Chapter 2 Pier Design

­Ic if H t d H J
°
° § 0.005  H t ·
Ic ®It  It  Ic  ¨ ¸ if H J  H t d 0.005, (ACI 21.2.2)
° © 0.005  H y ¹
°I if H t t 0.005
¯ t
where,
It = I for tension controlled sections,
which is 0.90 by default (ACI 21.2.1, Table 21.2.2)

Ic = I for compression controlled sections

= 0.65 (by default) for wall sections
with tied reinforcement. (ACI 21.2.1, Table 21.2.2)

In cases involving axial tension, the strength reduction factor, I, is by default

equal to It. The strength reduction factors Ic and It can be revised in the
preferences and the overwrites (Appendix A).

The theoretical maximum nominal compressive force that the wall pier can
carry, assuming the Ic factor is equal to 1, is designated Poc and is given by.

Poc = [0.85f'c (Ag í As) + fyAs] (ACI 21.4.4.2)

The theoretical maximum nominal tension force that the wall pier can carry,
assuming the It factor is equal to 1, is designated Pot and is given by.

Pot = fyAs

If the wall pier geometry and reinforcing is symmetrical in plan, the moments
associated with both Poc and Pot are zero. Otherwise, a moment associated will
be with both Poc and Pot.

The code limits the maximum compressive design strength, IcPn, to the value
given by Pmax

IPmax = 0.80IcPoc = 0.80I[0.85f'c (Ag í As) + fyAs] (ACI 22.4.2.1)

Note that the equation defining Pmax reduces Poc not only by a strength
reduction factor, Ic, but also by an additional factor of 0.80. In the preferences,
this factor is called the Pmax Factor, and different values for it can be specified, as

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-11

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

required. In all code designs, it is prudent to consider this factor to be 0.80 as

required by the code.

Note: The number of points to be used in creating interaction diagrams can be speci-
fied in the shear wall preferences.
As previously mentioned, by default, 11 points are used to define a single
interaction curve. When creating a single interaction curve, the program
includes the points at Pb, Poc and Pot on the interaction curve. Half of the
remaining number of specified points on the interaction curve occur between
Pb and Poc at approximately equal spacing along the IPn axis. The other half of
the remaining number of specified points on the interaction curve occur
between Pb and Pot at approximately equal spacing along the IPn axis. Here Pb
is the nominal axial capacity at the balanced condition.

Figure 2-5 shows a plan view of an example two-dimensional wall pier. Notice
that the concrete is symmetrical but the reinforcing is not symmetrical in this
example. Figure 2-6 shows several interaction surfaces for the wall pier
illustrated in Figure 2-5.
# 5@12” o.c.,
12'-6"
each face, except
3" 12 spaces at 1'-0" = 12'-0" 3" as noted
1'

f’c = 4 ksi
2-#9
2-#9

2-#6

fy = 60 ksi

Figure 2-5: Example Two-Dimensional Wall Pier With Unsymmetrical

Reinforcing

Note the following about Figure 2-6:

ƒ Because the pier is two-dimensional, the interaction surface consists of two

interaction curves. One curve is at 0q and the other is at 180q. Only M3
moments are considered because this is a two-dimensional example.

ƒ In this program, compression is negative and tension is positive.

2-12 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

ƒ The 0q and 180q interaction curves are not symmetric because the wall pier
reinforcing is not symmetric.

ƒ The smaller interaction surface (drawn with a heavier line) has both the
strength reduction factors and the Pmax Factor, applied as specified by the
code.

ƒ The dashed line shows the effect of setting the Pmax Factor to 1.0.

ƒ The larger interaction surface has both the strength reduction factor and the
Pmax,Factor set to 1.0.

ƒ The interaction surfaces shown are created using the default value of 11
points for each interaction curve.

Figure 2-6 : Interaction Curves for Example Wall Pier Shown in Figure 2-5

Figure 2-7 shows the 0q interaction curves for the wall pier illustrated in Figure
2-5. Additional interaction curves are also added to Figure 2-7.

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-13

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

The smaller, heavier curve in Figure 2-7 has the strength reduction factor and
the Pmax,Factor as specified in ACI 318-14. The other three curves, which are
plotted for I = 0.65, 0.9 and 1.0, all have Pmax,Factor of 1.0. The purpose of
showing these interaction curves is to explain how the program creates the
interaction curve. Recall that the strength reduction factors 0.65 and 0.9 are
actually Ic and It, and that their values can be revised in the preferences as
required.

Figure 2-7: Interaction Curves for Example Wall Pier Shown in Figure 2-5

2.1.2.3 Details of the Strain Compatibility Analysis

As previously mentioned, the program uses the requirements of force
equilibrium and strain compatibility to determine the nominal axial strength
and moment strength (Pn, M2n, M3n) of the wall pier. The coordinates of these
points are determined by rotating a plane of linear strain on the section of the
wall pier.

