Manual for Analysis & Design using ETABS

MANUAL FOR ANALYSIS & DESIGN USING ETABS

Objective:

The primary objective of this document is to make sure that ETABS is used consistently by the
structural engineers in Atkins office in Dubai in terms of:
• modelling and analysis procedures
• use of applicable built-in international codes
• And complying with local authorities specific requirements.

This document is intended to complement the ETABS manuals and other relevant technical
papers published by CSI. It is assumed that the user of this manual has a good command of
ETABS and is familiar with the following codes:
• UBC 97 seismic provisions
• ASCE 7 provisions for wind loading
• BS codes of practice

Local Authority specific requirements are covered in Appendices at the end of this document.

The procedures in this document are based on standard practice in Dubai. However, for specific
projects, some parameters or procedures need to be revised. This shall be done in accordance
with the design statement and in conjunction with the project lead engineer.

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Table of Contents:
1. File Menu

1.1 Open a Pre-defined Template

1.2 Import Geometry

Import DXF file of architectural grid
Import DXF floor plan
Import DXF file of 3D model

2. Material properties

2.1 Concrete
Define Concrete grade
Define Concrete mass and weight per unit volume
Define Concrete modulus of Elasticity
2.2 Reinforcement

3. Definition & Sizing of Elements

3.1 Define Frame Elements

3.2 Define Shell Elements
3.3 Assign Frame or Shell section properties
3.4 Assign Frame section modifiers
3.5 Assign Shell section modifiers
3.6 Assign Pier / Spandrel Labels
3.7 Assign area object mesh options
3.8 Assign auto-line constraint

4. Supports

4.1 General Support Conditions

4.2 Modelling Piles as Supports (define spring stiffness values)

5. Loading:

5.1 Dead Loads

5.1.1 Assign Self weight
5.1.2 Define Imposed dead load
5.2 Live Loads
5.3 Mechanical Loads
5.4 Wind Loads
5.4.1 Codified Method
5.4.2 ASCE 7 Method
5.4.3 BS 6399 Method
5.4.4 Extracting Wind Loads from Wind Tunnel Test Results
5.5 Earthquake Loads
Equivalent Static Force Method
Response Spectrum Analysis
Define Response Spectrum functions as per UBC 97 requirements
Define Response Spectrum cases and parameters

6. Load Combinations

6.1 Define Load combinations for Serviceability State

6.2 Define Load combinations for Ultimate State
6.3 Define Load combinations for Pile Design

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7. Analysis Options :

7.1 Dynamic analysis options (Ritz vs. Eigenvector)

7.2 P-Delta analysis options
For Local Authorities other than JAFZA
For JAFZA

8. Post-Analysis Checks:

8.1 Analysis log & results

Warnings
Global force balance
8.2 Deformed shape and modal animations
8.3 Modal characteristics (modal amplitude, mass participation ratio)

9. Reinforced Concrete Design Module

9.1 Shear Walls Design Module (BS 8110-97)

9.2 Reinforced Concrete Frame Design (BS 8110-97)Beams

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3. File Menu
1.1 Open a pre-defined Template

To ensure that a consistent procedure is adopted for modelling in ETABS throughout ATKINS
Dubai, two templates are prepared and stored in the Structural Models network drive (U-
drive):

1) JAFZA.EDB
2) DM-TECOM.EDB

These templates are based on the requirements of local authorities; JAZFA and DM/Tecom
respectively. These templates incorporate as many of the requirements as possible, however
it should be noted that many of the local authorities requirements may only be implemented
while a 3D model is developed, therefore a thorough review during modelling is essential to
ensure that these provisions are properly taken into account.

NB-The metric unit is used for ATKINS office in Dubai where the force unit is kilo-Newton (kN)
and the length is expressed in meters (m). These units are used in the templates.

1.2 Import geometry

1.2.1 Import .DXF file of Architectural grid

To ensure that the architectural grid is appropriately imported in ETABS, make sure that the
DXF layer names are consistent with the architectural grid you need to import.

A form appears that has drop-down boxes associated with ETABS elements such as beams,
walls, floors and the like. Use the drop-down boxes to select the DXF layer names that
contains the lines and insertion points in the DXF file as the ETABS corresponding elements.
Select the layer names to be imported by highlighting them. ETABS then imports the lines
from any layer in the DXF file as ETABS grid lines and imports the insertion point of any block
as an ETABS reference line.

1.2.2 Import .DXF floor Plan

Import the floor plan from a DXF file as follows:

To ensure an accurate geometric modelling in ETABS, it is recommended that the structural

floor plan is used as far as possible. Make sure that appropriate layers are selected to be
imported.

Note1: ETABS will import 3-D Face and Polyline entities in the DXF drawing as floors or
openings and line entities as beams/columns.

Note 2: Use the Story Level Combo box to select the plan location/story level of the entities to
be imported from the DXF file into ETABS.

Note 3: The following procedure may be used to create a .DXF file for the model from the
Architectural AutoCAD floor plan:

a) Create a layer “ ETABS-TYP”

b) Draw lines along the floor extent
c) Draw diagonal lines for columns

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d) Draw centerlines for shear walls

e) Draw centerlines of transfer / lateral beams
f) Draw X-Y axis to represent origin in ETABS (geometric center of floor)
g) Save drawings as *.DXF file
h) Import *.DXF file in ETABS as outlines above.

1.2.3 Import .DXF file of 3D model

This option may be used when a 3-D model is available in DXF format. Since 3-D
representation is not used for typical floor plan and elevation in Atkins Dubai, this option will
not be covered in this manual. The user may refer to ETABS manual for further reference.

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2.2.Material Properties Formatted: Bullets and Numbering

2.1 Concrete
2.1.1 Define Concrete Grade

The following concrete grades are often used in ATKINS Dubai: C45, C50, C60 & C70.These
grades are already pre-defined in ETABS template files.Use of other grades may be justified
based on project’s specific requirements. Use the Define menu > Material Properties command to
access the Define Materials form. Use that form to add, modify, or delete material properties.

2.1.2 Define Concrete mass and weight per unit volume

3 3
The concrete mass and weight per unit volume are taken as 2.54 Ton/m and 25 kN/m
respectively unless specifically stated in the project documents otherwise.

