Tekla Structural Designer

2022
Design Codes Reference: US codes

March 2022

©2022 Trimble Solutions Corporation

Contents

1 US codes ......................................................................................... 7
1.1 Loading (ASCE 7) ............................................................................................... 7
Loadcases (ASCE 7) ................................................................................................................ 7
Loadcase types (ASCE 7) .................................................................................................. 8
Self weight (ASCE 7)............................................................................................................ 8
Live and roof live loads (ASCE 7)....................................................................................... 9
Wind loads (ASCE 7) ........................................................................................................ 10
Snow loads (ASCE 7)......................................................................................................... 11
Patterning of live loads (ASCE 7).......................................................................................... 14
Wind wizard (ASCE 7).............................................................................................................15
Scope (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) ......................................................................................... 15
Limitations (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard).................................................................................. 16
Choice of Method (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard).......................................................................18
Rigid Buildings of All Heights - Geometry (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)............................... 20
Low Rise Buildings - Geometry (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard).................................................22
Basic Wind Data (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)......................................................................... 24
Results (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)......................................................................................... 26
Wind Zones - ASCE 7 All Heights Method...................................................................... 27
Wind Zones - ASCE 7 Low Rise Building Method.......................................................... 29
Create wind loadcases for the All Heights method .................................................... 30
Create wind loadcases for the Low Rise Buildings method........................................ 32
Create minimum design wind loadcases..................................................................... 34
Snow wizard (ASCE 7)........................................................................................................... 38
Combinations (ASCE 7) .........................................................................................................41
Notional loads (NL) (ASCE 7) ...........................................................................................41
Minimum lateral loads (MLL) (ASCE 7) .......................................................................... 42
Combination generator (ASCE 7).................................................................................... 43
Combination classes (ASCE 7) ........................................................................................ 45
References (ASCE 7)..............................................................................................................46
1.2 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD ........................................................47
General ...................................................................................................................................47
Seismic design (AISC 360) .............................................................................................. 47
Deflection checks (AISC 360) .......................................................................................... 48
Steel grade (AISC 360) ..................................................................................................... 48
Steel beam design to AISC 360 ............................................................................................49
Design method (Beams: AISC 360) ................................................................................ 49
Steel beam limitations and assumptions (Beams: AISC 360) .....................................49
Section classification (Beams: AISC 360) ......................................................................51
D2. Axial tension (Beams: AISC 360) ............................................................................. 51
E. Axial compression (Beams: AISC 360) .......................................................................52
G2. Shear strength (Beams: AISC 360) ......................................................................... 52
F2. Flexure (Beams: AISC 360) .......................................................................................52
H1. Combined forces (Beams: AISC 360) ...................................................................... 54
DG9. Torsion (Beams: AISC 360) .................................................................................... 54
Web openings (Beams: AISC 360) ..................................................................................57
Seismic design rules (Beams: AISC 360) ....................................................................... 59

2
 Composite beam design to AISC 360 ................................................................................. 60
Design method (Composite beams: AISC 360) ............................................................ 60
Serviceability limit state (SLS) (Composite beams: AISC 360) .....................................60
Construction stage (Composite beams: AISC 360) ...................................................... 63
Composite stage (Composite beams: AISC 360) ..........................................................64
Steel column design to AISC 360 ........................................................................................ 69
Design method (Columns: AISC 360) ............................................................................ 69
Section classification (Columns: AISC 360) ................................................................... 69
D2. Axial tension (Columns: AISC 360) .......................................................................... 70
E. Axial compression (Columns: AISC 360) ................................................................... 70
G2. Shear strength (Columns: AISC 360) ...................................................................... 71
F2. Flexure (Columns: AISC 360) .................................................................................... 71
H1. Combined forces (Columns: AISC 360) ................................................................. 71
Seismic design rules (Columns: AISC 360) ................................................................... 71
Column base plate design to AISC 360............................................................................... 73
Practical applications....................................................................................................... 73
Limitations.........................................................................................................................73
Theory and assumptions.................................................................................................74
Analysis.............................................................................................................................. 89
Sign Conventions..............................................................................................................89
Steel brace design to AISC 360 ............................................................................................90
Design method (Braces: AISC 360) ................................................................................ 90
Section classification (Braces: AISC 360) ......................................................................90
D2. Axial tension (Braces: AISC 360) ..............................................................................90
E. Axial compression (Braces: AISC 360) ....................................................................... 90
Seismic design rules (Braces: AISC 360) ........................................................................91
Truss member design to AISC 360 ......................................................................................92
Design method (Trusses: AISC 360) .............................................................................. 92
Design checks (Trusses: AISC 360) .................................................................................92
Steel single, double angle and tee section design to AISC 360 ....................................... 93
Design method (Angles and tees: AISC 360) ............................................................... 93
Angle and tee limitations (AISC 360) ............................................................................. 94
Section axes (Angles and tees: AISC 360) ..................................................................... 94
Design procedure for single angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360) .............................. 94
Design procedure for tee sections (Angles and tees: AISC 360) ................................ 96
Design procedure for double angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360) ........................... 97
Deflection of single angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360) ............................................. 98
References (AISC 360) ..........................................................................................................99
1.3 Steel seismic design to AISC 341 ................................................................. 100
Criteria assumed to be met (Seismic: AISC 341) ............................................................. 100
Common.........................................................................................................................100
OMF..................................................................................................................................100
IMF....................................................................................................................................101
SMF...................................................................................................................................101
OCBF................................................................................................................................ 102
SCBF................................................................................................................................. 103
Design philosophy (Seismic: AISC 341) ............................................................................ 104
Changes introduced in AISC 341-16 (Seismic AISC 341) ................................................ 105
Common seismic requirements (Seismic: AISC 341) ......................................................105
Required strength.......................................................................................................... 105
AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10 seismic classification - all members..........................106
AISC 341-05 seismic classification - all members....................................................... 108
Seismic checks - Beams (Seismic: AISC 341) ....................................................................110
Classification................................................................................................................... 111
Stability bracing.............................................................................................................. 111

3
 Design for brace forces in SCBF and OCBF................................................................. 114
Seismic checks - Columns (Seismic: AISC 341) ................................................................ 115
Classification................................................................................................................... 115
AISC 341-16, D1.4a Required strength ....................................................................... 116
AISC 341-10, D1.4a Required strength ....................................................................... 117
AISC 341-16 and -10, E3.4a Moment ratio...................................................................118
AISC 341-16 and -10, F2.3 Analysis...............................................................................119
AISC 341-05, 8.3 Required strength............................................................................. 120
AISC 341-05, 9.6 Moment ratio .................................................................................... 121
Seismic checks - Braces (Seismic: AISC 341) .................................................................... 121
Classification................................................................................................................... 121
Slenderness.....................................................................................................................122
Brace strength................................................................................................................ 124
1.4 Concrete design to ACI 318...........................................................................125
ACI 318-19 updates............................................................................................................. 126
Gravity design - general (ACI 318-19 update) ............................................................ 126
Concrete beam design (ACI 318-19 update) .............................................................. 127
Concrete column design (ACI 318-19 update) ........................................................... 127
Concrete wall design (ACI 318-19 update) ................................................................. 127
Slab and mat design (ACI 318-19 update) .................................................................. 128
Punching checks (ACI 318-19 update) .........................................................................128
Pad bases, strip footings & pile caps (ACI 318-19 update) ....................................... 128
Beam-column joint shear strength (ACI 318-19 update) ..........................................128
Seismic design - general (ACI 318-19 update) ............................................................131
Concrete beam seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) ................................................ 131
Concrete column seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) ............................................. 131
Concrete wall seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) ....................................................132
Limitations (concrete members: ACI 318)........................................................................ 132
Cover to Reinforcement (ACI 318)..................................................................................... 134
Concrete beam design to ACI 318..................................................................................... 134
Limitations (concrete beam: ACI 318).......................................................................... 135
Slender beams (ACI 318)............................................................................................... 136
Design parameters for longitudinal bars (ACI 318)....................................................136
Side skin reinforcement in beams (ACI 318)............................................................... 139
Effective depth of section (concrete beam: ACI 318)................................................. 139
Design for bending for rectangular sections (beams and slabs: ACI 318).............. 140
Design for bending for flanged sections (beams: ACI 318)....................................... 142
Shear strength (beams: ACI 318).................................................................................. 144
Minimum area of shear reinforcement (beams: ACI 318).........................................146
Spacing of shear reinforcement (beams: ACI 318).....................................................147
Deflection check (beams: ACI 318)............................................................................... 148
Seismic design and detailing (beams: ACI 318).......................................................... 149
Concrete column and wall design to ACI 318...................................................................163
Design parameters for longitudinal bars (concrete column: ACI 318).................... 164
Design parameters for vertical bars (concrete wall: ACI 318)...................................165
Design parameters for horizontal bars (concrete wall: ACI 318)..............................166
Ultimate Axial Load Limit (column and wall:ACI 318)............................................... 167
Effective length calculations (column and wall:ACI 318)........................................... 167
Column stack and wall panel classification (column and wall:ACI 318)...................169
Design Moment Calculations (column and wall: ACI 318).........................................170
Design for combined axial and bending (column and wall:ACI 318)....................... 172
Design parameters for shear (column and wall:ACI 318)..........................................172
Design for in plane shear (walls:ACI 318).................................................................... 173
Column confinement (column and wall:ACI 318)....................................................... 173
Seismic design and detailing (columns: ACI 318)....................................................... 173

4
 Seismic design (walls: ACI 318)..................................................................................... 187
Concrete slab design to ACI 318........................................................................................ 196
Pad and strip base design to ACI 318................................................................................197
Checks performed (pad and strip base:ACI 318)........................................................197
Foundation Bearing Capacity (pad and strip base:ACI 318)......................................198
Design for shear (pad and strip base:ACI 318)........................................................... 200
Check for transfer forces at column base (pad and strip base:ACI 318)................. 201
Check for transfer of horizontal forces by shear friction (pad and strip base:ACI
318).................................................................................................................................................. 202
Check for overturning forces (pad and strip base:ACI 318)...................................... 202
Check for sliding (pad and strip base:ACI 318)........................................................... 203
Check for uplift (pad and strip base:ACI 318)............................................................. 204
Checks for limiting parameters (pad and strip base: ACI 318)................................. 204
Pile cap design to ACI 318...................................................................................................205
Pile axial capacity (ACI 318)........................................................................................... 206
Pile lateral capacity (ACI 318)........................................................................................ 206
Design for bending (pile cap:ACI 318)..........................................................................207
Shear design (pile cap: ACI 318)................................................................................... 207
Checks for limiting parameters (pile cap: ACI 318).................................................... 207
Punching shear checks to ACI 318.....................................................................................208
Limitations and assumptions....................................................................................... 209
Definitions...................................................................................................................... 210
Loaded, critical and outer perimeters......................................................................... 211
Length of loaded and critical perimeters ................................................................... 213
Peripheral section properties ...................................................................................... 217
Modification of control perimeters to take account of slab openings................... 217
Pad base punching shear checks................................................................................ 218
Pile cap punching shear checks...................................................................................218
Seismic Design to ACI 318.................................................................................................. 218
References ACI 318..............................................................................................................221
1.5 Vibration of floors to DG11.......................................................................... 221
Introduction to DG11 floor vibration............................................................................... 222
Scope of DG11 floor vibration...........................................................................................223
Limitations and Assumptions of DG11 floor vibration.................................................. 223
Design philosophy of DG11 floor vibration..................................................................... 224
General............................................................................................................................ 224
Dynamic excitation.........................................................................................................225
Acceptance criteria for human comfort...................................................................... 226
Design for walking excitation........................................................................................226
Design for walking excitation DG11................................................................................. 227
Floor slab......................................................................................................................... 227
Beam panel mode.......................................................................................................... 227
Girder panel mode......................................................................................................... 229
Combined panel mode.................................................................................................. 230
Evaluation........................................................................................................................231
High Frequency Floors................................................................................................... 232
Sensitive use analysis DG11.............................................................................................. 232
Input requirements for DG11 floor vibration................................................................. 235
General............................................................................................................................ 235
Data Derived from Tekla Structural Designer.............................................................236
User Input Data.............................................................................................................. 237
Vibration of floors to DG11 references ...........................................................................239

5
6
1 US codes

• Loading (ASCE 7) (page 7)

• Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD (page 47)
• Steel seismic design to AISC 341 (page 100)
• Concrete design to ACI 318 (page 125)
• Vibration of floors to DG11 (page 221)

1.1 Loading (ASCE 7)

These topics provide a general overview of how loadcases and combinations
are created in Tekla Structural Designer when the head code is set to United
States(ACI/AISC). The ASCE 7 Combination Generator is also described.

The following topics are covered:

• Loadcases (ASCE 7) (page 7)
• Patterning of live loads (ASCE 7) (page 14)
• Wind wizard (ASCE 7) (page 15)
• Snow wizard (ASCE 7) (page 38)
• Combinations (ASCE 7) (page 41)

Loadcases (ASCE 7)
• Loadcase types (ASCE 7) (page 8)
• Self weight (ASCE 7) (page 8)
• Live and roof live loads (ASCE 7) (page 9)
• Wind loads (ASCE 7) (page 10)

US codes 7 Loading (ASCE 7)

• Snow loads (ASCE 7) (page 11)

Loadcase types (ASCE 7)

The following loadcase types can be created:

Type Calculated Include in Live load Pattern load

automaticall the reductions
y combination
generator
self weight yes/no yes/no N/A N/A
(beams,
columns and
walls)
slab wet yes/no N/A N/A N/A
slab dry yes/no yes/no N/A N/A
dead N/A yes/no N/A N/A
live N/A yes/no yes/no yes/no
roof live N/A yes/no yes/no N/A
wind N/A yes/no N/A N/A
snow N/A yes/no N/A N/A
snow drift N/A yes/no N/A N/A
temperature N/A N/A N/A N/A
settlement N/A N/A N/A N/A
seismic N/A yes N/A N/A

As shown above, self weight loads can all be determined automatically.

However, other gravity loadcases need to be applied manually as you build the
structure.

Self weight (ASCE 7)

Self weight - excluding slabs loadcase

Tekla Structural Designer automatically calculates the self weight of the
structural beams/columns for you. The Self weight - excluding slabs loadcase
is pre-defined for this purpose. It's loadcase type is fixed as “Selfweight”. It
cannot be edited and by default it is added to each new load combination.

Self weight of concrete slabs

Tekla Structural Designer expects the wet and dry weight of concrete slab to
be defined in separate loadcases. This is required to ensure that members are

US codes 8 Loading (ASCE 7)

designed for the correct loads at construction stage and post construction
stage.
The Slab self weight loadcase is pre-defined for the dry weight of concrete
post construction stage, its loadcase type is fixed as “Slab Dry”.
There is no pre-defined loadcase for the wet weight of concrete slab at
construction stage, but if you require it for the design of any composite beams
in the model the loadcase type should be set to “Slab Wet”.
Tekla Structural Designer can automatically calculate the above weights for
you taking into account the slab thickness, the shape of the deck profile and
wet/dry concrete densities. It does not explicitly take account of the weight of
any reinforcement but will include the weight of decking. Simply click the Calc
Automatically checkbox when you create each loadcase. When calculated in
this way you can’t add extra loads of your own into the loadcase.
If you normally make an allowance for ponding in your slab weight
calculations, Tekla Structural Designer can also do this for you. After selecting
the composite slabs, you are able to review the slab item properties - you will
find two ways to add an allowance for ponding (under the slab parameters
heading). These are:
• as a value, by specifying the average increased thickness of slab
• or, as a percentage of total volume.
Using either of these methods the additional load is added as a uniform load
over the whole area of slab.

Live and roof live loads (ASCE 7)

Live load reductions

Reductions can be applied to roof live and live loads to take account of the
unlikelihood of the whole building being loaded with its full design live load.
The reduction is calculated based on total floor area supported by the design
member. Roof live and live load types each have their own reductions applied
in accordance with either Section 4.8 and 4.9 of ASCE 7-05, or Section 4.7 and
4.8 of ASCE 7-10, -16 as appropriate.
Due to the complications associated with live load reduction when considering
beams at an angle to the vertical or horizontal, reductions are only applied to:
• Horizontal steel beams with vertical webs (major axis horizontal) which are
set to be “gravity only” pin ended only
• Columns of any material
• Concrete walls, mid-pier or meshed

Live load reduction factor

The live load reduction factor, R is calculated as follows:

US codes 9 Loading (ASCE 7)

R = (0.25 + 15 / Sqrt(KLL*AT)) - where R <= 1.0 US-units
R = (0.25 + 4.57 / Sqrt(KLL*AT)) metric-units

KLL comes from Table 4-2 in ASCE 7-05/ASCE 7-10, or Table 4.7-1 in ASCE 7-16.
Essentially:

Interior and exterior cols (no cantilever slabs) KLL= 4

Edge and interior beams (no cantilever slabs) KLL= 2
Interior beams (with cantilever slabs) KLL= 2
Cantilever beams KLL= 1
Edge cols (with cantilever slabs) KLL= 3
Corner cols (with cantilever slabs) KLL= 2
Edge beams (with cantilever slabs) KLL= 1
For all beams and column stacks supporting one floor R ≥ 0.5
For all column stacks supporting two or more floors R ≥ 0.4

NOTE As it is not possible to automatically assess where cantilever slabs are

and what they are attached to - the KLL factor can be manually
specified for individual columns, wall stacks and beam spans.

Roof live load reduction factor

The roof live load reduction factor is calculated as follows:

R R1 * R2
=

R1 1.2 - 0.001 * AT , where 1.0 ≥ R1 ≥ 0.6 US-units

=

1.2 - 0.011 * AT metric-units

=

R2 1.0 (conservatively assumes roofs < 18 degs)

=

Wind loads (ASCE 7)

US codes 10 Loading (ASCE 7)

Wind wizard loading
The Wind wizard (ASCE 7) (page 15) can be used to assess wind loading on
your building structure via a choice of methods:
• Directional Procedure Part 1 - Rigid Buildings of All Heights (Chapter 27)
• Envelope Procedure Part 1 - Low-Rise Buildings (Chapter 28)
In order to run the wind wizard the following assumptions/limitations exist:
• The shape of the building meets the limitations allowed for in the code.
• It must be a rigid structure.
• The structure must be either enclosed or partially enclosed.
• Parapets and roof overhangs are not explicitly dealt with.
Rigid Buildings of All Heights (page 30) or Low-Rise Building wind loadcases
can then be created (page 32) and combined with other actions due to dead
and imposed loads in accordance with Section 2.3.2 of ASCE 7

Minimum design wind loads

ASCE 7 requires that minimum design wind loads should be considered.
• If working to ASCE 7-05 these should not be less than 10 lb/ft2 (0.479
kN/m2) against the entire building.
• If working to ASCE 7-10 or -16 these should not be less than 16 lb/ft2 (0.766
kN/m2) on the walls and 8lb/ ft2 (0.383 kN/m2) on the roofs.
These loads can be automatically applied to windward wall and roof panels
and open structure wind load members by running the wind wizard. To find
out more, see: Create minimum design wind loadcases (page 34).

Simple wind loading

If use of the wind wizard is not appropriate for your structure then wind loads
can be applied via element or structure loads instead.

Snow loads (ASCE 7)

In the Snow wizard (ASCE 7) (page 38) you specify the snow loadcases to be
set up from the following list:
• Minimum Snow Load - for low sloped roofs
• Balanced Snow load - uniform snow load and rain on snow load
• Unbalanced Snow Load - the number of cases required being chosen to
reflect the number of wind directions considered
• Drift Snow Load
• Rain on Snow Surcharge

US codes 11 Loading (ASCE 7)

Once set up these loadcases are standard loadcases so you can include them
in combinations in the normal manner.

NOTE All loads and lengths of loads are assumed to act on a horizontal projection of
the roof surface.

Minimum snow load

Loads would need to be manually applied to this loadcase on completion of
the Snow Wizard - the only snow load applicable being Uniform Snow.

Balanced snow load

This loadcase is automatically populated on completion of the Snow Wizard

US codes 12 Loading (ASCE 7)

Unbalanced snow load
Loads would need to be manually applied to these loadcases on completion of
the Snow Wizard - both Uniform Snow and Valley Snow loads may be
applicable, (depending on the model geometry).

US codes 13 Loading (ASCE 7)

Drift snow loads
Loads would need to be manually applied to these loadcases on completion of
the Snow Wizard - the only snow load applicable being Local Drift Snow.

Rain on Snow Load Surcharge

This loadcase is automatically populated on completion of the Snow Wizard

Patterning of live loads (ASCE 7)

US codes 14 Loading (ASCE 7)

ASCE 7 pattern loading for LRFD combinations is as follows:

Code class Load Loaded spans Unloaded spans

combination
LRFD 1.2D + 1.6L + 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5Lr 1.2D + 0.5Lr
0.5Lr

Wind wizard (ASCE 7)

To access this configuration of the wind wizard the wind loading code has to
be set to ASCE 7. Each of the following ASCE 7 code years are supported: -05,
-10 & -16.
Once the wall and roof panels are in place, you use the wind wizard on the
Load tab to define sufficient site information to calculate the velocity
pressures for the required wind directions and heights around the building.
Minimum design wind loads can also be calculated if required.

NOTE Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all clauses, figures and tables referred to in
the topics in this section are from ASCE 7-10. Ref 1 (page 46)

Topics in this section

Scope (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 15)
Limitations (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 16)
Choice of Method (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 18)
Rigid Buildings of All Heights - Geometry (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 19)
Low Rise Buildings - Geometry (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 22)
Basic Wind Data (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 24)
Results (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard) (page 26)
Wind Zones - ASCE 7 All Heights Method (page 26)
Wind Zones - ASCE 7 Low Rise Building Method (page 29)
Create wind loadcases for the All Heights method (page 30)
Create wind loadcases for the Low Rise Buildings method (page 32)
Create minimum design wind loadcases (page 34)

Scope (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)

The scope of ASCE 7 Wind Wizard encompasses:
• Choice of method:
• ASCE/SEI 7 - Directional Procedure Part 1 - Rigid Buildings of All Heights

US codes 15 Loading (ASCE 7)

 • ASCE/SEI 7 - Envelope Procedure Part 1 - Low-Rise Buildings
• The input of appropriate basic wind data is your responsibility.
• Having defined wall panels and roof panels (defaults are standard wall, flat
or pitched roof depending on the slope), you are able to specify the type in
more detail e.g. monoslope / mansard etc.
• Wherever possible the wind parameters are determined for you but
conservatively, you are able to override the values should you wish to.
• Given the above, zoning is semi-automatic, with full graphical feedback.
• Load decomposition is fully automatic where valid, (wall panels and roof
panels need to be fully supported in the direction of span).
• Minimum design wind loads can be created in addition for each wind
model direction.
• There may be situations when you perceive a need to manually define
loads that cannot be determined automatically. You can do this by defining
additional wind loadcases to contain these loads and then include these
with the relevant system generated loads in design combinations in the
normal way.

Limitations (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)

Throughout the development of the Wind Wizard extensive reference has
been made to these references (page 46) and we consider it advisable that
you are fully familiar with these before using the software.
In addition, because wind loading is complex and its application to general
structures even more so, it is essential that you read and fully appreciate the
following limitations in the software:

NOTE Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all clauses, figures and tables referred to
are taken from ASCE 7-10. Ref 1 (page 46)

Geometry

The shape of the building must lie within the shapes that are valid according to
ASCE 7-10 Clauses 27.1.2 and 28.1.2:
• It should be a regular shaped building or structure
• It should not have response characteristics making it subject to across-
wind loading, vortex shedding, instability due to galloping or flutter; or
have a site location for which channeling effects or buffeting in the wake of
upwind obstructions warrant special consideration.
Although the software will generate wind loads for many situations - it is up to
you to accept that the loads generated are suitable according to ASCE 7-10.

US codes 16 Loading (ASCE 7)

Other documented limitations include:
• Buildings must be enclosed or partially enclosed.
• Open sided buildings are not considered.
• Only rigid buildings are considered, not flexible buildings.
• Zones and loadcases are not generated for components and cladding.
• You will need to establish and enter the wind data yourself.
• Roof types must be set manually.
• Barrel-vault and domed roofs are not considered.
• Parapets and free-standing canopies are not considered.
• Roof Overhangs are not explicitly handled.
• There is no special handling for Multi-Bay roofs as they are not covered
explicitly in ASCE 7-10.
• There is no special handling for troughed roofs as they are not covered
explicitly in ASCE 7-10.

Loaded area

The difference between the loaded area of wall panels and roof panels defined
at the centre-line rather than the sheeting dimension is ignored.

Wind direction

• All outward faces within 60 degs of being perpendicular to wind direction -

loads applied as windward normal to face. All inside faces within 60 degs to
wind direction - loads applied as leeward normal to face. All other faces
considered as side.
• Orthogonal wind directions at the definition of the user.

Design wind load

The design wind load is not explicitly checked to ensure it is greater than the
minimum of 16 psf - (as per Clause 27.4.7 for the Directional method, or 28.4.4
for the Envelope procedure.)
However, the average wind pressure for each of Windward, Leeward and Side
directions is provided for you to manually check this is satisfied.

Additional wind loads

There may be situations when you perceive a need to manually define loads
that cannot be determined automatically. You can do this by defining
additional wind loadcases to contain these loads and then include these with

US codes 17 Loading (ASCE 7)

the relevant system generated loads in design combinations in the normal
way.

Choice of Method (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)

Property Description
Rigid Buildings of All Heights: Choose either the All Heights method,
Directional Procedure Part 1 or the Low-Rise Buildings method as
Low-Rise Buildings (<=60ft or 18m): required.
Envelope Procedure Part 1
Apply Open Structure Wind Load With this box checked, additional
wind forces are applied to those
members, ancillaries and equipment
that have the Apply Open Structure
Wind Load property selected in their
properties.

NOTE This option is only displayed

if at least one entity has been
selected to have open
structure wind load applied.

For more information, see:

Next Depending on whether you choose
the Low-Rise or the Rigid Buildings
method, clicking Next takes you to
either the Low rise building -
Geometry page, or the Rigid building
of all heights - Geometry page.

Applicability of the Low-Rise Buildings method

The Low-Rise Buildings method is explicitly limited to buildings where the
mean roof height does not exceed the least horizontal dimension and is less
than or equal to 60 ft, (ASCE 7-10 Clause 26.2). It is implied that the method
should only be used for simple rectangular box-shaped buildings, however,
you are given the final responsibility for determining the applicability of this
method to your model.
Failure to comply with any of the following conditions will explicitly prevent
access to this method:
• There must be 4 walls which must be connected sequentially and form a
"simple" quadrilateral in plan form, (all internal corners between 82.5° and
97.5°).
• Each wall must be almost vertical (>80°)

US codes 18 Loading (ASCE 7)

• Each wall must either have 4 sides, forming a "simple" quadrilateral in
elevation, or 5 sides forming a convex shape, (allowing for gable ends of
buildings).
• The roof system must be one of the following:-
• Single quadrilateral roof with type "Flat"

NOTE Where a building has a single roof with a low slope, (e.g. 2°), the
default will be "Pitched", but if you consider the building
suitable for the Low-Rise method, you can force the roof type to
"Flat" rather than "Monoslope".

• Two quadrilateral "Pitched" roofs which must have a single edge in

common. The roofs must face in opposite directions and have similar
slopes, (less than 3° difference).
• Two quadrilateral "Hip Main" roofs which must have a single edge in
common and either 1 or 2 hip gable roofs which must be triangular. The
"Hip Main" roofs must face in opposite directions and have similar
slopes, (less than 3° difference).

• In particular, the Low-Rise Method is not allowed with Monoslope or

multi-span roofs.

US codes 19 Loading (ASCE 7)

Rigid Buildings of All Heights - Geometry (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)
The following geometry items are required for this method. You can override
calculated dimensions using your engineering judgement.

Property/Buttons Description
Property
Ground Level in Model (Ignore Wind If for some reason, the level 0.0 feet
Below) in the Tekla Structural Designer
model does not correspond to the
ground level, for example you have
used a site datum rather than a
building datum, then this field allows
you to set the appropriate value so
that the reference heights for the
wind can be calculated correctly. The
default is zero. The allowed maximum
is the minimum wall or roof height.
Changing the value in this field will
cause the Mean Roof Height to be
recalculated, unless you have chosen
to override that dimension.
Orientation of Principal Axes This is similar to the Orientation of
Longitudinal Direction relative to axes
(Figure 28.4-1) for Low-Rise Buildings.
Although there is no need to
distinguish between the Longitudinal
and Transverse axes for this method,
the wind X axis will be aligned to this
direction with the Y axis at right
angles. The vortex view will be slightly
different to the Low-Rise one to
reflect that.
Due to the potential complexity of the
model, the Wind Wizard... will only
attempt to determine the correct
angle for the axes if the building is
also suitable for Low Rise, otherwise
zero is used as the default.
Mean Roof Height, h (Clause 26.2) For this method, the actual reference
height is only be used for the
pressure on windward walls. For all
other walls, and roofs, a single height
is used to determine the pressure for
each direction.
By default, the height is calculated as
for Low-Rise Buildings except that

US codes 20 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Property/Buttons Description
there is no single value of θ, so the
eaves height is only used if all the
roof angles are <= 10°. You are able
to override the calculated value by
checking the box.
Level of Highest Opening in Building, For this method, qi is evaluated at
zi (Clause 27.4.1) height h for all cases except for
positive internal pressure in partially
enclosed buildings, where it should
be evaluated at the level of the
highest opening. However, the clause
allows h to be used even for this case,
so the default is for the box to be
checked and the level to be
automatically updated as the Mean
Roof Height changes.
Overall Building X Dimension and These dimensions are calculated from
Overall Building Y Dimension (Clause the smallest enclosing rectangle
26.3) (considered over all roof and walls
only), relative to the given orientation
of the Principal Axes - see figure
below. You are able to override each
calculated value by checking its box.
These values will then be used to
derive the L and B dimensions for
each wind direction.
For X Axis, L = X Dimension, B = Y
Dimension.
For Y Axis, L = Y Dimension, B = X
Dimension:

Design Pressure Factor (Figure 27.4.8 This defaults to 75%, but the
and Clause 27.4.6) commentary suggests that this may
not cover all cases so you are allowed
to change it. A single factor is used for
all Torsional loadcases.

US codes 21 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Property/Buttons Description
Eccentricity (Figure 27.4.8 and Clause This defaults to 15% but again, the
27.4.6) commentary suggests that this may
not cover all cases so you are allowed
to change it. A single factor is used for
all Torsional loadcases.
Buttons
Next Clicking Next takes you to the Basic
wind data page.

Low Rise Buildings - Geometry (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)

The following geometry items are required for the Low Rise Buildings method.
You can override calculated dimensions using your engineering judgement.

Property/Buttons Description
Property
Ground level If for some reason, the level 0.0 feet
in the Tekla Structural Designer
model does not correspond to the
ground level, e.g. you have used a site
datum rather than a building datum,
then this field allows you to set the
appropriate value so that the
reference heights for the wind can be
calculated correctly. The default is
zero. The allowed maximum is the
minimum wall or roof height.
Changing the value in this field will
cause the Mean Roof Height to be
recalculated, unless you have chosen
to override that dimension.
Orientation of Longitudinal Direction This information is required to control
relative to axes (Figure 28.4-1) the orientation of the Transverse and
Longitudinal directions, and thus the
Tekla Structural Designer Wind
Directions. For simple roof shapes,
ASCE 7- 10 Wind Wizard will calculate a
default value as below.
• Single flat roof - orient along
longest side,
• 2 Duopitch roofs - orient along
common edge,

US codes 22 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Property/Buttons Description
• 2 Hip Main roofs - orient along
common edge.
• Changing the value in this field will
cause either or both of the
Longitudinal and Transverse
Dimensions to be recalculated,
unless you have chosen to
override them.
Roof Angle The field is always visible, even if
there are no roof panels in your
model. It is calculated as follows:
• No roof panels - θ = 0°.
• Else - use maximum angle for all
roof panels in the model.
You are able to override the
calculated value by checking the box;
The limits are 0° to 80°.
Mean Roof Height, h (Clause 26.2) The field is calculated as follows:
• No roof panels -h is maximum
reference height for walls,
• Else if θ <=10° - use maximum
eaves height, (h e), for all roof
panels in the model, (see Figure
28.4-1)
• Else - use maximum Mean Roof
height, (h), for all roof panels in
the model.
In the example below, h = (hu + hl)/2 -
g

h is limited to a maximum of 60 ft or
the Least Horizontal Dimension,

US codes 23 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Property/Buttons Description
whichever is lower. You are able to
override the calculated value by
checking the box.
Longitudinal and Transverse These are similar to the Overall
Dimensions (Clause 26.3 and Figure building X dimension and overall
28.4-1) building Y dimension (Clause 26.3)
(page 19) for the Rigid Buildings of All
Heights Method.
These dimensions are calculated from
the smallest enclosing rectangle
(considered over all roof and walls
only), relative to the given orientation
of the Longitudinal Direction. You are
able to override each calculated value
by checking its box. These values will
then be used to derive the L and B
dimensions for each wind direction.
For Longitudinal Wind Directions, L =
Longitudinal Dimension, B =
Transverse Dimension.
For Transverse directions, L =
Transverse Dimension, B =
Longitudinal Dimension.
Buttons
Next Clicking Next takes you to the Basic
wind data page.

Basic Wind Data (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)

Once the geometry has been confirmed, (for either method), you are then
required to enter the basic wind data. The only difference between the two
methods is that the Gust Effect Factor field is only shown for the All Heights
Method.

Property/ Description
Buttons
Property
Basic Wind A strictly positive value is required with 90mph being the
Speed (Clause default.
26.5.1)
Hurricane-Prone The default is cleared, i.e. region not prone to hurricanes.
Region (Clause
26.2)

US codes 24 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Property/ Description
Buttons
Directionality The default is 0.85, range 0.85 to 1.0 inclusive.
Factor, Kd
(Clause 26.6, and NOTE There is no cross-checking to ensure that the
Table 26.6-1) model has met the load combination criteria. If
that does not apply, then it is your own
responsibility to enter the correct value of 1.0.

Enclosure Options are "Enclosed" and "Partially Enclosed" with

Classification default being "Enclosed".
(Clause 26.10)
NOTE "Open" structures are not handled in the current
version of the program

Gust Effect This will only be shown for the All Heights Method. The
Factor (Clause default value is 0.85.
26.9.1)
Principal Axes There are always four directions shown for principal axes,
being based on the Orientation of the Longitudinal
Direction or Principal Axes depending on the method. You
are not able to add, delete or modify any direction.
Exposure Options are "B", "C" or "D" with default being "B".
Category (Clause
26.7.3)
Topographic Options are as follows, with the default being "None":
Feature (Clause
• "None" - no feature, i.e. Kzt = 1.0.
26.8 and Figure
26.8-1) • "2D Ridge"
• "2D Escarp" - 2D Escarpment
• "3D Hill" - 3D Axisymmetrical Hill
Crest Height, H Height of the hill or escarpment relative to the upwind
(Figure 26.8-1) terrain.
The behaviour of this field depends on the Feature type as
follows:
• "2D Ridge" - non-zero values allowed, (negative
indicates a valley).
• "2D Escarp" - strictly positive values allowed
• "3D Hill" - strictly positive values allowed
Crest Length, Lh Distance upwind of crest to where the difference in ground
(Figure 26.8-1) elevation is half the height of the hill or escarpment.

US codes 25 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Property/ Description
Buttons
Distance to Distance upwind or downwind from the crest to the
Crest, x (Figure building site.
26.8-1)
The value may be positive to indicate downwind, or
negative to indicate upwind.
Buttons
Next Clicking Next takes you to the Results page.

Results (ASCE 7 Wind Wizard)

The final page of the wind wizard is a summary of the velocity pressure results
for the principal axes. From here you can click Details... to obtain additional
information, including the values of intermediate factors used in the
calculations.

Minimum design wind loadcases

Check the box if you want to be able to automatically create minimum design
wind loadcases in accordance with your selected ASCE 7 code year.
Click Details... to see more information about how the minimums will be
applied to the different panel types and any open structure members when
the loadcases are created.

Finishing the wind wizard

When you click Finish, the wind wizard generates the wind zones for the entire
building for each of the specified wind directions.
Before moving on you should take a moment to inspect the Wind Model status
on the Project Workspace > Status tab, in order to check that no Limitations
(page 16) have been encountered.

Related topics
Wind Zones - ASCE 7 Low Rise Building Method (page 29)
Wind Zones - ASCE 7 All Heights Method (page 26)
Create wind loadcases for the All Heights method (page 30)
Create wind loadcases for the Low Rise Buildings method (page 32)
Create minimum design wind loadcases (page 34)

US codes 26 Loading (ASCE 7)

Wind Zones - ASCE 7 All Heights Method
At the end of the wind wizard, the system creates default zones for all the
walls and roof panels for each of the defined wind directions.
If any errors have occurred in this process, a red cross appears next to
Pressure Zones in the Project Workspace.

Wind Directions
Eight zone directions evenly spaced at 45 degree intervals starting from the
longitudinal direction are defined as follows:
• +X - (longitudinal direction, uses qz for 1st principal axis)
• +X+Y - (longitudinal direction + 45°, uses qz for 1st and 2nd principal axes)
• +Y - (longitudinal direction + 90°, uses qz for 2nd principal axis)
• -X+Y - (longitudinal direction + 135°, uses qz for 2nd and 3rd principal axes)
• -X - (longitudinal direction + 180°, uses qz for 3rd principal axis)
• -X-Y - (longitudinal direction + 225°, uses qz for 3rd and 4th principal axes)
• -Y - (longitudinal direction + 270°, uses qz for 4th principal axis)
• +X-Y - (longitudinal direction + 315°, uses qz for 1st principal axis)
The 4 directions +X,+Y,-X,-Y enable the modeling of design wind loadcases 1
and 2 from Figure 27.4-8. The 4 intermediate directions +X+Y etc. enable the
modeling of loadcases 3 and 4.

Wall Zones
The wind wizard automatically generates wall zones, where possible, in
accordance with Figure 27.4-1.
Windward Walls are split horizontally over intermediate heights. Zones are
labelled with a 'W' followed by the height at top of zone rounded to nearest
foot (or meter if using metric units). Each zone uses the same Cp, (0.8 from
Wall Cp table in Figure 27.4-1), but a different velocity pressure, qz, z being
determined at the top of the zone.
Complex wall shapes are dealt with by splitting zones intelligently as illustrated
below:

US codes 27 Loading (ASCE 7)

Leeward walls have a single zone, 'L', using a Wall Cp from the table in Figure
27.4-1, with interpolation for L/B. The velocity pressure, qh is used for all such
zones.
Side walls have a single zone, 'S', using the same Cp, (-0.7 from the Wall Cp
table in Figure 27.4-1). A single velocity pressure, qh is used for all such zones.

Skew Walls
There is no guidance in ASCE 7-10 for walls not orthogonal to the principal
axes. However, the wind wizard will apply zones in those cases and it is your
responsibility to check the wind loads adopted.

Roof Zones
The wind wizard automatically generates Windward and Leeward roof zones
('W' and 'L' respectively, where possible, in accordance with Figure 27.4-1. This
is possible for Windward and Leeward roof panels with θ >= 10°, because

US codes 28 Loading (ASCE 7)

there is only one zone. However, for θ < 10° and Side roof panels, automatic
zoning will not be carried out for all cases.
Negative and positive values of Cp are determined for each zone from the Roof
Cp table in Figure 27.4-1.
For non-principal axis directions, it is assumed that roof loads are not required
and so special zones are created, named "Zero". Such zones will result in zero
loading on the relevant roof panels. However, if the you choose to do so you
can change these to non-standard zones and enter coefficients to force loads
to be applied.
When calculating the area reduction factor we use the slope area not the plan
area.
Mansard roofs are not automatically detected, i.e. it is your responsibility to
set the Roof Type manually. Generally, Mansard roofs are handled exactly the
same as if they are:
• Flat (for slope < 0.1°)
• Pitched (for slope >= 0.1°)
There is no guidance on what to do with other multipitch roofs, so they are
treated as pitched roofs, whether they have been flagged as Mansard or not.
Side roofs are split into to 4 zones depending on the size of the roof. See the
Roof Cp table in Figure 27.4-1.
• Zone 1 - 0 to h/2, interpolating between 2 values for h/L if necessary.
•
NOTE Upper value for interpolation can be reduced linearly with the
sloped area of this zone, (see ** in Figure 27.4-1).

• Zone 2 - h/2 to h, interpolate between -0.9 and -0.7 for h/L if necessary
• Zone 3 - h to 2h, interpolate between -0.5 and -0.7 for h/L if necessary
• Zone 4 - > 2h, interpolate between -0.3 and -0.7 for h/L if necessary

Automatic Zoning
Automatic zoning will apply to all Windward and Leeward roof panels with θ >
10°, because there is only one zone. However, for θ < 10° and Side roof panels,
automatic zoning will not be carried out for all cases.

Wind Zones - ASCE 7 Low Rise Building Method

At the end of the wind wizard, the system creates default zones for all the
walls and roof panels for each of the defined wind directions.
If any errors have occurred in this process, a red cross appears next to
Pressure Zones in the Project Workspace.

US codes 29 Loading (ASCE 7)

Wind Directions
Eight zone directions evenly spaced at 45 degree intervals about the
longitudinal direction are defined as follows:
• Long (B) 1 - (longitudinal direction + 22.5°, uses data for +X' principal axis)
• Trans (A) 1 - (longitudinal direction + 67.5°, uses data for +Y' principal axis)
• Trans (A) 1 - (longitudinal direction + 112.5°, uses data for +Y' principal axis)
• Long (B) 4 - (longitudinal direction + 157.5°, uses data for -X' principal axis)
• Long (B) 3 - (longitudinal direction + 202.5°, uses data for -X' principal axis)
• Trans (A) 3 - (longitudinal direction + 247.5°, uses data for -Y' principal axis)
• Trans (A) 2 - (longitudinal direction + 292.5°, uses data for -Y' principal axis)
• Long (B) 2 - (longitudinal direction + 337.5°, uses data for +X' principal axis)
These enable the modeling of two sets of zones per principal axis with the
correct reference corner in each case.

Wall Zones
The wind wizard automatically generates wall zones, where possible, for each
Direction of MWFRS Being Designed and Reference Corner in accordance with
Figure 28.4-1.

Roof Zones
The wind wizard automatically generates roof zones, where possible, for each
Direction of MWFRS Being Designed and Reference Corner in accordance with
Figure 28.4-1.
For flat roofs and for MWFRS parallel to the ridge line we assume Note 8 is not
applicable.
Where Note 7 applies, we assume the dimension to the zone 2/3 boundary is
measured horizontally.

Automatic Zoning
Automatic zoning only applies to all triangular roof panels and quadrilateral
roof panels that are not concave, that is that all of the internal angles < 180°.

Create wind loadcases for the All Heights method

It is not practical to automatically determine critical combinations and thus
required wind loadcases, therefore you control the generation of appropriate
Wind Loadcases manually. This is achieved via the Wind Loadcases dialog
(accessed from the Load tab).
The Auto button on the dialog provides various options to control the number
of loadcases before they are generated (its intention being to prevent

US codes 30 Loading (ASCE 7)

generation of very large numbers of loadcases). Alternatively you can create
loadcases manually using the Add button.
You then specify which direction the loadcase will be created for and set
default values for all the zone loads generated in the loadcase.
If you want to consider minimum design wind loadcases these can also be
created at the same time.
Once generated these loadcases are standard loadcases so you can include
them in combinations in the normal manner.
Try to use engineering judgement to identify the critical loadcases so that the
number of load combinations that need to be considered can be minimized.
Use the Delete button to remove wind loadcases you do not wish to consider.

