Steel Frame Design Manual: Italian NTC 2008

Steel Frame Design Manual
Italian NTC 2008

Steel Frame
Design Manual
Italian NTC 2008

for ETABS®
ISO ETA022819M18 Rev 0

Proudly developed in the United States of America February 2019
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CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE

DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THIS SOFTWARE. HOWEVER, THE USER
ACCEPTS AND UNDERSTANDS THAT NO WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED BY THE DEVELOPERS OR THE DISTRIBUTORS ON THE ACCURACY
OR THE RELIABILITY OF THIS PRODUCT.
THIS PRODUCT IS A PRACTICAL AND POWERFUL TOOL FOR STRUCTURAL

DESIGN. HOWEVER, THE USER MUST EXPLICITLY UNDERSTAND THE BASIC
ASSUMPTIONS OF THE SOFTWARE MODELING, ANALYSIS, AND DESIGN
ALGORITHMS AND COMPENSATE FOR THE ASPECTS THAT ARE NOT
ADDRESSED.
THE INFORMATION PRODUCED BY THE SOFTWARE MUST BE CHECKED BY

A QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED ENGINEER. THE ENGINEER MUST
INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE RESULTS AND TAKE PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INFORMATION THAT IS USED.
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Units 1-2
1.2 Axes Notation 1-2
1.3 Symbols 1-2
2 Assumptions and Limitations
2.1 Assumptions 2-1
2.1.1 General 2-1

2.1.2 Axial Force Check 2-2
2.1.3 Bending Moment Check 2-2
2.1.4 Shear Force Check 2-2
2.1.5 Combined Forces Check 2-3
2.2 Limitations 2-3
2.2.1 General 2-3

2.2.2 Axial Force Check 2-3
2.2.3 Combined Force Check 2-4
3 Design Flow Charts

Contents i
Steel Frame Design NTC 2008
4 General Design Parameters
4.1 Partial Factors 4-1
4.2 Design Forces 4-2
4.3 Design Load Combinations 4-2

4.3.1 Ultimate Strength Combinations 4-2
4.3.2 Serviceability Combinations 4-4
4.4 Material Properties 4-4
4.5 Section Classification 4-4
5 Design for Axial Forces
5.1 Axial Area 5-1
5.2 Tension Check 5-2
5.3 Compression Check 5-2
5.4 Axial Buckling Check 5-3
5.5 Member Supported Lengths 5-5
5.6 Effective Length Factor (K) 5-8
6 Design for Bending Moment
6.1 Moment Check 6-1
6.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-3
7 Design for Shear Force
Contents ii
Contents
7.1 Shear Area 7-1
7.2 Shear Check 7-1
7.3 Shear Buckling Check 7-2
8 Design for Combined Forces
8.1 Design for Cross-Section Resistance 8-2
8.1.1 Bending, Axial Force, and Shear Check 8-2

8.1.2 Members Subjected to Shear Force 8-7
8.2 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 8-7

8.2.1 Class 1, 2, and 3 Sections Under Flexure and Axial
Compression 8-8
8.2.2 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial
Compression 8-9
8.2.3 Class 1, 2, and 3 Sections Under Flexure and Axial
Tension 8-10
8.2.4 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Tension 8-11
9 Special Seismic Provisions
9.1 Design Preferences 9-1
9.2 Overwrites 9-2
9.3 Supported Framing Types 9-2
9.4 Member Design 9-3

9.4.1 Section Class Requirements 9-4
9.4.2 Ductility Class High Moment-Resisting Frames (CDH
MRF) and Ductility Class Low Moment-Resisting
Frames (DCL MRF) 9-4
9.4.3 Ductility Class High Concentrically Braced Frames
(DCH CBF) and Ductility Class Low Concentrically
Contents iii
Steel Frame Design NTC 2008
Braced Frames (DCL CBF) 9-7

9.4.4 Ductility Class High Eccentrically Braced Frames
(DCH EBF) and Ductility Class Low Eccentrically
Braced Frames (DCL EBF) 9-9
9.4.5 Inverted Pendulum 9-12
9.4.6 Secondary 9-13
9.5 Design of Joint Components 9-13