Figure 2-8 illustrates varying planes of linear strain such as those that the
program considers on a wall pier section for a neutral axis orientation angle of
0 degrees.

2-14 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

In these planes, the maximum concrete strain is always taken as í0.003 and the
maximum steel strain is varied from í0.003 to plus infinity. (Recall that in this
program compression is negative and tension is positive.) When the steel strain
is í0.003, the maximum compressive force in the wall pier, Poc, is obtained
from the strain compatibility analysis. When the steel strain is plus infinity, the
maximum tensile force in the wall pier, Pot, is obtained. When the maximum
steel strain is equal to the yield strain for the reinforcing (e.g., 0.00207 for fy =
60 ksi), Pb is obtained.

Varying
neutral axis
locations

+H

0.000

-0.003
Varying Linear Strain Diagram -H

Plan View of Wall Pier

Figure 2-8: Varying Planes of Linear Strain

Figure 2-9 illustrates the concrete wall pier strain, stress, and force that is
obtained from a strain compatibility analysis of a typical plane of linear strain
shown in Figure 2-8. In Figure 2-9 the compressive stress in the concrete, Cc, is
calculated (ACI 21.2.2.4.1).

Cc = 0.85f'cE1ctp (ACI 21.2.2.4.1)

In Figure 2-8, the value for maximum strain in the reinforcing steel is assumed.
Then the strain in all other reinforcing steel is determined based on the
assumed plane of linear strain. Next the stress in the reinforcing steel is

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-15

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

calculated as follows, where Hs is the strain, Es is the modulus of elasticity, Vs

is the stress, and fy is the yield stress of the reinforcing steel.

Vs = HsEs d fy (ACI 20.2.2)

13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Ts Ts Ts Ts Ts Ts Ts Ts Ts Cs Cs Cs Cs

0.85f'c
Cc
a = E1c

Stress Diagram
H13s
H
12
s
H11s H10
s
H9s H8 c
s
H7s H6 5
s H

H = 0.003
s

H4s H3
s
H2s H1
s
Linear Strain Diagram
tp

Plan View of Wall Pier

Figure 2-9: Wall Pier Stress-Strain Relationship

The force in the reinforcing steel (Ts for tension or Cs for compression) is
calculated by:

Ts or Cs = VsAs

For the given distribution of strain, the value of IPn is calculated by.

2-16 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

IPn = I(6Ts í Cc í 6Cs) d IPmax

In the preceding equation, the tensile force Ts and the compressive forces Cc
and Cs are all positive. If IPn is positive, it is tension, and if it is negative, it is
compression.

The value of IM2n is calculated by summing the moments due to all of the
forces about the pier local 2 axis. Similarly, the value of IM3n is calculated by
summing the moments due to all of the forces about the pier local 3 axis. The
forces whose moments are summed to determine IM2n and IM3n are ICc, all of
the ITs forces and all of the ICs forces.

The IPn, IM2n and IM3n values calculated as described in the preceding
paragraph make up one point on the wall pier interaction diagram. Additional
points on the diagram are obtained by making different assumptions for the
maximum steel strain; that is, considering a different plane of linear strain, and
repeating the process.

When one interaction curve is complete, the next orientation of the neutral axis
is assumed and the points for the associated new interaction curve are
calculated. This process continues until the points for all of the specified curves
have been calculated.

2.1.3 Wall Pier Demand/Capacity Ratio

Refer to Figure 2-10, which shows a typical two-dimensional wall pier
interaction diagram. The forces obtained from a given design load combination
are Pu and M3u. The point L, defined by (Pu, M3u), is placed on the interaction
diagram, as shown in the figure. If the point lies within the interaction curve,
the wall pier capacity is adequate. If the point lies outside of the interaction
curve, the wall pier is overstressed.

As a measure of the stress condition in the wall pier, the program calculates a
stress ratio. The ratio is achieved by plotting the point L and determining the
location of point C. The point C is defined as the point where the line OL
(extended outward if needed) intersects the interaction curve. The
demand/capacity ratio, D/C, is given by D/C = OL / OC where OL is the
"distance" from point O (the origin) to point L and OC is the "distance" from
point O to point C. Note the following about the demand/capacity ratio:

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-17

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

ƒ If OL = OC (or D/C = 1), the point (Pu, M3u) lies on the interaction curve
and the wall pier is stressed to capacity.

ƒ If OL < OC (or D/C < 1), the point (Pu, M3u) lies within the interaction
curve and the wall pier capacity is adequate.

ƒ If OL > OC (or D/C > 1), the point (Pu, M3u) lies outside of the interaction
curve and the wall pier is overstressed.

The wall pier demand/capacity ratio is a factor that gives an indication of the
stress condition of the wall with respect to the capacity of the wall.

The demand/capacity ratio for a three-dimensional wall pier is determined in a

similar manner to that described here for two-dimensional piers.

