Advanced Prestressed

Concrete Design
Sergio F. Breña
University of Massachusetts Amherst
 Course Overview
• Session 1: Introduction to Building Example, Torsion Design

• Session 2: Ledge Design

• Session 3: Bearing on Concrete and Dapped End Design

• Session 4: Design of Axially Loaded Members (Compression + Bending)

• Session 5: Corbel Design

• Session 6: Special Topics

 Special Topics
Learning outcomes
After completing this session, participants should:
• Understand how to design double tee flanges under transverse bending
• Understand how to treat uniformly applied loads and point loads for
transverse design of double tee flanges
• Learn how to design and detail openings in webs of double tees
• Understand issues related to double tee warping
TRANSVERSE DESIGN OF DOUBLE TEE
FLANGES (PCI DESIGN HANDBOOK
§5.13.1)
 Background
• Loads applied on double tee (DT) flanges must travel
transversely to the DT stems.

• Reinforcement must be designed in the transverse

direction to resist loads.

• The key unknown is the width of flange that can be

considered effective in resisting applied loads,
particularly those that act at the flange edge.
 Methods to Determine Transverse Flexural
Strength
• Flexural strength in the transverse direction may be
determined using:
– Elastic plate solutions
– Yield-line theory (plastic solution)
– Effective slab width method

• Elastic and plastic solutions have been shown to be

conservative. The PCI Design Handbook adopts the
effective slab width method because of its simplicity
 Effective Slab Width Method
• Assumes an effective width of slab is engaged in resisting bending
induced by a concentrated load applied at the edge of DT flange.
The width depends on distance from point load to DT stem.

• A spread angle can be estimated from observed cracking patterns

during tests of DT flanges subjected to concentrated forces (Aswad
and Burnley 1991; Botros et al. 2016).

• Research results suggest that loads spread at a ratio of 3:1

(longitudinal:transverse directions), equivalent to approximately a
20° spread angle.
 Slab Effective Width
Notes:

PCI DH (6th Edition) provided no guidance on the width of slab

effective in resisting concentrated forces in the transverse
direction of DT flanges.

Tests by Aswad and Burnley showed that cracks forming parallel

to the DT stems in each test were between 3 and 4 times longer
than the clear overhang distance (2 ft 7 in. in these tests).

Cracking in these tests were used to determine an approximate

width of slab engaged in resisting concentrated forces applied at
the edge of DT flanges.

Reference:
Aswad, A. and Burnley, G. (1991). “Point Load Tests on Double Tee Flanges.”
PCI Journal, Vol. 36 (4), pp. 66-73.

Plan View
 Slab Effective Width
Notes:
Double-tee shown in plan view

A 20° spread was recommended from observed crack

patterns of double tees with CFRP reinforcement tested
to failure for loads applied near midspan of DT (similar to
3:1 recommendation).

A 45° spread (1:1) was recommended for loads acting on

the edge of the DT (corner loads)

Reference:
Botros, A.W., Lucier, G., Rizkalla, S.H., and Gleich, H. (2016). “Behavior of
free and connected double-tee flanges reinforced with carbon-fiber-
reinforced polymer.” PCI Journal, Vol. 61 (5), pp. 49-68.
 Loading for Transverse Bending Design of
Flanges
• Flange is designed for flexure in the transverse direction considering the loading
condition that generates largest moment at flange-web connection. Loads to
consider:

– Uniform DL – selfweight of flange, topping (if any), and superimposed DL (if used).
– Uniform LL = 40 psf (§ 4.3.1 ASCE/SEI 7-10; PCI DH Design Aid 15.1.2).
– Concentrated LL = 3000 lb acting on a 4.5 in. by 4.5 in. surface (ASCE/SEI 7-10 Table 4-1, note
b; PCI DH Design Aid 15.1.2), corresponding to a jacking force applied for maintenance (not
wheel load).

• Consider flange to flange connection between adjacent double tees, if applicable.

 Positions of Concentrated Load for Design
• The following positions for a concentrated force must
be considered. The most critical loading condition is
used to size the flange reinforcement:
– Adjacent flanges connected
• Load at corner (between gap of adjacent DT)
• Load at midspan (between gap of adjacent DT)
• Load between connectors on one side of flange
– Free flanges
• Load at midspan of free flange
• Load at corner of free flange
DESIGN EXAMPLE: TRANSVERSE
BENDING OF DT FLANGES
 Section used for Example
For the structure used in this course, the widest DT is 12 ft 0 in. Therefore, this section is
used for transverse design since it has the longest overhang (3 ft 0 in).

12 ft 0 in.
3 ft 0 in. 6 ft 0 in. 3 ft 0 in.
7 ¾ in.
3 in. 2 in.
Cast-in-place
Topping 26 in.
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 4,000 psi
Double tee
4 ¾ in. 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 5,000 psi

Only the overhang (cantilever) is designed for illustration purposes. The flange between
stems should also be checked under positive bending.
 Determine Design Moment: Construction Condition
Construction loads (SEI/ASCE 37): 3 ft 0 in. 6 ft 0 in. 3 ft 0 in.

