Seminar on:

Seismic Reinforcement Detailing : Ductility considerations in RC buildings.

Seminar by:
Mohit Sheode
Enroll no. 0012CE14ME10

Under Guidance of :
Prof. (Dr.) [Link]

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ TRAINING & REASEARCH ,

BHOPAL (M.P.)
 Acknowledgement:

I extend my sincere thanks to Prof.(Dr.) [Link] Sir , for his valuable

suggestions for the preparation and organization of the content of this seminar. I
am grateful to Prof.(Dr.) [Link] Sir, Head of Department , Dept. Of Civil &
Environmental Engineering for extending this opportunity to me .

I also want to thank my friend “Mr. Vikas Nimare , 2nd year [Link].(Hydraulics
& Water Resource Engg.) Student IIT-BHU “ for providing Explanatory
handbook, Special Publication SP 22:1982, BIS ,New Delhi.

I also want to thank my friends Mr. Dilip Sharma & Mr. [Link] for their
support.
Introduction:
During an earthquake ,ground motion occur in a random
fashion.
It occurs both horizontally & vertically, in all directions,
radiating from the epicenter.
These accelerations cause structures to vibrate inducing
inertial forces.
Hence, structures in such locations need to be suitably
designed & detailed.
Such design & detailing ensures: Stability ,Strength and
Serviceability, thus acceptable levels of safety are achieved
under seismic effects.
Seismic Zoning Map of India (IS:1893-2002)
The Indian subcontinent has a history of devastating earthquakes.

As per the Geographical statistics, almost 54% of the land in India is
vulnerable to earthquakes.

The latest version of the seismic zoning map of India assigns four levels of
seismicity for India in terms of zone factors, which means India is divided into
4 seismic zones:
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 5 is highly prone to the earthquake with the highest level of seismicity
whereas Zone 2 is associated with the lowest level of seismicity. So, the Zones -
marked two to five -indicate areas most likely to experience tremors with five
being the most vulnerable.

Indian cities, ranging from the metros to the smaller cities - all at least once
have been shaken up due to earthquakes which usually range from medium to
high intensity on the Richter scale.
With some research we present you the top 5 Indian cities which are observed
as high earthquake prone zones:

1. Guwahati - Assam
Guwahati falls in zone five of the seismic zones in India which is highly prone to
earthquakes. The place has seen some of the deadliest earthquakes and even today
small tremors are a common situation. Guwahati receives earthquake predictions on a
daily basis; resulting which many adjoining areas in the North-East get affected.

2. Srinagar - Jammu and Kashmir

This capital city of Jammu and Kashmir also comes under Seismic Zone 5.
Most parts of the Kashmir Valley, which is around 11% of the area of the state
covering the Districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora,
Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, come under Seismic Zone 5,
where around 50% of the population of the state lives. The rest of the state, including
the whole of the Ladakh region and Jammu Division (90% of the total area of the
state), are under the Seismic Zone 4.
Being very close to the Himalayas, Srinagar faces heavy risk of earthquakes, high as
well as moderate. The friction between the Indian and the Eurasian plane causes
earthquakes to occur on the areas close to the Himalayas.
The Movement of Indian Plate:

Among the most dramatic & visible

creations of plate tectonic forces are the lofty
Himalayas, which stretch 2900 Km along the
border between India & Tibet.

About 225 million years ago, India was a

large island still situated off the Australian
coast, and Tethys Sea separated India from the
Eurasian Continent.

By studying the history and ultimately the

closing of the Tethys Sea, scientists have
reconstructed India’s northward journey.
3. Delhi
Delhi is categorized under Seismic Zone 4.
Delhi has been hit by five devastating earthquakes measuring higher than magnitude
of 5 since 1720. The most prone to earthquake neighborhoods in Delhi lie about two
miles on either side of the Yamuna river, the southwestern outskirts of the city known
as the Chhattarpur basin, as well as an area popularly known as The Ridge in Delhi.

