Terzaghi's Bearing Capacity Equations

• Bearing capacity equation

• Bearing capacity factors
• Bearing capacity Chart
• Example 1: Strip footing on cohesionless soil
• Example 2: Square footing on clay soil
• Example 3: Circular footing on sandy clay

Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory

Figure 1.1: Shear stresses based on Terzaghi’s soil bearing capacity theory

Based on Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory, column load P is resisted by shear

stresses at edges of three zones under the footing and the overburden pressure, q (=γD)
above the footing. The first term in the equation is related to cohesion of the soil. The
second term is related to the depth of the footing and overburden pressure. The third
term is related to the width of the footing and the length of shear stress area. The bearing
capacity factors, Nc, Nq, Nγ, are function of internal friction angle, φ.
Terzaghi's Bearing capacity equations:
Strip footings:
Qu = c Nc + γ D Nq + 0.5 γ B Nγ
[1.1]
Square footings:
Qu = 1.3 c Nc + γ D Nq + 0.4 γ B Nγ [1.2]
Circular footings:
Qu = 1.3 c Nc + γ D Nq + 0.3 γ B Nγ [1.3]

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Where:
C: Cohesion of soil, γ : unit weight of soil, D: depth of footing, B: width of footing
Nc, Nq, Nr: Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors depend on soil friction angle, φ.
Nc=cotφ(Nq –1)
[1.4]
2
Nq=e (3π/4-φ/2)tanφ / [2 cos2(45+φ/2)] [1.5]
2
Nγ=(1/2) tanφ( Kpr /cos φ -1) [1.6]
Kpr=passive pressure coefficient.
(Note: from Boweles, Foundation analysis and design, "Terzaghi never
explained..how he obtained Kpr used to compute Nγ")
Table 1: Terzaghi’s Bearing Capacity Factors

φ Nc Nq Nr

0 5.7 1 0

5 7.3 1.6 0.5

10 9.6 2.7 1.2

15 12.9 4.4 2.5

20 17.7 7.4 5

25 25.1 12.7 9.7

30 37.2 22.5 19.7

35 57.8 41.4 42.4

40 95.7 81.3 100.4

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Figure 2 Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors

Example 1: Strip footing on cohesionless soil

Given:

• Soil properties:
• Soil type: cohesionless soil.

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 • Cohesion: 0 (neglectable)
• Friction Angle: 30 degree
• Unit weight of soil: 100 lbs/ft3
• Expected footing dimensions:
• 3 ft wide strip footing, bottom of footing at 2 ft below ground level
• Factor of safety: 3

Requirement: Determine allowable soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s equation.

Solution:

From Table 1 or Figure 1, Nc = 37.2, Nq = 22.5, Nr = 19.7 for φ = 30 degree

Determine ultimate soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation for
strip footing
Qu = c Nc + γ D Nq + 0.5 γ B Nγ
= 0 +100*2*22.5+0.5*100*6*19.7
= 10410 lbs/ft2
Allowable soil bearing capacity,
Qa = Qu / F.S. = 10410 / 3 = 3470 lbs/ft2 ≅ 3500 lbs/ft2

Example 2: Square footing on clay soil

Given:

• Soil type: Clay

• Soil properties:
• Cohesion:2000 lbs/ft2
• Friction Angle: 0 (neglectable)
• Unit weight of soil: 120 lbs/ft3
• Expected footing dimensions:
• 6 ft by 6 ft square footing, bottom of footing at 2 ft below ground level
• Factor of safety: 3

Requirement: Determine allowable soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s equation.

Solution:

From Table 1 or Figure 1, Nc = 5.7, Nq = 1.0, Nr = 0 for φ = 0 degree

Determine ultimate soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation for
square footing
Qu = 1.3 c Nc + γ D Nq + 0.4 γ B Nγ
= 1.3*1000*5.7 +120*2*1+ 0
= 7650 lbs/ft2
Allowable soil bearing capacity,
Qa = Qu / F.S. = 7650 / 3 = 2550 lbs/ft2 ≅ 2500 lbs/ft2

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Example 3: Circular footing on sandy clay

Given:

• Soil properties:
• Soil type: sandy clay
• Cohesion: 500 lbs/ft2
• Friction Angle: 25 degree
• Unit weight of soil: 100 lbs/ft3
• Expected footing dimensions:
• 10 ft diameter circular footing for a circular tank, bottom of footing at 2 ft below
ground level
• Factor of safety: 3

Requirement:

Determine allowable soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s equation.