Uniform Dead Load 32 ⅛ in. 7 ¾ in.

Flange self-weight = (2 in./12 in/ft)(150 lb/ft3) = 25 lb/ft2
3 in. Topping = (3 in./12 in/ft)(150 lb/ft3) = 37.5 lb/ft2 wu
2 in.
Uniform Personnel Load : 25 lb/ft2 26 in.
4 ¾ in.
Factored Line Load (1 ft width of flange)
wu = 1.2 wD + 1.4 wVML + 1.6 wCP
wu = 1.2(0.063 kip/ft) + 1.6(0.040 kip/ft) = 0.139 kip/ft
Value of Mu for construction loading:
wVML = wet concrete weight (variable material load) kip 32.125 in 2
ℓ2
𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢 (0.12 )( )
wCP = estimate for personnel, equipment and ft 12 in/ft
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = = = 0.43 kip − ft/ft
materials in transit 2 2
 Loads Considered for DT Flange Transverse Bending
(In-service Condition)
• Uniform Dead Load
– Flange self-weight = (2 in./12 in/ft)(150 lb/ft3) = 25 lb/ft2
– 3 in. Topping = (3 in./12 in/ft)(150 lb/ft3) = 37.5 lb/ft2
– Total = 62.5 lb/ft2
• Uniform Live Load * : 40 lb/ft2
• Factored Line Load (1 ft width of flange)
– wu = 1.2 wD + 1.6 wL = 1.2(0.063 kip/ft) + 1.6(0.040 kip/ft) = 0.139 kip/ft
• Concentrated Factored Live Load*
– PuL = 1.6 PL = 1.6 (3000 lb) = 4800 lb
*Design Live load (concentrated or distributed) is the one that produces highest moment. The
concentrated LL is not a wheel load, but an estimate for the load from a jack acting on a 4.5 in. by 4.5 in.
area.
 Determine Design Moment: In-service Condition
DT stem
Assume adjacent flanges are connected (divide PuL/2).
3 ft 0 in. 6 ft 0 in. 3 ft 0 in. *Cantilever span can be taken
to outside face of chamfer.
*32 ⅛ in. 7 ¾ in. Value shown is conservative.

eff = 16.4 ft.

3 in.
2 in. 4.5 in.
26 in.
4 ¾ in.

Determine whether concentrated LL or distributed LL controls ℓ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 4.5 in + 3 32.13 in 2

value of Mu: = 197.25 in = 16.4 ft
kip 32.125 in 2
𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢 ℓ2 (0.14 ft )( 12 in/ft )
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = = = 0.502 kip − ft/ft
2 2 32 ⅛ in.
32.125 in 2 4.8 32.125 in
𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 ℓ2 𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 ℓ 1.2(0.063 kip/ft)( 12 in/ft ) ( 2 kip)( 12 in/ft ) Assumed spread of Pu (plan)
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = + = + = 0.66 kip − ft/ft
2 ℓ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 2 16.4 ft
Governs
 Reinforcement Design for Transverse Bending
(Construction Condition)
Flange is nonprestressed in transverse direction so use RC design approach. Use WWR for flexural
reinforcement in flange: fy = 65,000 psi
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 65,000 psi WWR
𝑚𝑚 = = = 15.29
0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 0.85 5000 psi
2 in.
ft in 1.25 in.
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 0.43 kip − (12 ) Mu
𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = = ft ft = 0.306 ksi
ϕ𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑 2 0.90(12 in)(1.25 in)2
1 2𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 1 2(15.29)(0.306 ksi)
𝜌𝜌 = 1− 1− = 1− 1− = 0.0049
𝑚𝑚 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 15.29 65 ksi

𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 = 𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 = 0.0049 12 in 1.25 in = 0.073 in2 /ft From PCI DH Aid 15.4.3
Use WWR 6 x 12 – D4 x D4
0.0018 (60,000) 0.0018 60,000
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 = 12 in 2 in = 0.040 in2/ft
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 65,000 psi
 Determine As,min for Topping
To determine flexural strength for the in-service condition, minimum reinforcement
will be used and checked to satisfy φMn > Mu
ACI 318-14 Note that flange is considered
§7.6.1.1 – As,min for nonprestressed one-way slabs nonprestressed in transverse
(deformed bars or welded wire reinforcement): direction
0.0018 x 60,000
Greater of: 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 and 0.0014𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 .
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦

where, Ag = gross area of concrete section, in2.

