ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

FOR
TORSION

Torsion.
1.1. Occurrence and analysis
Torsion is a twisting moment applied about the
longitudinal axis of a member. Figure 1.1 may
illustrate some of overlooked examples of torsion.

Beam loaded off

centre

Corner of slab,
restrained by
brickwork over

Beam restrained by
columns at supports,
but twisted by slab
action

Torsion.
1.1.1
Equilibrium and compatibility
torsion
Sometimes torsional strength is critical while at
other times it is not, but it is vital for the
survival of a member.
Primary torsion, i.e. equilibrium or statically
determinate torsion exists when the external
load has no alternative load path but must be
supported by torsion, e.g. in a cantilevered
slab shown in figure 1.2.
The load applied to the slab cause
twisting moment, which is equilibrated by the
resisting torque provided at the column.

Torsion.

Figure 1.2: Primary or equilibrium torsion action

Secondary torsion, i.e. compatibility or statically

indeterminate torsion arises from the result of
continuity.
It normally occurs in slab-and-beam or frame
construction, e.g. as shown in Figure 1.3, where
torsional cracking is adequately controlled by
shear reinforcement.

Torsion.

Figure 1.3: Secondary or compatibility torsion action

In practical cases, torsion will occur in

combination with vertical shear and
bending.

Torsion.
Rigid frame buildings, though threedimensional, are usually analysed for design
as a series of plane frames in which torsion
stiffness is much less thanT obending
stiffness.
rs io n in
s id e b e a m s

B e n d in g in
fra m e m e m b e r

Figure 1.4 Three dimensional frame

Torsion.
1.2

Calculation of Torsion Rigidity (G x C)

Torsion is governed by the following equation:

T
G T GC (torsion rigidity )( )
C
where:
T = the torsion moment
C= the St Venant's torsion constant
G= the shear modulus
= the rotation per unit length

Torsion.
If torsion rigidity is required in structural analysis or
design, BS 8110 Part 2 stipulates the following:
Torsion rigidity = G x C
G = 0.42 Ec
where Ec is modulus of elasticity of concrete
C = 1/2 x St. Venant value for plain concrete section
St. Venant torsion stiffness, C, of a rectangular
section is defined by:
C = hmin3hmax; Equation (1) in BS 8110 (Part 2)
Where; is a coefficient depending on the ratio, h/b
(overall depth of member divided by the breadth).
G = 0.42 Ec hmin3hmax

Torsion.

The St. Venant torsion stiffness of a nonrectangular section may be obtained by dividing
the section into a series of rectangles, as shown
below, and summing the torsional stiffnesses of
these rectangles, i.e.
[h3minhmax]
The division of the section should be arranged so
as to maximise the calculated stiffness, viz.
maximise (h3minhmax). This is generally achieved if
the widest rectangle is made as long as possible

Torsion.
h

m in

m ax

m ax

m in

Figure 1.5: St. Venant torsion stiffness in a nonrectangular section

Torsion.
1.3 Torsion shear stresses
In an elastic material, the maximum shear stress
due to pure torsion occurs at the middle of the
longer side, of the section, and is given by:

2
K 2 hmin
hmax

Where; T is the applied torque

K2 is a constant
For rectangular sections under ultimate limit
state, the torsional shear stress vt at any section
should be calculated assuming a plastic stress
distribution which is conical, pyramidal or roofshaped, as illustrated in Figure 1.6.

Torsion.
a

m ax

h
h

m ax

m in

m in

Figure 1.6: Torsion in rectangular section

under ULS

hmax, hmin
vt
membrane
T
enclosed

=
=

section dimensions
ultimate shear stress = slope of

=
ultimate torque = 2 x volume
by membrane

Torsion.
1
vt hmin
2
1
1 2

T 2
hmin a hmin a hmax hmin
2
3

1 2 1

T 2
hmin
vt hmin hmin
vt hmin hmax hmin
2
2

1
1 1 2
hmin hmax hmin
2
3 2
1

2
hmax hmin 1 hmin
T vt hmin

6
2
T vt hmin

1
1

vt hmin
h

h
max
min

2
3

2T
vt
1

hmin
h

h
max
min

Eqn.2

BS8110

Torsion.
For T, I or L Section shown in Figure 1.7 below, they
are divided into their component rectangles such as to
maximize the (hmin3 hmax).
The torsion shear stress vt carried by each rectangle
may be calculated by treating them as rectangular
sections subjected to torsional moment of magnitude
Ti defined by:
3
min max i
3
min max i

[h h ]
Ti T
[h h ]

Torsion.