2.1.3 Define Concrete modulus of Elasticity

The concrete modulus of elasticity shall be determined based on BS 8110-2 as follows:

Ec=20+0.2 fcu, 28 (1)
Therefore, for the typical concrete grades used in ATKINS Dubai, the corresponding module of
elasticity will be as follows:
2
Concrete Grade Modulus of Elasticity (GN/m )
C45 29
C50 30
C60 32
C70 34

Note: The Poisson’s Ratio and Coefficient of thermal expansion shall be taken as 0.2 and
-6
9.9x10 (/°C) respectively unless other specific values are approved in special cases.

2.2 Reinforcement

The reinforcement properties for gravity design shall be based on BS-8110 which is taken as
fy=460 N/mm2. This value is the same for bending and shear reinforcement.
According to local authorities’ requirements, the seismic design of reinforced concrete elements
shall be based on ACI 318 provisions. As per ACI 318-05 provisions (Section 3.5), the
reinforcement yield value of fy=420 N/mm2 shall be used. The reinforcement properties that are
pre-defined in ETABS templates are consistent with ACI design approach and should be revised
for designs based on BS-8110.

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3. Definition and Sizing of Elements

3.1 Define Frame Elements

Frame sections may be defined to the desired dimension or be imported from one of the
section databases available in ETABS. The user may also import the sections from a
user-defined database with “.pro” extension. Complex, unsymmetrical shapes may be
modelled using the built-in section designer module. The following general tips may be
useful for defining frame sections. The reader is urged to refer to ETABS user manual for
further details.

1. It is generally recommended that the material properties are defined first. This
assures correct material assignment to the member and allows defining similar
sections with different material property. This feature is particularly useful for tall
buildings where grade of concrete will change in height.
2. Rectangular and circular sections may be easily modelled from the available drop-
down menus, however for irregular shapes the user should use the Section Designer
module by selecting Define Frame Properties>Add SD Section option. For further
information about this module, refer to Section Designer Manual published by CSI [1].
3. For reinforce concrete rectangular and circular sections, the user may specify one of
the design types, e.g., Column or Beam. The column design option allows the
provided reinforcement to be checked or designed, whereas the beam design option
is limited to just designing the required reinforcement value.
4. Section property modifiers may be assigned to each section at this stage or later.
However it should be noted that property modifiers for all frame types may be revised
anytime by selecting the appropriate member (beam, column or brace) and there is
no need to define them separately for each section. This will be discussed more in
this chapter.

Define Shell Elements

Shell elements are used to define floor, wall and ramp objects as discussed below:

Define Floor and Ramp Objects

There are three options to model floor elements in ETABS; Deck, Plank or Slab. A deck
option may be used to model one way joist and slab, one way slab or metal deck systems.
Plank and slab options may be used to model one-way or two way slabs with or without
one-way special load distribution. Appropriate shell, membrane or plate property shall be
assigned to floor members based on their actual behaviour. A membrane element may be
used to include only in-plane stiffness properties for the member (e.g. walls) where as
plate type behaviour means that only out-of-plane plate bending stiffness is provided for
the section. Shell type behaviour considers both in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness
properties are considered. This type is generally recommended unless the user is
confident about the realistic behaviour of the member. For membrane and shell type
elements, different membrane or bending thickness may be defined based on the actual
behaviour of the slab system as shown in the following example.

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Pre-cast slab with 75mm topping.

Bending thickness – 75 mm
Membrane thickness – 325 mm

For thick shell and membrane element, the program is capable of considering the out-of-
plane shear deformation in the analysis. This option is recommended when modelling thick
floor such as rafts and transfer slabs.

The section property modifiers may be assigned to each section at this stage or later.
However it should be noted that property modifiers for all floor objects may be revised
anytime by selecting the appropriate member (floor, ramp or wall) and there is no need to
define them separately for each section. This will be discussed more in this chapter.

Define Wall Objects

Walls may be defined as shell or membrane elements. However shell behaviour type is
recommended by ETABS manual [2]. Other modelling features are similar to what has been
discussed for slabs except for section modifiers which will be discussed more in this chapter.

Assign Frame or Shell Section Properties

Walls and columns may be modelled using either shell or frame sections, however it should
be noted that using shell elements provide more flexibility and accuracy for modelling
openings and / or variation in member dimension (width, length) along height.

When using a frame element (beam) to model a shear wall spandrel, keep in mind that the
analysis results obtained are dependent on the fixity provided by the shell element that the
beam connects to. Different sized shell elements provide different fixities and thus, different
analysis results.
In general, for models where the spandrels are modelled using frame elements, better
analysis results are obtained when a coarser shell element mesh is used; that is, when the
shell elements that the beam connects to are larger. If the shell element mesh is refined,
consider extending the beam into the wall at least one shell element to model proper fixity.

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If the depth of the shell element approaches the depth of the beam, consider either extending
the beam into the wall as mentioned above, or modelling the spandrel with shell elements
instead of a frame element.

The following criteria may be used for modelling coupling beams:

Length / Depth < 1.0 or Shell Element

Length/Thickness < 5
Length / Depth > 1.0 or Frame Element
Length/thick > 5

Assign Frame Section Modifiers

Use the Assign menu > Frame/Line > Frame Property Modifiers command to bring up the
Analysis Property Modification Factors form to assign modification factors for the following
frame analysis section properties in your model.
Cross-section (axial) area
Shear Area in 2- direction
Shear Area in 3-direction
Torsional Constant
Moment of Inertia about the 2-axis
Moment of Inertia about the 3-axis
The modification factors are multiplied by the section properties specified for a frame element
to obtain the final analysis section properties used for the frame element. Note that these
modification factors only affect the analysis properties. They do not affect the design
properties.

The section modifiers for Ultimate limit state analysis for Line Objects are shown in the
following table based on UBC 97, clause 1910.11.

Column Beam
I22=I33=0.7Ig I22=I33=0.35
A=1.0 Ag A=1.0 Ag
*When tensile stress is induced in particular elements under any of the defined ultimate load
combinations, the modifier shall be reduced to 0.35 for those elements.

Ig = Moment of Inertia based on Gross Cross sectional Properties assuming rectangular

sections for beams. Member design will be based on end-face moments (not centre-point).

