CHAPTER 3 - EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR

REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDINGS

2.0. NOTATIONS

Dimensioned expressions used in this chapter with the following notations are in
2
Newton [N] for forces, millimeter [mm] for lengths and Mega Pascal [MPa] = [N/mm ]
for stresses.

Ac = Gross section area of column or wall end zone

Ach = Gross section area of a solid wall, wall segment of a coupled wall, a floor or a
floor segment of a perforated floor
Ack = Concrete core area within outer edges of confinement reinforcement
Ae = Effective shear area at any storey for the earthquake direction considered
Ag = Sum of section areas of structural elements at any storey behaving as structural
walls in the direction parallel to the earthquake direction considered
Ak = Sum of masonry infill wall areas (excluding door and window openings) at any
storey in the direction parallel to the earthquake direction considered
Aos = Section area of spiral reinforcement
Ap = Sum of plan areas of all stories of building
As1 = Total area of tension reinforcement placed on one side of the beam-column loop
at the top to resist the negative beam moment
As2 = Total area of tension reinforcement placed on the other side of the beam –
column loop with respect to As1 at the bottom to resist negative beam moment
Asd = Total reinforcement area of each of the cross rebar bundles in coupling beam
Ash = Along the height corresponding to transverse reinforcement spacing s, sum of
projections of cross section areas of all legs of hoops and crossties of columns or
wall end zones in the direction perpendicular to bk considered
Aw = Effective web area of column cross section (excluding protrusions in the direction
perpendicular to the earthquake direction)
Aw = Sum of effective web areas of column cross sections, Aw’s at any storey
a = Lateral distance between legs of hoops and / or crossties of columns or wall end
regions
bj = In the earthquake direction considered, column width in case the beam into the
joint has the same width as column or expands in both sides of the column,
otherwise twice the smaller of the distances measured from the vertical centerline
of beam to the edges of column (It shall not exceed beam width plus joint depth)
bk = For each of the orthogonal lateral directions, cross section dimension of concrete
core of column or wall end zone (distance between the centers or outermost
rebars)
bw = Width of beam web, thickness of wall web
D = Concrete core diameter of circular column (distance between the centers of spiral
reinforcement)
d = Effective beam height
fcd = Design compressive strength of concrete
fck = Characteristic compressive cylinder strength of concrete
fctd = Design tensile strength of concrete
fyd = Design yield strength of longitudinal reinforcement
fyk = Characteristic yield strength of longitudinal reinforcement
fywk = Characteristic yield strength of transverse reinforcement
Hcr = Critical wall height

28
Hw = Total structural wall height measured from top foundation level or ground floor
level
h = Column cross section dimension in the earthquake direction considered
hk = Beam height
b = Development length of tensile reinforcement as given in TS-500
n = Clear height of column between beams, clear span of beam between column or
wall faces
w = Length of wall or segment of coupled wall in plan
Ma = Moment at the bottom of column clear height which is used for the calculation of
column shear force
(Md)t = Moment calculated under the combined effect of seismic loads and vertical loads
multiplied with load coefficients at the bottom section of structural wall.
Mpa = Moment capacity calculated at the bottom of column clear height by considering
fck, fyk and strain hardening of steel
Mpi = Positive or negative moment capacity calculated at column face on left end i of a
beam by considering fck , fyk and strain hardening of steel
Mpj = Negative or positive moment capacity calculated at column face on right end j of
a beam by considering fck, fyk and strain hardening of steel
Mp = Sum of moment capacities of beams framing into a loop
Mpü = Ultimate moment capacity calculated at the top of column clear height by
considering fck, fyk and strain hardening of steel
(Md)t = Moment capacity calculated at the bottom section of wall by considering fck , fyk
and strain hardening of steel
Mra = Ultimate moment resistance calculated at the bottom of column or wall clear
height by considering fcd and fyd
Mri = Positive or negative ultimate moment resistance calculated at column or wall face
on left end i of a beam by considering fcd and fyd
Mrj = Negative or positive ultimate moment resistance calculated at column or wall face
on right end j of a beam by considering fcd and fyd
(Mr)t = Ultimate moment resistance calculated at bottom section of wall by considering
fcd and fyd
Mrü = Ultimate moment resistance calculated at the top of column or wall clear height
by considering fcd and fyd
Mü = Moment at the top of column clear height which is used for the calculation of
column shear force
Nd = Axial force calculated under combined effect of seismic loads and vertical loads
multiplied with load coefficients
Ndm = Greater of the axial pressure forces calculated under combined effect of seismic
loads and vertical loads
s = Spacing of transverse reinforcement, step of spiral reinforcement
Vc = Contribution of concrete to shear strength
Vd = Shear force calculated under combined effect of seismic loads and vertical loads
multiplied with load coefficients
Vdy = Simple beam – shear force developed at any section of the beam due to vertical
loads
Ve = Shear force taken into account for the calculation of transverse reinforcement of
column, beam or wall
Vik = Sum of shear forces calculated in the earthquake direction considered in
accordance with Chapter 2 at all columns of the i’th storey