Solution:

From Table 1 or Figure 1, Nc = 17.7, Nq = 7.4, Nr = 5.0 for φ = 20 degree

Determine ultimate soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation for
circular footing
Qu = 1.3 c Nc + γ D Nq + 0.3 γ B Nγ
= 1.3*500*17.7 +100*2*7.4+0.3*100*10*5.0
= 17985 lbs/ft2
Allowable soil bearing capacity,

Qa = Qu / F.S. = 17985/ 3 = 5995 lbs/ft2 ≅ 6000 lbs/ft2 Where we live

.
E

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Meyerhof's general bearing capacity equations
• Bearing capacity equation for vertical load, inclined load
• Meyerhof's bearing capacity factors
• Chart for Bearing capacity factor
• Example 4: Strip footing on clayey sand
• Example 5: Rectangular footing on sandy clay
• Example 6: Square footing with incline loads

Meyerhof’s general bearing capacity equations

Vertical load:
Qu = c Nc Sc Dc + γ D Nq Sq Dq + 0.5 γ B Nγ Sγ Dγ [1.7]
Inclined load:
Qu = c Nc Sc Dc Ic + γ D Nq Sq Dq Iq + 0.5 γ B Nγ Sγ Dγ Iγ [1.8]
Where:
Nc, Nq, Nr: Meyerhof’s bearing capacity factors depend on soil friction angle, φ.
Nc = cot φ ( Nq – 1) [1.9]
πtanφ 2
Nq = e tan (45+φ/2)] [1.10]
Nγ = (Nq-1) tan (1.4φ) [1.11]
Sc, Sq, Sγ: shape factors
Dc, Dq, Dγ: depth factors
Ic, Iq, Iγ: incline load factors
Friction angle Shape factor Depth factor Incline load factors
Any φ Sc=1+0.2Kp(B/L) Dc=1+0.2√Kp (B/L) Ic=Iq=(1-θ/90°)2
φ=0 Sq=Sγ=1 Dq=Dγ=1 Iγ=1
≥φ10° Sq=Sγ=1+0.1Kp(B/L) Dq=Dr=1+0.1√Kp (D/B) Iγ=(1-θ/φ)2
C: Cohesion of soil
γ : unit weight of soil
D: depth of footing
B, L: width and length of footing
Kpr = tan2(45+φ/2), passive pressure coefficient.
θ = angle of axial load to vertical axis
Table 2: Meyerhof’s bearing capacity factors
φ Nc Nq Nr
0 5.1 1 0
5 6.5 1.6 0.1
10 8.3 2.5 0.4
15 11 3.9 1.2
20 14.9 6.4 2.9
25 20.7 10.7 6.8
30 30.1 18.4 15.1
35 46.4 33.5 34.4

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 40 75.3 64.1 79.4

Figure 2: Meyerhof’s bearing capacity factors

Example 4: Strip footing on clayey sand

Given:

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 • Soil properties:
• Soil type: clayey sand.
• Cohesion: 500 lbs/ft2
• Cohesion: 25 degree
• Friction Angle: 30 degree
• Unit weight of soil: 100 lbs/ft3
• Expected footing dimensions:
• 3 ft wide strip footing, bottom of footing at 2 ft below ground level
• Factor of safety: 3

Requirement:

Determine allowable soil bearing capacity using Meyerhof’s equation.