This analysis will be used in arriving at the following results;

• Structural design of all elements

• Pile loads
• Building drift / story drift under seismic loads only

The Service limit state analysis shall be carried out with the augmented section modifiers as
per ACI 318 clause 10.11.1 and its commentary, R 10.11.1 that allows multiplying the above
section modifiers (as per UBC Clause No. 21.3.1) by 1.43. Slabs and beams section
modifiers are as per ultimate limit state provisions as mentioned above. This analysis will be
used to check:

• Wind Drift (Overall and story drift)

• Acceleration

A detailed finite element analysis shall be performed to check the stresses in columns and
walls. If the stress in any member exceeds the allowable tensile stress value, appropriate

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section modifiers corresponding to the cracked section properties shall be assigned to that
member. The drift and accelerations shall be checked accordingly.
To ensure that the stiffness modifiers are assigned to all the elements, it is generally
recommended to assign the stiffness modifiers after completion of the model and prior to the
analysis using the “Select by Object Type” option in ETABS. This not only relieves the
laborious task of defining the stiffness modifiers separately for each frame section, but also
provides a quick, yet reliable way to change these modifiers in no time.

Assign Shell Section Modifiers

Use the Assign menu > Shell/Area > Shell Stiffness Modifiers command to bring up the
Analysis Stiffness Modification Factors form. Here you can specify Stiffness Modifiers for the
following shell analysis section stiffness in your model.
Membrane f11 Modifier
Membrane f22 Modifier
Membrane f12 Modifier
Bending m11 Modifier
Bending m22 Modifier
bending m12 Modifier

The stiffness for each of the items calculated based on the section properties specified for a
shell element are multiplied by the specified modifiers to obtain the final stiffness used for the
shell element in the analysis. Note that these modification factors only affect the analysis
properties. They do not affect any design properties.

The f11, f22 and f12 modifiers are essentially equivalent to modification factors on the
thickness (t) of the shell element. The m11, m22 and m12 modifiers are essentially equivalent
to modification factors on the (t) 3 of the shell element.

The section modifiers for Ultimate limit state analysis for Area Objects are shown in the
following table based on UBC 97, clause 1910.11.

Wall(1),(2) Coupling Beams Slab

(3)
(Shell)
m11= m22=0.7 f11=f12= f22=m22=0.35 m11= m12=m22=0.25
(Uncracked)
m11= m22=0.35
(Cracked)

(1)- The correct parameters that need to be modified to reflect cracked section properties for
walls are f11 & f22, however due to the inevitable axial shortening, JAFZA requires that m-
parameters be revised. Refer to the discussion below for further clarification.

(2)-It should be noted that revising stiffness modifiers to cater for cracked sections in shell
elements in trivial. The gross section area based on UBC 97 (Clause 1910.11) and ACI
318(Section 10.11) provisions should not be changed. This may be easily accounted for
frame elements by just revising the section modifier for moment of inertia. However, the axial
and bending stiffness for shell elements can not be de-coupled, i.e., changing the bending
stiffness will inevitably affect the axial stiffness. This may cause displacement incompatibility
with adjacent frame column which in turn may require revising the axial stiffness for vertical
frame elements, as opposed to code explicit provisions.

(3)-Lower stiffness modifier values may be assigned for coupling beams based on the actual
state of cracking in the element from the analysis results.

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Assign Pier / Spandrel Label

The pier / spandrel labelling is a convenient way to get the design forces for walls and
coupling beams especially when they are modelled as shell elements. Special care shall be
taken when defining these labels to ensure realistic values. The reader is urged to refer to
CSI’s ETABS Manual and Shear Wall Design Manual for further details.

A wall pier can consist of a combination of both area objects (shell elements) and line objects
(frame elements). If you want to get output forces reported for wall piers, or if you want to
design wall piers, you must first define them. Define a wall pier by selecting all of the line
and/or area objects that make up the pier and assigning them the same pier label. If a wall
pier is made up of both line and area objects, assign the pier label to the line and area
objects separately.

A wall spandrel can consist of a combination of both area objects (shell elements) and line
objects (frame elements). If you want to get output forces reported for wall spandrels, or if
you want to design wall spandrels, you must first define them. Define a wall spandrel by
selecting all of the line and/or area objects that make up the spandrel and assigning them the
same spandrel label. If a wall spandrel is made up of both line and area objects, assign the
spandrel label to the line and area objects separately.

Assign Area Mesh Option

Selected areas can be meshed using the Edit>Mesh Areas command toolbar button. Several
options are available in the Mesh Selected Areas form:
Auto Mesh Area (Horiz): This option meshes the selected area into smaller areas. The
smaller areas are three-sided or four-sided and must have beams on all sides.

Cookie Cut at Selected Line Object (Horiz): This option meshes the selected area at the
selected lines. Select one or multiple lines. If the selected line passes through more than one
area, all of the areas will be meshed. Note that this and the Auto Mesh Area option only work
in plan view.

Cookie Cut at Selected Point at [Specified] Angle: Use this option to mesh areas at a
specified point and angle. The angle will be measured in the counter clockwise direction for
the x and y-axis. If the point lies in the overlapping region of two areas, both of the areas will
be meshed at the given angle.

Mesh Quads/Triangles into [Specified Number] by [Specified Number] Areas: This

option meshes the selected area in the number of areas specified by the user. For example,
specifying a meshing of 2 by 8 means that the selected area will be meshed into 2 areas
along the x-axis and 8 areas along the y-axis. The size of the meshed areas will be uniform
along a given direction. Only quads and triangles can be meshed using this option.

Mesh Quads/Triangles at Intersections with Visible Grid Lines: This option meshes
each selected area at any location where it intersects a visible grid line, regardless of the
coordinate system associated with the grid line.

Selected Point Objects on Edges: Selecting this option will mesh the area (horizontally
and vertically) using the selected point at the edge as reference. One more points can be
selected for this type of meshing.

Interactions with Selected Line Objects: The areas selected are meshed with the line
intersecting the area. More than one line can be selected to mesh a desired area.

Note the following about Meshing Area Objects:

The property assignments to meshed area objects are the same as the original area object.

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Load and mass assignments on the original area object are appropriately broken up onto
the meshed area objects.

When this menu item is clicked, all edges of the currently selected area will be split at their
mid-points. If clicked again for the same selected area, they will be divided in half again, and
so on.

The program does not offer any automatic meshing for walls, however, for slab elements, the
automatic meshing option may be done as shown below.

Note-1: In general, slab elements may be drawn manually, but this is time consuming and
may lead to unrealistic results if local axes of slabs are different or unsuitable mesh sizes are
used. Complex floor systems supporting many walls and columns (e.g. Raft) may be meshed
in other finite element programs such as Robot and then imported into ETABS.

Note-2: In general triangular plate-bending element, with shearing deformations, produces

excellent results. However, the triangular membrane element with drilling rotations tends to
lock, and great care must be practiced in its application. Because any geometry can be
modelled using quadrilateral elements, the use of the triangular element presented can
always be avoided.

