Bhavin Shah and Vivek Mitra had an interesting conversation on the interface gap areas between geotechnical engineer and structural engineer on 4-Oct-20. We are thankful of Vivek Mitra for addressing the queries of the participants and also we are thankful of the participants for raising very important and the interesting questions.
Join us for the live and interesting technical discussion on every Sunday 11:00am IST.
Link for joining all live sessions : https://youtube.com/c/StructuralEngineering/Live
For safety and cost optimization of the structures, interface between geotechnical engineer and structural engineer is one of the important area. It is required that the interface should be carried out throughout the project cycle. In the next session of 4-OCT-20 (11:00am), we will attempt to highlight such important interface areas. The overall idea is to discuss and collate the important interface gap areas. Possible solutions for the collated areas may be taken up in the future sessions.
In the session, Vivek Kumar MITRA will join us as a Guest Expert. He is a geotechnical engineer having around 25 years of experience. He has worked in projects in the areas of Offshore, Infrastructure, Power, Refinery, Petrochemicals & Marine. He also handled with distinction various projects in Ports & Harbors, Artificial Islands, Dredging / Land Reclamation and Oil & Gas and Ground Improvement for ultra-soft soil. He is the Founder & CEO of VKM GEOTECHNICS which he started in 2019.
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We had live interactive session on stiffness modifier as per IS 16700:2017, IS 15988:2013 & IS 1893(Part 1):2016 on 27-Sep-20. There were many interesting questions raised by the participants:
- What is the difference between factored and unfactored loads as per IS 16700
- Is there any impact on structural behaviour due to stiffness modifier?
- Why there are different set of modifiers for wind and seismic loads?
- Do we need to apply stiffness modifiers for footing design?
- Can we apply modifiers to only selected members in the structures?
- And many more….
Link of the recorded session is attached below. Your further comments/suggestions are welcome on the stiffness modifiers.
You may also suggest topics which may be taken up in the next weekly sessions (Sunday at 11:00am).
Bhavin Shah
Founder & CEO, SQVe Consultants
In the next session of 27-SEP-20, we are going to discuss the stiffness modifiers as per IS 16700, IS 15988 and IS 1893. Earlier, I received interesting questions at LinkedIn regarding the stiffness modifiers. I have given the answers based on my understanding. Few of them are reproduced below.
Link for attending live session of 27-SEP-20 : https://youtu.be/wEom_O1i7LY
Your views / suggestions / comments are welcome in the comment box below.
Why no stiffness modifiers for wind and other load cases, cracks can occur in other loads cases also which in turn increase the deflections ?
his is a very good question. Let me try to explain this with the simple language based on my understanding. For wind resistant design, the structure is designed to resist wind load under elastic limit. However, for earthquake resistant design, it is not economically feasible to design the structure to resist the earthquake loads under elastic limit. Hence, during extreme seismic event, the structure is expected to experience the inelastic displacements. In view of the above, the structure will be under elastic stress for the wind load case and will be designed to respond inelastically under the effect of earthquake loads. Due to the same, stiffness modifier concept might not have been considered for the wind resistant design for buildings less than 50m height (IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016). IS 16700 : 2017 defines stiffness modifiers for wind load case as well (table no. 6).
stiffness modifiers are independent to the nature of the force but they are dependent upon the extent of cracks in the member. The structures are designed to resist the wind force within elastic limit whereas for earthquake resistant design, the structure has to undergo inelastic displacement. Due to this the extent of cracks will be lesser in the structural members for wind resistant design as compared to the earthquake resistant design. Hence, the stiffness modifiers values are different for wind load and earthquake load.
Clause no 1.4 says, IS16700 can also be used to design building under 50 m but in no case, it should be used to design building having a height greater than 250m. Please do comment on this.
For buildings having height up to 50m, IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016 to be referred. IS 16700 : 2017 to be referred for buildings of height greater than 50m but less than or equal to 250m. It is mentioned in Cl. no. 1.4 of IS 16700 : 2017 that the standard may be used for buildings of height equal to or less than 50m. It is recommended that IS 16700 : 2017 may be used for such buildings as it may add values to the design. However, it is not mandatory to use IS 16700 : 2017 for design of buildings up to height of 50m. It is mentioned in Cl. no. 1.4 of IS 16700 : 2017 that the standard is not applicable for buildings of height more than 250m. Buildings of height greater than 250m are considered as Super Tall Building (Cl. no. 3.13). I believe that special issues associated with the Super Tall buildings like safety of structure, serviceability criteria, different structural systems, wind effects, etc. might not have been covered in the code. Hence, it might have been mentioned that the code is not applicable for Super Tall Buildings.