Add wind loadcases

By clicking Add you are able to generate wind loadcases one at a time.
• The loadcase Name is auto generated from the other input parameters,
but it can be edited if required.
• The Direction the loadcase will be created for is selected from the droplist.
• The internal pressure coefficient is entered directly.

NOTE Depending on the wind code you have selected, the default is the
negative value depending on the Enclosure Classification from:
• ASCE 7-16: Table 26.13-1, p271
• ASCE 7-10: Figure 26.11-1, p201
• ASCE 7-05: Figure 6-5, p47

• You are able to select if it is a Torsion Loadcase or not: when selected,

reduced pressure loads are applied to parts of the standard zones (by
applying a net pressure factor of 25%).
• For torsion loadcases, you are able to select if positive or negative
Eccentricity is applied.
• You are able to select if Roof Loads are to be created for roof zones or not.

NOTE This option is provided to allow for the following note, (depending
on the wind code you have selected):
• ASCE 7-16: Figure 27.3-1, Note 7, p276
• ASCE 7-10: Figure 27.4-1, Note 9, p207
• ASCE 7-05: Figure 6-6, Note 9, p49

• If Roof Loads are created, you are able to select if positive or negative Roof
Cp pressure coefficients are to be used for roof zones.

US codes 31 Loading (ASCE 7)

NOTE If you selected the Create Minimum Design Wind Loadcases option when
running the wind wizard, you are also provided with a Min Design Load
option. This can be selected to add a minimum design wind load (page 35)
instead of a standard wind loadcase.

Auto generate wind loadcases

By clicking Auto you are able to control the total number of loadcases
generated.
By selecting Include, up to 8 wind loadcases can be generated for each
direction. You may choose positive and/or negative GCpi derived from the
Enclosure Classification, (see Figure 26.11-1, p201). If you include a direction,
but have not checked either +ve GCpi or -ve GCpi, then that is interpreted as a
loadcase with GCpi of zero. Similarly you may choose positive and/or negative
Cp values for roof zones - checking neither indicates Roof Loads to be ignored
for this direction. Torsional loadcases will not be included by default, but can
be added with positive or negative eccentricity.

NOTE If you selected the Create Minimum Design Wind Loadcases option
when running the wind wizard, you are also provided with a Min
Design Load option. This can be selected to generate minimum
design wind loads (page 35) in addition to, or instead of, the included
standard wind loadcases.

When you click OK the included loadcases are generated. Their names are
automatically generated from the other input parameters but can be edited if
required (by unchecking the Auto checkbox).

Review wind loadcases

Once wind loadcases have been created they can be reviewed graphically by
opening a wind view for the required direction and then selecting the desired
wind loadcase from the Loading list.

Create wind loadcases for the Low Rise Buildings method

It is not practical to automatically determine critical combinations and thus
required wind loadcases, therefore you control the generation of appropriate
Wind Loadcases manually. This is achieved via the Wind Loadcases dialog box
(accessed from the Load tab).
The Auto button on the dialog provides various options to control the number
of loadcases before they are generated (its intention being to prevent
generation of very large numbers of loadcases). Alternatively you can create
loadcases manually using the Add button.
You then specify which direction each loadcase will be created for and set
default values for all the zone loads generated in the loadcase.

US codes 32 Loading (ASCE 7)

If you want to consider minimum design wind loadcases these can also be
created at the same time.
Once generated these loadcases are standard loadcases so you can include
them in combinations in the normal manner.
Try to use engineering judgement to identify the critical loadcases for design.
This ensures that the number of load combinations to be considered are
minimized. Use the Delete button to remove wind loadcases you do not wish
to consider.

Add wind loadcases

By clicking Add you are able to generate loadcases one at a time.
• The loadcase Name is auto generated from the other input parameters,
but it can be edited if required.
• The Direction the loadcase will be created for is selected from the droplist.
• The internal pressure coefficient is entered directly.

NOTE Depending on the wind code you have selected, the default is the
negative value depending on the Enclosure Classification from:
• ASCE 7-16: Table 26.13-1, p271
• ASCE 7-10: Figure 26.11-1, p201
• ASCE 7-05: Figure 6-5, p47

• You are able to select if it is a Torsion Loadcase or not: when selected,

reduced pressure loads are applied to parts of the standard zones (by
applying a net pressure factor of 25%).
• You are able to select if Roof Loads are to be generated for the loadcase or
not.

NOTE If you selected the Create Minimum Design Wind Loadcases option
when running the wind wizard, you are also provided with a Min
Design Load option. This can be selected to add a minimum design
wind load (page 35) instead of a standard wind loadcase.

Auto generate wind loadcases

By clicking Auto you are able to control the total number of loadcases
generated.
Up to 4 wind loadcases can be generated for each direction, using positive and
negative GCpi derived from the Enclosure Classification, (see Figure 26.11-1,
p201). If a direction is included, but neither +ve GCpi or -ve GCpi have been
checked, then that is interpreted as a loadcase with GCpi of zero. You are also
given the option to include the torsional loadcases or not, (default not), but it
is assumed that Roof loads are required.

US codes 33 Loading (ASCE 7)

NOTE If you selected the Create Minimum Design Wind Loadcases option when
running the wind wizard, you are also provided with a Min Design Load
option. This can be selected to generate minimum design wind loads
(page 35) in addition to, or instead of, the included standard wind loadcases.

When you click OK the included loadcases are generated. Their names are
automatically generated from the other input parameters but can be edited if
required (by unchecking the Auto checkbox).

Review wind loadcases

Once wind loadcases have been created they can be reviewed graphically by
opening a wind view for the required direction and then selecting the desired
wind loadcase from the Loading list.

Create minimum design wind loadcases

Minimum design wind loads to ASCE 7 can be automatically applied to
windward wall and roof panels and open structure wind load members via the
wind wizard (page 15) as follows:
• Click Load --> Wind Wizard...
• Run through the wind wizard and when you get to the Results page select
Create Minimum Design Wind Loadcases.

US codes 34 Loading (ASCE 7)

• After completing the wind wizard, add or auto generate the loadcases you
require as described below.

Add a minimum design wind loadcase

NOTE Before you can add minimum design wind loadcases, you must first
run the wind wizard (page 15) and select the Create Minimum
Design Wind Loadcases option.

1. Click Load --> Wind Loadcases to open the Wind Loadcases dialog box.
2. Click Add
3. Select the required Direction
4. Click Min Design Load

The loadcase name is automatically generated for the selected direction

but can be edited if required (by unchecking the Auto checkbox).
5. Click OK
Having created the minimum design wind loadcases, they can be added to
automatically generated wind load combinations in the same ways as other
wind loadcases.

Auto generate minimum design wind loadcases

NOTE Before you can generate minimum design wind loadcases, you must
first run the wind wizard (page 15) and select the Create Minimum
Design Wind Loadcases option.

1. Click Load --> Wind Loadcases to open the Wind Loadcases dialog box.
2. Click Auto

NOTE Auto is not available if wind loadcases have already been defined.

3. Click Min Design Load for each of the directions that you require
minimum design wind loadcases to be created.

US codes 35 Loading (ASCE 7)

4. If you also want to generate standard wind loadcases, click Include for
each of the directions required.
5. Click OK Loadcase names are automatically generated for the selected
directions but can be edited if required (by unchecking the Auto
checkbox).
6. Click OK
Having created the minimum design wind loadcases, they can be added to
automatically generated wind load combinations in the same ways as other
wind loadcases.

Review minimum design wind loadcases

Once wind loadcases have been created they can be reviewed graphically by
opening a wind view for the required direction and then selecting the desired
wind loadcase from the Loading list.
If reviewing a minimum wind loadcase you can hover the cursor over the wind
pressure profile that is displayed, as shown below, in order to see the applied
pressure values in a tooltip.

US codes 36 Loading (ASCE 7)

Create a minimum design wind loadcases report
A table of the minimum design wind loads applied to the model is available by
including the "Wind Data" report item in your reports.

US codes 37 Loading (ASCE 7)

Snow wizard (ASCE 7)
Summary
You can use the Snow wizard... to define sufficient site information to
calculate the snow loadcases.

Location
1. Ensure the snow loading code is set as ASCE 7.
2. On the Load tab, click Snow Load --> Snow wizard...

US codes 38 Loading (ASCE 7)

Content

Button, command or Description

option
Page 1 - Basic data The following basic data is required:
(ASCE 7 Snow wizard)
Ground snow load (No default)
Terrain Category Options are:
• B (urban, suburban, wooded) - Default
• C (open terrain scattered obstructions),
• D (flat unobstructed areas), Above treeline, Alaska
no trees
Exposure Options are:
• Fully exposed
• Partially exposed
Exposure factor, Ce Ce is determined from the following table:

Fully Fully Shelter

Expos Expose ed
ed d
B 0.9 1 1.2
C 0.9 1 1.1
D 0.8 0.9 1
Above 0.7 0.8 0
treeline
Alaska 0.7 0.8 0
Thermal Condition Option are:
• All except below
• Structures kept just above freezing
• Unheated open air structures
• Structures kept below freezing
• Continuously heated greenhouses
Thermal factor, Ct Ct is determined from the following table:

A 1
B 1.1
C 1.2
D 1.3
E 0.85

US codes 39 Loading (ASCE 7)

Button, command or Description
option
Risk Category Option are:
• I
• II
• III
• IV
Snow Importance Is is determined from the following table:
factor, Is
I 0.8
II 1
III 1.1
IV 1.2
Flat Roof Snow load, , pf is determined from the following:
pf
pf = 0.7 * Ce * Ct * Is * pg
Next Takes you to the next page.
Page 2 - Snow This page is used to specify the loadcases as follows:
loadcases (AISC Snow
wizard)
Minimum Snow Load Option are:
• Yes
• No
Balanced Snow Load Option are:
• Yes
• No
Unbalanced Snow Option are:
Load
• No
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
You can select between 1 and 4 cases to generate (1
Unbalanced..., 2 Unbalanced, etc.)
Draft Snow Load Option are:
• No
• 1

US codes 40 Loading (ASCE 7)

 Button, command or Description
option
• 2
• 3
• 4
You can select between 1 and 4 cases to generate (1
Unbalanced..., 2 Unbalanced, etc.)
Rain on Snow Option are:
Surcharge
• Yes
• No
Finish Completes the Snow wizard... and sets up the
loadcases based upon the input.

Combinations (ASCE 7)
Once your loadcases have been generated as required, you then combine
them into load combinations; these can either be created manually, by clicking
Add... - or with the assistance of the Combination Generator (page 43), by
clicking Generate...
Click the links below to find out more:
• Notional loads (NL) (ASCE 7) (page 41)
• Minimum lateral loads (MLL) (ASCE 7) (page 42)
• Combination generator (ASCE 7) (page 43)
• Combination classes (ASCE 7) (page 45)

Notional loads (NL) (ASCE 7)

Notional loads (NL) are automatically derived from the factored loadcases
within the current combination. They are applied in the analysis as a
horizontal force at each beam column intersection as a specified percentage
of the vertical load in the column at the column/beam intersection.
Settings that control the NL percentage can be adjusted from > . (The default
settings result in 0.3% NL in both directions).
The resulting notional loads can be applied to the structure in the building
directions 1 and 2 as follows:
• NL Dir1+
• NL Dir1-

US codes 41 Loading (ASCE 7)

• NL Dir2+
• NL Dir2-
When you run the Combination Generator (page 43) you are required to
select the NL directions to add, and the factors to be applied as part of the
process. Alternatively, you can set up the combinations manually and apply
notional loads and factors to each as required.
Once you have created NL combinations and performed the analysis, you can
view the magnitude of the notional loads from the project workspace. You can
also display their magnitude and direction graphically in a results view.

Minimum lateral loads (MLL) (ASCE 7)

MLLs are sets of notional lateral loads that can be used to consider
robustness.
You are able to create up to two minimum lateral load sets, 'Case A' and 'Case
B'. When working to ASCE 7, by default 'Case A' loads are created as 1% of
unfactored Dead loads, (as per ASCE 7-16 clause 1.4.2). The resulting loads are
then applied in the analysis as a horizontal force at each node in each level.
The above defaults for calculating the loads can be adjusted from .
In addition to defining how the loads are to be calculated in Model Settings,
you also are required to specify the gravity combination to be used for the
calculation. This second part is done from the Loading dialog box - the
required combination being identified by the Minimum Lateral Loads
checkbox on the Parameters tab of the Combinations page.

The MLL loadcases are then made available in each of the building directions
when creating load combinations.
Once you have specified the gravity combination to be used and performed
the analysis, you can view the magnitude of the loads from the project

US codes 42 Loading (ASCE 7)

workspace. You can also display their magnitude and direction graphically in a
results view.

NOTE There is a subtle/important difference between MLLs and notional

loads (NLs) - the NL loading in every combination is dependent on the
gravity loading in that combination. Min Lateral Load (MLL) - creates
fixed loadcases which are then included in combinations. So the MLL
case used in a combination can be based on gravity loads that don't
exist in that combination.

Combination generator (ASCE 7)

NOTE The following are not considered in Combination Generator:

• Construction Stage combinations - these must be created manually.
• Temperature and settlement loadcase types - these must be added
manually.

Open the Combination Generator

1. On the Load tab, click Combination.

The opens on the Combinations page. On this page, you can see all
currently existing load combinations.
2. Click Generate...
The Combination Generator dialog box opens.

Initial Parameters page

1. On the Initial Parameters page, specify the initial parameters according to
your needs.
You can choose to delete all the existing combinations or to replace only
those combinations with the same names as those generated by this run.

NOTE The Combination Generator automatically names each

combination according to its content. You can add a 'Scenario'
prefix in front of the generated names or leave 'Scenario' blank if
no prefix is required. By entering a 'Scenario' and selecting
‘Replace only combinations generated by this run’ you can re-run
the Combination Generator to rapidly generate additional
combinations for alternative scenarios, (such as erection, or
operating).

2. Click Next.

US codes 43 Loading (ASCE 7)

Combinations page
This page lists lists suggested ASD and LRFD combinations (with appropriate
factors).
1. Use the ‘Generate’ box to control which combinations are to be
generated.
2. Should you require, you can also adjust the default strength factors
applied in each generated combination.

NOTE The combination names are generated automatically according to

their content and cannot be edited at this stage.

3. Click Next.

Service page
This page indicates which combinations are to be checked for serviceability
and the factors applied.
1. Should you require, you can also adjust the default factors applied in each
generated combination.
2. Click Next.

NL (global imperfections) page

This page is used to set up the notional loads (page 41) specified in . You can
specify NLs and factors in each of four directions. For each direction selected a
separate NL combination will be generated.
Any combination with wind in is automatically greyed.
1. Use the ‘Dir’ boxes to specify the directions in which the NLs are to be
applied.
2. Should you require, you can also adjust the default factors applied in each
direction.
3. Click Next.

Minimum Lateral Loads page

If minimum lateral loads (page 42) have been specified via , this page allows
you to apply them. (If set to ‘None’ this page is not displayed.)
1. Use the ‘Dir’ boxes to specify the directions in which the minimum lateral
loads are to be applied.
2. Use the droplist at the top of the page to select the gravity combination
from which the minimum lateral load values are to be calculated.

US codes 44 Loading (ASCE 7)

 NOTE The combination used for calculating the MLLs can be different to
the one to which the MLLs are applied.

3. Should you require, you can also adjust the default factors applied in each
direction.
4. Click Finish.
The Combination Generator closes and you are returned to the
Combinations page of the Loading dialog box. The combinations selected in
this run of the generator either add to or replace any existing combinations
(according to your selection on the Initial Parameters page).

Combination classes (ASCE 7)

Having created your combinations you classify them as: Construction Stage,
Gravity, Lateral, Seismic or Modal Mass.

NOTE If generated via the Combinations generator they are classified for
you automatically.

Then (where applicable) you indicate whether they are to be checked for
strength or service conditions, or both. You also have the option to make any
of the combinations inactive.

Construction stage combination

A Construction Stage load combination is only required for the purpose of
designing any composite beams within the model. It is distinguished from
other combinations by setting its “Class” to Construction Stage. Typically this
combination would include a loadcase of type “Slab Wet”, (not “Slab Dry”),
other loadcases being included in the combination as required.

NOTE The Slab Wet loadcase type should not be included in any other
combination.

Gravity combination
These combinations are considered in both the Gravity Sizing and Full Design
processes.
They are used in the Gravity Sizing processes as follows:
• Design Concrete (Gravity) - concrete members in the structure are
automatically sized (or checked) for the gravity combinations
• Design Steel (Gravity) - steel members in the structure are automatically
sized (or checked) for the gravity combinations.
• Design All (Gravity) - all members in the structure are automatically sized
(or checked) for the gravity combinations.

US codes 45 Loading (ASCE 7)

They are also used during the Full Design processes as follows:
• Design Concrete (All) - concrete members in the structure are automatically
sized (or checked) for the gravity combinations.
• Design Steel (All) - steel members in the structure are automatically sized
(or checked) for the gravity combinations.
• Design All (All) - all members in the structure are automatically sized (or
checked) for the gravity combinations.

Lateral combinations
These combinations are not used in the Gravity Sizing processes.
They are used during the Full Design processes as follows:
• Design Concrete (All) - concrete members in the structure are automatically
sized (or checked) for the lateral combinations.
• Design Steel (All) - steel members in the structure which have not been set
as Gravity Only are automatically sized (or checked) for the lateral
combinations.
• Design All (All) - all concrete members and all steel members which have
not been set as Gravity Only are automatically sized (or checked) for the
lateral combinations.

Seismic combinations
These combinations are only considered during the Full Design process. They
are not used in the Gravity Sizing process.

Modal mass combinations

For modal analysis, you are required to set up specific “modal mass”
combinations. Provided these combinations are active they are always run
through the modal analysis.

NOTE It is always assumed that all loads in the loadcases in the combination
are converted to mass for modal analysis. You are permitted to add
lumped mass directly to the model.

References (ASCE 7)
1. ASCE/SEI 7-05, -10, 16. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures. ASCE, 2005, 2010, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-7844-1085-1.
2. Kishor C. Mehta and James M. Delahay (2004). Guide to the Use of the Wind
Load Provisions of ASCE 7-02. ASCE Press. ISBN: 0-7844-0703-7.

US codes 46 Loading (ASCE 7)

1.2 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Tekla Structural Designer designs steel and composite members to a range of

international codes. This reference guide specifically describes the design
methods applied when the AISC 360 ASD or AISC 360 LRFD resistance codes
are selected.
Click the links below to find out more:
• General (page 47)
• Steel beam design (page 49)
• Composite beam design (page 60)
• Steel column design (page 69)
• Column base plate design (page 73)
• Steel brace design (page 89)
• Truss member design (page 92)
• Steel single, double angle and tee section design (page 92)

General
Click the links below to find out more:
• Seismic design (AISC 360) (page 47)
• Deflection checks (AISC 360) (page 48)
• Steel grade (AISC 360) (page 48)

Seismic design (AISC 360)

All “Gravity Only Design” members are designed as per the normal AISC
Specification rules for the seismic load combinations.
Additional design rules are required for seismic combinations. These are as
per the AISC Seismic Provisions (AISC 341-05) (Ref. 9), (AISC 341-10) (Ref. 10) or
(AISC 341-16) (Ref. 11). These additional design rules ONLY apply to members
in Seismic Load Resisting Systems. These rules are applied as follows:
• If SDC = A - no additional requirements
• If SDC = D, E or F, apply rules for AISC 341

For each of X and Y directions:

US codes 47 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• If SDC = B or C and R <=3 - no additional requirements
• If SDC = B or C and R > 3, apply rules for AISC 341

Deflection checks (AISC 360)

Relative and Absolute Deflections

Tekla Structural Designer calculates both relative and absolute deflections.
Relative deflections measure the internal displacement occurring within the
length of the member and take no account of the support settlements or
rotations, whereas absolute deflections are concerned with deflection of the
structure as a whole. The absolute deflections are the ones displayed in the
structure deflection graphics. The difference between relative and absolute
deflections is illustrated in the cantilever beam example below.

Relative deflections are given in the member analysis results graphics and are
the ones used in the member design.

Steel grade (AISC 360)

The steel grade can be chosen from the standard range for the USA or from an
international range. User defined grades can also be added.

WARNING For composite beams, the upper limit for the steel grade is
defined in the AISC Specification as 75 ksi (525 MPa) - see I1.2
(360-05) or I1.3 (360-10, 360-16). If you add a grade higher than
this and apply to a composite beam all the design checks will be
flagged as beyond scope.

WARNING For non-composite beams, the upper limit for the steel grade is
defined in the AISC 360 Commentary A3.1a as 100 ksi (690 MPa).
If you add a grade higher than this and apply to a non-composite

US codes 48 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 member (rolled or built-up) all the design checks will be flagged
as beyond scope.

The elastic modulus of steel for use in design is defined in the AISC
Specification as E = 29,000 ksi

Steel beam design to AISC 360

• Design method (Beams: AISC 360) (page 49)
• Steel beam limitations and assumptions (Beams: AISC 360) (page 49)
• Section classification (Beams: AISC 360) (page 51)
• D2. Axial tension (Beams: AISC 360) (page 51)
• E. Axial compression (Beams: AISC 360) (page 52)
• G2. Shear strength (Beams: AISC 360) (page 52)
• F2. Flexure (Beams: AISC 360) (page 52)
• H1. Combined forces (Beams: AISC 360) (page 54)
• DG9. Torsion (Beams: AISC 360) (page 54)
• Web openings (Beams: AISC 360) (page 57)
• Seismic design rules (Beams: AISC 360) (page 59)

Design method (Beams: AISC 360)

Either a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength

design (ASD) can be performed to determine the adequacy of the section for
each condition.
The design method employed is consistent with the design parameters
specified in the relevant chapters of the AISC Specification and associated
'Commentary' (Ref. 2 (page 99)), unless specifically noted otherwise. As the
2005, 2010 and 2016 versions are all supported, where clauses are specific to
a particular version these are indicated as (360-05), (360-10), or (360-16) as
appropriate.
A basic knowledge of the design methods for beams in accordance with the
specification is assumed.

Steel beam limitations and assumptions (Beams: AISC 360)

US codes 49 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

The following general limitations apply:
• Continuous beams (more than one span) must be co-linear in the plane of
the web within a small tolerance (sloping in elevation is allowed),
• Rolled doubly symmetric prismatic sections, doubly symmetric hollow
sections, channel sections are fully designed, plated beams are also fully
designed
• Single angles, double angles and tees are designed, but additional
limitations apply, (see Angle and tee limitations)
• Design of beams with web openings is beyond scope.

The following additional limitations apply for plated beams:

• Double and single symmetric I-sections allowed
• Single or multi-span allowed, including cantilever spans
• Design for axial force (tension or compression) or flexure (major or minor)
or any combination of these
• Non-composite only
• Flanges and web all have same grade steel
• No design of curved beams (plan or elevation)
• No auto design
• No torsion design
• No seismic design

The following assumptions apply:

• All supports are considered to provide torsional restraint, that is lateral
restraint to both flanges. This cannot be changed. It is assumed that a
beam that is continuous through the web of a supporting beam or column
together with its substantial moment resisting end plate connections is
able to provide such restraint.
• If, at the support, the beam over sails the supporting beam or column then
the detail is assumed to be such that the bottom flange of the beam is well
connected to the supporting member and, as a minimum, has torsional
stiffeners provided at the support.
• In the Tekla Structural Designer model, when not at supports, coincident
restraints to both flanges are assumed when one or more members frame
into the web of the beam at a particular position and the cardinal point of
the centre-line model of the beam lies in the web. Otherwise, only a top
flange or bottom flange restraint is assumed. Should you judge the actual
restraint provided by the in-coming members to be different from to what
has been assumed, you have the flexibility to edit the restraints as
required.

US codes 50 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• Intermediate lateral restraints to the top or bottom flange are assumed to
be capable of transferring the restraining forces back to an appropriate
system of bracing or suitably rigid part of the structure.
• It is assumed that you will make a rational and “correct” choice for the
effective lengths between restraints for compression buckling. The default
value for the effective length factor of 1.0 may be neither correct nor
safe.

Section classification (Beams: AISC 360)

Cross-section classification is determined using Table B4.1 (360-05), or Tables

B4.1a+B4.1b (360-10).
At every cross section there are two classifications for each element in the
section (flange or web) - one for axial compression and one for bending
(flexure).
If axial compression does not exist (0kip or tension), the axial classification is
not applicable. If bending is not present about both axes then the flexure
classification is not applicable.
For axial compression the web and flanges are classified as either Compact or
Slender and the worst of the two is the resultant axial classification.
For bending both the web and flange are classified as Compact, Non compact
or Slender and the worst of the two is the resultant flexural classification.
The classification of the section must normally be Compact or Non compact,
however sections which are classified as Slender will be allowed if they are
subject to axial load only.

Classification for plated beams

Since built-up (plated) beams allow for asymmetric sections, the general
approach in flexure classification for all built-up beams is:
• under major bending the compression flange is classified (both flanges are
classified if double curvature exists, and the worst case is reported)
• under minor bending both flanges are classified
• under biaxial bending, major and minor bending are considered
independently and the worst case is reported

D2. Axial tension (Beams: AISC 360)

US codes 51 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

If axial tension exists, tensile yielding and rupture checks are performed at the
point of maximum tension in accordance with Equations D2.1 and D2.2.

NOTE In the rupture check the net area Ae is assumed to equal the gross
area Ag.

A warning is issued if the slenderness ratio L/r exceeds 300.

E. Axial compression (Beams: AISC 360)

If axial compression exists, the member is assessed for Flexural Buckling and
for Torsional and Flexural Torsional buckling.
The compressive strength is determined in accordance with Equations E3.1
and E4.1. For double angles these equations are subject to the modifications
of Section E6.
The member length or member sub lengths between braces are checked for:
• Flexural buckling about major axis - for each unbraced length between
adjacent points of major axis lateral brace and or torsional brace.
• Flexural buckling about minor axis - for each unbraced length between
adjacent points of minor axis lateral brace and or torsional brace.
• Torsional and flexural torsional buckling - for each unbraced length
between adjacent points of torsional brace (this check is not applied to
hollow sections.)
For any unbraced length, the required compressive force Pr is taken as the
maximum compressive force in the relevant length.
A warning is issued if the slenderness ratio KL/r exceeds 200.

G2. Shear strength (Beams: AISC 360)

Shear checks are performed at the point of maximum shear in accordance

with Section G2.

Plated beams only

Since built-up (plated) beams allow for asymmetric sections, under minor
shear the web shear coefficient, Cv is calculated for each flange separately and
Equation G2-1 taken as:
Vn = 0.6 * Fy * (Aw,top * Cv,top + Aw,btm * Cv,btm)

F2. Flexure (Beams: AISC 360)

US codes 52 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

The member is assessed for Flexure in accordance with Section F2 to F10 (as
appropriate).
The following checks are potentially required:
About the x axis - within the LTB braced length
• Yielding
• Compression flange local buckling
• Web local buckling
• Local buckling
• Lateral torsional buckling (only required for I and C sections)
About the y axis in the LTB braced length
• Yielding
• Flange local buckling
• Web local buckling
• Local buckling
You can switch off the lateral torsional buckling checks for any unbraced
length by indicating the length is continuously braced. If you use this option
you must be able to provide justification that the unbraced length is
adequately braced against lateral torsional buckling.
When the checks are required Tekla Structural Designer assumes a top flange
(but not bottom flange) brace is provided at the position of each incoming
beam. You can add or remove these braces if they don't reflect the actual
brace provided by the incoming section. Each unbraced length which is not
defined as being continuously braced is then checked in accordance with
Section F2.

Plated beams only

The following additional checks apply about the x axis:
• Compression flange yielding
• Tension flange yielding
The approach to evaluating the web plastification factors, Rpc and Rpt in
Section F4.2 and F4.4 of 360-10, has been adopted for 360-05 also i.e. the ratio
Iyc/Iy is considered as well as hc/tw but note the following:
• under 360-05, Iyc is taken as the minimum inertia about the y axis of top
and bottom flange (regardless which flange is in compression)
• under 360-10, Iyc is taken as the inertia about the y axis of the compression
flange being considered
For flange local buckling about the y axis Equation F6-2 is used for both double
and single symmetric sections, but in the latter case the more slender of the
two flanges is assessed i.e. the higher λ value will be used.

US codes 53 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

H1. Combined forces (Beams: AISC 360)

Members subject to axial tension or compression and flexure about one or

both axes are assessed in accordance with Section H1.

Plated beams only

For built-up (plated) beams a Proportioning Limit check applies. In AISC 360-05
and 360-10 this is detailed within the chapter on design for flexure (section
F13.2). Load combinations which result in major axis bending on a built-up
(plated) beam cause this check to be made. Any load combination which fails
the Proportioning Limit check is considered as Beyond Scope for Combined
Forces (regardless of whether any axial force is compressive or tensile).

DG9. Torsion (Beams: AISC 360)

Torsion design is carried out according to AISC design guide 9 (DG9), AISC
360-05 and AISC 360-10 for single span, pin ended steel beams with open and
closed section types as follows:

Open sections (I- symmetric rolled)

• A torsion design and an angle rotation check can be carried out for applied
torsion forces only

Closed sections (HSS only)

• •An angle of rotation check can be carried out for applied forces only

Torsion design - loading (Beams: AISC 360)

For design of open sections (i.e. rolled I sections in the current release) torsion
design is carried out for “applied torsion loading” only and in accordance with
those cases in Appendix B of DG9 with torsion fixed and warping free member
ends (i.e. cases 3, 4 and 5 of DG9, with some extension for partial UDL and
VDL).

Applied torsion loading

Tekla Structural Designer defines “applied torsion loading” as:
• A force that is manually applied by the User using the Member Loading in
the Load ribbon, (as shown below)

US codes 54 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• Or a force that is induced from a moment connection between primary and
secondary beams, or a cantilever beam (as shown below, with bending and
torsion moment diagrams).

Angle of rotation check (Beams: AISC 360)

I symmetric & HSS section

A torsion rotation check is optionally carried out based on the applied torsion
loading only.
The check is applied by selecting “Apply rotation limit” (located in the steel
beam properties under the Torsion heading). The default limit is also set in the
steel beam properties as 2° but can be adjusted to suit.

US codes 55 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Torsion design general checks (Beams: AISC 360)

1. Auto design is not carried out in the current release, only check design
(and check design is only carried out if the “check for torsion” flag is set to
on in the Edit dialog or Properties Window)
2. Lateral restraint amplification factor (in accordance with section 4.7.3 of
DG9):
a. It is assumed lateral displacement and twist are not restrained at any
load point. Therefore, in accordance with section 4.7.3 of DG9, σby
and σw will always be amplified in the presence of torsion.
b. To avoid a negative value, Tekla Structural Designer applies a lower
limit of 0.001ksi OR N/mm2 to the denominator of the amplification
factor,

(ɸFcre - σbx)

c. Fcre = Fcr,bx
d. Amplification factor = 1.0 when σbx = 0.0
3. Both major and minor axis shear buckling are checked if loaded in the
relevant axis. A warning is issued if the buckling limit defined in AISC Sect
G2 is exceeded. Torsion design will, however, be continued - the engineer
is expected to deem if the shear buckling condition is safe.
4. Torsion shear stresses:
a. A cross-section check is carried out at points of interest taken from
the load analysis diagram.
5. Combined forces and torsion:
a. HSS - sections
1. A cross-section check is carried out at points of interest taken
from the load analysis diagrams as well as 10th positions along
the member. In cases where the final utilization ratio approaches
1.0 we strongly recommend the engineer considers other
locations, where a more critical location than that chosen in Tekla
Structural Designer may exist.
b. I symmetric
1. We take the most critical axial stress value across all axial strut
lengths to determine Fcr,a
2. We take the most critical major bending stress value across all
LTB lengths to determine Fcr,bx
3. In ASD design checks, the value used for Fcr,a and Fcr,bx is Fcr /
1.67 since Fa and Fb used in DG9 relate to the 1989 ASD

US codes 56 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 Specification where this factor was effectively already taken into
account.

Web openings (Beams: AISC 360)

Circular openings as an equivalent rectangle

Each circular opening is replaced by equivalent rectangular opening, the
dimensions of this equivalent rectangle for use in all subsequent calculations
are:
• do' = 0.9 * opening diameter
• lo = 0.45 * opening diameter

Web opening design checks

Common design checks for both composite and non-composite beams
The following design checks are carried out at each opening for both
composite and steel beams:
• Section and opening dimension limit check including the spacing of
multiple openings if applicable.
• Classification check. Non-compact sections are beyond scope.
• Moment-shear interaction check. First the maximum pure flexural and
shear strength is calculated following the guidelines of the Design Guide
for the currently selected edition of the head code. Then the direct
formulas (3-5a and 3-5b) are used to calculate design shear and bending
strength.
• Deflection calculation. As deflection calculations are head code
independent, for simplicity a single approach is used irrespective of the
head code selected.
Additional design checks for non-composite beams or composite beams
at construction stage
The following additional design checks are carried out at each opening only for
non-composite beams or composite beams at construction stage.
• Lateral torsional buckling. The 'standard' lateral torsional buckling check
is run but the torsional constant is multiplied by a reduction factor
according to the design guide. Strength over the openings should not be
the governing UR.
• Buckling of tee-shaped compression zone. The tee which is in
compression is investigated as an axially loaded column following the
procedures of selected head code. For unreinforced members this is not
required when the aspect ratio of the tee is less than or equal to 4. For
reinforced openings, this check is only required for large openings in
regions of high moment.

US codes 57 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Additional design checks for composite beams at composite stage
The following additional design checks are carried out at each opening only for
composite beams at composite stage.
• Slab reinforcement check. The check of minimum transverse and
longitudinal slab reinforcement ratio to prevent cracking of the slab in the
vicinity of the web opening.
• Number of shear connectors above the opening. To limit the effect of
bridging a minimum of two studs per foot is applied to the total number of
studs. If this criterion is already satisfied by normal stud requirements,
additional studs are not needed. A warning is shown when this criteria is
not met.

Deflections
The simplified rules in DG2 are for limited cases and therefore have not been
implemented. Instead Tekla Structural Designer uses a first principles
approach as per Eurocodes.
For both non-composite and composite beams without openings the
deflection analysis includes the effect of shear. For composite beams this is
conservative because it uses the shear area and shear modulus of the bare
beam.
The deflection of a beam with web openings should* be greater than that of
the same beam without openings due to two effects,
• the reduction in the beam inertia at the positions of openings due to
primary bending of the beam,
• the local deformations at the openings due to Vierendeel effects. This has
two components - that due to shear deformation and that due to local
bending of the upper and lower tee sections at the opening.
The primary bending deflection is established by 'discretising' the member
and using a numerical integration technique based on 'Engineer's Bending
Theory' - M/I = E/R = σ/y. In this way the discrete elements that incorporate all
or part of an opening will contribute more to the total deflection.
The component of deflection due to the local deformations around the
opening is established using a similar process to that used for cellular beams
which is in turn based on the method for castellated beams given in the SCI
publication, “Design of castellated beams. For use with BS 5950 and BS 449".
The method works by applying a 'unit point load' at the position where the
deflection is required and using a 'virtual work technique to estimate the
deflection at that position.
For each opening, the deflection due to shear deformation, δs, and that due to
local bending, δbt, is calculated for the upper and lower tee sections at the
opening. These are summed for all openings and added to the result at the
desired position from the numerical integration of primary bending deflection.

US codes 58 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Note that in the original source document on castellated sections, there are
two additional components to the deflection. These are due to bending and
shear deformation of the web post. For castellated beams and cellular beams
where the openings are very close together these effects are important and
can be significant. For normal beams the openings are likely to be placed a
reasonable distance apart. Thus in many cases these two effects will not be
significant. They are not calculated for such beams but in the event that the
openings are placed close together a warning is given.
* The above technique for calculating the deflection of a beam with web
openings does NOT include shear deflection due to the primary bending.
Consequently, if the shear deflection component is more significant than that
due to openings, it is possible that the reported deflection for a beam with
web openings is less than that reported for the same beam without openings.

Seismic design rules (Beams: AISC 360)

Additional design rules are required for seismic combinations. These are as
per the AISC Seismic Provisions (AISC 341) (Ref. 5 (page 99)). These additional
design rules ONLY apply to members in Seismic Load Resisting Systems.
The rules applied depend upon the seismic load resisting system as defined in
the AISC Seismic Provisions and are listed below:

For a moment resisting frame

9. Special Moment Frame (SMF)
• 9.4a. Classification
• 9.8. Max spacing of bracing
10. Intermediate Moment Frame (IMF)
• 10.4a. Classification
• 10.8. Max spacing of bracing
11. Ordinary Moment Frame (OMF)
• 11.4. Classification

Moment resisting frame with a truss component

12. Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF) 1- Beyond Scope

For a braced frame

13. Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
• 13.2d. Classification
• 13.4a.(2). Max lat brace spacing
• 13.4a. V and inverted V type

US codes 59 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

14. Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)
• 14.2. Classification
• 14.3. Beams with V and inverted V type
• Beams (not columns with no K braces)
• 14.2.(2). Max lat brace spacing
15. Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) - Beyond Scope

Buckling resistant braced frame

16. Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF) - Beyond Scope

Frames containing composite beams

• Composite Special Concentrically Braced Frames (C-SCBF) - Beyond Scope
• Composite Ordinary Braced Frames (C-OBF) - Beyond Scope
• Composite Eccentrically Braced Frames (C-EBF) - Beyond Scope

Composite beam design to AISC 360

• Design method (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 60)
• Serviceability limit state (SLS) (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 60)
• Construction stage (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 63)
• Composite stage (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 64)

Design method (Composite beams: AISC 360)

Either a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength

design (ASD) can be performed to determine the adequacy of the section for
each condition.
The design method employed is consistent with the design parameters for
simple composite beams as specified in Chapter I of the AISC Specification and
associated 'Commentary' (Ref. 2 (page 99)), unless specifically noted
otherwise. As the 2005, 2010 and 2016 versions are all supported, where
clauses are specific to a particular version these are indicated as (360-05),
(360-10), or (360-16) as appropriate.
A basic knowledge of the design methods for composite beams in accordance
with the specification is assumed.

Serviceability limit state (SLS) (Composite beams: AISC 360)

US codes 60 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Section properties (SLS)
In the calculation of the gross moment of inertia of the composite section the
steel deck is ignored as is any concrete in tension. The concrete is converted
into an equivalent steel section using an effective modular ratio based on the
proportions of long and short term loads which are relevant to the particular
calculation. Two alternative approaches are given - see p.16.1-308 in the 2005
Commentary, p.16.1-353 in the 2010 Commentary, or p.16.1-381 in the 2016
Commentary for obtaining these properties.
One (the 'traditional method') calculates the gross uncracked inertia of the
transformed section, Iequiv. The other uses a given formula to determine a
'lower-bound' inertia. The simpler 'traditional method' is the approach
adopted in Tekla Structural Designer.

NOTE Earlier editions of the Specification recommended an additional

reduction factor of 0.75 be applied to Iequiv, however on p.16.1-381 in
the 2016 edition it states that this factor could not be substantiated.
Therefore, for consistency, it is no longer applied in Tekla Structural
Designer for any edition of the design code.

Tekla Structural Designer therefore calculates the deflection for the beam
based on the properties as tabulated below.

Loadcase type Properties used

self-weight bare beam
Slab Dry bare beam
Dead composite properties calculated using
the modular ratio for long term
loads[1]
Live, Roof Live composite properties calculated using
the effective modular ratio[2]
appropriate to the long term load
percentage for each load.
Wind, Snow, Earthquake composite properties calculated using
the modular ratio for short term
loads
Total loads these are calculated from the
individual loadcase loads as detailed
above.

[1]The long term modulus is taken as the short term value divided by a factor
(for shrinkage and creep), entered in the Slab properties.
nS = the short term modular ratio = Es/Ec
nL = the long term modular ratio = (Es/Ec) * kn

US codes 61 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

[2]The effective modular ratio, nE is based on the percentage of load which is
considered long term. These calculations are repeated for each individual load
in a loadcase. The effective modular ratio is given by,
nE = nS + ρL * (nL – nS)
ρL = the proportion of the load which is long term
The calculated Slab Dry, Live and Total load deflections (where necessary
adjusted for the effect of partial interaction) are checked against the limits you
specify.

NOTE All the beam deflections calculated above are “relative” deflections.
For an illustration of the difference between relative and absolute
deflection see Deflection checks (AISC 360) (page 48).

Stress checks (SLS)

The Commentary (Section I3.1, paragraph 2 of the 2005 version, Section I3.2,
of the 2010 version) suggests that where deflection controls the size of the
beam then either it should be ensured that the beam is elastic at serviceability
loading or that the inelastic deformations are taken into account. Tekla
Structural Designer adopts the former approach. This is confirmed by checking
that yield in the beam and crushing in the concrete do not occur at
serviceability loading i.e. a service stress check. If they are found to fail,
suggesting inelasticity at serviceability loading, then a warning will appear on
the deflections page and the service stress results are available to view.
Tekla Structural Designer calculates the worst stresses in the extreme fibers of
the steel and the concrete at serviceability limit state for each load taking into
account the proportion which is long term and that which is short term. These
stresses are then summed algebraically. The partial safety factors for loads are
taken as those provided by you for the service condition on the Design
Combinations page. The stress checks assume that full interaction exists
between the steel and the concrete at serviceability state.

Natural frequency checks (SLS)

The calculation of the natural frequency of a composite beam can be complex
and is dependent upon the support conditions, the load profile and the
properties of the composite section. In reality the vibration of a composite
beam is never in isolation – the whole floor system (including the slabs and
other adjacent beams) will vibrate in various modes and at various
frequencies.
A simple (design model) approach is taken based on uniform loading and pin
supports. This fairly simple calculation is provided to the designer for
information only. The calculation can be too coarse particularly for long span
beams and does not consider the response side of the behavior i.e. the
reaction of the building occupants to any particular limiting value for the floor
system under consideration. In such cases the designer will have the option to

US codes 62 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

perform a Floor vibration analysis within the Tekla Structural Designer
application.
Simplified approach
The natural frequency is determined from,
NF = 0.18 * √(g/ΔNF)
Where:
• ΔNF = the maximum static instantaneous deflection (in inches) that would
occur under the effects of Slab Dry loading, and the proportion of dead
loads and live loads specified by the user (as specified on the Natural
Frequency page of the Design Wizard). It is based upon the composite
inertia but not modified for the effects of partial interaction.
• g = the acceleration due to gravity (386.4 in/s2)
• Factor of increased dynamic stiffness of concrete flange (default 1.35)
This is not given in the AISC Specification but is taken from Chapter 3 of Steel
Design Guide Series 11. Floor Vibrations due to Human Activity. (Ref. 3) Its
formulation is derived from the first mode of vibration of a simply supported
beam subject to a udl.