Assign Auto-Line Constraint

Auto-line constraint is a technique in ETABS that is very useful in reducing the hassle of fine-
tuning meshing of adjacent objects. If the meshes on common edges of adjacent area objects
do not match up, automated line constraints are generated along those edges. These Line
Constraints enforce displacement compatibility between the mismatched meshes of adjacent
objects and eliminate the need for mesh transition elements.

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The following figures show the difference in results when applying auto-line constraint to a
simple model where slab and wall meshing does not match.
The auto-line constraint is the default option in ETABS and needs to be removed manually if
required.

Case1: Without Auto-line constraint Case2: With Auto-line constraint

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7. Supports
7.1 General Support Conditions

• In reinforced concrete structures on single or mat foundation, the support conditions are taken
as fixed (all rotational and translational degrees of freedom are locked).

• Where raft (or single) piles are modelled in ETABS, however, the support conditions may be
taken as free (no rotational and translation D.O.F is locked) or pinned. The piles for this case
need to be modelled with appropriate springs. Some guidelines for this purpose is explained
in the following section.

7.2 Modelling Piles as Supports

• Piles are modelled in ETABS as springs where the spring stiffness-corresponding to the pile
vertical and horizontal stiffness- is used by ETABS for analysis purpose. The stiffness of these
springs may be calculated based on the maximum allowable axial force and settlement of the
pile.

• The maximum allowable axial stress on a pile may be limited to 0.25fcu. On the other hand,
the maximum allowable settlement for a pile is generally given by the geotechnical expert. In
lieu of these data (and as directed by JAFZA), this value may be taken as 1% of pile diameter
(in mm). Therefore the vertical spring stiffness may be expressed as:

0.25 f cu . A pile 0.25 f cu .πd 2

kv = = ≅ 20d
∆ all . 4 x0.01d

• The horizontal pile stiffness is taken as 10% of the vertical value.

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5. Loading
5.1 Dead Loads

Since ETABS can calculate the self-weight of different elements defined and apply their load in
static analysis, it is important to define dead loads appropriately. The self-weight and imposed
dead loads shall be defined separately as explained below:

5.1.1 Assign Self Weight

The self-weight multiplier controls what portion of the self-weight is included in a load case. A self-
weight multiplier of 1 means that the full self-weight of the structure is included in that load case.

5.1.2 Define Imposed Dead Load

This type of loading shall be used to define any other type of permanent load acting on the
structure, excluding the self-weight of structural elements that are modelled in ETABS. Load
associated with floor finishes, raised flooring, ceiling, services and permanent partitions are
examples of this type of loading.

a. 5.2 Live Loads

5.2.1 General

Live loads shall be defined as reducible or irreducible based on their magnitudes. As per ASCE7
2
provisions (which is also adopted in UBC), lie loads in excess of 4.79 kN/m shall be taken as
irreducible.
The live load values shall be assigned in accordance with the values adopted in Design Statement
and the specific code requirements.

5.2.2 Reduction of Live Loads

A live load that is specified as reducible is reduced automatically by the program for use in the
design postprocessors (and hence doesn’t have any effect in the analysis results). The live load
reduction parameters are specified using the Options menu > Preferences > Live Load
Reduction command.

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It is important to ensure that the self-weight multiplier is set to zero (0) for all load cases except
self-weight.
It should also be noted that Load Combinations do not include live load reduction unless required
specifically. Therefore, this shall be considered when using other supplementary design software
(e.g. PROKON).

5.3 Mechanical Loads

Mechanical loads are irreducible live loads that are generally used to represent the effect of areas
with special equipment or facility (substations, plant rooms, etc). This definition will help to
differentiate between the live loads that are NOT permitted by the code to be reduced. For
example, as stated earlier in this chapter, ASCE7 and UBC 97 define any live load exceeding 4.79
2
kN/m as irreducible live load. Therefore these loads shall be defined as a MECH load to ensure
that they are not reduced for member design.

5.4 Wind Loads

In general, there are two ways to define lateral loads (Wind, earthquake, etc) in ETABS: Use one
of the built-in options that will automatically calculate the lateral loads as per available design
codes or specify the lateral loads manually. The latter is used to apply the wind loads determined
from the Wind Tunnel Test.

a. Codified Methods

Codified wind loads that are approved by JAFZA are limited to ASCE 7 and AS/NZS 1170.2.
However, DM / Tecom currently also accept design wind loads as per BS 6399, Part-2. The
procedures to define codified wind loads as per ASCE 7 and BS 6399 Part-2 are described briefly
below:

i. Define Wind Load Parameters as per ASCE 7

The ASCE 7-02 wind load parameters shall be determined from respective Code sections and
input in the ASCE 7-02 Wind Loading Table of ETABS. Then ETABS will automatically calculate
the wind loads acting on each story level and use it in the static analysis processor. A sample form
of ASCE 7-02 wind parameters is shown below followed by a brief description on key items.

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1 o Design Wind Load Case: Choose Create All Cases, so that all design wind load
cases are determined as per Fig.6-9 of ASCE 7-02, taken into account the
torsional moment effects.
2 o Eccentricity: Determine the eccentricity values for the structure as per Clause
6.5.12.3 and Fig.6-9 of ASCE 7-02. For rigid structures, defined as structures with
natural frequency of greater than 1 Hz (T1<1 sec.), the eccentricity shall be taken
as equal to 15% of the building dimension in the perpendicular direction.
Otherwise, use Equation (6-21) in Clause 6.5.12.3 of ASCE 7-02 to calculate this
parameter.
3 o Wind Speed: In lieu of reliable wind tunnel studies, the basic wind velocity shall
be taken as 45 m/sec (101 mph) as per local authority requirements. Note that the
basic wind speed shall be input as mph in ETABS.
o Other Parameters: Other parameters shall be determined as per provisions of
4
ASCE 7. The exposure type is generally taken as Exposure C for Dubai, but
should be verified with the wind specialist accordingly. An approved design
spreadsheet may be used to reliably calculate all the parameters of ASCE 7-02
wind load data.

5.4.1.1 Define Wind Load Parameters as per BS 6399-Part-2

The BS 6399-95, Part-2, wind load parameters shall be determined from respective Code sections
and input in the BS 6399-95 Wind Loading Table of ETABS. ETABS will automatically calculate
the wind loads acting on each story level and use it in the static analysis processor. A sample form
of BS 6399-95 wind parameters is shown below followed by a brief description on each item.