Figure 2-10: Two-Dimensional Wall Pier Demand/Capacity Ratio

2.1.4 Designing a General Reinforcing Pier Section

When a General Reinforcing pier section is specified to be designed, the
program creates a series of interaction surfaces for the pier based on the
following items:

ƒ The size of the pier as specified in Section Designer.

2-18 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

ƒ The location of the reinforcing specified in Section Designer.

ƒ The size of each reinforcing bar specified in Section Designer relative to the
size of the other bars.

The interaction surfaces are developed for eight different ratios of reinforcing-
steel-area-to-pier-area. The pier area is held constant and the rebar area is
modified to obtain these different ratios; however, the relative size (area) of
each rebar compared to the other bars is always kept constant.

The smallest of the eight reinforcing ratios used is that specified in the shear
wall design preferences as Section Design IP-Min. Similarly, the largest of the
eight reinforcing ratios used is that specified in the shear wall design
preferences as Section Design IP-Max.

The eight reinforcing ratios used are the maximum and the minimum ratios
plus six more ratios. The spacing between the reinforcing ratios is calculated as
an increasing arithmetic series in which the space between the first two ratios is
equal to one-third of the space between the last two ratios. Table 1 illustrates
the spacing, both in general terms and for a specific example, when the
minimum reinforcing ratio, IPmin, is 0.0025 and the maximum, IPmax, is 0.02.

Table 2-1 The Eight Reinforcing Ratios Used by the Program

Curve Ratio Example
1 IPmin 0.0025
IPmax  IPmin
2 IPmin + 0.0038
14
7 § IPmax  IPmin ·
3 IPmin + ¨ ¸ 0.0054
3© 14 ¹
§ IPmax  IPmin ·
4 IPmin + 4 ¨ ¸ 0.0075
© 14 ¹
§ IPmax  IPmin ·
5 IPmin + 6 ¨ ¸ 0.0100
© 14 ¹
25 § IPmax  IPmin ·
6 IPmin + ¨ ¸ 0.0129
3 © 14 ¹
§ IPmax  IPmin ·
7 IPmin + 11 ¨ ¸ 0.0163
© 14 ¹
8 IPmax 0.0200

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-19

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

After the eight reinforcing ratios have been determined, the program develops
interaction surfaces for all eight of the ratios using the process described earlier
in the section entitled "Checking a General or Uniform Reinforcing Pier
Section."

Next, for a given design load combination, the program generates a

demand/capacity ratio associated with each of the eight interaction surfaces.
The program then uses linear interpolation between the eight interaction
surfaces to determine the reinforcing ratio that gives an demand/capacity ratio
of 1 (actually the program uses 0.99 instead of 1). This process is repeated for
all design load combinations and the largest required reinforcing ratio is
reported.

Design of a Uniform Reinforcing pier section is similar to that described herein

for the General Reinforcing section.

2.2 Wall Pier Shear Design

The wall pier shear reinforcing is designed leg by leg (panel by panel) for each
of the design load combinations. The following steps are involved in designing
the shear reinforcing for a particular wall pier section for a particular design
loading combination.

ƒ Determine the factored forces Pu, Mu and Vu that are acting on a leg of the
wall pier section. Note that Pu and Mu are required for the calculation of Vc.

ƒ Determine the shear force, Vc, that can be carried by the concrete of the leg
(panel).

ƒ Determine the required shear reinforcing to carry the balance of the shear
force.

Step 1 needs no further explanation. The following two sections describe in

detail the algorithms associated with the Steps 2 and 3.

2-20 Wall Pier Shear Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

2.2.1 Determine the Concrete Shear Capacity of the Leg

Given the design force set Pu, Mu and Vu acting on a wall pier section, the shear
force carried by the concrete, Vc, is calculated using the minimum from the
following two equations (ACI 11.5.4.6).

Nu d
Vc 3.3O f cc t p d  (ACI 11.5.4.6, Table 11.5.4.6)
4 Lp

ª § N ·º
« L p ¨¨1.25O f cc  0.2 u ¸¸ »
«
Vc d «0.6O f cc  ©
L pt p ¹ » t d (ACI 11.5.4.6, Table 11.5.4.6)
§M · L » p
« Abs ¨ u ¸  p »
«¬ © Vu ¹ 2 »¼

§ M · Lp
The last of the two above equations does not apply if Abs ¨ u ¸  is negative
© Vu ¹ 2
or zero, or if Vu is zero.

In the preceding equations, Nu is the axial force, and Nu is positive for

compression and negative for tension. The effective shear depth, d, is taken as
follows:

d = 0.8 Lp (ACI 11.5.2)

f cc
A limit of 100 psi on is imposed,

f cc
d 100 psi (ACI 22.5.3.1)

If the tension is large enough that any of the above two equations for Vc results
in a negative number, Vc is set to zero.

fc
Note that the term O that is used as a multiplier on all c
terms in this
chapter is a shear strength reduction factor that applies to light-weight concrete.
The factor O shall normally be 0.75 for lightweight concrete and 1.0 for normal
weight concrete (ACI Table 19.2.4.2). However, the program allows the user to
define the value while defining concrete material property. The program uses
the user input value for O.