29
Vis = Sum of shear forces calculated in the earthquake direction considered in
accordance with Chapter 2 at the i’th storey columns where Equation (3.3) is
satisfied at both bottom and top loops
Vkol = Smaller of the shear forces at above and below the loop calculated in accordance
with Chapter 2
Vr = Shear strength of a section of column, beam or wall
Vt = Total seismic load acting on a building (base shear) according to Chapter 2
αi = Ratio of Vis / Vik calculated for any i’th storey
∅ = Reinforcement diameter
γ = Angle of cross rebar bundle used in coupling beam with the horizontal axis
ρ = Tension reinforcement ratio at the top and bottom of beam support section
ρs = Volumetric ratio of spiral reinforcement of column [ρs = 4 Aos / (D s)]
ρsh = Volumetric ratio of horizontal web reinforcement of wall [(ρsh) min = 0.0025]

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3.1. SCOPE

7.1.1 - Dimensioning and reinforcing of all structural elements of reinforced concrete

buildings to be built in seismic zones shall be performed, along with currently enforced
relevant standards and codes, primarily in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter. Requirements for reinforced concrete building foundations are given in
Chapter 6.

3.1.2 - Requirements and rules specified in this chapter are applicable to cast - in - situ
monolithic reinforced concrete buildings, and unless otherwise stated, prefabricated
buildings whose structural systems are comprised of reinforced and / or pre - stressed
concrete elements.

3.1.3 - Lateral load carrying systems of reinforced concrete buildings covered in this
chapter may be comprised of frames only, of walls only or of combination of frames
and walls.

3.1.4 - Reinforced concrete buildings with concrete strength exceeding that of C 50 and
buildings where steel profiles are used as reinforcement in structural elements are outside
the scope of this chapter.

3.2. GENERAL RULES

3.2.1. Classification of Reinforced Concrete Structural Systems

Lateral load resisting structural systems of reinforced concrete buildings shall be

classified with respect to their seismic behavior into two classes defined below.
Special cases and requirements regarding the mixed use of such classes of systems are
given in 2.5.4 of Chapter 2.

3.2.1.1 - Reinforced concrete structural systems given below are defined as Systems of
High Ductility Level:

(a) Frame type structural systems comprised of columns and beams dimensioned and
reinforced in accordance with the requirements of 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5.

(b) Structural systems comprised of solid or coupled structural walls dimensioned and
reinforced in accordance with the requirements of 3.6.

(c) Frame - wall structural systems made of combining two systems defined above.

3.2.1.2 - Reinforced concrete structural systems given below are defined as Systems of
Nominal Ductility Level:

(a) Frame type structural systems comprised of columns and beams dimensioned and
reinforced in accordance with the requirements of 3.7, 3.8 and 3.9.

(b) Structural systems comprised of solid or coupled structural walls dimensioned and
reinforced in accordance with the requirements of 3.10.

(c) Frame - wall structural systems made of combining two systems defined above.

31
3.2.2. Relevant Standards

Cast - in - situ and prefabricated reinforced concrete structural systems shall be designed,
along with the requirements of this chapter, according to the seismic loads and analysis
requirements given in Chapter 2, to other loads specified in TS - 498 and TS - 9967; and
to the requirements as well as material and load factors specified in TS - 500, TS - 708,
TS - 3233 and TS - 9967.

3.2.3. Section Stiffnesses to be used in Structural Analysis

Section stiffnesses for uncracked sections shall be used in the structural analysis to be
performed with the methods given in Chapter 2. However respective values for cracked
sections may be used for beams framing into walls in their own plane and for coupling
beams of the coupled structural walls.

3.2.4. Method to be used in Section Design

The use of the Ultimate Strength Method given in TS - 500 is mandatory in earthquake
resistant dimensioning and reinforcement calculations of reinforced concrete structural
elements in all seismic zones.

