Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/Generals Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/Generals

21.1.1.7 — Structural systems designated as part of the seismic-

force-resisting system shall be restricted to those designated by
the legally adopted general building code of which this Code
forms a part, or determined by other authority having jurisdiction
in areas without a legally adopted building code. Except for SDC
A, for which Chapter 21 does not apply, the following provisions
shall be satisfied for each structural system designated as part of
the seismic-force resisting system, regardless of the SDC:

(a) Ordinary moment frames shall satisfy 21.2.

(b) Ordinary reinforced concrete structural walls need not satisfy
any provisions in Chapter 21.
(c) Intermediate moment frames shall satisfy 21.3.
(d) Intermediate precast walls shall satisfy 21.4.
(e) Special moment frames shall satisfy 21.5 through 21.8.
(f) Special structural walls shall satisfy 21.9.

Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/SMRF & Walls Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/SMRF & Walls

21.1.4 — Concrete in special moment frames and special
structural walls
21.1.4.1 — Requirements of 21.1.4 apply to special moment
frames and special structural walls and coupling beams.
21.1.4.2 — Specified compressive strength of concrete, fc′ , shall
be not less than 3000 psi.
21.1.4.3 — Specified compressive strength of lightweight
concrete, fc′ , shall not exceed 5000 psi unless demonstrated by
experimental evidence that structural members made with that
lightweight concrete provide strength and toughness equal to or
exceeding those of comparable members made with normal
weight concrete of the same strength. Modification factor λ for
lightweight concrete in this Chapter shall be in accordance
with 8.6.1 unless specifically noted otherwise.
R21.1.4 — Concrete in special moment frames and
special structural walls
Requirements of this section refer to concrete quality in
frames and walls that resist earthquake-induced forces.
The maximum specified compressive strength of
lightweight concrete to be used in structural design
calculations is limited to 5000 psi, primarily because of
paucity of experimental and field data on the behavior of
members made with lightweight concrete subjected to
displacement reversals in the nonlinear range. If
convincing evidence is developed for a specific
application, the limit on maximum specified compressive
strength of lightweight concrete may be increased to a
level justified by the evidence.
 Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/ SMRF & Walls
21.1.5 — Reinforcement in special moment frames and
special structural walls
21.1.5.1 — Requirements of 21.1.5 apply to special moment
frames and special structural walls and coupling beams.
21.1.5.2 — Deformed reinforcement resisting earthquake -
induced flexural and axial forces in frame members, structural
walls, and coupling beams, shall comply with ASTM A706.
ASTM A615 Grades 40 and 60 reinforcements shall be
permitted in these members if:
(a) The actual yield strength based on mill tests does not exceed
fy by more than 18,000 psi; and
(b) The ratio of the actual tensile strength to the actual yield
strength is not less than 1.25.
21.1.5.3 — Prestressing steel resisting earthquake induced
flexural and axial loads in frame members and in precast
structural walls shall comply with ASTM A416 or A722.
21.1.5.4 — The value of fyt used to compute the amount of
confinement reinforcement shall not exceed 100,000 psi.
21.1.5.5 — The value of fy or fyt used in design
Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ SMRF & Walls
R21.1.5 — Reinforcement in special moment frames
and special structural walls
Use of longitudinal reinforcement with strength
substantially higher than that assumed in design will lead
to higher shear and bond stresses at the time of
development of yield moments. These conditions may
lead to brittle failures in shear or bond and should be
avoided even if such failures may occur at higher loads
than those anticipated in design. Therefore, a ceiling is
placed on the actual yield strength of the steel [see
21.1.5.2(a)].
The requirement for a tensile strength larger than the yield
strength of the reinforcement [21.1.5.2(b)] is based on the
assumption that the capability of a structural member to
develop inelastic rotation capacity is a function of the
length of the yield region along the axis of the member. In
interpreting experimental results, the length of the yield
region has been related to the relative magnitudes of
nominal and yield moments.21.8 According to this
interpretation, the larger the ratio of nominal to yield
moment, the longer the yield region.
Chapter 21 requires that the ratio of actual tensile strength
to actual yield strength is not less than 1.25. Members with
reinforcement not satisfying this condition can also
develop inelastic rotation, but their behavior is sufficiently
different to exclude them from direct consideration on the
basis of rules derived from experience with members
reinforced with strain-hardening steel.
The restrictions on the values of fy and fyt apply to all
types of transverse reinforcement, including spirals,
circular hoops, rectilinear hoops, and crossties. The
restrictions on the values of fy and fyt in 11.4.2 for
computing nominal shear strength are intended to limit the
width of shear cracks. Research results21.9-21.11 indicate
that higher yield strengths can be used effectively as
confinement reinforcement as specified in 21.6.4.4.
 Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/ SMRF & Walls
21.1.7 — Welded splices in special moment frames and
special structural walls
21.1.7.1 — Welded splices in reinforcement resisting
earthquake-induced forces shall conform to 12.14.3.4 and shall
not be used within a distance equal to twice the member depth
from the column or beam face for special moment frames or
from sections where yielding of the reinforcement is likely to
occur as a result of inelastic lateral displacements.
21.1.7.2 — Welding of stirrups, ties, inserts, or other similar
elements to longitudinal reinforcement that is required by design
shall not be permitted.
21.1.8 — Anchoring to concrete
Anchors resisting earthquake-induced forces in structures
assigned to SDC C, D, E, or F shall conform to the requirements
of D.3.3.
Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/ OMRF
21.2 — Ordinary moment frames
21.2.1 — Scope
Requirements of 21.2 apply to ordinary moment frames forming
part of the seismic-force-resisting system.
21.2.2 — Beams shall have at least two of the longitudinal bars
continuous along both the top and bottom faces. These bars shall
be developed at the face of support.
21.2.3 — Columns having clear height less than or equal to five
times the dimension c1 shall be designed for shear in accordance
with 21.3.3.
Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF
21.3 — Intermediate moment frames
21.3.1 — Scope
Requirements of 21.3 apply to intermediate moment frames
forming part of the seismic-force-resisting system.
21.3.2 — Reinforcement details in a frame member shall satisfy
21.3.4 if the factored axial compressive load, Pu, for the member
does not exceed Agfc′ /10. If Pu is larger, frame reinforcement
details shall satisfy 21.3.5. Where a two-way slab system
without beams forms a part of the seismic-force-resisting
system, reinforcement details in any span resisting moments
caused by E shall satisfy 21.3.6.
21.3.3 — φVn of beams and columns resisting earthquake effect,
E, shall not be less than the smaller of (a) and (b):
(a) The sum of the shear associated with development of nominal
moment strengths of the member at each restrained end of the
clear span and the shear calculated for factored gravity loads;
(b) The maximum shear obtained from design load combinations
that include E, with E assumed to be twice that prescribed by the
legally adopted general building code for earthquake-resistant
design.
Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ SMRF & Walls
R21.1.7 — Welded splices in special moment frames
and special structural walls
R21.1.7.1 — Welding of reinforcement should be
according to AWS D1.4 as required in Chapter 3. The
locations of welded splices are restricted because
reinforcement tension stresses in yielding regions can
exceed the strength requirements of 12.14.3.4.
R21.1.7.2 — Welding of crossing reinforcing bars can
lead to local embrittlement of the steel. If welding of
crossing bars is used to facilitate fabrication or placement
of reinforcement, it should be done only on bars added for
such purposes. The prohibition of welding crossing
reinforcing bars does not apply to bars that are welded
with welding operations under continuous, competent
control as in the manufacture of welded wire
reinforcement.
Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ OMRF
R21.2 — Ordinary moment frames
These provisions were introduced in the 2008 Code and
apply only to ordinary moment frames assigned to SDC
B. The provisions for beam reinforcement are intended to
improve continuity in the framing members as compared
with the provisions of Chapters 1 through 18 and thereby
improve lateral force resistance and structural integrity;
these provisions do not apply to slab-column moment
frames. The provisions for columns are intended to
provide additional toughness to resist shear for columns
with proportions that would otherwise make them more
susceptible to shear failure under earthquake loading.
Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF
R21.3 — Intermediate moment frames
The objective of the requirements in 21.3.3 is to reduce
the risk of failure in shear in beams and columns during
an earthquake. Two options are provided to determine the
factored shear force. According to option (a) of 21.3.3, the
factored shear force is determined from the nominal
moment strength of the member and the gravity load on it.
Examples for a beam and a column are illustrated in Fig.
R21.3.3.
 Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF

21.3.4 — Beams
21.3.4.1 — The positive moment strength at the face of the joint
shall be not less than one-third the negative moment strength
provided at that face of the joint. Neither the negative nor the
positive moment strength at any section along the length of the
beam shall be less than one-fifth the maximum moment strength
provided at the face of either joint.

21.3.4.2 — At both ends of the beam, hoops shall be provided

over lengths not less than 2h measured from the face of the
supporting member toward mid-span. The first hoop shall be
located not more than 2 in. from the face of the supporting
member. Spacing of hoops shall not exceed the smallest of (a),
(b), (c), and (d):

(a) d/4;
(b) Eight times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar
enclosed;
(c) 24 times the diameter of the hoop bar;
(d) 12 in.
21.3.4.3 — Stirrups shall be spaced not more than d/2 throughout
the length of the beam.

21.3.5 — Columns
21.3.5.1 — Columns shall be spirally reinforced in accordance
with 7.10.4 or shall conform with 21.3.5.2 through 21.3.5.4.
Section 21.3.5.5 shall apply to all columns, and 21.3.5.6 shall
apply to all columns supporting discontinuous stiff members.

21.3.5.2 — At both ends of the column, hoops shall be provided

at spacing so over a length lo measured from the joint face.
Spacing so shall not exceed the smallest of (a), (b), (c), and (d):

