Calculating

shear
friction
using an
effective
coefficient
of friction
John A. Tanner

Since the second edition of the PCI Design Handbook1

was published in 1978, the use of an effective coefficient
of friction μe has been promoted by PCI instead of the
coefficient of friction μ per Building Code Requirements
for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-05) and Commentary
(ACI 318R-05).2 PCI’s basis for the use of μe was justified
by research and publications by A. Fattah Shaikh3 and
relationships presented by Charles H. Raths.4 These works
followed Allan H. Mattock’s earlier research and articles
proposing the methodology and concepts pertaining to
shear friction.5

Many engineers have used shear friction, as proposed by

the PCI Design Handbook, to design a variety of precast
concrete connections. Connections such as beam bearings,
daps, and corbels are some of the most critical connec-
tions in precast concrete construction because they support
permanent gravity loads with little redundancy.
Editor’s quick points
Considering the sixth edition of the PCI Design Hand-
n  This paper examines the current formulas used for calculating book6 and the new load factors and φ factors as presented
the effective coefficient of friction µe in the PCI Design Hand- in ACI 318, this paper intends to discuss several math-
book. ematical anomalies in the PCI Design Handbook equations
for μe that have been exacerbated by the new codes. These
n  Original test data are compared with these equations and anomalies, as presented in the sixth edition of PCI Design
formulas as developed by A. Fattah Shaikh and Charles Raths. Handbook, produce substantially less conservative results
than originally intended in Shaikh's research.
n  Mathematical modifications and clarifications are recommend-
ed for the PCI Design Handbook formulas in the calculation This paper will focus on the mathematical relationships to
of µe. produce results per the original data and findings of Shaikh

114 May – J u n e 2 0 0 8 | PCI Journal 114

and others. All notations follow those provided in chapter 2 lation of Vn changes. Figure 1 shows the effects of this
of ACI 318-05. interchanging Vn for Vu without maintaining the basic re-
lationship of φVn > Vu. The graphs are for monolithic nor-
Shear-friction formulas malweight concrete with f c' > 3333 psi (23.0 MPa). This
using Vn or Vu eliminates the issue of the λ2 term and concrete strengths.
Figure 1 shows μe per ACI 318-05, Shaikh research, PCI
At the time Shaikh and Mattock were conducting their Design Handbook fourth and fifth editions, and the cur-
research, the nomenclature that was used to define loads rent PCI Design Handbook, sixth edition. With the new φ
and capacities was in transition to today’s format in which factor of 0.75 for shear, Vn has increased 33.33% from the
the subscripts n and u represent capacity (or strength) original intent and the amount of shear-friction steel has
and applied factored loads, respectively. At the time their been reduced 25% to get the same nominal capacity. These
research was published, the term Vu might have referred to are significant variations as indicated in the following
strength or to a load, depending on the wording and usage. example calculation.
However, the terms can only be interchanged with regard
to the basic equation φVn > Vu, where φ is the strength- Given:
reduction factor. This is the basis for the first mathematical
anomaly. Vd = 100 kip

Shaikh presented his test data in a graph of μe compared Vl = 35 kip

with nominal shear stress vu (Figure 3 of his article).3
However, per the wording and the usage, the plotted data f c' = 5000 psi
are nominal shear stresses vn. The calculations of μe as
proposed by Birkeland,7 Raths, and Mattock were also cal- Acr = 250 in.2
culated using the nominal shear stress values vn. The equa-
tion, as presented by Raths, was concluded to represent the concrete density = 150 lb/ft3
best reasonable lower bound to the test data. Note that for
Raths’s equation, μe = 1.4 at vn,max = 1000 psi λ = 1.0
(6.9 MPa). Therefore, the original plotted equation should
have been written as Eq. (1). μ = 1.4λ = 1.4(1.0) = 1.4

μe = 1000λ2Acr μ/Vn (1) Vn = 234.7 kip

where

Acr = area of shear-crack interface 4.000

PCI 6th (ACI 318-02)

λ = modification factor related to unit weight of 3.500
Effective coefficient of friction µe

