Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 15.1
Torsion in spandrel beams.
In recent years there have been more reports of structural failures attributed to tor-
sion. As a result, a rather large amount of research has been devoted to the subject, and
thus there is a much improved understanding of the behavior of structural members sub-
jected to torsion. On the basis of this rather extensive experimental work, the ACI Code
includes very specific requirements for the design of reinforced concrete members sub-
jected to torsion or to torsion combined with shear and bending. It should be realized that
maximum shears and torsional forces may occur in areas where bending moments are
small. For such cases, the interaction of shear and torsion can be particularly important as
it relates to design.
Figure 15.2
Off-center loads causing torsion in main beam.