(a) Eight times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar
enclosed;
(b) 24 times the diameter of the hoop bar;
(c) One-half of the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the
column;
(d) 12 in. Length lo shall not be less than the largest of (e), (f),
and (g):
(e) One-sixth of the clear span of the column;
(f) Maximum cross-sectional dimension of the column;
(g) 18 in.
21.3.5.3 — The first hoop shall be located not more than so /2
from the joint face.
21.3.5.4 — Outside the length lo, spacing of transverse
reinforcement shall conform to 7.10 and 11.4.5.1.
21.3.5.5 — Joint transverse reinforcement shall conform to
11.10.
21.3.5.6 — Columns supporting reactions from discontinuous
stiff members, such as walls, shall be provided with transverse
reinforcement at the spacing, so , as defined in 21.3.5.2 over the
full height beneath the level at which the discontinuity occurs if
the portion of factored axial compressive force in these members
related to earthquake effects exceeds Agfc′ /10. Where design
forces have been magnified to account for the overstrength of the
vertical elements of the seismic force- resisting system, the limit
of Agfc′ /10 shall be increased to Agfc′ /4. This transverse
reinforcement shall extend above and below the columns as
required in 21.6.4.6(b).
Fig. R21.3.3—Design shears for intermediate moment
frames.
To determine the maximum beam shear, it is assumed that
its nominal moment strengths (φ = 1.0) are developed
simultaneously at both ends of its clear span. As indicated
in Fig. R21.3.3, the shear associated with this condition
[(Mnl + Mnr)/ln] is added algebraically to the shear due
to the factored gravity loads to obtain the design shear for
the beam. For this example, both the dead load wD and the
live load wL have been assumed to be uniformly
distributed. Determination of the design shear for a
column is also illustrated for a particular example in Fig.
R21.3.3. The factored axial force, Pu, should be chosen to
develop the largest moment strength of the column. In all
applications of option (a) of 21.3.3, shears are required to
be calculated for moments, acting both clockwise and
counterclockwise. Figure R21.3.3 demonstrates only one
of the two conditions that are to be considered for every
member. Option (b) bases Vu on the load combination
including the earthquake effect, E, which should be
doubled. For example, the load combination defined by
Eq. (9-5) would be
U = 1.2D + 2.0E + 1.0L + 0.2S
where E is the value specified by the governing code.
 Code Articles/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF
21.3.6 — Two-way slabs without beams
21.3.6.1 — Factored slab moment at support including
earthquake effects, E, shall be determined for load combinations
given in Eq. (9-5) and (9-7). Reinforcement provided to resist
Mslab shall be placed within the column strip defined in 13.2.1.
21.3.6.2 — Reinforcement placed within the effective width
specified in 13.5.3.2 shall be proportioned to resist (γf Mslab).
Effective slab width for exterior and corner connections shall not
extend beyond the column face a distance greater than ct
measured perpendicular to the slab span.
21.3.6.3 — Not less than one-half of the reinforcement in the
column strip at support shall be placed within the effective slab
width given in 13.5.3.2.
21.3.6.4 — Not less than one-quarter of the top reinforcement at
the support in the column strip shall be continuous throughout
the span.
21.3.6.5 — Continuous bottom reinforcement in the column
strip shall be not less than one-third of the top reinforcement at
the support in the column strip.
21.3.6.6 — Not less than one-half of all bottom middle strip
reinforcement and all bottom column strip reinforcement at mid-
span shall be continuous and shall develop fy at face of support
as defined in 13.6.2.5.
21.3.6.7 — At discontinuous edges of the slab, all top and
bottom reinforcement at support shall be developed at the face
of support as defined in 13.6.2.5.
21.3.6.8 — At the critical sections for columns defined in
11.11.1.2, two-way shear caused by factored gravity loads shall
not exceed 0.4φVc, where Vc shall be calculated as defined in
11.11.2.1 for non-prestressed slabs and in 11.11.2.2 for
prestressed slabs. It shall be permitted to waive this requirement
if the slab design satisfies requirements of 21.13.6.
Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF
Section 21.3.4 contains requirements for providing beams
with a threshold level of toughness. Transverse
reinforcement at the ends of the beam is required to be
hoops. In most cases, stirrups required by 21.3.3 for
design shear force will be more than those required by
21.3.4. Requirements of 21.3.5 serve the same purpose for
columns. Discontinuous structural walls and other stiff
members can impose large axial forces on supporting
columns during earthquakes. The required transverse
reinforcement in 21.3.5.6 is to improve column toughness
under anticipated demands. The factored axial
compressive force related to earthquake effect should
include the factor Ωo if required by the legally adopted
general building code of which this Code forms a part.
Section 21.3.6 applies to two-way slabs without beams,
such as flat plates. Using load combinations of Eq. (9-5)
and (9-7) may result in moments requiring top and bottom
reinforcement at the supports. The moment Mslab refers,
for a given design load combination with E acting in one
horizontal direction, to that portion of the factored slab
moment that is balanced by the supporting members at a
joint. It is not necessarily equal to the total design moment
at support for a load combination including earthquake
effect. In accordance with 13.5.3.2, only a fraction of the
moment Mslab is assigned to the slab effective width. For
edge and corner connections, flexural reinforcement
perpendicular to the edge is not considered fully effective
unless it is placed within the effective slab
width.21.12,21.13 See Fig. 21.3.6.1. Application of the
provisions of 21.3.6 is illustrated in Fig. R21.3.6.2 and
R21.3.6.3.
 Code Commentaries/ ACI 318 – 08/ IMRF

Fig. R21.3.6.1—Effective width for reinforcement placement in edge and

corner connections.

Fig. R21.3.6.2—Location of reinforcement in slabs.

Fig. R21.3.6.3—Arrangement of reinforcement in slabs.

R21.3.6.8 — The requirements apply to two-way slabs that are

designated part of the seismic-force-resisting system. Slab-column
connections in laboratory tests 21.13 exhibited reduced lateral
displacement ductility when the shear at the column connection
exceeded the recommended limit. Slab-column connections also must
satisfy shear and moment strength requirements of Chapters 11 and 13
under load combinations including earthquake effect.
 Table 29-3 Flexural Members of Frames

Special Moment Frames Intermediate and Ordinary CIP Moment Frames

Flexural frame members shall satisfy the following Intermediate — Factored axial compressive ′
conditions: force ≤ Agf'c / 10
• Factored axial compressive force ≤ Ag fc′ / 10
• Clear span ln ≥ 4  effective depth 21.3.2
• Width to depth ratio bw/h ≥ 0.3
General

• Width bw ≥ 10 in. Ordinary — No similar requirements.