Construction stage (Composite beams: AISC 360)

At construction stage the beam is acting alone before composite action is
achieved and is unshored.
When you design or check a beam for construction stage loading the following
checks are carried out in accordance with the relevant chapters of the AISC
Specification, consistent with the approach (i.e. LRFD or ASD) used at the
composite stage.
• Section classification (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 63)
• Shear strength - I3.1b (360-05), I4.2 (360-10) (Composite beams: AISC 360)
(page 63)
• Strength during construction - I3.1c (360-05), I3.1b (360-10) (Composite
beams: AISC 360) (page 64)
• Deflection checks (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 64)

Section classification (Composite beams: AISC 360)

Cross-section classification is determined using Table B4.1 (360-05), or Tables
B4.1a+B4.1b (360-10) and must be compact or non compact. Sections which
are classified as slender are beyond the scope of Tekla Structural Designer.

US codes 63 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Shear strength - I3.1b (360-05), I4.2 (360-10) (Composite beams: AISC 360)
Shear checks are performed at the point of maximum shear based upon the
properties of the steel section alone in accordance with Section G2.

Strength during construction - I3.1c (360-05), I3.1b (360-10) (Composite beams:

AISC 360)

Flexure
Checks are performed at the point of maximum moment along the beam
based upon the properties of the steel section alone in accordance with
Section F2.

Lateral torsional buckling checks

When the forms are attached to the top flange then full lateral restraint can be
assumed, irrespective of the angle of the deck. In this case you should indicate
the beam is continuously braced.
In other cases any incoming beams will be automatically identified.
Each sub-length which is not defined as being continuously braced is checked
in accordance with Section F2.

Deflection checks (Composite beams: AISC 360)

Relative deflections are used in the composite beam design. (See: Deflection
checks (page 48))
The following deflections are calculated for the loads specified in the
construction stage load combination:
• the Dead load deflections i.e. those due to the beam self weight, the Slab
Wet loads and any other included dead loads,
• the live load deflections i.e. those due to construction live loads,
• the Total load deflection i.e. the sum of the previous items.
The loads are taken as acting on the steel beam alone.
The “Service Factor” (default 1.0), specified against each loadcase in the
construction combination is applied when calculating the above deflections.
If requested by the user, the total load deflection is compared with either a
span-over limit or an absolute value.

Composite stage (Composite beams: AISC 360)

Tekla Structural Designer performs all checks for the composite stage
condition in accordance with Section I3 unless specifically noted otherwise.

• Equivalent steel section (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 65)

US codes 64 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• Shear strength - I3.1b (360-05), I4.2 (360-10) (Composite beams: AISC 360)
(page 65)
• Strength of composite beams with shear connectors - I3.2 (Composite
beams: AISC 360) (page 65)
• Shear connectors (Composite beams: AISC 360) (page 66)

Equivalent steel section (Composite beams: AISC 360)

An equivalent steel section is determined for use in the composite stage
calculations by removing the fillet while maintaining the full area of the
section. This approach reduces the number of change points in the
calculations while maintaining optimum section properties.

Shear strength - I3.1b (360-05), I4.2 (360-10) (Composite beams: AISC 360)
Shear checks are performed at the point of maximum shear in accordance
with Section G2 for the maximum required shear strength, Vr, at the
composite stage. The shear check is performed on the bare beam alone at the
composite stage ignoring any contribution from the concrete slab.

Strength of composite beams with shear connectors - I3.2 (Composite beams:

AISC 360)

Section classification
For section classification purposes the true section is used. Tekla Structural
Designer classifies the section in accordance with Section I3.2a. Only the web
of the section is classified - the bottom flange is in tension and so cannot
buckle locally and it is assumed that the top flange is sufficiently braced by the
composite slab.
The classification of the web must be compact so that plastic stress blocks can
be used.

Flexure
Checks are performed at the point of maximum moment and the position of
application of each point load as well as all other points of interest along the
beam. Flexure is calculated in accordance with Section I3.2 (360-05/-10). Since
the flexural strength at all point loads is checked then this will inherently
satisfy Section I3.2d (6) (360-05) or Section I8.2c (360-10) which require that
“the number of shear connectors placed between any concentrated load and
the nearest point of zero moment shall be sufficient to develop the maximum
required flexural strength at the concentrated load point”.
During the selection process, in auto design mode point loads are taken to be
“significant” if they provide more than 10% of the total shear on the beam. For
the final configuration and for check mode all point loads are checked for
flexure.

US codes 65 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Shear connectors (Composite beams: AISC 360)

Tekla Structural Designer checks shear connectors to Section I1-3 (360-05), or

Section I8 (360-10).
The nominal strength of headed stud shear connectors in a solid slab or a
composite slab is determined in accordance with Section I3.2d (360-05), or
Section I3.2d with shear connector strength from I8.2a (360-10).

Ribs perpendicular
The reduction factor Rp is taken as,
• 0.6 for any number of studs and emid-ht < 2 in
• 0.75 for any number of studs and emid-ht >= 2 in

In Tekla Structural Designer you are therefore not required to input the actual
value of emid-ht instead you simply indicate if it is less than 2 in.

Ribs parallel
Rp = 0.75 in all cases

Ribs at other angles

Where the ribs are at an angle θr to the beam there is no guidance in the AISC
Specification. The approach adopted by Tekla Structural Designer is to apply a
geometric adjustment of the reduction factors Rg and Rp which for the
purposes of this adjustment are combined into one “k” factor. The combined
reduction factor is calculated for perpendicular and parallel separately and
then adjusted as shown below.
ks = k1 * sin2θr + k2 * cos2θr
Where:
ks = the adjusted value of the combined reduction factor Rg * Rp
k1 = the value of the combined reduction factor Rg * Rp for ribs perpendicular
k2 = the value of the combined reduction factor Rg * Rp for ribs parallel

Degree of shear connection

For efficient design the number of studs should be minimized. If the number
provided has an overall capacity greater than the capacity of the concrete
flange or steel beam (whichever is the lesser) then this is full shear connection.
Anything less than this, is partial shear connection. There are, however, limits
on the amount of partial interaction that are recommended by the AISC
Specification – see note “3” (p.16.1-311 of the 2005 Commentary, or p.16.1-356
of the 2010 Commentary).
For all beams, the number of connectors required for full shear connection is,

US codes 66 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Ns = (min(Ts, (Cc1 + Cc2)))/Qn rounded up to the next group size above
Where:
Ts = the tensile yield strength of the steel section
Cc1 = the strength of the concrete flange above the ribs
Cc2 = strength of the concrete in the ribs (zero for perpendicular decks)
Qn = the nominal strength of an individual shear connector
The degree of partial shear connection is given by,
Int = Na * Qn / (min((Cc1 + Cc2), Ts))
Where:
Na = the number of shear connectors provided from the nearer point of
support to the position under consideration
The degree of partial shear connection is checked at the point of maximum
bending moment or the position of a point load if at that position the
maximum utilization ratio occurs.
To determine the status of the check Tekla Structural Designer applies the
following rules:
• If the partial interaction ratio at the position of maximum moment is less
than the absolute minimum interaction ratio (default 25%), then this
generates a FAIL status,
• If the partial interaction ratio at the position of maximum utilization ratio
when this is at a different position to the maximum moment, is less than
the absolute minimum interaction ratio, then this generates a WARNING
status,
• If the partial interaction ratio at the position of maximum moment, or
maximum utilization ratio if this is different, is greater than the absolute
minimum interaction ratio, then this generates a PASS status,
• If the partial interaction ratio at any point load position that is not the
maximum utilization ratio is less than the absolute minimum interaction
ratio, then this does not affect the status in any way.
• If the partial interaction ratio at any position is less than the advisory
minimum interaction ratio (default 50%) then this is given for information
only and does not affect the status in any way.

Dimensional requirements
The dimensional limits given below are either recommendations or code
limits:
• the nominal rib height of the profiled deck, hr should be not greater than 3
in

US codes 67 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• the mean width of the ribs of the profiled sheet, wr should be not less than
2 in (for re-entrant decks the “mean” is taken as the minimum opening at
the top of the rib)
• the nominal diameter of stud connectors, dsc should be not greater than ¾
in
• the height of the stud after welding, Hs should be at least 1½ in greater
than the nominal rib height of the profiled deck – see Section I3.2c(b)
(360-05), or Section I3.2c(2) (360-10).
• the total depth of the composite slab, dcs should not be less than 3¾ in
• the thickness of concrete above the main flat surface of the top of the ribs
of the sheeting, dcs - hr should not be less than 2 in
• concrete cover, dcs – Hs over the connector should not be less than ½ in –
see Section I3.2c(b) (360-05), or Section I3.2c(2) (360-10).
• the longitudinal spacing should not exceed the lesser of 36 in or 8 * the
slab depth, dcs (see Section 6.2.6.2 of Structural Steel Designer's Handbook.
Second Edition (Ref. 5))
• where studs are spaced at greater than 18 in centers puddle welds or other
appropriate means are required to ensure anchorage of deck – see Section
I3.2c (360-05), or Section I3.2c(4) (360-10).
• the clear distance between the edge of a connector and the edge of the
steel beam flange should be not less than ¾ in (as universal good practice).
• Section I8.2d of the AISC Specification (360-10) requires that the minimum
edge distance from the center of an anchor to a free edge in the direction
of the shear force shall be 8 in for normal weight concrete and 10 in for
lightweight concrete. This requirement will apply only in a limited number
of configurations and therefore is not checked.
• the spacing of connectors in the direction of shear i.e. along the beam
should be not less than, 6 * the stud diameter
• the spacing of connectors transverse to direction of shear i.e. across the
beam should be not less than 4 * the stud diameter except for the
condition given in the next item
• where rows of studs are staggered, the minimum transverse spacing
between longitudinal lines of studs should be not less than 3 * the stud
diameter with the amount of stagger such that the diagonal distance
between studs on adjacent longitudinal lines is not less than 4 * the stud
diameter

US codes 68 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• the stud connector diameter should not exceed 2.5 times the flange
thickness unless located directly over the web.

NOTE You should confirm that the chosen configuration of decking and
studs meet those dimensional requirements that you deem
appropriate.

Steel column design to AISC 360

• Design method (Columns: AISC 360) (page 69)
• Section classification (Columns: AISC 360) (page 69)
• D2. Axial tension (Columns: AISC 360) (page 70)
• E. Axial compression (Columns: AISC 360) (page 70)
• G2. Shear strength (Columns: AISC 360) (page 71)
• F2. Flexure (Columns: AISC 360) (page 71)
• H1. Combined forces (Columns: AISC 360) (page 71)
• Seismic design rules (Columns: AISC 360) (page 71)

Design method (Columns: AISC 360)

Either a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength

design (ASD) can be performed to determine the adequacy of the section for
each condition.
The design method employed is consistent with the design parameters
specified in the relevant chapters of the AISC Specification and associated
'Commentary' (Ref. 2 (page 99)), unless specifically noted otherwise. As the
2005, 2010 and 2016 versions are all supported, where clauses are specific to
a particular version these are indicated as (360-05), (360-10), or (360-16) as
appropriate.
A basic knowledge of the design methods for columns in accordance with the
specification is assumed.

Section classification (Columns: AISC 360)

Cross-section classification is determined using Table B4.1 (360-05), or Tables

B4.1a+B4.1b (360-10).
At every cross section there are two classifications for each element in the
section (flange or web) - one for axial compression and one for bending
(flexure).

US codes 69 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

If axial compression does not exist (0kip or tension), the axial classification is
NA. If bending is not present about both axes then the flexure classification is
NA.
For axial compression the web and flanges are classified as either Compact or
Slender and the worst of the two is the resultant axial classification.
For bending both the web and flange are classified as Compact, Non compact
or Slender and the worst of the two is the resultant flexural classification.
The classification of the section must normally be Compact or Non compact,
however sections which are classified as Slender will be allowed if they are
subject to axial load only.
All unacceptable classifications are either failed in check mode or rejected in
design mode.

D2. Axial tension (Columns: AISC 360)

If axial tension exists, tensile yielding and rupture checks are performed at the
point of maximum tension in accordance with Equations D2.1 and D2.2.

NOTE In the rupture check the net area Ae is assumed to equal the gross
area Ag.

A warning is also issued if the slenderness ratio L/r exceeds 300.

E. Axial compression (Columns: AISC 360)

If axial compression exists, the member is assessed for Flexural buckling and
for Torsional and flexural torsional buckling. The compressive strength is
determined in accordance with Equations E3.1 and E4.1. For double angles
these equations are subject to the modifications of Section E6.
The member length or member sub lengths between braces are checked for:
• Flexural buckling about major axis - for each sub-length between adjacent
points of major axis lateral bracing and or torsional bracing.
• Flexural buckling about minor axis - for each sub-length between adjacent
points of minor axis lateral bracing and or torsional bracing.
• Torsional and flexural torsional buckling - for each sub-length between
adjacent points of torsional bracing (this check is not applied to hollow
sections.)

For any sub-length, the required compressive force Pr is taken as the

maximum compressive force in the relevant sub-length.
A warning is also issued if the slenderness ratio KL/r exceeds 200.

US codes 70 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

G2. Shear strength (Columns: AISC 360)
Shear checks are performed for the absolute value of shear force normal to
the x-x axis and normal to the y-y axis, Fvx and Fvy, at the point under
consideration in accordance with Section G2.

F2. Flexure (Columns: AISC 360)

The member is assessed for Flexure in accordance with section F2. The
following checks are potentially required:
About the x axis - within the LTB sub-length
• Yielding
• Compression flange local buckling
• Web local buckling
• Local buckling
• Lateral Torsional Buckling (only required for I and C sections)
About the y axis in the LTB sub-length
• Yielding
• Compression flange local buckling
• Web local buckling
• Local buckling
The lateral torsional buckling checks can be switched off for any sub-length by
indicating the length is continuously braced. If you use this option you must be
able to provide justification that the sub-length is adequately braced against
lateral torsional buckling.
When the checks are required you can set the effective length of each sub-
beam (the portion of the beam between one brace and the next) either by
giving factors to apply to the physical length of the beam, or by entering the
effective length that you want to use.

H1. Combined forces (Columns: AISC 360)

Members subject to axial tension or compression and flexure about one or
both axes are assessed in accordance with section H1.

Seismic design rules (Columns: AISC 360)

US codes 71 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Additional design rules are required for seismic combinations. These are as
per the AISC Seismic Provisions (AISC 341-05) (Ref. 5 (page 99)). These
additional design rules ONLY apply to members in Seismic Load Resisting
Systems.
The rules applied depend upon the seismic load resisting system as defined in
the AISC Seismic Provisions and are listed below:

For a moment resisting frame

9. Special Moment Frame (SMF)
• 9.4a. Classification
• 9.4. Column strength check
• 9.6. Column/beam moment ratio
10. Intermediate Moment Frame (IMF) • 10.4a. Classification
• 10.4. Column strength
11. Ordinary Moment Frame (OMF)
• 11.4. Classification
• 11.4. Column strength check

Moment resisting frame with a truss component

12. Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF) 1- Beyond Scope

For a braced frame

13. Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
• 13.2d. Classification
• 13.2b. Column strength check
14. Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)
• 14.2. Classification
• 14.2. Column strength check
15. Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) - Beyond Scope

Buckling resistant braced frame

16. Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF) - Beyond Scope

Frames containing composite beams

Composite Special Concentrically Braced Frames (C-SCBF) - Beyond Scope
Composite Ordinary Braced Frames (C-OBF) - Beyond Scope
Composite Eccentrically Braced Frames (C-EBF) - Beyond Scope

US codes 72 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Column base plate design to AISC 360
Column Bases: only simple column bases are supported in the current release.
Unless explicitly stated all calculations will adopt either a load and resistance
factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength design (ASD) as consistent with
the design parameters for column base connections as specified in the AISC
Specification (Ref. 2 (page 99)) and its associated 'Commentary', the AISC
Steel Design Guide 1: Base Plate and Anchor Rod Design (Ref. 4 (page 99)),
and the ACI 318 Building Code Requirements (Ref. 1 (page 99)).
The following advice is written principally from the point of view of operating
column base plate design from within Tekla Structural Designer.

Practical applications
In the current release of Tekla Structural Designer only simple column base
plate design checks are supported, following primarily the design procedures
given in AISC Design Guide 1: Base Plate and Anchor Rod Design (2nd Edition,
2nd printing, revised). (Ref. 4 (page 99))
Tekla Structural Designer will check the base plate size and thickness, with the
latter check displaying a bearing stress calculation. Shear and tension
resistance of the rods, concrete and the welds are also checked. Base plate
bending and/or shear lug bending is also checked.
The concrete foundation design is checked separately in accordance with ACI
318. (Ref. 1 (page 99))
Graphics are used to display the base plate in its current state. You can
therefore graphically see the base that you are defining and the results that
the design process has achieved. This allows you to see the effects of any
modifications that you make instantly on the screen. Reinforcement in the
foundation is not represented in the graphics.

Limitations
For the current release of Tekla Structural Designer the following limitations
apply:
• Column sections - Only the following column sections will have their base
plate design checked:
• I section columns (W, M, S & HP shapes)
• HSS
• Pipe sections
• Anchor rod layout - Anchor rod layouts are restricted as follows:
• The rod layout must be symmetric about both axes

US codes 73 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 • See the section on Base Plate Bending Strength for rod layout
restrictions related to columns in uplift
• Base plate position - The column base plate can only be concentrically
placed about the major axes of the steel column, so that there is no
eccentricity in the line of action of the vertical load with respect to the
baseplate. In addition, the base plate can only be positioned symmetrically
on the concrete base.
• Concrete pedestal - No concrete pedestal will be defined.
• Welds
• Partial length welds are permitted only on the webs of I section
columns.
• For gravity loading the column is assumed to be prepared for direct
contact in bearing.
• Shear lug welds are not considered in the current release.

Theory and assumptions

This section describes the theory used in the development of column base
plate design checks and the major assumptions that have been made,
particularly with respect to interpretation of the AISC Specification (Ref. 2
(page 99)) and the AISC Steel Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99)). A basic
knowledge of the design methods for column bases is assumed.

NOTE Column base plates designed to the AISC Specifications 360-05, -10
and -16 (Ref. 2 (page 99)) should all produce the same results as each
other.

Checks Performed
The following table summarizes the main checks performed:

NOTE Some checks are carried out depending on the shear transfer option
selected.

Applied Load Calculations

Positive vertical load Base plate
• Bearing strength of concrete
foundation.
• Base plate thickness.
(Major) shear load Shear
• Friction Strength
• Shear strength of rods

US codes 74 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 Applied Load Calculations
• Concrete anchorage strength for
shear forces on rods
• Concrete pry-out strength of
anchor rod in shear
• Concrete bearing strength of
shear lug
• Concrete breakout strength of
shear lug
• Shear lug bending strength
Weld
• Weld shear strength
Positive vertical + (major) shear load Base Plate
• Bearing strength of concrete
foundation.
• Base plate thickness.
Shear
• Friction Strength
• Shear strength of rods
• Concrete anchorage strength for
shear forces on rods
• Concrete pry-out strength of
anchor rod in shear
• Concrete bearing strength of
shear lug
• Concrete breakout strength of
shear lug
• Shear lug bending strength
Weld
• Weld shear strength
Negative vertical load (Uplift) • Base Plate
• Base plate bending strength.
• Rods and Anchorage
• Shear lug dimensional checks
• Rods (in tension)
• Concrete breakout (in tension)
• Concrete pull out (in tension)

US codes 75 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 Applied Load Calculations
• Weld
• Weld tension strength
Negative vertical (uplift) + (major) • Base Plate
shear load
• Base plate bending strength.
• Shear
• Friction Strength
• Shear strength of rods
• Concrete anchorage strength
for shear forces on rods
• Concrete pry-out strength of
anchor rod in shear
• Concrete bearing strength of
shear lug
• Concrete breakout strength of
shear lug
• Shear lug bending strength
• Rods and Anchorage
• Shear lug dimensional checks
• Rods (in tension)
• Concrete breakout (in tension)
• Concrete pull out (in tension)
• Rods (in tension + shear)
• Concrete (in tension + shear)
• Weld
• Weld shear strength
• Weld strength with combined
shear and tension

Base plate
There are potentially 3 base plate checks:
1. Bearing strength of concrete foundation
2. Base plate thickness
3. Base Plate Bending Strength

US codes 76 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

1. Bearing strength of concrete foundation
This check is only performed under positive vertical load (i.e. axial
compression).
In the calculation of the nominal bearing strength of the concrete, Pp, the
Area A2 is as defined in the AISC Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99)), i.e.
"the maximum area of the portion of the supporting surface that is
geometrically similar to and concentric with the loaded area" with a
maximum value of 4*A1, where A1 is the area of the base plate.
2. Base plate thickness
This check is only performed under positive vertical load (i.e. axial
compression).
The check requires tp ≥ tmin where tp = the base plate thickness, and tmin =
the minimum thickness, according to LRFD or ASD as appropriate.
The required bearing stress, fpu (LRFD) or fpa (ASD), is reported within the
calculations for tmin.
3. Base Plate Bending Strength
This check is performed under negative vertical load (i.e. axial tension /
uplift), with the bending strength determined according to LRFD or ASD,
as appropriate.
• I section columns (W, M, S & HP shapes)
The plate bending model assumes a 45 degree dispersion from the
end points of the column flanges (see diagram below) to a straight
yield line across the width of the plate. The effective bending width is
limited to the lesser of the actual plate width or the column flange
width plus the difference between plate length and column section
depth.
Rods ‘outside’ the flanges are those between the ends of the plate and
lines through the mid thickness of the column flanges (including the
mid thickness lines). Rods ‘inside’ the flanges are those between lines
through the mid thickness of the column flanges (excluding the mid
thickness lines).
No rods should be positioned within the shaded areas shown in the
diagram below, between the two 45 degree dispersal lines emanating
from each flange tip.
• For rods outside the flanges, all rods should be contained within an
area bounded by the plate edges, the flange and lines drawn at 45
degrees from the outside corners of the flange to the plate edge. If
this is not the case, a Warning status is issued.
• For rods inside the flanges, all rods should be contained within an
area bounded by the plate edge, the flanges, the web and lines
drawn at 45 deg from the inside corners of the flange to the plate
edge. If this is not the case, a Warning status is issued.

US codes 77 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 Plan view on base plate with I section column and 45 degree dispersal
lines
The number of effective rods contributing to the bending depends on
the rod layout. Where 4 rows of rods are used and all 4 rows lie inside
the flanges, then all rods in the outer 2 rows count but only the 4 rods
adjacent to the web count from the inner 2 rows (see diagram below).
In all other layouts all of the rods count as effective.
The nominal tension force on each effective rod is the total uplift force
divided by the total number of effective rods.
For rods outside the flanges the full nominal tension force on each rod
is used when deriving the required bending strength.
For rods inside the flanges, when there are only 2 rows inside the
flanges then for the 4 rods adjacent to the web the nominal tension
force is proportioned between the flange and the web, in the ratio
dw/(dw+df) to the flange and df/(dw+df) to the web, where dw is the
distance from center of rod to centerline of web, and df is the distance
from center of rod to centerline of flange; while all other rods in the
row use the full nominal tension force. The proportioned tension force
to the web does not contribute to plate bending but is taken into
account for the required web weld tension strength. When there are 4
rows of rods inside the flanges, the outer 2 rows adopt the tension
forces as described above for 2 rows only inside the flanges; while the
other 4 effective rods (adjacent to the web) from the inner 2 rows
assume the full nominal tension force to the web and so do not
contribute to plate bending but are taken into account for the required
web weld tension strength.

US codes 78 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 Distribution of rod nominal tension force, Tn (rods in red are non-effective
for tension)

NOTE Bending around lines parallel to the web is not considered and
there is no local strength check on the web in the current
release of the software.

• HSS and pipe section columns

The plate bending model assumes a 45 degree dispersion from the
corner points of the column section (see diagram below) to straight
yield lines across the width and length of the plate.
Note, for circular HSS and pipe column sections an equivalent square
section profile is assumed based on a side length equal to three
quarters of the outside diameter of the HSS or pipe (which gives an
approximately equal perimeter length).
The general rule adopted for valid rod layouts is that no more than
one line of rods is permitted in each zone, opposite and parallel to
each face of the HSS section. For rod layouts which do not follow this
rule a Beyond Scope status is issued.

US codes 79 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 Plan view on base plate with HSS section column and 45 degree dispersal
lines
In all valid HSS rod layouts all of the rods count as effective towards
plate bending.
The nominal tension force on each effective rod is the total uplift force
divided by the total number of effective rods.

Shear
There are five options to choose from for (major) shear transfer:
1. Friction alone
2. Shear on rods alone
3. Friction and shear on rods
4. Bearing on shear lug
5. Friction and bearing on shear lug
1. Friction Alone
• Friction Strength
This shear strength check is calculated in accordance with ACI 318 (Ref.
1 (page 99)) and considers the full (major) shear force. Since ACI 318
only takes account of LRFD requirements then this check is not
performed for ASD load combinations.
The default for μ, the coefficient of friction between the base plate and
concrete, is taken as 0.4 per ACI 349-01 (section RB.6.1.4), 349-06 and
-13 (section RD.6.1.4) (Ref. 8 (page 99)).
2. Shear on Rods Alone
Checks for Shear on Rods Alone are divided into 3 separate parts and
consider the full (major) shear force:
a. Shear strength of rods.

US codes 80 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

b. Concrete anchorage strength for shear forces on rods.
c. Concrete pry-out strength of anchor rod in shear.
The anchor rod strength is calculated in accordance with AISC 360 Ref. 2
(page 99) and AISC Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99)) for both LRFD and
ASD load combinations.
The concrete strength checks are calculated in accordance with ACI 318
(Ref. 1 (page 99)). Since ACI 318 only takes account of LRFD requirements
then these checks are not performed for ASD load combinations.
a. Shear Strength of Rods
AISC Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99)) recommends taking a cautious
approach when using anchor rods to transfer horizontal shear loads.
Unless special provisions are made to equalize the load to all anchor
bolts, such as using field welded setting plates or field welded washer
plates, Design Guide 1 recommends using only 2 of the rods to resist
the shear. If all rods are used to resist the shear, Design Guide 1
requires that the bending of the rods within the depth of the base
plate should be checked which in turn requires that the washer plate/
setting plate thickness is also checked. These rod bending and
washer/setting plate thickness checks are not available in the current
release. If the option to use either ‘Shear on rods’ or 'Friction and
Shear on rods' to resist shear is selected then a Warning is displayed
in the results viewer:
"To transfer the shear equally to all anchor rods special provisions need
to be made such as the use of field welded setting plates or field welded
washers. These provisions are beyond the scope of this release and
instead the recommendation given in Design Guide 1 to use only 2 rods to
resist shear has been adopted."
The nominal shear strength, Fnv, from AISC 360-10 and -16 is 0.45Fu
and is back-fitted to AISC 360-05, and is also factored by 0.8 if a grout
layer is used (per ACI 318-08 and -11 Appendix D and Chapter 17 of
ACI 318-14 and -19).
b. Concrete Anchorage Strength for Shear Forces on Rods
This check is carried out in accordance with the provisions of ACI
318-11 Appendix D and Chapter 17 of ACI 318-14 and -19, which all
have similar provisions, and back-fitted to ACI 318-08 (which has
slightly different provision).
For the purposes of resisting shear forces, an anchor rod may act as
an individual or as part of an anchor rod group which is defined in ACI
318 as "a number of anchors spaced at less than 3*ca1 from one or
more adjacent anchors when subject to shear".
As only 2 rods are considered effective in resisting shear, it is
assumed that the effective rods are those closest to the edge of the
concrete foundation and, further, that these rods act as a group if

US codes 81 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 spaced at less than 3*c’a1 where c’a1 is the limiting value of ca1 defined
in ACI 318. This returns a conservative result.
Only shear perpendicular to the concrete edge is considered in the
current release.

The concrete edge distances, ca1 and ca2, relative to the shear
perpendicular to an edge are shown in ACI 318-14 Figure R17.5.2.1d,
part of which is reproduced below. These distances are referred to in
the design calculations as "Distance (parallel to shear) to concrete
edge, ca1" and "Distance (perpendicular to shear) to concrete edge,
ca2".

Plan view on concrete foundation with edge distances ca1 and ca2 from an
anchor.
In the calculation of the nominal concrete breakout strength, Vcbg, the
modification factor for eccentricity of shear load, Ψec,V, and the
modification factor for cracked concrete, Ψc,V are both set to 1.0
c. Concrete Pry-out Strength of Anchor Rod in Shear
This check is carried out in accordance with the provisions of ACI
318-08 and -11 section D.6.3, ACI 318-14 section 17.5.3, and ACI
318-19 section 17.7.3
Calculation of Vcp, the nominal concrete pry-out strength for rods in
shear, involves calculation of N’cbg, the nominal concrete breakout
strength for rods in shear, which is determined in accordance with

US codes 82 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 the provisions of ACI 318-08 and -11 section D.6.2, ACI 318-14 section
17.5.2, and ACI 318-19 section 17.7.2
In the calculation of N’cbg, the nominal concrete breakout strength, a
limiting value of rod embedded depth, hef, is used and labeled as h’ef.
The limiting value is determined in accordance with the provisions of
ACI 318-08 and -11 section D.5.2.3, ACI 318-14 section 17.4.2.3, and
ACI 318-19 section 17.6.2.1.2
Also in the calculation of N’cbg, the nominal concrete breakout
strength, a “total number of effective rods'' is referred to. Typically
this will be equal to the total number of rods in the layout of rods, but
for I section columns with 4 rows of rods, where all 4 rows are
positioned inside the flanges of the column section, the internal 2
rows of rods are taken as having a total of 2 rods in each row - the 2
rods adjacent to either side of the column web. For example, in a rod
layout of 4 rows of 4 rods in each row, with all 4 rows positioned
inside the flanges of an I section column, the total number of effective
rods = 2 * 4 + 2 * 2 = 12 (rather than the 16 rods in the total layout).
Also in the calculation of N’cbg, the nominal concrete breakout
strength, the modification factor eccentricity of shear load, Ψec,N, and
the modification factor for cracked concrete, Ψc,N are both set to 1.0
3. Friction and Shear on Rods
When Friction and Shear on Rods is selected as the (major) shear transfer
option, then the three Shear on Rods checks consider a net shear force
i.e. the remaining (major) shear force not taken by frictional resistance
alone.
Checks for Friction and Shear on Rods are divided into the same 3
separate parts as for Shear on Rods Alone (as detailed above), with the
addition of a Friction calculation (as detailed above), at the start of each of
the three Shear on Rods parts, that derives the net (major) shear force.
4. Bearing on Shear Lug
Checks for Bearing on Shear Lug are divided into 3 separate parts and
consider the full (major) shear force:
a. Concrete bearing strength of shear lug.
b. Concrete breakout strength of shear lug.
c. Shear lug bending strength.
All 3 separate parts vary in design approach according to the ACI 318
design code year selected in the model, with demarcation between
pre-2019 (i.e. 2008, 2011 or 2014) and 2019.
When ACI 318 pre-2019 is selected, the concrete strength checks are
calculated in accordance with guidance from AISC Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4
(page 99)) and Gomez et al (Ref. 9 (page 99)), otherwise in accordance
with ACI 318-19 (Ref. 1 (page 99)). Since concrete design only takes

US codes 83 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

account of LRFD requirements then these concrete strength checks are
not performed for ASD load combinations.
The shear lug bending strength is calculated in accordance with AISC 360
(Ref. 2 (page 99)) and AISC Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99)) for both
LRFD and ASD load combinations. The choice of ACI 318 design code year
determines only the lever arm distance for bending.
a. Concrete Bearing Strength of Shear Lug
When ACI 318 pre-2019 is selected this check is carried out under
AISC DG1 guidance, which references ACI 349 Appendix Section
D.4.6.2. The nominal concrete bearing strength is based on an
embedded depth of shear lug equal to actual depth of lug less the
grout pad thickness.
When ACI 318 2019 is selected, this check is carried out in accordance
with the provisions of ACI 318-19 Section 17.11.2, and the nominal
concrete bearing strength is based on an effective embedded depth of
shear lug equal to the lesser of the embedded depth of lug and twice
the lug thickness. The 318-19 design method also includes a bearing
factor, Ψbrg,sL, which varies between 1.0 and 2.0 for applied axial
compression, and between zero and 1.0 for applied axial tension.
For all ACI 318 code years, if the embedded depth of the shear lug is
less than 2 inches (or 50 mm in metric design) then a Warning is
displayed in the results viewer.
b. Concrete Breakout Strength of Shear Lug
When ACI 318 pre-2019 is selected this check is carried out to
recommendations by Gomez et al (Ref. 9 (page 99)) whose research
report was presented to AISC in 2009. The research report
recommends the nominal concrete breakout strength of shear lug is
based on the minimum of that found from a 35 degree fracture
failure plane with a design equation adapted from a Concrete
Capacity Design (CCD) method given by Fuchs et al (Ref. 10
(page 99)), and that found from a 45 degree tension failure plane,
per ACI 349 Appendix Section D.11.2.
Note that the effective area of the 35 degree failure plane is factored
in Gomez et al by 0.7 to account for disturbance of symmetric stress
distribution when close to a corner, but this factor is more refined in
Fuchs et al (Ψ5 in Equation 13c). The more refined factor is adopted in
Tekla Structural Designer.
When ACI 318 2019 is selected, this check is carried out in accordance
with the provisions of ACI 318-19 Section 17.11.3, and the nominal
concrete breakout strength of shear lug is based on an effective area
of shear lug and a 35 degree fracture failure plane. Note in the
calculation of the nominal concrete breakout strength of shear lug,
Vcb,sL, the modification factor for cracked concrete, Ψc,V is set to 1.0

US codes 84 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 and only shear perpendicular to the concrete edge is considered in
the current release.
The concrete edge distance, ca1, relative to the shear perpendicular to
an edge is shown in ACI 318-19 Figure R11.3.1, part of which is
reproduced below. This distance is referred to in the design
calculations as "Distance (parallel to shear) to concrete edge, ca1" and
its perpendicular equivalent, measured from the end face of the lug
to the adjacent concrete edge, is referred to as "Distance
(perpendicular to shear) to concrete edge, ca2".

Plan view on concrete foundation with edge distance ca1 from a shear lug
c. Shear Lug Bending Strength
When ACI 318 pre-2019 is selected the lever arm for bending of the
lug is taken as half the embedded depth of the lug plus the grout pad
thickness.
When ACI 318 2019 is selected the lever arm for bending of the lug is
taken as half the effective embedded depth of the lug plus the grout
pad thickness.
For all ACI 318 code years, following the guidance of AISC DG1 Section
3.5.2, if the thickness of the shear lug is greater than the thickness of
the base plate then a Warning is displayed in the results viewer.
5. Friction and bearing on shear lug
When Friction and Bearing on Shear Lug is selected as the (major) shear
transfer option, then the three Bearing on Shear Lug checks consider a
net shear force i.e. the remaining (major) shear force not taken by
frictional resistance alone.
Checks for Friction and Bearing on Shear Lug are divided into the same 3
separate parts as for Bearing on Shear Lug (see above), with the addition
of a Friction calculation at the start of each of the three Bearing on Shear
Lug parts, that derives the net (major) shear force.

US codes 85 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Rods and Anchorage
Checks for Rods and Anchorage are divided into 6 separate parts and, where
combined with shear, consider the full (major) shear force:
1. Shear lug dimensional checks
2. Rods in tension
3. Concrete breakout (in tension)
4. Concrete pull out (in tension)
5. Rods (in tension + shear)
6. Concrete (in tension + shear)
The anchor rod strength checks are calculated in accordance with AISC 360
(Ref. 2 (page 99)) and AISC Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99)) for both LRFD
and ASD load combinations.
The concrete strength checks are calculated in accordance with ACI 318 (Ref. 1
(page 99)). Since ACI 318 only takes account of LRFD requirements then these
checks are not performed for ASD load combinations.
The shear lug dimensional checks are calculated in accordance with ACI 318
but only when a shear lug is present and the ACI 318 code year selected is
2019. Since the presence of a shear lug can influence anchor rod tension, the
dimensional checks are performed for both LRFD and ASD load combinations.
In the current release of the software, no reinforcement is assumed in the
concrete foundation.
1. Shear Lug Dimensional Checks
This pair of dimensional checks is performed whenever negative vertical
load (i.e. axial tension / uplift) and a shear lug are both present and the
ACI 318 code year selected is 2019.
The checks are calculated using the provisions of ACI 318-19 Section
17.11.1.1.8
2. Rods in Tension
This check is performed whenever negative vertical load (i.e. axial
tension / uplift) is present.

NOTE If a shear lug is also present and the ACI 318 code year selected is
2019 then there will be a calculation to determine additional
tension load due to forces on the lug, per the requirement of ACI
318-19 Section 17.11.1.1.9 (Refer also to Section 3.5 of Cook and
Michler (Ref. 11 (page 99)).)

Anchor rod tension strength is calculated using the provisions of AISC 360
Section J3.6

US codes 86 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

3. Concrete Breakout (in Tension)
This check is performed whenever negative vertical load (i.e. axial
tension / uplift) is present.

NOTE If a shear lug is also present and the ACI 318 code year selected is
2019 then there will be a calculation to determine additional
tension load due to forces on the lug, per the requirement of ACI
318-19 Section 17.11.1.1.9 (Refer also to Section 3.5 of Cook and
Michler (Ref. 11 (page 99)).)

This check is carried out in accordance with the provisions of ACI 318-08
and -11 Appendix D and Chapter 17 of ACI 318-14 and -19.
In the calculation of the nominal concrete breakout strength, Ncbg, the
modification factor for eccentricity of shear load, Ψec,N, and the
modification factor for cracked concrete, Ψc,N are both set to 1.0
When the column is subject to uplift conditions, to avoid problems
associated with side face breakout, Design Guide 1 (Ref. 4 (page 99))
recommends that the minimum concrete side cover to an anchor rod,
cj,min, should be ≥ MAX [6*rod diameter, hef/2.5], where hef = the anchor
rod embedded depth. If this is not the case then a Warning message is
displayed in the check indicating that additional hand calculations may be
required.
4. Concrete Pull Out (in Tension)
This check is performed whenever negative vertical load (i.e. axial
tension / uplift) is present.

NOTE If a shear lug is also present and the ACI 318 code year selected is
2019 then there will be a calculation to determine additional
tension load due to forces on the lug, per the requirement of ACI
318-19 Section 17.11.1.1.9 (Refer also to Section 3.5 of Cook and
Michler (Ref. 11 (page 99)).)

This check is carried out in accordance with the provisions of ACI 318-08
and -11 Appendix D and Chapter 17 of ACI 318-14 and -19.
In the calculation of the nominal concrete pull out strength of an anchor
rod in tension, Npn, the modification factor for cracked concrete, Ψc,P is set
to 1.0.
5. Rods (in Tension + Shear)
This check is only performed under negative vertical load (i.e. axial
tension / uplift) with (major) shear, and also only when the shear transfer
option selected is either Shear on Rods Alone or Friction and Shear on
Rods.
Anchor rod strength in combined shear and tension is calculated using
the provisions of AISC 360 Section J3.7

US codes 87 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 The nominal shear strength, Fnv, from AISC 360-10 and -16 is 0.45Fu and is
back-fitted to AISC 360-05, and is also factored by 0.8 if a grout layer is
used (per ACI 318-08 and -11 Appendix D and Chapter 17 of ACI 318-14
and -19).
As in the Shear Strength of Rods check, only 2 of the anchor rods are
assumed to be resisting the shear.
6. Concrete (in Tension + Shear)
This check is only performed under negative vertical load (i.e. axial
tension / uplift) with (major) shear, and also only when the shear transfer
option selected is either Shear on Rods Alone or Friction and Shear on
Rods.
This check is carried out in accordance with the provisions of ACI 318-08
and -11 Appendix D and Chapter 17 of ACI 318-14 and -19.

Welds
The weld strengths are calculated in accordance with AISC 360 (Ref. 2
(page 99)) for both LRFD and ASD load combinations.
The welds are checked for the following design conditions: shear; tension;
combined shear and tension. For gravity loading the column is assumed to be
prepared for direct contact in bearing.
Shear lug weld is not considered in the current release.
For base plates with thickness ≤ 3/4 in (19 mm), the default weld leg length is
1/4 in (6mm) and for all other base plate thicknesses the default weld leg
length is 5/16 in (8 mm). These defaults can be adjusted in the database
[Materials > Welds > Defaults].
AISC 360-10 and -16 stipulates that when the length of the weld exceeds 300
times the leg size, w, the effective length shall be taken as 180w (section J.2b.
(d).(3)), and this is similarly applied when AISC 360-05 has been selected for
steel design.
• Weld Shear Strength
This check is performed whenever (major) shear load is present.
Weld shear strength is calculated using the provisions of AISC 360 Section
J2
• Weld Tension Strength
This check is performed whenever negative vertical load (i.e. axial tension /
uplift) is present.
Weld tension strength is calculated using the provisions of AISC 360 Section
J2
Tension forces are derived as above in the section on Base Plate Bending
Strength.

US codes 88 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• Weld Strength with Combined Shear and Tension
This check is only performed under negative vertical load (i.e. axial
tension / uplift) with (major) shear.
Weld tension strength is calculated using the provisions of AISC 360 Section
J2
Tension forces are derived as above in the section on Base Plate Bending
Strength.

Analysis
Connection forces are established from a global analysis of the building as a
whole. Column base plates in Tekla Structural Designer have a limited set of
design forces for which they can be designed. Non-design forces are identified
and, where their value is greater than a given limit, they are displayed to you in
the results along with a Warning status. The given limits are defined on the
Design Forces page of the Design Settings dialog available from the Design tab
on the ribbon.
The forces from the global analysis are treated in the following manner:
• Simple column bases are designed for the positive or negative axial force at
the base of the column and the shear (foundation reaction) in the plane of
the column web (column section minor axis). Bases are orientated to the
column’s major and minor axes and hence there is no requirement to
resolve the force when the column is rotated. Columns can only be sloped
in the plane of the web and the bottom stack axial force and shear are
resolved into vertical and horizontal forces in the base.
Where the global analysis includes second-order (P-Delta) effects the Ultimate
Limit State design forces will include these effects also. However, for column
bases the design forces for soil bearing pressure calculations are taken from
an elastic global analysis of the unfactored loadcases without second-order
effects. All seismic combinations appear in the results. However, those
deriving from ELF are considered for design while those from RSA result in
Beyond Scope status.

Sign Conventions
The following sign conventions apply.
Convention looking at the column with face A on the right:
• Positive shear from face C to A,
• Positive axial into the base.

NOTE The column member direction arrow is placed on face A.

US codes 89 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Steel brace design to AISC 360
• Design method (Braces: AISC 360) (page 90)
• Section classification (Braces: AISC 360) (page 90)
• D2. Axial tension (Braces: AISC 360) (page 90)
• E. Axial compression (Braces: AISC 360) (page 90)
• Seismic design rules (Braces: AISC 360) (page 91)

Design method (Braces: AISC 360)

Tekla Structural Designer allows you to analyze and design a member with
pinned end connections for axial compression, tension and seismic design
forces.
Either a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength
design (ASD) can be performed to determine the adequacy of the section for
each condition.
The design method employed is consistent with the design parameters
specified in the relevant chapters of the AISC Specification and associated
'Commentary' (Ref. 2 (page 99)), unless specifically noted otherwise. As the
2005, 2010 and 2016 versions are all supported, where clauses are specific to
a particular version these are indicated as (360-05), (360-10), or (360-16) as
appropriate.
A basic knowledge of the design methods for braces in accordance with the
specification is assumed.

Section classification (Braces: AISC 360)

Cross-section classification is determined using Table B4.1 (360-05), or Tables
B4.1a+B4.1b (360-10).