0.0018 (60,000) 0.0018 60,000 This area is higher than

𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 = 12 in 3 in = 0.060 in2/ft needed for flexural
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 65,000 psi strength

Using PCI DH Aid 15.4.3, try WWR 6 x 6 – W3 x W3 in topping (0.060 in2/ft both directions)
 Check Flexural Strength: In-service Condition
Use the following T1
parameters:
3.5 in. T2
For flange: φMn
As1 = 0.080 in2 1.25 in. C
b = 12 in.
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 + 𝐴𝐴𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 (0.060 in2 + 0.080 in2)(65,000 psi) Compression
d1 = 1.25 in.
𝑎𝑎 = = = 0.178 in. force within DT
𝑏𝑏 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 12 in 0.85)(5000 psi
flange
For topping:
𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎
As2 = 0.059 in2 𝑀𝑀𝑛𝑛 = 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑1 −
+ 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠2 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑2 −
b = 12 in. 2 2
d2 = 3.5 in. 0.178 in 0.178 in 1
𝑀𝑀𝑛𝑛 = 3.9 kip 3.50 in − + 5.20 kip 1.25 in −
2 2 12 in/ft
Material properties 𝑀𝑀𝑛𝑛 = 1.61 kip − ft/ft
(note compression block
within flange): 1.61 1.59
f 'c = 5000 psi ϕ𝑀𝑀𝑛𝑛 = 0.9 1.59 = 1.61 kip − ft/ft > 𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = 0.66 kip − ft/ft OK
fy = 65,000 psi
Note that equations assume both layers of steel mesh yield, but
should be checked (both layers yield in this case).
 Concentrated Force at Flange Corner
Concentrated forces need to be considered at the flange corner too. This condition may be critical and
is checked in cross-over bays for the in-service condition (column line B). Again, two live-load
conditions need to be checked (point load governs). The flanges will be disconnected but the concrete
topping will assist distributing load. Flanges are considered disconnected for illustration.
DT stem If adjacent DT flanges are disconnected:
4.5 in.
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = 4.48 kip − ft/ft 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 = 0.28 in2/ft
eff = 3.05 ft.
Failure crack Add WWR 4 x 4 – D9.5 x D9.5 in topping over the
first 3 ft of flange from edge (chord reinforcement)

3 ft. 0 in. X 3 ft. 0 in.

WWR 4 x 4 – D9.5 x D9.5

32 ⅛ in.
*For loads placed at DT edge, Botros et al. (2016)
recommend a 1:1 load spread based on laboratory test
results. DT (Typ) IT
OPENINGS THROUGH WEBS OF BEAMS
(PCI DESIGN HANDBOOK § 5.13.4)
 Design Background
• Design approach for openings through webs is based on research and
experience. A uniform approach is not available.
– Research studies by Kennedy and Abdalla (1995), Barney et al. (1977), others
provide information of different design procedures. Typically these
approaches were developed for loads corresponding to service-load

• Kennedy and Abdalla (1992) developed a design procedure to prevent

cracking in lower chord of opening

• Barney et al. (1977) developed a procedure to determine distribution of

shear in top and bottom chords based on a physical model.
 Selected References
• Ragan, H.S. and Warwaruk, J. (1967). “Tee Members with Large Web Openings.” PCI Journal,
Vol. 12(4), pp. 52-65.
• Barney, G.B., Corley, W.G., Hanson, J.M., and Parmelee, R.A. (1977). “Behavior and Design of
Prestressed Concrete Beams with Large Web Openings.” PCI Journal, Vol. 22(6), pp. 32-60.
• Kennedy, J.B. and Abdalla, H. (1992). “Static Response of Prestressed Girders with Openings.”
ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 118(2), pp. 488-504.
• Abdalla, H. and Kennedy, J.B. (1995a). “Design Against Cracking at Openings in Prestressed
Concrete Beams.” PCI Journal, Vol. 40(6), pp. 60-75.
• Abdalla, H. and Kennedy, J.B. (1995b). “Design of Prestressed Concrete Beams with
Openings.” ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 121(5), pp. 890-898.
• Savage, J.M., Tadros, M.K., Arumugasaamy, P., and Fischer, L.G. (1996). “Behavior and Design
of Double Tees with Web Openings.” PCI Journal, Vol. 41(1), pp. 46-62.
 Observed Cracking: Tests

Source: Abdalla and Kennedy (1995a)

Source: Kennedy and Abdalla (1992)

Note that chords above and below opening seem to bend in double curvature. Also
see diagonal crack patterns in upper and lower chords.
 Tests of Prestressed Beams with Web
Openings
A large variety of opening configurations, prestressing patterns, and cross sections
have been tested. This makes it difficult to develop uniform design recommendations.

Savage, J.M., Tadros, M.K.,

Ragan, H.S. and Warwaruk, J. (1967). Arumugasaamy, P., and Fischer, L.G. Barney, G.B., Corley, W.G., Hanson, J.M., and
(1996). Parmelee, R.A. (1977).
Web Opening General Design Recommendations
• Opening must be located outside the strand development region.

• Openings near ends of girders are under high shear so reinforcement required in
chords for moment and shear might be difficult to place.
– Suggest placing openings at a minimum distance from the support equal to one-quarter the
span length. Preferrably, openings should be placed in the middle third of beam

• If opening is placed near top of beam (under flange) it might interfere with top
strands (if any). Top strands might be needed to control top tension stresses at
transfer.

