Unit 10 TORSION

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN
UNIT 10
TORSION
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To understand the principles of torsion reinforcement design.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit you will be able to:

1.
explain torsion failure in beams.
2.
explain the effects of torsion reinforcements.
3.
design torsion reinforcements for beams.
C4301/UNIT10/ 1
C4301/UNIT10/ 2
INPUT 1
10.1
Introduction
For this unit, reference should be made to Section 2.4, Part 2 of BS8110
regarding the design of torsion reinforcement. This unit is concerned with the
design calculations for torsional reinforcement when torsion is of a particular
importance. In normal slab-and-beam or framed construction, torsional
reinforcement is normally not provided because torsional cracking is
adequately controlled by shear reinforcement. This is stated in Clause 2.4.1 of
the code.
10.2
Torsion in plain concrete beams
When a plain concrete beam is subjected to pure torsion, the torsional

moment, T induces shear stresses, which produce tensile stresses at 45 to the
longitudinal axis. When the maximum tensile stress reaches the tensile
strength of the concrete, diagonal cracks form, which tend to spiral round the
beam.
C4301/UNIT10/ 3
This is shown diagrammatically in Figure 10.1 below;
10.3
Figure 10.1: Torsion in a plain concrete beam
Effects of torsional Reinforcement
A plain concrete beam fails as soon as diagonal cracking occurs. Torsion

reinforcement in the form of longitudinal bars and closed links will carry the
force resulting from the torsional moments. The longitudinal bars are
distributed evenly round the inside perimeter of the links. The truss analogy is
used to calculate the shear resistance of the beam. In this analogy, longitudinal
bars act as stringers, the legs of the links acting as posts and the concrete
between the cracks as the compression diagonals. Refer to Figure 10.2 on the
next page.
C4301/UNIT10/ 4
k 2
1 k 2
c ,1 0.0022
f 0.8 f cu
1.4 c ,1 0
f cu
0.8fcu
.001
.002
.003
.0035
Figure 10.2 Stress strain curve for rigorous analysis of non-critical sections
T = ultimate torsion moment of resistance

As = total area of longitudinal reinforcement
Asv = area of the two legs of each link
fy = yield strength of the longitudinal reinforcement
fyv = yield strength of the link
sv = longitudinal spacing of the link
x1 = the smaller dimension between the corner bars
y1 = the larger dimension between the corner bars
30
f cu
C4301/UNIT10/ 5
Considering a length sv of the beam, we have,

Tensile force in links,
F=
Asv 0.87 f y
sv
Moment of force F about the centre line,

= F
= F
x1
for vertical legs
2
y1
for horizontal legs.
2
The torsion moment,

x1
y1
T = F 2 + F 2
2
2
Torsion resistance,
T=
Asv
2
y1 x1
x y
A

2 sv 0.87 f yv 1 1 2
2
sv 2
sv 2
= 0.87 f yv
Therefore,
T=
Asv
x1 y1 0.87 f yv 0.8
sv
0.8 is the coefficient factor to be taken into account as inaccuracy may occur.
The closed link should be provided such that,
Asv
T
sv
0.8 x1 y1 (0.87 f yv )
and As
Asv f yv ( x1 y1 )
sv f y
*Note that fy and fyv should not be taken as greater than 460 N/mm2
C4301/UNIT10/ 6
ACTIVITY 10a
Fill in the blanks.