Wall Pier Shear Design 2-21

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

Given Vu and Vc, the required shear reinforcement of area/unit length is

calculated as follows:

ƒ The shear force is limited to a maximum of

Vmax 10 
f cc tcp d , where (ACI 11.5.4.3)

d = 0.8Lp (ACI 11.5.2)

ƒ The required horizontal shear reinforcement per unit spacing, Av /s, is calcu-
lated as follows:

If Vu d I Vc 2  ,

Av
Ut ,min tcp , (ACI 11.6.1, Table 11.6.1)
s

else if IVc  Vu d IVmax ,

Av Vu  IVc  , (ACI 11.5.4.8, 11.5.4.4)

s I f ys d

Av
t Ut ,min t p (ACI 11.6.2)
s

else if Vu ! IVmax ,

a failure condition is declared. (ACI 11.5.4.3)

In the preceding equations, the strength reduction factor I is taken as 0.75 for
non-seismic cases Ivs (ACI 21.2.1), and as 0.6 for seismic cases Ivs (ACI
21.2.1, 21.2.4). However, those values may be overwritten by the user if so
desired.

If Vu exceeds the maximum permitted value of IVmax, the shear wall section
should be increased in size (ACI 11.5.4.3).

The minimum horizontal volumetric shear rebar ratio, Ut ,min , and the minimum
vertical volumetric shear rebar ratio, Ul ,min , are calculated as follows:

2-22 Wall Pier Shear Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

If Vu d I Vc 2  ,

Ut ,min 0.0025 (ACI 11.6.1, Table 11.6.1)

Ul ,min 0.0025 (ACI 11.6.1, Table 11.6.1)

else if Vu > I Vc 2  ,

Ut ,min 0.0025 (ACI 11.6.2(b))

Ul ,min  
0.0025  0.5 2.5  hw L p  Ut  0.0025  t 0.0025 (ACI 11.6.2(a))

where,

Av
Ut (ACI R11.6.1)
st p

Ast
Ul (ACI R11.6.1)
Lp t p

hw = Story height,

tp = Thickness of the shear wall panel, and

Lp = Length of the shear wall panel.

For shear design of special seismic wall pier legs for seismic load, the
procedure given in this section is modified with the following exceptions.

ƒ The concrete shear capacity is taken as follows (ACI 18.10.4.1):

Vc D c O f cc Acv (ACI 18.10.4.1)

where,

­3.0 for hw L p d 1.5,

°
Dc ®2.0 for hw L p ! 2.0, (ACI 18.10.4.1)
°
¯interpolated for 1.5  hw L p  2.0.

Wall Pier Shear Design 2-23

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

Acv = Lptp (ACI 18.10.4)

ƒ The maximum shear that can be carried by the wall segment irrespective of
the amount of reinforcing bar provided is taken as follows (ACI 18.10.4.4):

Vmax = 8 f cc Lptp (ACI 18.10.4.1)

ƒ The expression for required shear rebar is modified as follows:

Av  
Vu  D c O f ccL p t p Ivs
(ACI 21.9.4.1)
s f ys L p

ƒ If Vu exceeds O f cc  L p t p  , the Ut ,min and Ul ,min is modified as follows:

Ut ,min 0.0025 (ACI 18.10.2.1)

Ul ,min 0.0025 (ACI 18.10.2.1)

The maximum of all of the calculated Av /s values, obtained from each design
load combination, is reported along with the controlling shear force and
associated design load combination name.

The pier horizontal shear reinforcement requirements reported by the program

are based purely on shear strength considerations. Any minimum shear rebar
requirements to satisfy spacing consideration must be investigated
independently of the program by the user.

2.3 Wall Pier Boundary Elements

This section describes how the program considers the boundary element
requirements for each leg of concrete wall piers using the code when the
Special Structural Wall option is chosen. The program uses an approach based
on the requirements of Section 18.10.6 of the code. The program does not
compute boundary zone requirement when maximum extreme fiber
compressive stress is less than 0.15 f cc (ACI 18.10.6.3). When the extreme fiber
compressive stress is equal to or greater than 0.15 f cc (ACI 18.10.6.3), the
program also checks ACI Section 18.10.6.2 and reports the boundary zone

2-24 Wall Pier Boundary Elements

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

requirement when the depth of the compression zone exceeds a limit (ACI
18.10.6.2). The depth of compression zone when stress is below 0.2 f cc but
higher than 0.15 f cc is reported so user can determine the zone where boundary
zone need to be continued in accordance with ACI section 18.10.6.3. Boundary
zone is permitted to be discontinued when stress in boundary zone is less than
0.15 f cc .