3.2.5. Material

3.2.5.1 - In all buildings to be built in seismic zones, concrete with strength less than C
20 shall not be used.

3.2.5.2 - In all seismic zones, it is necessary t o u s e concrete produced with concrete

quality control requirements specified in TS - 500 and concrete placed with using vibrators.
However, in case of the usage of self - placed concretes, placing concrete with vibrator is
not required.

3.2.5.3 - Unribbed reinforcement steel can not be used exempt hoops and crossties with
flooring reinforcement. With the exception of elements mentioned in 3.2.5.4 below,
reinforcing steel with strength exceeding that of S 420 shall not be used reinforced concrete
structural elements. The rupture strain of reinforcement to be used shall not be less than
10 %. Experimentally obtained average yield strength of reinforcing steel shall not be
more than 1.3 times the characteristic yield strength specified in the relevant steel standard.
In addition, experimentally obtained average rupture strength shall not be less than 1.25 times
the average yield strength obtained as well from the experiment.

3.2.5.4 - Reinforcing steel with strength exceeding that of S 420 may be used in flat
slabs, in the slabs of joist floors, in peripheral external walls of basements, in the webs of
structural walls of buildings in which entire seismic loads are resisted by such walls of full
building height satisfying both of the conditions given by Equation (3.14) in 3.6.1.2, and
as pre - stressing steel in prefabricated buildings.

3.2.6. Development Length of Tensile Reinforcement

Unless stated otherwise in this chapter, development lengths of tensile rebars with and
without hooks shall be determined in accordance with TS - 500.

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3.2.7. Welded Splices and Mechanically Connected Reinforcement

3.2.7.1 - Welded lap splices of longitudinal reinforcement shall be made by certified

welders. Butt weld splices shall not be permitted. Carbon equivalency of the reinforcement
steel to be welded shall not exceed the limit value given in TS - 500.

3.2.7.2 - Tension test shall be applied to at least 2 % of welded splices and mechanical
connections of longitudinal reinforcement provided that number of tests shall not be less
than 5. Experimentally determined tensile strength of the connection shall not be less than
the rupture strength given in TS - 500.

3.2.7.3 - Transverse reinforcement shall not be permitted to be welded to longitudinal

reinforcement.

3.2.7.4 - Frames of steel windows and doors, anchors, connection plates, elements of
plumbing system, machinery and equipment shall not be permitted to be welded to
longitudinal and transverse reinforcement.

3.2.8. Special Seismic Hoops and Crossties

Hoops and crossties used in columns, beam - column joints, wall end zones and beam
confinement zones of all reinforced concrete systems of high ductility level or normal
ductility level in all seismic zones shall be special seismic hoops and special seismic
crossties for which requirements are given below (Fig.3.1):

Diameter ≥ 5 φhoop

≥ 6 φ (10φ)
≥ 80 mm (100 mm)

Figure 3.1

33
3.2.8.1 - Special seismic hoops shall always have 135 degree hooks at both ends.
However, 90 degree hook may be made at one end of the special seismic crossties. In
this case, crossties with 135 degree and 90 degree hooks shall be placed on one face of a
column or wall in a staggered form in both horizontal and vertical directions. 135
degree hooks shall be bent around a circle with at least 5∅ diameter where ∅ denotes the
diameter of transverse reinforcing bar. Lengths of hooks measured from tangent point shall
not be less than 10 ∅ and 100 mm for plain bars, 6 ∅ and 80 mm for ribbed bars.

3.2.8.2 - Special seismic hoops shall engage the longitudinal reinforcement from outside
with hooks closed around the same rebar. Diameter and spacing of special seismic crossties
shall be the same as those of hoops. Crossties shall be connected to longitudinal
reinforcement always at both ends. Hoops and crossties shall be firmly tied such that they
shall not move during concrete pouring.

3.3. COLUMNS OF HIGH DUCTILITY LEVEL

3.3.1. Cross-section Requirements

3.3.1.1 - Shorter dimension of columns with rectangular section shall not be less than
250 mm and section area shall not be less than 75000 mm2. Diameter of circular columns
shall be at least 300 mm.

3.3.1.2 - In order the gross section are of column to be the biggest one of axial pressure
strengths calculated under the combined effect of Ndm vertical loads and seismic loads, gross
section area of column shall satisfy the condition Ac ≥ Ndmax / (0.50 fck).