4. Mumbai - Maharashtra
Mumbai falls in the Zone 4 of the seismic zone divisions which makes it quite
vulnerable to damage.
We all know Mumbai is located on the coastal line, which increases the risk of facing
tsunami-like disasters. Mild to strong earthquakes are very common in parts of
Mumbai. Mild earthquakes are often faced by people living there and parts of the
adjoining regions of Gujarat. It should be noted that for the last 20 years, almost all of
the buildings in Mumbai have been designed and built keeping in mind that the city
falls in seismic zone 4.
5. Chennai - Tamil Nadu
The city, formerly in the comfort Zone 2, has now shifted to Zone 3 - indicating
higher seismic activity. According to the seismic mapping , districts in the western
part along the border with Kerala are also in Zone 3, along with districts along the
border of Andhra Pradesh and a section of the border with Karnataka.

The status of Chennai along with major towns on the eastern coast in terms of
vulnerability has increased especially after Chennai experienced tremors in
September 2001 following a quake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale off the
Pondicherry coast.

Tamil Nadu, had faced the wrath of the deadly 2004 tsunami when the Marina beach
was affected.

Recently, in the year 2012, Chennai shook terribly due to a rather high intensity
earthquake (having its epicenter in the Indian Ocean).
 Inertial force:
The resultant inertial force at any floor level depends on :
1) Mass at the floor level
2) Height above the foundation.
The inertial forces usually follow a Parabolic pattern in regular multi-storey
buildings, with maximum values at the top floor levels.
In regions of high
seismic intensity, its Torsional effects should
desirable to minimize be considered when
eccentricity b/n “centre
1) Weights at various In buildings with of mass “ & centre of
floor levels specially Asymmetry in plan or stiffness” is significant .
the roofs & upper elevation torsion
storey. effects be accounted.
Eccentricity being more
2) Avoid discontinuity than 5% of floor plan
in mass or stiffness in dimension.
plan or elevation.
General criteria adopted by IS codes for fixing level
of the design seismic loading are as follows:

Structure should be able to resist

minor earthquakes without
damage.

Structure should be able to resist

moderate earthquakes without
significant structural damage but
with some non- structural
damage.
Structures should be able to resist
major earthquakes without
collapse, but with some
structural & non-structural
damage.
 Material & construction
Mass of structure
type

The magnitude of forces

induced in a structure due
to seismic activity broadly
depends on

Ductility & energy

Damping dissipation capacity of
structure
 Ductility in seismic design:
• Ability of structure or member to
Ductility: undergo in-elastic deformations
beyond the initial yield
Qualitative deformation
• But there is no decrease in load
definition - resistance.

• Ratio of the ultimate deformation to

the deformation at the beginning of
Ductility: the ( or at 1st yield ) .
• Each choice of deformation( strain,
Quantitative rotation, curvature or deflection) may
definition give different value for the ductility
measure.
 MOMENT-CURVATURE RELATIONS:

SECONDARY
MOMENT
(M) COMPRESSION FAILURE εc
M u
R ɸ = εc+ εst
YIELDING OF TENSION d
STEEL
d

Mcr FIRST CRACK

MuR ε ST

CURVATURE ɸ

MOMENT COMPRESSIO
(a) UNDER-REINFORCED (M) N FAILURE
BEAM

Mcr

CURVATURE ɸ

(b) OVER REINFORCED

BEAM
CURVATURE DUCTILITY:

IS 13920 Defines Curvature ductility as the ratio of the

curvature at the ultimate strength to the curvature at the
first yield of tension steel in the section.
Its the property of the beam cross section. A
curvature ductility of at least 5 is considered to be adequate
for reinforced concrete.

MOMENT
μ = ɸu / ɸy
(M) Idealized
Mu

Actual

ɸy ɸu
CURVATURE ɸ
Different measures of Ductility (Beam Member):

In terms of curvature
(φ) at particular section

In terms of rotation
(ϴ) at the joint

In terms of
displacement(Δ) at
selected point
 Load
Δ
ϴ
Ф
θ
Δ

Ф, ϴ , Δ

MEMBER BEHAVIOUR
 GENERAL REINFORCED CONCRETE & DUCTILITY MEASURE
FOR ENTIRE STRUCTURE:

By ensuring ductile member section responses ( e.g. Curvature

ductility ) so that adequate number of plastic hinges would develop at
appropriate locations under extreme lateral seismic forces.