Figure 1.7: Roof shaped distribution of torsion shear

stresses

Torsion.
Example 1.1

Torsion.
Example 1.1
(hmin3 hmax)
= (200)3 x500 + (100)3
x200
= 4 x 109 + 0.2 x 109
= 4.2 x 109 mm4
TA = T x 4/4.2
= 0.95T
TB = T x 0.2/4.2 = 0.05T
Having find individual torsional moments
we can now put these into the equation and
find the individual shear stresses, and
provide the reinforcement accordingly

Torsion.
For hollow sections, viz. box and other sections,
if the wall thickness exceeds one quarter the
overall thickness of the member (t > 0.25h) in
the direction of measurement, the section may
be treated like a solid rectangular section;
otherwise refer to specialist literature.
1

3
2

m ax

m in

Figure 1.8: Rectangular and hollow section

Torsion.
1.4 Limit to shear stress
To avoid concrete spalling at covers in small
sections, the sum of shear stress resulting from
shear force and torsion is governed by;
(v + vt) vtu
In

the case of small sections where y 1 < 550 mm

vt vtuy1/550; where y1 is the larger

dimension of the link.
Where the torsion shear stress v t > vt,min,
reinforcement should be provided. Otherwise no
shear reinforcement is required.
Table 2.3 and 2.4 of BS 8110 Part 2 are provided
below

Torsion.
1.4 Torsion reinforcement
Torsion moments produce shear stress which result
in principal tensile stresses inclined at approximately
45o to the longitudinal axis of the member.

Diagonal
cracking in
spiral form
occurs when
these tensile
D ia g o n a l
stresses
crack s
exceed the
D ia g o n a l te n s io n
tensile
(w ith v e rtic a l a n d
h o riz o n ta l c o m p o n e n ts )
strength of
450
the concrete
Figure 1.9: Diagonal cracking pattern

Torsion.
1.4 Torsion reinforcement
As the torsional moment increases failure will
eventually occur by reinforcement yielding
coupled with crushing of concrete.

F sv
y1

F
x

L in k s

sv

4 5

Figure 2.0: Diagonal cracking pattern

Torsion.
Assuming that once the torsion shear stress on a section
exceeds the value to cause cracking, tension
reinforcement in form of closed links must be provided
to resist the full torsion moment; then tension in the link,
Fsv, is defined by:
A
Fsv sv 0.87 f yv
2
Where Asv = cross section of two legs
S

= L in k s p a c in g

Fsv
y1

F sv
x

C ra c k le n g th

Figure 2.1: Torsional resistance

Torsion.
Torsion moment for a vertical leg, about the centre:

x1
T Fsv
2
Torsion moment for a horizontal leg, about the
centre:
y1
T Fsv
2
Total moment provided by the links
y1
x1
T Fsv
2 Fsv
2
2
2
T Fsv y1 x1

Torsion.
Where links are provided at a distance sv apart, torsion
resistance
of the system of links is obtained by
multiplying
the moment due to each leg in the
expression above by the number of legs crossing each
crack, viz y1/sv for vertical leg, and x1/sv for horizontal
leg, thus;

y1
x1
T Fsv x1 ( ) Fsv y1 ( )
sv
sv
Asv
Asv
y1
x1
T
(0.87 f yv )
x1
(0.87 f yv )
y1
2
sv
2
sv
Asv
T
x1 y1 (0.87 f yv )
sv

Torsion.
Introducing a coefficient of 0.8 to allow for error
in assumptions about the space truss behaviour;
T

Asv
x1 y1 (0.87 f yv ) 0.8
sv

Thus in additional to any requirement for shear if vt

> vt,min, links must be provided such that;

Asv
T

sv
x1 y1 (0.87 f yv ) 0.8

Torsion.
To ensure proper action of these links, longitudinal
bars evenly distributed round the inside perimeter of
the links must be provided. This reinforcement resists
the longitudinal component of the diagonal tension
forces and should thus equal in quantity to the same
area as the steel in the links (suitably adjusted to
allow differing strengths); Thus in additional to any
requirements
for bending provide:
Asv f yv
Asl
( x1 y1 )
sv f yl
f yl 460

characteristic yield strength of longitudinal steel

The value sv should not exceed the least of
x1, y1/2 or 200mm. The links should be of
closed type as shown below

L in k

Torsion.
Example 1.2

Torsion.
Span of beam = 6.0 m
Finishes on cantilever = 0.40 KN/m2
Imposed load = 1.0 KN/m2
fcu = 40 Mpa
fy = 460 Mpa
Torsion moment = 15.55 KNm/m
Cover to stirrups = 30 mm and stirrup diameter =
10 mm
Slabs: Dead load
Self weight (average) + finishes
= (0.150 x 24 = 3.6) + 0.40 = 4.00 KN/m 2
Imposed load: 1.0 KN/m2

Beam: Dead load

Self weight
= 0.75 x 0.3 x 24
= 5.4
KN/m
Slab self weight = 4.0 x 2 = 8.0 KN/m
Wall self weight = 2.5 x 3 = 7.5 KN/m
Total beam dead load = 20.9 KN/m
Slab imposed load
= 1.0 x 2 = 2.0 KN/m
Maximum design load on beam
n = 1.4 x 20.9 + 1.6 x 2.0 = 32.5 KN/m
Maximum moment at the support, M max, sup = wl2/12
Mmax, sup = 32.5 x 62/12 = 97.5 KNm
Maximum moment at the span, Mmax,sp = wl2/24
Mmax, sp = 32.5 x 62/24 = 48.7 KNm

At the support
Assume d = 700 mm
M/bd2 = (97.5 x 106)/(300 x 7002) = 0.66
From design chart or table, 100As /bd = 0.17
As = 357 mm2 , provide 2Y16 (As = 402 mm2)
At the span
M/bd2 = (48. 7x 106)/(300 x 7002) = 0.33, which
is less than values in the table.
Then Z = 0.95d, so As = 183 mm2
NB: As, min = 0.13%bh = 293 mm2

Shear
Design shear V = wl/2 = 32.5 x 6/2 = 97.5 KN
v = V/bd = (97.5 x 103)/(300 X 700) = 0.46 N/mm2
v = 0.46 N/mm2 < 0.8fcu = 0.840 = 5.06 N/mm2
OK
At the support we shall probably need more than
2Y16 provided for flexure, but use this amount at
this stage
100As /bd = (100 x 402)/(300 x 700) = 0.19
As = 357 mm2 , provide 2Y16 (As = 402 mm2)
From Table 3.9 of BS 8110, vc = 0.42 N/mm2
vc = 0.42 N/mm2 < v = 0.46 N/mm2 , thus shear
reinforcement is required
Asv/sv
= bv(v-vc)/0.87fyv
= 300(0.46-0.42)/0.87x460
= 0.03 mm2/mm

Torsion
Torsion moment at column = 15.55 x 6/2 = 46.65 KNm

2 46.65 106
vt

1.59 N / mm 2
1
300

2
2
hmin hmax hmin 300 750
3
3

vt ,min 0.40 N / mm 2
2T

Since vt > vt,min , then torsion reinforcement is

required
(v + vt) = 0.46 +1.59 = 2.05 vtu = 5.00 N/mm2
y1 = 680 mm and x1 = 230 mm
vt = 1.59 < vtu . y1/550 = 5 x 680/550 = 6.18
N/mm2