Note that the boundary element requirements are considered separately for
each design load combination that includes seismic load.

2.3.1 Details of Check for Boundary Element Requirements

The following information is made available for the boundary element check:

ƒ The design forces Pu, Vu, and Mu for the pier section.
ƒ The story height, hw, length of the wall pier panel, Lp, the gross area of the
pier, Ag, and the net area of the pier, Acv. The net area of the pier is the area
bounded by the web thickness, tp, and the length of the pier. (Refer to Figure
2-3 earlier in this chapter for an illustration of the dimensions Lp and tp.)

ƒ The program also computes the design displacement Gu by multiplying the

displacement from load combination with the Cd factor provided in the shear
wall design preferences (Appendix B).

ƒ The area of reinforcement in the pier, As. This area of steel is calculated by
the program or it is provided by the user.
ƒ The material properties of the pier, f cc and fy.

ƒ The symmetry of the wall pier (i.e., the left side of the pier is the same as the
right side of the pier). Only the geometry of the pier is considered, not the
reinforcing, when determining if the pier is symmetrical. Figure 2-11 shows
some examples of symmetrical and unsymmetrical wall piers. Note that a
pier defined using Section Designer is assumed to be unsymmetrical, unless
it is made up of a single rectangular shape.

Wall Pier Boundary Elements 2-25

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

Figure 2-11 Example Plan Views of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Wall Piers

Using this information, the program calculates the maximum compressive

stress at extreme fiber of concrete pier for the specified load combination.

After the compressive stress at the extreme fiber of the concrete pier is known,
the program calculates the following quantities that are used to determine the
boundary zone requirements. These quantities are: bc, 0.2 f cc , Gu / hw, c.

When the extreme fiber compressive stress, bc, exceeds 0.2 f cc, boundary
elements are required (ACI 18.10.6.3), or when the neutral axial depth
calculated from the factored axial force and nominal moment strength are
consistent with design displacement, Gu, and exceed the following limit:

lw
ct (ACI 18.10.6.2)
600 1.5 G u / hw 

where,

§C ·
Gu G u ,elastic analysis ¨ d ¸ (ASCE 7-10, 12.8-15)
© I ¹

Cd = The deflection amplification factor as taken from ASCE 7-10 Table

12.2-1. It is input in the preferences.

I = The Importance factor determined in accordance with Section

ASCE 11.5.1. It is input in the preferences.

Gu hw d 0.005 (ACI 18.10.6.2(a))

2-26 Wall Pier Boundary Elements

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

boundary elements are required (ACI 18.10.6).

The program also reports the largest neutral axis depth for each leg and the
boundary zone length computed using ACI 18.10.6.4(a) when the boundary
zone is Not Needed. This information is provided so the user can satisfy the
requirement of ACI Section 18.10..6.4(a) and 18.10..6.5 when the longitudinal
reinforcement ratio at the wall boundary is greater than 400/f y .

If boundary elements are required, the program calculates the minimum

required length of the boundary zone at each end of the wall, LBZ, which is
calculated as follows:

LBZ = max ^c 2, c  0.1Lw `. (ACI 18.10.6.4(a))

Figure 2-12 illustrates the boundary zone length LBZ.

Figure 2-12: Illustration of Boundary Zone Length, LBZ

2.3.2 Transverse Reinforcement for Boundary Elements

Where special boundary elements are required by ACI Sections 18.10.6.2 or
18.10.6.3, the wall boundary elements need the total cross-sectional area of
rectangular hoop reinforcement as follows (ACI 18.10.6.4(c), 18.10.6.4(b)):

Ash s 0.09t p f cc f yt (ACI 21-5)

Where special boundary elements are not required by ACI Sections 18.10.6.2
or 21.9.6.3, and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio at the wall boundary is
greater than 400/f y , the user should independently satisfy the requirements of
ACI Sections 18.10.6.1(c), 18.10.4.2, and 18.10.6.5.

Wall Pier Boundary Elements 2-27

Shear Wall Design ACI 318-14

However, the program does not calculate and report these values. The user
should independently satisfy the requirements of the sections.

2-28 Wall Pier Boundary Elements

 Chapter 3
Spandrel Design

This chapter describes how the program designs concrete shear wall spandrels
for flexure and shear when ACI 318-14 is the selected design code. The
program allows consideration of rectangular sections and T-beam sections for
shear wall spandrels. Note that the program designs spandrels at stations
located at the ends of the spandrel. No design is performed at the center (mid-
length) of the spandrel. The program does not allow shear reinforcing to be
specified and then checked. The program only designs the spandrel for shear
and reports how much shear reinforcing is required.