• Width bw ≤ width of supporting member c2 +
distances on each side of the supporting
member equal to the smaller of the width of
the supporting member c2 or three-fourths of
the overall dimension of supporting member c1
21.5.1

Minimum reinforcement shall not be less than Same requirement, except as provided in 10.5.2,
10.5.3, and 10.5.4, although minimum reinforcement
3 fc′ bw d 200 bw d need only be provided at sections where tensile
and reinforcement is required by analysis.
fy fy

at any section, top and bottom, unless provisions

in 10.5.3 are satisfied.
21.5.2.1 10.5

The reinforcement ratio (ρ) shall not exceed 0.025. The net tensile strain εt at nominal strength shall
not be less than 0.004.
21.5.2.1 10.3.5
Flexural Requirements

At least two bars shall be provided continuously at Provide minimum structural integrity reinforcement.
both top and bottom of section.
21.5.2.1 7.13

Positive moment strength at joint face ≥ 1/2
negative moment strength at that face of the joint.
21.5.2.2
Intermediate — Positive moment strength at joint
face ≥ 1/3 negative moment strength at that face
of the joint.
21.3.4.1
Ordinary — No similar requirement.

Neither the negative nor the positive moment Intermediate — Same requirement, except it is
strength at any section along the member shall be needed to provide only 1/5 of the maximum moment
less than 1/4 the maximum moment strength strength at the face of either joint at every section
provided at the face of either joint. along the member.
21.5.2.2 21.3.4.1
Ordinary — No similar requirement.
Prestressing steel, where used, shall satisfy No similar requirements.
the following:
• The average prestress fpc shall not exceed the
smaller of 500 psi and f'c/10.
• Prestressing steel shall be unbonded in potential
plastic hinge regions and the calculated strains in
the prestressing steel under the design displace-
ment shall be less than 0.01.
• Prestressing steel shall not contribute to more than
0.25 of the positive or negative flexural strength at
the critical section in a plastic hinge region and shall
be anchored at or beyond the exterior face of the joint.
• Anchorages of the post-tensioning tendons resisting
earthquake-induce forces shall be capable of allowing
tendons to withstand 50 cycles of loading, bounded
by 0.40 and 0.85 of the specified tensile strength of
the prestressing steel.
21.5.2.5
— continued on next page —
29-17
 Table 29-3 Flexural Members of Frames (cont’d)

Special Moment Frames Intermediate and Ordinary CIP Moment Frames

Lap splices of flexural reinforcement are permitted only if There is no requirement that splices be enclosed
hoop or spiral reinforcement is provided over the lap length. in hoops.
Hoop and spiral reinforcement spacing shall not exceed d/4 or
4 in. Mechanical splices shall conform to 21.1.6 and welded
splices shall conform to 21.1.7.
21.5.2.3, 21.5.2.4
Splices

Lap splices are not to be used: No similar requirement.

• Within joints.
• Within a distance of twice the member depth from the
face of the joint.
• At locations where analysis indicates flexural yeilding
caused by inelastic lateral displacements of the frame.

21.5.2.3

Hoops are required over a length equal to twice the member Intermediate—Same requirement.
depth from the face of the supporting member toward
midspan at both ends of the flexual member. 21.3.4.2

21.5.3.1 Ordinary—No similar requirement.

Hoops are required over lengths equal to twice the member Reinforcement for flexural members subject to
depth on both sides of a section where flexural yielding may stress reversals shall consist of closed stirrups
occur in connection with inelastic lateral displacements of the extending around flexural reinforcement. Also,
frame. provide minimum structural integrity reinforcement.

21.5.3.1 7.11.2, 7.13

Where hoops are required, the spacing shall not exceed: Intermediate—Same requirement

d/4
8  diameter of smallest longitudinal bar 21.3.4.2
Transverse Reinforcement

24  diameter of hoop bars

12 in.
Ordinary—No similar requirement.
The first hoop shall be located not more than 2 in. from the
face of the supporting member.

21.5.3.2

Where hoops are required, longitudinal bars on the perimeter

shall have lateral support conforming to 7.10.5.3. No similar requirement.

21.5.3.3

Where hoops are not required, strrups with seismic hooks at Intermediate—Similar requirement except that
both ends shall be spaced at a distance not more than d/2 seismic hooks are not required.
throughout the length of the member.

21.5.3.4 21.13.4.3

Transverse reinforcement must also be proportioned to resist Intermediate—Transverse reinforcement must

the entire design shear force, neglecting the contribution of also be proportioned to resist the design shear
concrete to shear strength, if certain conditions are met. force.
21.13.3
21.5.4 Ordinary—Provide sufficient transverse reinforce-
ment for shear and torsion.
11.4, 11.5

Ag = gross area of section, bw = width of web, d = effective depth of section

fc‘ = specified compressive strength of concrete, fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement

29-18
 Table 29-4 Frame Members Subjected to Bending and Axial Loads
Special Moment Frames Intermediate and Ordinary CIP Moment Frames

Frame members under this classification must meet the Intermediate —Factored axial compressive force > A gfc′ / 10 .
following requirements:
• Factored axial compressive force > A gfc′ / 10 . 21.3.2
General

• Shortest cross-sectional dimension ≥ 12 in.

