Torsion in Girders

B2

A2

Mu = wuln2/10

Mu =
wuln2/24

A3

Mu = wuln2/11

B3

The beams framing into

girder A2-A3 transfer a
moment of wuln2/24 into the
girder. This moment acts
about the longitudinal axis
of the girder as torsion.
A torque will also be
induced in girder B2-B3
due to the difference
between the end moments
in the beams framing into
the girder.

Girder A2-A3
A2

A3

A2

Torsion Diagram

A3

Strength of Concrete in Torsion

Tu Tc

3
4

f 'c

Acp2
Pcp

where,
Acp = smaller of bwh + k1h2f or bwh + k2hf(h - hf)
Pcp = smaller of 2h + 2(bw+ k1hf) or 2(h + bw) + 2k2(h - hf)

k1

k2

Slab one side of web

Slab both sides of web

As for shear, ACI 318 allows flexural members be designed for

the torque at a distance d from the face of a deeper support.

Redistribution of Torque
p. 44 notes-underlined paragraph
When redistribution of forces and
moments can occur in a statically
indeterminate structure, the maximum
torque for which a member must be
designed is 4 times the Tu for which the
torque could have been ignored. When
redistribution cannot occur, the full
factored torque must be used for design.

In other words, the design Tmax = 4Tc if other

members are available for redistribution of forces.

Torsion Reinforcement
Stresses induced by torque are resisted with
closed stirrups and longitudinal reinforcement
along the sides of the beam web.

The distribution of torque along a beam is

usually the same as the shear distribution
resulting in more closely spaced stirrups.

Design of Stirrup Reinforcement

st

1.28 Aoh At f y
Tu

1
s

1
sv

4 ( Av 2 At ) f y
3bw

f 'c

s1t

Aoh = area enclosed by the centerline of the closed

transverse torsional reinforcement
At = cross sectional area of one leg of the closed ties
used as torsional reinforcement

st = spacing required for torsional reinforcment only

sv = spacing required for shear reinforcement only
S = stirrup spacing

Ph
8

12"

Design of Longitudinal
Reinforcement
At Ph 5 f 'c Acp
At
Al

Ph
st
fy
st

Al = total cross sectional area of the

additional longitudinal reinforcement
required to resist torsion
Ph = perimeter of Aoh
max. bar spacing = 12
minimum bar diameter = st/24

where,

At 25bw

st
fy

Cross Section Check

To prevent compression failure due
to combined shear and torsion:

Vu 2
bw d

Tu Ph

2
1.7 Aoh

7.5 f 'c

Design of Torsion Reinforcement

for Previous Example p. 21 notes
Design the torsion reinforcement for girder
A2-A3.

30 ft

24 ft
24 ft
24 ft

30 ft

30 ft

30 ft