9.5.1 Design of Continuity Plate 9-14
9.5.2 Design of Supplementary Web Plates 9-19
9.5.3 Weak Beam/Strong Column Measure 9-21
9.5.4 Evaluation of Beam Connection Shears 9-23
9.5.5 Evaluation of Brace Connection Forces 9-24
Appendix A Design Preferences
Appendix B Design Overwrites
Contents iv
Chapter 1
Introduction
This manual describes the steel frame design algorithms in the software for the
“Italian NTC-2008” design code. The design algorithms in the software for
NTC-2008 cover strength checks, as detailed in this manual. Requirements of
the code not documented in this manual should be considered using other
methods.
For items not explicitly included in the NTC 2008 code, refer to Eurocode 3
and Eurocode 8.
It is important to read this entire manual before using the design algorithms to
become familiar with any limitations of the algorithms or assumptions that have
been made.
For referring to pertinent sections of the corresponding code, a unique prefix is

assigned for each code.
 References to the “Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni - D.M. 14 gennaio

2008” code and related application documents are identified with the prefix
“NTC 2008.”
 Reference to the EN 1993-1-1:2005 code is identified with the prefix “EC3.”
 Reference to the EN 1993-1-5:2006 code is identified with the prefix “EN

1993-1-5.”
1-1
Steel Frame Design Italian NTC 2008
 Reference to the ENV 1993-1-1:1992 code is identified with the prefix

“EC3-1992.”
 Reference to the Eurocode 8 code is identified with the prefix “EC8.”
1.1 Units
The NTC 2008 design code is based on Newton, millimeter, and second units
and, as such, so is this manual, unless noted otherwise. Any units, imperial,
metric, or MKS may be used in the software in conjunction with NTC 2008
design.
1.2 Axes Notation

The software analysis results refer to the member local axes system, which
consists of the 2-2 axis that runs parallel to the web and the 3-3 axis that runs
parallel to the flanges. Therefore, bending about the 2-2 axis would generate
minor axis moment, and bending about the 3-3 axis would generate major axis
moment. The NTC 2008 design code refers to y-y and z-z axes, which are
equivalent to the software 3-3 and 2-2 axes, respectively. These notations may
be used interchangeably in the design algorithms, although every effort has
been made to use the design code convention where possible.
1.3 Symbols
The following table provides a list of the symbols used in this manual, along
with a short description. Where possible, the symbols used in the design code
are used in this manual.
A Gross area of cross-section, mm2

Anet Net area of cross-section, mm2
Av Shear area, mm2
Aw Web area, mm2
b Width of the section, mm
E Modulus of elasticity, N/mm2
1-2 Units
Chapter 1 Introduction
fu Steel ultimate strength, N/mm2

fy Steel yield strength, N/mm2
fyw Steel yield strength of the web, N/mm2
h Depth of the section, mm
hw Web height, mm
I Moment of inertia, mm4
kyy, kzz, kyz, kzy Interaction factors
Lcr Buckling length, mm
Mb,Rd Design buckling resistance moment, N-mm
Mc,Rd Design bending resistance, N-mm
MEd Design bending moment, N-mm
Mel,Rd Elastic design bending resistance, N-mm
Mpl,Rd Plastic design bending resistance, N-mm
MRk Characteristic bending resistance, N-mm
My,V,Rd Reduced design bending resistance accounting for shear,
N-mm
Nb,Rd Design buckling resistance, N
Ncr Elastic critical force, N
Nc,Rd Design compression resistance, N
NEd Design axial force, N
Npl,Rd Plastic design axial resistance, N
NRk Characteristic compression resistance, N
Nt,Rd Design tension resistance, N
Nu,Rd Design ultimate tension resistance, N
tf Flange thickness, mm
tw Web thickness, mm
Vc,Rd Design shear resistance, N
Vb,Rd Design shear buckling resistance, N
Vbf,Rd Flange contribution of the design shear buckling resistance,
Symbols 1-3
N
Vbw,Rd Web contribution of the design shear buckling resistance, N
VEd Design shear force, N
Vpl,Rd Plastic design shear resistance, N
Wel,min Minimum elastic section modulus, mm3
Wpl Plastic section modulus, mm3
α, αLT Imperfection factor
χ Reduction factor for buckling

χLT Reduction factor for lateral-torsional buckling
χw Web shear buckling contribution factor
ε Coefficient dependent on fy
Φ Value for calculating the reduction factor χ
ΦLT Value for calculating the reduction factor χLT
γM0 Partial factor for resistance of cross-sections
γM1 Partial factor for resistance of members to instability
γM2 Partial factor for resistance of cross-sections in tension to

fracture
η Factor for shear area
λ Non-dimensional slenderness
λ LT Non-dimensional slenderness for lateral-torsional buckling
λ LT ,0 Plateau length of the lateral-torsional buckling curves
λw Slenderness parameter
ρ Reduction factor accounting for shear forces