• Topping should not be considered for strength unless there is transverse

reinforcement crossing the interface that allows reliable stress transfer for
composite action.
 Openings through Webs of Beams
PCI 8th ed.§5.13.4
• Geometric requirements
Locate opening outside of the strand development length
Locate opening at least 8 in. above bottom of beam
Locate opening at least 2 in. below bottom of top flange
Corners of opening must have a 4 in. minimum radius
Minimum distance between openings equal to height of opening but not less than 10 in.

• Loading requirements
Do not locate openings directly below potential concentrated forces (uniform loading is
preferable)
Locate openings in regions of low shear and below the compression block
• Member service load tensile stresses should remain below 𝑓𝑓𝑟𝑟 = 7.5 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ (modulus of rupture)
• See references by Savage et al., Saleh et al. and Barney et al. for detailed recommendations.
 Distribution of Shear Force between
Bottom and Top Chords
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
Barney et al. (1977) = =
𝑉𝑉 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑉𝑉 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏

𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 Applicable to uncracked

Abdalla and Kennedy (1995) =
𝑉𝑉 𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 + 𝐴𝐴𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 tension chord
Notation

Abw – area of bottom chord (web) = b x hbott *This presentation will

Atw – area of top chord (web) = b x htop illustrate the method
Itop – moment of inertia of top chord, in4. proposed by Barney et al.

Ibott – moment of inertia of bottom chord, in4.

Vbott , Vtop – shear in bottom or top chord, kip.
V – shear at center of opening, kip.
DESIGN EXAMPLE: OPENINGS
THROUGH DOUBLE TEE WEBS
N
Building Plan (Typical)
B C
61 ft 6 in.

10 ft 8 in.
A
Selected design region
 Span Dimensions (from Corbel Design Module)
B C
61 ft 6 in.
60 ft ½ in.

DT 10 ft 8 in.

Wall panel Dimensions Corbel

59 ft 0 in.

8 in.
 Uniform Loading on Double-Tee
• Uniform Dead Load
– Self-weight (10 ft 8 in. DT) = 0.606* kip/ft
– 3 in. Topping = 0.038 kip/ft2 (10.67 ft) = 0.40 kip/ft
– VD = 0.606 + 0.40 = 1.01 kip/ft
• Uniform Live Load
– wL = 0.040 kip/ft2 (10.67 ft) = 0.43 kip/ft
• Service Uniform Load
– wu = wD + wL = 1.01 + 0.43 = 1.44 kip/ft
• Factored Uniform Load
– wu = 1.2 wD + 1.6 wL = 1.2 (1.01) + 1.6 (0.43) = 1.90 kip/ft

*Use DT properties from PCI-DH page 3-16 for (12 ft x 28 in DT) and subtract weight of 1 ft 4 in. of flange
** For loading and material data see Corbel Design Module
Design Dimensions of Web Opening
ho

≥d o
x

Notation
d – development length of strand, in.
x – distance from bearing to center of opening, in.
o – length of opening , in. Some models use
distance to stirrups on either side of opening.
ho – height of opening, in.
 Locations of Web Openings
Two opening locations will be used along the span to illustrate calculations. The
first opening is located just outside of the strand development length and the
second is located within the middle third of the beam.

DT 10 ft 8 in.

7 ft 0 in.
8 ft 6 in. Opening dimensions:
36 in. wide
20 ft 0 in. 12 in. high
21 ft 6 in.
59 ft 0 in.
 Shear and Moment at Center of Each Opening
Recall shear and moment equations for simply supported beams with uniform load:
ℓ 𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢 𝑥𝑥
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = 𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢 − 𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = ℓ − 𝑥𝑥
2 2

For x = 8.5 ft: Similarly for x = 21.5 ft:

kip 59 ft
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = 1.90 − 8.5 ft = 39.9 kip 𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = 15.2 kip
ft 2
kip
1.90 (8.5 ft)
ft
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = 59 ft − 8.5 ft = 407.8 kip − ft 𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = 765.9 kip − ft
2
 Vertical Reinforcement on both Sides of Opening

The opening at x = 8.5 ft is where the highest shear occurs: 𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = 39.9 kip

Vertical reinforcement placed before and after opening should be designed to

resist the total shear force calculated at center of opening (Barney et al. 1977):
39.9
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 kip
− 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 2 stems −0
𝜙𝜙 0.75 Use 2 no. 3 U-stirrups
𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 = = = 0.44 in2
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 60 ksi (each side of opening)
 Top and Bottom Chord Design
Model by Barney et al. 1977

M -∆ M V M + ∆M
Stirrup
ds Hinge

∆d V
Peff
o/2 o/2
ℓ𝑜𝑜
Assumptions: o (𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ) = Δ𝑀𝑀
2
Shear in chords is constant along opening
Moment in chords is zero at center of opening
 Free Body Diagram – Section at Center of
Note: the method was developed for Opening
service-load level � 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 0 +
M-∆M V B C ℓ𝑜𝑜
𝑀𝑀 − Δ𝑀𝑀 + 𝑉𝑉 − 𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 Δ𝑑𝑑 = 𝐶𝐶𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠
2
Stirrup Vtop
ds 𝑀𝑀 − 𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 Δ𝑑𝑑
𝐶𝐶 =
𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠

A T � 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0 +
Peff
∆d ℓ𝑜𝑜
o/2 Vbott 𝑀𝑀 − Δ𝑀𝑀 + 𝑉𝑉 − 𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 (𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 + Δ𝑑𝑑) = 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠
2
x
𝑀𝑀 − 𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 (𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 + Δ𝑑𝑑)
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑇𝑇 =
𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠

If 𝑇𝑇 ≥ 6 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔 bottom chord is considered fully cracked

 Chord Shear Forces and Moments
VL MR
ML Top chord Moment in each chord is calculated
Stirru using the shear force carried by the
p corresponding chord:
Bottom chord ℓ𝑜𝑜
VR 𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
2
Peff
o/2 o/2

Vchord For example:

ℓ𝑜𝑜
𝑀𝑀𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
2
Mchord
 Free Body Diagram at Center of Opening
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑉𝑉
V 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
M-∆M
Vtop 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑉𝑉
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏

Peff
Vbott Notation
o/2 Itop – moment of inertia of top chord, in4.
Mx = 0
x Ibott – moment of inertia of bottom chord, in4.

𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
 Properties of Top and Bottom Chords
64 in.
𝑦𝑦� = 1.22 in.
𝑋𝑋�
3.78 in.
64 in. 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 103.4 in.4
7.75 in.
7 ¾ in.
2 in. 6.13 in.

2 in. 𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 5.44 in. �

𝑋𝑋
12 in. cgs 6 in.
28 in. 6.13 in.
4.75 in.
12 in. cgs 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 783.4 in.4
5 in.
4 ¾ in.
 Distribution of V into Top and Bottom Chords
V At x = 8.5 ft: Vu = 39.9 kip
M - ∆M
Vtop 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 0.12 39.9 kip = 4.8 kip
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 0.88 39.9 kip = 35.1 kip
Peff At x = 21.5 ft: Vu = 15.2 kip
Vbott
o/2 M = 0 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 0.12 15.2 kip = 1.8 kip
x
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 0.88 15.2 kip = 13.4 kip
x
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 103.1
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉 = 0.12 𝑉𝑉
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 103.1 + 783.4
𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 783.4
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉 = 0.88 𝑉𝑉
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 + 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 103.1 + 783.4
 Axial Forces in Chords (per Stem)
Opening at x = 8.5 ft
How do we modify equations from service level to ultimate level?
Assumption: distribution of chord forces does not change from service to ultimate
𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 = 𝐴𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑓𝑓𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 8 0.153 in2 266.2 ksi = 325.8 kip

in
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 − 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 + ∆𝑑𝑑 (203.9 kip − ft)(12 ) − (325.8 kip) 21.78 in + 1 in
𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 = = ft
𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 21.78 in.
= −228.4 kip (Compression)
in
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 − 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 ∆𝑑𝑑 (203.9 kip − ft)(12 ) − (325.8 kip) 1 in
𝐶𝐶𝑢𝑢 = = ft = 97.4 kip
𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 21.78 in.
 Shear Forces and Moments in Chords (per stem)
4.8 kip
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 0.12 39.9 kip = 4.8 kip 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = = 2.4 kip/stem
2
35.1 kip
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 0.88 39.9 kip = 35.1 kip 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = = 17.6 kip/stem
2
V
M
Mtop Vtop

ℓ𝑜𝑜 40 in Pp Mbott
𝑀𝑀𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 2.4 kip = 48 kip − in/stem Vbott
2 2
o/2
ℓ𝑜𝑜 40 in M=0
𝑀𝑀𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 17.6 kip = 352 kip − in/stem
2 2
 Flexural Reinforcement for Bottom Chord
For flexural design, use: 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 60,000 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
f 'c = 5000 psi 𝑚𝑚 = = = 14.12
0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 0.85 5000 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
fy = 60,000 psi
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 352 kip − in
b = tavg = 5.44 in. 𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = = = 0.719 ksi
d = 12 in. – 2 in. = 10 in. ϕ𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑2 0.90(5.44 in)(10 in)2
Mu = 352 kip – in.