3.3.2. Longitudinal Reinforcement Requirements

3.3.2.1 - Longitudinal column reinforcement shall not be less than 1 %, nor shall it be
more than 4 % of gross section area. Minimum number of rebars shall be 4∅16 or 6∅14 for
rectangular columns and 6∅14 for circular columns.

3.3.2.2 - Longitudinal reinforcement ratio shall not exceed 6 % at lap spliced sections.

3.3.3. Arrangement of Longitudinal Reinforcement

3.3.3.1 - Lap splices of column longitudinal reinforcement should be made, as much as

possible, within the column central zone defined in 3.3.4.2. In this case the splice length shall
be equal to the development length b given in TS - 500 for tension bars.

3.3.3.2 - In the case where lap splices of column longitudinal reinforcement are made at the
bottom end of the column, the following requirements shall be met:

(a) In the case where 50 % of longitudinal reinforcement or less is spliced at the bottom
end of column, lap splice length shall be at least 1.25 times b.

(b) In the case where more than 50 % of longitudinal reinforcement is spliced at the
bottom end of column, lap splice length shall be at least 1.5 times b. The same condition
shall apply to starter bars protruding from the foundation.

(c) In both cases given above, minimum transverse reinforcement defined in 3.3.4.1
shall be used along the length of the lap splice.

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3.3.3.3 - In the case where the column cross-section changes between consecutive
stories, slope of the longitudinal reinforcement within the beam - column joint shall not be
more than 1 / 6 with respect to the vertical. When the change in cross section is more or in
the case of top storey columns; development length of the column longitudinal
reinforcement within the other side of the beam above shall not be less than 1.5 times the
development length b given in TS - 500 for tension reinforcement, nor shall it be less
than 40 ∅. In the case of no beam present on the other side, development shall be
achieved, if necessary, by downward bending of rebar along the far face of the column.
Length of 90 degree bent horizontal hook or downward bent vertical hook shall be at least 12
∅ (Fig. 3.2).

3.3.3.4 - Longitudinal distance between mechanical or welded connections on adjacent

longitudinal rebars shall not be less than 600 mm.

(a + b) ≥ 1.5 b e ≥ 1.5 b (a + b + c) ≥ 1.5 b

(a + b) ≥ 40 φ e ≥ 40 φ (a + b + c) ≥ 40 φ
b ≥ 12 φ c ≥ 12 φ
Figure 3.2

3.3.4. Transverse Reinforcement Requirements

Unless a more unfavorable situation governs in accordance with below given 3.3.7.6, the
minimum transverse reinforcement requirements of columns are those specified in 3.3.4.1
for column confinement zones and in 3.3.4.2 for the column central zone (Fig.3.3).
Special seismic hoops and special seismic crossties defined in 3.2.8 shall be used along
the full length of the column.

3.3.4.1 - Special confinement zones shall be arranged at the bottom and top ends of each
column. Length of each of the confinement zones shall not be less than smaller of column
cross section dimensions (diameter in circular columns), 1 / 6 the clear height of column
measured upward from floor level or downward from the bottom face of the deepest beam
framing into the column, and 500 mm. Such reinforcement shall be extended into the
foundation for a length equal to at least twice the smaller of column cross section
dimensions. Requirements for transverse reinforcement to be used in confinement zones are
given below. Those reinforcements shall be continued through the length not less than 25
times of the diameter of biggest longitudinal reinforcement and not less than 300 mm inside
the foundation. However, on the column which are supported to pot foundations,
longitudinal reinforcements in the confinement zones shall be continued through the length
of the pot.

35
(a) Transverse reinforcement with a diameter less than ∅ 8 shall not be used in
confinement zones. Along the column, spacing of hoops and crossties shall not be more
than 1 / 3 the smaller cross section dimension and 100 mm, nor shall it be less than 50
mm. Lateral distance between legs of hoops and crossties, a, shall not be more than 25
times the hoop diameter. Pitch of the continuous spirals shall not be more than 1 / 5 the
core diameter and 80 mm.

(b) In the case where Nd > 0.20 Ac fck in columns with hoops, minimum total area of
transverse reinforcement to be used in confinement zones shall be calculated to satisfy the
more unfavorable of the requirements given in Equation (3.1). In this calculation, core
diameter of column, bk, shall be considered separately for each direction (Fig. 3.3).

Ash ≥ 0.30 s bk [(Ac / Ack) − 1] (fck / fywk) (3.1)

Ash ≥ 0.075 s bk (fck / fywk)

(c) In the case where Nd > 0.20 Ac fck in columns with spirals, minimum volumetric ratio
of transverse reinforcement to be used in confinement zones shall be calculated to satisfy
the more unfavorable of the requirements given in Equation (3.2).