Solution:

Determine ultimate soil bearing capacity using Meyerhof’s bearing capacity equation for vertical load.
Passive pressure coefficient
Kpr = tan2(45+φ/2) = tan2(45+25/2) = 2.5
Shape factors:
Sc=1+0.2Kp(B/L) = 1+0.2*2.5*(0)=1
Sq=Sγ=1+0.1Kp(B/L) = 1+0.1*2.5*(0) = 1
Depth factors:
Dc=1+0.2√Kp (B/L) = 1+0.2*√2 (0) = 1
Dq=Dγ=1+0.1√Kp (D/B) = 1+0.1*√2.5 (3/3) = 1.16
From Table 2 or Figure 2, Nc = 20.7, Nq = 10.7, Nr = 6.8 for φ = 25 degree
Qu = c Nc Sc Dc + γ D Nq Sq Dq + 0.5 γ B Nγ Sγ Dγ
= 500*20.7*1*1 +100*3*10.7*1*1.16+0.5*100*3*6.8*1*1.16
= 15257 lbs/ft2
Allowable soil bearing capacity,
Qa = Qu / F.S. = 15257 / 3 = 5085 lbs/ft2 ≅ 5000 lbs/ft2

Example 5: Rectangular footing on sandy clay

Given:

• Soil properties:
• Soil type: sandy clay
• Cohesion: 500 lbs/ft2
• Friction Angle: 20 degree
• Unit weight of soil: 100 lbs/ft3
• Expected footing dimensions:
• 8 ft by 4 ft rectangular footing, bottom of footing at 3 ft below ground level.
• Factor of safety: 3

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Requirement:

Determine allowable soil bearing capacity using Meyerhof’s equation.

Solution:

Determine ultimate soil bearing capacity using Meyerhof’s bearing capacity equation for vertical load.
Passive pressure coefficient
Kpr = tan2(45+φ/2) = tan2(45+20/2) = 2.
Shape factors:
Sc=1+0.2Kp(B/L) = 1+0.2*2*(4/8)=1.2
Sq=Sγ=1+0.1Kp(B/L) = 1+0.1*2*(4/8) = 1.1
Depth factors:
Dc=1+0.2√Kp (B/L) = 1+0.2*√2 (4/8) = 1.14
Dq=Dγ=1+0.1√Kp (D/B) = 1+0.1*√2 (3/4) = 1.1
From Table 2 or Figure 2, Nc = 14.9, Nq = 6.4, Nr = 2.9 for φ = 20 degree
Qu = c Nc Sc Dc + γ D Nq Sq Dq + 0.5 γ B Nγ Sγ Dγ
= 500*14.9*1.2*1.14 +100*3*6.4*1.1*1.1+0.5*100*4*2.9*1.1*1.1
= 13217 lbs/ft2
Allowable soil bearing capacity,
Qa = Qu / F.S. = 13217 / 3 = 4406 lbs/ft2 ≅ 4400 lbs/ft2

Example 6: Square footing with incline loads

Given:

• Soil properties:
• Soil type: sandy clay
• Cohesion: 1000 lbs/ft2
• Friction Angle: 15 degree
• Unit weight of soil: 100 lbs/ft3
• Expected footing dimensions:
• 8 ft by 8 ft square footing, bottom of footing at 3 ft below ground level.
• Expected column vertical load = 100 kips
• Expected column horizontal load = 20 kips
• Factor of safety: 3

Requirement:

Determine allowable soil bearing capacity using Meyerhof’s equation.

Solution:

Determine ultimate soil bearing capacity using Meyerhof’s bearing capacity equation for vertical load.
Passive pressure coefficient

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Kpr = tan2(45+φ/2) = tan2(45+15/2) = 1.7
Shape factors:
Sc=1+0.2Kp(B/L) = 1+0.2*1.7*(8/8)=1.34
Sq=Sγ=1+0.1Kp(B/L) = 1+0.1*1.7*(8/8) =1.17
Depth factors:
Dc=1+0.2√Kp (B/L) = 1+0.2*√1.7 (8/8) = 1.26
Dq=Dγ=1+0.1√Kp (D/B) = 1+0.1*√1.7 (3/8) = 1.05
Incline load factors:
θ = tan-1 (20/100) = 11.3°
Ic=Iq=(1-θ/90°)2=(1-11.3/90)2= 0.76
Iγ=(1-θ/φ)2=(1-11.3/15)2=0.06
From Table 2 or Figure 2, Nc = 11, Nq = 3.9, Nr = 1.2 for φ = 15 degree
Qu = c Nc Sc Dc Ic + γ D Nq Sq Dq Iq + 0.5 γ B Nγ Sγ Dγ Iγ
= 500*11*1.34*1.26*0.76+100*3*3.9*1.17*1.05*0.76+0.5*100*8*1.17*1.05*0.06
= 8179 lbs/ft2
Allowable soil bearing capacity,
Qa = Qu / F.S. = 8179 / 3 = 2726 lbs/ft2 ≅ 2700 lbs/ft2

