Design for Torsion (Beams: BS 8110) Page 1 of 3

Design for Torsion (Beams: BS 8110)

The torsional shear stress of rectangular sections is given by;A

vt = 2*T / {h2min*(hmax – (hmin/3))}

A
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.4.1

In Tekla Structural Designer, for flanged sections the un­flanged rectangular cross section
is considered when checking torsion.

Maximum torsional shear stress (vt) is given by;AA

For sections where y1 < 550 mm

vtu = MIN[0.8*(fcu0.5), 5 N/mm2] * y1/550

IF

vt ≤ vtu

THEN the torsion design process can proceed.

ELSE the torsion design process FAILS since the section size is inadequate for torsion.

Maximum combined shear stress (shear plus torsion – v + vt) is given by

For sections where y1 ≥ 550 mm

vtu = MIN[0.8*(fcu0.5) , 5 N/mm2]

IF

v + vt ≤ vtu

THEN the torsion design process can proceed.

ELSE the torsion design process FAILS since the section size is inadequate for torsion.

where

vtu = maximum combined shear stress (shear plus torsion)

y1 = larger centre­to­centre dimension of rectangular link

v = design shear stress at a cross section

Minimum torsional shear stress of a section is given by;BB

vt, min = MIN[0.067*(fcu0.5), 0.4 N/mm2]

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Design for Torsion (Beams: BS 8110) Page 2 of 3

IF

vt < vt, min

THEN torsion reinforcement is not required.

A
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.5
B
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.6

Based upon shear and torsional shear stress, reinforcement for Shear and Torsion is calculated as below;C

IF

v ≤ (vc + 0.4) and vt < vt, min

THEN minimum shear reinforcement is provided and no torsion reinforcement.

IF

v ≤ (vc + 0.4) and vt > vt, min

THEN designed torsion reinforcement is provided not less than minimum shear reinforcement

IF

v > (vc + 0.4) and vt < vt, min

THEN designed shear reinforcement is provided and no torsion reinforcement.

IF

v > (vc + 0.4) and vt > vt, min

THEN designed shear reinforcement and designed torsion reinforcement is provided.

Torsion reinforcement is provided in terms of 2 legged closed stirrups and longitudinal reinforcement.

Area of 2 legged closed links is given by;D

Asv > T* sv / 0.8*x1*y1 (0.87*fyv)

Spacing of 2 legged closed links is given by

sv = MIN[x1, 0.5*y1 , 200 mm)E

Area of longitudinal torsion reinforcement is given by;F

As > Asv* fyv (x1 + y1) / (sv*fy)

• This reinforcement is in addition to that required for shear or bending.

The code states that ‘Longitudinal torsion reinforcement should be distributed evenly round the
inside perimeter of the links. The clear distance between these bars should not exceed 300mm and at
least four bars, one in each corner of the link, should be used. Additional longitudinal reinforcement

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Design for Torsion (Beams: BS 8110) Page 3 of 3

required at the level of tension or compression reinforcement may be provided by using larger bars than
those required for bending alone.’

C
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.6 Table 2.4
D
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.7
E
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.8
F
BS 8110­2:1985 2.4.7

Parent topic
• Beam Design to BS 8110

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