PCI 4th & 5th (ACI 318-99)

concrete
3.000 Raths's equation per Shaikh's
article (Fig. 3)
For normalweight concrete, λ = 1 as used in the original
2
2.500
ACI limit

test data. Therefore, it does not affect the results for nor-
malweight concrete. 2.000

The maximum value for Vn was set to 1000λ2Acr or 1.500

0.3λ2 f c' Acr, where f c' is the specified compressive strength

1.000
of concrete. With concrete having a strength of 3333 psi
(23.0 MPa) or greater, the 1000Acr term governed, which 0.500
is the governing case for most precast concrete strengths.
This was the equation in the fourth and fifth editions of the 0.000
PCI Design Handbook.8,9 However, in the sixth edition, the 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

term Vn was changed to Vu. With the change in φ factors Nominal shear stress vn , psi

from 0.85 to 0.75, the equations deviate from the original

as graphed by Shaikh by an even greater margin. Figure 1. This graph compares the results from four sources for the effective
coefficient of friction μe with nominal shear stress vn for monolithic normalweight
concrete.
The values of Vn should not change from one PCI Design Sources: Data from PCI Design Handbook 1992, 1999, and 2004; Shaikh 1978;
Handbook edition to the next or from ACI 318-99 to ACI Raths 1977; and Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-05)
318-02 unless the underlying methodology in the calcu- and Commentary (ACI 318R-05) 2005.
Note: 1 psi = 6.895 kPa.

PCI Journal | M a y– J u n e 2008 115

 4.000
PCI monolithic concrete Note that Vn is the same value in all cases; however, the
3.500 PCI roughened concrete amount of shear-friction steel Avf decreased.
Effective coefficient of friction µe

PCI smooth concrete

3.000
µe should equal µ at Vn,max
2.500

2.000
In the original plots of μe to the test data, all assumed
μe should approach and be equal to μ, per ACI, as the
1.500
capacity of the interface was reached. Figure 2 shows the
1.000 current sixth-edition PCI Design Handbook calculations
0.500
of μe for varying crack interfaces. The concrete strength
is assumed to be greater than 4000 psi (27.6 MPa) and
0.000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
the concrete density is about 150 lb/ft3 (2400 kg/m3). This
again eliminates the λ2 term and f c' from the discussion.
Nominal shear stress vn , psi

Figure 2 illustrates the second mathematical anomaly in

Figure 2. This graph compares various crack-interface conditions represented in that μe never gets to μ. The graph represents the current
the sixth edition of the PCI Design Handbook for effective coefficient of friction μe PCI Design Handbook equation μe = 1000λAcr μ/Vu. The
with nominal shear stress vn for normalweight concrete.
Note: 1 psi = 6.895 kPa. plots continue beyond the Vn limit of 1000Acr until the
value of μe = μ. Note that for all interface conditions, for μe
to equal μ, vn = Vn/Acr must be greater than the 1000 psi
Using test data: (7 MPa) limit.