Ultimately as per my understanding from the discussion, we have to prepare 2 nos frame analysis model from which 1st model is used for satisfying serviceability criteria in which we have to assign stiffness modifiers as per IS 1893 :2016 for building having height less than 45m.and as per IS 16700 if building height having height more than 45mt. and check serviceability criteria. In 2nd model for design in which don’t assign stiffness modifiers if building height less than 45m and assign Ultimate stiffness modifiers if building height greater than 45mt. Make me correct if, am I wrong?
Let me correct your understanding based on my experience. As per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016, only one model is required and the stiffness modifiers to be considered only for seismic load. As per IS 16700 : 2017, two separate models will be required as there are different stiffness modifiers for wind load (serviceability state) and seismic load (ultimate state). I hope it is clear. May share further doubts, if any.
In IS1893 we have different stiffness modifiers for slabs, beams, columns but in IS16700 table 7 that shows stiffness modifiers to be used during Sensitivity Analysis mentions same modifiers for slabs, beams and columns. Why so?
In IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016, there are separate stiffness modifiers for beams and columns. IS 16700 : 2017 defines separate stiffness modifiers for slab, beam, column and wall in table no. 6 (Cl. no. 7.2). As per IS 16700 : 2017, the sensitivity analysis is to be performed for multiple tall buildings connected with a common podium (Cl. no. 8.1.3). Table 7 indicates stiffness modifiers to be used for upper and lower bound solution while performing the sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis is to be performed in addition to the analysis based on the cracked RC section properties, as defined in Table no. 6 (Cl. no. 7.2). I hope it answers your query.
Though with respect to IS 16700: 2017 table 7 modifiers are in addition to table 6 modifiers but why same modifiers are considered for slabs, beams, columns, walls? While table 6 mentions different modifiers for slabs, beams, columns, walls. Table 6 has different modifiers for different structural elements because we consider slabs will have more cracks than beams and beams more than columns. But in table 7 the modifiers are same for all elements. Why so?
As per clause no. 8.1.3.2.1 of IS 16700 : 2017, the stiffness modifiers are defined for upper-bound and lower-bound cracked section properties of floor diaphragms and diaphragms & perimeter wall of podium. Hence, there are unique values of the stiffness modifier. For more details, pl refer to the clause.
In case if shear walls are only the lateral force resisting element then shall we not be considering reduced stiffness? ACI also suggests 70% stiffness for the walls. Hence stiffness modifier for the walls shall not be ignored.
I agree with your views that stiffness modifiers may be included for shear wall as well. I believe it may be included in the next revision of the code.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, “stiffness modifier is a bi-product of stiffness reduction due to crack formation in concrete structures”. If we’re well positioned in terms of assuring conformance with crack-width criteria, in a sense resulting crack-width is well with in the permissible limit, under such scenario would you be still advocating such a tremendous reduction of portal stiffness?
As per my understanding the values might have been derived based on testing of the structures which are designed using conventional limit state design method principles. I think if we are limiting the crack widths as per requirements of un-cracked concrete then the values of stiffness modifiers may be increased. However, at present in the code, there are no different values of the modifiers defined for the structures which are designed considering the principles of un-cracked concrete.
Is this stiffness reduction “part-and-parcel” of serviceability checks since crack formation by-and-large activates such reductions in stiffness? Looks like, strength checks [Flexure/Shear etc] would remain unaffected by this substantial stiffness reduction.
As I understand that the stiffness modifiers are to be used only for structural analysis. After deriving the analysis results, the flexural / shear design to be performed using the conventional procedure of limit state design method.
From Analysis Point Of View Can We Take I as 1 and Run The Model And Take Out The Base Reactions Using That Model?? From Design Point Of View We Can Save As Model And Apply Stiffness MODIFIERS As Mentioned In The Code And Carry Out Design Procedure??
In IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016, stiffness modifiers are defined for structural analysis for seismic load case. The analysis results to be derived considering the stiffness modifiers. Thereafter, the design to be performed as per the conventional procedure.
I would like to ask that if there are cracks on the structure in service life (I am talking about old structure), then how to calculate its effect on the strength reduction of that member or in building analysis. Can we use stiffness modifier in that case by considering it for serviceability? Presume that I have analysis and design model of the original structure. Or any other Idea that how to analyse the old damaged structure (after obtaining required NDT results) and redesign it for Jacketing or wrapping?
Stiffness modifiers are defined with a fact that the RC structural elements would have cracks during their service life. For seismic evaluation and retrofitting of the existing RCC structures, you can refer IS 15988:2013.
By providing smf we can distribute the loads also. Is it true?
