TORSION PROPERTIES

Torsional analysis is not required for the routine design of most structural steel members.
When torsional analysis is required, the Table of Torsion Properties will be of assistance in utilizing
current analysis methods. The reader is referred to the AISC publication Torsional Analysis of Steel
Members (American Institute of Steel Construction, 1983) for additional information and appropriate
design aids.
Torsion Properties are also required to determine the design compressive strength for torsional and
flexural-torsional buckling as specified in the AISC LRFD Specification Appendix E3.
Nomenclature
Cw = warping constant for section, in6*
E = modulus of elasticity of steel (29 000 ksi)
G = shear modulus of elasticity of steel (11 200 ksi)
H = flexural constant in Equation E3-1, LRFD Specification
J = torsional constant for a section, in4
Qf = statical moment for a point in the flange directly above the vertical edge of the web, in3
Qw = statical moment at mid-depth of the section, in3
ro = polar radius of gyration about the shear center, in.
Sw = warping statical moment at a point in the section, in4
Wno = normalized warping function at a point at the flange edge, in2
AMERICAN OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION TORSION PROPERTIES 1 - 145
*Calculated values of Cw are given for all tabulated shapes. However, for many angles and T shapes, Cw is so small that for practical purposes it can
be taken as zero. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION