Shear Wall Design Manual

Mexican RCDF 2004

 Shear Wall
Design Manual
Mexican RCDF 2004
For ETABS®

ISO ETA022819M57 Rev. 0

Proudly developed in the United States of America February 2019
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 Contents

Shear Wall Design

1 Introduction
1.1 Notation 1-2
1.2 Design Station Locations 1-8
1.3 Default Design Load Combinations 1-8
1.3.1 Dead Load Component 1-9
1.3.2 Live Load Component 1-9
1.3.3 Wind Load Component 1-9
1.3.4 Earthquake Load Component 1-9
1.3.5 Combinations that Include a Response Spectrum 1-10
1.3.6 Combinations that Include Time History Results 1-11
1.3.7 Combinations that Include Static Nonlinear
Results 1-12
1.4 Shear Wall Design Preferences 1-12
1.5 Shear Wall Design Overwrites 1-12
1.6 Choice of Units 1-13

i
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

2 Pier Design
2.1 Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-2
2.1.1 Designing a Simplified Pier Section 2-2
2.1.2 Checking a General or Uniform Reinforcing
Pier Section 2-8
2.1.3 Wall Pier Demand/Capacity Ratio 2-16
2.1.4 Designing a General Reinforcing Pier Section 2-18

2.2 Wall Pier Shear Design 2-19

2.2.1 Determine the Concrete Shear Capacity 2-20
2.2.2 Determine the Require Shear Reinforcing 2-20
2.3 Wall Pier Boundary Elements 2-21
2.2.1 Details of Check for Boundary Element
Requirements 2-21

3 Spandrel Design
3.1 Spandrel Flexural Design 3-1
3.1.1 Determine the Maximum Factored Moments 3-2
3.1.2 Determine the Required Flexural Reinforcing 3-2
3.2 Spandrel Shear Design 3-10
3.2.1 Determine the Concrete Shear Capacity 3-11
3.2.2 Determine the Required Shear Reinforcing 3-12

Appendix A Shear Wall Design Preferences

Appendix B Design Procedure Overwrites

Appendix C Analysis Sections and Design Sections

Bibliography

ii
 Chapter 1
Introduction

This manual describes the details of the shear wall design and stress check
algorithms used by the program when the user selects the Mexican RDCF
2004 design code. The various notations used in this manual are described in
Section 1.1.

The design is based on loading combinations specified by the user (Section

1.2). To facilitate the design process, the program provides a set of default
load combinations that should satisfy requirements for the design of most
building type structures.

The program performs the following design, check, or analysis procedures in

accordance with RCDF-NTC-2004 requirements:

 Design and check of concrete wall piers for flexural and axial loads (Chap-
ter 2)

 Design of concrete wall piers for shear (Chapter 2)

 Design of concrete shear wall spandrels for flexure (Chapter 3)

 Design of concrete wall spandrels for shear (Chapter 3)

 Consideration of the wall end zone requirements for concrete wall piers us-
ing an approach based on the requirements of Section 6.5.2.4 in RCDF-
NTC-2004 (Chapter 3)

1-1
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

The program provides detailed output data for Simplified pier section design,
Section Designer pier section design, Section Designer pier section check,
and Spandrel design (Chapter 4).

The program supports several design codes/standards which can be activated

using the Design menu > Shear Wall Design > View/Revise Preferences
command. Only one design code may be used in any one design run. That is,
it is not possible to design some beams for one code and others for a different
code in the same design run. However, it is possible to perform different de-
sign runs using different design codes without rerunning the analysis.

1.1. Notation
Following is the notation used in this manual.

Acv Area of concrete used to determine shear stress, mm2

Ag Gross area of concrete, mm2
Ah-min Minimum required area of distributed horizontal reinforcing
steel required for shear in a wall spandrel, mm2 / mm

As Area of tension reinforcing steel, mm2

Asc Area of reinforcing steel required for compression in a pier

edge member, or the required area of tension steel required
to balance the compression steel force in a wall spandrel,
mm2

Asc-max Maximum area of compression reinforcing steel in a wall

pier edge member, mm2

Asf The required area of tension reinforcing steel for balancing

the concrete compression force in the extruding portion of
the concrete flange of a T-beam, mm2

Ast Area of reinforcing steel required for tension in a pier edge

member, mm2

Ast-max Maximum area of tension reinforcing steel in a wall pier

edge member, mm2

Av /s Area of reinforcing steel required for shear, mm2 / mm

1-2 Notation
 Chapter 1 Introduction

Avd Area of diagonal shear reinforcement in a coupling beam,

mm2

Av-min /s Minimum required area of distributed vertical reinforcing

steel required for shear in a wall spandrel, mm2 / mm

Asw The required area of tension reinforcing steel for balancing

the concrete compression force in a rectangular concrete
beam, or for balancing the concrete compression force in the
concrete web of a T-beam, mm2

A's Area of compression reinforcing steel in a spandrel, mm2

B1, B2... Length of a concrete edge member in a wall with uniform

thickness, mm

Cc Concrete compression force in a wall pier or spandrel,

pounds

Cf Concrete compression force in the extruding portion of a T-

beam flange, pounds

Cs Compression force in wall pier or spandrel reinforcing steel,

pounds

Cw Concrete compression force in the web of a T-beam, pounds

D/C Demand/capacity ratio as measured on an interaction curve

for a wall pier, unitless

DB1 Length of a user-defined wall pier edge member, mm. This

can be different on the left and right sides of the pier, and it
also can be different at the top and the bottom of the pier.

DB2 Width of a user-defined wall pier edge member, mm. This

can be different on the left and right sides of the pier, and it
also can be different at the top and the bottom of the pier.

Es Modulus of elasticity of reinforcing steel, MPa

Fab Moment magnification factor for non-sway moments

Fas Moment magnification factor for sway moments
FR Strength reduction factor

Notation 1-3
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

IP-max The maximum ratio of reinforcing considered in the design

of a pier with a Section Designer section, unitless

IP-min The minimum ratio of reinforcing considered in the design

of a pier with a Section Designer section, unitless

LBZ Horizontal length of the wall end zone at each end of a wall
pier, mm

Lw Horizontal length of wall pier, mm. This can be different at

the top and the bottom of the pier

Ls Horizontal length of wall spandrel, mm

LL Live load

Mn Nominal bending strength, Newton-mm

Mu Designed bending moment at a design section, Newton-mm

Muc In a wall spandrel with compression reinforcing, the de-

signed bending moment at a design section resisted by the
couple between the concrete in compression and the tension
steel, Newton-mm

Muf In a wall spandrel with a T-beam section and compression

reinforcing, the designed bending moment at a design sec-
tion resisted by the couple between the concrete in compres-
sion in the extruding portion of the flange and the tension
steel, Newton-mm

Mus In a wall spandrel with compression reinforcing, the de-

signed bending moment at a design section resisted by the
couple between the compression steel and the tension steel,
Newton-mm

Muw In a wall spandrel with a T-beam section and compression

reinforcing, the designed bending moment at a design sec-
tion resisted by the couple between the concrete in compres-
sion in the web and the tension steel, Newton-mm

OC On a wall pier interaction curve the "distance" from the

origin to the capacity associated with the point considered

1-4 Notation
 Chapter 1 Introduction

OL On a wall pier interaction curve the "distance" from the

origin to the point considered

Pb Axial load capacity at balanced strain conditions, Newton

Pleft Equivalent axial force in the left edge member of a wall pier
used for design, Newton. This may be different at the top
and the bottom of the wall pier.

Pmax Limit on the maximum compressive design strength speci-

fied by RCDF-NTC-2004, Newton

Pmax Factor Factor used to reduce the allowable maximum compressive

design strength, unitless. The RCDF-NTC-2004 specifies
this factor to be 1.0. This factor can be revised in the prefer-
ences.

Pn Nominal axial strength, Newton

P0 Axial load capacity at zero eccentricity, Newton

Poc The maximum compression force a wall pier can carry with
strength reduction factors set equal to one, Newton

Pot The maximum tension force a wall pier can carry with
strength reduction factors set equal to one, Newton

Pright Equivalent axial force in the right edge member of a wall

pier used for design, pounds. This may be different at the
top and the bottom of the wall pier.

Pu Factored axial force at a design section, Newton

PCmax Maximum ratio of compression steel in an edge member of

a wall pier, unitless

PTmax Maximum ratio of tension steel in an edge member of a wall

pier, unitless

RLW Shear strength reduction factor as specified in the concrete

material properties, unitless. This reduction factor applies to
light-weight concrete. It is equal to 1 for normal weight con-
crete.