3.1 Spandrel Flexural Design

In this program, wall spandrels are designed for major direction flexure and
shear only. Effects caused by any axial forces, minor direction bending, torsion
or minor direction shear that may exist in the spandrels must be investigated by
the user independent of the program. Spandrel flexural reinforcing is designed
for each of the design load combinations. The required area of reinforcing for
flexure is calculated and reported only at the ends of the spandrel beam.

The following steps are involved in designing the flexural reinforcing for a par-
ticular wall spandrel section for a particular design loading combination at a
particular station.

3-1
Shear Wall Design Manual ACI 318-14

ƒ Determine the maximum factored moment Mu.

ƒ Determine the required flexural reinforcing.

These steps are described in the following sections.

3.1.1 Determine the Maximum Factored Moments

In the design of flexural reinforcing for spandrels, the factored moments for
each design load combination at a particular beam station are first obtained.

The beam section is then designed for the maximum positive and the maximum
negative factored moments obtained from all of the design load combinations.

3.1.2 Determine the Required Flexural Reinforcing

In this program, negative beam moments produce top steel. In such cases, the
beam is always designed as a rectangular section.

In this program, positive beam moments produce bottom steel. In such cases,
the beam may be designed as a rectangular section, or as a T-beam section. To
design a spandrel as a T-beam, specify the appropriate slab width and depth
dimensions in the spandrel design overwrites (Appendix B).

The flexural design procedure is based on a simplified rectangular stress block,

as shown in Figure 3-1. The maximum depth of the compression zone, cmax, is
calculated based on the limitation that the tensile steel tension shall not be less
than Hs,min, which is equal to 0.005 for tension controlled behavior (ACI 9.3.3.1,
21.2.2, Fig. R21.2.2b):

Hc ,max
cmax d (ACI 21.2.2)
Hc ,max  H s ,min

where,

Hc,max = 0.003 (ACI 21.2.2, Fig. R21.2.2b)

Hs,min = 0.005 (ACI 21.2.2, Fig. R21.2.2b)

3-2 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

Figure 3-1 Rectangular Spandrel Beam Design, Positive Moment

The maximum allowable depth of the rectangular compression block, amax, is

given by

amax E1cmax (ACI 22.2.2.4.1)

where E1 is calculated as follows:

§ f c  4000 ·
E1 0.85  0.05 ¨ c ¸ , 0.65 d E1 d 0.85 (ACI 22.2.2.4.3)
© 1000 ¹

It is assumed that the compression depth carried by the concrete is less than or
equal to amax. When the applied moment exceeds the moment capacity at amax,
the program calculates an area of compression reinforcement assuming that the
additional moment is carried by compression reinforcing and additional tension
reinforcing.

The procedure used by the program for both rectangular and T-beam sections
is given in the subsections that follow.

3.1.2.1 Rectangular Beam Flexural Reinforcing

Refer to Figure 3-1. For a rectangular beam with tensile side reinforcement
only, the factored moment, Mu, is resisted by a couple between the concrete in

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-3

Shear Wall Design Manual ACI 318-14

compression and the tension in reinforcing steel. This expression is given as

follows.

§ a·
Mu Cc ¨ dspandrel  ¸
© 2¹

Where Cc = 0.85Ib f cc ats and dspandrel is equal to hs í dr-bot for positive bending
and hs í dr-top for negative bending.

In designing for a factored negative or positive moment, Mu (i.e., designing top

or bottom steel), the depth of the compression block is given by a.

2 2M u
a dspandrel  dspandrel  (ACI 22.2)
0.85 f cc Ib ts

The program uses the preceding equation to determine the depth of the com-
pression block, a. The depth of the compression block, a, is compared with
amax.

3.1.2.1.1 Tension Reinforcing Only Required

ƒ If a d amax (ACI 9.3.3.1, 21.2.2, 22.2.2.4.1), the area of tensile steel
reinforcement is then given by
Mu
As
§ a·
Ib f y ¨ dspandrel  ¸
© 2¹

The steel is placed at the bottom for positive moment and at the top for nega-
tive moment.

Note: The program reports the ratio of top and bottom steel required in the web area.
When compression steel is required, those ratios may be large because there is no limit
on them. However, the program reports an overstress when the ratio exceeds 4%.

3.1.2.1.2 Tension and Compression Reinforcing Required

ƒ If a > amax, compression reinforcement is required (ACI 9.3.3.1, 21.2.2,
22.2.2.4.1) and is calculated as follows:

3-4 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

The depth of the concrete compression block, a, is set equal to a = amax.