Vn = 234.7 kip (1044 kN) The equation for μe in terms of Vu results in non-
conservative values for μe for all crack interfaces, even
μe = 1.4(1000)(250)/234,700 = 1.491 when Vn is limited to 1000Acr. When Vn = 1000Acr, μe =
1.867 for monolithic conditions and μe = 1.333 for con-
234.7
Avf = = 2.62 in.2 (1690 mm2) crete–to–roughened concrete interface, both values of μe
1.49 60 ( ) are greater than μ of 1.4 and 1.0, respectively.
According to the fourth and fifth editions of the PCI
Design Handbook: The solution is to make μe a function of μVn,max /Vn. There-
fore, as Vn approaches Vn,max, μe will approach μ. The
Vu = 1.4(100) + 1.7(35) = 199.5 kip (887 kN) 1000Acr term should be replaced by the maximum nominal
shear capacity Vn,max.
Vn > 199.5/0.85 = 234.7 kip (1044 kN)
The λ2 term
μe = 1.4(1000)(250)/199,500 = 1.754
Since the inception of the term μe in the second edition
199.5
Avf = = 2.23 in.2 (1439 mm2) of the PCI Design Handbook, there has been confusion
(
1.754 0.85 60 )( ) as to the actual equation for μe concerning the λ term.
According to the sixth edition of the PCI Design Hand- The equation is written by PCI as μe = 1000λAcr μ/Vu. The
book: confusion comes from the term μ—is it 1.4 for monolithic
concrete or 1.4λ? As directed by the statement to use the
Vu = 1.2(100) + 1.6(35) = 176 kip (783 kN) value in PCI Design Handbook table 4.3.6.1, you would
substitute 1.4λ for μ and get a λ2 term. Over the years, the
Vn > 176/0.75 = 234.7 kip (1044 kN) PCI Design Handbook has shown calculations for μe in
both formats. For example, in the fifth edition on pages
μe = 1.4(1000)(250)/176,000 = 1.989 4-55 and 4-62, the calculation of μe used a single λ term,
and on page 4-36, μe is calculated with λ2. However, the
176
Avf = = 1.97 in.2 (1270 mm2) current edition does not show any calculations of μe using
(
1.989 0.75 60 )( ) the λ2 term (pages 4-55, 4-78, 4-82, and 6-49). In all of the
where examples cited, λ is 1.0 and does not factor into the results.

Avf = area of shear-friction reinforcement Some of the confusion starts with ACI writing μ as 1.4λ,
1.0λ, 0.7λ, or 0.6λ. A better way might have been for ACI
Vl = shear force at section due to unfactored live load Eq. (11-25) to be written as Eq. (2).

Vd = shear force at section due to unfactored dead load

116 May – J u n e 2 0 0 8 | PCI Journal 116

 3.000
Vn = Avf fy μλ (2)
Calculated
2.500
where Series B

Effective coefficient of friction µe

Series D

2.000
μ and λ are separate variables:
1.500
μ = 1.4, 1.0, 0.6, or 0.7
1.000
λ = 1.0, 0.85, or 0.75
0.500
fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement
0.000
The λ2 term is an interesting occurrence for the calculation 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

of Vn,max. In all other chapters of ACI 318 and the PCI De- Nominal shear stress vn , psi

sign Handbook, the nominal shear capacities are a function

of λ, not λ2. The comments in chapter 11 of ACI 318-05 Figure 3. This graph compares Mattock’s (1976) test series B and D research data
concerning lightweight concrete do not indicate this mag- with the author’s proposed modifications to the effective coefficient of friction μe
with the resulting nominal shear stress vn for sanded, lightweight concrete.
nitude of strength reduction. Note: fc' > 4000 psi; λ = 0.85; μ = 1.0 as defined by roughened concrete–to–
concrete interface for initially cracked. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa.
The λ2 term as part of the calculation of μe seems to fit the
data well. The following mathematics is presented to elimi-
nate some of the confusion. It is proposed that the equation
for μe be written as Eq. (3). 2.500

Calculated
μe = μVn,max /Vn or μe = μφVn,max /Vu (3) Series F
Effective coefficient of friction µe

2.000
Series H

where 1.500

Vn,max = 0.30λ f c' Acr < 1000λAcr for monolithic interface

1.000

= 0.25λ f c' Acr

< 1000λAcr for roughened concrete–to–
concrete interface 0.500

= 0.20λ f c' Acr < 800λAcr for either concrete-to- 0.000

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
concrete or concrete-to-steel interface
Nominal shear stress vn , psi

μ = 1.4λ, 1.0λ, 0.7λ, or 0.6λ, depending on the crack

interface Figure 4. This graph compares Mattock’s (1976) test series E and F research data
with the author’s proposed modifications to the effective coefficient of friction μe
with the resulting nominal shear stress vn for all lightweight concrete.
Note that λ is part of μ. Note: fc' > 4000 psi; λ = 0.75; μ = 1.0 as defined by roughened concrete–to–
concrete interface for initially cracked.1 psi = 6.895 kPa.
Therefore, the equation for μe, using a monolithic interface
and strengths greater than 3333 psi (23.0 MPa), becomes
Eq. (4). for the 4000 psi all-lightweight concrete and an initially
cracked interface. These data are shown in Fig. 9 of Mat-
μe = 1.4λ(φ1000λAcr /Vu) = φ1.4λ21000Acr /Vu (4) tock’s article. The data, per Mattock’s notation, were plot-
ted in terms of μe = ρfy /vu compared with vu. However, the
This mathematically incorporates the λ2 term into the cal- term vu is actually vn because it is the nominal shear stress
culation of μe and a single λ term in the calculation Vn,max. as defined by the article.