ρs ≥ 0.45 [(Ac / Ack) − 1] (fck / fywk) (3.2)

ρs ≥ 0.12 (fck / fywk)

(d) In the case where Nd ≤ 0.20 Ac fck, at least 2 / 3 the transverse reinforcement given by
Equation (3.1) and Equation (3.2) shall be used as a minimum transverse reinforcement
in column confinement zones.

3.3.4.2 - Column central zone is the region between the confinement zones defined at the
bottom and top ends of the column (Fig. 3.3). Transverse reinforcement with a diameter
less than ∅ 8 shall not be used along the column central zone. Along this zone, spacing
of hoops and crossties shall not be more than half the smaller cross section dimension and
200 mm. Lateral distance between the legs of hoops and / or crossties, a, shall not be more
than 25 times the hoop diameter.
3.3.5. Requirement of Having Columns Stronger Than Beams

3.3.5.1 - In structural systems comprised of frames only or of combination of frames and

walls, sum of ultimate moment resistances of columns framing into a beam-column joint
shall be at least 20% more than the sum of ultimate moment resistances of beams framing
into the same joint (Fig. 3.4):

(Mra + Mrü) ≥ 1.2 (Mri + Mrj) (3.3)

3.3.5.2 - In order that Equation (3.3) is applied, beams framing into the joint shall satisfy
the dimensional requirements given in 3.4.1.1.

3.3.5.3 - Eq (3.3) shall be applied separately for both earthquake directions and senses to
yield the most unfavorable result (Fig. 3.4). In calculating the column ultimate moment
resistances, axial forces Nd shall be taken to yield the minimum moments consistent with the
sense of earthquake direction.

36
Figure 3.3

37
3.3.5.4 – Special situations regarding the application of Equation (7.3) are described
in the following:

(a) Equation (3.3) need not to be applied in the case where Nd 0.10 Ac fck in both
columns framing into the joint.

(b) Equation (3.3) need not to be checked in single storey buildings and in joints of
topmost storey of multi-storey buildings.

(b) Equation (3.3) need not to be checked in the case where a wall connected by beams
works like a column in its weak direction.

Earthquake direction Earthquake direction

Figure 3.4

3.3.6. The Case Where Some Columns Cannot Satisfy the Requirement of Having
Columns Stronger Than Beams

3.3.6.1 – In structural systems comprised of frames only or of combination of walls and

frames, Equation (3.3) may be permitted not to be satisfied in a given earthquake
direction at some joints at the bottom and / or top of an i’th storey, provided that Equation
(3.4) given below is satisfied.

αi = Vis / Vik ≥ 0.70 (3.4)

Columns satisfying the condition of Nd ≤ 0.10 Ac fck may be taken into account in the
calculation of Vis even if they do not satisfy Equation (3.3).

3.3.6.2 – In the case where Equation (3.4) is satisfied, bending moments and shear forces
of columns satisfying Equation (3.3) at both bottom and top joints shall be
amplified by multiplying with the ratio (1/αi) within the range of 0.70 < αi < 1.00.

3.3.6.3 – In the case where Equation (3.4) is not satisfied at any storey, all frames of
structural systems which may be comprised of frames only or of combination of walls and
frames shall be considered as frames of nominal ductility level, and the analysis shall
be repeated by changing the Structural Behavior Factor according to Table 2.5. As it is
mentioned in 2.5.4.1 in Chapter 2, it is possible, however, to combine frames of
nominal ductility level with structural walls of high ductility level.

38
3.3.7. Shear Safety of Columns

3.3.7.1 – Shear force, Ve, to be taken into account for the design of column transverse
reinforcement shall be calculated by Equation (3.5).

Ve = (Ma + Mü) / n (3.5)

In determining Ma and Mü of Equation (3.5), below given 3.3.7.2 shall be applied for
the case where Equation (3.3) is satisfied at both bottom and top joints of the column,
whereas 3.3.7.3 shall be applied otherwise (Fig.3.5).