arth

Bearing capacity from SPT numbers

One of most commonly method for determining allowable soil bearing capacity is from
standard penetration test (SPT) numbers. It is simply because SPT numbers are readily
available from soil boring. The equations that are commonly used were proposed by
Meryerhof based on one inches of foundation settlement. Bowles revised Meyerhof’s
equations because he believed that Meryerhof’s equation might be conservative.

Meryerhof’s equations:

For footing width, 4 feet or less:

Qa = (N/4) / K [1.12]
For footing width, greater than 4 ft:
Qa = (N/6)[(B+1)/B]2 / K [1.13]

Bowles’ equations:

For footing width, 4 feet or less:

Qa = (N/2.5) / K [1.14]
For footing width, greater than 4 ft:
Qa = (N/4)[(B+1)/B]2 / K [1.15]
Qa: Allowable soil bearing capacity, in kips/ft2.
N: SPT numbers below the footing.

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B: Footing width, in feet
K = 1 + 0.33(D/B) ≤ 1.33
D: Depth from ground level to the bottom of footing, in feet.

Example 7: Determine soil bearing capacity by SPT numbers

Given
• Soil SPT number: 10
• Footing type: 3 feet wide strip footing, bottom of footing at 2 ft below ground
surface.
Requirement: Estimate allowable soil bearing capacity based on.
Solution:
Meryerhof's equation
K = 1+0.33(D/B) = 1+0.33*(2/3) = 1.22
Qa = (N/4) / K = (10 /4) /1.22 = 2 kips/ft2
Bowles’ equation:
Qa = (N/2.5) / K = (10 /2.5) /1.22 = 3.3 kips/ft2

Example 8: Determine soil bearing capacity by SPT numbers

Given:
• Soil SPT number: 20
• Footing type: 8 feet wide square footing, bottom of footing at 4 ft below ground
surface.
Requirement: Estimate allowable soil bearing capacity based on Meryerhof’s equation.
Solution:
Meryerhof’s equation
K = 1+0.33(D/B) = 1+0.33*(4/8) = 1.17
Qa = (N/6)[(B+1)/B]2 / K = (20/6)[(8+1)/8]2 /1.17 = 3.6 kips/ft2
Bowles’ equation:
Qa = (N/4)[(B+1)/B]2 / K = (20/4)[(8+1)/8]2 /1.17 = 5.4 kips/ft2

. Effect of water table on soil bearing capacity

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When the water table is above the wedge zone, the soil parameters used in the bearing
capacity equation should be adjusted. Bowles proposed an equation to adjust unit weight
of soil as follows:

γe=(2H-Dw)(Dw/H2)γm+(γ’/H2)(H-Dw)2 [1.16]

Where
γe = Equivalent unit weight to be used in bearing capacity equation,
H = 0.5Btan(45+φ/2), is the depth of influence zone,
Dw= Depth from bottom of footing to ground water table,
γm = Moist unit weight of soil above ground water table,
γ’ = Effective unit weight of soil below ground water table.

Conservatively, one may use the effective unit water under ground water table for
calculation. Equation 1.16 can also used to adjust cohesion and friction angle if they are
substantially differences.

Example 9: Determine equivalent unit weight of soil to calculate soil bearing

capacity with the effect of ground water table

Given:

• Moist unit weight of soil above ground water table: 120 lb/ft3.
• Moist content = 20%
• Friction angle, φ = 25 degree
• Cohesion of soil above ground water table: 1000 lb/ft2.
• Cohesion of soil below ground water table: 500 lb/ft2.
• Footing: 8 feet wide square footing, bottom of footing at 2 ft below ground
surface.
• Location of ground water table: 6 ft below ground water surface.