10.1
Torsional
reinforcement
is
designed
according
to
Clause
______________ Part 2 of BS 8110.

10.2
Torsional crack is normally adequately controlled by ______________

reinforcement. Thus torsion need not be designed in a framed
construction.
10.3
Torsional shear stresses induce tensile stress at __________________

to the longitudinal axis.
10.4
Diagonal cracks occur when the maximum torsional tensile stress

reaches the tensile strength of the _______________________.
10.5
Diagonal cracks form due to torsional failure _______ round the beam.
10.6
_______________ analogy is used to calculate torsional shear stresses.
10.7
To determine torsional shear resistance of a beam, the ____________

analogy is used.
10.8
Torsion reinforcement is provided consisting of _____and _____ links.
10.9
The area of links required is calculated using this equation:

___________________.
10.10 The equation in Question 9 above, x1 is the ____________ dimension

and y1 the _______________ dimension between the corner bars.
C4301/UNIT10/ 7
FEEDBACK 10a
Did you manage to get all the answers correct? Here are the answers.
10.1
2.4.1
10.2
shear
10.3
45
10.4
concrete
10.5
spiral
10.6
sand-heap
10.7
truss
10.8
longitudinal bars, closed
10.9
Asv
10.10
smaller, greater
Asv f yv x1 y1
sv f y
C4301/UNIT10/ 8
INPUT 2
10.4
Torsional Shear Stress

Torsion usually exists in combination with shear stress and bending. It is very
rare that torsion acts alone. Therefore when bending reinforcement is required,
the longitudinal torsion reinforcement area can be increased. This is done
either by providing additional bars or by increasing the bar size. Because of
the combination of bending, shear and torsional forces, a greater amount of
reinforcement is needed.
10.5
Detailing Requirements
As required by Clause 2.4.8 of the code, spacing of links, sv must not exceed
the least of x1,
y1
or 200 mm. The links are of the closed type complying
2
with the shape code 74 of BS 4466 as shown in Figure 10.3 below:
C4301/UNIT10/ 9
The longitudinal reinforcement is to be distributed evenly round the inside

perimeter of the links. So, the clear distance between these bars is not to
exceed 300 mm and there are at least four bars. One on each corner of the
links is to be used. All longitudinal torsion bars should extend a distance at
least equal to the largest dimension of the section beyond where it ceases to be
required. For more information please refer to Clause 2.4.8, 2.4.9.and 2.4.10
Fig 10.3 Closed Links (Shape Code 74)
of the code.
10.6
Reinforcement for Torsion

Torsional reinforcement is required when the torsional shear stress, vt exceed
the minimum torsional shear stress, vt,min . Values of vt,min are given in Table 2.3
of the code. In order to ensure that the crushing of concrete will not occur, (v +
vt) must not be greater than vtu. vtu is the maximum combined shear stress
(shear plus torsion) and is calculated as follows;
Vtu = 0.8 f cu or 5 N/mm2
C4301/UNIT10/ 10
To avoid chipping of the corner of small section, where y1 < 550 mm, vt must
not exceed vtu
y1
as stated in Clause 2.4.5 of BS 8110. Table 2.4 of BS
550
8110 gives guidelines of providing reinforcement for a combination of shear

and torsion as below:
vv
ACTIVITY
10b
Nominal shear
t,min
v vc
v > vc
reinforcement, no
torsion
reinforcement.
Designed shear
reinforcement, no
torsion
reinforcement.
v > vt,min
Designed torsion
reinforcement only.
Designed shear and

torsion
reinforcement.
Table 2.4: Providing Reinforcement For A Combination Of Shear And Torsion
Now, lets do some calculations based on the questions given below. You can
refer to BS 8110 for some technical terms. Good luck!
10.11
The beam section given below is subjected to a torsional moment, T = 150

kNm. A cover of 30 mm is provided.
Calculate;
a)
hmin
b)
hmax
c)
vt
d)
y1 (Use R8 link)
e)
x1 (Use R8 link)
10.12
C4301/UNIT10/ 11
300mm
700mm
For questions 6 and 7, a concrete of grade 30 is used.
a)
Calculate vt,min
b)
Calculate vtu
c)
Complete the following table;
Form of reinforcement
Nominal shear
reinforcement.
Designed torsion
reinforcement only.
Designed shear
reinforcement, no torsion
Conditions to be met
reinforcement.
Designed shear and torsion
reinforcement.
FEEDBACK 10b
Check your answers:

10.11
a) hmin = 300 mm
b) hmax = 700 mm
C4301/UNIT10/ 12
C4301/UNIT10/ 13
2T
c)
vt =
h
2
hmin
hmax min
3
2 150 10 6
300
=
(300) 2 700
= 5.56 N/mm2
d) y1 = 700 2(30) 8
= 632 mm
e) x1= 300 2(30) 8

= 232 mm
10.12
a) vtmin = 0.8
f cu
= 0.8
30
= 0.37 N/mm2
b) vtu = 0.8
f cu
= 0.8
30
= 4.38 N/mm2
c)
Form of reinforcement
Conditions to be met
Nominal shear
reinforcement
Designed torsion
vt vt,min
v vc
vt > vt,min
reinforcement only
Designed shear
reinforcement
Designed shear and torsion
reinforcement
C4301/UNIT10/ 14
v vc
vt vt,min
v > vc
vt > vt,min
v > vc
INPUT 3
10.7
Design Example
A rectangular beam section is shown in Figure 10.3. It is subjected to a

bending moment of 170 kNm, shear force of 160 kN and torsional moment of
C4301/UNIT10/ 15
10 kNm. If the characteristic strength of concrete and steel reinforcement are

fcu = 30 N/mm2 and 460 N/mm2 respectively, calculate the torsion
reinforcement required. Note: As required for bending moment was found to
be 1100 mm2 and
Asv
0.79 from earlier calculations.
sv
Asv/sv = 0.79
500mm
As = 1100 mm2
300mm
Figure 10.3: Cross Section Of Rectangular Beam
Solution
Step 1:
Asv
0.79
sv
2T
Step 2:
vt =
h
2
hmin
hmax min
3
2 10 6
300
300 2 500
C4301/UNIT10/ 16
= 0.56 N/mm2
Step 3:
0.56 > 0.37 (From Table 2.4, BS 8110)

Therefore torsion reinforcement is required.
Step 4:
v=
=
V
bd
160 10 3
300 450
= 1.19 N/mm2
Therefore,
Vt <
vtu y1 4.38 440
550
550
v tu y1
as required.
550
Step 5: Additional
Asv
T
sv
0.8 x1 y1 (0.87 f yv )
10 10 6
0.8( 240 440) 0.87 250
= 0.55
Full
Asv
0.79 0.55
sv
= 1.34
C4301/UNIT10/ 17
Asv
1.57
Provide R10 at 100mm centre rectangular closed link
sv
Step 6: Longitudinal steel;

f
Asv
yv x1 y1
As =
s
v fy
= 0.55
250
240 440
460
= 203 mm2
Full steel area = 1100 mm2 + 203 mm2
The reinforcement details are shown below;
Step 7:
T12
C4301/UNIT10/ 18
T12
The torsional reinforcement is to be extended at least a

distance equal to 500 mm beyond the point where it ceases
R10 at 100mm centre
to be required.
T12
T12
T25
T20
T25
C4301/UNIT10/ 19
SUMMARY
1.
Determine the area of reinforcement, As and Asv to carry bending moment

and shear using the methods discussed in Unit 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9.
2.
Calculate torsional shear stress by using equation 2 of Part 2, BS8110.

The equation is reproduced below;
2T
vt =
h
2
hmin
hmax min
3
3.
When vt > vtmin torsional reinforcement is required.
4.
Check that v + vt is not greater than vtu for section having

y1 < 550 mm.
5.
Calculate additional shear reinforcement by using the equation.