3.3.7.2 – Sum of ultimate moment capacities, Mp, at the ends of beams framing into the
joint where Equation (3.3) is satisfied shall be calculated:

Mp = Mpi + Mpj (3.6)

In the case where a more rigorous analysis is not performed, it may be assumed to be Mpi
≅ 1.4 Mri and Mpj ≅ 1.4 Mrj. The moment Mp shall be distributed to columns in proportion
to the moments obtained in accordance with Chapter 2 at column ends framing into the
joint, and such distributed moments obtained at the bottom or top end of the column shall
be considered in Equation (3.5) as Ma or Mü, respectively. Equation (3.6) shall be applied
separately for both senses of earthquake direction and the largest value of Mp shall be
considered in the distribution.

Even if Equation (3.3) is satisfied, calculation of Ma and Mü of Equation (3.5) may be

performed conservatively in accordance with below given 3.3.7.3.

3.3.7.3 – End moments of columns framing into the joint where Equation (3.3) is not
satisfied shall be calculated as the ultimate moment capacities and shall be substituted
into Equation (3.5) as Ma and / or Mü . In the case where a more rigorous analysis is not
performed, it may be assumed to be Mpa ≅ 1.4 Mra and Mpü ≅ 1.4 Mrü. In the calculation of
moments Mpa and Mpü, axial force Nd shall be taken into account so as to maximize those
moments, being consistent with the sense of earthquake direction.

7.3.7.4 – The moment Ma at the bottom of a column framing into the foundation shall also
be calculated as the ultimate moment capacity in accordance with 3.3.7.3.

7.3.7.5 – Shear force ,Ve, obtained according to Equation (3.5), shall not be less than
the shear force calculated under factored gravity and seismic loads combined, and in
addition it shall satisfy the conditions given by Equation (3.7) below. In the case where
the condition given by Equation (3.7b) is not satisfied, cross section dimensions shall be
increased as required and the seismic analysis shall be repeated.

Ve ≤ Vr (3.7)
Ve ≤ 0.22 Aw fcd

39
3.3.7.6 – In calculating the column transverse reinforcement for shear force, Ve, contribution
of concrete to the shear strength of the section, Vc, shall be determined in accordance with
TS - 500. However, in the calculation of transverse reinforcement along the column
confinement zones specified in 3.3.4.1, the coefficient of shearing force of concrete shall be
taken as Vc= 0 in case shearing force made of only seismic loads is bigger than the half of
the total shearing force and at the same time provided the condition Nd ≤ 0.05 Ac fck.

Calculation of Mü Calculation of Ma

Mhü(i): Moment obtained at top end of i’th storey column according to Chapter 2.
Mha(i): Moment obtained at bottom end of i’th storey column according to Chapter 2.

Figure 3.5

3.3.8. Conditions Related to Short Columns

Short columns may be developed due to structural arrangements or due to openings provided
in infill walls between columns (Fig. 3.6). In cases where short columns cannot be
avoided, shear force for transverse reinforcement shall be calculated by Equation
(3.5). The moments in Equation (3.5) shall be calculated at bottom and top ends of the
short column as Ma ≅1.4 Mra and Mü ≅1.4 rü with n being the length of the short column.
In addition, calculated shear force shall satisfy the conditions given by Equation (3.7). The
minimum transverse reinforcement requirements and conditions of arrangement defined in
3.3.4.1 for column confinement zones shall be applied along the length of the short
column. Transverse reinforcement shall be extended along the full storey length of
columns which are transformed into short columns in between infill walls (Fig. 3.6)

40
 .

Ve

1.4 Mrü

1.4 Mra

Ve
Deep
beam
or
Infill wall
Figure 3.6

3.4. BEAMS OF HIGH DUCTILITY LEVEL

3.4.1. Cross - section Requirements

3.4.1.1 – Dimensional requirements of cross - section of beams forming frames together
with columns, or of beams connected to structural walls in their own planes are given
below:

(a) Width of the beam web shall be at least 250 mm. Web width shall not exceed the
sum of the beam height and the width of the supporting column in the perpendicular
direction to the beam axis.

(b) Beam height shall not be less than 3 times the thickness of floor slab and 300 mm,
nor shall it more than 3.5 times the beam web width.

(c) Beam height should not be more than 1 / 4 the clear span. Otherwise below given
3.4.2.5 shall be applied.

(d) Limitations specified above in relation to beam width and heights are not applicable to
reinforced concrete or pre - stressed / prefabricated beams with hinge connections to
columns, to coupling beams of coupled structural walls, and to the secondary beams
which are connected to frame beams outside the beam-column joints.

3.4.1.2 - It is essential that design axial force satisfies the condition Nd ≤ 0.1 Ac fck in
order that any structural element be sized and reinforced as a beam. Otherwise such
elements shall be sized and reinforced as a column in accordance with 3.3.