Requirement: Determine equivalent unit weight of soil to be used for calculating soil
bearing capacity.
Solution:
Determine equivalent unit weight:
Dry unit weight of soil, γdry = γm /(1+ ω) = 120/(1+0.2) = 100 lb/ft3.
Volume of solid for 1 ft3 of soil, Vs = γdry / (Gsγw) = 100 / (2.65*62.4) = 0.6 ft3.
Volume of void for 1 ft3 of soil, Vv = 1-Vs=1-0.6=0.4 ft3.
Saturate unit weight of soil, γsat = γdry + γw Vv = 100+62.4*0.4=125 ft3.
Effective unit weight of soil = γsat - γw = 125-62.4=62.6 ft3.
Effective depth, H = 0.5B tan(45+φ/2) = 0.5*8*tan (45+30/2) = 6.9 ft
Depth of ground water below bottom of footing, Dw= 6-2 = 4 ft
Equivalent unit weight of soil,
γe = (2H-Dw)(Dw/H2)γm+(γ’/H2)(H-Dw)2
=(2*6.9-4)(4/6.92)*100+(62.6/6.92)(6.9-4)2

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 = 93.4 lb/ft3. Where we live

.
Earth

ASCE 7-98 SEISMIC LOAD CALCULATION

• Contents:
• ASCE 7-98 Equivalent lateral force procedure
• Example 1: Bearing wall systems with ordinary reinforced masonry shear wall
• Example 2: Building frame systems with ordinary steel concentric braced frame
• Example 3: Building frame systems with ordinary reinforced concrete shear wall

ASCE 7-98 Equivalent lateral force procedure

1. Determine weight of building, W.
2. Determine 0.2 second response spectral acceleration, Ss from Figure 9.4.1.1 (a) or (c),
(e), (f), (g-1), (h-1), (i), and (j)
3. Determine 1 second response spectral acceleration, S1 from Figure 9.4.1.1 (b), or (d),
(f), (g-2), (h-2), (i) and (j)
4. Determine Site class from Table 9.4.1.2
5. Determine site coefficient, Fa, from Table 9.4.1.2.4a.
6. Determine site coefficient, Fv, from Table 9.4.1.2.4b
7. Determine adjusted maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration
parameters for short period, SMS and at 1 second period, SM1.
SMS = Fa Ss (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-1)
SM1 = Fv S1 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-2)
8. Determine deign spectral response acceleration parameters for short period, SDS
and at 1 second period, SD1.
SDS =(2/3) SMS (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-1)
SD1 =(2/3) SM1 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-2)
9. Determine Important factor, I, from Table 9.1.4,
10. Determine Seismic design category from Table 9.4.2.1
11. Determine Response modification factor, R. from Table 9.5.2.2 and
check building height limitation
12. Determine seismic response coefficient from Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-1
Cs= SDS / (R/I)
13. Determine approximate fundamental period from Eq. 9.5.3.3-1
0.75
T = CT h n
where
hn is the height of building above base.

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 CT is building period coefficient, 0.035 for moment resisting frame of steel,
0.03 for moment resisting frame of concrete and eccentrically braced steel frame
0.02 for all other building.
14. Determine Maximum seismic response coefficient Eq. 9.3.2.1-2
Csmax= SD1 / [(R/I) T]
15. Determine minimum seismic response coefficient from Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-3
Csmin= 0.044 SDSI
16. If it is design category E or F, or S1 is equal or grater than 0.6g, calculate minimum
seismic response coefficient from Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-4
Csmin= 0.5 S1 / (R/I)
17. Determine Seismic response coefficient based on result of steps 12 to 16 and
calculate
seismic base shear from Eq. 9.3.2-1. for strength design or load and resistance factor
design.
V = Cs W
18. For service load design, multiply the seismic base shear by 0.7
Vs = 0.7 V