ψ Moment diagram factor
1-4 Symbols
Chapter 2
Assumptions and Limitations
This chapter describes the assumptions made and the limitations of the design
algorithm for steel frame design when the Italian NTC 2008 option is selected.
All of the assumptions and limitations should be reviewed before using the
design algorithm.
2.1 Assumptions
The assumptions made in the design algorithm are listed in the following
sections, along with a description of how they may affect the design results.
2.1.1 General
The following assumptions apply generically to the design algorithm.
 The analysis model geometry, properties, and loads adequately represent

the building structure for the limit states under consideration.
 It is assumed that the steel grades used adhere to NTC 2008, Tables
11.3.IX-X. The acceptable use of other materials shall be independently
verified.
2-1
 The automated load combinations are based on the STR ultimate limit
states and the characteristic serviceability limit states.
2.1.2 Axial Force Check

The following assumptions apply to the axial force check.
 Hot rolled tubular sections are assumed to be hot finished for selecting the
appropriate buckling curve from NTC Table 4.2.VI. This is nonconser-
vative if cold formed sections are used.
 For welded Box sections, if b t f < 30 and h tw < 30 , it is assumed that the
weld thickness is more than 0.5tf (NTC Table 4.2.VI).
2.1.3 Bending Moment Check

The following assumptions apply to the bending moment check.
 The load is assumed to be applied at the shear center for the calculation of
the elastic critical moment. Any eccentric moment due to load applied at
other locations is not automatically accounted for.
2.1.4 Shear Force Check

The following assumptions apply to the shear force check.
 Plastic design is assumed such that Vc,Rd is calculated in accordance with

NTC § 4.2.4.1.2 Eq. [4.2.18].
 Transverse stiffeners exist only at the supports and create a non-rigid end
post for the shear buckling check. No intermediate stiffeners are
considered.
 The contribution from the flanges is conservatively ignored for the shear
buckling capacity.
2-2 Assumptions
Chapter 2 Assumptions and Limitations
2.1.5 Combined Forces Check

The following assumptions apply to the combined forces check.
 The interaction of bending and axial force is checked for certain sections
(shapes) and for certain classes of sections (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2). For other
types or classes of sections, the provisions of EC3 6.2.1(7), which may be
conservative, are applied.
2.2 Limitations
The limitations of the design algorithm are listed in the following sections,
along with a work around where possible.
2.2.1 General
The following limitations apply generically to the design algorithm.
 Sections with a material thickness, t < 3 mm are not designed. The special
requirements in accordance with EN 1993-1-3 for cold formed thin gauge
members (NTC § 4.2.4.1.1) are not covered in this implementation.
 The material yield is not adjusted based on the thickness of the section.
Different material properties should be defined for sections of different
thickness if the thickness affects the material yield value (NTC, Tables
11.3.IX-X).
 The effects of torsion are not considered in the design (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
and should be considered using other methods.
 The calculation of effective properties of Class 4 sections is made in

accordance with EN 1993-1-3 (NTC § 4.2.4.1.1).The special requirements
in accordance with EN 1993-1-6 for Circular Hollow (tube) sections with
Class 4 cross-sections are not covered in this implementation.
2.2.2 Axial Force Check

The following limitations apply to the axial force check.
Limitations 2-3
 The net area is not determined automatically. This can be specified on a

member-by-member basis using the Net Area to Total Area Ratio
overwrite.
2.2.3 Combined Forces Check

The following limitations apply to the combined forces checks.
 The code allows the engineers to design the cross-sections with Class 3
web and Class 1 or 2 flanges as a Class 2 cross-section with an effective
web area as specified in NTC § C4.2.3.1. However, the program does not
take this advantage, which is conservative.
2-4 Limitations
Chapter 3
Design Flow Charts
The flow charts on the following pages provide a pictorial representation of the
design algorithm for NTC 2008 steel frame design. These flow charts provide a
summary of the steps taken and the associated code clauses used. Additional
detailed information defining the steps used in the algorithm is provided in the
chapters that follow.
The following flow charts are provided:
 member design
 design axial resistance
 design axial buckling resistance
 design bending resistance
 design lateral-torsional buckling resistance
 design shear resistance
3-1
Start
EC3
NTC
Table 5.2
Determine section class
Class
1,1,2,2,3,oror3 4
Yes No Too Slender