D2. Axial tension (Braces: AISC 360)

If axial tension exists, tensile yielding and rupture checks are performed at the
point of maximum tension in accordance with Eqns D2.1 and D2.2.
A warning is also issued if the slenderness ratio L/r exceeds 300.

E. Axial compression (Braces: AISC 360)

If axial compression exists, the member is assessed for Flexural Buckling and
for Torsional and Flexural Torsional buckling. The compressive strength is

US codes 90 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

determined in accordance with Eqns E3.1 and E4.1. For double angles these
equations are subject to the modifications of Section E6.
The member length or member sub lengths between braces are checked for:
• Flexural buckling about major axis - for each braced length between
adjacent points of major axis lateral bracing and or torsional bracing.
• Flexural buckling about minor axis - for each braced length between
adjacent points of minor axis lateral bracing and or torsional bracing.
• Torsional and flexural torsional buckling - for each braced length between
adjacent points of torsional bracing (this check is not applied to hollow
sections.)
For any braced length, the required compressive force Pr is taken as the
maximum compressive force in the relevant length.
A warning is also issued if the slenderness ratio KL/r exceeds 200.

Seismic design rules (Braces: AISC 360)

Additional design rules are required for seismic combinations. These are as
per the AISC Seismic Provisions (AISC 341-05) (Ref. 5 (page 99)). These
additional design rules ONLY apply to members in Seismic Load Resisting
Systems.
The rules applied depend upon the seismic load resisting system as defined in
the AISC Seismic Provisions and are listed below:

For a braced frame

13. Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
• 13.2d. Classification
• 13.2b. brace required strength
• 13.2a. brace slenderness limit
• 13.2e. built up members - double angles
14. Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)
• 14.2. Classification
• 14.2. Bracing members, V or A braces
15. Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) - Beyond Scope

Buckling resistant braced frame

16. Buckling Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF) - Beyond Scope

Frames containing composite beams

Composite Special Concentrically Braced Frames (C-SCBF) - Beyond Scope

US codes 91 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Composite Ordinary Braced Frames (C-OBF) - Beyond Scope
Composite Eccentrically Braced Frames (C-EBF) - Beyond Scope

Truss member design to AISC 360

• Design method (Trusses: AISC 360) (page 92)
• Design checks (Trusses: AISC 360) (page 92)

Design method (Trusses: AISC 360)

Unless explicitly stated all truss calculations will adopt either a load and
resistance factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength design (ASD) as
consistent with the design parameters as specified in the AISC Specification
and associated Commentary (Ref. 2 (page 99)).

Design checks (Trusses: AISC 360)

Truss members can either be defined manually, or the process can be

automated using the Truss Wizard. Irrespective of the method used, the
resulting Truss members will be one of four types:
• Internal
• Side
• Bottom
• Top
Depending on the type, different design procedures are adopted.

Internal and side truss members

The design checks for internal and side truss members are the same as those
for braces. With the exception that seismic forces are not designed for. See:
Steel brace design to AISC 360 (page 89)

Top and bottom truss members

The design checks for top and bottom truss members are the same as those
for beams. With the exception that seismic forces are not designed for. See:
Steel beam design to AISC 360 (page 49)

US codes 92 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Steel single, double angle and tee section design to AISC 360
• Design method (Angles and tees: AISC 360) (page 93)
• Angle and tee limitations (AISC 360) (page 93)
• Section axes (Angles and tees: AISC 360) (page 94)
• Design procedure for single angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360) (page 94)
• Design procedure for tee sections (Angles and tees: AISC 360) (page 96)
• Design procedure for double angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360) (page 97)
• Deflection of single angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360) (page 98)

Design method (Angles and tees: AISC 360)

Either a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) or an allowable strength

design (ASD) can be performed to determine the adequacy of the section for
each condition. The design method adopted is dictated by the member
characteristic type:

Beam, Truss member top, or Truss member bottom:

• Member is designed for axial tension, compression, shear, bending and
combined forces
• This is consistent with the method detailed in Steel beam design to AISC
360

Brace, Truss internal, or Truss member side:

• Member is designed for axial tension, compression and compression
buckling only
• This is consistent with the method detailed in Steel brace design to AISC
360

A basic knowledge of the design method for angles and tees in accordance
with the specification is assumed.

NOTE For tees, single angles, and double angles - specific additional Angle
and tee limitations apply to the above design methods.

NOTE When modeling a double angle, the Compression property 'a'

(distance between connectors), has to be manually set (either in
Compression section of the Properties window or on the
Compression tab of the Properties dialog box). Refer to AISC 360
section E6 for further information.

US codes 93 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Angle and tee limitations (AISC 360)

• All sections and in particular single angles are assumed to be effectively

loaded through the shear center such that no additional torsion moments
are developed. In addition no direct allowance is made for 'destabilizing
loads'.
• Design excludes bending of the outstand leg of single and double angles
loaded eccentrically e.g. supporting masonry.

Section axes (Angles and tees: AISC 360)

For all sections:

• x-x is the axis parallel to the flanges
• y-y is the axis perpendicular to the flanges
• for Single Angles and Double Angles
• y-y parallel to long side (leg) - single angles
• y-y parallel to long side (leg) - double angles with long leg back to
back
• y-y parallel to short side (leg) - double angles with short leg back to
back
• w-w is the major principal axis for single angles
• z-z is the minor principal axis for single angles

Design procedure for single angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360)

Single angles with continuous lateral-torsional restraint along the length are
permitted to be designed on the basis of geometric axis (x, y) bending.
Single angles without continuous lateral-torsional restraint along the length
are designed using the provision for principal axis (w, z) bending except
where the provision for bending about geometric axis is permitted.
Geometric axis bending permitted:
• If single angles without continuous lateral torsional restraint and legs of
angles are equal and there is no axial compression and bending about one
of the geometric axis only

NOTE Design on the basis of geometric axis bending should also be

permitted if single angles without continuous lateral torsional
restraint but with lateral torsional restraint at the point of maximum
moment only and legs of angles are equal and there is no axial

US codes 94 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

 compression and bending about one of the geometric axis only.
However this is beyond scope of the current release of the program.

Geometric axis design

1. Nominal flexural strength Mnx – about X axis (major geometric axis)
2. Nominal flexural strength Mny – about Y axis (minor geometric axis)
Check:
IF LRFD
a. Mrx ≤ φb * Mnx , where φb = 0.9
b. Mry ≤ φb * Mny , where φb = 0.9
IF ASD
Mrx ≤ Mnx /Ωb , where Ωb = 1.67
Mry ≤ Mny /Ωb , where Ωb = 1.67

Principal axis design

1. Required flexural strength Mrw – about W axis
2. Required flexural strength Mrz – about Z axis
3. Nominal flexural strength Mnw – about W axis (major principal bending
axis)
4. Nominal flexural strength Mnz – about Z axis (minor principal bending
axis)
Check:
IF LRFD
a. Mrw ≤ φb * Mnw , where φb = 0.9
b. Mrz ≤ φb * Mnz , where φb = 0.9
IF ASD
a. Mrw ≤ Mnw /Ωb , where Ωb = 1.67
b. Mrz ≤ Mnz /Ωb , where Ωb = 1.67
The principal axes moments are calculated from the following formulas for
both LRFD and ASD:
Mrw = Mrx cosα + Mry sinα
Mrz = -Mrx sinα + Mry cosα
In the case of biaxial bending, or bending and axial force the combined stress
ratio must be checked using the provisions of AISC, section H2.

US codes 95 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

For the three points of the angle A, B, C the combined ratio check should be
performed.

Single Equal Angles - Sign of Moments

Single Unequal Angles - Sign of Moments

If the interaction of stresses at each point is seen to be less than 1.0 the
member is adequate to carry the required load.
Check:1
Abs (fra / Fca + frbw / Fcbw + frbz / Fcbz) ≤ 1.0

NOTE In axial tension when the sum of the moment ratios about the major
and minor axis bending is greater or equal to 0 then the axial stress
ratio is taken as 0.0 in order to give conservative results and the axial
stress ratio is renamed “effective”.

Design procedure for tee sections (Angles and tees: AISC 360)

US codes 96 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

The nominal flexural strength Mn is the lowest value obtained according to the
limit states of yielding (plastic moment), lateral-torsional buckling and leg local
buckling.
Mnx = Min {Mnx,Yield, Mnx,LTB, Mnx,LLB}
In the case of biaxial bending, or bending and axial force the combined stress
ratio must be checked using the provisions of AISC, section H2.
The applied loads are
• Pr Axial
• Mrx Bending in x axis
• Mry Bending in y axis

Check:1
Abs (fra / Fca + frbzx / Fcbx + frby / Fcby) ≤ 1.0

Tees - Critical Points A, B & C

Design procedure for double angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360)

The nominal flexural strength Mn is the lowest value obtained according to the
limit states of yielding (plastic moment), lateral-torsional buckling and leg local
buckling.
Mnx = Min {Mnx,Yield, Mnx,LTB, Mnx,LLB}

NOTE For the local buckling check of double angles the provisions of the
2010 code are used. In the 05 code, section F9.3 states Flange local
Buckling of Tees and does not refer to double angles.

In the case of biaxial bending, or bending and axial force the combined stress
ratio must be checked using the provisions of AISC, section H2. The applied
loads are

US codes 97 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

• Pr Axial
• Mrx Bending in x axis
• Mry Bending in y axis

Check:[1] Abs (fra / Fca + frbw / Fcbx + frby / Fcby) ≤ 1.0

Double Angles - Critical Points A, B & C

Deflection of single angles (Angles and tees: AISC 360)

If a single angle is continuously restrained the major geometric moment and

major geometric section properties are used in the general equation
governing the beam deflection.
However, because single angle geometric axes are not coincident with the
principal axes; a different procedure is required if the angle is not
continuously restrained, the procedure being as follows:
1. External loads are transposed from the geometric axes to the principal
axes.
2. The deflection equations are used to calculate deflections in the principal
axes.
3. These principal axis deflections are then transposed to geometric axes
again.

US codes 98 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

Single Angle Deflections (continuously restrained, unrestrained)

References (AISC 360)

1. American Concrete Institute. Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete and Commentary. ACI 318-08, -11, -14, -19. ACI, 2008, 2011, 2014,
2019
2. American Institute of Steel Construction. ANSI/AISC 360-05, -10, -16
Specification for structural steel buildings. AISC, 2005, 2010, 2016
3. American Institute of Steel Construction. Steel Design Guide Series 11. Floor
Vibrations due to Human Activity. AISC, 1997.
4. American Institute of Steel Construction. Design Guide 1: Base Plate and
Anchor Rod Design (2nd Edition, 2nd Printing, revised). AISC, March 2014
5. American Institute of Steel Construction. ANSI/AISC 341-05, -10, -16 Seismic
Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings. AISC, 2006, 2010, 2016.
6. American Society of Civil Engineers. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures. ASCE/SEI 7-05, -10. ASCE, 2006, 2010.
7. Brockenbrough, R. L. & Merritt, F. S. Structural Steel Designer's Handbook.
Second Edition. McGraw-Hill 1994 USA.
8. American Concrete Institute. Code Requirements for Nuclear Safety-Related
Concrete Structures and Commentary. ACI 349-01, 349-06, 349-13. ACI 2001,
2006, 2013
9. Gomez, I.R., et al. Shear Transfer in Exposed Column Base Plates. AISC, 2009
10. Fuchs, W., et al. Concrete Capacity Design (CCD) Approach for Fastening to
Concrete. ACI Structural Journal, V. 92, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 1995, pp. 73-94
11. Cook, R.A., and Michler, H. Behavior and Design of Anchorages with Shear
Lugs. 3rd International Symposium on Connections between Steel and
Concrete, 2017, pp. 560-571

US codes 99 Steel design to AISC 360 ASD and LRFD

1.3 Steel seismic design to AISC 341
Additional seismic provisions are required to be applied to members that are
part of the seismic force resisting system (SFRS) of a structure. These
provisions are applied in addition to any standard requirements for structural
steel buildings as per AISC 360. The seismic provisions are contained in AISC
341. Tekla Structural Designer covers non-seismic steel design to AISC 360-05,
AISC 360-10 and AISC 360-016. (Ref. 2 (page 99)). The purpose of this guide is
to describe the matching seismic design requirements contained in AISC
341-05, AISC 341-10 and AISC 341-16 (Ref. 5 (page 99)).
• Criteria assumed to be met (page 100)
• Design philosophy (page 104)
• Changes introduced in AISC 341-16 (page 105)
• Common seismic requirements (page 105)
• Seismic checks - Beams (page 110)
• Seismic checks - Columns (page 115)
• Seismic checks - Braces (page 121)

Criteria assumed to be met (Seismic: AISC 341)

Seismic design in the current release of Tekla Structural Designer covers only
those checks detailed in later sections and presupposes certain criteria are
met e.g. that lateral braces to beams are sufficiently strong. These
presuppositions are noted below.

Common

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

• Column bases are assumed to comply with the requirements of D2.6.
• Steel material grades used in particular members and SFRS type are
assumed to comply with A3.1.

AISC 341-05
• Column bases are assumed to comply with the requirements of 8.5.
• Steel material grades used in particular members and SFRS type are
assumed to comply with 6.1.

OMF

US codes 100 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10
• Beam to column connections used in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the
requirements of E1.6.

AISC 341-05
• Beam to column connections used in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the
requirements of 11.2.
• Continuity plates are assumed to comply with the requirements of 11.5.
• As per 11.9 column splices are assumed to comply with the requirements
of 8.4a.

IMF

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

• The lateral braces themselves will not be designed to meet the additional
criteria of D1.2a & c - it is assumed that the user will check this
independently.
• The position of lateral braces will not be checked for the location of points
of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge per D1.2c.
• The protected zone is assumed to comply with E2.5c.
• Connections used in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the requirements of
E2.6.

AISC 341-05
• Beam to column connections used in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the
requirements of 10.2.
• Panel zones in beam to column connections used in the SFRS are assumed
to satisfy the requirements of 10.3.
• Continuity plates are assumed to comply with the requirements of 10.5.
• The lateral braces themselves will not be designed to meet the additional
criteria of 10.8 - it is assumed that the user will check this independently.
• The position of lateral braces will not be checked for the location of points
of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge per 10.8.
• As per 10.9 column splices are assumed to comply with the requirements
of 8.4a.

SMF

US codes 101 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10
• The lateral braces themselves will not be designed to meet the additional
criteria of D1.2b & c - it is assumed that the user will check this
independently.
• The position of lateral braces will not be checked for the location of points
of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge per D1.2c.
• Beam column connections are always assumed braced as per E3.4c(1).
• The protected zone is assumed to comply with E3.5c.
• Connections used in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the requirements of
E3.6.

AISC 341-05
• Beam to column connections used in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the
requirements of 9.2.
• Panel zones in beam to column connections used in the SFRS are assumed
to satisfy the requirements of 9.3.
• Continuity plates are assumed to comply with the requirements of 9.5.
• Beam column connections are always assumed braced as per 9.7a.
• The lateral braces themselves will not be designed to meet the additional
criteria of 9.8 - it is assumed that the user will check this independently.
• The position of lateral braces will not be checked for the location of points
of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge per 9.8.
• Column splices are assumed to comply with the requirements of 9.9 whilst
those not part of the SFRS are assumed to comply with 8.4b

OCBF

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

• Column splices are assumed to comply with D2.5.
• It is assumed that the beams in OCBF are continuous between columns in
accordance with F1.4a.
• It is assumed that the user will ensure that the ends of V and A braces are
vertically released so that they provide no support for dead and live loads
as per F1.4a (1).
• It is assumed that the user will apply the relevant lateral restraint at
position of V/A braces or establish that the beam has sufficient out of plane
strength and stiffness to ensure stability in order to comply with F1.4a (2).
• K braces are not permitted for OCBF in accordance with F1.4b.
• Coincident V and A braces giving X type braced frames are out of scope for
additional beam checks required by AISC 341-10 F1.4a.

US codes 102 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

• Bracing connections in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the requirements
of F1.6.
• OCBF above seismic isolation systems are currently beyond scope

AISC 341-05
• Column splices are assumed to comply with 8.4a. Column splices in
columns not part of the SFRS are assumed to comply with 8.4b.
• It is assumed that the beams in OCBF are continuous between columns in
accordance with 14.3.
• It is assumed that the user will ensure that the ends of V and A braces are
vertically released so that they provide no support for dead and live loads
as per 14.3 (1).
• Lateral braces are not designed to meet the additional criteria in 14.3 (2) - it
is assumed that the user will check this independently.
• It is assumed that the user will apply the relevant lateral restraint at
position of V/A braces or establish that the beam has sufficient out of plane
strength and stiffness to ensure stability in order to comply with 14.3 (2).
• K braces are currently beyond scope for OCBF.
• Coincident V and A braces giving X type braced frames are out of scope for
additional beam checks required by AISC 341-05 14.3.
• Bracing connections in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the requirements
of 14.4.
• OCBF above seismic isolation systems are currently beyond scope

SCBF

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

• Column splices are assumed to comply with D2.5.
• Coincident V and A braces giving X type braced frames are out of scope for
additional beam checks required by AISC 341-10 F2.3a.
• It is assumed that the force resisted by tension braces is between 30% and
70% of the total horizontal force along the line of braces as per F2.4a.
• It is assumed that the beams in SCBF are continuous between columns in
accordance with F2.4b (1).
• It is assumed that the user will apply the relevant lateral restraint at
position of V/A braces or establish that the beam has sufficient out of plane
strength and stiffness to ensure stability in order to comply with F2.4b (2).
• K braces are not permitted for SCBF in accordance with F2.4c.
• Tension only braces are not permitted for SCBF in accordance with F2.4d.

US codes 103 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

• Bracing connections in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the requirements
of F2.5b.
• The protected zone is assumed to comply with F2.5c

AISC 341-05
• It is assumed that the force resisted by tension braces is between 30% and
70% of the total horizontal force along the line of braces as per 13.2c.
• Bracing connections in the SFRS are assumed to satisfy the requirements
of 13.3.
• It is assumed that the user will ensure that the ends of V and A braces are
vertically released so that they provide no support for dead and live loads
as per 13.4a (1).
• It is assumed that the beams in SCBF are continuous between columns in
accordance with 13.4a (2).
• Lateral braces are not designed to meet the additional criteria in 13.4a (2) -
it is assumed that the user will check this independently.
• It is assumed that the user will apply the relevant lateral restraint at
position of V/A braces or establish that the beam has sufficient out of plane
strength and stiffness to ensure stability in order to comply with 13.4a.
• K braces are not permitted for SCBF in accordance with 13.4b.
• Coincident V and A braces giving X type braced frames are out of scope for
additional beam checks required by AISC 341-05 13.4.
• Column splices are assumed to comply with 13.5. Column splices in
columns not part of the SFRS are assumed to comply with 8.4b.
• The protected zone is assumed to comply with 13.6.

Design philosophy (Seismic: AISC 341)

All members are designed as per the normal AISC Specification rules for the
seismic load combinations.
Additional design rules are required for seismic combinations. These are as
per the AISC Seismic Provisions (Ref. 5 (page 99)). These rules are applied as
follows:
• If SDC = A - no additional requirements
• If SDC = D, E or F, apply rules for AISC 341
For each of Direction 1 and Direction 2:
• If SDC = B or C and R ≤ 3 - no additional requirements

US codes 104 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

• If SDC = B or C and R > 3, apply rules for AISC 341
Where requirements are necessary then they apply only to the members of
the SFRS and are only checked for the seismic combinations.

Changes introduced in AISC 341-16 (Seismic AISC 341)

Design is available to AISC 341-05, AISC 341-10 and AISC 341-16. The changes
between the 10 and 16 versions, as implemented in Tekla Structural Designer
are listed below.

Column required strength (D1.4a) (applies to all SFRS)

• Only for ‘overstrength seismic load’
• Previously called ‘amplified seismic load’
• Capacity analysis’ now omitted

OCBF and V&A braces (F1.4a)

• Tension yield strength/amplified seismic + post buckling strength has been
replaced by overstrength seismic load + post buckling strength

OCBF and beam design (F1.5c)

• New requirement, beams in SFRS are now designed for overstrength
seismic load

SMF Moment ratio (E3.4a) - strong column weak beam

• Enhanced plastic moment capacity of beams 1.1 Ry Fy Z has been replaced
by maximum probable moment, Cpr/αs Ry Fy Z. Cpr from AISC 358-16

Common seismic requirements (Seismic: AISC 341)

Required strength
The required strength (including overstrength effects) for a member should be
determined from:
The expected yield stress Ry x Fy
The expected tensile strength Rt x Fu

Grade Fy Ry Rt
A36 36 1.5 1.2
A53B 35 1.6 1.2

US codes 105 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

 Grade Fy Ry Rt
A500B 42 1.4 1.3
A500B 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 46 1.4 1.3
A500C 50 1.4 1.3
A501 36 1.4 1.3
A529 50 1.2 1.2
A529 55 1.1 1.2
A572 42 1.3 1.0[1]
A572 50 1.1 1.1
A572 55 1.1 1.1
A913 50 1.1 1.1
A913 60 1.1 1.1
A913 65 1.1 1.1
A992 50 1.1 1.1

[1]This value is 1.1 in AISC 341-05.

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10 seismic classification - all members

When required by the seismic checks, the classification of elements of the
cross section for various member types is as follows.

Compiled from Table D1.1 of AISC 341-10

Section Element Width Application λhd – highly λmd –

thickness ductile moderately
ratio ductile
I (rolled) Flange bf/(2 * tf) Beams, 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
Columns, (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Braces
Web h/tw Braces 1.49 * √ 1.49 * √
(E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Web h/tw Columns, LRFD - Ca = LRFD - Ca =
Beams Pu/(ɸc * Pu/(ɸc *
FyAg) FyAg)
ɸc = 0.9 ɸc = 0.9
ASD - Ca = c ASD - Ca = c
* Pa/(Fy * * Pa/(Fy *
Ag) Ag)

US codes 106 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

 Ωc = 1.67 Ωc = 1.67
Ca ≤ 0.125 Ca ≤ 0.125
2.45 * √ 3.76 * √
(E/Fy) * (1 - (E/Fy) * (1 -
0.93 * Ca) 2.75 * Ca)
but for SMF but for IMF
only ≤ 2.45 only ≤ 3.76
* √(E/Fy) * √(E/Fy)
Ca > 0.125 Ca > 0.125
0.77 * √ 1.12 * √
(E/Fy) x (E/Fy) x
(2.93 - Ca) (2.33 - Ca)
but ≥ 1.49 * but ≥ 1.49 *
√(E/Fy) √(E/Fy)
RHS and Walls (bf - 3 * t)/t 0.55 * √ 0.64 * √
Braces
SHS and (d -3 * (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
t)/t
RHS and Walls (bf - 3 * t)/t Columns 0.55 * √ 1.12 * √
SHS and (d- 3 * (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
t)/t
CHS D/t Braces 0.038 * E/Fy 0.044 * E/Fy
CHS D/t Columns 0.038 * E/Fy 0.07 * E/Fy
C (rolled) Flange bf/tf Braces 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
(E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Web h/tw Braces 1.49 * √ 1.49 * √
(E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Tees Flange bf/(2 * tf) Braces 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
(E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Stem d/tw Braces 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
(E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Angles Both legs L1/t and Braces 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
L2/t (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Double Outstand L1/t (long Braces 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
angles leg – legs in leg B to B) (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
continuous or L2/t
contact (short leg B
to B)
Double Both legs – L1/t and Braces 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
angles legs L2/t (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
separated

US codes 107 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

In the above table the terms have their usual meaning as follows:
• bf = width of flange and for RHS width of shorter side
• tf = thickness of flange of I/H, channel or Tee
• h = height of web inside flanges (d – 2 * tf) of I/H or channel
• tw = thickness of web
• d = depth of SHS and for RHS depth of longer side
• t = thickness of hollow section RHS, SHS, CHS
• D = diameter of CHS
• L1 = Short leg (from root to toe) of single angle
• L2 = Long leg (from root to toe) of single angle
• E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
• Fy = minimum yield stress
• Pu = required axial strength using LRFD (seismic) combinations
• Pa = required axial strength using ASD (seismic) combinations
• Ag = gross area of section

AISC 341-05 seismic classification - all members

When required by the seismic checks, the classification of elements of the
cross section for various member types is as follows.

Compiled from I-8-1 of AISC 341-05 and Table B4.1 of AISC 360-05.

Section Element Width Application λps – λps –

thickness seismically convention
ratio compact ally
compact
I (rolled) Flange bf/(2 * tf) Beams, 0.30 * √ 0.38 * √
Columns[1], (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
Braces
Web h/tw Columns[2], LRFD - Ca = 3.76 * √
Beams, Pu/(ɸc * (E/Fy)
Braces FyAg)
ɸc = 0.9
ASD - Ca = c
* Pa/(Fy *
Ag)
Ωc = 1.67

US codes 108 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

 Ca ≤ 0.125
3.14 * √
(E/Fy) * (1 -
1.54 * Ca)
but for SMF
only ≤ 2.45
* √(E/Fy)
Ca > 0.125
1.12 * √
(E/Fy) *
(2.33 - Ca)
but ≥ 1.49 *
√(E/Fy)
RHS and Walls (bf-3t)/t and Columns, 0.64 * √ 1.12 * √
SHS (d-3t)/t Braces (E/Fy) (E/Fy)
CHS D/t Columns, 0.044 * E/Fy 0.070 * E/Fy
Braces
C (rolled) Flange bf/tf Braces 0.30 * √ N/A
(E/Fy)
Web h/tw Braces LRFD - Ca = N/A
Pu/(ɸc *
FyAg)
ɸc = 0.9
ASD - Ca = c
* Pa/(Fy *
Ag)
Ωc = 1.67
Ca ≤ 0.125
3.14 * √
(E/Fy) * (1 -
1.54 * Ca)
Ca > 0.125
1.12 * √
(E/Fy) *
(2.33 - Ca)
but ≥ 1.49 *
√(E/Fy)
Tees Flange bf/(2 * tf) Braces 0.30 * √ N/A
(E/Fy)

US codes 109 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

 Stem d/tw Braces 0.30 * √ N/A
(E/Fy)
Angles Both legs L1/t and Braces 0.30 * √ N/A
L2/t (E/Fy)
Double Outstand L1/t (long Braces 0.30 * √ N/A
angles leg – legs in leg B to B) (E/Fy)
continuous or L2/t
contact (short leg B
to B)
Double Both legs – L1/t and Braces 0.30 * √ N/A
angles legs L2/t (E/Fy)
separated

Note 1: The relaxation on the compactness limit for columns in SMF as per
note “b” to Table I-8-1 is not taken into account.
Note 2: These limits are not modified by Note [j] to Table I-8-1 i.e. this
dispensation is not taken into account.
In the above table the terms have their usual meaning as follows:
• bf = width of flange and for RHS width of shorter side
• tf = thickness of flange of I/H, channel or Tee
• h = height of web inside flanges (d – 2 * tf) of I/H or channel
• tw = thickness of web
• d = depth of SHS and for RHS depth of longer side
• t = thickness of hollow section RHS, SHS, CHS
• D = diameter of CHS
• L1 = Short leg (from root to toe) of single angle
• L2 = Long leg (from root to toe) of single angle
• E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
• Fy = minimum yield stress
• Pu = required axial strength using LRFD (seismic) combinations
• Pa = required axial strength using ASD (seismic) combinations
• Ag = gross area of section

Seismic checks - Beams (Seismic: AISC 341)

US codes 110 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

Classification
In all cases if the given “width to thickness ratio” is less than or equal to the
given limit, then the seismic classification is satisfied.

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

Beams in OMF and OCBF – No additional requirements.
Beams in IMF and SCBF – Beams must satisfy the requirements of clause
D1.1b for “moderately ductile” members.
Beams in SMF – Beams must satisfy the requirements of clause D1.1b for
“highly ductile” members.
The loading conditions affect the seismic classification in the following way,
• Axial tension only – no classification required.
• Any other loading condition – the appropriate rules in the section
classification table are applied.
See: AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10 seismic classification - all members
(page 106)

AISC 341-05
Beams in OMF, SCBF and OCBF – No additional requirements.
Beams in IMF – Beams must satisfy clause 8.2a i.e. the requirements for
Compact sections to AISC 360-05 in Table B4.1.
Beams in SMF – Beams must satisfy clause 8.2b for “seismically compact”
sections.
The loading conditions affect the seismic classification in the following way,
• Axial tension – no classification required.
• Major axis bending only – applies to beams in SMF only.
• Any other loading condition – apply appropriate rules in the section
classification table.
See: AISC 341-05 seismic classification - all members (page 108)

Stability bracing

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

Beams in certain SFRS frame types must be provided with “stability bracing” to
restrain lateral torsional buckling. There are two “levels” of requirement; one
for ‘Moderately ductile members and one for “Highly ductile members”. The
use of these depends upon the SFRS frame type as defined below.
Beams in OMF and OCBF – No additional requirements.
Beams in IMF and SCBF – Beams must satisfy clause D1.2a for “moderately
ductile” members. For SCBF this only applies in the presence of V or A braces.

US codes 111 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

Beams in SMF – Beams must satisfy clause D1.2b for “highly ductile” members

Moderately Ductile
Beams shall be braced per D1.2a for moderately ductile members, i.e.
maximum spacing per D1.2a(3)
Lpd = 0.17 x (E/Fy) x ry
The design condition is,
Lb ≤ Lpd
Lb = the laterally unbraced length of the compression flange taken as the
beam length between locations where both the top flange and bottom flange
are restrained for LTB.

Highly Ductile
Beams shall be braced per D1.2b for highly ductile members, i.e. maximum
spacing,
Lpd = 0.086 x (E/Fy) x ry
The design condition is,
Lb ≤ Lpd

NOTE In both cases:

- The position of lateral braces is not checked for the location of points
of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge
- Lateral braces are not designed to meet the additional criteria for
strength and stiffness.

AISC 341-05
OCBF and SCBF
Reference AISC 341-05 14.3 (2) and 13.4a (2) respectively.
For doubly symmetric I sections,
Lpd = (0.12 + 0.076 x (M1/M2)) x (E/Fy) x ry
Where
M1 = the smaller moment at end of unbraced length – min(abs(Ma), abs(Mb))
M2 = the larger moment at end of unbraced length – max(abs(Ma), abs(Mb))

NOTE Lateral braces are assumed to meet the strength and stiffness
requirements of Equations A-6-7 and A-6-8 of AISC 360-05, Appendix
6.

US codes 112 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

NOTE Lateral braces are assumed to be provided at the intersection of the
V/A brace and the beam or the beam has sufficient stiffness to satisfy
the criteria in the “User Note” to AISC 341-05, 13.4a. In both cases the
program assumes this intersection to be a braced point (with both
flanges braced).

OMF
Reference AISC 341-05 11.8 – no additional requirements.
IMF
Reference AISC 341-05 10.8.
Max spacing of coincident restraints along top and bottom flange, continuous
bracing is included while determining unbraced length for each flange,
Lpd = 0.17 x (E/Fy) x ry
The design condition is,
Lb ≤ Lpd
Lb = the laterally unbraced length of the compression flange taken as the
beam length between locations where both the top flange and bottom flange
are restrained for LTB.

NOTE The position of lateral braces are not checked for the location of
points of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge.

NOTE Lateral braces are not designed to meet the additional criteria for
strength and stiffness.

SMF
Reference AISC 341-05 9.8.
Max spacing of coincident restraints along the top and bottom flange,
continuous bracing is included while determining the unbraced length for
each flange,
Lpd = 0.086 x (E/Fy) x ry
The design condition is,
Lb ≤ Lpd
Lb = the laterally unbraced length of the compression flange taken as the
beam length between locations where both the top flange and bottom flange
are restrained for LTB.

NOTE The position of lateral braces are not checked for the location of
points of concentrated force or positions of plastic hinge.

US codes 113 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

NOTE Lateral braces are not designed to meet the additional criteria for
strength and stiffness.

Design for brace forces in SCBF and OCBF

In both variants of the code the beams in SCBF and OCBF that are configured
with “V” or “A” braces are required to resist a “push-pull” force generated by
the brace pair. In general terms the compression brace is assumed to retain a
percentage of its resistance post-buckling and the tension brace is assumed to
have a level of defined “overstrength”.

NOTE In meeting the requirements of F1.4 and F2.3, the design of beams is
separated into two distinct approaches – those beams with V&A
braces at mid-span and those with diagonal braces at their ends.
Clearly, frames that are braced using V&A braces have to meet both
requirements e.g. in chevron systems but each is checked individually
and this is believed to be conservative.

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10, V and A braces

OCBF
Reference AISC 341-10 F1.4a.

NOTE The tension yield strength/amplified seismic + post buckling strength

in AISC 341-10 is replaced by overstrength seismic load + post
buckling strength in AISC 341-16.

NOTE The lower bound on the force in the tension brace, “The maximum
force that can be developed by the system”, according to F1.4a (1) (i)
(c) is not applied.

SCBF
Reference AISC 341-10 F2.3.

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10, all other braces

OCBF
No requirements.
SCBF
Reference AISC 341-10 F2.3.
The expected tension strength, the expected compression strength and the
expected post buckling strength are determined in the same way as for V and
A braces.

US codes 114 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

AISC 341-05, V and A braces
OCBF and SCBF
Reference AISC 341-05 14.3 and 13.4a respectively.

Seismic checks - Columns (Seismic: AISC 341)

Classification
In all cases if the given “width to thickness ratio” is less than or equal to the
given limit, then the seismic classification is satisfied.

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

Columns in OMF and OCBF – No additional requirements.
Columns in IMF – Columns must satisfy the requirements of clause D1.1b for
“moderately ductile” members.
Columns in SMF and SCBF – Columns must satisfy the requirements of clause
D1.1b for “highly ductile” members.
The loading conditions affect the seismic classification in the following way,
• Axial tension only – no classification required.
• Any other loading condition – the appropriate rules in the section
classification table are applied.
See: AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10 seismic classification - all members
(page 106)

AISC 341-05
Columns in OMF and OCBF – No additional requirements.
Columns in IMF – Columns must satisfy clause 8.2a i.e. the requirements for
Compact sections to AISC 360-05 in Table B4.1.
Columns in SMF and SCBF – Columns must satisfy Clause 8.2b for “seismically
compact” sections.
The loading conditions affect the seismic classification in the following way,
• Axial tension – no classification required.
• Any other loading condition – the appropriate rules in the section
classification table are applied.
See: AISC 341-05 seismic classification - all members (page 108)

US codes 115 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

AISC 341-16, D1.4a Required strength
This check consists of two analyzes of the column - one that uses the
'amplified seismic load' and a second that uses a 'capacity analysis' as an
upper bound. The moments and shears in the column are ignored and the
column is designed for axial load only.

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of D1.4a, it is

assumed that there are no loads applied to the column between
locations of lateral support. Therefore applied moments are ignored
and only the axial strength is considered as permitted in AISC 341-10
D1.4a(2).

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of D1.4a (2), the
upper limit on the required strength with respect to overturning uplift
as per D1.4a (2) (b) is not applied.

Overstrength seismic load

Pamp, the required axial strength (either tension or compression) including the
“overstrength seismic load” is given by,
Pamp = Pr + fE/ρ * PE * (Ωo - ρ)
Where;
Pr = the axial force (-ve for tension and +ve for compression) determined from
the analysis of the seismic load combination (LRFD or ASD). This may be the
result of a first or second order analysis.
PE = the axial force (-ve for tension and +ve for compression) determined from
the analysis of the seismic loadcase(s) associated with the seismic load
combination.
fE = the strength load factor associated with the seismic load in the seismic
load combination (base combination factor x ρ) (for example, 0.683 in the ASD
combination, D + 0.75 L + 0.75 Lr + 0.683 E).
ρ = the redundancy factor, ρ1 when the column is assigned to Direction 1 and
r2 when the column is assigned to Direction 2 (from the Seismic Wizard).
Ωo = the overstrength factor, Ωo1 when the column is assigned to Direction 1
and Ωo2 when the column is assigned to Direction 2 (from the Seismic
Wizard...).

NOTE The axial force from the load combination including the amplified
seismic loads is calculated by swapping out the component due to the
seismic loadcase Eh = ρ QE and replacing it with the amplified seismic
load, Emh = ΩE QE.

US codes 116 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

Design condition
For each stack, the required axial strength, Pr is compared with the nominal
axial strength, Pn, i.e. the design condition is,
Pr ≤ ɸ x Pn (LRFD) or Pn/Ω (ASD)
Where
Pn = the nominal axial strength in tension or compression as appropriate to
the sign of Pr
ɸ = the resistance factor for tension or compression as appropriate
Ω = the safety factor for tension or compression as appropriate

AISC 341-10, D1.4a Required strength

This check consists of two analyzes of the column - one that uses the
'amplified seismic load' and a second that uses a 'capacity analysis' as an
upper bound. The moments and shears in the column are ignored and the
column is designed for axial load only.

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of D1.4a, it is

assumed that there are no loads applied to the column between
locations of lateral support. Therefore applied moments are ignored
and only the axial strength is considered as permitted in AISC 341-10
D1.4a(2).

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of D1.4a (2), the
upper limit on the required strength with respect to overturning uplift
as per D1.4a (2) (b) is not applied.

Amplified seismic load

Pamp, the required axial strength (either tension or compression) including the
“amplified seismic load” is given by,
Pamp = Pr + fE/ρ * PE * (Ωo - ρ)
Where;
Pr = the axial force (-ve for tension and +ve for compression) determined from
the analysis of the seismic load combination (LRFD or ASD). This may be the
result of a first or second order analysis.
PE = the axial force (-ve for tension and +ve for compression) determined from
the analysis of the seismic loadcase(s) associated with the seismic load
combination.
fE = the strength load factor associated with the seismic load in the seismic
load combination (base combination factor x ρ) (for example, 0.683 in the ASD
combination, D + 0.75 L + 0.75 Lr + 0.683 E).

US codes 117 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

ρ = the redundancy factor, ρ1 when the column is assigned to Direction 1 and
r2 when the column is assigned to Direction 2 (from the Seismic Wizard).
Ωo = the overstrength factor, Ωo1 when the column is assigned to Direction 1
and Ωo2 when the column is assigned to Direction 2 (from the Seismic
Wizard...).

NOTE The axial force from the load combination including the amplified
seismic loads is calculated by swapping out the component due to the
seismic loadcase Eh = ρ QE and replacing it with the amplified seismic
load, Emh = ΩE QE.

Capacity analysis
At any level on a column there can be SFRS members and non-SFRS members.
The principle of this check is that the former might be operating at their
“capacity” in an earthquake and so they are likely to apply more force to the
column than the global analysis would indicate. “Capacity” in this context also
includes the possibility that the material is stronger than its specified yield
(typical).
The capacity calculation involves establishing the capacities of the incoming
SFRS members at each node (level) in the column – these might be zero if
there are only non-SFRS members at that level. The capacities so determined
are then resolved into the local x-axis of the column. The capacities are
calculated for beams and braces only, not the columns themselves.
The end result of the capacity analysis is that for each stack there is an axial
force, Pcap which can be compression or tension. This will be included in the
results and used in this design check to D1.4a but will only govern if smaller
than that from the “Amplified seismic load” analysis.

Design condition
For each stack, the required axial strength, Pr (the smaller of Pcap or Pamp) is
compared with the nominal axial strength, Pn, i.e. the design condition is,
Pr ≤ ɸ x Pn (LRFD) or Pn/Ω (ASD)
Where
Pn = the nominal axial strength in tension or compression as appropriate to
the sign of Pr
ɸ = the resistance factor for tension or compression as appropriate
Ω = the safety factor for tension or compression as appropriate

AISC 341-16 and -10, E3.4a Moment ratio

At each level in a column where an SMF beam connects into the strong axis of
the column (i.e. into the flange), a check is performed for each seismic

US codes 118 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

combination to ensure that the plastic moment capacity of the column is
greater than the plastic moment capacity of the incoming beams.
The design condition is,
∑ Mpcol / ∑ Mpbeam > 1.0

NOTE The exceptions in E3.4a (a) and (b) are ignored and the check is
performed for all SMFs.

NOTE Beam column connections are always assumed braced as per E3.4c (1)

NOTE All beams with pinned connections are excluded in this calculation.
Any beam with a moment connection into the web of the column is
ignored even if they are assigned to a SMF. On the other hand, any
beam with a moment connection to the column flange is included in
the calculation even if they are not assigned to a SMF.

NOTE The additional moment due to shear amplification from the location
of the plastic hinge to the column centre line (Muv and Mav) is
calculated from two components,
1. the shear inferred by the moment at the plastic hinge position
based on the expected flexural strength of the beam,
2. the shear force in the beam at the plastic hinge position from the
factored gravity loads in the current seismic combination.
No account of angle of incoming members is taken into account in this
calculation.)

AISC 341-16 and -10, F2.3 Analysis

This check applies to SCBF type frames only, the procedure being similar to
that for 'Column Strength' to D1.4a.

NOTE The approach taken to the “capacity analysis” per F2.3 assumes that
the SCBF is reasonably isolated. That is, the influence of the remainder
of the structure due to the braces operating at their capacity does not
adversely affect the required strength.

Design condition
Moments in the column are permitted to be ignored as per F2.3 (1) and so
only the axial check (compression or tension) is required.
For each stack, the required axial strength, Pr, is compared with the nominal
axial strength, Pn, i.e. the design condition is,
Pr ≤ ɸ x Pn (LRFD) or Pn/Ω (ASD)

US codes 119 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

Where Pr = the required axial strength, Pcap
Pn = the nominal axial strength in tension or compression as appropriate to
the sign of Pr
ɸ = the resistance factor for tension or compression as appropriate
Ω = the safety factor for tension or compression as appropriate

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of F2.3 (i) and (ii), it
is assumed that there are no loads applied to the column between
locations of lateral support. Therefore applied moments are ignored
and only the axial strength is considered as permitted in AISC 341-10
F2.3 (1).

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of F2.3 (i) and (ii),
the upper limits on the required strength per F2.3 (2) (a), (b) and (c)
are not applied.

NOTE It is assumed that braces do not carry significant gravity forces and
therefore a separate analysis with braces omitted, in order to enhance
the column gravity forces, is not carried out. [Ref. NEHRP Seismic
Design Technical Brief No. 8].

AISC 341-05, 8.3 Required strength

The calculations for this check are exactly the same as those for the AISC
341-10, D1.4a Required Strength check except that they are only performed
when the required axial force exceeds a certain limit as described below.
Pr > 0.4 x ɸc x Pn (LRFD)
Pr > 0.4 x Pn / Ωc (ASD)
Where
ɸc = 0.90
Ωc = 1.67
Pn = the nominal axial strength of the stack in compression or tension as
appropriate to the sign of Pr
Either,
Pr = Pu
= the maximum axial force in the stack from the current (LRFD) seismic
combination
Or,
Pr = Pa

US codes 120 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

= the maximum axial force in the stack from the current (ASD) seismic
combination

NOTE While applying the column strength requirements of 8.3, the upper
limit on the required strength with respect to overturning uplift as per
8.3 (2) (b) is not applied.

AISC 341-05, 9.6 Moment ratio

At each level in a column where an SMF beam connects into the strong axis of
the column (i.e. into the flange), a check is made to ensure that for each
seismic combination the plastic moment capacity of the column is greater
than the plastic moment capacity of the incoming beams. The calculations for
this check are exactly the same as those for the AISC 341-10, E3.4a Moment
Ratio check.