1 2𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 1 2(14.12)(0.719 ksi)

𝜌𝜌 = 1− 1− = 1− 1− = 0.0132
𝑚𝑚 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 14.12 60 ksi

𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 = 𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 = 0.0132 5.44 in 10 in = 0.72 in2

Use 2 no. 6 top bars for bottom chord
 Check Shear in Chords
The need for transverse (shear) reinforcement is determined by equating the shear
force in top or bottom cords with the design strength:

ϕ𝑉𝑉𝑛𝑛 = ϕ(𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 + 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 )

According to ACI 318-14 § 22.5.6.1, the concrete contribution to shear strength for
nonprestressed members with axial compression is (note that both chords have axial
compression):
𝑁𝑁𝑢𝑢
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 2 1 + 𝜆𝜆 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑
2000𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔
This equation is used for chords above and below the opening rather than equations
for prestressed members because of the discontinuity that the opening generates. It is
not clear that chords would behave as a prestressed member, where Vc is calculated
as the smallest of Vci and Vcw.
 Bottom Chord Shear Design
𝑁𝑁𝑢𝑢
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 2 1 + 𝜆𝜆 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑
2000𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 Axial compression in bottom chord

228,400 lb 5.44 in 10 in
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 2 1 + 1.0 5000 psi = 21.2 kip
2000 5.44 in 12 in lb
1000
kip
ϕ𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 0.75 21.2 kip = 15.9 kip/stem ~ 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 17.6 kip/stem Try Av,min for shear strength

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣,𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 5.44 in

= 0.75 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 0.75 5000 psi = 0.0048
𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 60,000 psi
𝑑𝑑 10
𝑠𝑠𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = = = 5 in (use 4 in) 𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣,𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 0.0048 4 in = 0.019 in2
2 2

(0.019 in2 )(60 ksi)(10 in) kip Use WWR 3 x 3 - W2 x W2

ϕ𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 = 0.75 = 2.1
4 in stem To develop vertical wires in stem and
kip constructability
ϕ𝑉𝑉𝑛𝑛 = 𝜙𝜙 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 + 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 = 15.9 + 2.1 = 18.0 > 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
stem
 Axial Forces in Chords (per Stem)
Opening at x = 21.5 ft
How do we modify equations from service level to ultimate level?
Assumption: distribution of chord forces does not change from service to ultimate
𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 = 𝐴𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑓𝑓𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 8 0.153 in2 266.2 ksi = 325.8 kip

in
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 − 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 + ∆𝑑𝑑 (383.0 kip − ft)(12 ) − (325.8 kip) 21.78 in + 1 in
𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 = = ft
𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 21.78 in.
= −129.7 kip (Compression)

in
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 − 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 ∆𝑑𝑑 (383.0 kip − ft)(12 ) − (325.8 kip) 1 in
𝐶𝐶𝑢𝑢 = = ft = 196.1 kip
𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 21.78 in.
 Shear Forces and Moments in Chords (per stem)
1.8 kip
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 0.12 15.2 kip = 1.8 kip 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = = 0.9 kip/stem
2
13.4 kip
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 0.88 15.2 kip = 13.4 kip 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = = 6.7 kip/stem
2
V
M
Mtop Vtop

ℓ𝑜𝑜 40 in Pp Mbott
𝑀𝑀𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 0.9 kip = 18 kip − in/stem Vbott
2 2
o/2
ℓ𝑜𝑜 40 in M=0
𝑀𝑀𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 6.7 kip = 134 kip − in/stem
2 2
 Flexural Reinforcement for Bottom Chord
For flexural design, use: 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 60,000 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
f 'c = 5000 psi 𝑚𝑚 = = = 14.12
0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 0.85 5000 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
fy = 60,000 psi
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 134 kip − in
b = tavg = 5.44 in. 𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = = = 0.274 ksi
d = 12 in. – 2 in. = 10 in. ϕ𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑2 0.90(5.44 in)(10 in)2
Mu = 134 kip – in.

1 2𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 1 2(14.12)(0.719 ksi)

𝜌𝜌 = 1− 1− = 1− 1− = 0.0047
𝑚𝑚 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 14.12 60 ksi

𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 = 𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 = 0.0047 5.44 in 10 in = 0.26 in2

Use 2 no. 4 top bars for bottom chord
 Bottom Chord Shear Design
𝑁𝑁𝑢𝑢
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 2 1 + 𝜆𝜆 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑 Axial compression in bottom chord
2000𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔

129,700 lb 5.44 in 10 in
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 2 1 + 1.0 5000 psi = 15.3 kip
2000 5.44 in 12 in lb
1000
kip

ϕ𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 0.75 15.3 kip = 11.5 kip/stem > 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 6.7 kip/stem Use Av,min

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣,𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 5.44 in

= 0.75 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 0.75 5000 psi = 0.0048
𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 60,000 psi

𝑑𝑑 10 𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣,𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 0.0048 4 in = 0.019 in2

𝑠𝑠𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = = = 5 in (use 4 in)
2 2
Use WWR 10 x 4 - W2.1 x W2.1
 Detailing of Reinforcement for Opening
(8.5 ft from End)
2 no. 3 U-stirrups 2 no. 3 bars x 45
(each side, each stem) B A in. (to tie stirrups)

2 in.
2 in.
36 in.
8 - ½ in. 2 no. 6 bars (each 1.5 d
12 in. 12 in.
strand stem) (typ)

Peff
12 in.

WWR 3 x 3 – W2.1 x W2.1

B A
11 ft. 0 in.*
*No. 6 bars below opening could be extended left toward bearing for constructability
 Cross Sections
64 in. 64 in.
2 no. 3 bars (45 in. long) 2 no. 3 bars (45 in. long)
2 in. 2 in.

