Technical Note 601

ADAPT-Builder

ACI318-19 CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN OF

CONCRETE FLOOR SYSTEMS1

This Technical Note details the requirements of ACI318-19 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-318-19

1
Copyright ADAPT Corporation 2019
 Technical Note
601
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.


 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.

𝐸 =𝑤 .
33 𝑓′ US
𝐸 =𝑤 .
0.043 𝑓′ 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 f y
 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 

2
ACI318-19, Section 22.2.2.3
3
ACI318-19, Section 19.2.2.1
4
ACI318-19, Section 20.2.2.1 and 20.2.2.2

2
 Technical Note
601



Prestressing Steel
 A bilinear stress-strain curve is assumed
 Modulus of elasticity is user defined [28000 ksi; 190,000 MPa

LOADING

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

SERVICEABILITY
 Load combinations
Total load combinations:
 DL+1.0 LL+1.0 PT

Sustained load combinations:

 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.

5
ACI318-19, Section 24.5

3
 Technical Note
601
“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: 𝑓 ≤ 7.5 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 𝑓 ≤ 0.62 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]

Class T: 7.5 𝑓 < 𝑓 ≤ 12 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 0.62 𝑓 <𝑓 ≤1 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]
Class C: 𝑓 > 12 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 𝑓 >1 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]

 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 𝑓 ≤ 6 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 𝑓 ≤ 0.5 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]

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: 𝑓 ≤ 7.5 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 𝑓 ≤ 0.62 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]

Class T: 7.5 𝑓 < 𝑓 ≤ 12 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 0.62 𝑓 <𝑓 ≤1 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]
Class C: 𝑓 > 12 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 𝑓 >1 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]

The program does not explicitly handle Class C. For one-way slabs and beams

4
 Technical Note
601
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 𝑓 ≤ 6 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 𝑓 ≤ 0.5 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼]

ADAPT uses 6 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 0.5 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼] as its default for two-way systems
ADAPT uses 7.5 𝑓 [𝑈𝑆], 0.62 𝑓 [𝑆𝐼] as its 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
 D +1.0 Hyp
 1.2 D + 1.6 L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R) + 1.0 Hyp
 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 ACI318 for the design of prestressed
concrete sections. The relationships for the simplified procedure are given in 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

6
ACI318-19, Section 5.3.1
7
ACI318-19, Section 22.2.1

5
 Technical Note
601
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

 Plane sections remain plane

 Maximum concrete strain in compression is limited to 0.003
 Tensile capacity of the concrete is neglected
 For ductility of members designed in bending the maximum depth of the neutral axis “c”
is limited to:
𝑐
≤ 0.375
𝑑
Where, dt is the distance from compression fiber to the farthest reinforcement. Where
necessary, compression reinforcement is added to enforce the above requirement.
 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.
 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:
𝛽 = 0.85 − 0.05 𝑓 − 4000 /1000 ≥ 0.65 US
𝛽 = 0.85 − 0.05 𝑓 − 28 /7 ≥ 0.65 SI

6
 Technical Note
601

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 f ps. 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

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.

7
 Technical Note
601

Figure 3

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

𝑀 < 𝛷𝑀

 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 at 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/d t. For
the basic strength reduction factor (ɸ = 0.9) the ratio of c/dt is limited to
0.375.

𝑐 = 0.375𝑑
𝑎 =𝛽 𝑐

 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

8
 Technical Note
601
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 < 0.375dt). 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 M u. 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 (A s,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 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

In Case 4, the amount of available prestressing is excessive, in that (c > 0.375 d t ). 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 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 c max. The
relationships are (Figs. 6 and 7):

𝑎 𝑎
𝛷 𝑀 = 𝛷 𝐶 (𝑑 − 2) + 𝐶 (𝑑 − 𝑑 ) + 𝐶 (𝑑 − 2)

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

9
 Technical Note
601
𝑎 ℎ
𝛷 𝑀 = 𝛷 𝐶 (𝑑 − 2) + 𝐶 (𝑑 − 𝑑 ) + 𝐶 (𝑑 − 2 )

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

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 a max.
The expressions in the section “Relationships” below apply. The following gives the compression force in
its expanded form.

𝐶 = 𝐴′ ∗ 𝑓 + 0.85(0.5𝑏𝛽 𝑑 − 𝐴 )𝑓′

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 a max criterion, and 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.

10
 Technical Note
601

Figure 4
o Relationships
 For given geometry, material properties, and 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.
 Tension equals compression, T = C, where:

𝑇 =𝑇 +𝑇
𝑇 =𝐴 𝑓
𝑇 =𝐴 𝑓
𝐶 =𝐶 +𝐶 +𝐶
𝐶 = 0.85(𝑏 ∗ 𝑎 − 𝐴 )𝑓′
𝐶 =𝐴 𝑓
𝐶 = 0.85 𝑏 − 𝑏 ∗ 𝑎 ∗ 𝑓′

 𝑀 < 𝛷𝑀

 𝑐 < 0.375𝑑

 For flanged sections, as shown in Fig. 7, the contribution of flange overhang

11
 Technical Note
601
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

 At every section of a flexural post-tensioned member with bonded tendons,

the following will be satisfied8:

𝑀 ≥ 1.2𝑀

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

Figure 5

8
ACI318-19, Section 7.6.2.1

12
 Technical Note
601

Figure 6

Figure 7

 One-way Shear9
o The design is based on the following:

𝛷𝑉 ≥ 𝑉
𝑉 =𝑉 +𝑉

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′ ≤ 100𝑝𝑠𝑖, 8.3 𝑀𝑃𝑎

o Design shear strength of concrete, Vc

 Non-prestressed members10
 For members where Av ≥ Av,min:

9
ACI318-19, Section 22.5
10
ACI318-19, Section 22.5.5

13
 Technical Note
601

𝑉𝑐 = 2λ 𝑓′ + 𝑏 𝑑 US

𝑉𝑐 = 0.17λ 𝑓′ + 𝑏 𝑑 SI

 For members where Av < Av,min:

𝑉𝑐 = 8λ λ(𝜌 ) /
𝑓′ + 𝑏 𝑑 US

𝑉𝑐 = 0.66λ λ(𝜌 ) /
𝑓′ + 𝑏 𝑑 SI

Where,
𝑉𝑐,max = 5λ 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑
𝑁
≤ 0.05 𝑓′𝑐
6𝐴

= 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

𝜆 = ≤1

Where Nu/Ag is in psi, MPa

 Prestressed members

𝑉𝑑
𝑉 = 0.6𝜆 𝑓′ + 700 𝑏 𝑑
𝑀
2𝜆 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 ≤ 𝑉 ≤ 5𝜆 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑

Where ≤1

14
 Technical Note
601
o Shear reinforcement, Av11

 If 𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 > 𝑉 , 12
shear is excessive. Revise the section or
increase the concrete strength
Where 𝑉 , =
𝑉, = 8 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 US
𝑉, = 0.66 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 SI

 If 𝑉 < 0.5𝛷𝑉 no shear reinforcement is required

 If 0.5𝛷𝑉 < 𝑉 < 𝛷𝑉 Av = Av,min13

( )
 If 𝑉 > 𝛷𝑉 𝐴 14 = ≥𝐴 ,

 For nonprestressed beams, if 𝛷λ 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 ≤ 𝑉 < 𝛷𝑉 , Av,min is not required

in the conditions per ACI318-19 Table 9.6.3.1
 For prestressed beams, if 0.5𝛷𝑉 ≤ 𝑉 < 𝛷𝑉 , Av,min is not required in the
conditions per ACI318-19 Table 9.6.3.1, where A v,min,

 Nonprestressed members:

𝐴 , = 0.75 𝑓′ ≥ 50 US

𝐴 , = 0.062 𝑓′ ≥ 0.35 SI

 Prestressed members:

𝐴 , = min max 0.75 𝑓 , 50 , US

𝐴 , = min max 0.062 𝑓′ ≥ 0.35 , SI

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

11
ACI318-19, Section 22.5.8.5
12
ACI318-19, Section 22.5.1.2
13
ACI318-19, Section 9.6.3.4
14
ACI318-19, Section 22.5.8.5.3

15
 Technical Note
601

 Maximum spacing of the legs of shear reinforcement, s v,max15:

 Nonprestressed members:

US: Sv,max =
d/2 ≤24in if (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷4 𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
d/4 ≤12in if 𝛷4 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 < (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷8 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑

SI: Sv,max =
d/2 ≤600 mm if (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷0.33 𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
d/4 ≤300mm if 𝛷0.33 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 < (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷0.66 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑

Prestressed members:

US: Sv,max =
0.75h ≤24in if (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷4 𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
0.375h ≤12in if 𝛷4 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 < (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷8 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑

SI: Sv,max =
0.75h ≤600mm if (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷0.33 𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
0.375h ≤300mm if 𝛷0.33 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑 < (𝑉 − 𝛷𝑉 ) < 𝛷0.66 𝑓′ 𝑏 𝑑

 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
 In cases 2, 3 and 4, the 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

15
ACI318-19, Section 9.7.6.2.2

16
 Technical Note
601
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 calculation16
 The maximum factored shear stress is calculated for several critical
perimeters around the columns based on the combination of the direct
shear and moment:

𝑉 𝛾𝑀 𝑐
𝑣 = +
𝐴 𝐽

𝑉 𝛾𝑀 𝑐′
𝑣 = +
𝐴 𝐽

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 axis17. 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(𝑏 + 𝑏 )𝑑

16
ACI318-19, Section 8.4.4.2
17
“Concrete Q&A – Checking Punching Shear Strength by the ACI Code,” Concrete International, November 2005, pp 76.

17
 Technical Note
601
𝑏
𝑐=
2
𝑏 𝑑 𝑑𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑑
𝐽 = + +
6 6 2
1
𝛾 =1−
2 𝑏
1+
3 𝑏
𝑀 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠(𝑀 , )

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

𝐴 = (2𝑏 + 𝑏 )𝑑
𝑏
𝑐=
2𝑏 + 𝑏
𝑏 𝑑 𝑑𝑏 𝑏
𝐽 = + + 2𝑏 𝑑 −𝑐 + 𝑏 𝑑𝑐
6 6 2
1
𝛾 =1−
2 𝑏
1+
3 𝑏
𝑐
𝑀 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑀 , −𝑉 𝑏 −𝑐−
2

3. Corner Column:

𝐴 = (𝑏 + 𝑏 )𝑑
𝑏
𝑐=
2𝑏 + 2𝑏
𝑏 𝑑 𝑑𝑏 𝑏
𝐽 = + +𝑏 𝑑 −𝑐 + 𝑏 𝑑𝑐
12 12 2
1
𝛾 =1−
2 𝑏
1+
3 𝑏
𝑐
𝑀 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑀 , −𝑉 𝑏 −𝑐−
2

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

𝐴 = (𝑏 + 2𝑏 )𝑑
𝑏
𝑐=
2

18
 Technical Note
601
𝑏 𝑑 𝑑𝑏
𝐽 = + + 2𝑏 𝑑𝑐
12 12
1
𝛾 =1−
2 𝑏
1+
3 𝑏
𝑀 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑀 ,

o Allowable stress18:
 For nonprestressed member and prestressed member where columns are
less than 4hs from a slab edge:

⎧ 4λ λ 𝑓′ ⎫
⎪ ⎪
𝑣 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 2+ λ λ 𝑓′ US
⎨ ⎬
⎪ 2+ λ λ 𝑓′ ⎪
⎩ ⎭

⎧ 0.33λ𝑠 λ 𝑓′𝑐 ⎫
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
𝑣 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 0.17 1 + λ𝑠 λ 𝑓′𝑐 SI
⎨ ⎬
⎪
⎪0.083 2 + ⎪
λ𝑠 λ 𝑓′𝑐 ⎪
⎩ ⎭

Where,
β = the ratio of the larger to the smaller side of the critical section
f’c = the strength of the concrete
αs = 40 for interior columns
= 30 for edge and end columns
= 20 for corner columns
bo = the perimeter of the critical section.

2
λ = 𝑑 ≤1
1+
10

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

𝑣 = 𝛽 λ 𝑓′𝑐 + 0.3𝑓𝑝𝑐 + 𝑉

18
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.5

19
 Technical Note
601
Where,

𝛽 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 3.5, + 1.5 US

𝛽 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 0.29,0.083 + 1.5 SI

Where,
αs = 40 for interior columns
= 30 for edge and end columns
= 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′ ≤ 70 𝑝𝑠𝑖 , 0.5 𝑀𝑃𝑎

o Critical sections19
 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 d/2 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

𝑣 = 𝛷 2λ 𝑓′ US
𝑐

𝑣 = 𝛷 0.17λ 𝑓′ SI
𝑐

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
d/2 from the face of the drop panel/cap in which ‘d’ is the effective depth of
the slab. Subsequent sections are d/2 away from the previous critical section.
o Stress check: Calculated stresses are compared against the allowable stress20

19
ACI318-19, Section 8.4.4 & 22.6.4
20
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.5

20
 Technical Note
601

If 𝑣 < 𝛷 𝑣 no punching shear reinforcement is required

If 𝑣 > 𝛷 𝑣 , punching stress is excessive; revise the section
If 𝛷 𝑣 , >𝑣 >𝛷 𝑣 provide punching shear reinforcement

For stirrups21:
𝛷𝑣 , = 𝛷 6 𝑓′ US
= 𝛷 0.5 𝑓′ SI
22
For studs :
𝛷𝑣 , = 𝛷 8 𝑓′ US
= 𝛷 0.66 𝑓′ 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 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 exceed23:

𝑣 = 𝛷 2λ 𝑓′ US
𝑣 = 𝛷 0.17λ 𝑓′ 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
following24:
( )
𝐴 = ( )

21
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.6.3
22
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.6.3
23
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.6.1
24
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.7 & 22.6.8

21
 Technical Note
601
For studs25: 𝐴 ≥ 𝐴 , =
Where26,
𝑣 = 2λ 𝑓′ [𝑈𝑆], 0.17λ 𝑓′ [𝑆𝐼] for stirrups
𝑐 𝑐

𝑣 = 3λ 𝑓′ [𝑈𝑆], 0.25λ 𝑓′ [𝑆𝐼] for studs

𝑐 𝑐

α = angle of shear reinforcement with the plane of slab

u = periphery of the critical section
s = spacing between the critical sections

 If required, shear reinforcement will be extended to the section where:

𝑣 ≤ 𝛷 2λ 𝑓′ US
𝑐

𝑣 ≤ 𝛷 0.17λ 𝑓′ SI
𝑐

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 (Distshear_links) are given by:

𝐴
𝑁 _ =
𝐴 _
𝑢
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡 _ =
𝑁 _

 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 face.27
 If shear studs are used, the number of shear studs per rail (Nshear_studs) and the
distance between the studs (Distshear_studs) are given by:

𝐴
𝑁 _ =
𝐴 _ 𝑁

25
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.8.3
26
ACI318-19, Section 22.6.6.1

27
ACI318-19, Section 8.7.6.3

22
 Technical Note
601
𝑑
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡 _ =
2𝑁 _

 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 constant28.
 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 spacing29
between stud rails and adds enough rails per column side to meet this requirement.

o Minimum Two-Way Shear Resistance for Seismic Drift30:

 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:

𝑣 ≥ 3.5 𝑓′

 In the following expression used to calculate Av, when the quantity (𝑣 − 𝛷𝑣 ) ≤

𝑣 , the program uses 3.5 𝑓′ for critical sections up to 4h.

