Technical Note

Your Partner in Structural Concrete Design

TN504_ACI_318-14_Floors_080519

ACI318-14 CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN OF

CONCRETE FLOOR SYSTEMS1

This Technical Note details the requirements of ACI318-14 for design of concrete floor systems, with emphasis on
post-tensioning and their implementation in the ADAPT Builder Platform programs.

The implementation follows the ACI Code‘s procedure of calculating a “Demand,” referred to as “design value” for
each design section, and a “Resistance,” for the same section, referred to as “design capacity.” “Design value” and
“design capacity” are generic terms that apply to displacements as well as actions. For each loading condition, or
instance defined in ACI Code, the design is achieved by making the “resistance” exceed the associated demand
“Design Value”. Where necessary, reinforcement is added to meet this condition.

The implementation is broken down into the following steps:

• Serviceability limit state

• Strength limit state
• Initial condition (transfer of prestressing)
• Reinforcement requirement and detailing

In each instance, the design consists of one or more of the following checks:
• Bending of section
• Punching shear (two-way shear)
• Beam shear (one-way shear)
• Minimum reinforcement

In the following, the values in square brackets “[ ]” are defaults of the program. They can be changed by the user.

REFERENCES
1. ACI-318-14
2. ACI-318M-14

MATERIAL AND MATERIAL FACTORS

Concrete2
• Cylinder strength at 28 days, as specified by the user
f’c = characteristic compressive cylinder strength at 28 days [psi, MPa];

• Parabolic stress/strain curve with the maximum stress at f’c and maximum strain at 0.003.Strain at limit of
proportionality is not defined.

1 Copyright ADAPT Corporation 2019

2
ACI318-14, Section 22.2.2.3
 Technical Note


f’c

0.45f’c

Ec

0 0.003 

• Modulus of elasticity of concrete is automatically calculated and displayed by the program using f’c, wc, and
the following relationship3 of the code. User is given the option to override the code value and specify a
user defined substitute.

𝐸𝑐 = 𝑤𝑐 1.5 × 33√𝑓′𝑐 US
𝐸𝑐 = 𝑤𝑐 1.5 × 0.043√𝑓′𝑐 SI

Where,
Ec = modulus of elasticity at 28 days [psi, MPa]
f’c = characteristic cylinder strength at 28 days [psi; MPa]
wc = density of concrete [150 lb/ft3, 2400 kg/m3]

Nonprestressed Steel4
• Bilinear stress/strain diagram with the horizontal branch at fy
• Modulus of elasticity(Es) is user defined [29000 ksi, 200,000 MPa]
• No limit has been set for the ultimate strain of the mild steel in analysis and design.


fy

29000 ksi

fy/Es 

Prestressing Steel
• A bilinear stress-strain curve is assumed.
• Modulus of elasticity is user defined [28000 ksi, 190,000 MPa]

3
ACI318-14, Section 19.2.2.1
4
ACI318-14, Section 20.2.2.1 and 20.2.2.2
 Technical Note

fpu

28000ksi

fpu/Ep 

LOADING
Selfweight determined based on geometry and unit weight of concrete, and other loads are user defined.

SERVICEABILITY
• Load combinations
Total load combinations:
o 1.0 DL+1.0 LL+1.0 PT

Sustained load combinations

o 1.0 DL+0.3 LL+1.0 PT

The above combinations are the default settings of the program. User has the option to change them or
create additional load combinations for service evaluation.

• Stress checks5

Code stipulated stress limitations are used as the default allowables. However, the user can edit the default
values.

“Total load” condition:

o Concrete
▪ Maximum compressive stress 0.60 f’c. If calculated stress at any location exceeds the
allowable, the program identifies the location graphically on the screen and notes it in its
tabular reports.

▪ The maximum allowable hypothetical tensile stress for one-way slabs and beams depends
on the selection of design in one of the three classes of uncracked (U), transition (T) or
cracked (C):

Class U : ft ≤ 7.5√f’c (0.62√f’c)

Class T : 7.5√f’c < ft ≤ 12√f’c (1√f’c)
Class C : ft > 12√f’c

5
ACI318-14, Section 24.5
 Technical Note

The program does not explicitly handle Class C. For one-way slabs and beams designed for
Class C, additional serviceability requirements are required per Table R24.5.2.1 and are not
defaulted to in the software when allowable stress settings are based on Class C. The user
should modify stiffness properties and ensure proper cracked deflection combinations are
considered to meet the necessary requirements.

▪ For two-way slabs design only Class U (uncracked) is permitted,:

Class U with ft ≤ 6√f’c (0.5√f’c).

o Nonprestressed Reinforcement
▪ None specified - no check made
o Prestressing steel
▪ None specified - no check made

“Sustained load” condition:

o Concrete
▪ Maximum compressive stress 0.45 f’c . If stress at any location exceeds, the program
displays that location with a change in color (or broken lines for black and white display),
along with a note on the text output.