Class 4
not designed
Check shear capacity See

VEd ≤ VRd Figure 3.6
End
See
Check bending capacity Figures
MEd ≤ min(MRd , Mb,Rd) 3.4 and
3.5
See
Check axial capacity Figures
NEd ≤ min(NRd , N b,Rd ) 3.2 and
3.3
NTC
EC3
EC3
6.2.1(7),
6.2.1(7),
6.2.9,
Check force interaction criteria 6.3.3
6.3.3
Critical
Critical utilization
utilization ratio,
ratio, error
error
andand warning
warning messages
messages End
Figure 3-1 Member Design
3-2 Member Design

Chapter 3 Design Flow Charts
Start
Tension or
compression
EC3
NTC EC3
NTC
6.2.3(2) 6.2.4(2)
Tension Compression
Calculate design tension Calculate design compression

resistance resistance
Nt,Rd = min(Npl,Rd , Nu,Rd ) Nc,Rd
Design Axial Resistance

NRd
End
Figure 3-2 Design Axial Resistance
Axial Resistance 3-3

Start
Calculate elastic critical forceNcr Critical forceNcr
NTC
EC3
6.3.1.2(1)
Calculate non-dimensional Non-dimensional

slendernessλ slendernessλ
EC3
NTC λ 0.2
0.2 χ = 1.0
Table 6.1,
6.1 No Yes
Table 6.2
Buckling curve
Determine buckling curve
and factors
EC3
NTC
6.3.1.2(1)
Reduction factor
Calculate reduction factorχ χ
EC3
NTC
6.3.1.1(3)
Calculate design axial buckling Design buckling resistance

resistanceNb,Rd N b,Rd
End
Figure 3-3: Design Axial Buckling Resistance
3-4 Axial Buckling Resistance

Start
NTC
EC3
Table 5.2
Determine section class
Class 1 or 2
Yes No
Calculate design moment

resistance Mc,Rd = M pl,Rd Class
Class3,4
3
Yes No
NTC
EC3
6.2.5(2) Calculate design moment
resistance Mc,Rd = M el,Rd or Too
Class
Slender
4
min f yγ γ mo
Rd = weffmin
not designed
=
MMwf
c,c,Rdeffymo
End
Design Moment Resistance
Mc,Rd
Calculate Design
EC3
NTC
6.2.8(3),
6.2.5(2) Design Moment
Moment Resistance
Resistance
6.2.8(5) Mc,Rd
v,Rd
Calculate Reduced Design

EC3
NTC
6.2.5(2)
6.2.9.1
Design Moment
Moment Resistance
Resistance
M c,Rd
N,Rd
End
Figure 3-4: Design Moment Resistance
Moment Resistance 3-5

NTC
EC3
6.3.2.2(2)
EC3 Start
6.2.6(2)
EC3-1193
F1.1
Calculate critical buckling Critical buckling

momentMcr moment Mcr
EC3
NTC
6.3.2.2(1)
6.2.6(2)
Calculate non-dimensional Non-dimensional

slenderness λLT slendernessλLT
EC3
NTC
Table
6.2.6(2)
6.3 λλλ
LT ≤
≤ λ LT ,0
LTLT, 0 Ignore LTB
Table 6.4 No Yes
Buckling curve End

Determine buckling curve
EC3
NTC and factors
6.3.2.2(1)
6.2.6(2)
Reduction factor
Calculate reduction factor χLT χLT
EC3
NTC
6.3.2.1(3)
6.2.6(2)
Calculate design buckling Design Buckling Resistance

resistance moment Mb,Rd Mb,Rd
End
Figure 3-5: Design Buckling Resistance
3-6 Buckling Resistance

Start
NTC
EC3
6.2.6(6)
ε
> 72 ε
hhww
ttww 72 η
EC3
NTC EC3-1-5
NTC
6.2.6(2) 5.2(1),
5.2(1)
No Yes 5.3(1)
Calculate design shear resistance Calculate shear buckling resistance

Vc,Rd = Vpl,Rd Vc,Rd = V b,Rd
Design Shear Resistance

Vc,Rd
End
Figure 3-6: Design Shear Resistance
Shear Resistance 3-7

Chapter 4
General Design Parameters
This chapter provides a detailed description of the implementation of the

various parameters used in the design algorithm for the NTC 2008 steel frame
design. These parameters are subsequently used in the following chapters for
the design of sections for the applied force actions.
4.1 Partial Factors

The following partial factors, γM, are applied to the various characteristic
resistance values determined in the following chapters. The partial factor values
may be overwritten in the Design Preferences.
γ M 0 = 1.05 (NTC Tab. 4.2.V)
γ M 1 = 1.05 (NTC Tab. 4.2.V)
γ M 2 = 1.25 (NTC Tab. 4.2.V)
4-1
Steel Frame Design Italian NTC-2008
4.2 Design Forces

The following design force actions are considered in the design algorithm
covered in the following chapters. The force actions are determined using the
appropriate load combinations described in the following section.
 Axial force (tension or compression), NEd
 Shear force (major or minor axis), VEd
 Bending moment (major or minor axis), MEd
4.3 Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are combinations of load cases for which the
structure is designed and checked. A default set of automated load combinations
is available in the software, as described in this section. These default
combinations can be modified or deleted. In addition, manually defined
combinations can be added should the default combinations not cover all
conditions required for the structure of interest.
The default load combinations considered by the software for NTC 2008 are
defined in the following sections and handle dead (D), live (L), wind (W), and
earthquake (E) loads. For other load types, combinations should be manually
generated.
The following two sections describe the automated load combinations

generated by the software for ultimate strength and serviceability, in accordance
with NTC 2008 §2.5.3.
4.3.1 Ultimate Strength Combinations

NTC 2008 allows ultimate load combinations to be defined based on NTC
equation 2.5.1.
γ G1G1 + γ G 2G2 + γ p P + γ Q ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ

i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (NTC Eq. 2.5.1)
Load combinations including earthquake effects are generated based on:
4-2 Design Forces

Chapter 4 General Design Parameters
E + G1 + G2 + P + ∑ψ
i >1
2,i Qk ,i (NTC Eq. 2.5.5)
in which:
G1 are the structural permanent loads
G2 are the non-structural permanent loads
Qi are the live loads
P are the pre-post stress loads
E are the seismic loads
The following load combinations are considered if the option is set to generate
the combinations based on NTC equation 2.5.1.
γGj,sup D + γG2,sup D (NTC Eq. 2.5.1)

γGj,sup D + γGj,sup D + γQ,1 L (NTC Eq. 2.5.1)
γGj,inf D + γGj,sup D ± γQ,1 W
(NTC Eq. 2.5.1)
γGj,sup D + γG2,sup D ± γQ,1 W
γGj,sup D + γG2,sup D + γQ,1 L ± γQ,i ψ0,i W
(NTC Eq. 2.5.1)
γGj,sup D + γG2,sup D ± γQ,1 W + γQ,i ψ0,i L
D ± 1.0E
(NTC Eq. 2.5.5)
D ± 1.0E + ψ2,i L
The variable values and factors used in the load combinations are defined as:
γG1,sup = 1.30 (NTC Tab. 2.6.I)
γG1,inf = 1.00 (NTC Tab. 2.6.I)
γG2,sup = 1.50 (NTC Tab. 2.6.I)
γG2,inf = 0.00 (NTC Tab. 2.6.I)
γQ,1,sup = 1.50 (NTC Tab. 2.6.I)
Design Load Combinations 4-3

γQ,1,inf = 0.00 (NTC Tab. 2.6.I)
0.7 (live load, not storage)

ψ 0,i =
 (NTC Tab. 2.5.I)
0.6 (wind load)
ψ2,i = 0.3 (assumed office/residential) (NTC Tab. 2.5.I)
4.3.2 Serviceability Combinations

NTC 2008 allows serviceability load combinations to be defined based on NTC
equations 2.5.2.
G1 + G2 + P + Qk ,1 + ∑ψ
i >1
0,i Qk ,i (NTC Eq. 2.5.2)
The following characteristic load combinations are considered for the

deflection checks.
4.4 Material Properties

The nominal values of the yield strength fy and ultimate strength fu are used in
the design. The design assumes that the input material properties conform to the
steel grades listed in the code (NTC Table 11.3.IX-X) or have been verified
using other methods, to be adequate for use with NTC 2008.
The design values of material coefficients (NTC Table 11.3.IX-X) are taken
from the input material properties, rather than directly from the code.
4.5 Section Classification