Torsion

Asv
T

sv
0.8 x1 y1 (0.87 f yv )
Asv
46.65 10 6

0.93mm 2 / mm spacing
sv
0.8 230 680 0.87 460
Asv

Sv

0.03 0.93 0.96

total

Asv f yv
x1 y1 0.96 460 230 680 873.6mm 2
Asl
sv f yl
460

Using 10 mm stirrups
sv

157
163mm
0.96

Take Y10 160 mm c/c

Spacing must satisfy the following conditions

sv 160 0.75d 525mm

sv 160 x1 230mm
y1
680
sv 160

340mm
2
2
sv 160 200mm
Bottom reinforcement

Asl x1
230
A's
293 873.6
403.4mm 2
2 x1 y1
2 230 680

Try 2Y 16 402mm 2

Top reinforcement

Asl x1
As
357 110 .4 467.4mm 2
2 x1 y1

Try 3Y 16 As 603mm 2

Side reinforcement
y1
680
Asl
873.6
326.4mm 2
2 x1 y1
2(230 680)
Spacing not to exceed 300mm
Try 3R12

( As 339mm 2 )

Torsion.
Example 1.3

d = 750

h = 800

Design suitable
reinforcement for the LBeam section shown in Figure
2, in which the flange width b
is the effective width, if at the
ultimate limit state the design
moment M is 215 kNm, the
design shear force V is 150
kN and the design torsional
moment T is 105 kNm. The
materials properties are
characteristic compressive
strength of concrete, fcu = 40
N/mm2, fy = 460 N/mm2 and
fyv = 460 N/mm2 for steel
reinforcement.

120

b = 700

A ll u n its a r e
in m m

bw= 350

Figure 2.1: Beam section

Flexural Steel Design

Check x/d ratio
Assume x = hf
Mrc = 0.447fcub(0.9x)(d 0.45x)
Mrc = 0.447fcub(0.9hf)(d-0,45hf)
Mrc = 0.447(40)(700)(0.9 x 120)(750 -0.45(120)) x 10- 6 = 940.8
kNm > M , Singly reinforced and x is less than hf. Design for flexural
as a rectangular beam
M
215 10 6
K

0.014 0.038 z = 0.95d, and x/d =

2
2
f cu bd
40 700 750
0.125

M
215 1000000
As

754 mm 2 Use 2Y25 As = 981

0.87 f y z 0.87 460 0.95 750
mm2
Shear design

V
150 1000

0.57 N / mm 2
bv d
350 750
Limiting value: 0.840 = 5.1 N/mm2 > 5.0 N.mm2, take the lower value; v = 5.0 N/m
100 As
v c 0.79

bd

1
100 x 981
0.79

1.25
350
x
750

0.333

1 40

1.25 25

0.333

0.53 N / mm 2

hence v > 0.5vc

38

Condition: 0.5vc < v < (vc + 0.4)

Asv
0.4 350

0.35 mm
Provide minimum links Asv = 0.4bvSv/(0.87 fSyvv) 0.87 460

Torsion design

Maximize; hmin3 hmax:web: 3503(800) = 3.43 x 1010 mm4

Flange: 1203(350) = 6.04 x 108 mm4 Hence use the web to resist all the
torsion

120

b = 700

d = 750

h = 800

2
1

350

vt

2T
2
hmin

hmax hmin
3

2 105 10 6
350 2 ( 800 350 / 3 )

A ll u n its a r e
vt = 2.51 N/mm2
in m m

vt + v = 2.51 + 0.57 = 3.08 N/mm2 < vtu (= 5N/mm

bw= 350

From Table, vtmin = 0.4 N/mm2 . For vt > vtmin torsion reinforcement is require
Assume 30 mm concrete cover and 10 mm diameter links, it follows that
X1 = 350 2 x 30 10 = 280 mm
Y1 = 800 2x 30 10 = 730 mm
39

Asv
T
105 1000000

1.60 mm
sv
x1 y1 ( 0.87 f yv ) 0.8 280 730 0.87 460 0.8
Longitudinal reinforcement

Asv f yv
460
Asl
( x 1 y 1 ) 1.6
( 280 730 ) 1616 mm 2
s v f yl
460
Use 9Y16 (As = 1809 mm2) in additional to 2Y25 for longitudinal bars
Shear + torsion reinforcement

Asv

Sv

shear

Asv

Sv

0.35 1.6 1.95 mm

torsion

Assume link diameter = 12 mm. For two legs Asv = 226 mm2.
Hence Sv < 226/1.95 = 115.9 mm. Therefore, Provide links Y12-110 mm c/c

40