3.4.2. Longitudinal Reinforcement Requirements

3.4.2.1 – The requirement given by Equation (3.8) shall be applied as the minimum
ratio of top tension reinforcement at beams supports.

ρ ≥ 0, 8 fctd / fyd (3.8)

41
3.4.2.2 – Diameter of longitudinal rebars shall not be less than 12 mm. At least two
rebars each at the bottom and top of the beam shall be continuously provided along the
full span length of the beam.

3.4.2.3 – In the first and second seismic zones, bottom reinforcement at a beam support
shall not be less than 50 % of the top reinforcement provided at the same support.
However this percentage may be decreased to 30 % in the third and fourth seismic
zones.

3.4.2.4 – Ratio of tensile reinforcement along beam spans and at supports shall not be
more than the maximum value specified in TS - 500 and 2 %.

3.4.2.5 – In the special cases where the condition given in paragraph (c) of 3.4.1.1 is not
satisfied, web reinforcement shall be provided along the beam height on both sides of
the web. Total area of web reinforcement shall not be less than 30 % of the greater of the
sum of top and bottom longitudinal reinforcement at right or left support sections.
Diameter of web reinforcement shall not be less than 12 mm and spacing shall not be
more than 300 mm. For the development of web reinforcement similar to that of
longitudinal reinforcement, paragraph (b), and (c) of 3.4.3.1 shall be applied.

3.4.3. Arrangement of Longitudinal Reinforcement

3.4.3.1 – Requirements for the placement and development of the longitudinal reinforcement
are given below (Fig. 3.7):

(a) At least 1 / 4 the maximum of the top support reinforcement at the ends of a beam
shall be extended continuously along the full span length. The remaining part of the top
support reinforcement shall be arranged in accordance with TS - 500.

(b) In cases where beams framing into columns are not extended to the other side of
columns, bottom and top beam reinforcement shall be extended up to the face of the other
side of the confined core of the column and then shall be bent 90 degrees from inside
the hoops. In this case, total length of the horizontal part of the longitudinal rebar inside
the column and the 90 degree bent vertical part shall not be less than the straight
development length specified in TS - 500. Horizontal part of the 90 degree bent shall not
be less than 0.4 b and vertical part shall not be less than 12 ∅. In walls and columns which
value is more than straight development length b and also more than 50 ∅, development
of longitudinal reinforcement shall be provided straight without making 90 degree
hook.

(c) In the case where beams frame into columns from both sides, beam bottom rebars
shall be extended to the adjacent span from the column face by at least the development
length b given in TS - 500. In cases where this is not possible because of reasons such as
the depth difference in beams, development shall be achieved in a way similar to
paragraph(b) above, i.e., to the case where beam is not extended to the other side of
the column.

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 1 / 4 the max support reinforcement

(See TS - 500 for other rules of arrangement)

Bottom Bottom
reinforcement of reinforcement of
adjacent span adjacent span

b (a + b) ≥ b
a ≥ 0. 4 b
b ≥ 12 φ
b

Figure 3.7

3.4.3.2 -Requirements related to splicing of longitudinal reinforcement are given below:

(a) Lap splicing shall not be made along beam confinement zones defined in 3.4.4
below, within beam - column joints, and in regions where reinforcement has a possibility of
yielding, such as the mid-span region for bottom reinforcement. In places outside such
regions where lap splicing can be made, special seismic hoops defined in 3.2.8 shall be
used. Spacing of such hoops shall not exceed 1 / 4 of the beam depth and 100 mm. It is not
necessary to use special seismic hoops in the span center of the upper assembly rebar.

(b) Mechanical connections or welded lap splices shall only be applied to every alternate
bar at a section and longitudinal distance between two consecutive splices shall not be less
than 600 mm.

3.4.4. Transverse Reinforcement Requirements

A region with a length twice the beam depth measured from the column face of a beam
support shall be defined as confinement zone and special seismic hoops defined in 3.2.8
shall be used along this region. In the confinement zone, distance of the first hoop to the
column face shall be max. 50 mm. Unless a more unfavorable value is obtained from
3.4.5.3, hoop spacing shall not exceed 1 / 4 of the beam depth, 8 times the minimum
diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement and 150 mm (Fig.3.8). Outside the confinement
zone, minimum transverse reinforcement requirements specified in TS - 500 shall be applied.