• Ratio of shortest cross-sectional dimension to per- Ordinary — No similar requirements.
pendicular dimension ≥ 0.4.
21.6.1

The flexural strengths of columns shall satisfy the following: No similar requirements.
ΣMnc ≥ (6/5) ΣMnb
where ΣMnc = sum of moments at the faces of the joint,
corresponding to the nominal flexural
strengths of the columns.
ΣMnb = sum of moments at the faces of the joint,
corresponding to the nominal flexural
strengths of the beams. In T-beam costruct-
Flexural Requirements

ion, slab reinforcement within an effective

slab width defined in 8.12 shall be consid-
ered as contributing to flexural strength.
If this requirement is not satisfied, the lateral strength
and stiffness of the column shall not be considered when
determining the strength and stiffness of the structure,
and the column shall conform to 21.13.
21.6.2

The reinforcement ratio (ρg) shall not be less than 0.01

The reinforcement ratio (ρg) shall not be less than 0.01
and shall not exceed 0.06.
21.6.3.1
Mechanical splices shall conform to 21.1.6 and welded
splices shall conform to 21.1.7. Lap splices are permit-
ted only within the center half of the member length,
Splices
and shall not exceed 0.08. For a compression member
with a cross section larger than required by consider-
ations of loading, the reinforcement ratio (ρg)can be
reduced below 0.01, but never below 0.005 (10.8.4).
10.9
There is no restriction on the location of splices which
are typically located just above the floor for ease of
construction.

must be tension lap splices, and shall be enclosed within

transverse reinforcement conforming to 21.6.4.2 and
21.6.4.3.
21.6.3.2

The transverse reinforcement requirements discussed Intermediate — The length (lo) is the same as for special
in the following five items on the next page need only be moment frames.
Transverse Reinforcement

provided over a length (lo) from each joint face and on 21.3.5.2
both sides of any section where flexural yielding is likely Ordinary — No similar requirements.
to occur. The length (lo) shall not be less than:
depth of member
1/6 clear span
18 in.

21.6.4.1

Ach = cross-sectional area of member measured out-to-out — continued on next page —

of transverse reinforcement bc = cross-sectional dimension of column core measured center-to-center
Ag = gross area of section of outer legs of the transverse reinforcement comprising area Ash
f'c= specified compressive strength of concrete hx = maximum horizontal spacing of hoop or crosstie legs on all faces of
fyt = specified yield stress of transverse reinforcement the column
s = spacing of transverse reinforcement
so = longitudinal spacing of transverse reinforcement within the length lo.

29-23
 Table 29-4 Frame Members Subjected to Bending and Axial Loads (cont’d)

Special Moment Frame Intermediate and Ordinary CIP Moment Frames

Ratio of spiral reinforcement (ρs) shall not be less than the value Ratio of spiral reinforcement (ρs) shall not be less
given by: than the value given by:
f' ⎛ Ag ⎞ f' ⎛ Ag ⎞
ρs = 0.12 c ≥ 0.45 ⎜⎜ −1⎟⎟ c fc'
ρs = 0.45 ⎜⎜ −1⎟⎟
fyt ⎝ Ach ⎠ f yt ⎝ Ach ⎠ fyt
and shall conform to the provisions in 7.10.4.
21.6.4.4
10.9.3
Total cross-sectional area of rectangular hoop reinforcement for Transverse reinforcement must be provided to
confinement (Ash) shall not be less than that given by the follow- satisfy both shear and lateral support requirements
ing two equations: for longitudinal bars.
( '
Ash = 0.3 sbc fc / fyt ) [(A g / Ach ) −1]
(
Ash = 0.09 sbc fc / fyt
'
)
21.6.4.4 7.10.5, 11.1
If the thickness of the concrete outside the confining transverse No similar requirements.
reinforcement exceeds 4 in., additional transverse reinforcement
shall be provided at a spacing ≤ 12 in. Concrete cover on the
additional reinforcement shall not exceed 4 in.
21.6.4.7
Transverse reinforcement shall be spaced at distances not ex- Intermediate—Maximum spacing so is 8  smallest
ceeding 1/4 minimum member dimension, 6  longitudinal bar longitudinal bar diameter, 24  hoop bar diameter,
diameter, 1/2 smallest cross-sectional dimension, or 12 in.
Transverse Reinforcement (continued)

4 in. ≤ so = 4 + [(14 - hx)/3] ≤ 6 in. First hoop to be located no further than so/2 from
the joint face. 21.3.5.2
21.6.4.3 Ordinary — No similar requirement.
Cross ties or legs of overlapping hoops shall not be spaced more
Vertical bars shall not be farther than 6 in. clear from
than 14 in. on center in the direction perpendicular to the longitudi-
a laterally supported bar.
nal axis of the member. Vertical bars shall not be farther than 6 in.
clear from a laterally supported bar.
21.6.4.2, 7.10.5.3 7.10.5.3

Where the transverse reinforcement as discussed above is no Intermediate — Outside the length lo, spacing of
longer required, the remainder of the column shall contain spiral transverse reinforcement shall conform to 7.10
or hoop reinforcement satisfying 7.10 spaced at distances not to and 11.4.5.1.
exceed
21.3.5.4
6  longitudinal bar diameter
6 in. Ordinary — Transverse reinforcement to conform
unless a larger amount of transverse reinforcement is required by to 7.10 and 11.4.5.1.
21.6.3.2 or 21.6.5
21.6.4.5
Transverse reinforcement must also be proportioned to resist the Intermediate — Transverse reinforcement must also
design shear force (Ve). be proportioned to resist the design shear forces
specified in 21.3.3.
Ordinary — Provide sufficient transverse reinforce-
21.6.5
ment for shear.
11.5.4, 11.5.6
Columns supporting reactions from discontinued stiff members, Intermediate — Similar to 21.6.4.6
such as walls, shall have transverse reinforcement as specified in
21.6.4.2 through 21.6.4.4 over their full height, if the factored axial
compressive force, related to earthquake effects exceeds (Agf’c / 21.3.5.6
10).Where design forces have been magnified to account for the
overstrength of the vertical elements of the seismic-force-resisting Ordinary — No similar requirements.
system, the limit of Agf’c / 10 shall be increased to Agf’c / 4. This
transverse reinforcement shall extend into the discontinued mem-
ber for at least the development length of the largest longitudinal
reinforcement in the column in accordance with 21.7.4.
If the column terminates on a footing or mat, the transverse rein-
forcement shall extend at least 12 in. into the footing or mat.
21.6.4.6

29-24
 Table 29-5 Joints of Frames

Special Moment Frames Intermediate and Ordinary CIP Moment Frames

Beam longitudinal reinforcement terminated in a column No similar requirement.