NOTE The exceptions in 9.6 (a) and (b) are ignored and the check is
performed for all SMFs.

NOTE All beams with pinned connections are excluded in this calculation.
Any beam with a moment connection into the web of the column is
ignored even if they are assigned to a SMF. On the other hand, any
beam with a moment connection to the column flange is included in
the calculation even if they are not assigned to a SMF.

NOTE The additional moment due to shear amplification from the location
of the plastic hinge to the column centre line (Muv and Mav) is
calculated from two components,
(i) the shear inferred by the moment at the plastic hinge position
based on the expected flexural strength of the beam,
(ii) the shear force in the beam at the plastic hinge position from the
factored gravity loads in the current seismic combination. No account
of angle of incoming members is taken into account in this calculation.

Seismic checks - Braces (Seismic: AISC 341)

Classification
In all cases if the given “width to thickness ratio” is less than or equal to the
given limit, then the seismic classification is satisfied.

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

Braces in OCBF – As per Clause F1.5a, braces must satisfy the requirements of
clause D1.1b for “moderately ductile” members.

US codes 121 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

Braces in SCBF – As per Clause F2.5a, braces must satisfy the requirements of
clause D1.1b for “highly ductile” members.
See: AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10 seismic classification - all members
(page 106)

AISC 341-05
Braces in OCBF – As per Clause 14.2, braces must satisfy the requirements of
clause 8.2b for 'seismically compact' members.
Braces in SCBF – As per Clause 13.2d, braces must satisfy clause 8.2b for
“seismically compact” sections.
See: AISC 341-05 seismic classification - all members (page 108)

Slenderness

AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10

OCBF
In OCBF for V and A braces only, the design condition is checked for both
major and minor axis as per F1.5b,
KL/r ≤ 4 * SQRT[E/Fy]
Where
K = the effective length factor for the relevant axis
L = the system length of the brace
r = the radius of gyration of the brace for the relevant direction
E = modulus of elasticity of steel – 29000 ksi
Fy = minimum yield stress.
SCBF
For all braces in SCBF the design condition for both minor and major axis is
checked as per F2.5b (1),
KL/r ≤ 200
Where
K = the effective length factor for the relevant axis
L = the system length of the brace
r = the radius of gyration of the brace for the relevant direction.
For built-up braces i.e. double angles the requirements for interconnection are
checked as per F2.5b (2). The minimum number of connectors required by this
clause is two and thus the maximum interconnection slenderness of the
individual angles is based on a buckling length of one third of the system
length, (which is conservative).

US codes 122 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

Thus,
a/ri ≤ 0.4 * MAX[KL/r]
Where
a = the sub-length of the member between interconnections = taken as L/3
ri = the minimum radius of gyration of the individual angle, taken as rz

NOTE While checking the minimum slenderness of individual elements in

built-up members to F2.5b (2), It is assumed the minimum number of
shear connectors is provided i.e. two. The shear strength of the
connectors is NOT checked against the tensile strength of each
element.

NOTE The brace net area is NOT checked against the brace gross area as per
F2.5b (3) and where this might be an issue suitable reinforcement is
assumed to be provided.

AISC 341-05
OCBF
For V and A braces in OCBF the design condition for both minor and major axis
is checked as per 14.2,
KL/r ≤ 4 * SQRT[E/Fy]
Where
K = the effective length factor for the relevant axis
L = the system length of the brace
r = the radius of gyration of the brace for the relevant direction.
SCBF
For all braces in SCBF there is a three stage design condition and both minor
and major axis are checked as per 13.2a,
KL/r ≤ 4 * SQRT[E/Fy] PASS
KL/r > 200 FAIL
ELSE WARNING
“Brace slenderness satisfies, 4√(E/Fy) < KL/r ≤ 200. The available strength of the
associated column is NOT checked as per 13.2a."
Where all variables are as given above.
For built-up braces i.e. double angles the requirements for interconnection are
checked as per 13.2e. The minimum number of connectors required by this
clause is two and thus the maximum interconnection slenderness of the
individual angles is based on a buckling length of one third of the system
length, (this will be conservative). Thus,

US codes 123 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

a/ri ≤ 0.4 * MAX[KL/r]
Where
a = the sub-length of the member between interconnections = taken as L/3
ri = the minimum radius of gyration of the individual angle, taken as rz

NOTE While checking the minimum slenderness of individual elements in

built-up members to 13.2e, it is assumed the minimum number of
shear connectors is provided i.e. two. The shear strength of the
connectors is NOT checked against the tensile strength of each
element.

NOTE The brace net area is NOT checked against the brace gross area and
where this might be an issue suitable reinforcement is assumed to be
provided.

Brace strength
AISC 341-16 and AISC 341-10
OCBF
No additional requirements.
SCBF
Where the effective net area is less than the gross area the provisions of F2.5b
(3) apply. This is more aimed at gusset plate connections where the cross
section of the brace is reduced. The effective net area is specified by the user
as a percentage or actual area.
The design condition should be (!),
ɸt * Fu * Ae ≥ Ry * Fy * Ag LRFD
Fu * Ae / Ωt ≥ Ry * Fy * Ag / 1.5 ASD
Where,
ɸt = resistance factor for tension
Ωt = safety factor for tension
Fu = specified minimum tensile strength of steel
Fy = specified minimum yields stress of steel
Ae = effective area of brace (user input)
Ag = gross area of brace
Ry = the overstrength factor – see Section.

US codes 124 Steel seismic design to AISC 341

 Note that for 50 ksi steel this will always fail but providing there is no
reduction in area the brace is expected to yield. The Commentary in AISC 341
Comm. F2.5b indicates:
“Where there is no reduction in the section, or where the section is reinforced
so that the effective net section is at least as great as the brace gross section,
this requirement does not apply. The purpose of the requirement is to prevent
net section fracture prior to significant ductility; having no reduction in the
section is deemed sufficient to ensure this behavior.”
Consequently the design condition in Tekla Structural Designer is presented as
follows, and considers the effective net area provided, Ae.prov, and the effective
net area required, Ae.reqd, to satisfy F2.5b (3),
Ae.reqd = MAX[Ag, (Ry * Fy * Ag/(Fu * ɸt)] LRFD
Ae.reqd = MAX[Ag, (Ry * Fy Ag * Ωt/(Fu * 1.5)] ASD
The design condition then becomes,
Ae.reqd ≤ Ae.prov

AISC 341-05
OCBF
No additional requirements.
SCBF
The calculations for this check are exactly the same as those for the AISC
341-10 check.

NOTE The brace required strength to 13.2b is NOT limited to the "maximum
load effect" as per 13.2b (b).

1.4 Concrete design to ACI 318

Setting the Tekla Structural Designer head code to United States (ACI/AISC)
sets the Concrete Design Resistance Code to ACI 318. The code year can set to
2008, 2011, 2014, or 2019.
Design is then performed in accordance with the ACI 318 if using US
Customary units, or ACI 318M if using metric units.(Ref. 1-8) (page 221)
The following topics are covered:
• ACI 318-19 updates (page 126)
• Limitations (concrete members: ACI 318) (page 132)
• Concrete beam design to ACI 318 (page 134)
• Concrete column and wall design to ACI 318 (page 163)

US codes 125 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Concrete slab design to ACI 318 (page 196)
• Pad and strip base design to ACI 318 (page 197)
• Pile cap design to ACI 318 (page 205)
• Punching shear checks to ACI 318 (page 208)
• Seismic Design to ACI 318 (page 218)

NOTE Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all clauses, figures and tables used
in the Reference Guides are from ACI 318-11.

ACI 318-19 updates

The following updates to gravity design have been made when working to the
2019 version of ACI 318.
• Gravity design - general (ACI 318-19 update) (page 126)
• Concrete beam design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 127)
• Concrete column design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 127)
• Concrete wall design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 127)
• Slab and mat design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)
• Punching checks (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)
• Pad bases, strip footings & pile caps (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)
• Beam-column joint shear strength (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)
The following updates to seismic design have been made when working to the
2019 version of ACI 318.
• Seismic design - general (ACI 318-19 update) (page 131)
• Concrete beam seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 131)
• Concrete column seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 131)
• Concrete wall seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 132)

Gravity design - general (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Concrete design to ACI 318
(page 125) checks are amended as follows:
• Clause 20.2.2.4 - Revision to reinforcement strength - Limited allowance of
100 ksi reinforcement so added grade of 100 ksi for reinforcement.

US codes 126 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Reinforcement yield strength (fy) shall be limited to a maximum of 100 ksi
in the calculation of all members for non-seismic design.
• As per Table 21.2.2 - Revision of strain limit from 0.004 to єty + 0.003 for
tension controlled section. Updated changes wherever required in the
calculation of flexure checks.
• Clause 19.2.1.1 - Added minimum compressive strength (fck) check.

Concrete beam design (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Concrete beam design to
ACI 318 (page 134) checks are amended as follows:
• Clause 9.6.1.2 - The value of fy is limited to a maximum of 80 ksi in the
calculation of minimum area of longitudinal reinforcement.
• Clause 9.7.6.2.2- Addition of maximum stirrup spacing across beam width.
• Clause 24.2.3.5- Updated equation for calculation of effective moment of
inertia in deflection check.

Concrete column design (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Concrete column and wall
design to ACI 318 (page 163) checks are amended as follows:
• Clause 22.4.2.1 - The value of fy is limited to a maximum of 80 ksi in the
calculation of ultimate compressive strength.
• Clause 22.5.5.1 - Updated shear design as per revised shear equations.
• Clause 22.5.1.10 - Added new biaxial shear check.

Concrete wall design (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Concrete column and wall
design to ACI 318 (page 163) checks are amended as follows:
• Clause 22.4.2.1 - The value of fy is limited to a maximum of 80 ksi in the
calculation of ultimate compressive strength.
• Clause 11.6.1 & 11.6.2 - Equations updated for unreinforced shear
limitation and minimum reinforcement.
• Clause 11.5.4.3 - Updated in-plane shear strength equations.

US codes 127 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Clause 22.5.5.1 - Updated out-of-plane shear design as per revised shear
equation.

Slab and mat design (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Concrete slab design to ACI
318 (page 196) checks are amended as follows:
• As per Clause 8.6.1.1 - updated calculation for minimum area of flexural
reinforcement.
• As per clause 8.3.1, 8.3.1.1 & R8.3.1.1 ,8.3.1.2 - updated changes in span to
effective depth considerations.

Punching checks (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the punching checks to ACI 318
checks are amended as follows:
• ACI 318-19 Section 22.6.4.3, Figure R22.6.4.3 - Modification of critical
perimeters to take account of slab openings - Limit change from 10 h to 4h.
• Clause 22.6.5.2 - A new size modification factor λs has been considered in
concrete shear strength calculation.

Pad bases, strip footings & pile caps (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the pad base, strip footing
(page 197) and pile cap (page 205) ACI-318 checks are amended as follows:
• Clause 8.6.1.1 - Updated calculations for minimum area of flexural
reinforcement.
• Clause 22.5.5.1 - Updated shear design as per revised shear equations.
• Clause 22.6.5.2 - A new size modification factor λs has been considered in
concrete shear strength calculation.

Beam-column joint shear strength (ACI 318-19 update)

US codes 128 Concrete design to ACI 318

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Concrete column and wall
design to ACI 318 (page 163) checks are amended as follows:
• As per clause 15.4 added joint shear strength check for gravity load
conditions in line with the seismic design.

Joint shear strength check

• A new node of “Joint Shear Strength“ is added to the column design results
tree under Shear Links
• The strength reduction factor φ is taken as 0.75
• Overstrength factor, η taken as 1.0
• Probable moment strength is changed to nominal moment strength

NOTE Beam nominal strength is based on the rectangular section and slab
reinforcement is not considered.

The γ factor used in computing the joint shear strength is adjusted as per
table 15.4.2.3,

Column Beam in the Confinement γ

direction of Vu (Consider
Transverse
Beam)
Column is Beam is Transverse Beams 2.0 (24)
continuous at continuous at covering more
joint (b) AND joint AND length than or equal
length of stack of beam on both than ¾ of the
above ≥ column sides ≥ beam column face and
depth in direction depth Length of
of shear (a) transverse beam
≥ transverse
Beam Depth
Transverse Beams 1.7 (20)
not covering more
than or equal
than ¾ of the
column face OR
Length of
transverse beam
< transverse
Beam Depth
Beam is not Transverse Beams 1.7 (20)
continuous at covering more
joint OR length of than or equal

US codes 129 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Column Beam in the Confinement γ
direction of Vu (Consider
Transverse
Beam)
beam on either than ¾ of the
side < beam column face and
depth Length of
transverse beam
≥ transverse
Beam Depth
Transverse Beams 1.3 (15)
not covering more
than or equal
than ¾ of the
column faceOR
Length of
transverse beam
< transverse
Beam Depth
Column is not Beam is Transverse Beams 1.7 (20)
continuous at continuous at covering more
joint (b) OR length joint AND length than or equal
of stack above < of beam on both than ¾ of the
column depth in sides ≥ beam column face and
direction of shear depth Length of
(a) transverse beam
≥ transverse
Beam Depth
Transverse Beams 1.3 (15)
not covering more
than or equal
than ¾ of the
column face OR
Length of
transverse beam
< transverse
Beam Depth
Beam is not Transverse Beams 1.3 (15)
continuous at covering more
joint OR length of than or equal
beam on either than ¾ of the
side < beam column face, and
depth Length of
transverse beam
≥ transverse
Beam Depth

US codes 130 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Column Beam in the Confinement γ
direction of Vu (Consider
Transverse
Beam)
Transverse Beams 1.0 (12)
not covering more
than or equal
than ¾ of the
column face OR
Length of
transverse beam
< transverse
Beam Depth

Seismic design - general (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the Seismic Design to ACI 318
(page 218) checks are amended as follows:
• Clause 20.2.2.4 - Revision to reinforcement strength
• Clause 19.2.1.1 - Updated minimum compressive strength (fck) check
• Clause 20.2.2.4 -Revision to reinforcement yield strength limit in design
calculation

Concrete beam seismic design (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the ACI 318 seismic checks are
amended as follows:
• Clause 18.6.3.1 - Changes in calculation of maximum area of flexural
reinforcement for special moment frames (SMF)
• Clause 18.8.2.3 - Changes in check for maximum allowable bar diameter of
flexural reinforcement for SMF
• Clause 18.6.4.4 - Changes in check for maximum allowable hoop spacing
for SMF

Concrete column seismic design (ACI 318-19 update)

US codes 131 Concrete design to ACI 318

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the ACI 318 seismic checks are
amended as follows:
• Clause 18.7.3.1 - Modified check of minimum flexural strength
• Clause 18.8.4.3 - Modified check of joint shear strength for SMF
• Clauses 18.7.5.3, 18.8.3.1, 18.7.5.5 & 18.4.3.3 - Changes in check for
maximum allowable hoop spacing in support region and span region for
SFRS members

Concrete wall seismic design (ACI 318-19 update)

Summary

When working to the 2019 version of the code the ACI 318 seismic checks are
amended as follows:
• Clause 20.2.2.4 -Revision to reinforcement yield strength limit in design
calculation.
• Clause 19.2.1.1 - Updated minimum compressive strength (fck) check.
• Clause 18.10.3.1 - Changes in shear strength design.
• Clauses 18.10.6.4(e), 18.10.6.5 - Changes in check for maximum allowable
hoop spacing in boundary confinement for SFRS wall.

Limitations (concrete members: ACI 318)

The following general exclusions apply in Tekla Structural Designer when
working to ACI 318..
• The current release will not:
• design members in lightweight concrete
• design members with coated reinforcement
• design members with stainless steel
• design prestressed concrete
• Consider fire resistance [you are however given full control of the
minimum cover dimension to the reinforcement and are therefore able
to take due account of fire resistance requirements],
• design structures subject to very aggressive exposure
• design watertight structures
• design multi-stack reinforcement lifts for columns/walls
• design beams with reinforcement made up of bundled bars

US codes 132 Concrete design to ACI 318

 • design beams for axial load
• design beams for minor axis bending and shear
• design beams as “deep beams” - beams classified as “deep” are
designed as if they are regular beams and a warning is displayed.

NOTE Deep beams according to ACI 318 are:

(a) Members with clear spans equal to or less than 4 times
overall member depth
(b) Members with concentrated loads within twice the member
depth from the support

• Material limitations for concrete:

• for structural concrete compressive strength of concrete fc' shall not be
less than 17 MPa (2500psi)
• durability requirements are not implemented
• Material limitations for reinforcement:
• the values of specified yield strength of reinforcement; fy and fyt used in
calculations shall not exceed 550 MPa (80000psi)
• specified yield strength of non-prestressed reinforcement; fy and fyt
shall not exceed 420 MPa (60 000 psi) in design of shear or torsion
reinforcement
• wire reinforcement design is not implemented

US codes 133 Concrete design to ACI 318

Cover to Reinforcement (ACI 318)
The nominal concrete cover is the distance between the surface of the
reinforcement closest to the nearest concrete surface (including ties and
surface reinforcement where relevant) and the nearest concrete surface.

You are required to set a minimum value for the nominal cover, cnom, u for
each member in the member properties.
These values are then checked against the nominal limiting cover, cnom,lim
If cnom,u < cnom,lim then a warning is displayed in the calculations.

Concrete beam design to ACI 318

Find out more about the application of ACI 318 within Tekla Structural
Designer with regard to:
• Limitations (concrete beams) (page 135)
• Slender beams (page 136)
• Design parameters for longitudinal bars (page 136)
• Side skin reinforcement in beams (page 139)
• Effective depth of section (page 139)
• Design for bending for rectangular sections (page 140)
• Design for bending for flanged sections (page 142)

US codes 134 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Shear strength (page 143)
• Minimum area of shear reinforcement (page 146)
• Spacing of shear reinforcement (page 147)
• Deflection check (page 147)
• Seismic design and detailing (page 149)
If working to ACI 318-19 note the following important information:
• Concrete beam design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 127)

See also
Cover to Reinforcement (ACI 318) (page 133)
Seismic Design to ACI 318 (page 218)

Limitations (concrete beam: ACI 318)

The following general exclusions apply.
the current release will not:
• design beams with reinforcement made up of bundled bars
• design beams for axial load
• design beams for minor axis bending and shear
• design beams as “deep beams” - beams classified as “deep” are designed
as if they are regular beams and a warning is displayed.

NOTE Deep beams according to ACI 318 are:

(a) Members with clear spans equal to or less than 4 times overall
member depth
(b) Members with concentrated loads within twice the member
depth from the support

• design beams in lightweight concrete

• design beams with coated reinforcement
• design beams with stainless steel
• design prestressed concrete
• design structures subject to very aggressive exposure
• design watertight structures
material limitations for concrete:
• for structural concrete compressive strength of concrete fc' shall not be
less than 17 MPa (2500psi)

US codes 135 Concrete design to ACI 318

 • durability requirements are not implemented
material limitations for reinforcement:
• the values of specified yield strength of reinforcement; fy and fyt used in
calculations shall not exceed 550 MPa (80000psi)
• specified yield strength of non-prestressed reinforcement; fy and fyt shall
not exceed 420 MPa (60 000 psi) in design of shear or torsion
reinforcement
• wire reinforcement design is not implemented

Slender beams (ACI 318)

Spacing of lateral supports for a beam shall not exceed 50*b1

In the program the lateral supports are taken as the distance between the
faces of the supports, and for simplification, b is taken as the web width bw
If the above check fails then a 'Slender span' warning is displayed.
Effects of lateral eccentricity of load are considered in determining spacing of
lateral supports.

Design parameters for longitudinal bars (ACI 318)

For each of these parameters, any user defined limits (as specified on the
appropriate Reinforcement Settings page within Design Options) are
considered in addition to any ACI code recommendations.

Minimum and maximum diameter of reinforcement

IF torsional reinforcement is required, there shall be at least one longitudinal
bar in every corner of the stirrups. Longitudinal bars shall have a diameter at
least 0.042 times the stirrup spacing, but not less than 9 mm (3/8 in).
The maximum diameters of reinforcement to be used in the various locations
is set by the user.
Standard hooks for stirrups and ties are limited to No.8 bars, db=25mm (1.0in.)
and smaller.
And the 90-degree hook with 6db extension is further limited to No. 5,
db=16mm (0.625in.) bars and smaller.
For primary reinforcement there is no limit on bar size.

1 ACI 318-08 and ACI 318-11 Section 10.4

US codes 136 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Minimum distance between bars
The minimum clear horizontal distance between individual parallel bars, s
cl,min, is given by;

scl,min ≥ MAX [db, 25 mm] metric-units

scl,min ≥ MAX [db, 1in] US-units
IF the above check fails then a Warning is displayed.
Where parallel reinforcement is placed in two or more layers, bars in the
upper layers shall be placed directly above the bars in the bottom layer with
clear distance between layers not less than 25mm (1in.).

Maximum spacing of tension bars

The spacing of reinforcement closest to the tension face, s is given by;1

s ≤ MIN[380mm*280MPa/fs-2.5*cc, metric units

300mm*(280MPa/fs)]
s ≤ MIN[15in*40000psi/fs-2.5*cc, US units
12in*(40000psi/fs)]
where
fs = calculated stress in reinforcement at
service load; it shall be permitted to
take
= (2/3)*fy*(As,reqd/As,prov)
cc = the least distance from surface of
reinforcement to the tension face

IF the above check fails then a Warning is displayed

IF torsional reinforcement is required:
the longitudinal reinforcement required for torsion shall be distributed around
the perimeter of the closed stirrups with maximum spacing of 300mm (12 in.)2

Minimum area of beam reinforcement

The minimum area of longitudinal tension reinforcement, A s,min, is given by;3

As,min ≥ MAX[ (f'c0.5/(4*fy))*bw*d, metric units

1.4MPa*bw*d/ fy ]
1:Assumption; the member is statically
determinate in design

1 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 10.6.4
2 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 10.5.6.2
3 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 10.5.1

US codes 137 Concrete design to ACI 318

 As,min ≥ MAX[ (3* f'c0.5/(fy)*bw*d, 200Psi*bw*d/ US units
fy ]
where
f'c = specified compressive strength of
concrete
fy = specified yield strength of
reinforcement
bw = web width; for statically determinate
members with a flange in tension
= MIN(2*bw, beff) 1
d = distance from extreme compression
fiber to centroid of longitudinal
compression reinforcement
1:Assumption; the member is statically
determinate in design

The above equation is used wherever reinforcement is needed, except where

such reinforcement is at least one-third greater than that required by analysis,
in which case As,min not required.

Minimum area of slab reinforcement

For ACI 318-08 and ACI 318-115
For structural slabs of uniform thickness the minimum area of tensile
reinforcement in the direction of the span is:
For US-units:
IF Grade 40 to 50 deformed bars are used
As,min,reqd ≥ b*h*0.0020
IF Grade 50 to 60 deformed bars or welted wire reinforcement are used
As,min,reqd ≥ b*h*0.0018
For metric units:
IF Grade 280 to 350 deformed bars are used
As,min,reqd ≥ b*h*0.0020
IF Grade 350 to 420 deformed bars or welted wire reinforcement are used
As,min,reqd ≥ b*h*0.0018
IF yield stress exceeding 420 MPa
As,min,reqd ≥ b*h* [MAX(0.0014 , 0.0018*420/fy)]

5 ACI 318-08 and ACI 318-11 and ACI 318M-11 Section 7.12.2.1 and 10.5.4

US codes 138 Concrete design to ACI 318

Maximum area of reinforcement
Net tensile strain in extreme layer of longitudinal tension steel, εt should not
be less than 0.004;

εt ≥ 0.004
As,max ≤ 0.85*(f'c / fy)*β1*bw*d*[0.003/(0.003+0.004)] 1
≤ 0.85*(f'c / fy)*β1*bw*d*(3/7)
1:Notes on ACI 318-08 Chap. 6 Section
10.3.5

where
Ag = the gross area of the concrete section
β1 = stress block depth factor 1
= 0.85 for f`c ≤ 28MPa metric units
= 0.85 - 0.05 *[(f'c - for 28MPa < f`c <
28MPa)/7MPa] 55MPa
= 0.65 for f`c ≥ 55MPa
= 0.85 for f`c ≤ 4000 psi US units
= 0.85 - 0.05 *[(f'c - for 4000 psi < f`c <
4ksi)/1ksi] 8000psi
= 0.65 for f`c ≥ 8000 psi
1:ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and
ACI 318M-11 Section 10.2.7.3

Side skin reinforcement in beams (ACI 318)

Where h of a beam or joist exceeds 900mm (36 in.), longitudinal skin (side)
reinforcement is uniformly distributed along both side faces of the member.
The code requires that skin reinforcement shall extend for a distance h/2 from
the tension face. Regardless of this in the current release of Tekla Structural
Designer the skin reinforcement is provided to the full height of the beam.

Effective depth of section (concrete beam: ACI 318)

For the design of the longitudinal tension reinforcement, the effective depth of
a section, d is defined as the distance from the extreme concrete fiber in
compression to the center of gravity of the longitudinal tension reinforcement.
For the design of the longitudinal compression reinforcement, the effective
depth in compression, d2 is defined as the distance from the extreme fiber in

US codes 139 Concrete design to ACI 318

 compression to the center of gravity of the longitudinal compression
reinforcement.

Design for bending for rectangular sections (beams and slabs: ACI 318)
Determine if compression reinforcement is needed
Nominal strength coefficient of resistance is given;1

Rn = Mu / (φ*b*d2)
where
Mu = factored moment at section
d = depth to tension reinforcement
b = width of the compression face of the member
φ = strength reduction factor1
= 0.9 (corresponds to the tension-controlled limit)
1: ACI 318-08 and ACI 318-11 Section 9.3

IF Rn ≤ Rnt THEN compression

reinforcement is not
required.

1 Notes on ACI 318-08 Chap 7.

US codes 140 Concrete design to ACI 318

IF Rn > Rnt THEN compression
reinforcement is required.

where
Rnt = Limit value for tension controlled sections without
compression reinforcement for different concrete strength
classes1
= ωt *(1-0.59 ωt)* f`c
f`c = compressive strength of concrete
ωt = 0.319*b1
β1 = stress block depth factor 2
= 0.85 for f`c ≤ 28MPa metric units
= 0.85 - 0.05 *[(f'c - for 28MPa < f`c <
28MPa)/7MPa] 55MPa
= 0.65 for f`c ≥ 55MPa
= 0.85 for f`c ≤ 4000 psi US units
= 0.85 - 0.05 *[(f'c - for 4000 psi < f`c
4ksi)/1ksi] < 8000psi
= 0.65 for f`c ≥ 8000 psi
1:Notes on ACI 318-08 Section 10.3.4
2:ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and
ACI 318M-11 Section 10.2.7.3

Compression reinforcement is not required

The tension reinforcement ratio is given by;

ρ = 0.85*f`c/fy * [1-(1- 2*Rn/√(0.85*f`c))] ≤ ρt = 0.319*b1*f`c / fy

where
fy = yield strength of reinforcement
The area of tension reinforcement required is then given by;
As = ρ*b*d
The area of compression reinforcement required is then given by;
As` = Mn`/[(d-d`)* fs`]
where
Mn` = Mn-Mnt
1: Notes on ACI 318-08 Section 10.3.4
2: Notes on ACI 318-08 Chap. 7
3: ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and

ACI 318M-11 Section 10.2.3

US codes 141 Concrete design to ACI 318

 = (Mu/φ)-Mnt
Mnt = nominal moment resisted by the concrete section1
= Rn*b*d2
The area of tension reinforcement required is then given by2;
As = As`* fs`/fy + ρ*b*d
where
fs` = MIN[Es*(εu*(c-d`)/c) , fy ]
ρ = ρt*(dt/d)
ρt = 0.319*b1*f`c / fy
εu = 0.0033
c = 0.375*dt
1: Notes on ACI 318-08 Section 10.3.4
2: Notes on ACI 318-08 Chap. 7
3: ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and

ACI 318M-11 Section 10.2.3

Design for bending for flanged sections (beams: ACI 318)

IF hf < 0.5*bw THEN treat the beam as rectangular1

where
bw = web width

Depth of the equivalent stress block is given 2;

a = ρ*d*fy/ (0.85*f’c) (= 1.18*ω*d)
where
ρ = 0.85*f’c/fy * [1-(1- 2*Rn/√(0.85*f’c)]
Rn = (Mu/φ) / (beff*d2) assumption φ = 0.9
IF a ≤ hf THEN the rectangular compression block is wholly in the depth of the
flange and the section can be designed as a rectangular section with tension
reinforcement only by setting b = beff and checking the φ-factor as followed;
IF (a/β1)/d < 0.375 THEN φ=0.9 (section tension controlled)
IF 0.375 > (a/β1)/d < 0.600 THEN φ=0.7 + (εt -0.002 *(200/3)
IF (a/β1)/d > 0.6 THEN φ=0.65 (section comp. controlled)

1 ACI 318-08 and ACI 318-11 Section 8.12.4

2 Notes on ACI 318-08 Section 7 (1)

US codes 142 Concrete design to ACI 318

where
εt = [(d*β1)/a-1]*0.003
IF a > hf THEN the rectangular compression block extends into the rib of the
flanged section and the following design method is to be used;
Required reinforcement is given;
Asf = 0.85* f`c*(beff-b)*hf / fy
Nominal moment strength of flange;
Mnf = [Asf*fy(d-hf /2)]
Required nominal moment strength to be carried by the beam web is given;
Mnw = Mu - Mnf
Can be written as;
Mnw = Mu - [(0.85* f`c*(beff-b)*hf / fy)*fy(d-hf /2)] = Mu - [(0.85* f`c*(beff-
b)*hf)*(d-hf /2)]
Reinforcement Asw required to develop the moment strength to be carried by
the web;
Asw = ωw* f`c*b*d / fy
where
ωw = ρ*fy / f`c = 0.85*f`c/fy * [1-(1- 2*(Mnw / (b*d2))/√(0.85*f`c)] * fy / fc`
Can be written as;
Asw = b*d*0.85*f`c/fy*[1-(1- 2*(Mnw / (b*d2))/√(0.85*f`c)]
Total required reinforcement is given;
As = Asf + Asw

Check to see if the section is tension-controlled;

IF
ρw ≤ ρt section is tension- controlled (φ=0.9)
ELSE add compression reinforcement where
ρw = ωw f`c/ fy ρt = 0.319* β1* f`c/ fy
Can be simplified as;
ωw ≤ 0.319* β1 section is tension-controlled (φ=0.9)
ELSE add compression reinforcement

US codes 143 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Shear strength (beams: ACI 318)

Determine shear strength provided by the concrete1;

Members subject to axial compression not applied at this stage

φVc = φ * 0.17 * λ * √(f`c)*bw*d metric-units

= φ * 2 * λ * √(f`c)*bw*d US-units
where
φ = 0.75 for shear1
λ = 1.0 for normal weight concrete2
f` c0.5 = square root of specified compressive strength of
concrete3
1: ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and
ACI 318M-11 Section 9.3.2.3
2: ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and

ACI 318M-11 Section 8.6.1

3: ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and

ACI 318M-11 Section 11.1.2.1

NOTE If the structure is defined as a joist construction Vc shall be permitted

to be 10% more than that specified in above5.

IF

Vu - φVc ≤ φ * 0.66 * √(f`c)*bw * d1 metric-units

= φ * 8 * √(f`c)*bw*d US-units
where
Vu = the maximum design shear force acting anywhere on
the beam
1:ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and
ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.7.9

THEN the shear design process can proceed.

ELSE the shear design process FAILS since the section size or strength of the
concrete is inadequate for shear. No further shear calculations are carried out
in the region under consideration and the user is warned accordingly.
The design shear capacity of the minimum area of shear links actually
provided, Vs,min is given by7;

1 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.2.1.1
5 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.1.2.1
7 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.7.2

US codes 144 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Vs,min = (Av,min/s)*φ*d*fyt
where
Av,min = area of shear reinforcement provided to meet the
minimum requirements.

For each beam determine the following;

Vu,maxL = maximum vertical shear force at the face of the left
hand support
Vu,dL = vertical shear force at a distance dL from the face of the
left hand support
Vu,maxR = maximum vertical shear force at the face of the right
hand support
Vu,dR = vertical shear force at a distance dR from the face of the
right hand support
Vu,S2L = maximum vertical shear force at the extreme left of
region S2
Vu,S2R = the maximum vertical shear force at the extreme right
of region S2
where
dL = minimum effective depth of the beam in regions T1 and
B1
dR = minimum effective depth of the beam in regions T5 and
B3

In any region, i;
IF
Vu,i ≤ Vs,min + φVc
where
Vu,i = the maximum shear in region i from the above routines
OR
The structure is defined as a joist construction8.
THEN
Minimum shear reinforcement shall be used;
And the nominal shear strength is given;
φVn = φVc + Vs,min 9
ELSE

8 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.6.1 - Terms (d) and (e) not applied.
9 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.1

US codes 145 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Vu,i > Vs,min+ φVc
THEN shear links are required in the region.
The area of shear reinforcement required is then given10;
metric-units;
(Av /s)Si = MAX[(Vu- φ*Vc)/ (φ*fyt*d), 0.062* f`c0.5 *bw /fyt, 0.35Pa*bw/fyt]
US-units;
((Av /s)Si = MAX[(Vu- φ*Vc)/ (φ*fyt*d), 0.75* f`c0.5 *bw /fyt, 50psi*bw/fyt]
Vs = ((Av/s)*φ*d*fyt

IF
Vs ≤ 0.66*f’c0.5*bw*d11 (metric -units) 8*f’c0.5*bw*d (US-units)
THEN the shear design process passes.
And the nominal shear strength is given;
φVn = φVc + Vs
ELSE the shear design process FAILS since the section size or strength of the
concrete is inadequate for shear.

Minimum area of shear reinforcement (beams: ACI 318)

The minimum area of shear reinforcement required, Av,min is given by1;

Av,min = MAX (0.062* f`c0.5 *bw*s/ fyt , metric units

0.35MPa*bw*s/ fyt, Av,min,u)
= MAX (0.75* f`c0.5 *bw*s/ fyt , US units
50psi*bw*s/ fyt, Av,min,u)
where
s = the spacing of the shear reinforcement along the
longitudinal axis of the beam
fyt = yield strength of transverse reinforcement
Av,min,u = the total minimum area of the shear reinforcement
calculated from data supplied by the user i.e. maximum
spacing across the beam, minimum link diameter and
number of legs.
i.e. maximum spacing across the beam, minimum link
diameter and number of legs

10 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.6.3
11 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.7.9

US codes 146 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Spacing of shear reinforcement (beams: ACI 318)
For Longitudinal spacing, s between the legs of shear reinforcement is given
by1;
IF
Vu - φ*Vc ≤ φ*0.33* f`c0.5 *bw*d metric-units

φ*4* f`c0.5 *bw*d US-units

THEN
smin,u ≤ s ≤ MIN[0.5*d, 600mm (24in.), smax,u]
ELSE
smin,u ≤ s ≤ MIN[0.25*d, 300mm (12in.), smax,u]
where
smax,u = the maximum longitudinal spacing specified by the user
smin,u = the minimum longitudinal spacing specified by the user
Moreover IF compression reinforcement is required the compression
reinforcement shall be enclosed by ties2. This is an additional limit, not an
alternative.
Vertical spacing of ties is then given by3;
s ≤ MIN(16*db, 48*db,w, bw, h)
where
db = the nominal diameter of the bar
db,w = the nominal diameter of the link reinforcement

NOTE Unlike other design codes, ACI 318 does not specify a limit for
maximum spacing of link legs across a beam. However, attention is
drawn to an ACI Structural Journal Technical Paper - “Shear
Reinforcement Spacing in Wide Members”, which suggests a limit of
around "d".

1 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.6.3
1 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 11.4.5
2 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 7.11.1
3 ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and ACI 318M-11 Section 7.10.5.2

US codes 147 Concrete design to ACI 318

Deflection check (beams: ACI 318)
Deflection checks are divided between two deflection types: Immediate short-
term deflections and long-term deflections which are resulting from creep and
shrinkage of flexural members.
Two methods are given for controlling deflections:

1. By limiting span to depth ratio

For beams provision of a minimum overall thickness (min. total depth) as
required by the following table satisfies the requirements of the code for
members not supporting or attached to partitions or other construction likely
be damaged by large deflections.

Support Conditions Minimum thickness, ht

Simply Supported ln/16
One end continuous ln/18.5
Both ends continuous ln/2126
Cantilever ln/8

If h ≥ hmin the design passes and no further calculations

are required

where

h = overall height of member

hmin = ht * fy,mod
ht = minimum thickness from above table
ln = clear span length

fy,mod = 0.4 + fy / 700 MPa metric units

= 0.4 + fy / 100000 psi US units

If the deflection check fails the rigorous method below is used.

2. By calculating deflections using the rigorous method

For beams that do not meet minimum thickness requirements above, or that
support or are attached to partitions or other constructions likely be damaged
by large deflections, deflections are calculated by following method.
1. Firstly, the beam’s cracked section moment of inertia, Icr is calculated.
2. Then the cracking moment Mcr is calculated.
3. The Long Term Deflection Period is read from the user specified value in
Design settings. - 3 months to 5 years (default value: 5 years).

US codes 148 Concrete design to ACI 318

4. The Time at which brittle finishes are introduced is read from the user
specified value in Design settings. - 1 month to 6 month (default value: 1
month).
5. For each loadcase with type = "dead", the % of load applied prior to
sensitive finishes is read from the user specified value in the loadcase
dialog (default value: 50%).
6. For each loadcase with type = “imposed”, the % of load which is long term
is read from the user specified value in the loadcase dialog (default value:
33%).
7. For each span in the element the critical gravity combination is
determined from the analysis. The combination reporting the max relative
deflection is the one considered in the deflection check.
8. The maximum deflections for the different situations below can then be
determined:
• Dead load deflection (Δi)d
• Dead and live load deflection (Δi)dlive
• Live load deflection (Δi)live
• Sustained load deflection (Δi)sus
• Total load deflection(Δi)tot
• Deflection affecting sensitive finishes (Δi)af
The check passes if the calculated deflections are less than the deflection
limits specified in the beam properties.

Seismic design and detailing (beams: ACI 318)

For overall limitations and assumptions, see:
• Limitations (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 150)
For beam design in moment resisting frames, see:
• General requirements (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 154)
• Flexural requirements (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 156)
• Transverse reinforcement (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 158)
For beams not part of a SFRS, see:
• Requirements when in SDC D - F (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 161)
• Seismic cantilevers (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 161)
For seismic detailing, see:
• Flexural reinforcement (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 162)

US codes 149 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Confinement reinforcement for ductility (beams seismic: ACI 318)
(page 162)

See also
Seismic Design to ACI 318 (page 218)

Limitations (beams seismic: ACI 318)

The following limitations and assumptions apply.

• Seismic design is only performed for beams marked as part of a Seismic
Force Resisting System and for seismic cantilevers.
• Requirements for beams particularly in the case of members not part of
any SFRS when in Seismic Design Categories D through F are not
considered in the current release.
• The design and detailing requirements of members part of Special Moment
Frames is beyond scope (some checks are implemented but only due to
their existence in lower toughness systems).

NOTE A full list of the code checks that have and have not been
implemented is provided in the table below.

• Seismic design checks are mostly based on capacity design obtained from
the main reinforcement provided. This can lead to an over-design of
structural members if the designer does not take steps to minimize excess
capacity.
• Beam seismic design and detailing in the current release is based on the
beam rectangular section and takes under consideration the beam
reinforcement only. In particular cases allowances for the slab presence
and reinforcement might be required on top of the current design.
• Seismic design and detailing requirements for structural diaphragms
according to ACI318-11 sections 21.3.6 and 21.11 are not considered in the
current release.

ACI 318 Seismic Code Checks for beams that have been implemented in
Tekla Structural Designer

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC

Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.1.4 Minimum required compressive SMF - - -
.2 strength of concrete
21.1.4 Maximum allowed compressive SMF - - -
.3 strength of light-weight concrete
21.1.5 Maximum allowed steel SMF - - -
.2 characteristic yield strength of
longitudinal reinforcement

US codes 150 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.1.5 Maximum allowed longitudinal SMF - - -
.5 reinforcement yield strength
used in the calculation of
transverse reinforcement
21.1.6 Mechanical Splices within twice SMF - - -
.2 the member depth from column/
beam face or yielding regions
21.1.6 Mechanical Splices outside twice SMF - - -
.2 the member depth from column/
beam face or yielding regions
21.1.7 Welded Splices within twice the SMF - - -
.1 member depth from column/
beam face or yielding regions
21.1.7 Welding of stirrups or other SMF - - -
.2 elements to longitudinal reinf.
required by design
21.2.2 Minimum number of bars at top/ OMF - - -
bottom faces continuous
throughout
21.2.2 Minimum number of bars at top/ IMF - - -
bottom faces continuous
throughout
21.3.2 Maximum allowed factored axial IMF - - -
force
21.3.3 Minimum Design shear force IMF - - -
.1
21.3.4 Minimum +ve requirement IMF - - -
.1 (moment strength/steel) at a joint
face
21.3.4 Minimum moment strength IMF - - -
.1 anywhere on a beam
21.3.4 Type of transverse reinforcement IMF - - -
.2 in confinement regions (hook/
extension)
21.3.4 Length of support regions IMF - - -
.2 measured from the face of the
joint
21.3.4 Maximum hoop spacing in IMF - - -
.2 support regions
21.3.4 Maximum distance between first IMF - - -
.2 hoop and joint face in support
regions

US codes 151 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.3.4 Maximum hoop spacing outside IMF - - -
.3 confinement regions
21.5 Beams of Special Moment SMF - - -
Frames will frame into columns
of SMF
21.5.1 Maximum allowed factored axial SMF - - -
.1 force
21.5.1 Maximum allowed effective depth SMF - - -
.2
21.5.1 Maximum allowed width SMF - - -
.3
21.5.1 Maximum allowed width SMF - - -
.4
21.5.2 Minimum number of bars at top/ SMF - - -
.1 bottom faces continuous
throughout
21.5.2 Minimum allowed area of SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement at top/bottom face
throughout
21.5.2 Maximum allowed area of SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement: Max steel ratio at
top/bottom/side face of the
beam, ρmax
21.5.2 Minimum +ve requirement SMF - - -
.2 (moment strength / steel) at a
joint face
21.5.2 Minimum moment strength SMF - - -
.2 anywhere on a beam
21.5.2 Lap splice location restrictions SMF - - -
.3
21.5.2 Lap Splice transverse SMF - - -
.3 reinforcement type
21.5.2 Maximum allowed hoop spacing SMF - - -
.3 at lap splices
21.5.3 Length of support regions SMF - - -
.1 measured from the face of the
joint
21.5.3 Non-reversing plastic hinges: SMF - - -
.1 Flexural Yield region size
(centered)

US codes 152 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.5.3 Maximum hoop spacing in SMF - - -
.2 support regions
21.5.3 Maximum distance between first SMF - - -
.2 hoop and joint face in support
regions
21.5.3 Non-reversing plastic hinges: SMF - - -
.2 Maximum horizontal center
spacing
21.5.3 Maximum allowed spacing of SMF - - -
.3 flexural reinforcing bars
21.5.3 Maximum allowed lateral link leg SMF - - -
.3 spacing in confinement regions
21.5.3 Maximum hoop spacing outside SMF - - -
.4 confinement regions
21.5.3 Type of transverse reinforcement SMF - - -
.6 in confinement regions (hook/
extension)
21.5.3 Type of transverse reinforcement SMF - - -
.6 in beam sections that extend
laterally beyond the column core
(hook/extension)
21.5.4 Minimum Design shear force SMF - - -
.1
21.5.4 Unreinforced concrete shear SMF - - -
.2 resistance at confinement regions
21.7.2 Stress in the beam flexural tensile SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement at joints face for
joint shear calculation
21.7.2 Tension anchorage length of SMF - - -
.2 beam long. Reinf. at external
joints (beyond column inner face)
21.7.2 Maximum longitudinal SMF - - -
.3 reinforcement bar size
- Minimum beam depth at a joint SMF - - -
where it contributes to joint shear
21.7.3 Spacing of confinement reinf. for SMF - - -
.3 longitudinal bars of beams
outside the column core
21.7.3 Maximum distance between link SMF - - -
.3 legs in beam sections that extend
laterally beyond the column core

US codes 153 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.7.5 Development length for beam SMF - - -
.1 longitudinal bars with a standard
90° hook
21.7.5 Development length for beam SMF - - -
.2 longitudinal straight bars
21.7.5 Development length for epoxy- SMF - - -
.4 coated or zinc and epoxy dual-
coated beam longitudinal bars
21.8.2 Minimum distance from joint face SMF - - -
for beam reinf. mechanical
splices in ductile connections
21.8.2 Minimum nominal shear strength SMF - - -
of ductile connections
21.8.3 Minimum nominal strength of the SMF - - -
strong connection
ASCE Extra design loads for horizontal - - - -
7/10 cantilevers
12.4.4

NOTE • For further details of the checks that have been implemented, see:
General requirements (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 154),
Flexural reinforcement (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 162),
Transverse reinforcement (beams seismic: ACI 318) (page 158) or
consult the respective clause reference in the code.
• Most of the requirements will be fulfilled through automatic
design. In some cases specific design options will need to be set by
the user.
• Additional requirements may apply to members that are not part
of the SFRS when in SDC’s D, E or F
• Confinement regions: - support regions; - Probable flexural yield
regions; - Lap splice regions.