▪ The maximum allowable hypothetical tensile stress:

Class U : ft ≤ 7.5√f’c (0.62√f’c)

Class T : 7.5√f’c < ft ≤ 12√f’c (1√f’c)
Class C : ft > 12√f’c

The program does not explicitly handle Class C. For one-way slabs and beams designed for
Class C, additional serviceability requirements are required per Table R24.5.2.1 and are not
defaulted to in the software when allowable stress settings are based on Class C. The user
should modify stiffness properties and ensure proper cracked deflection combinations are
considered to meet the necessary requirements.

Two- way slab systems: Class U with ft ≤ 6√f’c (0.5√f’c).

ADAPT uses 6√f’c(0.5√f’c) as its default value for two-way systems and 7.5√f’c(0.62√f’c) as default
for one- way systems .

o Nonprestressed Reinforcement
▪ None specified – no check made
o Prestressing steel
▪ None specified - no check made

STRENGTH
• Load combinations6
The following are the load combinations for gravity design of floor systems:

6
ACI318-14, Section 5.3.1
 Technical Note

o 1.4 D +1.0 Hyp

o 1.2 D + 1.6 L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R) + 1.0 Hyp
o 1.2 D + 1.6 (Lr or S or R) + 1.0 L + 1.0 Hyp

The program designates reserved (default) load cases Dead and Live load. Therefore loads classified as
Lr, S and R should be input as additional load cases by the user.

• Design of members for bending7

General

The following describes the simplified procedure of the ACI318 for the design of prestressed concrete
sections. The relationships for the simplified procedure is given in ACI318-14 Section 20.3.2. These are
reproduced at the end of this Technical Note for ease of reference. The simplified procedure given in
the code is restricted to the cases, where the effective stress in prestressing steel (fse) after
allowance for immediate and long-term losses is not less than 50% of its guaranteed ultimate
strength (0.5fpu)

It uses code specified formulas for the determination of stress in prestressing steel at strength
limit state (fse). The rigorous design is based on strain compatibility, which is applied to bonded
prestessed systems in ADAPT when the ACI code is used.

Material and Stresses

The stress-strain relationship of the materials used is shown in Fig. 1 for the general case.

Figure 1
At ultimate condition the stresses are idealized using the following assumptions and relationships:

Concrete

o Plane sections remain plane.

o Maximum concrete strain in compression is limited to 0.003.
o Tensile capacity of the concrete is neglected.

7
ACI318-14, Section 22.2.1
 Technical Note

o For ductility of members designed in bending the maximum depth of the neutral axis “c” is
limited to :

c /dt <= 0.375

Where, dt is the distance from compression fiber to the farthest reinforcement. Where
necessary, compression reinforcement is added to enforce the above requirement.
o If a section is made up of more than one concrete material, the entire section is designed using
the concrete properties of lowest strength in that section.
o Rectangular concrete stress block with maximum stress equal to 0.85f’c and the depth of stress
block from the extreme compression fiber, a, equal to β1c is used. See Fig. 2

where,
β1 = 0.85-0.05(f’c - 4000)/1000 ≥ 0.65 US
β1 = 0.85-0.05(f’c - 28)/7 ≥ 0.65 SI

Figure 2

Non-Prestressed Reinforcement

Non-prestressed reinforcement, regardless of its yield stress, is referred to as rebar. Rebar may be
added to supplement prestressing in developing the required moment resistance.

The stress-strain relationship for rebar is idealized as shown in Figure 1b. If the strain in concrete
at the location of the rebar is less than the elastic limit of the rebar material, the rebar will not
develop its yield stress. In this case, the calculation uses the stress obtained from the stress-strain
diagram of the rebar material.

Prestressing

The stress developed in the prestressing steel at nominal strength is given by fps. If the effective
stress in prestressing (fse) (after allowance for short and long term losses) is not less than 0.5*fpu
, the ACI simplified relationships may be used to estimate fps.
For grouted tendons, the code uses a parameter λp, for the calculation of stress in prestressing
steel at strength limit state. λp is a constant depending on the material of prestressing tendon.
λp = 0.55 for fpy/fpu not less than 0.80
λp = 0.40 for fpy/fpu not less than 0.85
λp = 0.28 for fpy/fpu not less than 0.90
 Technical Note

Geometry

The general geometry of the section considered is shown in Fig. 3 for a T-section. Inverted L or rectangular
sections are treated as special conditions of a T-section in which one, or both of the overhangs are
reduced to zero. I-sections at ultimate strength are also treated as T-sections, since the contribution of
concrete in tension zone is disregarded.

Figure 3

o For flanged sections, the following procedure is adopted:

▪ If xu is within the flange, the section is treated as a rectangle
▪ If xu exceeds the flange thickness, uniform compression is assumed over the flange. The stem is
treated as a rectangular section.