Longitudinal Beam Reinforcement

shall be extended to the far face of the confined column

core and anchored in tension according to 21.7.5 and in
compression according to Chapter 12.

21.7.2.2

Where longitudinal beam reinforcement extends through No similar requirements.

a joint, the column dimension parallel to the beam rein-
forcement shall not be less than 20 times the diameter
of the largest longitudinal bar for normal weight con-
crete. For lightweight aggregate concrete, this dimen-
sion shall be not less than 26 times the bar diameter.

21.7.2.3

The transverse reinforcement required for column ends

21.6.4.4(a) or 21.6.4.4(b), and 21.6.4.2, 21.6.4.3, and No similar requirements.
21.6.4.7 shall be provided within the joint, unless the
joint is confined by structural members as specified in
21.7.3.2. If members frame into all four sides of the joint
Transverse Reinforcement

and the member width at the column face is at least 3/4

the column width, the transverse reinforcement can be
reduced to 50% of the requirements of 21.6.4.4(a) or
21.6.4.4(b).The spacing required in 21.6.4.3 shall not
exceed 6 in. within the overall depth h of the shallowest
framing member.

Longitudinal beam reinforcement outside of the column

core shall be confined by transverse reinforcement
passing through the column that satisfies 21.5.3.2,
21.5.3.3, and 21.5.3.6, if such confinement is not pro-
vided by a beam framing into the joint.

21.7.3

fc′ = specified compressive strength of concrete

fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement

29-30
 Table 29-5 Joints of Frames (cont’d)

Special Moment Frames Intermediate and Ordinary CIP Moment Frames

The nominal shear strength of the joint shall not exceed
the forces specified below for normal-weight aggregate
concrete.
For joints confined on all four faces ............... 20 f′c A j
For joints confined on three faces
or on two opposite faces................................. 15 fc′ A j
Although it is not required, it may be prudent to check
the shear strength of the joint in intermediate moment
frames. The force in the longitudinal beam reinforce-
ment may be taken as 1.0fy rather than the 1.25fy
required for special moment frames.

For other joints:............................................... 12 fc′ A j

where:
Aj = effective cross-sectional area within a joint comput-
ed from joint depth times effective joint width. The
joint depth shall be the overall depth of the column.
Effective joint width shall be the overall width of the
column, except where a beam frames into a wider
column, effective joint width shall not exceed the
smaller of:
Shear Strength

(a) Beam width plus the joint depth

(b) Twice the smaller perpendicular distance from
the longitudinal axis of the beam to the column
side.

A joint is considered to be confined if confining members

frame into all faces of the joint. A member that frames
into a face is considered to provide confinement at the
joint if at least 3/4 of the face of the joint is covered by
the framing member.
21.7.4

In determining shear forces in the joints, forces in the No similar requirement.

longitudinal beam reinforcement at the joint face shall
be calculated by assuming that the stress in the flexural
tensile reinforcement is 1.25fy.

21.7.2.1

For lightweight aggregate concrete, the nominal shear No similar requirement.

strength of the joint shall not exceed 3/4 of the limits
given in 21.7.4.1.
21.7.4.2

29-31
 Table 29-6 Structural Walls

Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall

The distributed web reinforcement ratios ρl and ρt Minimum vertical

shall not be less than 0.0025. If the design shear
force Vu ≤ A λ f ′ , provide minimum reinforce-
cv c
ment per 14.3.
reinforcement ratio = 0.0012 for No. 5 bars or smaller
= 0.0015 for No. 6 bars or larger
Minimum horizontal
reinforcement ratio = 0.0020 for No. 5 bars or smaller
= 0.0025 for No. 6 bars or larger

21.9.2.1 14.3

At least two curtains of reinforcement shall be used Walls more than 10 in. thick require two curtains of rein-
forcement (except basement walls).
Reinforcement

in a wall if the in-plane factored shear force (Vu )

assigned to the wall exceeds 2 Acv λ fc′ .
21.9.2.2 14.3.4

Reinforcement spacing each way shall not exceed Reinforcement spacing shall not exceed:
18 in.
3  wall thickness
18 in.
21.9.2.1 14.3.5

Reinforcement in structural walls shall be devel- The development lengths, spacing, and anchorage of rein-
oped or spliced for fy in tension in accordance with forcement shall be as per Chapters 12, 14, and 15.
Chapter 12, except:
(a) The effective depth shall be permitted to be
0.8 lw for walls.
(b) The requirements of 12.11, 12.12 and 12.13
need not apply.
(c) At locations where yielding of longitudinal
reinforcement may occur as a result of lateral
displacements, development lengths of such
reinforcement must be 1.25 times the values
calculated for fy in tension.
(d) Mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement
must conform to 21.1.6 and 21.1.7, respectively.
21.9.2.3
— continued on next page —
Acv = gross area of concrete section bounded by web thickness and length of section in the direction of shear force considered
Acw = area of concrete section of an individual pier
Ag = gross area of section
bw = width of web
d = effective depth of section
f'c = specified compressive strength of concrete

fyh = specified yield strength of transverse reinforcement

h = overall thickness of member
hw = height of entire wall or segment of wall considered
lw = length of entire wall or segment of wall in direction of shear force
s = center-to-center spacing of transverse reinforcement
ρt = ratio of area of distributed transverse reinforcement to gross concrete area perpendicular to that reinforcement
ρl = ratio of area of distributed longitudinal reinforcement to gross concrete area perpendicular to that reinforcement