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1
2
3

1 o Effective Speed: The effective wind speed shall be determined as per Clause
2.2.3 of BS 6399-2. The Site Wind Speed (Vs) required for this calculation shall
be taken as 26 m/sec for Dubai in lieu of reliable wind tunnel studies.
2 o Size Effect Factor: The size effect factor shall be determined from Clause
2.1.3.4 of BS 6399-2.
3 o Dynamic Augmentation Factor: The dynamic augmentation factor shall be
determined from Clause 1.6.1 and Fig.3 of BS 6399-2.

Note 1- An approved design spreadsheet may be used to reliably calculate all the parameters of
BS 6399 wind load data.

Note 2- As per BS 6399-97, Part-2 provisions of Section 2.1.3.7, accidental torsional effects on
the buildings may be accounted for by displacing the wind loads on each face horizontally by 10%
of the face width from the centre of the face. This can not be directly taken into account in ETABS
and needs to be applied manually. For this purpose, wind loads may be determined as per note-1
and then applied to the building as a User Defined Load in Auto Lateral Load drop-down menu.
Refer to Section 7.4.2 for more details.

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1. Extracting Wind Loads from Wind Tunnel Test Results

The results of a reliable wind tunnel test may be used in lieu of the codified values for wind
analysis in ETABS. These loads are generally calculated by recognized wind tunnel testing
laboratories based on the dynamic properties of the structure as modelled during the preliminary
or concept design stages. Wind loads are reported as separate load cases that should be
combined through the set of load combinations as reflected in the wind tunnel report. It is
important to note that these loads shall be applied to the analytical model at the same reference
points that were initially defined for the wind tunnel consultant. Moreover since the Wind
consultants generally carry out their calculations at the center of the diaphragm of each floor, it is
recommended that these points are taken in locations where are as close to the center of mass of
diaphragm as possible.
Wind loads obtained from wind tunnel studies may be defined in ETABS as a User Defined Lateral
Load. A separate wind load case shall be defined representing the load case as per wind tunnel
report. The load values may directly be copied from a spreadsheet. Various load combinations
shall also be defined accordingly. The following figures show an example of defining user defined
wind load cases.

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5.5 Earthquake Loads

The earthquake effects shall be determined based on the provisions of UBC 97, Chapter 16. The
Response Spectrum Method shall be used for all buildings with more than 12 storeys in height as
per JAFZA requirements. However, the results of response spectrum analysis may be scaled to
the Equivalent Static Force Method as per Clause 1631.5.4 of UBC 97. Therefore, the Equivalent
Static Force Method shall be initially used. The following subsections review the basic parameters
required in ETABS.

5.5.1 Equivalent Static Force Method

5.5.1.1 Define Earthquake Parameters as per UBC 97

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1 5

The parameters that need to be defined in this form are briefly described below:

1 o Direction and Eccentricity: Use the % Eccentricity edit box to specify a value for
eccentricity. Five percent is the default and is entered as 0.05. The eccentricity options
have meaning only when diaphragms have been assigned to joint/point or shell/area
objects. The program ignores eccentricities where diaphragms are not present.

Note that since the Equivalent Static analysis is often used for scaling the Response
Spectrum parameters, the eccentricities need only be calculated for both directions with
only one direction of eccentricity (i.e. X+ey and Y+ex)

2 o Time Period: If using the Program Calculated option, the Ct coefficient shall be input in
Imperial units. This value shall be taken as 0.02 for RC Shear Walls and 0.03 for RC
Moment Resisting Frames.

3 o Story Range: By default the bottom story is the base of the building and the top story is
the uppermost level of the building.
o In most instances, specify the top story as the upper-most level in the building,
typically the roof. However, in some cases, a lower level may be chosen. For example
if a penthouse is included in the model, it may be best to calculate the automatic
lateral load based on the roof level, excluding the penthouse roof level, as the top
story, and then add in additional user-defined load to the load case to account for the
penthouse.
o The bottom level would typically be the base level. However, if, for example, a
building has several below-grade levels, and the seismic loads are assumed to be
transferred to the ground at ground level, it may be best to specify the bottom story to
be above the base of the building.

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Note: No seismic loads are calculated for the bottom story. They are calculated for the
first story above the bottom story and for all stories up to and including the top story.

4 o Overstrength Factor: Determine the strength reduction factor as per UBC 97, Table16-N
based on the structural system used. For Bearing Shear wall system use a value of R=4.5
and for Building frame system with shear walls use R=5.5. Refer to Section 1629.6 of
UBC 97 for definition of different structural systems. In general, if the majority of gravity
loads are taken by the shear walls, take R=4.5.

Note: For structures where more than one system is used throughout all or part of the
structure, the provisions of UBC 97 for Dual systems shall be met. Alternatively, one
system may be assumed to take all the lateral loads and the other is taken as a building
frame system. For such cases, the lateral forces need to be scaled up to ensure that all
the lateral loads are carried by respective system.

5 o Seismic Coefficient: For Dubai, the seismic zone 2A (corresponding to z=0.15) is taken
unless otherwise stated by a site-specific seismic hazard study approved by local
authorities. The Soil profile type shall be taken from the site soil investigation
report. [Note: Most geotechnical consultants recommend soil profile type Sc for Dubai]

5.5.2 Response Spectrum Method

5.5.2.1 Define Response Spectrum Functions as per UBC 97

Add UBC 97 Spectrum from the drop-down list to display the Response Spectrum UBC
97 Function Definition form.

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1 • Parameters: Specify parameters for Seismic Coefficient Ca and Seismic

Coefficient Cv based on seismic zone and soil profile type (See Tables 16-Q and 16-R in
the 1997 UBC). For seismic zone 2A and soil profile type Sc (Typical of Dubai), take Ca
=0.18 and Cv =0.25, respectively.

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5.5.2.2 Define Response Spectrum Cases

The following topics describe key parameters for the response spectrum case data:

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1 o Structural and Function Damping

This item specifies modal damping that is present

for all modes in the response spectrum analysis.
Also, ETABS assumes that the response spectrum
functions specified for the response spectrum case
are all specified for this particular damping ratio. 4
5
As per local authorities provisions, a damping ratio
of 5% is assumed for response spectrum analysis.

2 o Modal Combination
7

Select CQC method since it provides good

estimates of the results for most practical cases.

3 o Directional Combination

Select SRSS method since it provides good

estimates of the results for most practical cases and
is also consistent with UBC-97 provision for
orthogonality effects.