NTC 2008 classifies sections into four different classes, which identify the
extent to which the resistance and rotation capacity is limited by local buckling.
The different classes are based on the width-to-thickness ratio of the parts
subject to compression and are defined as:
 Class 1 – section can form a plastic hinge with the rotation capacity required
from plastic analysis, without reduction of the resistance.
4-4 Material Properties

 Class 2 – section can develop its plastic moment capacity, but has limited
rotation capacity.
 Class 3 – section in which the stress in the extreme compression fiber of the
section, assuming an elastic distribution of stresses, can reach the yield
strength, but local buckling is likely to prevent the development of the plastic
moment capacity.
 Class 4 – section is subject to local buckling before reaching the yield stress
in one or more of the parts.
 Too Slender – section does not satisfy any of the criteria for Class 1, 2, 3, or
4. This happens when tf < 3 mm or tw < 3 mm. Too Slender sections are
beyond the scope of the code. They are not checked/designed.
The following three tables identify the limiting width-to-thickness ratios for
classifying the various parts of the cross-section, subject to bending only,
compression only, or combined bending and compression.
The various parameters used in calculating the width-to-thickness ratio limits

are defined as:
ε = 235 f y (NTC Tables 4.2.I-III)
 N 
ψ = − 1 + 2 Ed , −3.0 < ψ ≤ 1.0 (NTC Tables 4.2.I-III)
 Af y 
 for I-sections, Channels:
1  h 1 N Ed 
=
α − − ( t f + r ) , 0 ≤ α ≤1 (NTC Tables 4.2.I-III)
c  2 2 tw f y 
 for Boxes and Double Channel sections
1  h 1 N Ed 
=
α − − ( t f + r ) , 0 ≤ α ≤1 (NTC Tables 4.2.I-III)
c  2 4 tw f y 
Section Classification 4-5

Table 4-1: Width-To-Thickness Ratios - Bending Only

Shape Part Ratio Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
I-sections, Channels Web c/t 72ε 83ε 124ε
Web c/t If tip is in If tip is
21ε k σ
comp., in comp.,
9ε /α 10ε /α
If tip is in If tip is
tension, in
Tees tension,
9ε
10ε
α α
α α
Flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
Boxes Web, flange c/t 72ε 83ε 124ε
Tubes/Pipes Wall d/t 50ε2 70ε2 90ε2
Solid Bars Bar N/A Assumed to be Class 2
General, Section Designer Section N/A Assumed to be Class 3
Table 4-2: Width-To-Thickness Ratios - Compression Only

Web c/t 33ε 38ε 42ε
I-sections, Channels
Tees Web, flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
h/t and 15ε and
Angles, Double Angles Legs N/A N/A
(b+h)/2t 11.5ε
Boxes Web, flange c/t 33ε 38ε 42ε
General, Section Designer Section N/A Assumed to be Class 3
4-6 Section Classification

Table 4-3: Width-To-Thickness Ratios – Combined Bending And Compression

Web c/t 396ε /(13α – 1) 456ε /(13α – 1) 42ε /(0.67 + 0.33ψ)
when α > 0.5; when α > 0.5; when ψ > −1;
36ε /α when 41.5ε /α when 62ε (1−ψ) −ψ when
α ≤ 0.5 α ≤ 0.5
I-sections, ψ ≤ −1
Channels Flange c/t 9ε /α 10ε /α
(tip in comp.)
21ε kσ
Flange c/t 9ε /(α α ) 10ε /(α α )
(tip in tens.)
Web c/t If tip is in comp. If tip is in comp.
21ε k σ
9ε /α 10ε /α
If tip is in tension, If tip is in tension,
Tees 9ε 10ε
α α α α
Boxes Web, flange c/t 396ε /(13α – 1) 456ε /(13α – 1) 42ε /(0.67 + 0.33ψ)
when α > 0.5; when α > 0.5; when ψ > −1;
36ε /α when 41.5ε /α when 62ε (1−ψ) −ψ
α ≤ 0.5 α ≤ 0.5
when ψ ≤ −1
General,
Section Section N/A Assumed to be Class 3
Designer
Section Classification 4-7