General requirements (beams seismic: ACI 318)

Maximum allowed factored axial force

Flexural elements with high axial loading values under any load combination
are handled in the seismic design and detailing as compressive members.
If SFRS Type = Ordinary Moment Frame, then no axial compression limit
applies.
If SFRS Type = Intermediate Moment Frame or SFRS Type = Special Moment
Frame

US codes 154 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Pmax = Ag * f’c / 10

where
Pmax = Maximum allowed compression value on the member
Ag = Gross area of the concrete section
f’c = specified compressive strength of concrete

The check passes if;

Pu ≥ Pmax

where
Pu = Maximum factored compressive axial force anywhere in
the span considering all load combinations

Maximum allowed effective depth

The maximum allowed effective depth of a beam part of a Special Moment
Frame is proportional to its clear span length to limit the overloading of the
adjacent joints and columns.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame

d ≤ dmax
where
Distance between the extreme compression fiber and
d =
the longitudinal tension reinforcement centroid
Maximum allowed distance between the extreme
dmax = compression fiber and the longitudinal tension
reinforcement centroid
dmax = 0.25 * ln
where
Length of the clear span measured from face-to-face of
ln =
supports

Minimum allowed width

Beams part of Special Moment Frames in buildings subjected to earthquake
effects have a minimum width limit for their web.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame

bw ≥ bw,min

where
bw = Beam web width
bw,min = Minimum allowed beam web width

US codes 155 Concrete design to ACI 318

 = MAX( 0.3 * h, 250 mm) Metric units
= MAX( 0.3 * h, 10 in) US units
where
h = Overall depth of the concrete section

Maximum allowed width

Despite not being advisable, beams in Special Moment Frames are allowed to
be wider than the supporting columns up to a fixed limit.

NOTE The maximum lateral extension of a beam on each side of the joining
column is beyond scope in the current release of Tekla Structural
Designer.

Flexural requirements (beams seismic: ACI 318)

Minimum number of bars

The minimum allowed number of bars continuous along the beam span is
required to be checked in the layers closest to the top and bottom faces of any
beam in the SFRS.
The number of bars should be ≥ 2.

Maximum allowed bar size

This applies to end regions of beams where the beam reinforcement extends
into the column core. The required development length of reinforcement bars
extending into the column core restricts the minimum size of the column and
vice-versa.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame
“Anchorage requirements at the joint of special moment frames limit the
maximum bar size at each end of the beam”

Minimum flexural strength

The minimum area of top and bottom steel required at any section of a beam
part of a Moment Resisting Frame needs to comply with flexural strength
requirements when considering earthquake effects.
Note that no seismic design requirements apply to beams that are part of
Ordinary Moment Frames. All other Moment Resisting Frame types have
minimum longitudinal moment requirements.

Minimum allowed area of reinforcement

The minimum allowed area of steel throughout the bottom and top faces of a
beam part of a Special Moment Frame is limited as per ACI 318-11 equation
(10-3).

US codes 156 Concrete design to ACI 318

Maximum allowed area of reinforcement
For the purpose of increasing the ductility response of beams in Special
Moment Frames the area of reinforcement both at the top and bottom faces is
limited.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame

(As- and As+) ≤ As,max = 0.025 * bw * d

where
As = Area of non-prestressed longitudinal tension
reinforcement
bw = Beam web width

d = Distance from extreme compression fiber to

centroid of longitudinal tension reinforcement

No other Moment Resisting Frame type has a maximum area of steel

requirement.

Maximum allowed center spacing of longitudinal bars

Limitations on the longitudinal bar spacing apply to beams part of Special
Moment Frames.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame, then the maximum allowed center
spacing is checked for confinement regions as follows:

scr,max = 350 mm Metric-units

As = 14 in. US-units

where
scr,max = maximum allowed center
spacing

Non-reversing plastic hinges

Non-reversing plastic hinges are regions along the span of the beam where
flexural yielding is likely to occur.

NOTE Non-reversing plastic hinges are beyond scope in the current release
of Tekla Structural Designer.

Splices
Restrictions apply to the locations of reinforcement lap splices along the span
of a beam part of Special Moment Frames.
Strength design of mechanical splices and restrictions to the use of welded
splices as required by ACI318-11 apply to Special Moment Frames.

US codes 157 Concrete design to ACI 318

NOTE These restrictions are not implemented in the current release of Tekla
Structural Designer.

Transverse reinforcement (beams seismic: ACI 318)

Seismic requirements relating to transverse reinforcement take into account

properties, strengths and outcomes which are shear related ignoring any
reinforcement intended to deal with torsional effects.

Design shear force

The design shear force for members subjected to earthquake effects is
obtained by consideration of the minimum required shear strength of the
member. The required nominal shear strength of a flexural member part of a
Moment Resisting Frame is checked considering the sum of shears resultant
from the moment strengths due to reverse curvature bending acting at each
end of the beam and from the tributary factored gravity loads.
Beams are checked for shear in three regions:
• Left region, S1;
• Central region, S2;
• Right region, S3.
Shear design is performed considering the Major axis shear force only. Shear
Force in the minor axis is checked against the ignorable threshold.
If SFRS Type = Ordinary Moment Frame, then no shear seismic check applies.
If SFRS Type = Intermediate Moment Frame

Ve = ɸMIN(Ve,Mn+Ve,gravity,Ve,2E)

where
ɸ = Strength reduction factor = 1.0
Ve = Minimum design shear force for load combinations
including earthquake effects
Ve,gravity = Shear due to factored gravity loads from seismic
combinations (including vertical earthquake effects)
retaining the sign from analysis
Ve,2E = Maximum shear resultant from seismic combinations,
with doubled earthquake effect [i.e.: Ve.non-seismic + Ve.E
x 2]
Ve,Mn = Maximum shear associated with the development of
reversed curvature bending due to nominal resisting
moments at both ends of the member, considering
both the clockwise and counter-clockwise cases

If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame

US codes 158 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Ve = ɸ(Ve,Mpr+Ve,gravity)

where
ɸ = Strength reduction factor = 1.0
Ve = Minimum design shear force for load combinations
including earthquake effects
Ve,gravity = Shear due to factored gravity loads from seismic
combinations (including vertical earthquake effects)
retaining the sign from analysis
Ve,Mpr = Maximum shear associated with the development of
reversed curvature bending due to the probable
flexural moment strength for both the clockwise and
counter-clockwise situations, at both ends of the
member

Maximum hoop spacing

The maximum allowed horizontal center spacing of hoops in confinement
regions of beams is limited by ACI 318 depending on the type of Seismic Force
Resisting System considered.

NOTE This check is performed for support regions only, it is beyond scope in
the current release of Tekla Structural Designer for other confinement
regions.

NOTE Non-reversing plastic hinge regions along the span have the same
requirements as support regions, but these are beyond scope in the
current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

For Support Regions:

If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame
The maximum allowed center hoop spacing in support regions, scr,max,sup is
calculated as follows:
According to ACI318-081:

scr,max,sup = MIN(d/4, 8 * db,smallest, 24 Metric-units

* db,w, 300mm)
scr,max,sup = MIN(d/4, 8 * db,smallest, 24 US-units
* db,w, 12 in.)

According to ACI318-111:

scr,max,sup = MIN(d/4, 6* db,smallest, 150 mm) Metric units

1 ACI318-08 Section 21.5.3.2. This requirement has changed from ACI318-08 to ACI318-11

US codes 159 Concrete design to ACI 318

 scr,max,sup = MIN(d/4, 6 * db,smallest, 6 in.) US units

where

d = Distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid

of longitudinal tension reinforcement
db,smallest = Smallest longitudinal reinforcement bar diameter
db,w = Link (hoop) diameter

If SFRS Type = Intermediate Moment Frame

The maximum allowed center hoop spacing in support regions, scr,max,sup is
calculated as follows:

scr,max,sup = MIN(d/4, 8* db,smallest, 24 * db,w, Metric units

300mm)
scr,max,sup = MIN(d/4, 8 * db,smallest, 24 * db,w, US units
12 in.)

where

d = Distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid

of longitudinal tension reinforcement
db,smallest = Smallest longitudinal reinforcement bar diameter
db,w = Link (hoop) diameter

For Span Regions:

If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame, or Intermediate Moment Frame
The maximum allowed hoops spacing outside confinement regions, scr,max,span
is calculated as follows:

scr,max,span = d/2

Maximum allowed lateral link leg spacing

The clear spacing between link legs at right angles to the span is limited in
confinement reinforcement regions of members part of Special Moment
Frames only.

US codes 160 Concrete design to ACI 318

NOTE This check is performed for support regions only, it is beyond scope in
the current release of Tekla Structural Designer for other confinement
regions.

Requirements when in SDC D - F (beams seismic: ACI 318)

When designing members for earthquake effects, beams not part of the SFRS
when in Seismic Design Categories D through F are required to be designed
with seismic provisions all the same.

NOTE With the exception of seismic cantilevers, the design of these

members for seismic provisions is beyond scope in the current
release of Tekla Structural Designer.

Seismic cantilevers (beams seismic: ACI 318)

Horizontal cantilever structural members in structures assigned to Seismic

Design Category D, E or F are required to be designed to the applicable load
combinations plus an isolated minimum net upward force of 0.2* times the
dead load.
If a cantilever beam has been marked as a seismic cantilever, then provided
the seismic design category = D, E or F the minimum design moment at the
restrained end is checked as follows:
Calculate minimum positive design moment:

Mmin+ = 0.2 * Me,dead-

where
Mmin+ = Minimum positive design bending moment at the
restrained end.

US codes 161 Concrete design to ACI 318

Me,dead- = Critical negative bending moment at the restrained end
due to dead loads only obtained for the considered seismic
combination.

Check the minimum design moment at the restrained end:

Mu+ ≥ Mmin+
where
Mu+ = Critical negative bending moment at the restrained end
due to dead loads only obtained for the considered seismic
combination.

If the check fails the region is designed for Mu+ = Mmin+

Flexural reinforcement (beams seismic: ACI 318)

Longitudinal reinforcement at the top and bottom faces of a beam in any

Moment Resisting Frame are required to have at least two continuous steel
bars along the span for structural integrity and constructability purposes.
Anchorage
Longitudinal reinforcement terminated at a column in beams that are part of
Special Moment Frames shall be anchored within the element confined core
for a length measured from the critical section at the element's face.
Tekla Structural Designer performs the calculation steps for the required
development length at the supports of bars in tension for both the case where
straight bars are used and where hooks are provided.
Lap Splices
Specific seismic requirements apply only to lap splices in flexural members
that are part of Special Moment Frames.
For beams that are part of Special Moment Frames lap splices are not allowed
to be located:
• Within joints or within a distance of twice the members depth from the
face of a joint
• Within regions where flexural yielding is likely to occur.

NOTE The latter requirement to avoid lap splices in regions where flexural
yielding is likely to occur is beyond scope in the current release of
Tekla Structural Designer

Confinement reinforcement for ductility (beams seismic: ACI 318)

Reinforcement Type

US codes 162 Concrete design to ACI 318

Confinement reinforcement should consist of hoops, i.e. closed or
continuously wound ties with a seismic hook at each end.
Detailing Regions
Confinement reinforcement is required to be provided over the following
confinement regions in beams that are part of Intermediate and Special
Moment Frames. This is not a requirement for beams that are part of Ordinary
Moment Frames
• Support regions: These are probable flexural yielding regions flexural
yielding regions next to beam-column joints

NOTE Beam-wall moment frames are beyond scope in the current

release of Tekla Structural Designer.

• Non-reversing plastic hinge regions: These are probable flexural yielding

regions outside support regions.

NOTE Non-reversing plastic hinge regions are not identified in the

current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

• Lap splices: Over the full length of lap splices in members that are part of
Special Moment Frames

Concrete column and wall design to ACI 318

Find out more about the application of ACI 318 within Tekla Structural
Designer with regard to:
• Design parameters for longitudinal bars (columns) (page 164)
• Design parameters for vertical bars (walls) (page 165)
• Design parameters for horizontal bars (walls) (page 166)
• Ultimate Axial Load Limit (page 167)
• Effective length calculations (page 167)
• Column stack and wall panel classification (page 169)
• Design Moment Calculations (page 170)
• Design for combined axial and bending (page 172)
• Design parameters for shear (page 172)
• Design for in plane shear (walls) (page 172)
• Column confinement (page 173)
• Seismic design and detailing (columns) (page 173)

US codes 163 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Seismic design (walls) (page 187)
If working to ACI 318-19 note the following important information:
• Concrete column design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 127)
• Beam-column joint shear strength (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)

See also
Limitations (concrete members: ACI 318) (page 132)
Cover to Reinforcement (ACI 318) (page 133)
Seismic Design to ACI 318 (page 218)

Design parameters for longitudinal bars (concrete column: ACI 318)

For some of the longitudinal reinforcement design parameters, additional user
defined limits can be applied - where this is the case minimum and maximum
values are specified in Design Options > Column > Reinforcement Layout.

Minimum Longitudinal Bar Spacing

For design to ACI ;

minimum clear distance ≥ MAX (1.5 * longitudinal US units

db , 1.5in., 1.33*hagg)
minimum clear distance ≥ MAX (1.5 * longitudinal metric units
db , 40mm, 1.33*hagg)

where

db = bar diameter
hagg = aggregate size

Maximum Longitudinal Bar Spacing

You are given control over this value by specifying an upper limit in Design
Options > Column > Reinforcement Layout.

Minimum Longitudinal Total Steel Area

For design to ACI;
1% * column area

Maximum Longitudinal Total Steel Area

For design to ACI;
8% * column area

US codes 164 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Design parameters for vertical bars (concrete wall: ACI 318)
For some of the longitudinal reinforcement design parameters, additional user
defined limits can be applied - where this is the case minimum and maximum
values are specified in Design Options > Wall > Reinforcement Layout.

Minimum and Maximum Vertical Bar Diameter

There are no code provisions, but user defined limits can be applied to the
minimum and maximum bar diameters - specified in Design Options > Wall >
Reinforcement Layout

Minimum and Maximum Vertical Loose Bar Spacing

Limiting minimum horizontal spacing of the vertical bars, sv,lim,min is controlled
by the diameters of the 2 adjacent bars and aggregate size1.

sv,lim,min = 0.5*(dbv,i + dbv,(i + 1)) + cgap

where

cgap = min. clear distance bet. bars

= max (1.5*dbv,i , 1.5*dbv,(i+1), 1.33* US units
hagg, 1.5 in.)
= max (1.5*dbv,i , 1.5*dbv,(i+1), 1.33* metric units
hagg, 38mm)
where
dbv,i and dbv, = the diameters of the two adjacent
(i+1) vertical bars
hagg = aggregate size

Limiting maximum horizontal spacing of the vertical bars, sv,lim,max is

controlled by the wall thickness.

sv,lim,max = min (3*hw, 18 in.) US units

= min (3*hw, 450mm) metric units

You are given control over these values by specifying minimum and maximum
spacing limits in Design Options > Wall > Reinforcement Layout.

Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement Area

The code provisions which control the vertical reinforcement area are,

1 Clause 7.6.3

US codes 165 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Limiting minimum ratio of vertical reinforcement area to gross concrete
area, rv,lim,min
• Limiting maximum ratio of vertical reinforcement area to gross concrete
area, rv,lim,max
The controlling values are:
IF dbv ≤ No. 5 (No. 16) with fy ≥ 60,000 psi (420 MPa) OR WWR ≤ W31 or D31
then ρv,lim,min = 0.0012 else 0.0015 for all other deformed bars
Total minimum area of vertical reinforcement, As,min = ρv,lim,min*Acg
Total maximum area of vertical reinforcement, As,max = ρv,lim,max*Acg = 0.08*Acg
where Acg = Gross area of the concrete wall.
Where 2 layers are specified, this should be distributed equally to each face.
You are given further control over the minimum and maximum reinforcement
ratio values via user limits in Design Options > Wall > Reinforcement Layout.
These will be used if they are more onerous than the code limits.

Design parameters for horizontal bars (concrete wall: ACI 318)

For some of the horizontal bar parameters, additional user defined limits can
be applied - where this is the case minimum and maximum values are
specified in Design Options > Wall > Reinforcement Layout

Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement Area

The code provisions which control the horizontal reinforcement area are,
• Limiting minimum ratio of horizontal reinforcement area to gross concrete
area, rh,lim,min
• Limiting maximum ratio of horizontal reinforcement area to gross concrete
area, rh,lim,max
The controlling values are:
IF dbv ≤ No. 5 (No. 16) with fy ≥ 60,000 psi (420 MPa) OR WWR ≤ W31 or D31
THEN ρh,lim,min = 0.002 ELSE 0.0025 for all other deformed bars
Total minimum area of horizontal reinforcement, As,min = ρh,lim,min*Acg
Total maximum area of vertical reinforcement, As,max = ρh,lim,max*Acg =
0.08*Acg
where Acg= Gross area of the concrete wall.
You can select a minimum ratio which will be the start point for the design in
Design Options > Wall > Reinforcement Layout.

US codes 166 Concrete design to ACI 318

Minimum and Maximum Horizontal Bar Spacing
This is identical in principle to min vertical bar spacing.

Minimum and Maximum Confinement Bar Spacing

There are Code provisions that control the maximum spacing:
The recommended values are,
Limiting maximum transverse spacing, sw,lim,max = min (16*dbv , 48*dbw , hw)

Ultimate Axial Load Limit (column and wall:ACI 318)

The strength of a column under truly concentric axial load is

Pn,o = 0.85 * f'c * (Ag - Ast) + fy * Ast
For nonprestressed compression members with tie reinforcement,
φ * Pn,max = 0.80 * φ * [0.85 * f’c * (Ag - Ast) + fy * Ast]

Effective length calculations (column and wall:ACI 318)

Unsupported Length
The unsupported length, lu, of a column is the clear distance between lateral
supports.
If, at an end of the compression member (stack), no effective beams, flat slab
or slab on beams to include is found, then the clear height includes the
(compression member) stack beyond this restraint, and the same rules apply
for finding the end of the clear height at the end of the next stack (and so on).
If there is no stack beyond this restraint (i.e. this is the end of the column), the
clear height ends at the end of the column.

Effective Length
The effective length, le is calculated automatically from ACI R10.10.1. You have
the ability to override the calculated value.
Tekla Structural Designer will impose the following limits for stacks that are
designated as braced:
0.5 ≤ le / lu ≤ 1
When both ends of an unbraced compression member are hinged (pinned), a
“Beyond Scope” warning is displayed.
The effective length of the stack (compression member) is given by:
le = k * lu
The program uses the bottom end of the stack (compression member) as end
1 and the top as end 2.

US codes 167 Concrete design to ACI 318

Any beams framing into the end of the compression member (stack) within 45
degrees of the axis being considered are said to be restraining beams for the
stack in that direction. No adjustment is made to the restraint provided by the
beam for the angle (i.e. the full value of “E * I / l” is used for all beams within 45
degrees of the axis).
A beam is to be considered as a restraining beam in the direction considered
if:
-45° < β ≤ 45°
where
β is the angle from the axis in the direction considered to the beam, measured
anti-clockwise when viewed from above (i.e. back along the length of the stack
from the end towards the start).

Fixed Column Base

Since in practical structures there is no such thing as a truly fixed end, Tekla
Structural Designer limits ψ ≥ 0.20. This being the practical lower limit
suggested in “RC Mechanics” by McGregor and Wright.

Pinned Column End

In any situation where the end of a column anywhere in the structure is
pinned, ψ = 1000. (This being the upper limit on ψ that is imposed by Tekla
Structural Designer.)

No Effective Beams Found

If no effective beams are found to restrain the end of the stack in the direction
in question, then the program will consider whether there is a flat slab
restraining the stack at this end. If a flat slab is found it will either be
considered as a restraint, or not, in each direction at each end of the stack -
this is controlled by checking the option Use slab for calculation... located as a
Stiffness setting in the column properties.
If there are no effective beams and there is no flat slab (or any flat slab is not
to be considered), then the program will look for a slab on beams. If a slab on
beams is found, this acts as a restraint at the position. Slabs on beams will
only be considered if the “Use slab for calculation...” option is selected, as is
the case for flat slabs.
If no beams and no flat slab or slab on beams is found, then the program will
look for the far end of the stack on the other side of the joint, and look at the
restraints there, and so on until a restraint with an effective beam, flat slab or
slab on beams to be considered is found.
If the stack is restrained by a flat slab, then the slab will be considered to act as
a beam in this direction - note that it is one beam in the direction and NOT a
beam on each side of the column. The beam's length is taken as four times its
width.

US codes 168 Concrete design to ACI 318

If the stack is restrained by a slab on beams, this will have a zero contribution
to the stiffness. This thoretically has the effect of setting ψ = infinity, though it
is limited to 1000 in Tekla Structural Designer before being used in the
calculations.
If the stack is an end stack and there are no supports, beams, flat slabs or
slabs on beams considered to restrain the stack at this end in the direction,
the end is therefore free in this direction and ψ = 1000.

Column stack and wall panel classification (column and wall:ACI 318)
Slenderness ratio
For columns: The slenderness ratio, k lu/r, of the restrained length (note: not
necessarily the stack length – it will be longer if there is no restraint at either
end of the stack) about each axis is calculated as follows:
(k lu/r)y = k *luy /(√(ly / Ag))
(k lu/r)z = k* luz/(√(Iz / Ag))

where
slenderness ratio = k*lu/r
k is an effective length factor
luy is the unsupported column length in respect of major axis (y axis)
luz is the unsupported column length in respect of minor axis (z axis)
ry is the radius of gyration of the column in the y-direction
rz is the radius of gyration of the column in the z-direction
Iy is the second moment of area of the stack section about the major axis (y
axis)
Iz is the second moment of area of the stack section about the major axis (z
axis)
Ag is the cross-sectional area of the stack section
For unbraced columns
IF (k lu/r)y ≤ 22
THEN slenderness can be neglected and column can be designed as short
column
ELSE, column is considered as slender
IF (k lu/r)z ≤ 22
THEN slenderness can be neglected and column can be designed as short
column

US codes 169 Concrete design to ACI 318

ELSE, column is considered as slender
For braced columns
IF (k lu/r)y ≤ MIN((34-12*M1/M2), 40)
THEN slenderness can be neglected and column can be designed as short
column
ELSE, column is considered as slender
IF (k lu/r)z ≤ MIN((34-12*M1/M2), 40)
THEN slenderness can be neglected and column can be designed as short
column
ELSE, column is considered as slender
where
M1 = the smaller factored end moment on the column, to be taken as positive
if member is bent in single curvature and negative if bent in double curvature
= MIN [ABS(Mtop), ABS(Mbot)]
M2 = the larger factored end moment on the column always taken as positive
= MAX [ABS(Mtop), ABS(Mbot)]

Design Moment Calculations (column and wall: ACI 318)

For each combination and for each analysis model (Building Analysis, Grillage
Analysis, FE Analysis) the end moments about the two local member axes,
'major' and 'minor' are established. From these and the local load profile, the
moments and axial force at any position in the member can be established.
These moments will be from a first-order or second-order analysis at user
choice - (in making the choice, the value of the 'stability index', Q should be
taken into account).
Note that M2 and M1 are the end moments with M2 being the larger numeric
value.

Step 1, minimum moment

Calculate the minimum moment due to non-concentric axial force in each of
the two directions from,

Mmin = Pu*(0.6+0.03*h)] in US units

= Pu*(15+0.03*h)] mm metric units

where

h = The major dimension of the column in the direction under

consideration

US codes 170 Concrete design to ACI 318

Pu = The max compression force at any design position in the
stack under consideration. If stack is in tension set to zero

Step 2 - member slenderness

It is determined whether the member is slender or not. Note that in the
determination for braced columns M1 and M2 are always the end moments
even if lateral loading is present.

Step 3 - non-slender column

Calculate the design moment at the top, bottom and mid-fifth of the column in
each direction taking into account if lateral loads are “significant”, or “not
significant”.
As the column is non-slender no further calculations are required to establish
design moments.

Step 4 - slender member amplifier

Calculate the “amplifier” due to buckling about each of the major and minor
axes excluding the uniform moment factor which is dealt with separately,

kns = 1 / (1 - (Pu / (0.75 * Pc))) ≥ zero

where

Pc = The critical buckling load

= π² * (EI) / (k*lu)²

where EI can be computed by Eq. (10-14) or Eq (10-15)

Step 5 - uniform moment factor

For lateral loads that are “not significant”,

Cm = 0.6 + 0.4 *(M1 / M2) retaining moment

signs

Else

Cm = 1.0

Step 6 - moment magnifier

Calculate the moment magnifier from Equ. 10.12 as,

dns = MAX [Cm * kns, 1.0]

Step 7 - amplified minimum moment

Calculate the amplified minimum moment as,

US codes 171 Concrete design to ACI 318

Mmin_amp = Mmin * kns

Step 8 - design moments

Calculate the design moment at the top, bottom and mid-fifth of the column in
each direction taking into account if lateral loads are “significant”, or “not
significant”.

Design for combined axial and bending (column and wall:ACI 318)
Tekla Structural Designer designs the column for an applied axial force and
applied bending about one or both axes of the section. In the case of bi-axial
bending, a resultant moment is created for the combination of the applied
moments.

√(M2major +M2minor) / √(M2major,res + M2minor,res) ≤ 1.0

where
Mmajor = Moment about the major axis
Mminor = Moment about the minor axis
Mmajor,res = Moment of resistance about the major axis
Mminor,res = Moment of resistance about the minor axis

Design parameters for shear (column and wall:ACI 318)

For some of the shear design parameters, additional user defined limits can
be applied - where this is the case minimum and maximum values are
specified in Design Options > Column > Reinforcement Layout.

Minimum Shear Link Diameter

For Ties, minimum shear reinforcement size
IF maximum longitudinal bar ≤ 1.27 in. (32.3mm)
shear reinforcement diameter = 0.375 in. (9.5mm)
Minimum shear reinforcement diameter = 0.50 in. (12.7mm)

Maximum Span Region Shear Link Spacing

Controlled by seismic detailing requirements.

Maximum Support Region Shear Link Spacing

Controlled by seismic detailing requirements.

US codes 172 Concrete design to ACI 318

Design for in plane shear (walls:ACI 318)
In the plane of the wall the factored shear must be equal to or less than the
design shear strength of the wall

Vu ≤ ΦVn

The design shear strength of the wall is equal to the design shear strength of
the concrete plus that of the shear reinforcing

Vu ≤ ΦVc + ΦVs

The shear strength, Vn, may not be taken greater than 10 * √f’c * h * d.

Vn ≤ 10 * √f’c * h * d US units
Vn ≤ 0.83 * √f’c * h * d metric units

where

h = wall thickness
d = 0.8 * lw
lw = length of the wall

Out of plane the shear design calculations are the same whether the design
element is a column or a wall - see: Design parameters for shear (column and
wall:ACI 318) (page 172)

Column confinement (column and wall:ACI 318)

The ACI requirement is that every alternate longitudinal bar should be
restrained by a link corner or bar tie, and no bar should have more than 6"
(150 mm) clear distance from a restrained bar.

Seismic design and detailing (columns: ACI 318)

For overall limitations and assumptions, see:
• Limitations and assumptions (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 174)
For column design in moment resiting frames, see:
• General requirements (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 179)
• Flexural requirements (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 180)
• Transverse reinforcement (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 183)

US codes 173 Concrete design to ACI 318

For seismic detailing, see:
• Flexural reinforcement (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 186)
• Confinement reinforcement for ductility (columns seismic: ACI 318)
(page 186)

See also
Seismic Design to ACI 318 (page 218)

Limitations and assumptions (columns seismic: ACI 318)

The following limitations and assumptions apply.

• Seismic design is only performed for columns marked as part of a Seismic
Force Resisting System.
• Requirements for columns particularly in the case of members not part of
any SFRS when in Seismic Design Categories D through F are not
considered in the current release.
• The design and detailing requirements of members part of Special Moment
Frames is beyond scope (some checks are implemented but only due to
their existence in lower toughness systems).

NOTE A full list of the code checks that have and have not been
implemented is provided in the table below.

• No height limitations apply to Seismic Force Resisting Systems in the form

of Moment Resisting Frames according to ASCE 7-10, Table 12.2-1.
• The use of spiral reinforcement as well as all seismic design checks and
related assumptions are not considered due to the fact that this type of
reinforcement is not currently available in Tekla Structural Designer.
• The Seismic Force Resisting System set by the user in each direction
through the Seismic Wizard for analysis purposes is not checked for
applicability against the allowed types of the resultant Seismic Design
Category. This is a user responsibility.
• Seismic design checks are mostly based on capacity design obtained from
the main reinforcement provided. This can lead to an over-design of
structural members if the designer is not careful enough to minimize
excess capacity, especially in columns considering the weak beam - strong
column philosophy.

US codes 174 Concrete design to ACI 318

ACI 318 Seismic Code Checks for columns that have been implemented in
Tekla Structural Designer

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC

Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.1.4 Minimum required compressive SMF - - -
.2 strength of concrete
21.1.4 Maximum allowed compressive SMF - - -
.3 strength of light-weight concrete
21.1.5 Maximum allowed steel SMF - - -
.2 characteristic yield strength of
longitudinal reinforcement
21.1.5 Maximum yield strength of SMF - - -
.4 transverse reinforcement in
confinement regions of columns
21.1.5 Maximum allowed longitudinal SMF - - -
.5 reinforcement yield strength
used in the calculation of
transverse reinforcement
21.1.5 Maximum allowed characteristic SMF - - -
.5 yield strength of shear
reinforcement
21.2.3 Design shear force (page 183) OMF - - -
21.3.2 Minimum factored axial force IMF - - -
(page 179)
21.3.3 Design shear force (page 183) IMF - - -
.2
21.3.5 Minimum Support Region size IMF - - -
.2 (confinement reinforcement
applies)
21.3.5 Maximum allowed center hoop IMF - - -
.2 spacing (page 183) in
confinement regions
21.3.5 First hoop placing distance from IMF - - -
.3 face of joint in support regions
21.3.5 First hoop placing distance from SMF - - -
.3 face of joint in support regions
21.3.5 Minimum depth of column IMF - - -
.5 transverse reinforcement into the
joint
21.3.5 Minimum area of column IMF - - -
.5 rectangular transverse
reinforcement

US codes 175 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.3.5 Minimum depth of column SMF - - -
.5 transverse reinforcement into the
joint
21.3.5 Minimum volumetric ratio / area IMF - - -
.5 of column spiral or circular
transverse reinforcement
21.3.5 Length of confinement region IMF - - -
.6 when inside footings, mats or pile
caps
21.3.5 Length of confinement region for IMF - - -
.6 columns supporting/above
discontinuous stiff members
(walls)
21.6.1 Minimum factored axial force SMF - - -
(page 179)
21.6.1 Minimum overall dimension SMF - - -
.1
21.6.1 Minimum shortest dimension to SMF - - -
.2 perpendicular dimension ratio
21.6.2 Minimum flexural strength SMF - - -
.2/21. (page 180)
6.2.3
21.6.3 Minimum allowed area of SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement
21.6.3 Maximum allowed area of SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement (page 186)
21.6.3 Minimum allowed number of SMF - - -
.2 bars in columns with circular
hoops
21.6.3 Lap splice allowed locations SMF - - -
.3
21.6.3 Mechanical Splices within twice SMF - - -
.3 the member depth from column/
beam face or yielding regions
21.6.3 Mechanical Splices outside twice SMF - - -
.3 the member depth from column/
beam face or yielding regions
21.6.3 Welded Splices within twice the SMF - - -
.3 member depth from column/
beam face or yielding regions

US codes 176 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.6.3 Welding of stirrups or other SMF - - -
.3 elements to longitudinal reinf.
required by design
21.6.3 Minimum lap splice length SMF - - -
.3
21.6.4 Minimum Support Region size SMF - - -
.1 (confinement reinforcement
applies)
21.6.4 Minimum length of confinement SMF - - -
.1 region at other flexural yielding
sections
21.6.4 Type of confinement SMF - - -
.2 reinforcement (hook/extension)
21.6.4 Maximum allowed cross section SMF - - -
.2 center link leg spacing in
confinement regions
21.6.4 Maximum allowed center hoop SMF - - -
.3 spacing (page 183) in
confinement regions
21.6.4 Maximum hoop spacing at lap SMF - - -
.3 Splices (page 180)
21.6.4 Minimum volumetric ratio / area SMF - - -
.4a) of spiral or circular confinement
reinforcement
21.6.4 Minimum area of rectangular SMF - - -
.4b) confinement reinforcement
21.6.4 Maximum center link/stirrup SMF - - -
.5 spacing in non special transverse
reinf. regions
21.6.4 Length of confinement region SMF - - -
.6 when inside footings, mats or pile
caps
21.6.4 Length of confinement region for SMF - - -
.6 columns supporting/above
discontinuous stiff members
(walls)
21.6.4 Spacing of transverse SMF - - -
.7 reinforcement for non-structural
extensions
21.6.5 Design shear force (page 183) SMF - - -
.1

US codes 177 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.6.5 Unreinforced Shear resistance at SMF - - -
.2 confinement regions
21.7.3 Minimum volumetric ratio / area SMF - - -
.1 of column spiral or circular
transverse reinforcement
21.7.3 Minimum area of column SMF - - -
.1 rectangular transverse
reinforcement
21.7.3 Type of column transverse SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement (hook/extension)
21.7.3 Maximum allowed column cross SMF - - -
.1 section center link leg spacing
21.7.3 Maximum allowed center hoop SMF - - -
.1 spacing (page 183)
21.7.3 Spacing of column transverse SMF - - -
.1 reinforcement for non-structural
extensions
21.7.3 Minimum column transverse SMF - - -
.2 reinf.with beams in all directions
≥ 3/4 the column’s width
21.7.4 Maximum nominal shear SMF - - -
.1 strength for joints confined by
beams on all four faces
21.7.4 Maximum nominal shear SMF - - -
.1 strength for joints confined by
beams on three faces or two
opposite faces
21.7.4 Maximum nominal shear SMF - - -
.1 strength for joints not confined
by beams
21.8.3 Minimum nominal strength of the SMF - - -
strong connection for column-to-
column connections
21.8.3 Minimum nominal moment SMF - - -
strength of the strong connection
for column-to-column
connections
21.8.3 Minimum nominal shear strength SMF - - -
of the strong connection for
column-to-column connections

US codes 178 Concrete design to ACI 318

NOTE • For further details of the checks that have been implemented, see:
General requirements (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 179),
Flexural reinforcement (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 186),
Transverse reinforcement (columns seismic: ACI 318) (page 183), or
consult the respective clause reference in the code.
• Most of the requirements will be fulfilled through automatic
design. In some cases specific design options will need to be set by
the user.
• Additional requirements may apply to members that are not part
of the SFRS when in SDC’s D, E or F
• Confinement regions: - support regions; - Probable flexural yield
regions; - Lap splice regions.

General requirements (columns seismic: ACI 318)

End Fixity
Reinforced concrete columns assigned to Moment Resisting Frames have their
end fixities at the base of the building limited to:
• Fixed base;
• Pinned base;
• Spring base (foundation flexibility).

Minimum factored axial force

Members experiencing axial compression forces higher than the minimum
threshold in the code from any of the load combinations are required to be
checked for flexural strength and to consider flexural detailing within the
strong column - weak beam design philosophy according to their assigned
SFRS type.
If SFRS Type = Ordinary Moment Frame, then no No axial compression load
requirement applies.
If SFRS Type = Intermediate Moment Frame, or Special Moment Frame

Pmin = Ag * f’c / 10

where
Pmin = Minimum required axial compression
Ag = Gross area of the concrete section
f’c = Specified compressive strength of concrete

The check passes and the member is designed for seismic provisions as a
compressive member if Pu > Pmin

US codes 179 Concrete design to ACI 318

 where

Pu = Largest factored compressive axial force at the top of the

stack from any load combination.

NOTE This check is no longer required in ACI 318-14.

Maximum recommended axial force

ACI 318 allows for the maximum design axial load to be as high as
0.8*ɸ*Pn,max, where Pn,max is the maximum compression resistance of the
section composed of concrete and steel. However in the event of a severe
earthquake a full height beam yielding mechanism could occur inducing
higher compression strain on the columns than the one predicted by elastic
design.
Good practice recommends that the maximum compressive strain in a column
part of a Special Moment Frame should remain below the balanced value.

NOTE The current release of Tekla Structural Designer does not check if the
compressive strain is below the balanced point.

Minimum cross-section dimension

ACI 318 limits the shortest cross-sectional dimension of a column that is part
of a Special Moment Frame to a lower fixed value in any direction measured in
a straight line passing through the section centroid and also to a fraction of
the length of the perpendicular dimension.
If designing to ACI 318-14, there is an additional limit of half the height of the
deepest beam connecting at the joint.
These minimum dimension restrictions are calculated and applied accordingly
when the column that is part of a Special Moment Frame.

Flexural requirements (columns seismic: ACI 318)

Minimum flexural strength

Columns that are part of Special Moment Frames are required by ACI 318 to
have a minimum amount of flexural strength depending on the connecting
beams flexural capacities so as to promote the formation of beam yielding
mechanisms in the case of an earthquake. This is done by establishing a ratio
between the beam and column moment strengths in the moment resisting
frame direction.
The design of the main reinforcement in a column is done for the top, middle
and bottom region of the stack and moment capacity is calculated for the
factored axial force in each region for the Major and Minor directions.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame then flexural strength checks are
performed at the joints:

US codes 180 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Σ Mnc,l = Mnc,l,bot + Mnc,l,top

Σ Mnc,r = Mnc,r,bot + Mnc,r,top

where

Σ Mnc,l , Σ Mnc,r = Sum of the Nominal Flexural Strengths of the

columns framing into the joint in the relevant
direction.
Mnc,l,bot, = Nominal Moment Strength of the stack below the
Mnc,r,bot joint obtained for the axial force value consistent
with the minimum Nominal Moment Strength
respectively for the left and right sway cases.
Mnc,l,top, = Nominal Moment Strength of the stack above
Mnc,r,top converging on the same joint for the axial force
value consistent with the minimum Nominal
Moment Strength respectively for the left and right
sway cases.

The sum of the beam strengths are obtained as follows:

Σ Mnb,l = Mnb,l- + Mnb,l+

Σ Mnb,r = Mnb,r- + Mnb,r+

where
Σ Mnb,l , Σ Mnb,r = Sum of the Nominal Flexural Strengths of the
beams framing into the joint in the relevant
direction.
Mnb,l- , Mnb,r- = Nominal Moment Strength at the joint from the
beam on the left from current reinforcement
arrangement respectively for the left and right sway
cases.
Mnb,l+ , Mnb,r+ = Nominal Moment Strength at the joint from the
beam on the right from current reinforcement
arrangement respectively for the left and right sway
cases.

The minimum strength ratio between columns and beams in both left and
right sway cases is checked as follows:

Σ Mnc,l ≥ 6/5 * Σ Mnb,l

Σ Mnc,r ≥ 6/5 * Σ Mnb,r

US codes 181 Concrete design to ACI 318

Maximum allowed area of reinforcement
The maximum area of longitudinal reinforcement in columns part of Special
Moment Frames is limited as follows.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame
Then calculate maximum area of steel, As,max as follows:

As,max = 0.06 * Ag

where

As,max = Maximum allowed area of reinforcement

Ag = Gross area of the concrete section.

Maximum allowed longitudinal bar center spacing

Limitations on the longitudinal bar spacing emerge from the code requirement
for maximum allowed cross-section center link spacing of the confinement
reinforcement due to the method of link leg distribution across the column
section.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame
Then check maximum longitudinal reinforcement bar distance, scr,max as
follows:

scr,max = 350 mm Metric-units

scr,max = 14 in US-units

NOTE In ACI 318-14, scr,max is limited to 200mm for non-circular columns

with, Pu > 0.3*Ag*fc OR fc > 70 MPa (10,000 psi).

Non-reversing plastic hinges

Non-reversing plastic hinges are regions along the stack of the column where
flexural yielding is likely to occur.

NOTE Non-reversing plastic hinges are beyond scope in the current release
of Tekla Structural Designer.

Splices
Columns that are part of Special Moment Frames have restrictions on the
allowed locations of lap splices.
Strength design of mechanical splices and restrictions to the use of welded
splices as required by ACI 318-11 apply to Special Moment Frames

US codes 182 Concrete design to ACI 318

NOTE These restrictions are not implemented in the current release of Tekla
Structural Designer.

Transverse reinforcement (columns seismic: ACI 318)

Joint shear strength

The calculation of joint shear strength is a requirement of ACI 318 for joints of
Special Moment Frames and it is obtained by considering both the free body
diagram of the column and of the joint. The stress in the beam's tensile
reinforcement at the joint's face is assumed as at least η *fy by considering the
probable moment strengths of framing beams.
The calculation is performed on the following basis:
• Probable Moment Strengths are obtained from beams in the same
direction as the column's considered direction
• Whether beams in the column SFRS Direction are included in the SFRS or
not
• At the top region of stack only
• For both sway right and sway left cases
• Beams with pinned connection are ignored
• Axial stress in beams is assumed to be zero
• Contribution of the slab longitudinal reinforcement in the beam effective
flange width is recommended to be considered, but remains beyond scope
in the current release.

Design shear force

The Design Shear Force of a member subjected to flexure as well as axial
loading part of a Moment Resisting Frame is checked taking into consideration
the shear from the moment strengths of the connected flexural members due
to reverse curvature bending.
• Shear design for columns is done for the entire stack as a single region and
checked for the minimum requirements from the design code.
• The design is performed independently for both the orthogonal directions.