Notation 1-5
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

RLL Reduced live load

Ts Tension force in wall pier reinforcing steel, Newton

Vc The portion of the shear force carried by the concrete, New-

ton

Vs The portion of the shear force in a spandrel carried by the

shear reinforcing steel, Newton

Vd Designed shear force at a design section, Newton

WL Wind load

a Depth of the wall pier or spandrel compression block, mm

a1 Depth of the compression block in the web of a T-beam,

mm

bs Width of the compression flange in a T-beam, mm. This can

be different on the left and right ends of the T-beam.

c Distance from the extreme compression fiber of the wall

pier or spandrel to the neutral axis, mm

dr-bot Distance from the bottom of the spandrel beam to the cen-
troid of the bottom reinforcing steel, mm. This can be differ-
ent on the left and right ends of the beam.

dr-top Distance from the top of the spandrel beam to the centroid
of the top reinforcing steel, mm. This can be different on the
left and right ends of the beam.

ds Depth of the compression flange in a T-beam, mm. This can

be different on the left and right ends of the T-beam.

dspandrel Depth of the spandrel beam minus the cover to the centroid
of reinforcing, mm

fy Yield strength of steel reinforcing, Newton per square mm.

This value is used for flexural and axial design calculations.

fys Yield strength of steel reinforcing, Newton per square mm.

This value is used for shear design calculations.

1-6 Notation
 Chapter 1 Introduction

f 'c Concrete compressive strength, Newton per square mm.

This value is used for flexural and axial design calculations.

f c* Nominal compressive resistance of concrete, MPa

f 'cs Concrete compressive strength, Newton per square mm.

This value is used for shear design calculations.

f 's Stress in compression steel of a wall spandrel, Newton per

square mm.

hs Height of a wall spandrel, mm. This can be different on the

left and right ends of the spandrel.

pmax Maximum ratio of reinforcing steel in a wall pier with a Sec-

tion Designer section that is designed (not checked), unit-
less.

pmin Minimum ratio of reinforcing steel in a wall pier with a Sec-

tion Designer section that is designed (not checked), unit-
less.

tw Thickness of a wall pier, mm. This can be different at the

top and bottom of the pier.

ts Thickness of a wall spandrel, mm. This can be different on

the left and right ends of the spandrel.

u Absolute value of the ratio of the maximum factored axial

dead load to the maximum factored axial total load
ΣDL The sum of all dead load cases

ΣLL The sum of all live load cases

ΣRLL The sum of all reduced live load cases

α The angle between the diagonal reinforcing and the longitu-

dinal axis of a coupling beam

β1 Factor for obtaining depth of compression block in concrete

ε Reinforcing steel strain, unitless

Notation 1-7
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

εc Maximum usable compression strain allowed in extreme

concrete fiber (0.003 mm/mm)
εs Reinforcing steel strain in a wall pier, unitless

ε's Compression steel strain in a wall spandrel, unitless

1.2. Design Station Locations

The program designs wall piers at stations located at the top and bottom of
the pier only. To design at the mid-height of a pier, break the pier into two
separate "half-height" piers.

The program designs wall spandrels at stations located at the left and right
ends of the spandrel only. To design at the mid-length of a spandrel, break
the spandrel into two separate "half-length" piers. Note that if you break a
spandrel into pieces, the program will calculate the seismic diagonal shear re-
inforcing separately for each piece. The angle used to calculate the seismic
diagonal shear reinforcing for each piece is based on the length of the piece,
not the length of the entire spandrel. This can cause the required area of di-
agonal reinforcing to be significantly underestimated. Thus, if you break a
spandrel into pieces, calculate the seismic diagonal shear reinforcing
separately by hand.

1.3. Default Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are the various combinations of the load cases
for which the structure needs to be checked. For this code, if a structure is
subjected to dead (D), live (L), pattern live (PL), wind (W), earthquake (E),
and snow (S) loads, and considering that wind and earthquake forces are re-
versible, the following load combinations may need to be defined:

1.4D

1.4D + 1.4L

1.4D + 1.4(0.75 PL)

0.9D ± 1.0W

1.1D + 1.1L ± 1.0W

1-8 Design Station Locations

 Chapter 1 Introduction

0.9D ± 1.0E
1.1D + 1.1L ± 1.0E

These are also the default design load combinations in the program whenever
the Mexican RCDF 2004 code is used. The user should use other appropriate
design load combinations if roof live load is separately treated, or if other
types of loads are present.

Live load reduction factors can be applied to the member forces of the live
load analysis on a member-by-member basis to reduce the contribution of the
live load to the factored loading.

1.3.1. Dead Load Component

The dead load component of the default design load combinations consists of
the sum of all dead loads multiplied by the specified factor. Individual dead
load cases are not considered separately in the default design load combina-
tions.

See the description of the earthquake load component later in this chapter for
additional information.

1.3.2. Live Load Component

The live load component of the default design load combinations consists of
the sum of all live loads, both reducible and nonreducible, multiplied by the
specified factor. Individual live load cases are not considered separately in
the default design load combinations.

1.3.3. Wind Load Component

The wind load component of the default design load combinations consists of
the contribution from a single wind load case. Thus, if multiple wind load
cases are defined in the program model, the relevant preceding equations will
contribute multiple design load combinations, one for each wind load case
that is defined.

1.3.4. Earthquake Load Component

The earthquake load component of the default design load combinations con-
sists of the contribution from a single earthquake load case. Thus, if multiple

Default Design Load Combinations 1-9

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

earthquake load cases are defined in the program model, the relevant preced-
ing equations will contribute multiple design load combinations, one for each
earthquake load case that is defined.

The earthquake load cases considered when creating the default design load
combinations include all static load cases that are defined as earthquake loads
and all response spectrum cases. Default design load combinations are not
created for time history cases or for static nonlinear cases.

1.3.5. Combinations That Include a Response Spectrum

In the program all response spectrum cases are assumed to be earthquake
load cases. Default design load combinations are created that include the re-
sponse spectrum cases.

The output from a response spectrum is all positive. Any program shear wall
design load combination that includes a response spectrum load case is
checked for all possible combinations of signs on the response spectrum val-
ues. Thus, when checking shear in a wall pier or a wall spandrel, the response
spectrum contribution of shear to the design load combination is considered
once as a positive shear and then a second time as a negative shear. Similar-
ly, when checking moment in a wall spandrel, the response spectrum contri-
bution of moment to the design load combination is considered once as a
positive moment and then a second time as a negative moment. When check-
ing the flexural behavior of a two-dimensional wall pier or spandrel, four
possible combinations are considered for the contribution of response spec-
trum load to the design load combination. They are:

 +P and +M

 +P and −M

 −P and +M

 −P and −M

where P is the axial load in the pier and M is the moment in the pier. Similar-
ly, eight possible combinations of P, M2 and M3 are considered for three-
dimensional wall piers.

1-10 Default Design Load Combinations

 Chapter 1 Introduction

1.3.6. Combinations that Include Time History Results

The default shear wall design load combinations do not include any time his-
tory results. To include time history forces in a design load combination, de-
fine the load combination yourself.

When a design load combination includes time history results, the design can
be for the envelope of those results or for each step of the time history. The
type of time history design can be specified in the shear wall design prefer-
ences (Appendix A).

When envelopes are used, the design is for the maximum of each response
quantity (axial load, moment, and the like) as if they occurred simultaneous-
ly. Typically, this is not the realistic case, and in some instances, it may be
unconservative. Designing for each step of a time history gives the correct
correspondence between different response quantities, but designing for each
step can be very time consuming.

When the program gets the envelope results for a time history, it gets a max-
imum and a minimum value for each response quantity. Thus, for wall piers
it gets maximum and minimum values of axial load, shear and moment; and
for wall spandrels, it gets maximum and minimum values of shear and mo-
ment. For a design load combination in the program shear wall design mod-
ule, any load combination that includes a time history load case in it is
checked for all possible combinations of maximum and minimum time histo-
ry design values. Thus, when checking shear in a wall pier or a wall spandrel,
the time history contribution of shear to the design load combination is con-
sidered once as a maximum shear and then a second time as a minimum
shear. Similarly, when checking moment in a wall spandrel, the time history
contribution of moment to the design load combination is considered once as
a maximum moment and then a second time as a minimum moment. When
checking the flexural behavior of a wall pier, four possible combinations are
considered for the contribution of time history load to the design load combi-
nation. They are:

 Pmax and Mmax

 Pmax and Mmin

 Pmin and Mmax

 Pmin and Mmin

where P is the axial load in the pier and M is the moment in the pier.