Lateral
seismic
load

Displacement Δ

STRUCTURE BEHAVIOUR
Elasto-Plastic Idealization:

A typical cycle of Loading- Unloading -

Reloading
fs

fy

uy um u

-fy
(i) Seismic loads (equivalent static ) (ii) Hinges in Columns (iii) Hinges in beams
Major Design Considerations in IS:13920:1993

Strong
Strong Members Columns&
foundations stronger in beams
& weak
Superstruct
Shear than with little
ures. in flexure. Over-
strength.
 SOME OF THE MAIN DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS IN PROVIDING
DUCTILITY INCLUDES:

Providing adequate
Using a low Tensile steel ratio(with stirrups so that
relatively low grade steel )and /or shear failure
providing Compression steel doesn’t precede
flexural failure.

Continuity in
Proper Detailing with
Confining Concrete &
regard to Connections, construction&
Compression Steel by
anchorage, splicing, redundancy in
closely spaced hoops or
Spirals.
minimum reinforcement structural
etc. framing.
 DUCTILE DETAILING CONSIDERATIONS AS PER IS 13920:1993
General Specifications:
1) The design & construction of Reinforced Concrete buildings shall be
governed by the provisions of IS 456:2000 , except as modified by the
provisions of this code.

2) For all buildings which are more than 3 stories in height, the minimum
grade of concrete shall be M20 (fck= 20 MPa)

Possible Explanations:
 It may be noted that very high strength concrete is also undesirable
because higher compressive strength is associated with lower ultimate
Compressive strain (εcu) which adversely affects ductility.
 Likewise , low density concrete is undesirable because of its relatively poor
performance under reversed cyclic loading.
 The ACI & Canadian Codes limits the maximum cylinder strength of low
density concrete for use in earthquake-resistant design to 30 MPa.
3) Steel Reinforcements of grade Fe 415 or less shall be used.

Possible Explanations:
 Strong steel is not preferable to low strength steel in earthquake prone region
because typical stress-strain curve to low steel shows the following
advantages:
A) a long yield plateau
B) a greater breaking strain
C) less strength gain after first yield

 Mild steel is more ductile & its post yield strength gain is advantageous,
provided that the yield strength is confined to specified limits, design can
determine section maximum flexure strengths in order to design other areas of
the structure to prevent premature brittle shear failure .
Flexural Members:
General:
These requirements apply to frame members resisting earthquake-induced
forces & designed to resist flexure. These requirements shall satisfy the following
requirements.

1. The factored axial stress on the member under earthquake loading shall not exceed
0.1 fck.

Possible Explanation:
Generally , axial force in the flexural member is relatively very less but if factored
axial compressive stress in the frame member exceeds to 0.1 fck , axial force will
be considered besides bending & member will be designed as per later clauses.

2. The member shall preferably have a width to depth ratio of more than 0.3 .

Possible Explanations:
 To minimize the risk of lateral instability.
 To provide more uniform design approach.

[Link] width of the member shall not be less than 200 mm.
Possible Explanations:
 To decrease the sensitivity to geometric error.
 4. The depth D of the member shall preferably be not more than one-fourth of the
clear span.
Possible Explanations:
 To take into account the non-linearity of strain distribution & lateral buckling.
 Experimental evidence indicates that under load reversals or displacement into
non-linear range, the behavior of continuous members having length to depth
ratios of less than four is significantly different from the behavior of relatively slender
members .

Longitudinal Reinforcement :

1. The top as well as bottom reinforcement shall consist of at least two

bars throughout the member length.
Possible Explanations:
 To ensure integrity of the member under reversed loading.
 It is a construction requirement rather than behavioral requirement .
[Link] an external joint , both the top & bottom bars of the beam shall be provided with
anchorage length ,
beyond the inner face of the column, equal to the development length in tension plus 10
times the bar diameter minus the allowance for 90 degrees bend(s).

In an internal joint , both face bars of the beam shall be taken continuously through the
column.

Ld +10db Ld = Фσs/4τbd

Ld = Development
db
length in tension
db= bar diameter
Ld +10db

Anchorage of beam bars in an external joint

Possible Explanations:
Such arrangement will make a ductile junction and provide
adequate anchorage of beam reinforcement into columns.