Figures 3 and 4 are graphs comparing the data from These graphs indicate a good correlation with the limited
Mattock’s work5 and the proposed formula for roughened test data and the proposed equation. The maximum value
concrete–to–concrete interface. Figure 3 represents the for Vn with the λ2 does not seem warranted. However, the
data from Mattock’s test series B and D, representing data calculation of μe does get the λ2 as part of mathematics and
for the 4000 psi (28 MPa) sanded, lightweight concrete Raths’ original equation.
and an initially cracked interface. Figure 4 represents the
data from Mattock’s test series E and F, representing data

PCI Journal | M a y– J u n e 2008 117

 Table 1. PCI Design Handbook, sixth edition, proposed Table 4.3.6.1 modifications

Crack-interface condition Recommended μ Maximum μe Vn,max

'
Concrete to concrete, cast monolithically 1.4λ 3.4λ 0.30λ fc Acr < 1000λAcr
Concrete to hardened concrete, with '
1.0λ 2.9λ 0.25λ fc Acr < 1000λAcr
roughened surface
'
Concrete to concrete 0.6λ 2.2λ 0.20λ fc Acr < 800λAcr
'
Concrete to steel 0.7λ 2.4λ 0.20λ fc Acr < 800λAcr
Note: Acr = area of shear-crack interface; fc' = specified compressive strength of concrete; Vn,max = maximum nominal shear capacity; λ = modification
factor related to density of concrete; μ = coefficient of friction; μe = effective coefficient of friction.

μe maximum is a function of λ Table 4.3.6.1, respectively.

There is a final query as to the values of μe maximum and Modifications to Eq. (4.3.6.2) are as follows:
the effects of lightweight concrete. Per ACI 318-05, if μ is
a function of λ, should μe maximum also be a function of μe = μVn,max /Vn or μe = μφVn,max /Vu (5)
λ? It is the author’s opinion that it would also be prudent to
limit μe,max by λ, if only to be conservative. where

Conclusion λ = 1.0 for normalweight concrete

Shear friction and μe are widely used for a variety of criti- λ = 0.85 for sanded, lightweight concrete
cal connections in precast concrete construction. Many
of these connections support sustained gravity loads with λ = 0.75 for all-lightweight concrete
little or no redundancy.
μ = 1.4λ, 1.0λ, 0.7λ, or 0.6λ, depending on the crack
In the spirit of the original data as presented by Shaikh, the interface
author would like to present the following mathematical
modifications to the sections of the PCI Design Hand- Figures 5, 6, and 7 illustrate the proposed modifications
book pertaining to shear friction and the calculation of μe. for the various crack interfaces and concrete densities for
Equation (5) and Table 1 are the proposed modifications to concrete strengths in the normal precast concrete range of
the sixth-edition PCI Design Handbook Eq. (4.3.6.2) and 4000 psi (28 MPa) or greater.

3.500
4.000

Monolithic
3.500
3.000
Roughened concrete
Monolithic
Effective coefficient of friction µe

Smooth concrete
Effective coefficient of friction µe

3.000 Roughened concrete 2.500

Steel to concrete
Smooth concrete
2.500 Steel to concrete
2.000

2.000
1.500

1.500

1.000
1.000

0.500
0.500

0.000
0.000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 0 200 400 600 800 1000
Nominal shear stress vn , psi Nominal shear stress vn , psi

Figure 5. This graph compares the proposed modifications with the effective Figure 6. This graph compares the proposed modifications to the effective coeffi-
coefficient of friction with the resulting nominal shear stress vn for normalweight cient of friction μe with the resulting nominal shear stress vn for sanded, lightweight
concrete with various crack interfaces and concrete densities. concrete with various crack interfaces and concrete densities.
Note: fc' > 4000 psi; λ = 1.0. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa. Note: fc' > 4000 psi; λ = 0.85. Note: 1 psi = 6.895 kPa.