Example 1: Bearing wall systems with ordinary

reinforced masonry shear wall
Given:
Code: ASCE 7-98 Equivalent lateral force procedure
Design information:
Weight of building, W=500 kips
0.2 second response spectral acceleration, Ss = 0.25
1 second response spectral acceleration, S1 = 0.1
Soil profile class: E
Bearing wall systems with ordinary reinforced masonry shear wall
Building category I
Requirement: Determine seismic base shear
Solution;
Site coefficient, Fa = 2.5
Site coefficient, Fv = 3.5
Design spectral response acceleration parameters
SMS = Fa Ss = 0.625 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-1)
SM1 = Fv S1= 0.35 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-2)
SDS =(2/3) SMS =0.42 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-1)
SD1 =(2/3) SM1 =0.233 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-2)
Seismic design category C from Table 9.4.2.1a, category D based on Table 9.4.2.1b.
Use category D.
From Table 9.5.2.2, Bearing wall system with ordinary reinforced masonry shear wall is
NP (not permitted). Need to change structural system.

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Example 2: Building frame systems with ordinary steel
concentric braced frame
Given:
Code: ASCE 7-98 Equivalent lateral force procedure
Design information:
Weight of building, W = 500 kips
0.2 second response spectral acceleration, Ss = 0.25
1 second response spectral acceleration, S1 = 0.1
Building frame systems with ordinary steel concentric braced frame
Building category I
Building height: 30 ft
Requirement: Determine seismic base shear
Solution:
Site coefficient, Fa = 2.5
Site coefficient, Fv = 3.5
Design spectral response acceleration parameters
SMS = Fa Ss = 0.625 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-1)
SM1 = Fv S1= 0.35 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-2)
SDS =(2/3) SMS =0.42 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-1)
SD1 =(2/3) SM1 =0.233 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-2)
Seismic design category C from Table 9.4.2.1a, category D based on Table 9.4.2.1b.
Use category D.
From Table 9.5.2.2, Building frame system with ordinary steel concentric braced frame is
160 ft
Response modification factor, R = 5
Important factor, I = 1 (Table 9.1.4)
Seismic response coefficient (Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-1)
Cs= SDS / (R/I) = 0.083
Fundamental period (Eq. 9.5.3.3.1)
0.75
T = CT hn = 0.0256
Maximum seismic response coefficient (Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-2)
Csmax= SD1 / [(R/I) T] = 0.182
Minimum seismic response coefficient (Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-3)
Csmin= 0.044 SDSI = 0.018
Seismic base shear
V = Cs W = 42 kips
Seismic base shear in service load,
Vs = 0.7 V = 29 kips

Example 3: Building frame systems with ordinary

reinforced concrete shear wall
Given:

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 Code: ASCE 7-98 Equivalent lateral force procedure
Design information:
Weight of building, W = 1000 kips
0.2 second response spectral acceleration, Ss = 0.5
1 second response spectral acceleration, S1 = 0.15
Soil profile class: C
Building frame systems with ordinary reinforced concrete shear wall
Building category II
Building height: 40 ft
Requirement: Determine seismic base shear
Solution:
Site coefficient, Fa = 1.2
Site coefficient, Fv = 1.65
Design spectral response acceleration parameters
SMS = Fa Ss = 0.6 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-1)
SM1 = Fv S1= 0.25 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.4-2)
SDS =(2/3) SMS =0.4 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-1)
SD1 =(2/3) SM1 =0.17 (Eq. 9.4.1.2.5-2)
Seismic design category C from Table 9.4.2.1a, category C based on Table 9.4.2.1b.
Use category C.
From Table 9.5.2.2, Building frame system with ordinary steel concentric braced frame is
160 ft
Response modification factor, R = 5
Important factor, I = 1 (Table 9.1.4)
Seismic response coefficient (Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-1)
Cs= SDS / (R/I) = 0.1
Fundamental period (Eq. 9.5.3.3.1)
0.75
T = CT hn = 0.318
Maximum seismic response coefficient (Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-2)
Csmax= SD1 / [(R/I) T] = 0.104
Minimum seismic response coefficient (Eq. 9.5.3.2.1-3)
Csmin= 0.044 SDSI = 0.018
Seismic base shear
V = Cs W = 100 kips
Seismic base shear in service load,
Vs = 0.7 V = 70 kips

Design of Unreinforced Masonry Wall

General:

Unreinforced masonry walls are often used as load bearing or non-loading interior wall in
one story building. Although it is called “unreinforced”, the masonry wall still needs to

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be reinforced with joint reinforcements. In addition, ordinary and detailed plan masonry
walls are allowed as shear walls in seismic design category A & B. But it still needs to
meet code required minimum reinforcement requirements. By definition of ACI 530
Section 1.6, the tensile strength of masonry is considered, but the strength of reinforcing
steel is neglected.