Default Design Load Combinations 1-11

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

If a single design load combination has more than one time history case in it,
that design load combination is designed for the envelopes of the time histo-
ries, regardless of what is specified for the Time History Design item in the
preferences.

1.3.7. Combinations That Include Static Nonlinear Results

The default shear wall design load combinations do not include any static
nonlinear results. To include static nonlinear results in a design load combi-
nation, define the load combination yourself.

If a design load combination includes a single static nonlinear case and noth-
ing else, the design is performed for each step of the static nonlinear analysis.
Otherwise, the design is only performed for the last step of the static nonline-
ar analysis.

1.4. Shear Wall Design Preferences

The shear wall design preferences are basic properties that apply to all wall
pier and spandrel elements. Appendix A identifies shear wall design prefer-
ences for Mexican RCDF 2004. Default values are provided for all shear wall
design preference items. Thus, it is not required that preferences be specified.
However, at least review the default values for the preference items to make
sure they are acceptable.

1.5. Shear Wall Design Overwrites

The shear wall design overwrites are basic assignments that apply only to
those piers or spandrels to which they are assigned. The overwrites for piers
and spandrels are separate. Appendix B identifies the shear wall overwrites
for Mexican RCDF 2004. Note that the available overwrites change depend-
ing on the pier section type (Uniform Reinforcing, General Reinforcing, or
Simplified T and C). Default values are provided for all pier and spandrel
overwrite items. Thus, it is not necessary to specify or change any of the
overwrites. However, at least review the default values for the overwrite
items to make sure they are acceptable. When changes are made to overwrite
items, the program applies the changes only to the elements to which they are
specifically assigned; that is, to the elements that are selected when the
overwrites are changed.

1-12 Shear Wall Design Preferences

 Chapter 1 Introduction

1.6. Choice of Units

For shear wall design in this program, any set of consistent units can be used
for input. Also, the system of units being used can be changed at any time.
Typically, design codes are based on one specific set of units.

The RCDF-NTC-2004 code is based on Newton-Millimeter-Second units.

For simplicity, all equations and descriptions presented in this manual corre-
spond to Newton-mm-second units unless otherwise noted.

The shear wall design preferences allow the user to specify special units for
concentrated and distributed areas of reinforcing. These units are then used
for reinforcing in the model, regardless of the current model units displayed
in the drop-down list on the status bar (or within a specific form). The special
units specified for concentrated and distributed areas of reinforcing can only
be changed in the shear wall design preferences.

The choices available in the shear wall design preferences for the units asso-
ciated with an area of concentrated reinforcing are in2, cm2, mm2, and current
units. The choices available for the units associated with an area per unit
length of distributed reinforcing are in2/ft, cm2/m. mm2/m, and current units.

The current units option uses whatever units are currently displayed in the
drop-down list on the status bar (or within a specific form). If the current
length units are m, this option means concentrated areas of reinforcing are in
m2 and distributed areas of reinforcing are in m2/mm. Note that when using
the "current" option, areas of distributed reinforcing are specified in
Length2/Length units, where Length is the currently active length unit. For
example, if you are working in kN and m units, the area of distributed rein-
forcing is specified in m2/m. If you are in Newton and mm, the area of dis-
tributed reinforcing is specified in mm2/mm.

Choice of Units 1-13

 Chapter 2
Pier Design

This chapter describes how the program designs and checks concrete wall piers
for flexural and axial loads using the Mexican RCDF 2004 code. First we
describe how the program designs piers that are specified by a Simplified
Section. Next we describe how the program checks piers that are specified by a
Uniform Pier Reinforcing Section or General Section (i.e., Designer Section).
Then we describe how the program designs piers that are specified by a
Uniform Pier Reinforcing Section or General (Section Designer) Section.

This chapter also describes how the program designs each leg of concrete wall
piers for shear using Mexican RCDF 2004 code. Note that in this program you
cannot specify shear reinforcing and then have the program check it. The pro-
gram only designs the pier for shear and reports how much shear reinforcing is
required. The shear design is performed at stations at the top and bottom of the
pier.

This chapter also describes the design of boundary zone elements for each pier
in accordance with RCDF-NTC-2004 Section 6.5.2.4 when a seismic load case
is present in wall design load combinations.

2-1
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

2.1 Wall Pier Flexural Design

For both designing and checking piers, it is important to understand the local
axis definition for the pier. Access the local axes assignments using the Assign
menu.

2.1.1 Designing a Simplified Pier Section

This section describes how the program designs a pier that is assigned a simpli-
fied section. The geometry associated with the simplified section is illustrated
in Figure 2-1. The pier geometry is defined by a length, thickness and size of
the edge members at each end of the pier (if any).

Figure 2-1: Typical Wall Pier Dimensions Used for Simplified Design

2-2 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

A simplified T and C pier section is always planar (not three-dimensional). The

dimensions shown in the figure include the following:

 The length of the wall pier is designated Lp. This is the horizontal length of
the wall pier in plan.

 The thickness of the wall pier is designated tp. The thickness specified for
left and right edge members (DB2left and DB2right) may be different from
this wall thickness.

 DB1 represents the horizontal length of the pier edge member. DB1 can be
different at the left and right sides of the pier.

 DB2 represents the horizontal width (or thickness) of the pier edge mem-
ber. DB2 can be different at the left and right sides of the pier.

The dimensions illustrated are specified in the shear wall overwrites (Appendix
B), and can be specified differently at the top and bottom of the wall pier.

If no specific edge member dimensions have been specified by the user, the
program assumes that the edge member is the same width as the wall, and the
program determines the required length of the edge member. In all cases,
whether the edge member size is user-specified or program-determined, the
program reports the required area of reinforcing steel at the center of the edge
member. This section describes how the program-determined length of the
edge member is determined and how the program calculates the required rein-
forcing at the center of the edge member.

Three design conditions are possible for a simplified wall pier. These condi-
tions, illustrated in Figure 2-2, are as follows:

 The wall pier has program-determined (variable length and fixed width) edge
members on each end.

 The wall pier has user-defined (fixed length and width) edge members on
each end.

 The wall pier has a program-determined (variable length and fixed width)
edge member on one end and a user-defined (fixed length and width) edge
member on the other end.

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-3

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Design Condition 1 Design Condition 2

Wall pier with uniform thickness and Wall pier with user-defined edge
ETABS-determined (variable length) members
edge members

Design Condition 3 Note:

Wall pier with a user-defined edge In all three conditions, the only
member on one end and an ETABS- reinforcing designed by ETABS is that
determined (variable length) edge required at the center of the edge
member on the other end members

Figure 2-2: Design Conditions for Simplified Wall Piers

2.1.1.1 Design Condition 1

Design condition 1 applies to a wall pier with uniform design thickness and
program-determined edge member length. For this design condition, the design
algorithm focuses on determining the required size (length) of the edge
members, while limiting the compression and tension reinforcing located at the
center of the edge members to user-specified maximum ratios. The maximum
ratios are specified in the shear wall design preferences and the pier design
overwrites as Edge Design PC-Max and Edge Design PT-Max.

Consider the wall pier shown in Figure 2-3. For a given design section, say the
top of the wall pier, the wall pier for a given design load combination is de-
signed for a factored axial force Pu-top and a factored moment Mu-top.

The program initiates the design procedure by assuming an edge member at the
left end of the wall of thickness tp and width B1-left, and an edge member at the
right end of the wall of thickness tp and width B1-right. Initially B1-left = B1-right =
tp.

2-4 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

0.5Lp

0.5tp 0.5tp
tp tp

tp
B1-left B1-right
B2-left B2-right
B3-left B3-right
Lp

CL
Wall Pier Plan

Pleft-top Pu-top Pright-top

Mu-top
Top of
pier
Right edge member
Left edge member

Bottom
of pier
Mu-bot

Pleft-bot Pu-bot Pright-bot

Wall Pier Elevation

Figure 2-3: Wall Pier for Design Condition 1

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-5

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

The moment and axial force are converted to an equivalent force set Pleft-top and
Pright-top using the relationships shown in the following equations. (Similar
equations apply at the bottom of the pier.)