The capacity of the beam is developed by embedment in the

column and within the compression zone of the beam on the far side
of the connection.

 The length available for the development of the strength of a beam

bars is gradually reduced during cyclic reversals of earthquake
actions because of the yield penetration from the face of a column.
3. The longitudinal bars shall be spliced , only if hoops are provided over
the entire splice length, at spacing not exceeding 150 mm.

The lap length shall not be less than the bar development length in
tension.

Lap splices shall not be provided : a) Within a joint b) Within a quarter

length of the member where flexural yielding may generally occur under
the effect of earthquake forces.

Not more than 50% of the bars shall be spliced at one section.

Possible Explanations :
 Lap splices of reinforcement are prohibited at regions where flexural
yielding is anticipated because such splices are not reliable under
conditions of cyclic loading into the inelastic range.

 Transverse reinforcement for lap splices at any location is mandatory

because of the possibility of loss of concrete cover.
 < Ld

> 150 mm

Lap Splice in beams:

[Link] of welded spliced & mechanical connections may also be made as per
IS 456:2000 Clause [Link]. However, not more than half the reinforcement
shall be spliced at a section where flexural yielding may take place. The
location of splices shall be governed by “6” point previously mentioned.

Clause [Link] recommends that the design strength of a welded splice

should in general be limited to 80 % of the design strength of the bar for
tension splices.

Possible Explanations:
The requirement of welded of welded spliced & mechanical connections is
intended to avoid a splice failure when the reinforcement is subjected to
expected stress levels in yielding regions.

The location of welding splices is restricted because tensile stresses in

reinforcement in yielding regions cannot exceed the strength requirement .
1. Web Reinforcement :

Cross tie
10 d (≥75 mm)
10 d (≥75 mm)

U-stirrup

Hoop
Web reinforcement shall consist of vertical hoops .

A vertical hoop is a closed stirrup having a 135⁰ hook with a 10- diameter
extension(but not <75 mm.) at each end that is embedded in the confined
core.

In the compelling circumstances , it may be made up of two pieces of

reinforcement :

A U stirrup with a 135 ⁰ hook and a 10-diameter extension( but not <75
mm.) at each end. The hook shall engage peripheral longitudinal bars.

Possible Explanations:
Stirrups are required to prevent the compression bar from buckling.

To provide shear strength for full flexural capacity of the member.
2. The minimum diameter of the bar forming a hoop shall be 6 mm. However ,
in beams with clear span exceeding 5 m. , the minimum bar diameter shall be 8
mm.
Possible Explanation:
For durability(corrosion) considerations rather behavioral requirements.

3. The shear force to be resisted by the vertical hoops shall be maximum of :

a)Calculated factored Shear as per analysis
OR
b) Shear force due to formation of plastic hinges at both ends of the beams
plus the factored gravity load on the span.

Possible Explanations:
 Actual forces that appear during seismic activity are much higher than design
forces, it is assumed that a frame members will dissipate energy in the non-
linear range response, unless a frame member possesses a strength that is
multiple of the order of 3 or 4 of the design forces .
 A 1.2 ( D+L) B D+L D+L
Va = Vb = 1.2 (D+L)/2
L

Mu,lim Mu,lim

Vu,a (Sway to right) Vu,b

D+L As Bh
Vu,a = Va – 1.4 { Mu,lim + Mu,lim}
LAB
D+L As Bh
Vu,b= Vb + 1.4 { Mu,lim + Mu,lim}
LAB
 Ah Bs
Mu,lim Mu,lim

Vu,a Vu,b

(Sway to left)

D+L Ah Bs
Vu,a= Va + 1.4 { Mu,lim + Mu,lim}
LAB
D+L Ah Bs
Vu,b= Vb - 1.4 { Mu,lim + Mu,lim}
LAB

Calculation of design shear force for beam

4. The contribution of bent up bars & inclined hoops to shear resistance of the
section shall not be considered.
Possible Explanation:
Because of the alternating direction of the shear force due to seismic effects,
the direction of the associated diagonal tensile stress also alternates, for this
reason , inclined bars (which are effective only against shear in one direction) are
not allowed as effective shear reinforcement.
Inclined bars effective

Vu
Vu
Cracks

Ineffective inclined
bars
5. The spacing of the hoops over a length of “2d” at either end of the beam shall
not exceed:

a)d/4

b) 8 times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar.