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 ≤ 50 mm sk

Beam Beam
Confinement Beam central zone Confinement
zone (Minimum transverse zone
reinforcement according to TS-500) = 2 hk
= 2 hk

s k ≤ hk / 4
sk ≤ 8φ (φ = min. longitudinal rebar diameter)
sk ≤ 150 mm
Figure 3.8

3.4.5. Shear Safety of Beams

3.4.5.1 - Shear force, Ve, to be taken into account for beam transverse reinforcement shall
be calculated by Equation (3.9) such that the most unfavorable result is obtained by
separately considering the cases of earthquake acting from left to right or from right to left
(Fig.3.9).
Ve = Vdy ± (Mpi + Mpj) / n (3.9)

Unless a more rigorous analysis is performed, ultimate moment capacities at the beam ends
may be taken as Mpi ≅ 1.4 Mri and Mpj ≅ 1.4 Mrj.

3.4.5.2 – Shear force, Ve, calculated by Equation (3.9) shall satisfy the conditions given below
by Equation (3.10). In the case where the condition given by Equation (3.10b) is
not satisfied, cross-section dimensions shall be increased as required and the seismic
analysis shall be repeated.

Ve ≤ Vr (3.10)
Ve ≤ 0.22 bw d fcd

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Mpi ≈1.4 Mri Mpj ≈1.4 Mrj

Vdyi Vdyj
(Mpi + Mpj) / n

Figure 3.9

3.4.5.3 - In calculating the beam transverse reinforcement for shear force, Ve,
contribution of concrete to the shear strength of the section, Vc, shall be determined in
accordance with TS - 500. However, in calculating the transverse reinforcement along the
beam confinement zones defined in 3.4.4, the coefficient of shearing force of concrete shall
be taken as Vc= 0 in case shearing force made of only seismic loads is bigger than the half
of the total shearing force. In no case shall the contribution of inclined longitudinal bars to
the shear strength be taken into account.

3.5. BEAM - COLUMN JOINTS OF FRAME SYSTEMS OF HIGH DUCTILITY LEVEL

3.5.1. Confined and Unconfined Joints

Beam - column joints of frame systems comprised of columns and beams of high ductility
level shall be separated into two classes as defined below.

(a) In the case where beams frame into all four sides of a column and where the width of
each beam is not less than 3 / 4 the adjoining column width, such a beam-column joint shall
be defined as a confined joint.

(b) All joints not satisfying the above given conditions shall be defined as unconfined
joint.

3.5.2. Shear Safety of Beam-Column Joints

3.5.2.1 – Shear force in beam-column joints along the earthquake direction considered
(Fig.3.10) shall be calculated by Equation (3.11).

Ve = 1.25 fyk (As1 + As2) − Vkol (3.11)

In the case where beam frames into column from only one side and discontinuous on the
other side, it shall be As2 = 0.

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3.5.2.2 – The shear force calculated by Equation (3.11) in a joint along the given
earthquake direction shall in no case exceed the limits given below (Fig.3.10). In the
cases where those limits are exceeded, cross-section dimensions of column and/or beam
shall be increased and the seismic analysis shall be repeated.

(a) In confined joints: Ve ≤ 0.60 bj h fcd (3.12)

(b) In unconfined joints: Ve ≤ 0.45 bj h fcd (3.13)

3.5.2.3 – Requirements for minimum transverse reinforcement in beam - column joints are
given below (Fig. 3.3):

(a) In confined joints, at least 40 % of the amount of transverse reinforcement existing in

the confinement zone of the column below shall be provided along the height of the joint.
However, diameter of transverse reinforcement shall not be less than 8 mm and its spacing
shall not exceed 150 mm.

(b) In unconfined joints, at least 60 % of the amount of transverse reinforcement existing in

the confinement zone of the column below shall be provided along the height of the joint.
However in this case, diameter of transverse reinforcement shall not be less than 8 mm and
its spacing shall not exceed 100 mm.

Confined joint conditions

bw1 and bw2 ≥ 3 / 4 b
bw3 and bw4 ≥ 3 / 4 h
(See 3.5.1)

Va
As1

1.25As1fyk C2
C1 1.25A s2fyk

As2

Vü
1
Vkol = min (Va, Vü)
(See. 3.5.2.1)

Earthquake
Direction bj= b, In the case bw1 and bw2 b
In the case bw1 and bw2 < b
bj = 2 min (b1, b2)
bj ≤ (bw1 + h) (for bw1 < bw2)

Figure 3.10

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