29-40
 Table 29-6 Structural Walls (cont’d)

Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall

The nominal shear strength (Vn) for structural walls shall The nominal shear strength (Vn) for walls can be
not exceed: calculated using the following methods:
N d
V c = 3.3λ fc′ hd + u
(
V n = Acv α c λ fc′ + ρt fy ) 4lw
or

where αc is 3.0 for hw/lw ≤ 1.5, is 2.0 for hw/lw ≥ 2.0, and ⎡⎡ ⎛⎛ NN ⎞⎤
uu ⎞⎤
⎢⎢ lwl ⎜ 1.25λ
1.25λ fc′f ′+ +0.2
0.2 ⎟ ⎥⎟ ⎥
varies linearly between 3.0 and 2.0 for hw/lw between 1.5 ⎢⎢ w⎝ ⎜ c lwl h h
⎠⎥⎥
V c =⎢0.6λ f′ + ⎝ w ⎠ hd
and 2.0. ⎢0.6λ c fc′ + MM ⎥ ⎥ hd
⎢⎢ u u l wl ⎥⎥
−− w
⎢⎢ VuV 22 ⎥⎥
⎣⎣ u ⎦⎦
Mu lw
where − ≥0
21.9.4.1 Vu 2
Av fy d
Vs =
s
Vn = Vc + Vs

11.9

Walls shall have distributed shear reinforcement providing Ratio (ρt) of horizontal shear reinforcement area to
resistance in two orthogonal directions in the plane of the gross concrete area of vertical section shall not be
less than 0.0025.
wall. If the ratio (hw/lw) does not exceed 2.0, reinforce-
11.9.9.2
ment ratio (ρl) shall not be less than reinforcement ratio
Spacing of horizontal shear reinforcement shall not
(ρt).
Shear Strength

exceed the smallest of lw/5, 3h, and 18 in.

21.9.4.3 11.9.9.3
The minimum vertical reinforcement ratio (ρl) is a
function of (hw/lw) and of the horizontal reinforce-
ment as shown below:
⎛ h ⎞
(
ρn = 0.0025 + 0.5 ⎜ 2.5 − w ⎟ ρt − 0.0025 ≥ 0.0025
⎝ lw ⎠
)
Also, the vertical shear reinforcement ratio need not
exceed the required horizontal shear reinforcement
ratio.
11.9.9.4
Spacing of vertical shear reinforcement shall not
exceed the smallest of lw /3, 3h, and 18 in.
11.9.9.5

No similar requirement.
Nominal shear strength of all wall piers sharing a common
lateral force shall not be assumed to exceed 8A cw fc′,
and the nominal shear strength of any one of the individu-
al wall piers shall not be assumed to exceed 10A cw fc′ .
21.9.4.4
Nominal shear strength of horizontal wall segments This limitation also exists for ordinary walls, except
and coupling beams shall not be assumed to exceed Acw is replaced by hd where d may be taken equal
to 0.8lw.
10A cw fc′ .

21.9.4.5 11.9.3

29-41
 h = slab thickness

1/2 Middle strip

All reinforcement necessary

Column to resist Mslab to be placed in
strip c2a c2a + 3h
column strip

1/2 Middle strip

⎧ • reinforcement necessary to resist γfMslab

As ≥ ⎨
⎩ • 1/2 of reinforcement in column strip
Note: applies to both top and bottom reinforcement

Figure 29-1 Location of Reinforcement in Two-way Slabs without Beams

A s (continuous ) ≥
1
4
[
( As )l or ( As )r ]
( As )l ( As )r

As′ (continuous ) ≥
1
3
[
( As )l or ( As )r ]
( As )l and As′
to be fully developed
(a) Column Strip

( As ) l and A′s
to be fully developed
( As )l ( As )r

(A′s )m
1
A s′ (continuous ) ≥ ( A′s )m
2
(b) Middle Strip

Figure 29-2 Details of Reinforcement in Two-way Slabs without Beams

29-15
 ⎧ 3 f′c b wd
⎪⎪
(
0.025 bw d ≥ A−s or A+s ) ≥⎨
fy
⎪ 200b wd
, min. 2 bars continuous

⎪⎩ fy
−
Mn , l −
Mn ,r

1 −
M +n,r ≥ M
+ − 2 n ,r
Mn , l ≥ 1 Mn , l
2

(M −
n )
or M +n at any section ≥
1
4
(max. Mn at either joint)
Note: hoops not shown for clarity

Figure 29-3 Reinforcement Requirements for Flexural Members of Special Moment Frames

29-16
 Splice, if used, confined
and located outside
≥ 2h potential hinge area

h
Hoops
Spacing ≤ d/4 or 4 in.

Typical Splice Details

Cross-tie
6db (≥ 3 in.) 6db
extension Detail B
extension

Consecutive cross-ties Detail A Detail C

shall have 90 degree B
hooks on opposite sides

A A
C C

Single- and Two-Piece Hoops

Figure 29-4 Splices and Hoop Reinforcement for Flexural Members of Special Moment Frames

⎧ d/4
⎪ 8d (long. bar )
⎪
s≤⎨ b
⎪24db (hoop bar )
⎪⎩12 in.
Hoops (see Fig. 29-4)
h

Stirrups
with seismic hooks*

≤ 2"

≥2h

s ≤ d/2
*Stirrups may be used for intermediate moment frames

Figure 29-5 Transverse Reinforcement for Flexural Members of Special and Intermediate Moment Frames

29-20
 lo

Tension lap splice

lo

Figure 29-8 Typical Lap Splice Details for Columns in Special Moment Frames

29-25
 ⎧ ≤ 3 in.
⎪ ≥ l arger of 1 in.
Clear spacing* ⎨ or 1.33 (max.
⎪
⎩ agg. size)

⎧ fc′
⎪ 0.12
⎪ fyt
⎪
ρs ≥ ⎨
⎪ ⎛ Ag ⎞ f′
⎪ 0.45 ⎜ − 1⎟ c
⎪⎩ ⎝ A ch ⎠ fyt

*Clear spacing for spiral reinforcement. Circular hoops to be spaced per 21.6.4.3.