The compressive force developed in the concrete alone is given by

Cc 0.85 fccamax t s . (ACI 22.2.2.4.1)

The moment resisted by the couple between the concrete in compression

and the tension steel, Muc, is given by

§ a ·
M uc Ib Cc ¨ dspandrel  max ¸ .
© 2 ¹

Therefore, the additional moment to be resisted by the couple between the

compression steel and the additional tension steel, Mus, is given by

Mus Mu  Muc

The force carried by the compression steel, Cs, is given by

Mus
Cs .
dspandrel  dr

Referring to Figure 3-1, the strain in the compression steel, H's, is given by

Hc ,max  c  d r 
H sc .
c

The stress in the compression steel, f's, is given by

Hc ,max Es  c  d r 
f sc Es H sc . (ACI 9.2.1.2, 9.5.2.1, 20.2.2, 22.2.1.2)
c

The term dr in the preceding equations is equal to dr-top for positive bending
and equal to dr-bot for negative bending. The term c is equal to amax E1.

The total required area of compression steel, A's, is calculated using the follow-
ing equation.

Cs
Asc .
Ib ( f sc  0.85 f cc )

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-5

Shear Wall Design Manual ACI 318-14

The required area of tension steel for balancing the compression in the concrete
web, Asw, is:

M uc
Asw .
§ a ·
Ib f y ¨ dspandrel  max ¸
© 2 ¹

The required area of tension steel for balancing the compression steel, Asc, is:

M us
Asc .
Ib f y  dspandrel  d r 

In the preceding equations, dspandrel is equal to hs í dr-bot for positive bending

and hs í dr-top for negative bending. dr is equal to dr-top for positive bending and
dr-bot for negative bending.

The total tension reinforcement As is given by.

As Asw  Asc

The total tension reinforcement As is to be placed at the bottom of the spandrel

beam and total compression reinforcement As' at the top for positive bending
and vice versa for negative bending.

3.1.2.2 T-Beam Flexural Reinforcing

T-beam action is considered effective for positive moment only. When design-
ing T-beams for negative moment (i.e., designing top steel), the calculation of
required steel is as described in the previous section for rectangular sections.
No T-beam data is used in this design. The width of the beam is taken equal to
the width of the web.

For positive moment, the depth of the compression block, a, and the method
for calculating the required reinforcing steel relates the compression block
depth, a, as previously described in Section 3.1.2, to the depth of the T-beam
flange, ds. See Figure 3-2.

ƒ If a d ds, the subsequent calculations for the reinforcing steel are exactly
the same as previously defined for rectangular section design. However, in
that case, the width of the compression block is taken to be equal to the

3-6 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

width of the compression flange, bs. Compression reinforcement is provid-

ed when the dimension a exceeds amax.

ƒ If a > ds, the subsequent calculations for the required area of reinforcing
steel are performed in two parts. First, the tension steel required to balance
the compressive force in the flange is determined, and second, the tension
steel required to balance the compressive force in the web is determined. If
necessary, compression steel is added to help resist the design moment.

The remainder of this section describes in detail the design process used by the
program for T-beam spandrels when a > ds.

Refer to Figure 3-2. The protruding portion of the flange is shown cross-
hatched. The compression force in the protruding portion of the flange, Cf, is
given by.

Cf 0.85 fcc  bs  t s  ds (ACI 22.2.2.4.1)

Note: T-beam action is considered for positive moment only.

The required area of tension steel for balancing the compression force in the
concrete flange, Asf, is:

Cf
Asf
fy

The portion of the total moment, Mu, that is resisted by the flange, Muf, is given
by.

§ d ·
M uf Ib C f ¨ dspandrel  s ¸
© 2 ¹

Therefore, the balance of the moment to be carried by the web, Muw, is given
by

Muw Mu  Muf

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-7

Shear Wall Design Manual ACI 318-14

Figure 3-2: Design of a Wall Spandrel with a T-Beam Section, Positive Moment

The web is a rectangular section of width ts and depth hs for which the design
depth of the compression block, a1, is recalculated as:

2 2 M uw
a1 dspandrel  dspandrel  .
0.85 f cc Ib ts

3.1.2.2.1 Tension Reinforcing Only Required

If a1 d amax, no compression reinforcing is required and the program calculates
the area of tension steel for balancing the compression force in the concrete
web, Asw, using the following equation.

M uw
Asw .
§ a ·
Ib f y ¨ dspandrel  1 ¸
© 2¹

The total tension reinforcement As is given by:

As Asf  Asw .

The total tension reinforcement, As, is to be placed at the bottom of the beam
for positive bending.

3-8 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

3.1.2.2.2 Tension and Compression Reinforcing Required

ƒ If a1 > amax, compression reinforcing is required. In that case, the required
reinforcing is computed as follows.

The depth of the concrete compression block, a, is set equal to a = amax.

The compressive force developed in the web concrete alone is given by

Cw 0.85 fccat s .

The moment resisted by the couple between the concrete web in compres-
sion and the tension steel, Muc, is given by

§ a·
M uc Ib Cw ¨ dspandrel  ¸ .
© 2¹

Therefore, the additional moment to be resisted by the couple between the

compression steel and the tension steel, Mus, is given by:

Mus Muw  Muc .