The first hoop shall be at a distance not exceeding 50 mm from the joint face.
Vertical hoops at the same spacing as above shall be provided over a length equal
to “2d” on either side of a section. Elsewhere the beam shall have vertical hoops at
a spacing not exceeding d/2.

Possible Explanations:
Plastic hinge regions in beams require special detailing .

It serves three main purposes:-

(i) Prevents buckling of the longitudinal bars in compression

(ii) Confinement of concrete
(iii) Acts as Shear reinforcement.
50 mm

Hoop spacing ≤ d/4 & 8 db

2d
db db = Diameter of longitudinal bar.
Columns and Frame Members subjected to bending and Axial Load

General:
1. These requirements apply to frame members, which have a factored axial
stress in excess of 0.1 fck under the effect of earthquake forces.
Possible Explanations:
 The member shall take both loads bending & axial .

2. The minimum dimension of the member shall not be less than 200 mm.
However ,in frames, which have beams with c/c span exceeding 5m or
columns of unsupported length exceeding 4m, the shortest dimension of the
column shall not be less than 300 mm.
Possible Explanations:
 To avoid very slender columns.

3. The ratio of the shortest cross sectional dimension to the perpendicular

dimension shall preferably be not less than 0.4 .
Possible Explanation:
 Recommended by practicing engineers as per observations on frames
resisting seismic induced forces.
Longitudinal Reinforcement:

[Link] splices shall be provided only in the central half of the member length.

It should be proportioned as a tension splice.

Hoops shall be provided over the entire splice length at spacing not
exceeding 150mm from c/c .

Not more than 50% of the bars shall be spliced at one section.

Possible Explanations:
Lap splices of inadequate length may lead to column distress & even failure.
It should be enclosed with transverse reinforcement because of the uncertainty
in moment distributions along the height and need for confinement of lap
splices subjected to stress reversals.
 Min. Longitudinal & transverse
steel as IS 456:2000

>100 mm

Reinforcement requirement for column with more than 100 mm projection beyond core.

2. Any area of a column that extends more than 100 mm beyond the
confined core shall be detailed to have minimum longitudinal and
transverse reinforcement as per this code.

However if this area has been treated as non-structural ,the min.

reinforcement requirements shall be governed by IS 456:2000 .

Possible Explanations:
The unreinforced shell may spall as the column deforms to resist
earthquake effects. The additional reinforcement reduces the above risk.
Transverse Reinforcement :
1. Transverse reinforcement for circular columns of spiral or circular
hoops .
In rectangular columns rectangular hoops may be used.
A rectangular hoop is a closed stirrup, having a 135 ⁰ hook with
10diameter extension ( but not ,75 mm) at each end that is
embedded in the confined core.

Possible Explanation:
 Columns of building subjected to seismic loading often carry large
flexure and shear load .

 When diagonal tension cracks are possible , shear reinforcement

will be required.

 The anchorage and the shape of the tie must be such that tensile
forces resulting from truss action can be transversed from one face
to another.
 hc>300 mm
Single hoop

Bc ≤300 mm
Bc ≤300 mm

hc ≤300 mm Single hoop with a

crosstie
hc>300 mm
Bc’ ≤300 mm
Bc>300 mm

Overlapping hoops with a

crosstie.

hc’ ≤300 mm
[Link] Parallel legs of the rectangular hoop shall be spaced not more than
300 mm c/c .
If the length of any side of the hoop exceeds 300mm, a crosstie shall be
provided .
Alternatively , a pair of overlapping hoops may be provided within the
column.
The hooks shall engage peripheral longitudinal bars.

3. The spacing of the hoops shall not exceed half the least lateral
dimension of the column, except where special confining reinforcement is
provided.