118 May – J u n e 2 0 0 8 | PCI Journal

References 3.000

Monolithic

Roughened concrete
1. Industry Handbook Committee. 1978. PCI Design 2.500

Effective coefficient of friction µe

Smooth concrete
Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete. 2nd Steel to concrete
ed. Chicago, IL: PCI. 2.000

2, ACI Committee 318. 2005. Building Code Require-

1.500
ments for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-05) and
Commentary (ACI 318R-05). Farmington Hills, MI:
American Concrete Institute (ACI). 1.000

3. Shaikh, A. Fattah. 1978. Proposed Revisions to 0.500

Shear-Friction Provisions. PCI Journal, V. 23, No. 2

(March–April): pp. 12–21. 0.000
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

4. Raths, C. H. 1977. Reader Comments: Design Pro- Nominal shear stress vn , psi
posals for Reinforced Concrete Corbels. PCI Journal,
V. 22, No. 2 (March–April): pp 93–98. Figure 7. This graph compares the proposed modifications to the effective coef-
ficient of friction μe with the resulting nominal shear stress vn for all lightweight
concrete with various crack interfaces and concrete densities.
5. Mattock, A. H., W. K. Li, and T. C. Wang. 1976. Shear
Note: fc' > 4000 psi; λ = 0.75. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa.
Transfer in Lightweight Reinforced Concrete. PCI
Journal, V. 21, No. 1 (January–February): pp. 20–39.
= Vu /φAcr
6. Industry Handbook Committee. 2004. PCI Design
Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete. 6th ed. Vl = shear force at the section due to unfactored live
Chicago, IL: PCI. load

7. Birkeland, P. W., and H. W. Birkeland. 1966. Con- Vd = shear force at the section due to unfactored dead
nections in Pre-Cast Concrete Construction. ACI load
Journal, V. 63, No. 3: pp. 345–367.
Vn = nominal shear strength
8. Industry Handbook Committee. 1992. PCI Design
Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete. 4th ed. Vn,max = maximum nominal shear capacity
Chicago, IL: PCI.
Vu = factored shear force at section
9. Industry Handbook Committee. 1999. PCI Design
Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete. 5th ed. λ = modification factor related to density of concrete
Chicago, IL: PCI.
μ = coefficient of friction
Notation
μe = effective shear-friction coefficient
Acr = area of shear-crack interface
μe,max = As /bd
Avf = area of shear friction
= ratio of nonprestressed compression reinforcement
fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement
φ = strength-reduction factor
f c' = specified compressive strength of concrete

vn = nominal shear stress

vn,max = maximum nominal shear stress

vu = vn, as defined by Mattock5

= nominal ultimate shear stress

PCI Journal | M a y– J u n e 2008 119

 About the author tions are consistent with the spirit of the original test
data and formulas developed by A. Fattah Shaikh and
John A. Tanner, P.E., is principal Charles Raths.
of Tanner Consulting in Denver,
Colo. Keywords

Effective coefficient of friction, factored shear force,

nominal shear strength, shear friction.

Review policy

Synopsis This paper was reviewed in accordance with the

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s peer-review
This paper examines the current formulas used for the process.
calculation of the effective coefficient of friction µe in
PCI Design Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Con- Reader comments
crete. It is not a commentary on the underlying meth-
odology, but an examination of the original test data Please address any reader comments to PCI Journal
compared with these equations. Several mathematical editor-in-chief Emily Lorenz at [email protected] or
modifications and clarifications are recommended to Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, c/o PCI Journal,
the formulas in the calculation of µe. These modifica- 209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60606. J

120 May – J u n e 2 0 0 8 | PCI Journal