Pu − top M u − top
P= +
left-top
2 ( Lp − 0.5B1−left − 0.5B1−right )
Pu − top M u − top
=
Pright-top −
2 ( Lp − 0.5B1−left − 0.5B1−right )
For any given loading combination, the net values for Pleft-top and Pright-top could
be tension or compression.

Note that for dynamic loads, Pleft-top and Pright-top are obtained at the modal level
and the modal combinations are made, before combining with other loads. Also
for design loading combinations involving SRSS, the Pleft-top and Pright-top forces
are obtained first for each load case before the combinations are made.

If any value of Pleft-top or Pright-top is tension, the area of steel required for ten-
sion, Ast, is calculated as:

P
Ast = .
FRb f y

If any value of Pleft-top or Pright-top is compression, for section adequacy, the area
of steel required for compression, Asc, must satisfy the following relationship.

=Abs ( P ) ( Pmax Factor ) FRc [0.85 f c* ( Ag − Asc ) + f y Asc ]

where P is either Pleft-top or Pright-top, Ag = tpB1 and the Pmax Factor is defined in
the shear wall design preferences (the default is 0.80). In general, we recom-
mend that you use the default value. From the preceding equation,

Abs ( P )
− 0.85 f c* Ag
( Pmax Factor) FRc
Asc = .
f y − 0.85 f c*

If Asc calculates as negative, no compression reinforcing is needed.

2-6 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

The maximum tensile reinforcing to be packed within the tp times B1 concrete

edge member is limited by:

Ast -max = PTmax t p B1

Similarly, the compression reinforcing is limited by:

Asc -max = PCmax t p B1

If Ast is less than or equal to Ast-max and Asc is less than or equal to Asc-max, the
program will proceed to check the next loading combination; otherwise the
program will increment the appropriate B1 dimension (left, right or both, de-
pending on which edge member is inadequate) by one-half of the wall thick-
ness to B2 (i.e., 1.5tp) and calculate new values for Pleft-top and Pright-top resulting
in new values of Ast and Asc. This iterative procedure continues until Ast and Asc
are within the allowed steel ratios for all design load combinations.

If the value of the width of the edge member B increments to where it reaches a
value larger than or equal to Lp /2, the iteration is terminated and a failure con-
dition is reported.

This design algorithm is an approximate but convenient algorithm. Wall piers

that are declared overstressed using this algorithm could be found to be ade-
quate if the reinforcing steel is user-specified and the wall pier is accurately
evaluated using interaction diagrams.

2.1.1.2 Design Condition 2

Design condition 2 applies to a wall pier with user-specified edge members at
each end of the pier. The size of the edge members is assumed to be fixed; that
is, the program does not modify them. For this design condition, the design al-
gorithm determines the area of steel required in the center edge members and
checks if that area gives reinforcing ratios less than the user-specified maxi-
mum ratios. The design algorithm used is the same as described for condition
1; however, no iteration is required.

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-7

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

2.1.1.3 Design Condition 3

Design condition 3 applies to a wall pier with a user-specified (fixed dimen-
sion) edge member at one end of the pier and a variable length (program-
determined) edge member at the other end. The width of the variable length
edge member is equal to the width of the wall.

The design is similar to that which has previously been described for design
conditions 1 and 2. The size of the user-specified edge member is not changed.
Iteration only occurs on the size of the variable length edge member.

2.1.2 Checking a General or Uniform Reinforcing Pier Section

When you specify that a General Reinforcing or Uniform Reinforcing pier
section is to be checked, the program creates an interaction surface for that pier
and uses that interaction surface to determine the critical flexural demand/
capacity ratio for the pier. This section describes how the program generates
the interaction surface for the pier and how it determines the demand/capacity
ratio for a given design load combination.

Note: In this program, the interaction surface is defined by a series of PMM interac-
tion curves that are equally spaced around a 360-degree circle.

2.1.2.1 Interaction Surface

In this program, a three-dimensional interaction surface is defined with refer-
ence to the P, M2 and M3 axes. The surface is developed using a series of in-
teraction curves that are created by rotating the direction of the pier neutral axis
in equally spaced increments around a 360-degree circle. For example, if 24
PMM curves are specified (the default), there is one curve every 15 degrees
(360°/24 curves = 15°). Figure 2-4 illustrates the assumed orientation of the
pier neutral axis and the associated sides of the neutral axis where the section is
in tension (designated T in the figure) or compression (designated C in the fig-
ure) for various angles.

Note that the orientation of the neutral axis is the same for an angle of θ and
θ+180°. Only the side of the neutral axis where the section is in tension or
compression changes. We recommend that you use 24 interaction curves (or
more) to define a three-dimensional interaction surface.

2-8 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

Each PMM interaction curve that makes up the interaction surface is numeri-
cally described by a series of discrete points connected by straight lines. The
coordinates of these points are determined by rotating a plane of linear strain
about the neutral axis on the section of the pier. Details of this process are de-
scribed later in the section entitled "Details of the Strain Compatibility Analy-
sis."

By default, 11 points are used to define a PMM interaction curve. This number
can be changed in the preferences; any odd number of points greater than or
equal to 11 can be specified, to be used in creating the interaction curve. If an
even number is specified for this item in the preferences, the program will in-
crement up to the next higher odd number.

T C Interaction curve is Interaction curve is

for a neutral axis for a neutral axis
parallel to this axis parallel to this axis

C
3 3

T
Pier section Pier section

2 2

45°
a) Angle is 0 degrees b) Angle is 45 degrees

Interaction curve is Interaction curve is

for a neutral axis for a neutral axis
parallel to this axis parallel to this axis
3 3
Pier section Pier section

2 2

C T 225°
T

a) Angle is 180 degrees b) Angle is 225 degrees

C

Figure 2-4: Orientation of the Pier Neutral Axis for Various Angles

Note that when creating an interaction surface for a two-dimensional wall pier,
the program considers only two interaction curvesthe 0° curve and the 180°
curveregardless of the number of curves specified in the preferences.

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-9

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Furthermore, only moments about the M3 axis are considered for two-
dimensional walls.

2.1.2.2 Formulation of the Interaction Surface

The formulation of the interaction surface in this program is based consistently
on the basic principles of ultimate strength design given in Sections 2.1 of
RCDF-NTC-2004. The program uses the requirements of force equilibrium
and strain compatibility to determine the nominal axial load and moment
strength (Pn, M2n, M3n) of the wall pier. This nominal strength is then multiplied
by the appropriate strength reduction factor, FR, to obtain the design strength
(FRPn, FRM2n, FRM3n) of the pier. For the pier to be deemed adequate, the re-
quired strength (Pu, M2u, M3u) must be less than or equal to the design strength.

(Pu, M2u, M3u) ≤ (FRPn, FRM2n, FRM3n)

The effect of the strength reduction factor, FR, is included in the generation of
the interaction surface.

FRb = FR for bending, which is 0.90 by default (RCDF-NTC 1.7(a))

FRc= FR for compression which is 0.70 by default (RCDF-NTC 1.7(d))

Note: Strength reduction factors are specified in the shear wall design preference (Ap-
pendix A).
In cases involving axial tension, the strength reduction factor, FRt, is by default
equal to FRb. The strength reduction factors FRc and FRb can be revised in the
preferences (Appendix A) and the overwrites (Appendix B).

The theoretical maximum compressive force that the wall pier can carry, as-
suming the FRc factor is equal to 1, is designated Poc and is given by

Poc = [0.85f*c (Ag − As) + fyAs].

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

Pot = fyAs.

2-10 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

If the wall pier geometry and reinforcing is symmetrical in plan, the moments
associated with both Poc and Pot are zero. For unsymmetrical geometry or rein-
forcing, there will be moments associated with Poc and Pot.

The RCDF-NTC-2004 code limits the maximum compressive design strength,

FRcPn, to the value given by Pmax

FRPn(max)= FR*1.0 [0.70f*c Ag + 20Ast]. (RCDF-NTC 5.1.3)

Note that the equation defining Pmax reduces Poc not only by a strength reduc-
tion factor, FRc, 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
required. In all RCDF-NTC-2004 code designs, it is prudent to consider this
factor to be 1.0 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 and overwrites.
As previously mentioned, by default, 11 points are used to define a single in-
teraction 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 FRPn axis. The other half of the remain-
ing number of specified points on the interaction curve occur between Pb and
Pot at approximately equal spacing along the FRPn axis.