Load on masonry walls:

1. Vertical dead load, live load, snow load, etc.

2. Lateral load from wind, seismic, earth pressure etc.

Stresses in concrete masonry wall:

1. Compressive stress from vertical load

2. Compressive stress from flexural moment due to lateral load.
3. Tensile stress from flexural moment due to lateral load, eccentric moment, etc.

Design requirements:

When the wall, pilaster, and column is subjected to axial compression and flexure.

1. The maximum compression stress shall satisfy the following equation

fa/Fa + fb/Fb ≤ 1 (ACI 530 Eq. 2-10)

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Where, fa is compressive stress from axial load, fb is compressive stress from flexure; Fa
and Fb, Fv are allowable compressive stress and tensile stress calculation from equation
below:

For member with h/r ≤ 99:

Fa = (1/4) fm’ {1-[h/(140r)]2} (ACI 530 2-12)

For member with h/r > 99:

Fa = (1/4) fm’ (70r/h)2 (ACI 530 2-13)

Where h is effective height of wall, column or pilaster, r is radius of gyration, fm’ is

compressive strength of masonry

Allowable compressive stress from flexure:

Fb = (1/3) fm’ (ACI 530 2-14)

2. The maximum axial force P shall satisfy the following equation

P≤ (1/4) Pe
(ACI 530 Eq. 2-11)

Where Pe is calculated as

Pe = [π2EmI/h2][1-0.577*e/r)2 (ACI 530 2-15)

Where Em is elastic modulus of masonry, I is moment of inertia, h is the height of wall,

column or plaster, e is eccentricity of axial load, r is radius of gyration.

3. The tensile stress due to flexure shall not exceed the value listed in ACI 530 Table
2.2.3.2. as shown below:

Allowable flexural tension stress for hollow core concrete masonry unit, psi.

Masonry Mortar

Portland cement/lime or mortar cement Masonry cement or air

entrained Portland cement/lime

Normal to bed joints

Ungrouted hollow units 25 19 15 9

Grout hollow units 68 58 41 29

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 Parallel to bed joints in running bond

Ungrouted or partially grout hollow units 50 38 30 19

Fully grouted hollow units 80 60 48 30

Example 1: Design of an interior unreinforced load bearing masonry wall

Design data:
Roof dead load: 20 psf
Roof live load: 20 psf
Tributary width: 30 ft
Height of wall: 12 ft
Normal width of wall: 8 in
Assume minimum eccentricity: 0.8 in
Seismic load from ASCE 7: 4 psf
Requirement: Check if an 8 in unreinforced masonry wall is adequate
Solution:
Axial load per foot width of wall from roof, P = (20 psf+20 psf)*30 psf = 1200 lb/ft
Eccentricity: e = 0.8 in
Eccentric moment: Mc = 1200*0.8/12 = 80 lb/ft
Seismic moment: Ms = 5 psf * (12ft)2/8 = 90 lb-ft/ft
Moment per foot width of wall, M = (80 + 90) lb-ft/ft = 170 lb-ft/ft
Width of wall: 7.625 in
Cross section area: A = 42.8 in2.
Moment of inertia: I = 330.9 in4.
Section modulus: S = 86.8 in3.
Radius of gyration: r = 2.78 in
Check flexural tensile stress: fb = M/S = 170*12/86.8 = 23.5 psf
Less than allowable tensile stress 25 psi for ungrouted hollow unit O.K.
Check compressive stress:
Weight of wall at mid-height: W = 55 psf * 6 ft = 330 lb/ft
Axial compressive stress: fa = (P+W)/A = 35.8 psi/ft
Slenderness ratio: h/r = 12*12/2.78 = 51.7 < 99
Use 1900 psi concrete masonry units with type S mortar,
Compressive strength of concrete masonry, fm’ = 1500 psi
Fa = (1/4) fm’ {1-[h/(140r)]2} = 323.7 psi