Minimum area of transverse reinforcement

For columns that are part of Special Moment Frames, the minimum area of
transverse reinforcement required in confinement regions of a column is
obtained as below:

NOTE For Special Moment Frames the amount of confinement

reinforcement in joints with beams on all 4 sides wider than ¾ of the
column width is allowed to be reduced to half and the spacing to be

US codes 183 Concrete design to ACI 318

 relaxed within the depth of the shallowest member - this is beyond
scope in the current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

NOTE Non-reversing plastic hinge regions along the span have the same
requirements as support regions - Non-reversing plastic hinge regions
are beyond scope in the current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

For circular columns:

ρs = MAX[ 0.12 * (f’c / fyt) , 0.45 * [(Ag / Ach)-1] * (f’c / fyt)]

where
ρs = ratio of volume of circular reinforcement to total volume of
confined concrete core.
f’c = Specified compressive strength of concrete.
fyt = Specified yield strength of transverse reinforcement.
Ag = Gross area of concrete section.
Ach = Area of concrete member section measured to the outside
of the transverse reinforcement.

For other supported column geometries

ACI 318-11
Ash = MAX[0.3 * s * bc * (f’c / fyt) * [(Ag / Ach)-1] , 0.09 * s * bc *
(f’c / fyt)]
ACI 318-14
Ash = MAX[0.3 * s * bc * (f’c / fyt) * [(Ag / Ach)-1] , 0.09 * s * bc *
(f’c / fyt),
0.2 * kf * kn * (Pu /(MIN[fyt , 700MPa] * Ach)]
where
Ash = total cross-section of transverse reinforcement, including
cross-ties, within spacing s and perpendicular to
dimension bc.
s = Center to center spacing of transverse reinforcement
along the region's height.
bc = Cross section dimension of the member core measured
to the outside of the transverse reinforcement and in the
direction perpendicular to the considered reinforcement
link legs.
Ag = Gross area of concrete section.

US codes 184 Concrete design to ACI 318

Ach = Area of concrete member section measured to the
outside of the transverse reinforcement.

Support regions of columns belonging to any other Moment Resisting Frame

type have the minimum area of transverse reinforcement as per conventional
design requirements.

Maximum allowed center hoop spacing

The maximum allowed horizontal center spacing of hoops in confinement
regions of columns part of Moment Resisting Frames is limited as below.
If SFRS Type = Ordinary Moment Frame:
• No spacing requirement applies to support regions when designing for
seismic provisions.
If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame and the region is a support region:

scr,max,sup = MIN[6*db,smallest, 0.25*MIN(c1, c2), metric units

100 mm ≤ 100+((350 – hx)/3) ≤ 150
mm]
scr,max,sup = MIN[6*db,smallest, 0.25*MIN(c1, c2), US units
4 in. ≤ 4+((14 - hx)/3) ≤ 6 in.]

where
db,smallest = Smallest longitudinal reinforcement
bar diameter
c1 = Rectangular or equivalent
rectangular column dimension in
the direction of the span for which
moments are being considered
c2 = Dimension of the column
perpendicular to c1
hx = Maximum center-to-center
horizontal spacing of crossties at
any face of the column

If SFRS Type = Special Moment Frame and the region is not a support region:

scr,max,span = MIN[6 * db,smallest, 150 mm] metric units

scr,max,span = MIN[6 * db,smallest, 6 in.] US units

If SFRS Type = Intermediate Moment Frame and the region is a support region:

scr,max,sup = MIN[8*db,smallest, 24 *db,w , 1/2 * metric units

MIN(c1, c2), 300 mm]

US codes 185 Concrete design to ACI 318

scr,max,sup = MIN[8*db,smallest, 24 **db,w , 1/2 * US units
MIN(c1, c2), 12 in.]

where
db,w = = Link (hoop) diameter

If SFRS Type = Intermediate Moment Frame and the region is not a support
region:
• No spacing requirement applies beyond the conventional design
requirements.

Flexural reinforcement (columns seismic: ACI 318)

Development Length at the Foundation

Columns that are part of Special Moment Frames shall have their longitudinal
reinforcement extended into supporting footings, foundation mats or pile
caps for a length not less than the full development length in tension.
Lap Splices
Specific seismic requirements apply only to lap splices in compressive
members that are part of Special Moment Frames.
For columns that are part of Special Moment Frames:
• lap splices are only allowed at the center half of the column
• lap splices regions should be properly confined - hoop spacing should not
exceed the maximum allowed hoop spacing

NOTE Both of these requirements are beyond scope in the current release
of Tekla Structural Designer.

Confinement reinforcement for ductility (columns seismic: ACI 318)

Reinforcement Type
Confinement reinforcement in columns at regions where provided should
consist of hoops, i.e. closed or continuously wound ties with a seismic hook at
each end.

NOTE Confinement reinforcement in the form of spiral reinforcement is

beyond scope in the current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

Detailing Regions
Confinement reinforcement is required to be provided over three types of
regions along reinforced concrete columns that are part of Intermediate
Moment Frames and Special Moment Frames:

US codes 186 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Support regions: These are probable flexural yielding regions at the top
and bottom of the stack next to column-beam joints;
• Non-reversing plastic hinge regions: These are probable flexural yielding
regions outside support regions.

NOTE Non-reversing plastic hinge regions are not identified in the

current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

• Lap splices: Confinement reinforcement in the form of hoops is required to

be provided over the length of lap splices in reinforced concrete columns
part of Special Moment Frames

NOTE The requirement for hoop spacing not to exceed the maximum
allowed hoop spacing at lap splices is beyond scope in the current
release of Tekla Structural Designer.

Seismic design (walls: ACI 318)

Direction dependant seismic checks are performed in the in plane direction
only as this is the only direction in which shear walls are considered to act as
Seismic Force Resisting Systems.
Walls included in the SFRS as Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls
(ORCSW) have no specific seismic design provisions according to ACI318-11.
For overall limitations and assumptions, see:
• Limitations and assumptions (walls seismic: ACI 318) (page 187)
For seismic design, see:
• General requirements (walls seismic: ACI 318) (page 193)

See also
Seismic Design to ACI 318 (page 218)

Limitations and assumptions (walls seismic: ACI 318)

The following limitations and assumptions apply.

• For design purposes Tekla Structural Designer recognizes walls as isolated
elements and as such the influence of flanges from adjacent walls are not
to be considered when fulfilling seismic design requirements in those
elements. Requirements of ACI318-11 section 21.9.5.2 and section
21.9.6.4(b) do not apply.
• Additional requirements for wall piers not part of any SFRS when in Seismic
Design Categories D through F are not considered in the current release.

US codes 187 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Design and/or detailing requirements of Special Reinforced Concrete
Structural Walls is beyond scope (some checks are implemented but only
due to their existence in lower toughness systems).
• The use of spiral reinforcement as well as all seismic design checks and
related assumptions are not considered due to the fact that this type of
reinforcement is not currently available in Tekla Structural Designer.
• Special boundary elements in walls are directly linked with wall end-zones
in Tekla Structural Designer. The current settings do not allow for end-
zones of width different from the width of the wall itself.
• The Seismic Force Resisting System set by the user in each direction
through the Seismic Wizard for analysis purposes is not checked for
applicability against the allowed types from the resultant Seismic Design
Category. This is user responsibility.
• Seismic design checks are mostly based on capacity design obtained from
the main reinforcement provided. This can lead to an over-design of
structural members if the designer is not careful enough to minimize
excess capacity.
• The seismic design requirements for end-zone reinforcement are beyond
scope in the current release.
• Construction joints are beyond scope in the current release.
• Seismic design provisions specific for beam-wall frames are beyond scope
in the current release.
• Seismic design of walls with openings is beyond scope in the current
release.
• Seismic design of wall piers is beyond scope in the current release.
• Seismic design of coupling beams is beyond scope in the current release.
• Seismic detailing requirements apply to Special Reinforced Concrete
Structural Walls these are beyond scope in the current release.
•
NOTE A full list of the code checks that have and have not been
implemented is provided in the table below.

ACI 318 Seismic Code Checks for walls that have been implemented in
Tekla Structural Designer

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC

Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.1.4 Minimum required compressive SRCS - - -
.2 strength of concrete W
21.1.4 Maximum allowed compressive SRCS - - -
.3 strength of light-weight concrete W

US codes 188 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.1.5 Maximum allowed steel SRCS - - -
.2 characteristic yield strength of W
longitudinal reinforcement
21.1.5 Maximum yield strength of SRCS - - -
.4 transverse reinforcement in W
confinement regions of columns
21.1.5 Maximum allowed longitudinal SRCS - - -
.5 reinforcement yield strength W
used in the calculation of
transverse reinforcement
21.1.6 Mechanical Splices outside twice SRCS - - -
.1a) the member depth from column/ W
beam face or yielding regions
21.1.6 Mechanical Splices within twice SRCS - - -
.1b) the member depth from column/ W
beam face or yielding regions
21.1.7 Welded Splices within twice the SRCS - - -
.1 member depth from column/ W
beam face or yielding regions
21.1.7 Welding of stirrups or other SRCS - - -
.2 elements to longitudinal reinf. W
required by design
21.12. Confinement reinf.: Length inside SRCS - - -
2.3 footing when Special Boundary W
Element is within half the
foundation depth from the
footing edge
21.4.3 Minimum yield strength of IPCS - - -
connection not designed to yield W
21.4.4 Design of wall piers as columns SRCS - - -
/ (lw/bw ≤ 2.5) W
21.9.8
21.9.2 Minimum reinforcement ratio in SRCS - - -
.1 each of the wall plane orthogonal W
directions
21.9.2 Maximum allowed center spacing SRCS - - -
.1 W
21.9.2 Minimum number of SRCS - - -
.2 reinforcement layers (page 193) W
21.9.2 Minimum discontinuous vertical SRCS - - -
.3a) bar extension W

US codes 189 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.9.2 Development length at locations SRCS - - -
.3a) where flexural yielding is likely to W
occur
21.9.2 Minimum yield strength for SRCS - - -
.3c) development length and lap W
splices
21.9.3 Factored shear force at any SRCS - - -
section from lateral load analysis W
21.9.4 Maximum nominal shear SRCS - - -
.1 strength W
21.9.4 Reinforcement in wall plane SRCS - - -
.3 provided in both directions W
21.9.4 Minimum in plane reinforcement SRCS - - -
.3 ratios (page 193) W
21.9.4 Maximum wall segment SRCS - - -
.4 combined nominal shear W
strength
21.9.4 Maximum individual vertical or SRCS - - -
.4/21. horizontal wall segment or W
9.4.5 coupling beam shear strength
21.9.5 Effective width of flanged wall SRCS - - -
.2 sections W
21.9.6 Minimum extreme fiber SRCS - - -
.3 compressive stress to require W
Special Boundary Elements
21.9.6 Minimum stress to discontinue SRCS - - -
.3 Special Boundary Element W
21.9.6 Minimum length of end-zone SRCS - - -
.4(a) towards the center of the cross- W
section when Special Boundary
Elements are required
21.9.6 Minimum length of end-zone SRCS - - -
.4(b) towards the center of the cross- W
section in flanged sections with
Special Boundary Elements
- Minimum width of end-zone with SRCS - - -
special boundary elements W
21.9.6 Special confining reinforcement SRCS - - -
.4(c) type (hook/extension) W
21.9.6 Confining reinf.: Maximum SRCS - - -
.4c) spacing allowed between cross W
ties

US codes 190 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.9.6 Confining reinf.: Maximum SRCS - - -
.4c) allowed longitudinal center link W
spacing
21.9.6 Confinement reinf.: Minimum SRCS - - -
.4c) volumetric ratio / area of spiral or W
circular reinforcement
21.9.6 Confinement Reinf.: Minimum SRCS - - -
.4c) area of rectangular transverse W
reinforcement
21.9.6 Confining reinf.: Length of region SRCS - - -
.4d) inside footings, mats or pile caps, W
ld
21.9.6 Confining reinf.: Length of region SRCS - - -
.4d) into support W
21.9.6 Development / anchorage of SRCS - - -
.4e) horizontal reinforcement with W
boundary elements
21.9.6 Ordinary Boundary Confinement SRCS - - -
.5a) region length - towards the W
center of the cross-section - at an
end where special boundary
elements are not required
21.9.6 Maximum spacing allowed SRCS - - -
.5a) between cross ties in high W
compression confinement reinf.
at a boundary where special
boundary elements are not
required
21.9.6 Maximum long. center spacing of SRCS - - -
.5a) high compression confinement W
reinforcement at an end where
special boundary elements are
not required
21.9.6 Maximum spacing allowed SRCS - - -
.5a) between cross ties or legs of W
hoops
21.9.6 Design shear threshold for SRCS - - -
.5b) ignoring the need of engaging W
horizontal bars at the ends with
standard hooks
21.9.7 Minimum value of aspect ratio SRCS - - -
.1 (ln/h) to consider diagonal reinf. W

US codes 191 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.9.7 Maximum shear allowed before SRCS - - -
.2 considering diagonal reinf. W
21.9.7 Nominal Shear Strength of a SRCS - - -
.4a) coupling beam W
21.9.7 Minimum number of bars to be SRCS - - -
.4b) provided along each diagonal W
21.9.7 Minimum length of diagonal bars SRCS - - -
.4b) embedded into the wall W
21.9.7 Minimum breadth of the concrete SRCS - - -
.4c) core measured to the external W
face of the confining
reinforcement
21.9.7 Minimum dimension of the SRCS - - -
.4c) concrete core in any direction W
than not the parallel to bw,
measured to the external face of
the confining reinf.
21.9.7 Special confining reinforcement SRCS - - -
.4c) (hook/extension) W
21.9.7 Confining reinf.: Maximum SRCS - - -
.4c) allowed center link spacing W
21.9.7 Confining reinf.: Minimum SRCS - - -
.4c) volumetric ratio / area of spiral or W
circular reinf.
21.9.7 Confining Reinf.: Minimum area SRCS - - -
.4c) of rectangular transverse reinf. W
21.9.7 Minimum allowed total area of SRCS - - -
.4c) the additional longitudinal W
reinforcement
21.9.7 Maximum allowed spacing SRCS - - -
.4c) between the additional W
longitudinal bars
21.9.7 Minimum allowed area of the SRCS - - -
.4c) additional transverse W
reinforcement
21.9.7 Maximum allowed spacing SRCS - - -
.4c) between the additional W
transverse bars
21.9.8 Design shear force calculation for SRCS - - -
.1a) wall piers with lw/bw > 2.5 and not W
designed as columns

US codes 192 Concrete design to ACI 318

Code Requirement SFRS SDC SDC SDC SDC
Ref. A A B D,E,F
21.9.8 Nominal shear strength and SRCS - - -
.1b) distributed shear reinforcement W
21.9.8 Reinforcement type requirement SRCS - - -
.1c) for wall piers with lw/bw > 2.5 and W
not designed as columns
21.9.8 Maximum allowed vertical SRCS - - -
.1d) spacing of transverse W
reinforcement. Wall piers with
lw/bw > 2.5 and not designed as
columns
21.9.8 Length of the transverse reinf. SRCS - - -
.1e) region above and below the wall W
pier. Wall piers with lw/bw > 2.5
and not designed as columns
21.9.8 Consider boundary elements SRCS - - -
.1f) W
21.9.8 Horizontal reinf. In adjacent walls SRCS - - -
.2 when wall pier is at the edge of a W
wall
ASCE Limiting Height (page 193) SRCS - - -
7/10 - W
12.2.1
ASCE Limiting Height (page 193) IPCS - - -
7/10 - W
12.2.1
R21.9 Vertical Segment Classification SRCS - - -
.1 (page 193): Conditions for wall W
segments to require specific wall
pier design

NOTE • For further details of the checks that have been implemented, see:
General requirements (walls seismic: ACI 318) (page 193), or
consult the respective clause reference in the code.
• Most of the requirements will be fulfilled through automatic
design. In some cases specific design options will need to be set by
the user.
• Additional requirements may apply to members that are not part
of the SFRS when in SDC’s D, E or F
• Confinement regions: - support regions; - Probable flexural yield
regions; - Lap splice regions.

US codes 193 Concrete design to ACI 318

General requirements (walls seismic: ACI 318)

Maximum recommended axial force

As to impose the wall ductile behaviour axial force values are recommended
to be kept low in the design of Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls
resisting earthquake effects. The maximum axial force value in walls is
recommended to be kept below the balanced point. Compression controlled
walls should be avoided.

NOTE The current release of Tekla Structural Designer does not check if the
axial force is below the balanced point.

Limiting Height
Buildings in which Special Reinforced Concrete Structural walls compose the
SFRS in any of the main directions should have their height limited. Where
dual systems of SRCSW and Moment Frames resisting at least 25% of the total
shear exist there are no height restrictions.

NOTE The current release of Tekla Structural Designer does not check the
maximum allowed building height based on Seismic Design Category.

Vertical Segment Classification

Isolated vertical segments within a wall - wall with openings - can be classified
as wall segments or wall piers. For Special Reinforced Structural Walls and
depending on the classification of the segment the governing design
provisions can be split into provisions for walls and provisions for wall piers.

NOTE This is beyond scope in the current release of Tekla Structural

Designer.

Mid-zone Reinforcement
Vertical and horizontal bars in mid-zones of Special Reinforced Concrete
Structural Walls are designed according to the requirements of the following
sections.
Minimum number of reinforcement layers
The minimum number of reinforcement layers allowed to be used in a Special
Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall is governed by the amount of in-plane
shear sustained by the wall
If the wall thickness bw is greater than 250mm (10 in.) then at least two
curtains of reinforcement are required.
If the wall thickness bw is less than 250mm (10 in.) and the SFRS Type = Special
Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall, then the minimum number of layers is
dependent on the maximum shear force in the panel (ACI 318-11); or the

US codes 194 Concrete design to ACI 318

maximum shear force and wall geometry (ACI 318-14). This is checked
accordingly.
Additionally, reinforcement is required to be provided in both of the
orthogonal directions in the wall plane - This requirement is automatically met
as Tekla Structural Designer does not design walls with reinforcement in only
one of the orthogonal directions in wall plane.
Minimum in plane reinforcement ratios
The minimum reinforcement ratio required in each of the orthogonal direction
in the wall plane is dependent on the maximum panel factored shear force
from analysis for seismic combinations and calculated as follows:

NOTE Grouped bars reinforcing the edges of the walls (end-zones) are not
considered for the purpose of calculating reinforcement ratios.

IF SFRS Type = Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall then the maximum
factored shear force at the panel is checked:

If Vu > Vu,lim

where
Vu = Maximum factored shear force in the wall panel
obtained from the analysis for seismic
combinations.
Vu,lim = Minimum factored shear force in the wall above
which horizontal and vertical main reinforcement
minimum ratios need to be checked.
Mnc,l,top, = Nominal Moment Strength of the stack above
Mnc,r,top converging on the same joint for the axial force
value consistent with the minimum Nominal
Moment Strength respectively for the left and right
sway cases.

Then a check for minimum reinforcement ratio in each orthogonal direction

on the wall plane is performed as follows:

ρl ≥ ρmin

ρt ≥ ρmin
where
ρl, ρt = Respectively the ratio of area of distributed vertical and
horizontal reinforcement to gross concrete area
perpendicular to each of those reinforcements.
ρmin Minimum allowed ratio of reinforcement in the wall plane
= 0.0025. =

US codes 195 Concrete design to ACI 318

Else if Vu ≤ Vu,lim

ρl and ρt are allowed to be taken as the wall design conventional values.

Depending on the overall dimensions of a wall the vertical reinforcement ratio,
ρl in Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls is limited to be of the same
value or larger than the horizontal reinforcement ratio, ρt

End-zone Reinforcement

NOTE The seismic design requirements for end zone reinforcement are
beyond scope in the current release of Tekla Structural Designer.

Shear Strength
Minimum shear strength
The basic design requirement for shear reinforcement in a wall is to have the
reduced shear strength higher or the same as the maximum factored shear
force at the considered section resultant from earthquake combinations.
Some level of over-strength is expected when designing to multiple load
combinations.
IF SFRS Type = Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Wall then the following
check for shear strength is performed:

ɸVn ≥ Vu

where
ɸ = Strength reduction factor. For purposes of checking the
nominal shear strength = 0.6
Vn = Maximum nominal shear strength at the considered
panel.
Vu = Maximum factored shear force in the wall panel obtained
from the analysis for seismic combinations.

Concrete slab design to ACI 318

Find out more about the application of ACI 318 within Tekla Structural
Designer with regard to:
• Cover to Reinforcement (ACI 318) (page 133)
• Design parameters for longitudinal bars (page 136)
• Design for bending for rectangular sections (page 140)
• Punching shear checks (page 208)
If working to ACI 318-19 note the following important information:

US codes 196 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Slab and mat design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)

Pad and strip base design to ACI 318

Find out more about the application of ACI 318 within Tekla Structural
Designer with regard to:
• Checks performed (page 197)
• Foundation bearing capacity (page 198)
• Design for shear (page 200)
• Check for transfer forces at column base (page 201)
• Check for transfer of horizontal forces by shear friction (page 201)
• Check for overturning forces (page 202)
• Check for sliding (page 202)
• Check for uplift (page 203)
• Checks for limiting parameters (page 204)
• Punching shear checks (page 208)
If working to ACI 318-19 note the following important information:
• Pad bases, strip footings & pile caps (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)

See also
Cover to Reinforcement (ACI 318) (page 133)
Design for bending for rectangular sections (beams and slabs: ACI 318)
(page 140)

Checks performed (pad and strip base:ACI 318)

The checks performed for both directions are:
• Max soil bearing pressure must not exceed allowable bearing pressure.
• Provided steel must be greater than As(min) for both vertical directions.
• Provided bar spacing must be inside the limiting spacing
• Provided bar size must be inside the limiting sizes
• Check for bending moment capacity
• Check for shear capacity - wide beam action at 'd' from column face
• Punching check at 'd/2' from column face - two-way action
• Check for transfer of forces at column base

US codes 197 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Check for transfer of horizontal forces by shear friction theory
• Check for overturning forces - not in the current release
• Check for sliding
• Check for uplift

Foundation Bearing Capacity (pad and strip base:ACI 318)

Check for Pad Base Bearing Capacity
Bearing capacity calculations are done using service (soil) -combinations.
Total base reaction:

T = Fswt + Fsoil + Fdl,sur + Fll,sur - P

Moment about X axis:

M x,c = Mx,sup - P * ey - tftg *F y,sup

Moment about Y axis:

M y,c = M y,sup + P * ex + tftg *F x,sup

Where:

Lx = Length of foundation in X-direction

Ly = Length of foundation in Y-direction
Af = L x * L y = Foundation area
tftg = Depth of foundation
Ds = Depth of soil above the foundation
lx = Length of column/wall in X-direction
ly = Length of column/wall in Y-direction
Ac = cross section of the column/wall segment
ex = eccentricity in X direction
ey = eccentricity in Y direction
ρc = density of concrete
ρs = density of soil
Fswt = Af * tftg * ρc = foundation self-weight
Fsoil = (Af - Ac)*Ds* ρs = soil self-weight
Fdl,sur = (Af - Ac)*scdl = Dead load from surcharge
Fll,sur = (Af - Ac)*scll = Live load from surcharge

US codes 198 Concrete design to ACI 318

scdl = Surcharge in dead loadcase
scdl = Surcharge in live loadcase
P = axial load acting on support in service combinations
Mx,sup = Moment acting on support around X-axis in service comb.
My,sup = Moment acting on support around Y-axis in service comb.
Ac = cross section of the column/wall
F x,sup = Horizontal force acting on support X-direction in service
comb.
F y,sup = Horizontal force acting on support Y-direction in service
comb.

Eccentricity of base reaction in X-direction:

eTx = My,c / T

Eccentricity of base reaction in Y-direction:

eTy = Mx,c / T

If abs(eTx) / Lx + abs(eTy) / Ly ≤ 0.167

Then base reaction acts within kern distance - no loss of contact in X-direction,
and:
Pad base pressures:

q1 = T/Af – 6* My,c / (Lx*Af) + 6* Mx,c / (Ly*Af)

q2 = T/Af – 6* My,c / (Lx*Af) - 6* Mx,c / (Ly*Af)
q3 = T/Af + 6* My,c / (Lx*Af + 6* Mx,c / (Ly*Af)
q4 = T/Af + 6* My,c / (Lx*Af - 6* Mx,c / (Ly*Af)

Max base pressure:

qmax = max (q1, q2, q3, q4)

Else base reaction acts outside kern distance - loss of contact.

In this case the pressure calculations are more complex - in Tekla Structural
Designer these are done using sets of equations presented in an article by
Kenneth E. Wilson published in the Journal of Bridge Engineering in 1997

Check for Strip Base Bearing Capacity

The principles used in the strip base bearing capacity calculations are similar
to those for pad foundations. Only the direction X is checked (around Y-axis)
using segment widths.
If abs(eTx) / Lx ≤ 0.167

US codes 199 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Then - no loss of contact, and:
max base pressures for segment:

qmax = T/Af + max[- 6* My,c / (Lx*Af) , 6*My,c / (Lx*Af)]

Else - loss of contact and

max base pressures for segment:

qmax = 2*T/[3* Ly* (Lx /2 - abs(eTx))]

where
Ly = segment width

Design for shear (pad and strip base:ACI 318)

Pad base shear design check
The nominal shear strength of the concrete in beam action, is given by1

vn = 2*λ*MIN(√(f`c), 100psi)*d
= 0.17*λ*MIN(√(f`c) ,8.3MPa)*d

where

λ = modification factor related to the density of the concrete

λ = 1.0 for normal weight concrete

If

vu ≤ Φshear*vn

Then the foundation thickness is adequate for shear -

Utilization ratio is then;

U-ratio = max [ vu / (Φshear*vn) ]

Else the check has failed, the foundation thickness is inadequate.

NOTE If the thickness is inadequate and the auto-design footing depth

option is active then the foundation thickness gets increased.

1 ACI 318-08 Sections 11.1.2 and 11.2.1.1 Eqn (11-3)

US codes 200 Concrete design to ACI 318

Strip base shear design check
The principle of the strip base shear design check is similar to that for the pad
base. Only the direction X is checked (around Y-axis) using segment widths.

Check for transfer forces at column base (pad and strip base:ACI 318)
This check applies when a concrete column is attached to the foundation.
Determinate the bearing strength of the column:

Φ*Pnb,c = Φbearing (0.85*f’c * Ac)

If
Φ*Pnb,c < - Pu
Then check fails
Else determinate the bearing strength of the footing:
Φ*Pnb,f = min [√(A2/Ac), 2] * Φbearing (0.85*f’c * Ac)
where for rectangular columns:
A2 = min {Lx , 2tftg + lx+ min [(Lx-lx)/2 - abs(ex), 2tftg]} * min {Ly ,
2tftg + ly + min [(Ly-ly)/2 - abs(ey), 2tftg]}

NOTE Circular columns are treated as square members with the same area.

If

Φ*Pnb,f < - Pu
Then check fails
Required min. area of dowel bars between column and footing is then:1
As,min = 0.005*Ac
Currently dowel bars are not designed.
The area of the provided column reinforcement As,prov,column is the same as
the provided reinforcement of starter/dowel bars.
If
As,min > As,prov,column
Then check fails
1: ACI 318-08 Section 15.8.2.1

US codes 201 Concrete design to ACI 318

 Check for transfer of horizontal forces by shear friction (pad and strip
base:ACI 318)
This check applies when a concrete column is attached to the foundation.
Determinate if the shear-friction design method applicable1:
When surface is not intentionally roughened (conservative assumption)

If Vu ≤ Φshear * Ac min(0.2*f’c , 800psi) for US units

Vu ≤ Φshear * Ac min(0.2*f’c , 5.5MPa) for metric units
where
Vu = max[abs(Fy,sup,u) , abs(Fx,sup,u)]

Then maximum shear transfer is permitted at the base of the column.

Required area of dowel reinforcement:

Avf = Vu / (fy * Φshear*μ)

where
μ = 0.6 when concrete not intentionally roughened (assumption)
μ = 1.0 when concrete intentionally roughened
μ = 1.4 when concrete placed monolithically
Currently dowel bars are not designed.
The area of the provided column reinforcement As,prov,column is the same as
the provided reinforcement of starter/dowel bars.
If

Avf > As,pr

ov,col
umn

Then check fails

Check for overturning forces (pad and strip base:ACI 318)

NOTE Checks for overturning forces are beyond scope in the current release
of Tekla Structural Designer.

1 ACI 318-08 Section 15.8.2.1

US codes 202 Concrete design to ACI 318

Check for sliding (pad and strip base:ACI 318)
The check for sliding is carried out for pad foundations only.
If there is no horizontal force acting on foundation check for sliding is not
required.
Resultant Force on foundation:
Hd = √[(Fx,sup)2 + (Fy,sup)2]
Resultant Force Angle αHd = tan-1 [(Fy,sup / Fx,sup)]
where
Fx,sup = horizontal force acting on support in X-dir. (from analysis)
Fy,sup = horizontal force acting on support in Y-dir. (from analysis)

Resistance to sliding due to base friction:

Hfriction = [-P + Fswt] * tanδ
where
δ = design base friction – user input
Passive pressure coefficient:
Kp = (1+sinΦ’) / (1-sinΦ’)
where
Φ’ = design shear strength of soil – user input
Passive resistance of soil in X direction:
Hxpas = 0.5*Kp*(h2 +2*h*hsoil)*Lx* ρsoil
Passive resistance of soil in Y direction:
Hypas = 0.5*Kp*(h2 +2*h*hsoil)*Ly* ρsoil
Resultant Passive Resistance:
Hres,pas = abs(Hxpas*cos αHd) + abs(Hypas*sin αHd)
Total resistance to sliding:
RHd = (Hfriction + Hres,pas) / 1.5
If
RHd ≥ Hd
The check for stability against sliding passes

US codes 203 Concrete design to ACI 318

Check for uplift (pad and strip base:ACI 318)
For combinations producing tension at the support, the tension value is
compared to the stabilizing loads and checked against a factor of safety (FOS).
Auto-design can automatically increment the base size to achieve a passing
status.
The FOS considered for the uplift check is specified under Design Options >
Concrete > Foundations > Isolated Foundations > General Parameters (default
value = 1.50).

Checks for limiting parameters (pad and strip base: ACI 318)
Limiting reinforcement parameters are specified in Design Options >
Foundations > Isolated Foundations > Reinforcement Layout

Limits on bar size and reinforcement quantities

For structural foundations of uniform thickness the minimum areaof tensile
reinforcement shall be:
For metric units:
IF Grade 280 to 350 deformed bars are used

As, ≥ b*h*0.0020
min,
req
d

IF Grade 350 to 420 deformed bars or welted wire reinforcement are used

As, ≥ b*h*0.0018
min,
req
d

IF yield stress exceeds 420 MPa

As,min,re ≥ b*h* [MAX(0.0014 , 0.0018*420/fy)]

qd

For US-units:
IF Grade 40 to 50 deformed bars are used

As,min,re ≥ b*h*0.0020
qd

IF Grade 50 to 60 deformed bars or welted wire reinforcement are used

US codes 204 Concrete design to ACI 318

As,min,re ≥ b*h*0.0018
qd

IF yield stress exceeds 60000 psi

As,min,re ≥ b*h*[MAX(0.0014 , 0.0018*60000/fy)]

qd
where
b = unit width

The maximum area of tensile reinforcement shall be:

As,max ≤ 0.85*(f`c/fy)*β1*b*d*(3/7)
where
Ag = the gross area of the concrete section
V = stress block depth factor1
1:ACI 318-08, ACI 318-11, ACI 318M-08 and
ACI 318M-11 Section 10.2.7.3

metric-units

β1 = 0.85 for f`c ≤ 28Mpa

= 0.85 – 0.05 *[(f'c – 28MPa)/ for 28MPa < f`c < 55Mpa
7MPa]
= 0.65 for f`c ≥ 55MPa

US-units

β1 = min(max(0.85 - 0.05 ´ (f'c - 4 ksi) / 1ksi, 0.65), 0.85)

= 0.85 for f`c ≤ 4000 psi
= 0.85 – 0.05 *[(f'c – 4ksi)/1ksi] for 4000 psi < f`c < 8000psi
= 0.65 for f`c ≥ 8000 psi

Pile cap design to ACI 318

The forces acting on a pile cap are applied to the foundation at the foundation
level. The foundation can take axial load and bi-axial shear and moment.
Pile cap design is divided between pile design (pile capacity check) and
structural design of the pile cap which includes bending, shear and punching
shear design checks.
Find out more about the application of ACI 318 within Tekla Structural
Designer with regard to:

US codes 205 Concrete design to ACI 318

• Pile axial capacity (page 206)
• Pile lateral capacity (page 206)
• Design for bending (page 206)
• Shear design (page 207)
• Checks for limiting parameters (page 207)
• Punching shear checks (page 208)
If working to ACI 318-19 note the following important information:
• Pad bases, strip footings & pile caps (ACI 318-19 update) (page 128)

Pile axial capacity (ACI 318)

The pile axial capacity is compared to the axial service load acting on pile:
Pile capacity passes if:

Rc ≥ Pn ≥ - Rt
Where:
Rc = Pile compression resistance
Rt = Pile tension resistance
Pn = Pile load

Pile lateral capacity (ACI 318)

NOTE This check is only performed if Check piles for lateral load is selected
in Design Settings.

The pile lateral capacity is compared to the lateral service load acting on pile:
Pile capacity passes if:

HR ≥ HF
Where:
HR = Pile lateral resistance
HF = Pile lateral load

US codes 206 Concrete design to ACI 318

Design for bending (pile cap:ACI 318)
The pile cap is treated as a beam in bending, where the critical bending
moments for the design for the bottom reinforcement are taken at the face of
the column.
The basic design method is identical to that for beams - see:Design for
bending for rectangular sections (beams and slabs: ACI 318) (page 140)

Shear design (pile cap: ACI 318)

Pile shear capacity passes if:

vsu ≤ Φ vc
and
vsu,d ≤ Φ vc,d

for both sides and directions.

Refer to CRSI Design Handbook 2002 - Chapter 13, page 13-18…13-21

Checks for limiting parameters (pile cap: ACI 318)

Limiting reinforcement parameters are specified in Design Options >
Foundations > Isolated Foundations > Reinforcement Layout

Check for distance of pile cap overhang

The check passes if:

min ei > min (emin , emin,user)

where:
emin = MAX[230mm, when Rc ≤ 534 kN Metric
380mm - 0.5 * lp]
emin = MAX[9in, 15in - 0.5 when Rc ≤ 120 kips US Customary
* lp]
emin = MAX[230mm, when 534 kN < Rc Metric
530mm - 0.5 * lp] ≤ 1068 kN
emin = MAX[9in, 21in - 0.5 when 120 kips < Rc US Customary
* lp] ≤ 240 kips
emin = MAX[230mm, when 1068 kN < Rc Metric
685mm - 0.5 * lp] ≤ 1779 kN
emin = MAX[9in, 27in - 0.5 when 240 kips < Rc US Customary
* lp] ≤ 400 kips

US codes 207 Concrete design to ACI 318

 emin = MAX[230mm, when Rc > 1779 kN Metric
760mm - 0.5 * lp]
emin = MAX[9in, 30in - 0.5 when Rc > 400 kips US Customary
* lp]
lp = least width/diameter of the pile

Check for minimum pile spacing

Check center to center spacing “s” between piles “i” and “j” in a pile group:
The check passes if:
If sij > min(smin , smin,user)
where
smin,user = user input
smin = max (least width of the pile + 0.6m , 0.9m) for metric units

smin = max (least width of the pile + 2ft. , 3 ft) for US customary units1

Check for maximum pile spacing

Check center to center maximum spacing “s” between piles “i” and “j” in a pile
group:
The check passes if:
If sij < smax,user
smax,user = user input

Other checks
The remaining checks are identical to those for pad bases.
See: Pad Base and Strip Footing Design - Checks for limiting parameters (pad
and strip base: ACI 318) (page 204).

Punching shear checks to ACI 318

Aspects of Tekla Structural Designer's punching shear design that are specific
to ACI 318.

1 CRSI – Design handbook page 13-18

US codes 208 Concrete design to ACI 318

Limitations and assumptions
Applicability of wall punching checks
Punching checks of walls on slabs are made but should be viewed with
particular caution.
In particular there is some debate regarding the applicability of a punching
check from a long wall - the check doesn’t consider the potential for stress
concentrations at the ends of the wall.

Columns and walls not perpendicular to slabs

The program treats all columns and walls that are not perpendicular to slabs
as if they are for the punching areas developed. The relevant load is resolved
to act perpendicular to the slab for punching checks.
This is conservative as the punching area/perimeter will be smaller than that
for the angled column or wall.

Overlapping control perimeters

The calculations are beyond scope in the following situations:
• If two control areas touch then both areas are set to Beyond Scope.
• If an edge or corner area contains another column or wall then both areas
are set to Beyond Scope.
The exception to this is the pile pair check in the design of pile caps.

Slab shear strength

ACI318 refers to two forms of slab shear strength
• One way action - beam action in long or narrow slabs or between close-by
points of application of load/reaction.
• Two way action - punching along a truncated cone around a concentrated
load or reaction area.
Tekla Structural Designer only considers punching shear (two way action) and
not beam action in slab design.

US codes 209 Concrete design to ACI 318

Definitions
The following definitions are applied

• Loaded perimeter – the perimeter of the loaded area e.g. face of column
or wall or drop panel
• Critical Perimeter – the first punching shear perimeter – at d/2 from the
loaded perimeter in ACI
• Trial perimeter – is the check punching shear perimeter of smallest
length, depending on the reinforcement arrangement, at n x d/2 from the
loaded perimeter.
• nth Trial Perimeter – the nth punching shear perimeter – at n x d/2 from
the loaded perimeter with n = [1, 2, …]
• Outer perimeter – the shear perimeter at which the punching shear check
passes with no reinforcement requirement
• bo is the length of the 1st critical perimeter

• bon is the length of the nth critical perimeter

• Tension reinforcement - slab longitudinal reinforcement at the punching
check slab surface. When aligned patch reinforcement shall be combined
with panel reinforcement in all cases with the exception of wall punching
checks. Reinforcement is only valid for punching shear checks if provided in
both orthogonal directions.
• Average effective depth d to the tension reinforcement d = (dy + dz) / 2

US codes 210 Concrete design to ACI 318

 where dy and dz are the effective depths in the two orthogonal directions.
There is a value of d for top steel and a different value for bottom steel.
If a slab around the check position changes depth, the thinnest slab and its
d values are used.
Note this definition changes in the presence of a drop panel.
• Drop or Drop panel – a thickening of the slab (either up or down or both)
local to a column in a slab

Loaded, critical and outer perimeters

• Loaded perimeter
• Minimum length perimeter enclosing the loaded area, which for a
regular column will be the column section perimeter.

• In some cases of irregular column shapes, such as the L, T, and elbow

shapes below, it will be different (shorter) than the actual column
section perimeter.

US codes 211 Concrete design to ACI 318

 • In the case of columns with drops there are two loaded perimeters -
one for the column and one at the edge of the drop, (uses each
effective depth).

• The loaded perimeter is not used directly in ACI detailed calculations.

• Critical Perimeter

• Reinforcement requirement is checked at this perimeter

• It is of rectangular shape and located at a distance of half the effective
depth from the perimeter equivalent rectangle section for all section
shapes
• There are two critical perimeters in the case of columns with drops -
one for the column and one for the drop (uses each effective depth)

US codes 212 Concrete design to ACI 318

 • More than one consecutive critical perimeter can exist if reinforcement
is required at punching check positions where the arrangement can not
be designed
• Outer Perimeter

• Not visible in the drawings.

• Is the punching shear perimeter with enough length to allow for
concrete to resist shear stress on it’s own.
• Reinforcement is no longer required at this perimeter.
• No other perimeters are required to be checked beyond the outer
perimeter.
• The distance from bounding rectangle section to the outer perimeter is
used to calculate the required length of reinforcement.
• Its shape follows the control/critical perimeter shapes but changes with
the use of non-uniform reinforcement arrangements (i.e. orthogonal).

Length of loaded and critical perimeters

Columns
The length of the loaded perimeter, u0 at the column face and critical
perimeter, b0 is calculated as determined below.
Each possible column shape also has a bounding rectangle or circle calculated
to aid in the design calculations.
Rectangular columns

US codes 213 Concrete design to ACI 318

Loaded perimeter, u0 = 2 x (D + B)
Bounding rectangle properties:
DBound = D
BBound = B
Bounding Perimeter, u0Bound = 2 x (DBound + BBound)
an = max(D,B)
bn = min(D,B)
β = an / bn
Critical perimeter, b0 = 2 x (DBound + BBound + 2 x d)
Note d = ddrop if a drop is present
Circular columns

Loaded perimeter, u0 = π x D
Equivalent rectangle properties:
DEquiv = u0 /4
BEquiv = u0 /4
Bounding rectangle properties:
DBound = D
BBound = D
Bounding Perimeter, u0Bound = 2 x (DBound + BBound)
β = 1.0

US codes 214 Concrete design to ACI 318

Critical perimeter, bo = 2 x (DEquiv + BEquiv + 2d)
Note d = ddrop if a drop is present
Columns which have a re-entrant corner, i.e. where an internal angle is
greater than 180 degrees, the length of a side and the slab/column interface is
adjusted as indicated in the sketches below with the perimeter taken as the
shortest distance around the column.

Loaded perimeter, u0 = shortest distance around the column, as shown above.

Bounding rectangle properties:
DBound = D
BBound = B
Bounding Perimeter, u0Bound = 2 x (DBound + BBound)

Walls
The length of the loaded perimeter at the wall face is calculated as determined
below.

Loaded perimeter, u0 = 2 x (D + B)
Bounding rectangle properties:
DBound = Dload
BBound = Bload
Bounding Perimeter, u0Bound = 2 x (DBound + BBound)
an = max(D,B)
bn = min(D,B)
β = an / bn
Critical perimeter, b0 = 2 x (DBound + BBound + 2 x d)
Note d is for the slab

Point loads
The length of the loaded perimeter at the point load may be calculated as
determined below.
Loaded perimeter = 2 x (Dload + Bload)

US codes 215 Concrete design to ACI 318

Bounding rectangle properties:
DBound = Dload
BBound = Bload
Bounding Perimeter, u0Bound = 2 x (DBound + BBound)
an = max(D,B)
bn = min(D,B)
β = an / bn
Critical perimeter, b0 = 2 x (DBound + BBound + 2 x d)
Note d is for the slab

Additional loaded perimeter drops

The additional loaded perimeter for a column/wall with a drop is defined by
the perimeter of the rectangular drop
u0drop = 2 x Bdrop x Ddrop
an = max(Ddrop,Bdrop)
bn = min(Ddrop,Bdrop)
β = an / bn
Critical perimeter, b0 = 2 x (Ddrop + Bdrop + 2 x d)
Note d is for the slab around the drop

The equivalent perimeter

For any column and wall shape, the equivalent perimeter -
For “rectangular” shapes of column (all except circle and polygon of n sides)
and walls, the equivalent loaded perimeter -
• DEquiv = DBound x u0 / u0Bound
• BEquiv = BBound x u0 / u0Bound

The equivalent perimeter is used in three situations

US codes 216 Concrete design to ACI 318

• adjustment of the loaded perimeter length/shape u0 for edge and corner
columns/walls
• for the rectangle from which the critical and subsequent trial perimeters
are determined
• Reduction in VEd (the area is the area inside the equivalent rectangle).