4 o Input Response Spectra

Specify the defined UBC-97 response spectrum function for each of the three local coordinate
system directions as separate response spectrum case.

5 o Scale Factor

2
The scale factor has units of Length/seconds and that its value will change as you change the
units in your model. Essentially ETABS assumes the response spectrum functions are unitless
(normalized) and that the scale factor converts them into the appropriate units (i.e. use a scale
2
factor of 9.81 to convert UBC 97 spectrum into acceleration (m/sec ))

If you are scaling your response spectrum to match some static analysis results (e.g., static base
shear), you may want to include that in the scale factor specified for the response spectrum
function in the input response spectra area. In that case you would input a scale factor equal to
the product of the scale factor to convert the spectrum to the appropriate units and the scale factor
to scale the response spectrum base shear to the appropriate level.

It is recommended that a uniform approach is adopted to provide a consistent method of

incorporating scale factors. The method used in Atkins office in Dubai is to use the scale factor of
g/R in this area to convert the spectrum into m/sec2 units. Then based on the results of first-run,
the appropriate scale factor between the equivalent static method and the response spectrum
method may be calculated and used in an appropriate Load Combination. The advantage of this
method is that it doesn’t require any additional analysis, since Load Combinations can be modified
anytime, even after an analysis. Appendix (---) includes an example that helps to illustrate this
issue.

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6 o Excitation Angle

The excitation angle is an angle measured from the positive global X-axis to the
response spectrum case positive local 1-axis. A positive angle appears counter
clockwise as you look down on the model.

It should be noted that when SRSS method is used for directional combination of
responses, the response would be independent of the excitation angle. However,
using an appropriate angle –along the principal axes of the building- may be useful
(and sometimes required) when uni-directional response parameters are of interest.
The reader may refer to Wilson book [Ref.1] for further details.

7 o Eccentricity Ratio

The eccentricity ratio is initially taken as the accidental eccentricity (5%), but may
need to be adjusted if Torsional Irregularity exists in the model based on provisions of
UBC 97, Clause 1630.7 and definitions of UBC 97, Table 16-M.

To revise the eccentricity ratio, a preliminary analysis shall be carried out assuming
the minimum code mandatory ratio of 5%. The displacement values of four points at
the corner edge of the building for each story is then determined. The amplification
factor for accidental torsional response, Ax, i for each floor is calculated based on the
provisions of UBC 97, Clause 1630.7 from the average and maximum displacement
results as follows:

2
⎛ δ ⎞
Ax i = ⎜ max,i ⎟ ≤ 3.0
⎜ 1.2δ ⎟
⎝ avg ,i ⎠

The maximum value of Ax, i is used to amplify the eccentricity ratio. It should be noted
that this amplification need only be applied once and need not be revised iteratively.

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6. Load Combinations
6.1 Define Load Combinations for Serviceability State

SLC1: 1.0 DL + 0.5 LL+ 1.0 MECH

SLCS01: 0.90 DL + 0.714 SRSS
SLCS02: 0.90 DL - 0.714 SRSS
SLCS03: 1.0 DL + 0.375 LL + MECH + 0.536 SRSS
SLCS04: 1.0 DL + 0.375 LL + MECH - 0.536 SRSS
(1)
SLCW1: 1.0DL+1.0 Wind(x & y)
(1)
SLCW2: 1.0DL-1.0 Wind(x & y)

6.2 Define Load Combinations for Ultimate State

ULC1: 1.4 DL + 1.6 MECH + 1.6 LL 0.5 Ca. I

ULCS01 1.29 DL + MECH + 0.5 LL + 1.0 SRSS [1.2+0.5x0.18x1=1.29]
ULCS02 1.29 DL + MECH + 0.5 LL - 1.0 SRSS
ULCS03 1.11 DL + MECH + 0.5 LL - 1.0 SRSS
ULCS04 1.11 DL + MECH + 0.5 LL + 1.0 SRSS
ULCS05 0.81 DL + 1.0 SRSS [1.2-0.5x0.18x1=0.81]
ULCS06 0.81 DL - 1.0 SRSS
ULCS07 0.99 DL + 1.0 SRSS
ULCS08 0.99 DL - 1.0 SRSS
ULCUP01 1.4 DL + 1.6 MECH + 1.6 LL + 1.2 UPLIFT
ULCUP02 1.0 DL + 1.2 UPLIFT
ULCUP03 1.4 DL + 1.2 UPLIFT + 1.4 WIND(x & y)(1)
ULCUP04 1.4 DL + 1.2 UPLIFT - 1.4 WIND(x & y)(1)
(1)
ULCUP05 1.0 DL + 1.2 UPLIFT + 1.4 WIND(x & y)
(1)
ULCUP06 1.0 DL + 1.2 UPLIFT - 1.4 WIND(x & y)
ULCUP07 1.4 DL + 1.2 UPLIFT
ULCUP08 1.2DL + 1.2 MECH + 1.2 LL + 1.2 UPLIFT + 1.2 WIND(x & y) (1)
ULCUP09 1.2DL + 1.2 MECH + 1.2 LL + 1.2 UPLIFT - 1.2 WIND(x & y) (1)
ULCUP10 1.2DL + 1.2 MECH + 1.2 LL + 1.2 UPLIFT
(1)
ULCW01 1.2 DL + 1.2 MECH + 1.2 LL + 1.2 WIND(x & y)
(1)
ULCW02 1.2 DL + 1.2 MECH + 1.2 LL - 1.2 WIND(x & y)
ULCW03 1.0 DL + 1.4 WIND(x & y) (1)
ULCW04 1.0 DL - 1.4 WIND(x & y) (1)
ULCW05 1.4 DL + 1.4 WIND(x & y) (1)
(1)
ULCW06 1.4 DL - 1.4 WIND(x & y)

6.3 Define Load Combinations for Pile Design

SLC1: 1.0 DL + 0.5 LL + 1.0 MECH

SLCS01 0.90 DL + 0.714 SRSS [1/1.4=0.714 SRSS]
SLCS02 0.90 DL - 0.714 SRSS
SLCS03 1.0 DL + 0.375 LL + MECH + 0.536 SRSS [ 0.75x(1/1.4)=0.536]
SLCS04 1.0 DL + 0.375 LL + MECH - 0.536 SRSS
(1)
SLCW05 0.8 DL + 0.4LL + 0.8 MECH +0.8 WIND(x & y)
(1)
SLCW06 0.8 DL + 0.4LL + 0.8 MECH -0.8 WIND(x & y)

(1)- When wind loads are derived from wind tunnel test results, WIND(x & Y) may be taken
conservatively as the Envelope of all possible wind load combinations as prescribed by Wind
Tunnel specialist.
7. Analysis Option
7.1 Dynamic Analysis Parameters

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ƒ Number of Modes: Specify the number of Eigen or Ritz modes that you want ETABS to
capture. Generally use a relatively low number of modes for initial analysis to save time. A
more refined estimate of the proper number of modes may be determined by interpretation of
modal participation factor ratio after the initial run. The total number of modes considered in
the analysis shall include at least 90% of the participating mass of the structure for each
principal horizontal direction.
ƒ Type of Analysis options. Choose eigenvector or ritz-vector analysis in this area. Input in
the balance of the form depends on which option is chosen.