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Allowable flexural strength:
Fb = (1/3) fm’ = 500 psi
Combined stress equation:
fa/Fa + fb/Fb = 0.158 < 1 O.K.
Check axial force:
Elastic modulus, Em = 900 fm’ = 1.35x106 psi
Pe = [π2EmI/h2][1-0.577*e/r)2= 1.23x105 lb

(1/4) Pe = 3.09 x 104 lb > 1200+330 = 1530 lb O.K. World tallest building

Concrete Masonry Design

Mechanical properties of concrete masonry:

Topics:

• Properties of concrete masonry units

• Mortar
• Grout
• Reinforcement
• Bond types
• Compressive strength of concrete masonry, fm’
• Modulus of elasticity of concrete masonry
• Masonry control joints

General: The mechanical properties of concrete masonry wall, pilaster, column, lintel etc. depends on the
properties of concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement and how the units were arranged.

Properties of concrete masonry units:

Material: Portland cement, Hydrated lime, Pozzolans, Normal weight or light weight aggregates.

Dimension of commonly used Concrete masonry units:

Nominal Actual size Face Cross Section Moment of Radius of

size Wall section modulus inertia gyration (in)
thickness (in2/ft) (in4/ft) (in3/ft)
8x4x16 7-5/8”x3-5/8”x15- 3/4” 22.4 21.2 38.5 1.31
5/8”
8x8x16 7-5/8”x7-5/8”x15- 1-1/4” 42.8 86.8 330.9 2.78
5/8”
8x12x16 7-5/8”x12-5/8”x15- 1-1/2” 57 273.6 1043 4.28
5/8”

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Type of commonly used hollow core concrete blocks :

Mortar:

Material: Portland cement/Masonry cement water, lime, sand, and admixtures

Mixes: Type M, S, N and O. depend on proportion of mixes. Compressive strength of cues for mortar types
are as follows:

Mortar Types Average compressive strength at 28 days (psi)

M 2500

S 1800

N 750

O 350

Grout:

Ingredients: Portland cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregate, Lime.

Mix proportions: depending on its strength, a commonly use mix is one part of cement with 1/10 of lime,
three parts of fine aggregates, and 2 parts of coarse aggregate with maximum aggregate size limits by the
grout space.

Reinforcement:

Joint reinforcement: Ladder type or truss type, usually, 9 or 10-gage wires.

Cell reinforcement: rebars same as concrete reinforcement.

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Bond types: Running bond and stack bond.

Compressive strength of concrete masonry, fm’

The compressive strength of masonry varies with the type of mortar and the strength of units. There are
two methods to determine the strength of masonry during construction. One is based on prism test; the
other is based on values specified in the codes. The values list in International Building Code, 2003, Table
2105.2.2.1.2 are as follows:

Net area compressive strength of concrete masonry units (psi) Net area compressive strength of masonry

fm’(psi) Type M or S mortar Type N mortar

1250 1300 1000

1900 2150 1500

2800 3050 2000

3750 4050 2500

4800 5250 3000

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Modulus of elasticity of concrete masonry:

Em = 900 fm’ (ACI 530 Section 1.8.2.2.1)

Thermal expanson coefficients: kt = 4.5 x 10-6 in/in/oF

Shrinkage coefficient:

Masonry made of non-moisture controlled concrete masonry units: km = 0.5s1

Masonry made of moisture controlled concrete masonry units: km = 0.15s1

Where s1 = 6.5x10-6 in/in.

Masonry control joints:

Masonry control joints are used to allow expansion and shrinkage of masonry wall, minimize random
cracks, and distress. Spacing of masonry control joints recommended in the commentary of ACI 530.1 is
25 ft or 3 times of wall height. It also recommends placing control joints at returns and jambs of openings.
Shear key may be used to control wall movement in the out-of-plan direction.

World tallest building

.
Tai

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