07/07/2020 torsion in beams and how to eliminate torsion in etabs

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premjit May 29, 2017 3 min read

ECONOMIC DESIGN vs COMPROMISE

Updated: Apr 8

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Today,the structural design world is pressurized for economy and more economy! There is a limit
to economize if one want to abide by the codes of practice and also if one want the building to be
robust and stable. Compromising should not be resorted to achieve economy,However
improvisation can be. These ethical points need to be taught from younger days from colleges.
Atleast when any institute offers a staad pro training or any structural engineering courses for
that matter, should cover ethical consulting practices.

At times,there are misunderstandings or no understanding that makes the design

uneconomic.Torsion(Twisting of structural elements) in the structure is such an entity.

TORSION : Basically torsion can be divided in to 2.Equilibrium torsion and compatibility torsion.

Primary torsion/Equilibrium torsion/statically determinate torsion

This exists when the external load has no alternative load path but must be supported by torsion.
For such cases, the torsion required to maintain static equilibrium can be uniquely determined.
This cannot be released/ignored since the structure will not be stable if released.

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07/07/2020 torsion in beams and how to eliminate torsion in etabs

To understand it beter,consider a free cantelever slab from a beam.There is no back anchorage for
the slab-Just a projection to 1 side from a beam.This is a case of equilibrium torsion.The slab can
be in equilibrium or stable only if the beam absorbs this torsion and thereby supports the
slab.This torsion from slab has only 1 load path and that is through beams.If the building has
such type of structural element then it needs to be designed for torsion.

Secondary torsion/Compatibility torsion/statically non determinate torsion

This arises from the requirements of continuity/compatibility of deformation between adjacent

parts of a structure. An internal readjustment of forces is possible and an alternative equilibrium
of forces can be found.That is torsion has more than 1 load path. Cantelevers with back
anchorages/continuous slabs behind the cantelever etc are examples.

Code provisions

IS-456 clause 41.1 says that compatibility torsion can be ignored in design if the torsion stiffness
of member is completely ignored/released in the analysis model. Code further adds that nominal
shear reinforcement provided as per clause 40, will be adequate to control any torsion cracking.

Releasing compatible torsion in model has 2 parts. 1) Release of torsion in members when slabs
are modeled as plates/shells and slabs designed as per the model forces. 2) Release of torsion in
members when slabs are not modeled as plates/shells.

• In case 1 there will be complete compatibility of deformation between adjacent parts and there
is no need of designing for torsion. • In case 2 there will not be complete compatibility of
deformation if the adjacent slab panels has different spans or loading.(Prudent if the span and/or
load differences are considerable) In case 2 two design solutions are possible. A. Either the beam
needs to be designed for that differential moment (as torsion) or B. Design the slabs as per
clause 24.4.1

If we adopt Solution A ie; designing for differential moment, we will have to provide additional
steel for resisting torsion. Plain concrete will have a nominal capacity to resist torsion and if the
design torsion increases the nominal value, the concrete needs to crack to transfer forces to
additional steel provided. In that case, torsion stiffness shall be half the value calculated for
plain concrete section. This means that torsional stiffness in analysis model shall be modified by
using a factor of 0.5

SUMMARY

Equilibrium torsion cannot be released.

Compatibility torsion can be released.

If we choose to design for compatibility torsion,the torsional stiffness needs to be modified by

0.5
With out realising these points,certain designers considers torsion for all member design and
results in uneconomic designs.Some do not consider even equilibrium torsion and this results in
unsafe designs.
It is of high importance to understand these points for safe and economic designs.

Improvisation helps,compromise kills!

#CIVILENGINEERING

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