Note: If you are running response spectrum or time history analysis, use ritz-vectors.

Note: For response spectrum analysis, select the ACCELERATION along X and Y directions
as the Starting Load Vectors.

7.2 P-Delta Analysis Options

General:

ƒ It is recommended [Ref. 1& 2] to use the iterative method in all cases except those where
no gravity load is specified in the model. Iteration Controls: Generally an iteration value of
3 or 4 will be adequate. Note that the maximum number of iterations specified is the
maximum number of additional analyses after the first analysis is run.
ƒ P-Delta Load Combination: Specify the single load combination to be used for the initial P-
Delta analysis of the structure. The following load cases shall be used based on the
adopted Design Code:

Code P-Delta Load Combination

BS 8110 1.0 D+1.0 Mech+0.5 LL
UBC-97, ACI 318 1.2D+1.2Mech+0.5 LL

7.2.1 Provisions for Local Authorities Other Than JAFZA

7.2.2 Provisions for JAFZA

JAFZA requires that P-Delta analysis using Iterative method shall be carried out for all buildings
exceeding 12 storeys in height .However, it should be noted that according to UBC-97 , Clause
1630.1.3, P-Delta analysis is not required when the ratio of the secondary moment to primary
moment does not exceed 10. Due to the relative ease of P-Delta analysis in ETABS, it is
recommended to initialize the design using this method and use the code exception, whenever
applicable, for cases when P-Delta effect results in excessive responses that need to be avoided.

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8.0 Post Analysis Checks

After a model is analyzed by ETABS it is very important to check the whether the basic
characteristics of the model matches with the expected behaviour or not. In the following sections
some key features will be addressed.

3.1 Analysis .LOG and Results

The analysis log file may be reviewed either from the File menu > Last Analysis Run Log…
command or it can be opened by a text editor from the directory containing the model. There are
two important items that should be checked:

8.1.1 Warnings

A warning is produced during solution of equilibrium equation in ETABS when there is an error in
calculation of finite element stiffness matrices, boundary condition or the applied loading. If you
come across warning messages for solution along any degrees of freedom, you will need to locate
the point(s) and check for any potential error .This may be caused by adjacent points forming a
discontinuous mesh, a free-free end support etc. These warnings may be removed by reshaping
the objects, defining appropriate boundary conditions / supports or any other suitable action that
ensures a sound analytical model.

8.1.2 Global Force Balance

Global force balance relative errors are one of the key measures that can be used to ensure the
accuracy in analysis solution. These errors are calculated based on the relative difference in
applied external loads and the base reactions for each load case.
-10
The global force balance relative errors should be very small –in order of 10 -and less. It should
be noted that this is a necessary but not sufficient condition to ensure a sound modelling and
analysis.

3.1 Deformed Shape and Model Animations

It is recommended to thoroughly investigate the deformed shape of the structure under static
loads. This may be done by animating the structure for the required load case. The animated
deformation shall match with the anticipated behaviour of the building. Appropriate scale factors
may be used to examine the response.

3.1 Modal Characteristics

Mode shapes of the building give a good insight into the dynamic characteristics of the structure.
The first few modes of vibration are of particular concern since generally they include most of the
dynamic response; however this shall be verified from the modal participation factor. For example
if a torsional mode shows a high participation factor, the designed may look for revised structural
scheme that may help minimize torsional effects.

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9. Reinforced Concrete Design Module

9.1 Shear Wall Design Module (as per BS 8110 – 97)

9.1.1 Overview

In the design of shear walls, the program calculates and reports the required areas of steel for
flexure and shear based upon user defined load combinations. The reinforcement requirements
are calculated at a user-defined wall labelling (wall pier / spandrel labelling).

The program also performs the following design, check, or analysis procedures in accordance with
BS 8110-97 requirements:

• Design and check of concrete wall piers for flexural and axial loads

• Design of concrete wall piers for shear

• Design of concrete shear wall spandrels for flexure

• Design of concrete wall spandrels for shear

9.1.2 Terminology

Analysis Section

These are the objects (area/line) defined in the model to make up the pier or spandrel section.

Wall pier analysis section is the assemblage of wall & column sections & Wall spandrel analysis
section is the assemblage of wall & beam sections.

Design Section

The section utilized for design as per pier / spandrel definition. The different types of design
sections detailed below;

Uniform Reinforcing Section

Uniform reinforcing section is applicable to both planar & coupled shear walls.

For flexural design/check, the geometry is picked up automatically by the program from the area
objects that define the pier section.

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For shear / boundary zone checks, the program automatically (and internally) breaks the analysis
section pier up into planar legs and then performs the design on each leg separately and reports
the results separately for each leg.

The planar legs are derived from the area objects that defined in the model only.

In this process, section will be designed / checked for uniform reinforcing.

General Reinforcing Section

This section is defined using the section designer utility in ETABS module. User can create any
geometric shape as in architectural drawings. User can vary vertical rebar diameter and spacing
and details.

Simplified Pier Section

This is applicable to planar walls only. Using this design section, user can only design the walls.

Section design (or) Middle strip

Edge design (or) Edge strip

Material design property definition

Definition of material
stresses

Preferences:

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In the Options menu > Preferences > Shear wall design, the design code will be set as BS 8110
97 code with the default design parameters.

Edge Design PT – Max & PC – Max indicates the limiting percentage of rebar requirement at the
edge strip if the section is being designed as simplified T & C method.

Section Design IP – Max & Min – This indicates the percentage of maximum and minimum rebar
requirement at the wall section (applicable to user defined pier section or uniform reinforcing
option).