Figure 29-9 Confinement Requirements at Column Ends

(a) spiral or circular hoop reinforcement

29-26
 ⎧ larger of c or c
⎪ 1 2
⎪1
l o ≥ ⎨ 6 (Clear span)
⎪
⎪ 18 in.
⎩

⎧ c1/4
⎪ lo
⎪ c2/4
s *< ⎨
⎪ 6db
⎪
⎩s
o

⎧ 6db
⎪
s** < ⎨
⎪6 in.
⎩

⎛ 14 − h ⎞
6 in. ≥ sb = 4 +⎛ 14
⎜ − hxx ⎟⎞ ≥ 4 in.
6 in. ≥ s o = 4 + ⎜ ⎝ 3 ⎠⎟ ≥ 4 in.
⎝ 3 ⎠
⎧ ⎛ A ⎞ f
⎪ 0.3sbc ⎜ g − 1⎟ c′
⎪ ⎜ ⎟ f
⎝ Ach ⎠ yt
db Ash ≥⎨
c2 ⎪ f ′c
⎪ 0.09sbc f
⎩ yt

c1 ≤ 4 in. (see 21.6.4.7 when cover > 4 in.)

⎧
⎪ 8  smallest long. bar diameter
⎪ 24  transverse bar diameter
*For intermediate moment frames, s ≤ ⎨1
⎪ 2  smaller of c1 or c2
⎪ 12 in.
⎩
**For intermediate moment frames, s shall conform to 7.10 and 11.4.5.1

Figure 29-9 ConfinementRequirementsatColumnEnds

(b) rectangular hoop reinforcement

29-27
 Consecutive crossties shall have
90 degree hooks on opposite sides
of column

xxi i
hx = max. value of xi on
all column faces
xi

xi xi xi
xi from centerline to centerline of legs
shall not exceed 14 in.

Figure 29-10 Transverse Reinforcement in Columns

Reinforcement not
shown for clarity

Shearwall

Development length of
largest longitudinal column
bar*

Confinement reinforcement
(as specified in 21.6.4.2 through
Footing 21.6.4.4) to be provided over full
or mat
height of column

≥ 12 in.* *including
transverse reinforcement

Figure 29-11 Columns Supporting Discontinued Stiff Members

29-28
 Effective
joint width  b + h
 b + 2x
Effective area
Joint depth = h
in plane of
reinforcement
generating shear

Note: Effective area of joint for forces in

x each direction of framing is to be
Reinforcement considered separately.
generating shear h Joint illustrated does not meet
conditions of 21.7.3.2 and
b 21.7.4.1 necessary to be considered
Direction of forces confined because the framing
generating shear members do not cover at least 3/4 of
each of the joint faces.

x = the smaller distance from the side of the

beam to the column edge

Figure 29-13 Effective Area of Joint (Aj)

29-32
 Pu

Pu /A g

Mu !w
×
lg 2

Pu Mu !‘w
+ × ≥ 0.2fc'
A g lg 2
Boundary elements required Special boundary elements
Special boundary element transverse may be discontinued where
reinforcement per 21.9.6.4 the calculated compressive
strength < 0.15 f'c

c
Mu ⎧ c - 0.1!w
larger of ⎨
⎩c / 2

!‘w

Figure 29-23 Special Boundary Element Requirements per 21.9.6.3 (NTS)

A sh ≥ 0.09sbc fc' / fyt

min. member dimension/ 3

spacing =lesser of 6d b
s
 o

 14 − hx 
6" ≥ s o = 4 +   ≥ 4"
 3 

hx is defined in Fig. R21.6.4.2

Reinforcement ratio ≥ 0.0025

Maximum spacing = 18 in.

6db, 3" min.

6db, 3" min. 6db

Fig. 29-24 Reinforcement Details for Special Boundary Elements

29-46
 Column or boundary element
of special reinforced concrete
structural wall
h Longitudinal reinforcement fully
≤ developed for tension (21.12.2.1)
2
Top reinforcement to resist
tension uplift forces ≥ minimum
reinforcement per 10.5 (21.12.2.4)

⎫ Footing, mat, or pile cap

⎪ (reinforcement not shown for clarity)

⎪⎪ Transverse reinforcement per 21.6.4.2

⎬ through 21.6.4.4. The reinforcement must
extend into the footing, mat, or pile cap
⎪
h
and must be developed for fy in tension
⎪ (21.12.2.3)

⎪⎭

90° hooks with free end of bar oriented

towards center of column for fixed-end
condition (21.12.2.2)

Figure 29-25 Reinforcement Details for Footings, Mats, and Pile Caps per 21.12.2

29-50
 1' - 10"

Minimum 4 - No. 8
4" 1' - 0"
12db = 12"

1"
2

2' - 0"
12db = 10

1" 1"
3 9
2 2

4 - No. 7

Figure 29-27 Detail of Flexural Reinforcement Anchorage at Exterior Column

29-59