Requirements

The design requirements are:

(i) The design moment (Mu) must be less than the moment which the section can develop (Mn =
nominal moment) reduced by a strength reduction factor (ɸ). The expression ɸMn is referred
to as design capacity.

Mu < ɸMn
(ii) The section should possess a minimum ductility. In this context ductility is defined as the ratio
of rotation of a section at failure (ɵu at location of plastic hinge) to rotation of the section at
its elastic limit (ɵy, onset of plasticity). Figure 4a illustrates the definition of ductility as
expressed by µ.

Experiments have established that ductility (µ) is primarily a function of the amount and position
of prestressing and reinforcement in a section, as well as a section’s geometry. The ductility of a
section is controlled by the ratio c/dt and the strength reduction factor ɸ. The minimum
ductility required by the code is achieved through the limitation imposed on
the ratio c/dt . For the basic strength reduction factor (ɸ = 0.9) the ratio of c/dt is limited to 0.375.

cmax = 0.375 dt
amax = β1*cmax
 Technical Note

In a somewhat similar manner, the Canadian code (CSA-A23.3), the British code (BS 8110),
and the European code (EC2) implement the ductility requirement by limiting the maximum
depth of the neutral axis c to a fraction of d or h.

Based on the threshold specified for the depth of the neutral axis (c), prior to triggering a
reduction in the strength reduction factor (ɸ ) six design conditions are identified. These are
illustrated in Fig. 5.

CASE 1: PRESTRESSING ADEQUATE

Case 1 is the condition in which the available prestressing is in excess of that required to resist the
design moment Mu, with adequate ductility (c <0.375 dt ). Clearly, the section is satisfactory as is, no
additional rebar is required.

CASE 2: PRESTRESSING PLUS TENSION REBAR

In Case 2, the available prestressing is not adequate to resist the design moment Mu. Rebar As is
required to supplement the prestressing Aps. The combined areas of Aps and As result in (a < amax ). The
larger circle shown in the figure around the rebar represents the maximum area of rebar (As max) that
would bring the section to its ductility threshold of (a = amax ).

CASE 3: PRESTRESSING AND TENSION REBAR NOT ADEQUATE

By increasing the applied moment of Case 2, a condition is reached for which the prestressing and the
maximum rebar are derived from the ductility relationships are no longer adequate to develop the
required design capacity ɸMn . In this case, the balance of design capacity must be generated by a
force couple resulting from addition of tension and compression rebar. Generally, the area
of the added compression steel A’s will be equal to the added tension steel in excess of As max , the
exception is when the bars are positioned such that one or both of them would not yield.

CASE 4: OVER-REINFORCED SECTION, DESIGN BASED ON COMPRESSION ZONE ZONE

In Case 4, the amount of available prestressing is excessive, in that (c > 0.375 dt ). As a result the
ductility threshold is exceeded . The section can still be considered a satisfactory design, provided that
the design moment (Mu) is less than what the design capacity of the compression zone of the section.
The design capacity of the compression zone is determined with the depth of the neutral axis assumed
at cmax. The relationships are (Figs. 6 and 7):

ɸMn = ɸ*{[Cc*(dp - a/2)] + [Cs*(dp - d’)] + [Cf*(dp - a/2)]}

For a T-section where “a” falls in the stem use the following formula:

ɸMn = ɸ*{[Cc*(dp - a/2)] + [Cs*(dp - d’)] + [Cf*(dp - hf/2)]}

In the above relationships, Cs refers to the component of the force from the compression steel, if
available.
 Technical Note

CASE 5: PRESTRESSING AND COMPRESSION REBAR

As in Case 4, the design capacity of the compression zone ɸMn is not adequate to resist the design
moment Mu, that is to say (Mu > ɸMn). In this case, rebar must be added to the compression zone.
The design capacity of the section is based on the force developed in the
compression zone with amax. The expressions in the section “Relationships” below apply. The
following gives the compression force in its expanded form.

C = A’s*fcom + 0.85*(0.5*b* 1*dr - As’)*f’c

CASE 6: PRESTRESSING AND COMPRESSION REBAR NOT ADEQUATE

Case 6 is one in which the prestressing alone is in excess of that required to satisfy amax criterion, and
that the maximum compression rebar permissible . An acceptable design can be achieved by resisting
the excess moment through addition of rebar for equal tension and compression forces such as to
maintain the expressions in the section “Relationships” below.

Figure 4
 Technical Note

Relationships

For given (i) geometry, (ii) material properties, and (iii) amount of prestressing, the design is achieved
by obtaining the minimum amount of rebar that develops the required design capacity ɸMn.

The forces at the strength limit state are defined in Figs. 6 and 7.

(i) Tension equals compression

T=C
Where
T = Tp + Ts
Tp = Aps*fps
Ts = As*ften
C = Cf+Cc+Cs
Cc = 0.85*(b*a – A’s)*f’c
Cs = A’s*fcom
Cf = 0.85*(bf-b)*a*f’c

(ii) Mu < ɸMn

(iii) C < 0.375*d

(iv) For flanged sections, as shown in Fig. 7, the contribution of flange overhang to the
compression zone is represented by an equivalent compressive force located at the height
of the centroid of overhang’s compression block. The force developed by the overhang is:

Cf = 0.85*(bf - b)*a*f’c

o At every section of a flexural post-tensioned member with bonded tendons, the following will be
satisfied8:

Mn ≥ 1.2Mcr

Where,
Mcr = cracking moment = S*(fp + ft)
S = section modulus
fp = stress due to post-tensioning
ft = tensile strength of the concrete

8
ACI318-14, Section 7.6.2.1

10
 Technical Note

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

11
 Technical Note

• One-way shear9

The design is based on the following:

ΦVn ≥ Vu

Vn = Vc+Vs ≤ vn,max10

Vn,max = 8√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 US
Vn,max = 0.66√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 SI

where,
Vn = factored shear resistance;
Vu = factored shear force due to design loads;
Vc = shear resistance attributed to the concrete;
Vs = shear resistance provided by shear reinforcement;
bw = width of the web [in];
d = effective shear depth [in]
f ' c  100 psi, 8.3 MPa

Design shear strength of concrete, Vc

For non-prestressed shear capacity with and without consideration of axial force, the program uses the
non-detailed code formulas.

o Non-prestressed members

▪ For members subject to shear and flexure only11:

𝑉𝑐 = 2𝜆√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 US
𝑉𝑐 = 0.17𝜆√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 SI

Where,
- a modification factor for concrete strength.
1 for normal weight concrete
0.85 for sand light-weight concrete
0.75 for all-light- weight concrete

▪ For members subject to axial compression12:

𝑁𝑢
𝑉𝑐 = 2 (1 + 2000𝐴𝑔) 𝜆√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 US

9
ACI318-14, Section 22.5
10
ACI318-14, Section 22.5.1.2
11
ACI318-14, Section 22.5.5.1
12
ACI318-14, Section 22.5.6.1

12
 Technical Note
𝑁𝑢
𝑉𝑐 = 0.17 (1 + ) 𝜆√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 SI
14𝐴𝑔

Where Nu/Ag is in psi, MPa

o Prestressed members13

𝑉𝑢𝑑𝑝
𝑉𝑐 = (0.6𝜆√𝑓′𝑐 + 700 ) 𝑏𝑤𝑑 ≥ 𝑉𝑐 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2𝜆√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑
𝑀𝑢
≤ 𝑉𝑐 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 5𝜆√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑
Where,

Vudp/Mu ≤ 1

Shear reinforcement, Av14

▪ If Vu - Φvc > vn,max shear is excessive, revise the section or increase the
concrete strength

▪ If Vu < 0.5Φvc no shear reinforcement is required

▪ If 0.5ΦVc < Vu < ΦVc Av = Avmin15

(𝑉𝑢−𝜑Vc)𝑠 16
▪ If Vu > ΦVc 𝐴v = ≥ Av min
𝜑𝑓yt*𝑑
Where Avmin,

Nonprestressed members:

𝑏𝑤𝑠 50𝑏𝑤∗𝑠
𝐴𝑣 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.75√𝑓′𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡 ≥ US
𝑓𝑦𝑡
𝑏𝑤𝑠 0.35𝑏𝑤∗𝑠
𝐴𝑣 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.062√𝑓′𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡 ≥ 𝑓𝑦𝑡
SI

Prestressed members:
𝑏𝑤∗𝑠 50𝑏𝑤∗𝑠 𝐴𝑝𝑠𝑓𝑝𝑢∗𝑠 𝑑
𝐴𝑣 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = smaller of {0.75√𝑓′𝑐 , , √ } US
𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑡 80𝑓𝑦𝑡∗𝑑 𝑏𝑤

𝑏𝑤∗𝑠 0.35𝑏𝑤∗𝑠 𝐴𝑝𝑠𝑓𝑝𝑢∗𝑠 𝑑

𝐴𝑣 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = smaller of {0.062√𝑓′𝑐 , , √ } SI
𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑡 80𝑓𝑦𝑡∗𝑑 𝑏𝑤

Where,
s = longitudinal spacing of vertical stirrups [in,mm].
fyt = characteristic strength of the stirrup [psi, MPa]
_________________________

13
ACI318-14, Section 22.5.6.1
14
ACI318-14, Section 22.5.10.5
15
ACI318-14, Section 9.6.3.3
16
ACI318-14, Section 22.5.10.5.3

13
 Technical Note

Maximum spacing of the links, svmax17 :

o Nonprestressed members:
US:
svmax = d/2 ≤24in if (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) < 𝜑4√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑
svmax = d/4 ≤12in if 𝜑4√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 < (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) ≤ 𝜑8√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑

SI:
svmax = d/2 ≤600 mm if (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) < 𝜑0.33√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑
svmax = d/4 ≤300mm if 𝜑0.33√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 < (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) ≤ 𝜑0.66√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑

o Prestressed members:
US:
svmax = 0.75h ≤24in if (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) < 𝜑4√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑
svmax = 0.375h ≤12in if 𝜑4√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 < (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) ≤ 𝜑8√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑

SI:
svmax = 0.75h ≤600 mm if (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) < 𝜑0.33√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑
svmax = 0.375h ≤300 mm if 𝜑0.33√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑 < (𝑉𝑢 − 𝜑𝑉𝑐) ≤ 𝜑0.66√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤𝑑

• Two-way shear

o Categorization of columns

Based on the geometry of the floor slab at the vicinity of a column, each column is categorized into to
one of the following options:

1. Interior column
Each face of the column is at least four times the slab thickness away from a slab
edge

2. Edge column
One side of the column normal to the axis of the moment is less than four times the
slab thickness away from the slab edge

3. Corner column
Two adjacent sides of the column are less than four times the slab thickness from
slab edges parallel to each

4. End column
One side of the column parallel to the axis of the moment is less than four times the
slab thickness from a slab edge
_________________________

17
ACI318-14, Section 9.7.6.2.2

14
 Technical Note

In cases 2, 3 and 4, column is assumed to be at the edge of the slab, however, the software shear
design contains a user option to extend the section the modeled free edge of the slab. When this
option is not used, the overhang of the slab beyond the face of the column is not included in the
calculations. Hence, the analysis performed is somewhat conservative.

o Stress calculation18:

The maximum factored shear stress is calculated for several critical perimeters around the columns
based on the combination of the direct shear and moment:

𝑉𝑢 𝛾×M𝑢 ×c
𝑣𝑢1 = +
𝐴 𝐽𝑐

𝑉𝑢 𝛾×M𝑢 ×c'
𝑣𝑢2 = −
𝐴 𝐽𝑐

Where,
Vu - absolute value of the direct shear and
Mu- absolute value of the unbalanced column moment about the center of
geometry of the critical section
c and c’ - distances from centroidal axis of critical section to the perimeter of the
critical section in the direction of the analysis
A- area of concrete of assumed critical section,
γ - ratio of the moment transferred by shear and
Jc - moment of inertia of the critical section about the axis of moment.

The implementation of the above in ADAPT is provided with the option of allowing the user to consider
the contribution of the moments separately or combined. ACI318 however recommends that due to
the empirical nature of its formula, punching shear check should be performed independently for
moments about each of the principal axis19. For a critical section with dimension of b1 and b2 and
column dimensions of c1, c2 and average depth of d, Ac, Jc, c, γ and Mu are:

1. Interior column:

A = 2(𝑏1 +b2 )𝑑

𝑏1
c=
2

_________________________

18
ACI-318-14, Section 8.4.4.2
19
“Concrete Q&A – Checking Punching Shear Strength by the ACI Code,” Concrete International, November 2005, pp 76.

15
 Technical Note

𝑏1 𝑑3 db1 3 𝑏1 2 𝑏2 𝑑
𝐽𝑐 = + +
6 6 2
1
𝛾 = 1-
2 𝑏
1+ 3 √ 1
𝑏2

𝑀𝑢 = abs[𝑀u,direct ]

2. End column: (b1 is perpendicular to the axis of moment)

A = (2b1 +b2 )𝑑

𝑏1 2
c=
2b1 +b2

𝑏1 𝑑3 db1 3 𝑏1 2
𝐽𝑐 = + +2b1 𝑑 ( -c) +b2 dc 2
6 6 2

1
𝛾 = 1-
2 𝑏
1+ 3 √ 1
𝑏2

𝑐1
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠 [𝑀𝑢,𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 − 𝑉𝑢 (𝑏1 − 𝑐 − )]
2

3. Corner Column:

A = (𝑏1 +b2 )𝑑

𝑏1 2
c=
2b1 +2b2

𝑏1 𝑑3 db1 3 𝑏1 2
𝐽𝑐 = + +b1 𝑑 ( -c) +b2 dc 2
12 12 2

1
𝛾 = 1-
2 𝑏
1+ 3 √ 1
𝑏2

𝑐1
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠 [𝑀𝑢,𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 − 𝑉𝑢 (𝑏1 − 𝑐 − )]
2

16
 Technical Note

4. Edge column: (b1 is perpendicular to the axis of moment)

A = (𝑏1 +2b2 )𝑑

𝑏1
c=
2

𝑏1 𝑑3 db1 3
𝐽𝑐 = + +2b2 dc 2
12 12

1
𝛾 = 1-
2 𝑏
1+ 3 √ 1
𝑏2

𝑀𝑢 = abs[𝑀u,direct ]

o Allowable stress20:

For nonprestressed member and prestressed member where columns are less than 4hs from a slab
edge:

4
(2+ 𝛽 )𝜆√𝑓𝑐′
𝑐

𝑣𝑐 = min (2+α𝑠 𝑑)𝜆√𝑓𝑐′ US

𝑢

{ 4𝜆√𝑓𝑐′

2
0.17(1+ 𝛽 )𝜆√𝑓𝑐′
𝑐

𝑣𝑐 = min 0.083(2+α𝑠 𝑑)𝜆√𝑓𝑐′ SI

𝑢

{ 0.33𝜆√𝑓𝑐′

where βc is the ratio of the larger to the smaller side of the critical section and f’c is the strength of the
concrete. αs is 40 for interior columns, 30 for edge and end columns and 20 for corner columns. u is
the perimeter of the critical section.

For prestressed member where columns are more than 4hs from a slab edge:

𝑣𝑐 = (𝛽𝑝𝜆√𝑓′𝑐 + 0.3𝑓𝑝𝑐) + 𝑉𝑝

where,
𝛼𝑠𝑑
βp = the smaller of 3.5 and ( 𝑏0 + 1.5) US
𝛼𝑠𝑑
= the smaller of 0.29 and 0.083*( 𝑏0 + 1.5) SI

20
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.5

17
 Technical Note

αs = 40 for interior columns, 30 for edge columns, and 20 for corner columns
b0 = the perimeter of the critical section
fpc = the average value of fpc for the two directions ≤ 500 psi(3.5 MPa),≥ 125 psi(0.9
MPa)
Vp = the factored vertical component of all prestress forces crossing the critical section.
ADAPT conservatively assumes it as zero.
f’c ≤ 70 psi (0.5 MPa)

o Critical sections21

The closest critical section to check the stresses is d/2 from the face of the column where ‘d’ is the
effective depth of the slab or drop panel/cap. Subsequent sections checked are located 0.5d away from
the previous critical section. The program checks rectilinear critical sections to the location where no
reinforcement is required. At that same critical section, the program then checks the least critical
section (octagonal-shaped) for stress. If the calculated stress exceeds the code-required limit
Φv*2**√f’c [Φv*0.17**√f’c in SI],the program adds reinforcement and continues to check octagonal-
shaped critical sections until the allowable stress is met.

If drop panels or cap components are modeled, stresses are also checked at 0.5d from the face of the
drop panel/cap in which ‘d’ is the effective depth of the slab. Subsequent sections are 0.5d away from
the previous critical section.

o Stress check

Calculated stresses are compared against the allowable stress22:

If vu < φvvc no punching shear reinforcement is required

If vu > φvvn,max punching stress is excessive; revise the section
If φvvnmax > vu > φvvc provide punching shear reinforcement

For stirrups23:
φvvn,max = φv*6√f’c US
= φv*0.5 √f’c SI
For studs24:
φvvn,max = φv*8√f’c US
= φv*0.66 √f’c SI

Where φv is the shear factor and vn,max is the maximum shear stress that can be carried out by the
critical section including the stresses in shear reinforcement.

Stress check is performed until no shear reinforcement is required. For drop panels or caps, stresses
are checked within the drop panel or cap until the stress is less than the permissible stress and then
checked outside the drop panel or cap region until the stress is less than the permissible value. In the
case of a drop cap, if the first critical section at 0.5d from face of column (where ‘d’ is calculated from

21
ACI318-14, Sections 8.4.4 & 22.6.4
22
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.5
23
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.6.2
24
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.6.2

18
 Technical Note

the depth of the drop cap) is located beyond the drop cap, the program uses the effective depth
calculated for the slab for all critical sections checked.

Vu shall not exceed Φv*2**√f’c25 [Φv*0.17**√f’c in SI] at the critical section located d/2 outside
the outermost line of shear reinforcement that surround the column.

o Shear reinforcement

Where needed, shear reinforcement is provided according to the following: 26

(𝑣𝑢 -φ𝑣 𝑣𝑐 ) us
𝐴𝑣 = 𝜑𝑣 𝑓𝑦 sin(𝛼)

2√f'𝑐us
For studs, Av ≥ Avmin27 where 𝐴vmin =
𝑓𝑦

Where,
vc = 2**√f’c28 [0.17**√f’c in SI] for stirrups
= 3**√f’c28 [0.25**√f’c in Si] for studs

α is the angle of shear reinforcement with the plane of slab and u is the periphery of the critical section.
s is the spacing between the critical sections [d/2].

If required, shear reinforcement will be extended to the section where vu is not greater than Φv*2*√f’c
[Φv*0.17*√f’c in SI].

o Arrangement of shear reinforcements:

Shear reinforcement can be in the form of shear studs or shear stirrups (links). In case of shear links,
the number of shear links (Nshear_links ) in a critical section and distance between the links (
Dist shear_links ) are given by:

𝐴𝑣
𝑁𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑠 = 𝐴𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑘

𝑢
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑠 =
𝑁𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑠

25
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.6.1
26
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.7 & 22.6.8
27
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.8.3
28
ACI318-14, Section 22.6.6.1
29
ACI318-14, Section 8.7.6.3

19
 Technical Note

The first layer of stirrups is provided at d/2 from the column face and the successive layers are at d/2
from the previous layer. The spacing between the adjacent stirrup legs in the first line of shear
reinforcement shall not exceed 2d measured in a direction parallel to the column face29.

If shear studs are used, the number of shear studs per rail (Nshear_studs ) and the distance between the
studs (Dist shear_studs ) are given by:

𝐴𝑣
𝑁𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑠 = 𝐴𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 ×𝑁𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠

𝑑/2𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑠 = 𝑁
𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟_𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑠

The spacing between the column face and the first peripheral line of shear reinforcement shall not
exceed d/2. The spacing between adjacent shear reinforcement elements, measured on the perimeter
of the first peripheral line of shear reinforcement, shall not exceed 2d.The spacing between peripheral
lines of shear reinforcement, measured in a direction perpendicular to any face of the column, shall be
constant30.
The default graphical and tabular output for stirrup or heads stud reinforcement report number of
studs or vertical stirrup legs at a distance from face of column. Multiple quantities and spacings may
be reported (e.g. 10@2”, 5@4”, 10@8”). The program gives an option for the reinforcement to be
reported as uniform. In the case this option is used, the program calculates the total length for which
reinforcement is required based on the default layout and applies the minimum spacing to this length.
(e.g. 60@2”).

The program gives the option to utilize and limit the code required spacing31 between stud rails and
adds enough rails per column side to meet this requirement.

o Minimum Two-Way Shear Resistance for Seismic Drift32:

For slab-to-columns joints not specifically designed as part of the seismic-force-resisting system in
Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F, the ACI318 code requires minimum shear resistance so as to
reduce the likelihood of two-way shear failure where the design story drift ratio exceeds the design
value.

This option is included in the software. If selected, the program ensures that at a distance of 4h
(where ‘h’ is the slab thickness) from each column face, the following amount of shear reinforcement
is required such that:

vs ≥ 3.5√𝑓′𝑐

In the following expression used to calculate Av, when the quantity (𝑣𝑢 -φ𝑣 𝑣𝑐 ) ≤ vs, the program uses
3.5√𝑓′𝑐 for critical sections up to 4h.

_________________________
30
ACI318-14, Section 8.7.6.3
31
ACI318-14, Section 8.7.7.1.2
32
ACI318-14, Section 18.14.5.1

20
 Technical Note

(𝑣𝑢 -φ𝑣 𝑣𝑐 ) us
𝐴𝑣 = 𝜑𝑣 𝑓𝑦 sin(𝛼)

INITIAL CONDITION
• Load combinations

ADAPT uses the following default values. User can modify these values.

1.0 SW +1.15 PT

• Allowable stresses33

i. Tension:
At ends of simply supported members: 6√ f’ci (0.5λ√ f’ci)
All others 3√ f’ci (0.25λ√ f’ci) – program default

ii. Compression : 0.6f’ci

If the tensile stress exceeds the threshold, reinforcement is added in the tensile zone.

• Reinforcement

Reinforcement will be provided for initial condition if tensile stress exceeds allowable stress. Rebar is
provided based on ACI code and will be placed on tension side:

𝑁𝑐
𝐴𝑠 = 0.5𝑓𝑦

Where:
As = Area of reinforcement
Nc = tensile force in the concrete computed on the basis of uncracked section.
fy = Yield Stress of the steel but not more that 60 ksi

DETAILING
• Reinforcement requirement and placing
o Nonprestressed member:

Minimum tension rebar

▪ Beam34:
3√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤∗𝑑 200𝑏𝑤∗𝑑
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ≥ US
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

0.25√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤∗𝑑 1.4𝑏𝑤∗𝑑
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ≥ SI
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

33
ACI318-14, Section 24.5.3
34
ACI318-14, Section 9.6.1 & 9.6.2

21
 Technical Note

where,
bw = width of the web [in,mm]

For statically determinate members with flange in tension,

3√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤∗𝑑 200𝑏𝑤∗𝑑
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ≥ US
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

0.25√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤∗𝑑 1.4𝑏𝑤∗𝑑
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ≥ SI
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

where,
b = minimum of { 2bw, width of the flange} [in,mm]

Minimum rebar requirement will be waived if As provided is at least 1/3 greater than
that required by analysis.