9.1.3 Wall Pier Flexural Design

Checking of a wall design section

When the wall section is specified to check for the given rebar details, the program creates an
interaction surface for that pier in three dimensional space at 15 degree intervals (by default) to
determine the flexural demand/capacity ratio for that pier.

The required number of degree intervals of interaction surface can be overwritten in the
preferences and it is recommended to be 24 or more with number of points required to make an
each curve as 11 or more but this needs to be in odd number.

Two- dimensional Wall Pier Demand / Capacity Ratio

Designing of a wall design section

When the pier section is to be designed, the program creates a series of interaction surfaces for
the pier based on the following factors;

a) The size of the pier as specified in section designer

b) The location of the reinforcing specified in Section Designer.
c) The size of each reinforcing bar specified in Section Designer relative to the size of the
other bars.

The interaction surfaces are developed for 8 different ratios of reinforcing steel area to pier area,
which spans between the maximum and minimum ratios as specified in preferences. These
limiting ratios can be overwritten in the preferences.

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9.1.4 Wall Pier Shear Design

Wall pier shear design is performed at top and bottom of pier section. ETABS follows the
procedure as per BS 8110, Cl. No. 3.4.5.

Concrete shear stress is limited to avoid shear cracking prior to the ultimate limit state, hence the
shear stress is limited to equation 6b in the code.

In the calculation of concrete shear stress, the area of tension reinforcement is considered as 50%
of the total area required for the pier section.

The maximum shear stress is limited to 5 MPa and it doesn’t consider any enhancement due to
high strength concrete.

The minimum shear steel i.e. horizontal steel is reported for the shear stress is equal to 0.4MPa.

During the shear design process, the reduction in concrete shear capacity will be considered due
to axial tension.

Uniform Reinforcing section

This wall design section will have uniform reinforcing (Edge bar & End bar) throughout the section.
This wall section is applicable to two and three dimension shear wall systems. ETABS allows us to
check & design for the user defined rebars details.

The planar pier sections with uniform reinforcing are designed for major axis moment and the
minor axis moment i.e. out of plane moment is always ignored.

The geometry of a uniform reinforcing pier section is picked up automatically by the program from
the area objects that define the pier section. If the pier section is made up of line objects only, the
line objects are considered by the program when determining the pier geometry.

End /
Corner bar

Edge bar

Pier section Top Pier section Bottom 3D - view

View of objects as modelled in ETABS

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Section @ top Section @ bottom

View of pier section in Section Designer (Flexural Check)

The above picture shows the uniform pier section automatically assumed by the ETABS design
module for the flexural design check.

Leg 2 The pier is broken up into four legs labelled Leg 1

through Leg 4. The shear design and boundary zone
check are performed separately for each leg based
on the forces in the leg. This automatically accounts
Leg 1

for torsion in 3D wall piers.

Leg 3

Leg 4 View of pier section for shear design check

User needs to select the “Uniform Reinforcing” option in the Pier section type in the above form.

The required flexural reinforcing ratio & horizontal shear reinforcing will reported for the governing
design load combination.

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The same uniform pier section will be checked. The demand / capacity ratio & required shear
reinforcing will be reported. Shear strength can’t be checked against the provided horizontal shear
steel.

In the above pier design overwrite form; user can define rebar diameter and spacing, material and
live load reduction factor (Minimum 0.5 as per BS).

General Reinforcing section

The concept for this design section is same as uniform reinforcing section with user defined
reinforcing using section designer in ETABS. Here the user defines the geometry of the pier
section and the size and location of vertical rebar.

Shear design will be performed same as uniform reinforcing section.

Define the general reinforcing section using the Design menu > Shear Wall Design > Define
Pier Sections for Checking.

Base material type needs to be defined at this stage, which can’t be revised in the design
overwrites form later.

Add the pier section using the Add Pier Section... Option, Pier section will be added as a new
section or start from existing wall pier.

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Assign the general reinforcing pier section to the existing wall pier using the Design menu >
Shear Wall Design > Assign Pier Sections for Checking… >General Reinforcing Pier
Section

User defined pier section will be possible to assign at bottom and top of pier section with the
option of design or checking.

User defined section will be checked for the user defined reinforcing pattern. The program will
report the demand / capacity ratio and required shear reinforcing for the governing load
combination.

If there is a three dimensional wall system, the shear design will be reported to the first inadequate
leg or Leg requiring most rebar per unit length.

The pier section can also be designed using this option but it reports the required reinforcing ratio
assuming uniform reinforcing pattern.

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Simplified C & T Pier section

The pier geometry is defined by a length, thickness and size of the edge members at each end of
the pier (if any).

Assign the simplified pier section to the existing wall pier using the Design menu > Shear Wall
Design > Assign Pier Sections for Checking… > Simplified C and T Section

Perform the simplified C & T section design using the Design menu > Shear Wall Design > Start
Design / Check of Structure

The pier section flexural design will be performed to edge strip of pier section and it ignores the
resistance from the middle strip.

Program will report the required width of edge strip to resist the axial and over turning moment
and required reinforcing in the governing compression and tension load combination.

Program will perform shear design by considering the full length of the pier section and reports the
required shear reinforcing per unit length for the governing load case.

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Limitations:

In planar walls, the minor axis moment effect will be ignored.

Effects resulting from warping stresses i.e. torsion will be ignored. (wall with numerous
opening)

Assumes that the members with shear reinforcement providing a design shear of
0.4 N/mm2.

Shear stress is not limited to the requirement of high strength concrete. (I.e. fcu > 55 MPa)

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9.2 Reinforced Concrete Frame Design (BS 8110-97)

Preferences:

To view preferences, select the Options menu > Preferences > Concrete Frame Design
command

Material strength factors

Overview

In the design of concrete beams, the program calculates and reports the required areas of steel
for flexure and shear based upon the factored beam moments and shears. The reinforcement
requirements are calculated at a user-defined number of check stations along the beam span.

It is assumed that the design ultimate axial force does not exceed 0.1fcu Ag (BS 3.4.4.1); hence,
all the beams are designed for major direction flexure and shear only.

Limitations:

1) Effects resulting from axial forces, minor direction bending and torsion will be ignored.

2) Assumes that the members with shear reinforcement providing a design shear of
0.4 N/mm2. (Minimum shear links)

3) Shear stress is not limited to the requirement of high strength concrete. (i.e. fcu > 55 MPa)

4) This design module helps only in the preliminary sizing of beam members. (major flexure &
shear)

5) Limit state of serviceability of beams are not determined (deflection, crack width).

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