Asv
T
sv
0.8 x1 y1 (0.87 f yv )
6.
Calculate additional longitudinal reinforcement by using the equation,

f
Asv
yv x1 y1
As =
s
v fy
7.
Fulfill detailed requirements for;

a)
spacing of links
b)
form of links
c)
distance to be extended
C4301/UNIT10/ 20
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Given the following information:

hmin = 350 mm
hmax = 800 mm
T
= 105 kNm
As = 762 mm2
Asv
= 0.35
sv
A. Calculate;
1.
vt
2.
vtu
3.
vtmin
4.
Decide whether torsion reinforcement is required.
5.
x1
6.
y1
7.
the additional
8.
the additional As
9.
the total
Asv
sv
Asv
Asv
(torsion) and
(shear)
sv
sv
10.
C4301/UNIT10/ 21
the proposed size and spacing of closed links required. State the
Asv
proposed.
sv
11.
the proposed longitudinal torsion bars required (from item 7) .

State As provided.
B. Sketch the reinforcement details.
C4301/UNIT10/ 22
FEEDBACK ON SELF-ASSESSMENT
A.
2T
1.
vt =
h
2
hmin
hmax min
3
2 105 10 6
350
=
350 2 800
= 2.51 N/mm2
2.
vtu = 5 N/mm2 (From Table 2.3 of BS8110)
3.
vtmin = 0.4 N/mm2 (From Table 2.3 of BS8110)
4.
Since vt > vtmin , torsion reinforcement is required.
5.
x1 = 350 (2)(30) 10
= 280 mm
6.
y1 = 800 2(30) 10
= 730 mm
7.
Asv
105 10 6
sv
(0.8)(280)(730)(0.87)( 460)
= 1.60 mm
C4301/UNIT10/ 23
460
280 730
460
As = (1.60)
8.
= 1616 mm2
9.
Total
Asv
= 1.60 + 0.35
sv
= 1.95 mm
10.
11.
R12 at 100mm centre (
Asv
= 2.26 mm)
sv
T16 (As = 1809 mm2 )
B. Reinforcement details;
3T16
2T16
2T16
R12 at 100mm centres (closed

link)
2T25 + 2T16
END OF UNIT 10

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Unit 10 TORSION

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REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

At the end of this unit you will be able to:

explain torsion failure in beams.

explain the effects of torsion reinforcements.

design torsion reinforcements for beams.

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Torsion in plain concrete beams

When a plain concrete beam is subjected to pure torsion, the torsional

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

This is shown diagrammatically in Figure 10.1 below;

Figure 10.1: Torsion in a plain concrete beam

Effects of torsional Reinforcement

A plain concrete beam fails as soon as diagonal cracking occurs. Torsion

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

T = ultimate torsion moment of resistance

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Considering a length sv of the beam, we have,

Moment of force F about the centre line,

The torsion moment,

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Fill in the blanks.

______________ Part 2 of BS 8110.

Torsional crack is normally adequately controlled by ______________

Torsional shear stresses induce tensile stress at __________________

Diagonal cracks occur when the maximum torsional tensile stress

_______________ analogy is used to calculate torsional shear stresses.

To determine torsional shear resistance of a beam, the ____________

Torsion reinforcement is provided consisting of _____and _____ links.

The area of links required is calculated using this equation:

10.10 The equation in Question 9 above, x1 is the ____________ dimension

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

longitudinal bars, closed

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Torsional Shear Stress

the least of x1,

with the shape code 74 of BS 4466 as shown in Figure 10.3 below:

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

The longitudinal reinforcement is to be distributed evenly round the inside

Reinforcement for Torsion

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

not exceed vtu

8110 gives guidelines of providing reinforcement for a combination of shear

Designed shear and

Table 2.4: Providing Reinforcement For A Combination Of Shear And Torsion

The beam section given below is subjected to a torsional moment, T = 150

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

For questions 6 and 7, a concrete of grade 30 is used.

Complete the following table;

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Check your answers:

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

e) x1= 300 2(30) 8

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

A rectangular beam section is shown in Figure 10.3. It is subjected to a

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

10 kNm. If the characteristic strength of concrete and steel reinforcement are

be 1100 mm2 and

Figure 10.3: Cross Section Of Rectangular Beam

Torsion reinforcement is provided consisting of _and _ links.