▪ Slab35:

Asmin = 0.0018Ag for fy = 60 ksi

= 0.0020 Ag for fy < 60 ksi
= 0.0018*(60/fy)* Ag for fy > 60 ksi, where fy in ksi

smax = min (5h, 18in) US

smax = min (5h, 450mm) SI

o Prestressed member:

▪ One way system with unbonded tendon:

Asmin = 0.004Act

Where,
Act = Area of that part of cross-section between the flexural tension face and center of
gravity of cross-section

▪ Two way system with unbonded tendon:

Positive moment areas if tensile stress exceeds 2√f’c:

𝑁𝑐
𝐴𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
0.5𝑓𝑦

Negative moment areas at column supports:

Asmin = 0.00075Acf

35
ACI318-14, Section 7.6.1, 7.6.2, 8.6.1, 8.6.2

22
 Technical Note

Where,

Acf = larger gross cross-sectional area of the design strips in two orthogonal directions

23
 Technical Note

APPENDIX
This appendix includes additional information directly relevant to the design of concrete structures, but not of a
type to be included in the program.

• Effective width of the flange36

i. For T-Beams
Effective overhanging flange width on each side of web is the smallest of:
a. Ln/8;
b. 8 times the flange thickness;
c. ½ of the clear distance to the next web – not checked in program

ii. For L-Beams

Effective overhanging flange width on each side is the smallest of:
a. Ln/12;
b. 6 times the flange thickness;
c. ½ of the clear distance to the next web – not checked in program

• Analysis
o Arrangement of loads37:

Continuous beams and one-way slabs:

▪ factored dead load on all spans with full factored live load on two adjacent spans;
▪ factored dead load on all spans with full factored live load on alternate spans; and

Two-way slabs38:
If the ratio of live over dead load exceeds 0.75, live load is skipped as in the following combination:
▪ factored dead load on all spans with 3/4th of the full factored live load on the panel
and on alternate panels; and
▪ factored dead load on all spans with 3/4th of the factored live load on adjacent
panels only.

• Redistribution of moment39

Redistribution is only permitted when the net tensile strain, t, is not less than 0.0075.
Percentage of redistribution = 1000t% ≤ 20%

where,
t = net tensile strain in extreme layer of longitudinal tension steel at nominal strength.

• Deflection
Maximum permissible computed deflections are based on Table 24.2.240.

36
ACI318-14, Section 6.3.2
37
ACI318-14, Section 6.4
38
ACI318-14, Section 6.4
39
ACI318-14, Section 6.6.5
40
ACI318-14, Section 24.2.2

24
 Technical Note

NOTATION

a depth of compression block;

Aps area of prestressing;
As area of tension steel;
A’s area of compression steel;
At area of concrete in tension zone;
b width of rectangular beam, or stem of T-section;
bf flange width of T-section;
c depth of neutral axis from compression fiber;
C total compression force;
Cc compression force due to concrete;
Cf compression force in flange overhang of T- or inverted L-beam;
Cs compression force due to compression reinforcement;
D dead load;
d’ distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of compression reinforcement;
dc distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of total compression block;
dp distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of prestressed reinforcement;
dr distance from extreme compression fiber to tensile rebar;
f’c 28-day compressive strength of concrete;
fcom stress in compression rebar at its centroid;
fps stress in prestress reinforcement at nominal strength;
fpu specified tensile strength of prestressing tendons;
fpy specified yield strength of prestressing tendons;
fse effective stress in prestress reinforcement (after allowance for all prestress losses);
ften stress in tension rebar at its centroid;
fy specified yield strength of nonprestressed reinforcement;
h overall thickness of member;
hf thickness of flange or T- or inverted L-beam;
I moment of inertia of section about centroidal axis;
L live load;
Mu factored moment;
Mn nominal moment;
s spacing of stirrups;
T total tension force;
Tp tension force due to prestressing;
Ts tension force due to tensile rebar;
vc concrete shear strength;
vu design shear stress;
β1 factor = a/c;
ϒ factor for type of prestressing material;
Ɛc concrete strain;
Ɛp strain in tendons at centroid;
Ɛs’ strain in compressive steel at centroid;
 modification factor reflecting the mechanical properties of the concrete;
ɸ strength reduction factor;
µ ductility factor;
ρ ratio of nonprestressed tension reinforcement = As/b*dr;
ρ’ ratio of nonprestressed compression reinforcement = As’/b*dr;

25
 Technical Note

ρp ratio of prestressed reinforcement = Aps/b*dp;

ω ρ*fv/f’c;
ω’ ρ’*fv/f’c;
ωp ρp*fps/f’c

26
 Technical Note

27