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 illus-
trated 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

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-11

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

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

Note the following about Figure 2-6:

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

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

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

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

 The smaller interaction surface (drawn with a heavier line) has both the
strength reduction factors and the PmaxFactor, as specified by RCDF-NTC-
2004.

 The dashed line shows the effect of setting the PmaxFactor to 1.0.

 The larger interaction surface has both the strength reduction factor and the
PmaxFactor set to 1.0.

2-12 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

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

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

The smaller, heavier curve in Figure 2-7 has the strength reduction factor and
the PmaxFactor as specified in RCDF-NTC-2004. The other three curves, which
are plotted for FR = 0.70, 0.9 and 1.0, all have PmaxFactors 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 0.70 and 0.9 are
actually FRc and FRb, and that their values can be revised in the overwrites as
required.

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

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-13

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

2.1.2.3 Details of the Strain Compatibility Analysis

As previously mentioned, the program uses the requirements of force equilibri-
um and strain compatibility to determine the nominal axial load and moment
strength (Pn, M2n, M3n) of the wall pier. The coordinates of these points are de-
termined 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 pro-
gram considers on a wall pier section for a neutral axis orientation angle of 0
degrees.

In these planes, the maximum concrete strain is always taken as −0.003 and the
maximum steel strain is varied from −0.003 to plus infinity. (Recall that in this
program compression is negative and tension is positive.) When the steel strain
is −0.003, 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, Pb is obtained.

Varying
neutral axis
locations

+ε

0.000

-0.003
Varying Linear Strain Diagram -ε

Plan View of Wall Pier

Figure 2-8: Varying Planes of Linear Strain

2-14 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

Figure 2-9 illustrates the concrete wall pier stress-strain relationship that is
obtained from a strain compatibility analysis of a typical plane of linear strain
shown in Figure 2-10. In Figure 2-9 the compressive stress in the concrete, Cc,
is calculated (RCDF 2.1).

Cc = 0.85f*cβ1ctp (RCDF 2.1)

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 = β1c

Stress Diagram
ε13s
ε12s
ε11s ε10
s
ε9s ε8 c
s
ε7s ε6 5
s ε
s
ε = 0.003

ε4s ε3
s
ε2s ε1
s
Linear Strain Diagram
tp

Plan View of Wall Pier

Figure 2-9: Wall Pier Stress-Strain Relationship

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 as-
sumed plane of linear strain. Next the stress in the reinforcing steel is calculat-

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-15

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

ed as follows, where εs is the strain, Es is the modulus of elasticity, σs is the

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

σs = εsEs ≤ fy

The force in the reinforcing steel (Ts for tension or Cs for compression) is cal-
culated by

Ts or Cs = σsAs.

For the given distribution of strain, the value of FRPn is calculated by

FRPn = FR (ΣTs − Cc − ΣCs) ≤ Pmax.

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

The value of FRM2n is calculated by summing the moments due to all of the
forces about the pier local 2 axis. Similarly, the value of FRM3n 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 FRM2n and FRM3n are FRPn,
FRCc, all of the FRTs forces and all of the FRCs forces.

The FRPn, FRM2n and FRM3n 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 stress; 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 calcu-
lated. 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 inter-
action 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

2-16 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

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.

φPn

Pu L

Axial
Compression
Axial O M3u φM3n
Tension

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

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 (ex-
tended outward if needed) intersects the interaction curve. The de-
mand/capacity ratio, D/C, is given by D/C = OL / OC where OL is the "dis-
tance" 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:

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

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

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

Wall Pier Flexural Design 2-17

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

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.

2.1.4 Designing a General Reinforcing Pier Section

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

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

 The location of the reinforcing specified in Section Designer.

 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 mod-
ified 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 prefer-
ences 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 mini-
mum reinforcing ratio, IPmin, is 0.0025 and the maximum, IPmax, is 0.02.

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 Sec-
tion."

2-18 Wall Pier Flexural Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

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 
 IPmax − IPmin 
4 IPmin + 4   0.0075
 14 
 IPmax − IPmin 
5 IPmin + 6   0.0100
 14 
25  IPmax − IPmin 
6 IPmin +   0.0129
3  14 
 IPmax − IPmin 
7 IPmin + 11   0.0163
 14 
8 IPmax 0.0200

Next, for a given design load combination, the program generates a de-
mand/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 a 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 for each of the design load combi-
nations. The following steps are involved in designing the shear reinforcing for
a particular wall pier section for a particular design loading combination.

1. Determine the design factored forces Nu, Mu and Vu that are acting on the
wall pier section.

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

Wall Pier Shear Design 2-19

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

3. 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 de-
tail the algorithms associated with the Steps 2 and 3.

2.2.1 Determine the Concrete Shear Capacity

Given the design force set Pu, Mu and Vu acting on a wall pier section, the shear
force carried by the concrete, Vcr, is calculated as.

For H/Lp ≤ 1.5

VcR = 0.27 FR f c* t p L p , (RCDF-NTC 6.5.2.5(1), Eqn. 6.12)

For H/Lp ≥ 2.0

 0.3F ( 0.2 + 20 p ) f * ( 0.8 L ) t

 R c p p
VcR = min 
0.16 FR f c ( 0.8 L p ) t p
 *

(RCDF-NTC 6.5.2.5(2), Eqn. 2.19 and 2.20)

For 1.5 < H/Lp < 2.0, a linear interpolation can be used to calculate VcR.
(RCDF-NTC 6.5.2.5(2)).

 The shear force is limited to a maximum of

Vmax = 0.63FR f c* Acv . (RCDF 6.5.2.5(d), Eqn. 6.15)

2.2.2 Determine the Required Shear Reinforcing

Given Vu and Vcr, the following equation provides the required shear reinforc-
ing in area per unit length (e.g., square mm per mm) for both seismic and non-
seismic wall piers (as indicated by the "Design is Seismic" item in the pier de-
sign overwrites). Note that additional requirements for seismic piers are pro-
vided later in this section.

Av V − FRVcR
= u (RCDF 6.5.2.5(b), Eqn. 6.13)
s FR f ys (0.8 Lw )

2-20 Wall Pier Shear Design

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

where,

the shear reinforcement ratio cannot be less than 0.0025(RCDF 6.5.2.5(b));

else if Vu > FRVmax , a failure condition is declared.

(RCDF 6.5.2.5(d), Eqn. 6.15).

2.3 Wall Pier Boundary Elements

This section describes how the program considers the boundary element re-
quirements for each leg of concrete wall piers using RCDF-NTC-2004 when
the seismic design option is chosen. The program uses an approach based on
the requirements of Section 6.5.2.4 of RCDF-NTC-2004 by default. The pro-
gram does not compute boundary zone requirement when maximum extreme
fiber compressive stress is less than 0.2 fc′ . When extreme fiber compressive
stress is equal to or greater than 0.2 fc′ , the program also checks RCDF-NTC-
2004 Section 65.2.4(a) and reports the boundary zone requirement when
RCDF-NTC-2004 Equation 6.11 is satisfied. Exceptions to 6.5.2.4(a) clauses
are not checked by the program. Users must provide the boundary zone when
the maximum extreme fiber compressive stress exceeds the 0.2 fc′ limit and
section 6.5.2.4(a) cannot be used.

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 available for the boundary element check:

 The design forces Pu, Vu, and Mu for the pier section.
 The height of the entire wall, hw, the length of the wall pier, 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.)

Wall Pier Boundary Elements 2-21

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

 The program also computes the design displacement δu by multiplying the

displacement from the load combination times the cd factor provided in the
shear wall design preferences (Appendix A).

 The area of reinforcement in the pier, As. This area of steel is calculated by
the program or it is provided by the user.

 The material properties of the pier, fc′ and fy.

 The symmetry of the wall pier (i.e., is the left side of the pier the same as the
right side of the pier). Only the geometry of the pier is considered, not the re-
inforcing, 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.

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

Using this information, the program calculates the maximum compressive

stress at the extreme fiber of the concrete pier for the specified load combina-
tion.

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:

0.2 f c′ Q Δ / Hw c
'
When the extreme fiber compressive stress exceeds 0.2 fc , boundary elements
are required (RCDF-NTC-2004 6.5.2.4(b)), or when the neutral axial depth

2-22 Wall Pier Boundary Elements

 Chapter 2 Pier Design

calculated from the factored axial force and nominal moment strength are con-
sistent with design displacement, δu, and exceed the following limit:

lw
c≥ (RCDF 6.5.2.4(a), Eqn. 6.11)
600 ( Q Δ / H w )

where Q Δ / H w ≥ 0.007

boundary elements are required (RCDF 6.5.2.4(a)).

The program also reports the largest neutral axis depth for each leg and the
boundary zone length computed using RCDF 6.5.2.4(a) when the boundary
zone is required or when the extreme fiber compressive stress exceeds 0.15f′c.
This information is provided so the user can satisfy the other requirements of
the RCDF-NTC-2004 code.

If boundary elements are required, the program calculates the minimum

required length of the boundary zone at each end of the wall, LBZ, in
accordance with the requirements of Section 6.5.2.4(a) in RCDF-NTC-2004.
The code requires that LBZ shall not be less than c - 0.1lw and c/2 (RCDF
6.5.2.4(c1)). Figure 2-12 illustrates the boundary zone length LBZ.

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

Wall Pier Boundary Elements 2-23

 Chapter 3
Spandrel Design

This chapter describes how the program designs concrete shear wall spandrels
for flexure and shear when RCDF-NTC-2004 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.

 Determine the maximum factored moment Md.

3-1
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

 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. In-
dicate that a spandrel is to be designed as a T-beam by specifying the appropri-
ate slab width and depth dimensions in the spandrel design overwrites (Appen-
dix 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, cb, is
calculated based on the compressive strength of the concrete and the tensile
steel tension using the following equation (TS 7.1):

εcu Es
cb = d (TS 7.1)
εcu Es + f yd

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

given by

amax = 0.85k1cb (TS 7.11, 7.3, Eqn. 7.4)

where k1 is calculated as follows:

k1 = 0.85 − 0.006 ( f ck − 25 ) , 0.70 ≤ k1 ≤ 0.85. (TS 7.1, Table 7.1)

3-2 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

Figure 3-1 Rectangular Spandrel Beam Design, Positive Moment

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, the factored moment, Md, is
resisted by a couple between the concrete in compression and the tension in
reinforcing steel. This is expressed as:

 a
=M d Cc  dspandrel −  , (TS 7.1)
 2

where Cc = 0.85 f cd a ts and dspandrel is equal to hs − dr-bot for positive bending

and hs − dr-top for negative bending.

The depth of the compression block, a, is given by

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-3

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

2M d
a =dspandrel − dspandrel
2
− .
0.85 f cd 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

If a ≤ amax, no compression reinforcing is required and the program calculates
the area of tension reinforcing,

Md
As = .
 a
f yd  dspandrel − 
 2

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

If a > amax, compression reinforcing is required and the program calculates
required compression and tension reinforcing as follows.

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 f cd amax ts . (TS 7.1)

The moment resisted by the couple between the concrete in compression and
the tension steel, Mdc, is given by

 a 
=M dc Cc  dspandrel − max  .
 2 

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

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

3-4 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

M=
ds M d − M dc .

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

M ds
Cs = .
dspandrel − d r

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

0.003 ( c − d r )
ε s′ = .
c

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

c − d′
σ's = Es εcu  max  ≤ f yd .
 cmax 

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 k1.

The total required area of compression steel, A's, is calculated using the equa-
tion given below.

Cs
As′ =
(σ s′ − 0.85 f cd )

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

M dc
Asw = .
 a 
f yd  dspandrel − max 
 2 

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

M ds
Asc = .
f yd ( dspandrel − d r )

In the preceding equations, dspandrel is equal to hs − dr-bot for positive bending and
hs − dr-top for negative bending. In the preceding equations, dr is equal to dr-top
for positive bending and dr-bot for negative bending.

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-5

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

The total tension reinforcement As is given by

=
As Asw + Asc .

Thus, the total tension reinforcement is As, and the total compression rein-
forcement is As'. As is to be placed at the bottom of the beam and 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 only for positive moment. 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, is given by

2M d
a =−
d d2 − .
0.85 f cd b f

 If a ≤ 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
width of the compression flange, bs. Compression reinforcement is provid-
ed when the dimension "a" exceeds amax.

 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 compression force in the protruding portion of the
flange, Cf, is given. The protruding portion of the flange is shown cross-
hatched.

=C f 0.85 f cd ( bs − ts ) d s

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

3-6 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

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

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

Cf
Asf =
f yd

The portion of the total moment, Md, that is resisted by the flange, Mdf, is given
by

 d 
=M df C f  dspandrel − s 
 2 

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

M=
dw M d − M df .

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 M dw
a1 =dspandrel − dspandrel
2
− .
0.85 f cd ts

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-7

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

3.1.2.2.1 Tension Reinforcing Only Required

If a1 ≤ 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.

M dw
Asw =
 a 
f yd  d spandrel − 1 
 2

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.

3.1.2.2.2 Tension and Compression Reinforcing Required

If a1 > amax, where a1 is calculated using the previous equation, compression re-
inforcing is required. In that case, the required reinforcing is computed as fol-
lows.

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 f cd ats .

The moment resisted by the couple between the concrete web in compression
and the tension steel, Mdc, is given by

 a
=M dc Cw  dspandrel −  .
 2

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

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

=
M ds M dw − M dc .

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

3-8 Spandrel Flexural Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

M ds
Cs =
dspandrel − d r -top

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

0.003 ( c − d r -top )
ε s′ = .
c

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

0.003Es ( c - d r -top )
f s′ = Es ε s′ = .
c

The term c is equal to amax k1 .

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

Cs
As′ = .
σ s′

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

M dc
Asw = .
 a
f yd  dspandrel − 
 2

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

M ds
Asc = .
f yd ( dspandrel − d r − top )

The total tension reinforcement As is given by

As = Asf + Asw + Asc .

As is to be placed at the bottom of the beam, and As' at the top of the beam.

Spandrel Flexural Design 3-9

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

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.

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 Vd.

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

3. 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 Steps 2 and 3.

3.2.1 Determine the Concrete Shear Capacity

Given Vd and Vc, the required shear reinforcement in the form of stirrups or ties
within a spacing, s, is given for rectangular and circular columns by the follow-
ing:

 The shear force is limited to a maximum of

Vmax = 0.22 f cd Aw (TS 8.1.5b, EDP 3.3.7.5)

 The required shear reinforcement per unit spacing, Av /s, is calculated as fol-
lows:

If Vd ≤ Vcr ,

3-10 Spandrel Shear Design

 Chapter 3 Spandrel Design

Asw f
= 0.3 ctd bw , (TS 8.1.5, Eqn. 8.6)
s f ywd

else if Vcr < Vd ≤ Vmax ,

Asw (Vd − Vc )
= , (TS 8.1.4, Eqn. 8.5)
s f ywd d

Asw f
≥ 0.3 ctd bw (TS 8.1.5, Eqn. 8.6)
s f ywd

else if Vd > Vmax ,

a failure condition is declared. TS 8.1.5b)

If Vd exceeds its maximum permitted value Vmax, the concrete section size
should be increased (TS 8.1.5b).

Note: The term RLW that is used as a multiplier on all f cd terms in this man-
ual is a shear strength reduction factor that applies to light-weight concrete. It
is equal to 1 for normal weight concrete. This factor is specified in the concrete
material properties.

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−dr-top and hs−dr-bot.

3.2.2.1 Seismic and Nonseismic Spandrels

Given Vd and Vcr, the required force to be carried by the shear reinforcing, Vds,
is calculated using (EDP 3.6.7.2).

Vds= Vd − Vcr (EDP 3.6.7.2)

If Vds as calculated in the preceding equation exceeds 0.65 RLW f cd ts dspandrel , a

failure condition is reported in accordance with EDP Section 3.6.7.2.

Spandrel Shear Design 3-11

Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Given Vds, The preceding equation initially calculates the required vertical
shear reinforcing in area per unit length (e.g., square mm per meter) for both
seismic and nonseismic wall spandrels (as indicated in the preferences). Note
that additional requirements that are checked for both seismic and nonseismic
wall spandrels are given as.

Vds
Av =
f yd dspandrel

Note: The output units for the distributed shear reinforcing can be set in the
shear wall design preferences.

3.2.2.2 Seismic Spandrels Only

For seismic spandrels only, in addition to the requirements of the previous sub-
section, an area of diagonal shear reinforcement in coupling beams is also cal-
Ls
culated when ≤ 3 using the following equation.
dspandrel

Vd
Avd = , (EDP 3.6.8.4(b))
2 f yd sin γ

where,

0.8hs
sin γ = ,
L2s + (0.8hs ) 2

where hs is the height of the spandrel and Ls is the length of the spandrel.

In the output, the program reports the diagonal shear reinforcing as required or
not required (i.e., optional). The diagonal shear reinforcing is reported as re-
quired when Vd > 1.5 f cd dbspandrel .

3-12 Spandrel Shear Design

 Appendix A
Shear Wall Design Preferences

The shear wall design preferences are basic properties that apply to all wall
pier and spandrel elements. Table A1 identifies shear wall design preferences
for RCDF-NTC-2004. Default values are provided for all shear wall design
preference items. Thus, it is not required that preferences be specified.
However, at least review the default values for the preference items to make
sure they are acceptable. Refer to the program Help for an explanation of
how to change a preference.

Table A1 Shear Wall Preferences

Possible Default
Item Values Value Description
Design Code Any code in the UBC 97 Design code used for design of concrete
program shear wall elements (wall piers and
spandrels).
Time History Envelopes or Envelopes Toggle for design load combinations that
Design Step-by-Step include a time history designed for the
envelope of the time history, or designed
step-by-step for the entire time history. If a
single design load combination has more
than one time history case in it, that design
load combination is designed for the
envelopes of the time histories, regardless
of what is specified here.

A-1
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Table A1 Shear Wall Preferences

Possible Default
Item Values Value Description
Rebar units in2, cm2, mm2, in2 or mm2 Units used for concentrated areas of
current reinforcing steel.
Rebar/Length in2/ft, cm2/m, in2/ft or mm2/m Units used for distributed areas of
Units mm2/m, reinforcing steel.
current
Phi (Tension >0 0.80 The strength reduction factor for bending in
Controlled) a wall pier or spandrel in a tension
controlled section.
Phi >0 0.60 The strength reduction factor for axial
(Compression compression in a wall pier.
Controlled)
Phi (Shear >0 0.70 The strength reduction factor for shear in a
and/or Torsion) wall pier or spandrel for a nonseismic
condition.
Phi (Shear >0 0.60 The strength reduction factor for shear in a
Seismic) wall pier or spandrel for a seismic condition
Nmax Factor >0 1.0 A factor used to reduce the allowable
maximum compressive design strength.
Number of ≥4 24 Number of equally spaced interaction
Curves curves used to create a full 360-degree
interaction surface (this item should be a
multiple of four). We recommend that you
use 24 for this item.
Number of ≥ 11 11 Number of points used for defining a single
Points curve in a wall pier interaction surface (this
item should be odd).
Edge Design >0 0.06 Maximum ratio of tension reinforcing
PT-max allowed in edge members, PTmax.
Edge Design >0 0.04 Maximum ratio of compression reinforcing
PC-max allowed in edge members, PCmax.
Section Design ≥ Section 0.02 The maximum ratio of reinforcing
IP-Max Design IP-Min considered in the design of a pier with a
Section Designer section.
Section Design >0 0.0025 The minimum ratio of reinforcing considered
IP-Min in the design of a pier with a Section
Designer section.

A-2
 Appendix B
Design Procedure Overwrites

The shear wall design overwrites are basic assignments that apply only to
those piers or spandrels to which they are assigned. The overwrites for piers
and spandrels are separate. Tables B1 and B2 identify the shear wall
overwrites for piers and spandrels, respectively, for RCDF-NTC-2004. Note
that the available overwrites change depending on the pier section type
(Uniform Reinforcing, General Reinforcing, or Simplified T and C).

Default values are provided for all pier and spandrel overwrite items. Thus, it
is not necessary to specify or change any of the overwrites. However, at least
review the default values for the overwrite items to make sure they are
acceptable. When changes are made to overwrite items, the program applies
the changes only to the elements to which they are specifically assigned; that
is, to the elements that are selected when the overwrites are changed. Refer to
the program Help for an explanation of how to change the overwrites.

Table B-1: Pier Design Overwrites

Pier Overwrite Possible Default

Item Values Value Pier Overwrite Description
Design this Pier Yes or No Yes Toggle for design of the pier when you click
the Design menu > Shear Wall Design >
Start Design/Check command.

B-1
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Table B-1: Pier Design Overwrites

Pier Overwrite Possible Default

Item Values Value Pier Overwrite Description
LL Reduction Program Program A reducible live load is multiplied by this
Factor calculated, calculated factor to obtain the reduced live load.
>0 Entering 0 for this item means that it is
program calculated. See the subsection
entitled "LL Reduction Factor" later in this
appendix for more information.
Design is Yes or No Yes Toggle for design as seismic or nonseismic.
Seismic Additional design checks are performed for
seismic elements compared to nonseismic
elements. Also, in some cases, the strength
reduction factors are different.
Pier Section Uniform Uniform This item indicates the type of pier. The
Type Reinforcing, Reinforcing General Reinforcing option is not available
General unless General pier sections have
Reinforcing, previously been defined in Section
Simplified Designer.
T and C

Overwrites Applicable to Uniform Reinforcing Pier Sections

Edge Bar Name Any defined bar Varies The size of the uniformly spaced edge bars.
size
Edge Bar >0 250 mm The spacing of the uniformly spaced edge
Spacing bars.
End/Corner Bar Any defined bar Varies The size of end and corner bars.
Name size
Clear Cover >0 40 mm The clear cover for the edge, end and
corners bars.
Material Any defined Varies The material property associated with the
concrete pier.
material property
Check/Design Check or Design This item indicate whether the pier section
Reinforcing Design is to be designed or checked.

Overwrites Applicable to General Reinforcing Pier Sections

Section Bottom Any general pier The first pier in Name of a pier section, defined in Section
section defined the list of Designer that is assigned to the bottom of
in Section Section the pier.
Designer Designer piers

B-2
 Appendix B Overwrites

Table B-1: Pier Design Overwrites

Pier Overwrite Possible Default

Item Values Value Pier Overwrite Description
Section Top Any general pier The first pier in Name of a pier section, defined in Section
section defined the list of Designer, that is assigned to the top of the
in Section pier.
Section Designer
Designer piers
Check/Design Check or Design This item indicates whether the pier section
Reinforcing Design is to be designed or checked.

Overwrites Applicable to Simplified T and C Pier Sections

ThickBot Program Program Wall pier thickness at bottom of pier, tp.
calculated, calculated Inputting 0 means the item is to be program
or > 0 calculated.
LengthBot Program Program Wall pier length at bottom of pier, Lp.
calculated, calculated Inputting 0 means the item is to be program
or > 0 calculated.
DB1LeftBot ≥0 0 Length of the bottom of a user-defined edge
member on the left side of a wall pier,
DB1left.
DB2LeftBot ≥0 0 Width of the bottom of a user-defined edge
member on the left side of a wall pier,
DB2left. See Figure 1 in Shear Wall Design
Technical Note 6 Wall Pier Design Section.
See the subsection entitled "User-Defined
Edge Members" later in this appendix for
more information.
DB1RightBot ≥0 Same as Length of the bottom of a user-defined edge
DB1-left-bot member on the right side of a wall pier,
DB1right.
DB2RightBot ≥0 Same as Width of the bottom of a user-defined edge
DB2-left-bot member on the right side of a wall pier,
DB2right.
ThickTop Program Program Wall pier thickness at the top of a pier, tp.
calculated, calculated Inputting 0 means the item is to be program
or > 0 calculated.
LengthTop Program Program Wall pier length at the top of a pier, Lp.
calculated, calculated Inputting 0 means the item is to be program
or > 0 calculated.
DB1LeftTop ≥0 0 Length of the top of a user-defined edge
member on the left side of a wall pier,
DB1left.

B-3
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Table B-1: Pier Design Overwrites

Pier Overwrite Possible Default

Item Values Value Pier Overwrite Description
DB2LeftTop ≥0 0 Width of the top of a user-defined edge
member on the left side of a wall pier,
DB2left.
DB1RightTop ≥0 Same as Length of the top of a user-defined edge
DB1-left-bot member on the right side of a wall pier,
DB1right.
DB2RightTop ≥0 Same as Width of the top of a user-defined edge
DB2-left-bot member on the right side of a wall pier,
DB2right.
Material Any defined See "Material Material property associated with the pier.
concrete Properties" in
material Shear Wall
property Design
Technical Note 6
Wall Pier Design
Section
Edge Design >0 Specified in Maximum ratio of compression
NC-max Preferences reinforcing allowed in edge members,
NCmax.
Edge Design >0 Specified in Maximum ratio of tension reinforcing
NT-max Preferences allowed in edge members, NTmax.

Table B-2 Spandrel Design Overwrites

Spandrel Possible Default

Overwrite Item Values Value Spandrel Overwrite Description
Design this Yes or No Yes Toggle for design of the spandrel when you
Spandrel click the Design menu > Shear Wall
Design > Start Design/Check command.
LL Reduction Program Program A reducible live load is multiplied by this
Factor calculated, calculated factor to obtain the reduced live load.
>0 Entering 0 for this item means that it is
program calculated. See the subsection
entitled "LL Reduction Factor" later in this
appendix for more information.

B-4
 Appendix B Overwrites

Table B-2 Spandrel Design Overwrites

Spandrel Possible Default

Overwrite Item Values Value Spandrel Overwrite Description
Design is Yes or No Yes Toggle for design as seismic or nonseismic.
Seismic Additional design checks are performed for
seismic elements compared to nonseismic
elements. Also, in some cases the strength
reduction factors are different.
Length Program Program Wall spandrel length, Ls. Inputting 0 means
calculated, calculated the item is to be program calculated.
or > 0
ThickLeft Program Program Wall spandrel thickness at the left side of
calculated, calculated the spandrel, ts. Inputting 0 means the item
or > 0 is to be program calculated.
DepthLeft Program Program Wall spandrel depth at the left side of the
calculated, calculated spandrel, hs. Inputting 0 means the item is
or > 0 to be program calculated.
CoverBotLeft Program Program Distance from the bottom of the spandrel to
calculated, calculated the centroid of the bottom reinforcing, dr-bot
or > 0 left on the left side of the beam. Inputting 0
means the item is to be program calculated
as 0.1hs.
CoverTopLeft Program Program Distance from the top of the spandrel to the
calculated, calculated centroid of the top reinforcing, dr-top left on
or > 0 the left side of the beam. Inputting 0 means
the item is to be program calculated as
0.1hs.
SlabWidthLeft ≥0 0 Slab width for the T-beam at the left end of
the spandrel, bs.
SlabDepthLeft ≥0 0 Slab depth for the T-beam at the left end of
the spandrel, ds.
ThickRight Program Program Wall spandrel thickness at the right side of
calculated, calculated the spandrel, ts. Inputting 0 means the item
or > 0 is to be program calculated.
DepthRight Program Program Wall spandrel depth at the right side of the
calculated, calculated spandrel, hs. Inputting 0 means the item is
or > 0 to be program calculated.
CoverBotRight Program Program Distance from the bottom of the spandrel to
calculated, calculated the centroid of the bottom reinforcing, dr-bot
or > 0 right on the right side of the beam. Inputting 0
means the item is to be program calculated
as 0.1hs.

B-5
Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

Table B-2 Spandrel Design Overwrites

Spandrel Possible Default

Overwrite Item Values Value Spandrel Overwrite Description
Cover- Program Program Distance from the top of the spandrel to the
TopRight calculated, calculated centroid of the top reinforcing, dr-top right on
or > 0 the right side of the beam. Inputting 0
means the item is to be program calculated
as 0.1hs.
SlabWidthRight ≥0 0 Slab width for the T-beam at the right end of
the spandrel, bs.
SlabDepthRight ≥0 0 Slab depth for the T-beam at the right end
of the spandrel, ds.
Material Any defined See "Default Material property associated with the
concrete Design Material spandrel.
material Property" in
property Shear Wall
Design
Technical Note 7
Wall Spandrel
Design Sections
Consider Vuc Yes or No Yes Toggle switch to consider Vuc (concrete
shear capacity) when computing the shear
capacity of the spandrel.

B.1 LL Reduction Factor

If the LL Reduction Factor is program calculated, it is based on the live load
reduction method chosen in the live load reduction preferences. If you
specify your own LL Reduction Factor, the program ignores any reduction
method specified in the live load reduction preferences and simply calculates
the reduced live load for a pier or spandrel by multiplying the specified LL
Reduction Factor times the reducible live load.

Important Note: The LL reduction factor is not applied to any load

combination that is included in a design load combination. For example,
assume you have two load cases labeled DL and RLL. DL is a dead load and
RLL is a reducible live load. Now assume that you create a design load
combination named DESCOMB1 that includes DL and RLL. Then for design
load combination DESCOMB1, the RLL load is multiplied by the LL
reduction factor. Next assume that you create a load combination called
COMB2 that includes RLL. Now assume that you create a design load

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 Appendix B Overwrites

combination called DESCOMB3 that included DL and COMB2. For design

load combination DESCOMB3, the RLL load that is part of COMB2 is not
multiplied by the LL reduction factor.

B.2 User-Defined Edge Members

When defining a user-defined edge member, you must specify both a
nonzero value for DB1 and a nonzero value for DB2. If either DB1 or DB2 is
specified as zero, the edge member width is taken as the same as the pier
thickness and the edge member length is determined by the program.

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 Appendix C
Analysis Sections and Design Sections

It is important to understand the difference between analysis sections and

design sections when performing shear wall design. Analysis sections are
simply the objects defined in your model that make up the pier or
spandrel section. The analysis section for wall piers is the assemblage of
wall and column sections that make up the pier. Similarly, the analysis
section for spandrels is the assemblage of wall and beam sections that
make up the spandrel. The analysis is based on these section properties,
and thus, the design forces are based on these analysis section properties.

The design section is completely separate from the analysis section.

Three types of pier design sections are available. They are:

 Uniform Reinforcing Section: For flexural designs and/or checks,

the program automatically (and internally) creates a Section Design-
er pier section of the same shape as the analysis section pier.
Uniform reinforcing is placed in this pier. The reinforcing can be
modified in the pier overwrites. The Uniform Reinforcing Section
pier may be planar or it may be three-dimensional.

For shear design and boundary zone checks, the program auto-
matically (and internally) breaks the analysis section pier into planar
legs and then performs the design on each leg separately, and reports
the results separately for each leg. Note that the planar legs are
derived from the area objects defined in the model, not from the pier

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Shear Wall Design Manual RCDF-NTC-2004

section defined in Section Designer. The pier section defined in

Section Designer is only used for the flexural design/check.

 General Reinforcing Section: For flexural designs and/or checks,

the pier geometry and the reinforcing are defined by the user in the
Section Designer utility. The pier defined in Section Designer may
be planar or it may be three-dimensional.

For shear design and 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. Note that the planar legs
are derived from the area objects defined in the model, not from the
pier section defined in Section Designer. The pier section defined in
Section Designer is used only for the flexural design/check.

 Simplified Pier Section: This pier section is defined in the pier

design overwrites. The simplified section is defined by a length and a
thickness. The length is in the pier 2-axis direction and the thickness
is in the pier 3-axis direction.

In addition, if desired, thickened edge members can be specified at

one or both ends of the simplified pier section. Reinforcing can not
be specified in a simplified section. Thus, the simplified section can
be used for design only, not for checking user-specified sections.
Simplified sections are always planar.

Only one type of spandrel design section is available. It is defined in

the spandrel design overwrites. A typical spandrel is defined by a
depth, thickness and length. The depth is in the spandrel 2-axis
direction; the thickness is in the spandrel 3-axis direction; and the
length is in the spandrel 1-axis direction. Spandrel sections are
always planar.

In addition, users can, if desired, specify a slab thickness and depth,

making the spandrel design section into a T-beam. Reinforcing can
not be specified in a spandrel section. Thus, spandrel sections can be
designed, but not checked.

The pier and spandrel design sections are designed for the forces
obtained from the program's analysis, which is based on the analysis
sections. In other words, the design sections are designed based on
the forces obtained for the analysis sections.

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 Bibliography

CSI, 2012. CSI Analysis Reference Manual, Computers and Structures, Inc.,
Berkeley, California.

RCDF, 2004, Reglamento de Construcciones del Distrito Federal, Comple-

mentary Technical Norms for Design and Construction of Concrete struc-
tures, October 06, 2004.

White, D. W. and J. F. Hajjar, 1991. “Application of Second-Order Elastic

Analysis in LRFD: Research to Practice.” Engineering Journal. American
Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., Vol. 28, No. 4.

Bibliography - i