(𝑣 − 𝛷 𝑣 )𝑢𝑠
𝐴 =
𝛷 𝑓 sin (𝛼)

INITIAL CONDITION

28
ACI318-19, Section 8.7.6.3
29
ACI318-19, Section 8.7.7.1.2
30
ACI318-19, Section 18.14.5.1

23
 Technical Note
601
 Load combinations
o ADAPT uses the following default values. User can modify these values.
o 1.0 SW +1.15 PT
 Allowable stresses31
o Tension:
 At ends of simply supported members: 6 𝑓′ [𝑈𝑆], 0.5 𝑓′ [𝑆𝐼]
 All others (program default): 3 𝑓′ [𝑈𝑆], 0.25 𝑓′ [𝑆𝐼]
o Compression: 0.6𝑓′
 If the tensile stress exceeds the threshold, reinforcement is added in the tensile zone
 Reinforcement
o 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:

𝑁
𝐴 =
0.5𝑓

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

DETAILING
 Reinforcement requirement and placing
o Nonprestressed member:
 Minimum tension rebar
• Beam32:

𝐴 , = > US

.
.
𝐴 , = > SI

where,
bw = width of the web [in,mm]
fy,max = 80,000 psi
For statically determinate members with flange in tension:
bw = 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

31
ACI318-19, Section 24.5.3
32
ACI318-19, Section 9.6.1 & 9.6.2

24
 Technical Note
601
that required by analysis.
 Slab33:

𝐴 , = 0.0018𝐴
𝑠 = min (5ℎ, 18𝑖𝑛) US
𝑠 = min (5ℎ, 450𝑚𝑚) SI

o Prestressed member:
 One way system with unbonded tendon:

𝐴 , = 0.004𝐴
Where,
Act = Area of the part of cross-section between the flexural tension face and the center
of gravity of cross-section

 Two way system with unbonded tendon:

• Positive moment areas if tensile stress exceeds 2 𝑓′ :

𝑁
𝐴 , =
0.5𝑓

• Negative moment areas at column supports:

𝐴 , = 0.00075𝐴

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

33
ACI318-19, Section 7.6.1, 7.6.2, 8.6.1, 8.6.2

25
 Technical Note
601
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 flange34
o For T-Beams
 Effective overhanging flange width on each side of web is the smallest of:
• Ln/8
• 8 times the flange thickness
• ½ of the clear distance to the next web – not checked in program
o For L-Beams
 Effective overhanging flange width on each side is the smallest of:
• Ln/12
• 6 times the flange thickness
• ½ of the clear distance to the next web – not checked in program
 Analysis
o Arrangement of loads35:
o 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
o Two-way slabs36:
 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 moment37
o Redistribution is only permitted when the net tensile strain, t, is not less than 0.0075.
o Percentage of redistribution = 1000t% ≤ 20% where t = net tensile strain in extreme layer
of longitudinal tension steel at nominal strength.
 Deflection
o Maximum permissible computed deflections are based on Table 24.2.238.

34
ACI318-19, Section 6.3.2
35
ACI318-19, Section 6.4
36
ACI318-19, Section 6.4
37
ACI318-19, Section 6.6.5
38
ACI318-19, Section 24.2.2

26
 Technical Note
601
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

27
 Technical Note
601
Ɛp strain in tendons at centroid
Ɛ’s 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
ρp ratio of prestressed reinforcement = Aps/b*dp;
ω ρ*fv/f’c;
ω’ ρ’*fv/f’c;
ωp ρp*fps/f’c

28