Possible Explanations:
The maximum c/c spacing of the spacing of the transverse reinforcement
is considered necessary to restrain buckling of the longitudinal steel & for
adequate confinement of concrete.
Too small a spacing would not allow aggregate particles to pass between
the transverse bars when concrete is being placed.
 Vu

bL bR
1.4 Mu,lim 1.4 Mu,lim
hst

Vu
 4. The design shear force for columns shall be the maximum of :
a) Calculated Factored Shear force as per analysis.
OR
b) A factored Shear force given by:
bL bR
Vu= 1.4 Mu,lim + Mu,lim
hst
bL bR
Mu,lim & Mu,lim are Moment of resistance of opposite sign of beams framing
into the column from opposite faces, hst = Storey height.

Possible Explanations:
 Where beams frame into opposite side of a joint , the combined strength
may be sum of the negative moment strength of the beam on one side of
the joint and the positive moment strength of the beam on the other side
of the joint.
Special confining Reinforcement :
This requirement shall be met with , unless a larger amount of transverse
reinforcement is required from shear strength considerations.

1. Special confining reinforcement shall be provided over a length “ lo” from

each joint face , towards mid-span, and on either side of any section, where
flexural yielding may occur under the effect of earthquake .
The length “lo” shall not be less than:

a) Larger lateral dimension of the member at the section where yielding

occurs.
b) 1/6 of the clear span of the member.
c) 450 mm .
Possible Explanations:
 To support the longitudinal compressive reinforcement against inelastic
buckling .

 To support plastic hinge regions adjacent to moment resisting connections

over a minimum length .
 Lo
Lo

Lo

Lo
Lo “Lo” is length with reference
to Special confining
reinforcement

Lo
2. When a column terminates into a footing or mat , special
confining reinforcement shall extend at least 300 mm into the
footing or mat.

Possible Explanations:
Yield penetration.
Due to very high axial loads and flexural demands at he base.

≥ 300 mm.
3. Columns Supporting Reactions from Discontinued stiff members , such as walls
, shall be provided with special confining reinforcement over their full height.

This reinforcement shall also be placed above the discontinuity for at least the
development length of the largest longitudinal bar in the column.

Where the column is supported on a wall , this reinforcement shall be provided

over the full height of the column; it shall also be provided below the
discontinuity for the same development length.

Possible Explanations:
Columns supporting discontinued stiff members, such as walls or trusses, may
develop considerable inelastic response. Therefore , it is required that these
columns have special transverse reinforcement throughout their length.
Special confining reinforcement requirement for columns under discontinued walls
 4. Special confining reinforcement shall be provided over the full height of
a column, which has significant variation in stiffness along its height .

This variation in stiffness may result due to the presence of bracing , a

mezzanine floor or a R.C.C. Wall on either side of the column that extends
only over a apart of the column height.
Space for Ventilation Unsupported length of column

Shear
failure.

In filled
Panel
 “1,2,3,4” Relatively stiff columns , attracting large seismic forces.

1 3

2 4

Possible Explanations:
The shear required to develop flexural yield in the effectively shortened
column is substantially higher than shear required to develop flexural yield
of full- length column.
If the Designer has not considered this effect, shear failure may occur
before flexural yield resulting in failure in brittle manner.
[Link] spacing of hoops used as Special confining reinforcement shall not:

exceed ¼ of minimum member dimension

but

Not less than 75 mm nor more than 100 mm.

Possible Explanations:
 The spacing does not exceed 100 mm is intended to restrain longitudinal
reinforcement buckling after spalling.

 The limitation has been guided by tests to provide adequately uniform

confining stress to the column core.
Shear walls:
The walls, in a building, which resist lateral loads originating from wind
earthquakes are known as “Shear Walls”.

The Shear walls are subjected to the following loads:

A bending moment
A variable Shear which tends to cause
which reaches vertical tension near
maximum at he the loaded edge &
base. compression at the far
edge

A vertical Compression
due to ordinary gravity
loading from structure.
a) Load b) Shear Wall c) Bending Moment Diagram
 A C
a) Typical Floor (plan)
D B

Walls C,D

b) End Elevation(walls A,B) c) Front Elevation

a) Cross – Section
tw

lw

As S1

S2

Ah hw

Av

lever arm dw
A typical Shear wall of:
Height “ hw”
Length “ lw”
Thickness “tw”

Structural Reinforcement details:

Vertical Flexural reinforcement of area “ As “ is provided at the left edge,

with its centroid at a distance” dw “from the extreme compression face.