The intention for introducing the stiffness modifier is not for load distribution, instead it is to account for reduced moment of inertia of different members due to cracking.
If overall stiffness of building reduces and mass remains same then how overall seismic force on building going to reduce. Please clarify
The seismic force values are inversely proportional to time period of the building, i.e. higher the time period lesser is the seismic force. The time period is again inversely proportional to the stiffness of the structure. Hence, even if for the constant mass values, relatively lower stiffness will result in the higher time period and the higher time period will reduce the seismic force on the structure. I hope it will clarify your doubts.
Bhavin Shah
Founder & CEO, SQVe Consultants
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Part values of modifiers from different IS codes are given below. For more details, please refer relevant clauses and table of the above mentioned codes.
IS 15988:2013 Table 2 Some Effective Stiffness Values
(Clause 7.2.3)
Flexural Rigidity
- Beam, non pre-stressed……………………….. 0.5
- Beam, pre-stressed ……………………………… 1.0
- Column in compression(P > 0.5fc’Ag)…….0.7
- Column in compression (P > 0.5fc’Ag )…..0.5
- Walls — Uncracked ……………………………. 0.8
- Walls — Cracked ……………………………….. 0.5
- Flat slab To be determined based on rational procedure
IS 16700:2017 – Table 6 -Cracked RC section properties
(clause no. 7.2)
Element Unfactored loads Factored loads
- Slab 0.35 0.25
- Beams 0.7 0.35
- Columns 0.9 0.70
- Walls 0.9 0.70
IS 16700 : 2017 – Table 7 Stiffness Parameters
Clause no. 8.1.3.2.1 (a)
Diaphragms & Perimeter walls of podium and below the level
Of backstay – Ieff / Ig – 0.5 (upper bound) , 0.15 (lower bound)
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An online course related to stiffness modifiers will start from 22-JUN-22.
Click below for more details and registration for EQ-STR-003
Feedback of participants from the previous online courses:
Bhavin Shah conducted very interesting discussion on the concept of stiffness modifiers (SM) as per IS 1893 (Part 1):2016. The participants raised many interesting questions. Few of them are mentioned below:
· What is the value of SM for PT beams?
· What are the values of SM for composite beams?
· What are the impact on analysis due to consideration of SM?
· What are the impact of SM on strong column weak beam concept (IS 13920:2016) ?
· And many more…
Please refer the recording of video for details. Your further comments/suggestions on the subject are welcome.
The concept of stiffness modifiers is introduced for the first time in IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016. The clause no. 6.4.3.1 of the code defines requirements for structural analysis. It is mentioned in the clause that for structural analysis, we should consider reduced moment of inertial for RCC structures. For columns, 70 percent of Igross should be considered and for beams, 35 percent of Igross to be considered. This clause has generated many questions among the group of structural engineers. The overall objective of writing this article is to collate views/suggestions from the wider group of engineers. In the following section, I have attempted to give answers to few questions, received from different engineers. The answers are given for buildings having height less than 50 m. The comparison of stiffness modifiers with IS 16700 : 2017 & IS 15988 : 2013 will be done in the subsequent article.
Q-1 Why stiffness modifiers are introduced in the code?
Before this clause, in the structural analysis, we were considering 100% of moment of inertia for RCC beams and columns. In RCC member, the cracks will generate in the tension zone of concrete due to application of different loads. Due to these cracks, the moment of inertia of RCC member will be lesser than the gross moment of inertia. Hence, to account for the reduced moment of inertia of the cracked section, the concept of stiffness modifiers is introduced in the code.
Q-2 Why stiffness modifier value is higher for column than beam?
The pattern and extent of cracks will vary substantially from structure to structures and members to members even in a similar structure. It is very difficult to assign the unique values of the stiffness modifiers for different members. The values which are suggested in the code are based on the numerous experiments and might have been referred from different international standards. The stiffness modifier value for column is higher than the beam since the columns will have higher axial compression than the beam. Hence, the extent of cracks would be lesser in the columns as compared to the beams. Hence, the stiffness modifier value for column is higher than the beams.
Q-3 What impact stiffness modifiers will make on overall analysis?
There will be two major impacts in the structural analysis results as compared to the model using 100% of gross moment of inertia:
1) Since we are considering the reduced moment of inertia, the overall stiffness of the structure will reduce. Due to the reduced stiffness, the structure will be relatively flexible and hence would attract the lower seismic forces.
2) Drift of the structure will increase because it is relatively flexible.
Q-4 Are stiffness modifiers required only for analysis or for design as well?
The stiffness modifiers should be considered only for the structural analysis. The analysis results to be derived considering the stiffness modifiers. The structural design to be done with the conventional procedure considering the analysis results.