2 in.

12 in. 2 no. 6 bars 2 no. 6 bars

2 no. 3
(11 ft. long)

28 in.

28 in.
(11 ft. long) U-stirrups
WWR 3 x 3 – W2 x W2
12 in.

4 ¾ in. 4 ¾ in.

Section A-A Section B-B

WARPING OF DOUBLE TEES (PCI DESIGN
HANDBOOK §15.3.7)
 Background
• Warping (twisting) of double tees is sometimes performed to
provide for drainage in parking garages.

• Warping is achieved by setting one double tee stem support lower

than the other three. One corner of the double tee flange would be
lower than the other three so that water can flow toward it.

• The double tee will twist and bend transversely to accommodate

the differential position of supports, inducing torsional and flexural
stresses.
 Stem Vertical Offset for Drainage
Mack et al. (2003) report that sources for
parking structures recommend providing a
minimum slope between 1% to 1.5% to allow
for drainage.

For a stem spacing of 6 ft., these slopes result

in a vertical stem offset (warping displacement)
approximately of 0.75 and 1.1 in.

Several other sources recommend 2% in any

direction (see Mack et al.)

Note: when calculating the required vertical

offset to achieve a desired slope, camber must
be considered to avoid having lower slopes
than required.
Adapted from: https://nitterhouseconcrete.com/precast/warping-double-tees-
drainage/
 Practical Considerations
PCI 8th ed.§5.13.7
• In general, parking structure double tees in the 60 ft span range have successfully been
warped about ¼ in./ft of width for pre-topped (4 in. flange) and about ⅜ in./ft for field
topped (2 in. thick flange).

• See references by Mack et al. (2003), Banks et al. (2005) for analysis and practical
recommendations.
Note: For field topped double tees, a slope of ⅜ in./ft corresponds to 2.25 in. of vertical stem
displacement of a section with 6 ft spacing between stems.

References:
Mack, P., Force, G., Magnesio, C., Bryan, K. (2003). “The Practice of Warping Double Tees.” PCI Journal, Vol. 48(1),
pp. 32-48.

Banks, G., Lowes, L.N., Stanton, J.F. (2005). “Analysis and Design for End Effects in Twisted Double Tees.” PCI
Journal, Vol. 50(3), pp. 40-59.
 Sources of Warping
• Warping of double tees may cause cracking near
flange-stem intersection

• Warping may occur due to (Mack et al. 2003)

– Uneven lifting of double tee during form stripping
– Racking during storage (stacking up double tees improperly
– Twisting during handling
– Uneven supports to accommodate transverse slope for
drainage
 Key Findings in References Cited in PCI-DH
• Mack et al. (2003)
– Conducted industry survey to determine warping practices and experience
(magnitude of warping displacement and observed cracking)
– Summarize results of testing conducted by CEG
– Provide a method to determine torsional stresses of various standard double tee
sections (method is simpler than Banks et al.)
– Compared torsional stress to tensile strength of concrete

• Banks et al. (2005)

– Conducted rigorous analytical and FE studies to understand phenomenon
– Included torsion, warping, flange bending in solution
– Procedure is more complex and results in high bending stresses in flange (~12 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ )
For illustration, the procedure in Mack et al. (2003) will be followed with a slight a modification to
compute bending stresses in flange (instead of shear stresses). Note: results from either method
should be evaluated with engineering judgement and experience to determine likelihood of flange
cracking.
 Clarification of Terms
• Twisting – rotation of the cross-section about the longitudinal
axis
• Warping – longitudinal deformation of the cross-section as a
result of torsion
• Cross-section distortion – change in shape of the cross-section
that results from induced displacement

Note: For consistency with the PCI –DH and practice, we will use
the term ‘warping’ to refer to twisting of the cross section due to
uneven supports or lifting of double tees.
 Components of Deformation
The figure below illustrates the double tee deformations that occur by displacing one
of the two stem supports a distance ∆. The far end of the double tee (not shown)
would not twist nor distort.

Total cross-section twist angle: 𝜙𝜙𝑡𝑡 = 𝜙𝜙𝑟𝑟 + 𝜙𝜙𝑑𝑑

Source: Banks, G., Lowes, L.N., Stanton, J.F. (2005). “Analysis and Design for End Effects in Twisted Double
Tees.” PCI Journal, Vol. 50(3), pp. 40-59.
 Example – Double Tee Warping
Double tee properties: b
A = 582 in2 (4.04 ft2) ttop
t
b = 128 in. (10 ft 8 in.)
h = 26 in. tavg h MT
t = 2 in.
tbott ∆
tbott = 4.75 in.
ttop = 7.75 in.
128 in.
Material properties: 7.75 in.
f 'c = 5000 psi 2 in.
fy = 65,000 psi (WWR)
tavg
26 in.
A = Double tee cross
sectional area
4.75 in.
72 in.

𝐴𝐴 − 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 582 in2 − 128 in. 2 in.

𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = = = 6.27 in.
2ℎ 2(26 in. )
 Torsion of Cross Sections Containing Long-Thin
Components
Saint Venant Torsion 𝜙𝜙
𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇 = 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 Torsion constant for sections
is calculated by: 𝐿𝐿 made up of ‘n’ thin rectangles:
𝜙𝜙
= average twist (twist/unit length) 𝑛𝑛
𝐿𝐿
𝐽𝐽 = � 𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑖 𝑏𝑏𝑖𝑖 𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑖3
𝑖𝑖=1

Torsion constant for thin 1 3
b 𝐽𝐽 = 𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡
rectangular sections: 3
𝑏𝑏
of component rectangles
𝑡𝑡 are needed to calculate J
(affect constant, c)

t
 Torsion Constant (J)
b
b/t or (h+2t)/tavg c t
1.0 0.141 h ② ① ③
tavg
1.5 0.196 n=3
2.0 0.229 ℎ + 2𝑡𝑡 26 in. + 2(2 in)
𝑛𝑛 = = 4.78
2.5 0.249 𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 6.27 in.
𝐽𝐽 = � 𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑖 𝑏𝑏𝑖𝑖 𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑖3 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

𝑖𝑖=1 3.0 0.263

𝑐𝑐 ≈ 0.289
4.0 0.281

5.0 0.291
𝑏𝑏 128 in.
10.0 0.312 = = 64 𝑐𝑐 ≈ 0.33
𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
2 in.
∞ 0.333
Torsional Constant for Double Tees
b b
ttop
t t
tavg h h
tbott
tavg
𝑏𝑏
𝑡𝑡 𝐽𝐽𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑐𝑐𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 3
𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
Term added to better match
analytical results
ℎ + 2𝑡𝑡 3
𝐽𝐽𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝑐𝑐𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ℎ + 2𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

𝐽𝐽 = 𝐽𝐽𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 + 2 𝐽𝐽𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
 Torsional Stiffness, GJ
𝐽𝐽𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 0.333 128 in 2 in 3 = 341 in4

𝐽𝐽𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 0.289 26 in + 2(2 in) 6.27 in 3 = 2,137 in4

𝐽𝐽 = 341 in4 + 2 2137 in4 = 4615 in4

Shear modulus, G, is calculated as:

𝐸𝐸 57 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 57 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′
𝐺𝐺 = = = = 1679 ksi
2(1 + 𝜈𝜈) 2(1 + 𝜈𝜈) 2(1 + 0.2)
Recall Poisson Ratio for concrete is ν = 0.18-0.20
Torsional stiffness, GJ:
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 1679 ksi 4615 in4 = 7.75 x 106 kip − in2
 Torsional Moment
Assume 1.5% cross-slope is needed for drainage. The warping displacement, ∆,
for a stem spacing of 6 ft is:
1.5% in
Δ= 6 ft 12 = 1.08 in ≈ 1.1 in
100 ft

The angle of twist per 𝜙𝜙� 1.1 in

𝐿𝐿 = = 2.16 x 10−5 rad/in
unit length is: in in
6 ft (12 )(59 ft)(12 )
ft ft

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 rad
Torsional moment: 𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇 = 𝜙𝜙 = 7.75 x 106 kip − in2 2.16 x 10−5 = 167.4 kip − in
𝐿𝐿 in
 Flange Moment
Assume moment in flange is determined in proportion to relative torsional stiffness of
flange to stiffness of cross section. This can be calculated as follows:

𝐽𝐽𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 341 in4

𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑀𝑀𝑇𝑇 = 167.4 kip − in = 12.4 kip − in
𝐽𝐽 4615 in4
Mflange

If stems are taken as pinned supports, the maximum bending moment can be taken
equal in magnitude as the torsional moment. With this very crude approximation, one
can determine likelihood of flange cracking.
Observed Flange Cracking in Tests
Source: Mack, P., Force, G., Magnesio, C.,
Bryan, K. (2003). “The Practice of Warping
Double Tees.” PCI Journal, Vol. 48(1), pp. 32-
48.

Crack length is approximately 5 ft.

 Moment in Flange per ft
𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 12.4 kip − in
𝑚𝑚𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = = = 0.207 kip − in/ft
𝐿𝐿𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 in
5 ft (12 )
ft

𝑚𝑚𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 0.207 kip − in/ft

𝑓𝑓 = = = 0.310 ksi
𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 2 in
5 ft (12 ) 2 in 2
6 ft
6
310 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
𝑓𝑓/ 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = = 4.4
5000 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝

The tensile strength of concrete is usually taken as 𝑓𝑓𝑡𝑡 = 4 − 6 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ so

this value indicates that the flange might not crack. Minimum
reinforcement is still required.
 End of Session 6 - Questions?
• Session 1: Introduction to Building Example, Torsion Design

• Session 2: Ledge Design

• Session 3: Bearing on Concrete and Dapped End Design

• Session 4: Design of Axially Loaded Members (Compression +

Bending)

• Session 5: Corbel Design

• Session 6: Special Topics