 To allow for reversal of load ,identical reinforcement is provided along the

right edge.

Horizontal reinforcement of area “Ah” @ c/c S2

as well as Shear Reinforcement
Vertical reinforcement of area “ Av “@ c/c S1
 Ductility Requirements for Design of Shear Walls As Per IS 13920:1993

General Requirements:
[Link] thickness of the Shear wall should not be less than 150 mm .

Possible Explanations:
 Very thin sections are susceptible to lateral instability in zones where inelastic
cyclic loading may have to be sustained.

2. The diameter of the bars to be used in any part of the wall shall not exceed
1/10th of the thickness of that part.

Possible Explanation:
 To prevent the use of very large dia. bars in thin wall sections.
[Link] effective flange width for the flanged wall section from the face of
web should be taken as least of :
• Half the distance to an adjacent shear wall web
&
• 1/10th of the total wall height.

Possible Explanations:
 Tests show that effective flange width increases with increasing drift
level .

 To simplify design a single value of effective flange width based on an

estimate of the effective tension flange width is used in both tension and
compression.

Flanged Shear wall

4. The minimum reinforcement ratio shall be 0.0025 of the gross area in each
direction distributed uniformly across the cross section of the wall.

Possible Explanations:
 To control the width of inclined cracks.

5. The maximum spacing of reinforcement in either direction shall not exceed the
smaller of ” lw/5”,
“3 tw “ and “450 mm.”

Possible Explanations:
Guided by various tests to confine the concrete.
6. If the factored shear stress in the wall exceeds 0.25 √fck
OR
If the wall thickness exceeds 200mm, reinforcement shall be provided in
two curtains , each having bars running in the longitudinal & transverse
direction.

Possible Explanations:
The use of two curtains of reinforcement will reduce fragmentation and
premature deterioration of concrete.

The requirement of 2 layers of reinforcement in walls carrying

substantial design shear is based on the observation that under ordinary
construction conditions, the probability of maintaining a single layer of
reinforcement near middle of the wall section is quite low.
Conclusion:

The guidelines laid down by “IS 13920:2002 and IS 1893:2002” and

the explanations to achieve ductility and improved detailing have been
described.

The possible Sources of damages to RCC construction and their

prevention and restoration have been detailed.

Gravity always works, so if you don’t provide permanent support ,

something will fail.

 A chain reaction will make a small fault into a large failure, unless
you can afford a fail – safe design , where sufficient residual support is
available when one component fails . In the competitive construction
industry ,such design procedure is beyond consideration.

Craftsmanship is needed on the part of the designer, the vendor and

the construction teams.
References:
1. Dr. S.U. Pillai , Prof. Devdas Menon “ Reinforced Concrete Design –
Third Edition 2012” , Tata McGraw Hill Publications, New Delhi.

2. [Link] Agrawal , Dr. Manish Shrikhande “Earthquake Resistant

Design of Structures 2011” ,PHI Learning Private Limited New Delhi.

3. IS 13920:1993- Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Subjected to Seismic Forces- Code of Practice, Bureau Of Indian
Standards, New Delhi, 1993.

4. IS 1893(Part I):2002- Criteria for Earthquake Design of Structures-

Part I: General Provisions and Buildings (Fifth Revision), Bureau of Indian
Standards, New Delhi, 2005.

5. Explanatory Handbook or Codes for Earthquake Engineering, Special

Publication SP 22, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 1982.
6. IS 456 (Part I ) : 2000 Plain & Reinforced Concrete Code Of
Practice( Fourth Revision ) , Bureau Of Indian Standards , New Delhi.

7. [Link] Website of “National Information Centre of

Earthquake Engineering-IIT Kanpur.”

8. “Dynamics of Structures Third Edition 2015” by Prof. Anil K.

Chopra California University, Pearson Publications.

9. India Today Magazine April 2015 Edition.

10.“Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures-2012 Reprint Edition

“by
Prof. [Link], Oxford University Press.

11. “Failed Bridges –Case Studies, Causes and Consequences-2010 by

Dr. Joachim Scheer, Ernst & Sohn- A Wiley Company, Berlin,
Germany.