ · (Nominal Strength) ≥ U R=f , ≥U
γ mc γ ms
a a
(24) φ ⋅ Mn = φ ⋅ A s ⋅ f y d − M r = As ⋅ f yd d −
2 2
A s ⋅ fy As ⋅ f yd
(25) a= a=
0,85 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b 0,85 ⋅ f cd ⋅ b
A s ⋅ fy As ⋅ f yd
(26) φ ⋅ Mn = φ ⋅ A s ⋅ f y ⋅ d ⋅ 1 − 0,59 ⋅ M r = As ⋅ f yd ⋅ d 1 − 0,59 ⋅
b ⋅ d ⋅ fc′ b ⋅ d ⋅ f cd
(27) φ ⋅ M n ≈ φ ⋅ As ⋅ f y ⋅ 0.85 ⋅ d M r ≈ As ⋅ f yd ⋅ 0.85 ⋅ d

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Equation In terms of φ factors In terms of material factors

As Mu 2⋅α As Mu 2 ⋅α
ρ= = α − α2 − ⋅ ρ= =α − α2 − ⋅
b⋅d φ⋅b⋅d 2 fy b⋅d b ⋅ d 2 f yd
(28) where where
fc′ f cd
α= α=
1,18 ⋅ f y 1,18 ⋅ f yd
As Mu As Mu
(29) ρ= ≈ ρ= ≈
b ⋅ d φ ⋅ b ⋅ d ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ f y
2
b ⋅ d b ⋅ d 2 ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ f yd

a a
(30) φ ⋅ Mn = φ ⋅ (A s − A ′s ) ⋅ f y d − + A ′s ⋅ f y ⋅ (d − d′) M r = (As − As′ ) ⋅ f yd d − + As′ ⋅ f yd ⋅ (d − d ′)
2 2
(A s − A ′s ) ⋅ f y (A s
− As′ ) ⋅ f yd
(31) a= a=
0,85 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ b 0,85 ⋅ f cd ⋅ b

(32) A ′s =
Mu
φ ⋅ f y ⋅ (d − d′)
[
− b ⋅ d 2 ⋅ ρ max ⋅ f y ⋅ 0,8 ] As′ =
f yd
Mu
⋅ (d − d ′)
− [b ⋅ d 2 ⋅ ρ max ⋅ f yd ⋅ 0,8]

A s ⋅ fy As ⋅ f yd
(34) hf ≥ a and a= hf ≥ a and a=
0,85 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b 0,85 ⋅ f cd ⋅ b
0,85 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ h f 0,85 ⋅ f cd ⋅ h f
(35) ρ≤ ρ≤
fy ⋅ d f yd ⋅ d
(36) [ ( )
φ ⋅ P0n = φ ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ A g − A st + A st ⋅ f y ] Pr 0 = 0,85 ⋅ f cd ⋅ (Ag − Ast ) + Ast ⋅ f yd
(37) φ ⋅ Pn(max) ≤ 0,80 ⋅ φ ⋅ P0n Pr (max) ≤ 0,80 ⋅ Pr 0
(38) φ ⋅ Pn(max) ≤ 0,85 ⋅ φ ⋅ P0n Pr (max) ≤ 0,85 ⋅ Pr 0
(39) φ ⋅ Pbn = φ ⋅ 0,42 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ h ⋅ b Pbr = 0,44 ⋅ fcd ⋅ h ⋅ b
φ ⋅ M bn = φ ⋅ Pbn ⋅ 0,32 ⋅ h + M br = Pbn ⋅ 0,32 ⋅ h +
(40) h h
φ ⋅ [0,6 ⋅ Ase + 0,15 ⋅ Ass ] ⋅ f y ⋅ − d′ [0,6 ⋅ Ase + 0,15 ⋅ Ass ] ⋅ f yd ⋅ − d′
2 2
(41) φ ⋅ Pbn = φ ⋅ 0,5 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A c Pbr = 0,52 ⋅ fcd ⋅ Ac
h h
(42) φ ⋅ Mbn = φ ⋅ Pbn ⋅ 0,2 ⋅ h + φ ⋅ 0,6 ⋅ A st ⋅ f y ⋅ − d′ M br = Pbr ⋅ 0,2 ⋅ h + 0,48 ⋅ Ast ⋅ f yd ⋅ − d′
2 2
(43) φ ⋅ Ptn = φ ⋅ A st ⋅ f y Ptr = Ast ⋅ f yd
(44) φ ⋅ Mn ≥ Mu Mr ≥ Mu
(45) Pu ≤ φ ⋅ Pn(max) Pu ≤ Pr (max)
(46) Pu ≥ − (φ ⋅ Ptn ) Pu ≥ − (Ptr )

Mu ≤ φ ⋅ Mn =
(φ ⋅ P0n ) − Pu ⋅ (φ ⋅ M )
Mu ≤ M n =
(Pr 0 ) − Pu ⋅ (M )
(47)
(φ ⋅ P0n ) − (φ ⋅ Pbn ) bn
(Pr 0 ) − (Pbr ) br
Pu + (φ ⋅ Ptn ) P + (Ptr )
(48) Mu ≤ φ ⋅ Mn = ⋅ (φ ⋅ Mbn ) Mu ≤ Mn = u ⋅ (M )
(φ ⋅ Pbn ) + (φ ⋅ Ptn ) (Pbr ) + (Ptr ) br
(Mu )x (Mu )y (M u )x (M u )y
(49) + ≤ 1,0 + ≤ 1,0
(φ ⋅ Mn )x (φ ⋅ Mn )y (M r )x (M r )y
(50) φ ⋅ Vn ≥ Vu Vr ≥ Vu

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Equation In terms of φ factors In terms of material factors

(51) φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ (Vc + Vs ) Vr = Vc + Vs
fc′ Vc = 0.60 fctd bw d
(52) φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅
6
⋅ bw ⋅ d
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
A v ⋅ f ys ⋅ d Av × f ys × d
(53) φ ⋅ Vs = φ ⋅
s
Vs =
1.15 ⋅ s
2
(54) φ ⋅ Vs ≤ φ ⋅ ⋅ f c′ ⋅ b w ⋅ d = 4 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc Vs ≤ 0.20 fcd bw d
3
fctd
Av = 0.30 bw s
1 b ⋅ s bw ⋅ s f yds
Av = fc′ w ≥
(55)
16 f ys 3 ⋅ f ys where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
(
f ctd = 0.35 f ck / γ mc)
Table 6

Vc > Vu
Vc 1 b ⋅s fctd
≥ Av = fc′ w Av = 0.30 bw s
2 16 f ys f yds
(φVc ) > Vu ≥
bw ⋅ s (
where f ctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
3 ⋅ f ys
(φVc )
≥
2

(Vu − φ ⋅ Vc ) ⋅ s 1.15(Vu − Vc ) ⋅ s
2 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc > φ ⋅ Vs Av = 2 ⋅ Vc > Vs Av =
Table 6 φ ⋅ f ys ⋅ d φ ⋅ f ysd ⋅ d
Vu ≥ Vc
4 ⋅ φ ⋅Vc > φ ⋅Vs (Vu − φ ⋅ Vc ) ⋅ s 4 ⋅ Vc > Vs 1.15(Vu − Vc ) ⋅ s
Av = Av =
[Vu ≥ (φVc )] ≥ 2 ⋅ φ ⋅Vc φ ⋅ f ys ⋅ d ≥ 2 ⋅ Vc φ ⋅ f ysd ⋅ d

φ ⋅ Vs ≥ 4 ⋅ φ ⋅ Vc not permitted Vs ≥ 4 ⋅Vc not permitted

2
Vr = 0.60 1 + f ctd bo d
2 f c′ βc
(56) φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ 1 + ⋅ ⋅ b0 ⋅ d
βc 6
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
αs d
Vr = 0.3 2 + f ctd bo d
α ⋅d f c′ bo
(57) φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ 2 + s ⋅ ⋅ b0 ⋅ d
b0 12
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )

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Equation In terms of φ factors In terms of material factors

fc′
Vr = 1.20 f ctd bo d
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ ⋅ b0 ⋅ d
(58)
3 where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
(59) φ Vn = φ (Vc + Vs ) Vr = Vc + V s
Vr = 0.6fctd bw I w

(60) φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅
6
fc′
⋅ bw ⋅ lw where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )

(61) [
φ ⋅ Vs = φ ⋅ ρ h ⋅ f y ⋅ b w ⋅ l w ] Vs = ρ h f yd bw w

Vu − φ ⋅ Vc Vu − Vc
(62) ρh ≥ ρh ≥
φ ⋅ fy ⋅ b w ⋅ lw f yd bw w

Vr = (Vc − Vs ) ≤ 3.0 f ctd bw w

5
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ (Vc + Vs ) ≤ φ ⋅
(63)
6
⋅ f c′ ⋅ b w ⋅ l w
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
h2 b
Tu ≤ 0.15 f ctd
f c′ h2 ⋅ b2 h+b
(64) Tu ≤ φ ⋅ ⋅
24 h+b
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
(65) φ ⋅ Pn = φ ⋅ 0,85 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A c Pr = 0.9 f cd Ac
qu α a
d ≥ 0. 8 a
3 ⋅ qu ⋅ α a ⋅ l a f ctd
(88) d≥
φ ⋅ f c′
where f ctd (
= 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
qu α b
d ≥ 0.8 b

3 ⋅ qu ⋅ α b ⋅ lb f ctd
(89) d≥
φ ⋅ fc′
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
qu l a
d ≥ 0.4
3 ⋅ qu ⋅ l a f ctd
(90) d≥
2 ⋅ φ ⋅ f c′
where (
f ctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
(0.90 f ctd bw d )
fc′
7.6.4.5.4.a φ⋅
4
⋅ bw ⋅ d
where (
f ctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
hb hb
1− Vu 1− Vu
hf
(110) hs Ai ≥
Ai ≥ f yd
φ ⋅ fy

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Equation In terms of φ factors In terms of material factors

2 2
(Vu )x 2
(Vu )y 2
Vux Vuy
(136) + ≤ 1,0 + ≤ 1.0
(φ ⋅ Vn )x (φ ⋅ Vn )y Vrx Vry

Vu
Vu Σ( w bw ) ≥
(l w ⋅ b w ) ≥ 0.48fctd
(137) 1
⋅ f c′
9 where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )
Ab ⋅ f ys Ab f yds
(142) s≤ ≤ 100 mm s≤ ≤ 100 mm
fc′ ⋅ 15 mm fcd × 20 mm

A b ⋅ π ⋅ dc f′ Ab π d c f
(143) ρs = ≥ 0,12 ⋅ c ρs = ≥ 0.16 cd
Ac ⋅ s f ys Ac s f yds

7.8.5.4.4

all four faces φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ 1,70 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ A j Vr = 6.35 f ctd A j

three or
opposite φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ 1,25 ⋅ fc′ ⋅ A j Vr = 4.65 f ctd A j
faces
φ ⋅ Vn = φ ⋅ 1,00 ⋅ f c′ ⋅ A j Vr = 3.72 f ctd A j
other joints
where (
fctd = 0.35 fc′ / γ mc )

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