Referring to Figure 3-2, the force carried by the compression steel, Cs, is
given by:

M us
Cs
dspandrel  d r-top

The strain in the compression steel, Hs', is given by

Hc ,max  c  d r-top 
H sc .
c

The stress in the compression steel, fs', is given by

H c ,max Es  c  d r-top 
f sc Es H sc .
c

The term c is equal to amax E1 .

The required area of compression steel, As', is calculated using

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-9

Shear Wall Design Manual ACI 318-14

Cs
Asc
Ib f sc

The required area of tension steel for balancing the compression in the concrete
web, Asw, is:

M uc
Asw .
§ a·
Ib f y ¨ dspandrel  ¸
© 2¹

The required area of tension steel for balancing the compression steel, Asc, is:

M us
Asc .
Ib f y  dspandrel  d r-top 

The total tension reinforcement As is given by

As Asf  Asw  Asc .

The total tension reinforcement, As is to be placed at the bottom of the beam,

and total compression reinforcement, As' at the top of the beam.

3.2 Spandrel Shear Design

The program allows consideration of rectangular sections and T-beam sections
for wall spandrels. The shear design for both of these types of spandrel sections
is identical.

The wall spandrel shear reinforcing is designed for each of the design load
combinations. The required area of reinforcing for vertical shear is calculated
only at the ends of the spandrel beam.

In this program, wall spandrels are designed for major direction flexure and
shear forces only. Effects caused by any axial forces, minor direction bending,
torsion or minor direction shear that may exist in the spandrels must be investi-
gated by the user independent of the program.

3-10 Spandrel Shear Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

The following steps are involved in designing the shear reinforcing for a par-
ticular wall spandrel section for a particular design loading combination at a
particular station.

1. Determine the factored shear force Vu.

2. Determine the shear force, Vc, that can be carried by the concrete.

3. Determine the required shear reinforcing to carry the balance of the shear
force.

Note: In the overwrites, Vc can be specified to be ignored (set to zero) for spandrel
shear calculations.

Step 1 needs no further explanation. The following two sections describe in de-
tail the algorithms associated with Steps 2 and 3.

3.2.1 Determine the Concrete Shear Capacity

The shear force carried by the concrete, Vc, is given by

Vc 2O f cc ts dspandrel (ACI 22.5.5.1)

The shear force carried by the concrete, Vc, is calculated using the following
equation when the spandrel is subjected to axial compression.

§ Nu ·
Vc 2O ¨ 1  ¸ f cc ts dspandrel (ACI 22.5.6.1, Table 22.5.6.1(b))
¨ 2000 Ag ¸
© ¹

The shear force carried by the concrete, Vc, is calculated using the following
equation when the spandrel is subjected to axial tension. Nu is negative for ten-
sion.

§ Nu ·
Vc 2O ¨1  ¸ f cc ts dspandrel t 0 (ACI 22.5.7.1)
¨ 500 Ag ¸
© ¹

Note that an overwrite is available that can be used to ignore the concrete con-
tribution to the shear strength of the spandrel. If this overwrite is activated, the
program sets Vc to zero for the spandrel.

Spandrel Shear Design 3-11

Shear Wall Design Manual ACI 318-14

In all of the preceding cases, a limit on fcc is imposed as 100 psi.

fcc d 100 psi (ACI 22.5.3.1)

The factor O shall normally be 0.75 for lightweight concrete and 1.0 for normal
weight concrete (ACI Table 19.2.4.2). However, the program allows the user to
define the value while defining concrete material property. The program uses
the user input value for O.

3.2.2 Determine the Required Shear Reinforcing

One of the terms used in calculating the spandrel shear reinforcing is dspandrel,
which is the distance from the extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the
tension steel. For shear design, the program takes dspandrel to be equal to the
smaller of hs í dr-top and hs í dr-bot.

3.2.2.1 Seismic and Nonseismic Spandrels

In this entire subsection the term I is equal to Ivns for nonseismic spandrels and
to Ivs for seismic spandrels.

Given Vu and Vc, the required force to be carried by the shear reinforcing, Vs, is
given by (ACI 22.5.1.1, 22.5.10.1).

Vu
Vs Vn  Vc  Vc (ACI 22.5.1.1, 22.5.10.1)
I

If Vs as calculated exceeds 8 fcc ts dspandrel , a failure condition is reported (ACI

22.5.1.2).

Given Vs, initially calculate the required vertical shear reinforcing in area per
unit length (e.g., in2/in) for both seismic and nonseismic wall spandrels (as in-
dicated in the preferences). Note that additional requirements that are checked
for both seismic and nonseismic wall spandrels are given by the following
equation (ACI 20.5.10.5.3):

Av Vs Vu I  Vc
(ACI 20.5.10.5.3, 11.5.4.8)
s f ys dspandrel f ys dspandrel

3-12 Spandrel Shear Design