Peripheral section properties

When using an orthogonal reinforcement arrangement:
• Properties are obtained for the principal axis system
• Peripheral section properties determined using line approach (start and
end coordinates) - ACI 421.1R-08 guidance

Modification of control perimeters to take account of slab openings

If NOT working to ACI 318-19
If any openings are present in the slab and if the nearest opening edge is not
greater than 10 x h (h = slab thickness) from the face of the column then the
length of the loaded perimeter at the column face, bo and out from there to
bon are reduced to take account of the presence of the opening(s) as indicated
in ACI 318-08 Figure R11.11.6 ; ACI 318-11 Figure R11.11.6 ; ACI 318-14 Figure
R22.6.4.3

NOTE When a perimeter length has been reduced to cater for openings - as the
exact position of the opening in relation to the reinforcement strips is not
known, the calculations conservatively ignore any patch reinforcement in the
punching checks - only the slab reinforcement is used.

If working to ACI 318-19

If any openings are present in the slab and if the nearest opening edge is not
greater than 4 x h (h = slab thickness) from the face of the column then the
length of the critical perimeter at the column face, bo and out from there to
bon are reduced to take account of the presence of the opening(s) as indicated
in ACI 318-19 Section 22.6.4.3, Figure R22.6.4.3

User Modification of control perimeters

If you want to consider the effect of openings, but do not want to place them
in the slab, this can be done by defining the following property:

US codes 217 Concrete design to ACI 318

• bo - user reduction
When applied, the length of the perimeter is reduced by the specified amount.

Pad base punching shear checks

When working to ACI 318, the punching shear checks for pad bases follow the
same basic principle as used for mats, the main differences being:
• Column local axes are always parallel with the pad base edges in the pad
base punching checks.
• Loads from the column are always above the pad base (one direction).
• No openings can be placed in pad bases.
• No shear reinforcement is used in pad bases.

Pile cap punching shear checks

When working to ACI 318, punching shear checks are performed for the
column and the individual and paired piles.
The punching shear check for the column is similar to that for pad bases, but
with the following difference:
• the shear force at a perimeter uses the value from the column reduced by
pile loads within the perimeter
The punching shear check for the pile is similar to that for pad bases, but with
the following differences:
• variable d is replaced with dred where dred =min (h – “pile penetration
depth”, average reinforcement effective depth)
• no moments act on top of the pile, only axial load considered

Seismic Design to ACI 318

Reinforced concrete structures in buildings subjected to earthquake effects
are designed elastically to the strains and displacements both from static and
dynamic forces which they are subjected to. It is recognized that during an
earthquake the building and its structural elements are very likely to be
exposed to displacements well into their inelastic range and special
precautions need to be taken as to increase the strength of critical sections in
members which contribute to the building's lateral resistance while also
contributing to the ductile behavior of the building in order to allow for the
dissipation of induced stresses.
In the case of reinforced concrete structures, particular design and detailing
requirements (provisions) need to be fulfilled beyond the conventional design
of the elements as to provide them with ductile response capabilities. Such

US codes 218 Concrete design to ACI 318

requirements are mainly addressed to structural elements part of structural
systems built for the purpose of resisting seismic lateral forces - Seismic Force
Resisting Systems [SFRS]. Seismic provisions also apply to reinforced concrete
elements not part of the SFRS when the building is assigned to a higher
Seismic Design Category - SDC D, E or F.
The seismic design checks and detailing requirements of reinforced concrete
members in Tekla Structural Designer are based mainly on ACI318, Chapter 21
- Earthquake-Resisting Structures.

Seismic Force Resisting Systems

The level of design and detailing required of members that are part of a
seismic resisting structural system can differ depending on the amount of
toughness they are intended to provide to the building. ACI318-11 groups the
main structural systems into "Ordinary", "Intermediate" and "Special" groups.
Different types of structural systems have limitations to their application in
each of the Seismic Design Categories.

Structural System Allowed in SDC

Ordinary Moment Frames A, B
Ordinary Cast in Place Structural A, B, C
Walls
Intermediate Moment Frames A, B, C
Intermediate Precast Walls A, B, C
Special Moment frames A, B, C, D, E, F
Special Structural Walls (Precast / Cast A, B, C, D, E, F
in Place)

As the current release of Tekla Structural Designer does not fully include the
design requirements for all the Seismic Force Resisting Systems, SFRS types
have been classified as included or excluded from the member design.
Members in included SFRS types are fully covered for seismic design
provisions while those in excluded types are covered to a limited extent only.
• Seismic Force Resisting Systems included in the design:
• Intermediate Moment Frames
• Ordinary Moment Frames
• Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls
• Seismic Resisting Systems excluded from the design:
• Special Moment Frames
• Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls
• Intermediate Precast Structural Walls

US codes 219 Concrete design to ACI 318

Consequently the current release of Tekla Structural Designer can be said to
consider the design requirements for each of the Seismic Design Categories as
follows:

Seismic Design Category Seismic Requirements

SDC A N/A
SDC B Considered
SDC C Considered
SDC D, E, F Not Considered

Materials
Additional seismic material requirements apply to:
• concrete beams and columns assigned to a Special Moment Frame SFRS
• concrete walls assigned as Special Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls
Concrete Compressive Strength
The requirements for compressive strength of concrete are limited:

Minimum compressive f'c = 21 MPa (3,000 psi)

strength of normal weight
concrete
Maximum compressive f'c = 35 MPa (5,000 psi)
strength of lightweight
concrete

Reinforcement Steel
Reinforcement steel shall comply with ASTM 706(M), Grade 420 (60,000 psi).

(fy)actual - (fy)specified ≤ 125 MPa (18,000 psi)

(fu)actual / (fy)actual ≥ 1.25

where,

(fy)actual = Actual yielding strength of the reinforcement based on mill

tests, MPa (psi)
(fy)specified = Specified yield strength of reinforcement, MPa (psi)
(fu)actual = Actual ultimate tensile strength of the reinforcement, MPa
(psi)

Reinforcement Characteristic Yield Strength

Requirements for the characteristic yield strength of the reinforcement steel
are:
• Maximum allowed characteristic yield strength of longitudinal
reinforcement: fy = 420 MPa (Grade 60 - 60,000 psi);

US codes 220 Concrete design to ACI 318

 • Maximum allowed characteristic yield strength of shear reinforcement: fyt =
420 MPa (Grade 60 - 60,000 psi);

ACI 318-19
If working to ACI 318-19 click the below links to view additional important
information:
• Seismic design - general (ACI 318-19 update) (page 131)
• Concrete beam seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 131)
• Concrete column seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 131)
• Concrete wall seismic design (ACI 318-19 update) (page 132)

References ACI 318

1. American Concrete Institute. Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete (ACI 318-08) and Commentary. ACI 2008.
2. American Concrete Institute. Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete (ACI 318M-08) and Commentary. ACI 2008.
3. American Concrete Institute. Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete (ACI 318-11) and Commentary. ACI 2011.
4. American Concrete Institute. Metric Building Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete (ACI 318M-11) and Commentary. ACI 2011.
5. American Concrete Institute. Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete (ACI 318-14) and Commentary. ACI 2014.
6. American Concrete Institute. Metric Building Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete (ACI 318M-14) and Commentary. ACI 2014.
7. American Concrete Institute. Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete (ACI 318-19) and Commentary. ACI 2019.
8. American Concrete Institute. Metric Building Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete (ACI 318M-19) and Commentary. ACI 2019.

1.5 Vibration of floors to DG11

These topics describe the DG11 floor vibration calculations that can be
performed in Tekla Structural Designer.
The following topics are covered:
• Introduction to DG11 floor vibration (page 222)
• Scope of DG11 floor vibration (page 222)

US codes 221 Vibration of floors to DG11

• Limitations and Assumptions of DG11 floor vibration (page 223)
• Design philosophy of DG11 floor vibration (page 224)
• Design for walking excitation DG11 (page 227)
• Sensitive use analysis DG11 (page 232)
• Input requirements for DG11 floor vibration (page 235)

Introduction to DG11 floor vibration

This handbook describes the DG11 floor vibration calculations that can be
performed in Tekla Structural Designer.
With the advent of long span floors, multiple openings in webs, minimum floor
depth zones etc. the vibration response of floors in multistory buildings under
normal occupancy has increasingly become of concern to clients and their
Engineers and Architects.
Detailed guidance on the subject is available through the AISC Steel Design
Guide Series 11: Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural Systems Due to Human
Activity Second Edition, otherwise referred to as DG11. (page 239)
This handbook describes the method for the assessment of floor vibration in
accordance with DG11 that has been adopted in Tekla Structural Designer. The
method seeks to establish, with reasonable accuracy, the response of the floor
to dynamic excitation expected in offices of normal occupancy. This excitation
is almost solely based on occupants walking. With appropriate design criteria,
the approach is likely to be equally applicable to sectors other than offices.
The existing solution to checking this type of criterion - a simple calculation of
the natural frequency of an individual beam - is felt in many cases to be
insufficiently accurate. More importantly, such calculations do not consider
two important factors,
• the natural frequency is only the 'response side' of the equation. The
'action' side of the equation is also important i.e. the dynamic excitation -
this is the activity that might cause an adverse response from the floor.
Walking, dancing and machine vibration are all on the 'action' side of the
equation and are all very different in their potential effect.
• the natural frequency of an isolated beam is exactly that and takes no
account of the influence (good or bad) of the surrounding floor
components. In particular, with composite floors, the slabs will force other
beams to restrict or sympathize with the beam under consideration.
The culmination of the calculations carried out by Tekla Structural Designer is
the calculation of the peak acceleration of the floor system due to walking
excitation expressed as a fraction of the acceleration of gravity.

US codes 222 Vibration of floors to DG11

Scope of DG11 floor vibration
The reference upon which Tekla Structural Designer's floor vibration check is
based is the main limiting factor with regard to scope. This publication is AISC
Steel Design Guide Series 11: Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural Systems
Due to Human Activity Second Edition, otherwise referred to as DG11.
(page 239)
You are able to define an area on a particular floor level that is to be subject to
the vibration response analysis and design. The layout of beams in real multi-
story buildings can be of almost any configuration. The methodology
adopted in DG11 is only applicable to regular structures which by and
large have to be created from rectilinear grids. It is your responsibility to
make an appropriate selection of the beams etc. that are to be the basic
components of the idealized case.
As you proceed through the input making your selections, Tekla Structural
Designer will, where it is possible to do so, interrogate the underlying model
and retrieve the appropriate data. Once all the data has been assembled, you
are then able to perform the check, after which a detailed set of results will be
available for review. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your choices you
can close the results window and make alternative selections by editing the
Floor Vibration Check item properties.

Limitations and Assumptions of DG11 floor vibration

The scope is primarily defined by the DG11 (page 239) but the following
additional limitations and assumptions should be noted.
• The design guidance is based on composite floors acting compositely with
the steel beams. It is unclear whether the design approach is directly
applicable to non-composite construction.
• In DG11, if the slab is attached to the supporting member, the construction
can be classed as composite for the purpose of carrying out a vibration
analysis even in the absence of shear connectors. Tekla Structural Designer
does not define such construction as composite and therefore will only
class truly composite construction as composite.
• For simplicity and to avoid the necessity of Tekla Structural Designer having
to identify all the beams in the area selected for vibration assessment, the
component of the unit mass from the self-weight of the beams is ignored.
This will lead to a slight inaccuracy in the participating mass that is
conservative (more mass is advantageous). Note, however, that beam self-
weight is included in the calculation of beam deflection but only when the
self-weight loadcase is included in the load combination.
• Cantilever beams are excluded from the analysis.

US codes 223 Vibration of floors to DG11

• In DG11, if a beam or girder is moment connected to a column, its natural
frequency can be enhanced because of the flexural restraint offered by the
columns. Tekla Structural Designer does not incorporate this feature.
• Shear deflection in beams and girders is included in the analysis carried
out by Tekla Structural Designer.
• Precast slabs are excluded.

Design philosophy of DG11 floor vibration

General
The Engineer ensures the safety of building occupants by satisfying all design
criteria at the Ultimate Limit State. Similarly, the health of building occupants is
partly taken care of when deflection limits at the Serviceability Limit State are
satisfied (although this Limit State does have other purposes than simply the
health of occupants).
However, for floors that are subject to cyclic or sudden loading, it is the human
perception of motion that could cause the performance of a floor to be found
unsatisfactory. Such perception is usually related to acceleration levels. In
most practical building structures, the reaction of the occupants to floor
acceleration varies between irritation and a feeling of insecurity. This is based
on the instinctive human perception that motion in a 'solid' building indicates
inadequacy or imminent failure.
The working environment also affects the perception of motion. For busy
environments, where the occupant is surrounded by the activity that is
producing the vibrations, the perception of motion is reduced. In contrast, for
quieter environments (such as laboratories and residential dwellings), where
the source of vibration is unseen, the perception of motion is significantly
heightened.
The design philosophy to ensure that the potential for such human response
is minimized, has a number of facets,
• the dynamic excitation causing the vibration i.e. the disturbing force
profile, which is force and time dependent. For the sorts of building and
occupancy considered here, this is the act of walking.
• the acceptance criteria. This depends upon the type of environment. As
discussed above this, in turn, depends upon the involvement of the
occupant in the generation of the vibration and also on the nature of the
occupancy. The latter is important for laboratories carrying out delicate
work, or operating theaters, for example.
• the provided performance. This is the "resonance response function" and
is dependent on the system natural frequency and, more importantly, the

US codes 224 Vibration of floors to DG11

 participating mass. This function is expressed as a ratio of the floor
acceleration to the acceleration of gravity.

Dynamic excitation
In a classical spring-mass system that includes a (viscous) damper, when a
simple force is applied to the mass to extend (or contract) the spring, the mass
moves up and down (oscillates). This movement is significant at first but
eventually reduces to zero due to the resistance offered by the damper. In a
floor system in a building,
• the mass is the self-weight of the floor and any other loading that is
present for the majority of the time that the occupants could be exposed to
vibration effects,
• the spring is the stiffness of the floor system, which will have a number of
different component beams (joists and girders) and the floor slab,
• the damper is provided by a number of elements that are able to absorb
energy from the free vibration of the system. There will be energy
absorbed,
• within connections, since they behave 'better' than the ideal that is
assumed
• from losses due to the unsymmetrical nature of real buildings e.g. grid
layout, and dispersion of loads from furnishings and contents
• from components such as partitions that are out-of-plane of the
vibration and interfere with the 'mode'.
The determination of the contribution of each of these components as they
affect real floor systems is given in detail in later sections. These describe the
'response' side of the floor system. In order to establish the required
performance of the system the 'input' must also be defined i.e. that event,
events or continuum that is the 'dynamic excitation'.
In the simple example described at the start of this section the 'input' was
simply a force that caused a displacement to the system and was then
released. This might be equivalent to a person jumping off a chair onto the
floor. However, in the context of the concerns over the vibration of floors, it is
not this sort of input that is of interest. The main concern is the excitation of
the floor brought about by walking.
Unlike the simple example, walking produces loading that is cyclic. This loading
can be idealized into a series of sine curves of load against time. Each curve is
an exact multiple of the walking frequency called harmonics. When one of
these harmonics of the cyclic loading coincides with the natural frequency of
the floor system then resonance is set up. The consequence of resonance that
is detected, and may disturb occupants, is the associated peak acceleration.
The peak acceleration due to walking is estimated by selecting the lowest
harmonic for which the forcing frequency can match a natural frequency of
the floor and is dependent upon the applied force (a constant = 0.29kN [65lb]

US codes 225 Vibration of floors to DG11

for floors), the mass of the system (the self-weight of the floor plate plus other
loading that could be considered as permanent), and the amount of damping
in the system (the damping ratio, β).
Hence, the dynamic excitation of a floor is dependent upon the forcing
function due to walking and its relationship to the natural frequency of the
floor system. It is the level of the peak acceleration that this generates that is
particularly important in determining the performance of the floor.

Acceptance criteria for human comfort

The required performance of a floor system is very dependent upon the
potential response of humans. Human response is a very complex subject
since there is no such thing as a 'standard human'. The perception of vibration
will differ from person to person, their body mass varies significantly and the
body's reaction will depend upon age, gender etc. The human response has
been studied and the acceptance criterion adopted by DG11 was developed
using the acceleration limits as recommended by ISO 2631-2, 1989 adjusted
for intended occupancy.
The accelerations acceptable for different use of buildings are described using
the 'base' limits. Multiplying factors are used to increase the base acceleration
limit according to the intended use of the building. The target acceleration
ratio of the floor under consideration is given in DG11 guidance as,
• ao/g = 0.5% for offices, residences, churches, schools and quiet areas
• ao/g = 1.5% for shopping malls
You should choose a required acceleration ratio based on both engineering
judgement and the advice given in DG11.
A separate acceleration ratio limit for high frequency floors (i.e. those floors
with fundamental frequency, fn, in the range 9 < fn <= 15 Hz) also needs to be
defined by the Engineer, again based on engineering judgement and with
reference to DG11 figure 2-1

Design for walking excitation

The start point is the calculation of the natural frequency of the floor system.
The fundamental floor frequency, fn, is evaluated using the Dunkerley
relationship for the combined mode.
In accordance with the guidance given at Section 4.1 of DG11, an advisory
Warning is displayed when the fundamental frequency of the floor system, fn,
is < 3.0 Hz.
Next the 'Equivalent Panel Weight' is required. This is dependent upon the
physical size of the floor plate selected and an effective width and/or length.
The calculation requires the 'damping ratio' - this is a user input.

US codes 226 Vibration of floors to DG11

The damping ratio, the effective panel weight, the fundamental frequency of
the floor and the constant excitation force are used to calculate the peak
acceleration ratio, ap/g.
The design condition is simply,
ap/g ≤ ao/g
For floors with high fundamental frequencies, when the calculated value of fn
is in the range 9 Hz < fn ≤ 15 Hz, then an equivalent sinusoidal peak
acceleration, aESPA, is checked against the separate acceleration ratio limit for
high frequency floors.

Design for walking excitation DG11

Floor slab
Slab Properties
For composite slabs the transformed moment of inertia per unit width of the
slab, Ds, is calculated from,

Ds = de3 /(12*n) mm4/mm in metric units

Ds = 12*de3/(12*n) ins4/ft in US Customary units

Where
de = effective depth of slab taken as slab depth less one half
depth of steel decking (mm or inches)
n = dynamic modular ratio
= Es /(1.35*Ec )
Es = the steel modulus (N/mm2 or ksi)
Ec = the concrete modulus (N/mm2 or ksi)

For generic slabs, the transformed moment of inertia per unit width is to be
provided by the user.

Beam panel mode

Beam Panel Mode Deflection
The beam panel mode deflection, Δj, is the maximum simply supported
deflection of the beam or joist calculated using,

Δj = 5 * ((w*b)+wswt ) * Lj4 /(384*Es *Isj)

US codes 227 Vibration of floors to DG11

where
w = unit supported weight (psi or N/mm2 )
b = beam or joist spacing (in or mm)
wswt = beam or joist self weight (zero unless self weight loadcase in
combination) (pli or N/mm)
Lj = span of beam or joist (in or mm)
Es = steel modulus (psi or N/mm2 )
Isj = the inertia of the beam or joist from the database (in4 or
mm4)

Beam Panel Mode Frequency

The beam panel mode fundamental frequency, fj, is given by,

fj = 0.18*√(g/Δj) Hz

Where
g = the acceleration of gravity
Δj = the maximum simply supported deflection of the beam or
joist calculated as above.

Beam Panel Mode Effective Weight

The effective panel weight for the beam panel mode, Wj, is given by,

Wj = kj *w*Bj *Lj

Where
kj = beam continuity factor
= 1.0 generally but 1.5 where beams are continuous over
supports and an adjacent span is > 0.7*Lj
w = unit supported weight (see Data Derived from Tekla
Structural Designer (page 235))
Bj = the effective width of the beam panel
= Cj *(Ds /Dj )0.25 *Lj but ≤ (2/3)*FW
Lj = the span of the beam

and
Cj = effective width coefficient for beam
= 2.0 generally but 1.0 for beams parallel to interior edge
Ds = transformed moment of inertia of slab per unit width as
above

US codes 228 Vibration of floors to DG11

Dj = transformed moment of inertia of beam per unit width
= Ij /S
S = beam spacing
FW = floor width
= ng *Lg
ng = number of bays in the direction of the girder span.
Lg = the span of the girder

Girder panel mode

Girder Panel Mode Deflection
The girder panel mode deflection, Δg, is the maximum girder deflection
derived from the analysis model.

NOTE As Δg is taken directly from load analysis there is no need for any adjustment
to the girder deflection, as suggested in DG11 section 3.1, when there is only
one supported beam.

Girder Panel Mode Frequency

The girder panel mode fundamental frequency, fg, is given by,

fg = 0.18*√(g/Δg) Hz

Where
g = the acceleration of gravity
Δg = the maximum simply supported deflection of the girder
derived from the analysis model.

Girder Panel Mode Effective Weight

The effective panel weight for the girder panel mode, Wg, is given by,

Wg = kg * w *Bg * Lg

Where
kg = girder continuity factor
= 1.0 generally but 1.5 where girders are continuous over
supports and an adjacent span is > 0.7*Lg
w = unit supported weight (see Data Derived from Tekla
Structural Designer (page 235))
Bg = the effective width of the girder panel

For the general case,

US codes 229 Vibration of floors to DG11

Bg = Cg *(Dj /Dg)0.25 *Lg but ≤ (2/3)*FL

If the girder is an interior edge girder as specified by the user,

Bg = Lj*(2/3)

Where
Lg = the span of the girder
Cg = effective width coefficient for beam
= 1.8 generally but 1.6 for girders supporting joists connected
to the girder flange (joist seats)
Dj = transformed moment of inertia of beam per unit width as
above
Dg = transformed moment of inertia of girder per unit width
= Ig/Lj generally but
= 2*( Ig/Lj) for edge girders
FL = floor length
= nj *L j
nj = number of bays in the direction of the beam span.

If the girder supports beams with unequal spans, say Lj1 and Lj2, the average
beam span length Lav = (Lj1+Lj2)/2 should replace Lj in the above equation for
Dg. The user should confirm the value to be used in such circumstances.

Combined panel mode

There are three possible conditions is to be checked for the combined mode.
If Lg/Bj > 1.0, the combined equivalent panel weight, Wcomb, is given by,

Wcomb = (Δj/(Δj+Δ g))*Wj + (Δg/(Δj+Δg))*Wg

The floor fundamental frequency, fcomb, is given by

fcomb = 0.18*√g/(Δj+Δg)

If 0.5 ≤ Lg/Bj ≤ 1.0, the combined equivalent panel weight, Wcomb, is given by,

Wcomb = (Δj/(Δj+Δ gred))*Wj + (Δgred /(Δj+ Δgred))*Wg

The floor fundamental frequency, fcomb, is given by

US codes 230 Vibration of floors to DG11

fcomb = 0.18*√g/(Δj+ Δgred)

Where
Δgred = (Lg/Bj)* Δg

If Lg/Bj < 0.5, the combined equivalent panel weight, Wcomb, is given by,

Wcomb = (Δj/(Δj+Δ gred))*Wj + (Δgred /(Δj+ Δgred))*Wg

The floor fundamental frequency, fcomb, is given by

fcomb = 0.18*√g/(Δj+ Δgred)

Where
Δgred = 0.5* Δg

In addition, if Lj/Lg < 0.5, then the peak acceleration ratio is separately checked
for the beam panel mode and for the combined panel mode as above.

Evaluation
The peak acceleration ratio, ap/g, is evaluated for each fn in turn (with its
associated W), and is given by,

ap/g = MAX[100*P0*e(-0.35*fn)/(β*W)] %

where

fn = fj, fg, fcomb

W = the value of Wj, Wg or Wcomb appropriate to fn
P0 = constant force equal to 0.290 kN [65lb]
β = damping ratio

The acceleration limit, ao/g, is a user input and leads to the final design
condition,

ap/g ≤ ao/g

US codes 231 Vibration of floors to DG11

NOTE The ‘fundamental frequency of the floor’ output in the results is the fn
associated with the MAX peak acceleration ratio (and not just the MIN fn).

High Frequency Floors

For floor systems having a natural frequency greater than 9 Hz (but ≤ 15 Hz ),
the equivalent sinusoidal peak acceleration ratio, aESPA/g, is given by

aESPA/g = MAX[100*(154 /W)*(fstep1.43/fn0.3)*{[1- US-units

e(-4*π*h*β)]/(h*π*β)}0.5] %
= MAX[100*(686 /W)*(fstep1.43/fn0.3)*{[1- metric-units
e(-4*π*h*β)]/(h*π*β)}0.5] %

where

W = the value of Wj, Wg or Wcomb appropriate to fn

fstep = footstep frequency Hz
fn = fundamental frequency of the floor
h = the harmonic matching fn
= 5 for 9 Hz < fn ≤ 11 Hz
= 6 for 11 Hz < fn ≤ 13.2 Hz
= 7 for 13.2 Hz < fn ≤ 15 Hz
β = damping ratio

NOTE The aESPA/g equation assumes a bodyweight value of 168 lbs [0.75 kN] as
indicated in DG11.

The acceleration limit for high frequency floors is a user input and leads to the
final design condition,

aESPA/g ≤ acceleration limit for high frequency floors

Sensitive use analysis DG11

The vibration check calculations can be performed for sensitive equipment &
occupancy if required.

US codes 232 Vibration of floors to DG11

These calculations make use of Chapter 6 of DG11 2nd Edition (2016) with
revisions and errata of 27 July 2018. They only cover ⅓ octave spectral velocity
and acceleration.
For these calculations the mode shape factors ɸE and ɸW are taken as 1.0. i.e. it
is conservatively assumed that the walker and sensitive equipment or
sensitive occupant are both at mid-bay.
Use Case - Sensitive Equipment
If walking speed = Very Slow ,

fstep = 1.25 Hz [Table 6-1]

V1/3 = (250 * 106) / (β * W) * (fstep2.43 / fn1.8) * [Eqn 6-3a]
(1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)
A1/3/g = (100 * 4.2) / (β * W) * (fstep2.43 / fn0.8) * [Eqn 6-8a]
(1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)

Else if walking speed = Slow , or Moderate or Fast

fstep , fL , fU and γ as appropriate to selected walking [Table 6-1]

speed

If fn ≤ fL

V1/3 = (175 * 106) / (β * W * fn0.5) * (e-γ*fn) [Eqn 6-3b]1

A1/3/g = (100 * 6.4) / (β * W) * (e-γ*fn) [Eqn 6-8b]1

If fn ≥ fU

V1/3 = (250 * 106) / (β * W) * (fstep2.43 / fn1.8) [Eqn 6-3b]2

* (1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)
A1/3/g = (100 * 4.2) / (β * W) * (fstep2.43 / fn0.8) [Eqn 6-8b]2
* (1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)

Else if fL < fn < fU

For V1/3

1. evaluate [Eqn 6-3b]1 with fn = fL , then

2. evaluate [Eqn 6-3b]2 with fn = fU , then

3. linear interpolate for actual fn
For A1/3/ g

1. evaluate [Eqn 6-8b]1 with fn = fL , then

2. evaluate [Eqn 6-8b]2 with fn = fU , then

US codes 233 Vibration of floors to DG11

3. linear interpolate for actual fn
Use Case - Sensitive Occupancy

NOTE DG11 2nd Edn does not provide explicit ⅓ octave spectral Acceleration
equations for Sensitive Occupancy, so in Tekla Structural Designer
these equations have been derived from the ⅓ octave spectral
Acceleration equations for Sensitive Equipment by ‘modifying’ them
by factors 200/250 (for very slow walking) and 120/175 (for other
walking speeds).
These modification factors are derived from consideration of the
differences between ⅓ octave spectral Velocity equations for Sensitive
Equipment and Sensitive Occupancy, which are given explicitly in
DG11 2nd Edn.

If walking speed = Very Slow ,

fstep = 1.25 Hz [Table 6-1]

V1/3 = (200 * 106) / (β * W) * (fstep2.43 / fn1.8) [Eqn 6-9a]
* (1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)
A1/3/g = (200/250)*(100 * 4.2) / (β * W) * [Eqn 6-8a] modified
(fstep2.43 / fn0.8) * (1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)

Else if walking speed = Slow , or Moderate or Fast

fstep , fL , fU and γ as appropriate to selected walking [Table 6-1]

speed

If fn ≤ fL

V1/3 = (120 * 106) / (β * W * fn0.5) * (e-γ*fn) [Eqn 6-9b]1

A1/3/g = (120/175)*(100 * 6.4) / (β * W) * (e- [Eqn 6-8b]1
γ*fn) modified

If fn ≥ fU

V1/3 = (200 * 106) / (β * W) * (fstep2.43 / fn1.8) [Eqn 6-9b]2

* (1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep)
A1/3/g = (200/250)*(100 * 4.2) / (β * W) * [Eqn 6-8b]2
(fstep2.43 / fn0.8) * (1 - e-2*π*β*fn / fstep) modified

Else if fL < fn < fU

For V1/3

1. evaluate [Eqn 6-9b]1 with fn = fL, then

US codes 234 Vibration of floors to DG11

2. evaluate [Eqn 6-9b]2 with fn = fU , then
3. linear interpolate for actual fn
For A1/3/ g

1. evaluate [Eqn 6-8b]1 modified with fn = fL , then

2. evaluate [Eqn 6-8b]2 modified with n = fU , then

3. linear interpolate for actual fn

Input requirements for DG11 floor vibration

General
The simplified method for the analysis of the vibration of floors given in the
AISC Publication DG11, on which on which the Tekla Structural Designer check
is based, is only applicable to regular structures which, by and large, are
created from rectilinear grids.
Of course the floor layouts of 'real' multi-storey buildings are rarely uniform
and Tekla Structural Designer therefore provides you with the opportunity to
select the more irregular floor areas to be assessed with grids that are other
than rectilinear.
In so far as the selection of the beams and girders to be used in the analysis is
concerned, only beams or girders with Non-Composite, Steel Joist or
Composite attributes are valid for selection and, within these confines, the
user should be able to:
• select a single beam or girder
• select a girder span as critical plus an adjoining span (in a two or three
span configuration)
In all cases, and subject to the above restrictions, which beams and girders
from the selected area of floor are chosen is entirely at your discretion and
under your judgment, but it is expected that the beams and girders chosen
will be those that are typical, common or the worst case. Irrespective,Tekla
Structural Designer will take these beams as those that form the idealized
floor layout. There is no validation on what the you select (although there is
some validation on which beams and girders are selectable i.e. those which
have no slab for part of their length, those from angle sections, those with no
adjoining span when a 2-span configuration is chosen, and those with no
adjoining span at both ends when a 3-span configuration is chosen will not be
selectable).

US codes 235 Vibration of floors to DG11

Data Derived from Tekla Structural Designer
Note that, where appropriate, the derived data is for each design combination
under SLS loads only.
Unit supported weight
The unit supported weight is used to establish the 'effective panel weight' -
that is the weight of the floor and its permanent loading that has to be set in
motion during vibration of the floor. It is taken as the slab self-weight (and to
be accurate, the beam self-weight), other permanent 'Dead' loads and the
proportion of the 'Live' loads (expressed as a percentage) that can be
considered as permanent.
The unit supported weight is obtained by summing all the loads (or the
appropriate percentage in the case of live loads) that act over or in the
selected area. This includes any blanket, area, line and spot loads that are
present within the selected area. The component of any of these load types
that lie outside of the selected area are ignored. Nodal loads directly on
columns are also ignored. The total load is then divided by the area selected.
The slab self-weight will usually be in the Slab Dry loadcase - note that in the
case of composite slabs this includes the weight of decking. The beam self-
weight is in a separate protected loadcase. For simplicity this component of
the unit supported weight is ignored. This leads to a slight inaccuracy in the
participating mass that is conservative (more mass is advantageous).
Note that the use of live load reductions has no effect on the floor vibration
check.
Slab data
If there are more than one set of slab attributes in the selected area then you
have to choose which of these it is appropriate to use. From the designated
slab attributes the following information/data is obtained,
• the transformed inertia in mm4 per mm width [in4/ft].
• the short-term modular ratio for normal or lightweight concrete as
appropriate.
If the designated slab attributes are for a 'generic' slab, then you are asked for
the transformed inertia and the dynamic modular ratio.
Beam data
When these are non-composite beams, the inertia is obtained from the
sections database. When these beams are of composite construction the
inertia is the gross, uncracked composite inertia based on the dynamic
modular ratio that is required. Steel joist inertias from the database are
assumed to be 'gross' inertias of the chords and are editable. Following
guidance contained in AISC Steel Design Guide 11 (page 239), section 3.5, the
gross steel joist inertia is factored by quantity Cr and displayed as the
'effective' inertia in the results viewer. Cr is derived from the following
formulas,

US codes 236 Vibration of floors to DG11

For joists with angle web members:

Cr = 0.90*(1 - e-0.28(L/D))2.8 ≤ 0.9 valid for 6 ≤ L/D

For joists with rod web members:

Cr = 0.721 + 0.00725*(L/D) ≤ 0.9 valid for 10 ≤ L/D

Where
L = Joist span
D = Joist nominal depth

NOTE There is no guidance in DG11 what to do if L/D < 6 for angle web members or
L/D < 10 for rod web members. Therefore, in these cases Tekla Structural
Designer calculates Cr with L/D = 6 (angle) or L/D = 10 (rod).

The span of the critical/base beam and the adjoining beams is required.
The deflection of the critical beam under the permanent loads is required. To
calculate this value, the deflection under the Dead loads and the appropriate
percentage of the Live load deflection is summed.
Girder data
The same data is required as that for the beams.
Floor plate data
The dimensions of the floor plate in the idealized cases are defined in one
direction by the number of beam bays and in the orthogonal direction by the
number of girder bays. In practice, given that the idealized case may not
attain, the floorplate dimensions are derived from the slab items you select as
participating in the mass.

User Input Data

Secondary Beam Spacing
You must confirm the spacing of the secondary beams - an average value
when the spacing is non-uniform.
Permanent Live Loads
You are required to specify the proportion of the permanent live loads that are
to be used in the vibration analysis as a percentage of the live load.
Beam Continuity Factor
This has a value of either 1.0 or 1.5 and you are offered the choice when a two
or three span beam configuration is selected. The default value is 1.0.
Girder Continuity Factor

US codes 237 Vibration of floors to DG11

This has a value of either 1.0 or 1.5 and you are offered the choice when a two
or three span girder window is selected. The default value is 1.0.
This factor is not generally applicable for girders as they usually frame directly
into columns and this potential increase in the effective panel weight does not
apply under those circumstances.
Beam and Girder location
You are required to specify whether the beam and the girder under
consideration is an "internal" location or an "internal edge" location. This
information is required to set the constants that are used in calculating the
effective widths of the beam and girder panel modes.
Number of bays used to establish effective panel weight
You are required to specify the number of bays in the direction of the beam
span, nj, and the number of bays in the direction of the girder span, ng, that
are to be used to establish the effective panel weight. The number of bays
ranges from 1 to 4 for both directions.
Damping ratio
Floors do not vibrate as a free mass but have some damping i.e. dissipation of
the energy in the system. Values of the damping ratio for individual
components, βi are recommended in DG11 as,

Recommended Component Damping Values

Component Ratio of Actual Damping-to-Critical Damping, βi
Structural 0.01
System
Ceiling and 0.01
ductwork
Electronic 0.005
office fit-out
Paper office fit 0.01
out
Churches, 0.0
schools and
malls
Lightly 0.005
furnished
quiet spaces
Full-height dry 0.02 to 0.05*
wall partitions
in bay
*Depending on the number of partitions in the bay and their location; near
the center of the bay provides more damping.

US codes 238 Vibration of floors to DG11

For example, a floor with ceiling and ductwork supporting an electronic office
area has β = Σβi = 0.01 (floor) + 0.01 (ceiling and ductwork) + 0.005 (electronic
office area) = 0.025, or 2.5% critical damping.
Since an even higher damping ratio might be justified for storage floors for
example, a range of up to 10% is offered.
Acceleration limit
You must enter acceleration limits appropriate to the floor under
consideration, one limit for floors with frequencies in the range 3-9 Hz and a
separate limit for High Frequency floors (in the range 9-15 Hz). These limits will
be based on your engineering judgement and the advice given in DG11 - which
gives a range of values between 0.5% and 5.0% depending on structural form
(for building floors see the table below).

Table 4-1. Recommended Tolerance Limits for Building Floors

Occupancy Acceleration Limit
ao/g x 100%
Offices, residences, churches, schools 0.5%
and quiet areas
Shopping Malls 1.5%

Footstep frequency
You should enter the footstep frequency to be used if a high frequency floor is
detected. The range being 1.2 Hz to 2.2 Hz.
Sensitive use
You have to specify the Use case and walking speed if this analysis is
performed. See: Sensitive use analysis DG11 (page 232)

Vibration of floors to DG11 references

1. AISC Steel Design Guide Series.11: Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural
Systems Due to Human Activity Second Edition (2016) with revisions and errata
of 27 July 2018.

US codes 239 Vibration of floors to DG11

Index

240
 ASCE 7 Wind wizard................................. 15,16

A B
ACI 318 Punching shear checks.................208 Beam-column joint shear strength (ACI
All heights method........................................30 318-19 update)............................................ 128
Application of notional loads in
combinations (ASCE 7) .................................41
ASCE 7 References........................................ 46
C
Changes introduced in AISC 341-16 (Seismic
AISC 341) ..................................................... 105
Check for overturning forces(pad and strip
base:ACI 318................................................ 202
Check for sliding (pad and strip base:ACI
318................................................................ 202
Check for transfer forces at column
base(pad and strip base:ACI 318.............. 201
Check for transfer of horizontal forces by
shear friction(pad and strip base:ACI 318....
201
Check for uplift (pad and strip base:ACI 318
.......................................................................203
Checks for Limiting Parameters (pad and
strip base: ACI 318)..................................... 204
Checks for Limiting Parameters (pile cap:
ACI 318)........................................................ 207
Checks performed (pad and strip base:ACI
318)............................................................... 197
Column base plate design to AISC 360 ......73
Column Stack and Wall Panel
Classification(column and wall:ACI 318) ..169
Combination classes (ASCE 7)......................45
Combination generator (ASCE 7)................ 43
Combinations (ASCE 7)................................. 41
Common (Seismic: AISC 341) ....................100
Common seismic requirements................105
Composite beam design to AISC 360 .........60
Composite stage (Composite beams: AISC
360) ................................................................ 64
Concrete beam design (ACI 318-19 update)
.......................................................................127
Concrete beam seismic design (ACI 318-19
update)......................................................... 131
Concrete column design (ACI 318-19
update)......................................................... 127
Concrete column seismic design (ACI 318-19
update)......................................................... 131

241
Concrete design to ACI 318 ...................... 125
Concrete wall design (ACI 318-19 update).... F
127 F2. Flexure (Columns: AISC 360) .................71
Concrete wall seismic design (ACI 318-19 Flexural reinforcement (columns seismic:
update)......................................................... 132 ACI 318)........................................................ 186
Construction stage (Composite beams: AISC Foundation Bearing Capacity (pad and strip
360) ................................................................ 63 base:ACI 318)............................................... 198
Criteria assumed to be met....................... 100

G
D G2. Shear strength (Beams: AISC 360) .......52
D2. Axial tension (Beams: AISC 360) .......... 51 General .......................................................... 47
D2. Axial tension (Braces: AISC 360) .......... 90 Gravity design - general (ACI 318-19 update)
Deflection checks (AISC 360) .......................48 .......................................................................126
Deflection checks (Composite beams: AISC
360) ................................................................ 64
Deflection of single angles (Angles and tees:
AISC 360) ....................................................... 98
H
Design checks (Trusses: AISC 360) ............. 92 H1. Combined forces (Columns: AISC 360)
Design for brace forces in SCBF and OCBF .........................................................................71
(Beams-seismic: AISC 341) ........................ 114
Design for shear (pad and strip base:ACI
318)............................................................... 200 I
Design method (Angles and tees: AISC 360) IMF (Seismic: AISC 341) ..............................101
.........................................................................93 Input Requirements DG11 floor vibration ....
Design method (Braces: AISC 360) .............90 235
Design method (Columns: AISC 360) ......... 69
Design method (Composite beams: AISC
360) ................................................................ 60
Design method (Trusses: AISC 360)............ 92 L
Design philosophy (Seismic: AISC 341) ....104 Limitations and Assumptions of DG11 floor
Design procedure for single angles (Angles vibration....................................................... 223
and tees: AISC 360) ...................................... 94 Live and roof live loads (ASCE 7)................... 9
Design procedure for tee sections (Angles Loadcase types (ASCE 7).................................8
and tees: AISC 360) ...................................... 96 Loadcases (ASCE 7) ........................................ 7
DG9. Torsion (Beams: AISC 360) .................54 Loading (ASCE 7) .............................................7
Low Rise Buildings method..........................32

E
E. Axial compression (Braces: AISC 360) ... 90 M
E. Axial compression (Columns: AISC 360) 70 Minimum lateral loads (MLL)(ASCE 7) ........42
Effective Length Calculations (column and
wall:ACI 318) ............................................... 167
Equivalent steel section (Composite beams:
AISC 360) ....................................................... 65
O
OMF (Seismic: AISC 341) ............................100

242
P T
Pad bases, strip footings & pile caps (ACI Torsion design general checks (Beams: AISC
318-19 update)............................................ 128 360) ................................................................ 56
Patterning of live loads (ASCE 7)................. 14 Truss member design to AISC 360 .............92
Punching checks (ACI 318-19 update)...... 128

U
S US codes...........................................................7
SCBF (Seismic: AISC 341) ........................... 103
Section classification (Braces: AISC 360) ... 90
Section classification (Composite beams:
AISC 360) ....................................................... 63
V
Seismic checks - Beams (Seismic: AISC 341) Vibration of floors to DG11 handbook .... 221
.......................................................................110 Vibration of floors to DG11 references ... 239
Seismic checks - Braces (Seismic: AISC 341)
.......................................................................121
Seismic checks - Columns (Seismic: AISC W
341)............................................................... 115 Web Openings (Beams: AISC 360) ..............57
Seismic design (AISC 360) ............................47 Wind loads (ASCE 7) ..................................... 10
Seismic design - general (ACI 318-19 update) Wind wizard....................15,19,22,24,26,30,34
.......................................................................131 Wind zones............................................... 26,29
Seismic design rules (Beams: AISC 360) .... 59
Self weight (ASCE 7).........................................8
Shear connectors (Composite beams: AISC
360) ................................................................ 66
Shear strength - I3.1b (360-05), I4.2 (360-10)
(Composite beams: AISC 360) ............... 63,65
Slab and mat design (ACI 318-19 update)128
Slenderness (Braces-seismic: AISC 341) .. 122
SMF (Seismic: AISC 341) .............................101
Snow loadcases ............................................ 11
Snow wizard ..................................................38
Stability bracing (Beams-seismic: AISC 341)
.......................................................................111
Steel column design to AISC 360 ................69
Steel grade (AISC 360) ..................................48
Steel seismic design - AISC 341 ................ 100
Strength during construction - I3.1c
(360-05), I3.1b (360-10) (Composite beams:
AISC 360) ....................................................... 64
Strength of composite beams with shear
connectors - I3.2 (Composite beams: AISC
360) ................................................................ 65

243
244