Q-5 Should we consider stiffness modifiers for all load cases or only for seismic loads?
The stiffness modifiers mentioned in IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016 are only for ultimate condition, i.e. for seismic load case. The same modifiers should not be considered for the other load cases.
Q-6 Is it required to consider the value of torsional stiffness modifiers?
As per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016, no reduction to be considered for torsion constant, i.e. 100% of torsion constant to be considered for the structural analysis.
Q-7 What will happen if we consider unique stiffness modifiers for both serviceability and ultimate conditions?
Generally, the stiffness modifiers are different for serviceability and the ultimate conditions. As discussed above, the stiffness modifiers defined in IS 1893(Part 1) : 2016 are for the ultimate condition. If we consider the same stiffness modifiers for the serviceability condition as well then the moment at beam column junction will be higher and the span moment will be lesser as compared to the model without stiffness modifiers. In my opinion, the span moment may err on the unconservative side, if we consider the same stiffness modifiers for the serviceability condition.
Q-8 Is it required to consider stiffness modifiers for the shear wall and slab?
At present, I think it is not required for the shear wall & slab as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016. It is only required for RCC beams and columns.
Q-9 Should we consider stiffness modifiers for design of foundations?
As mentioned above, the stiffness modifiers to be considered only for seismic load case. The structural analysis is to be performed with the seismic loads having stiffness modifiers. Thereafter, the analysis results should be used for design of the foundation.
Concluding remarks:
Consideration of the stiffness modifiers will reduce the seismic demand on the structure. But at the same time, it will result in relatively higher drifts due to increased flexibility of the structure. The stiffness modifiers value should be different for the serviceability and the ultimate conditions. The stiffness modifiers are to be used only for structural analysis. The comparison of stiffness modifiers with IS 16700 : 2017 & IS 15988 : 2013 will be done in the subsequent article. The above mentioned answers are based on my understanding. If you have further questions / difference of opinion, then please share details in the below comment box.
Bhavin Shah
Founder & CEO, SQVe Consultants
Link for joining all live sessions
https://www.youtube.com/c/StructuralEngineering/live
As a part of a “weekly live technical discussion” series, Bhavin Shah conducted a live session for design of the gravity columns as per IS 13920:2016. We had a highly interactive session today on design of gravity columns as per IS 13920:2016. The recording of the same is attached below.
Your views/suggestions are welcome for the next topics.
For design of steel structures, IS 800:2007 was published before ~13 years. However, till today there are practical difficulties for performing the design in total compliance of the code may be due to several reasons like unavailability of detailed handbook with practical examples, gap between current software and IS code, doubts related to certain clauses of the code, interface gap areas between different IS codes, etc.
To bridge this gap area, we are glad to announce an online workshop which is specifically designed to address some of the above-mentioned practical difficulties. We intend to share the collated discussion with the concerned BIS technical committee for their perusal. The areas related to the software will be shared with the concerned software developer for further action at their end.
Let’s work together for improvement in our IS codes.
Bhavin Shah will be conducting the unique workshop named as “Decoding of IS 800:2007 for design of steel structures”on 18-SEP-20 at 3:30pm. The event is organised by Steel Structures & Metal Buildings (SSMB). The three-hour online workshop is specifically designed to address some of the practical difficulties being faced while design of the steel structures.
For registration and further details, pl visit : https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8916000766713/WN_dzSJQZv2SROlsoFtruNmjQ
Weekly Live Technical Discussion
We are going to initiate “Weekly Live Technical Discussion” series on the topics for which industry is facing difficulties. The topic will be decided in advance and the technical discussion will be conducted through the live stream at youtube. The sessions will be organized on every Sunday at 11:00am.
The topic for upcoming Sunday (13-Sep-20) is “Gravity Columns”. The concept of gravity column is included in the latest IS codes related to earthquake resistant design. I have received many questions from the practicing engineers like how to model the gravity columns, design of gravity columns, which columns can be considered as gravity columns, etc. In the upcoming session on Sunday, the technical discussion will be focused on the gravity columns.
The brief note prepared by Bhavin Shah can be downloaded from the below link. The note was prepared and shared with a purpose of initiating the discussion in the structures group at telegram ( link for joining the group : https://t.me/structuresgroup ). Bhavin Shah will give overview of the note and take up each comment/question/suggestion, etc. sequentially. You may post your comments/details in advance. While, posting the comment, pl mention your name, city & organisation (optional).
For participating in the session, simply click on the youtube channel link : https://www.youtube.com/c/StructuralEngineering/live
You may like or subscribe the channel to get notification when we are live as well as to get update about the future sessions.
Your input / suggestions are welcome for the next topics.