Chapter 5
Design for Axial Force
This chapter provides a detailed description of the design algorithm for the
NTC 2008 steel frame design, with respect to designing for axial forces. The
following topics are covered:
 calculation of axial area (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 design for axial tension (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 design for axial compression (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 design for axial buckling (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.1)
5.1 Axial Area

The gross cross-section area, A, is based on nominal dimensions, ignoring
fastener holes and splice materials, and accounting for larger openings.
The net cross-section area, Anet, is defined as the gross cross-section area, A,
minus fastener holes and other openings. By default, Anet is taken equal to A.
This value can be overwritten on a member-by-member basis using the Net
Area to Total Area Ratio overwrite.
5-1
5.2 Tension Check

The axial tension check at each output station shall satisfy:
N Ed
≤ 1.0, (NTC Eq. 4.2.6)
N t , Rd
where the design tension resistance, Nt,Rd is taken as the smaller of:
 the design plastic resistance, Npl,Rd of the gross cross-section
Af y
N pl , Rd = (NTC Eq. 4.2.7)
γM 0
 the design ultimate resistance, Nu,Rd of the net cross-section
0.9 Anet f u
N u , Rd = . (NTC Eq. 4.2.8)
γM 2
The values of A and Anet are defined in Section 5.1.
5.3 Compression Check

The axial compression check at each output station shall satisfy:
N Ed
≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 4.2.10)
N c, Rd
where the design compression resistance, Nc,Rd for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 sections
is taken as:
Af y
N c , Rd = for Class 1, 2, or 3 cross-sections (NTC Eq. 4.2.11)
γM 0
Aeff f y
N c , Rd = for Class 4 cross-sections (NTC Eq. 4.2.11)
γM 0
5-2 Tension Check

Chapter 5 Design for Axial Force
The value of A is defined in Section 5.1 of this manual. Aeff is the effective area
of the cross-section when subjected to uniform compression. Aeff is based on the
effective widths of the compression parts. It is determined based on the EN
1993-1-5 code (EN 1993-1-5 4.4(2), Table 4.1, Table 4.2).
5.4 Axial Buckling Check

The axial buckling check at each output station shall satisfy:
N Ed
≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 4.2.42)
N b, Rd
where the design compression resistance, Nb,Rd for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 sections
is taken as:
χAf y
N b , Rd = for Class 1, 2, and 3 cross-sections (NTC Eq. 4.2.43)
γ MI
χAeff f y
N b , Rd = for Class 4 cross-sections (NTC Eq. 4.2.44)
γ MI
The reduction factor, χ , for the relevant buckling mode is taken as:
1
=χ ≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 4.2.45)
2
Φ+ Φ −λ 2
where the factor, Φ, and the non-dimensional slenderness, λ , are taken as:
Φ 0.5 1 + α ( λ − 0.2 ) + λ 

2
= (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.1)
Af y
λ= , for Class 1, 2 and 3 cross-sections (NTC Eq. 4.2.46)
N cr
Aeff f y
λ= , for Class 4 cross-sections (NTC Eq. 4.2.47)
N cr
Axial Buckling Check 5-3

The elastic critical force, Ncr , is based on gross cross-section properties.
The value of A is defined in Section 5.1. The imperfection factor, α, is defined

in Table 5.1 based on the respective buckling curve that is defined in Table 5.2
of this manual. The value Lcr is the effective unbraced length, and i is the radius
of gyration about the relevant axis. Lcr is taken as follows:
Lcr = KL
where K is the effective length factor for flexural buckling. It can assume two
values: K22 for buckling about the minor axis (z-z) and K33 for buckling about
the major axis (y-y). L is the unbraced length of the member. It also can assume
two values, L22 and L33, for buckling about the minor axis (z-z) and major axis
(y-y), respectively. See Sections 5.5 and 5.6 of this manual for more details on
L and K.
For all sections except Single Angles, the principal radii of gyration i22 and i33
are used. For Single Angles, the minimum (principal) radius of gyration, iz , is
used instead of i22 and i33 , conservatively, in computing Lcr i . K 33 and K 22 are
two values of K 2 for the major and minor axes of bending. K 2 is the effective
length factor for actual (sway or nonsway) conditions.
The axial buckling check is ignored if:
N Ed
λ ≤ 0.2 or ≤ 0.04 (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.1)
N cr
Table 5-1: Imperfection Factors (NTC Tab. 4.2.VI)

Buckling Curve ao a b c d
Imperfection Factor, α 0.13 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76
5-4 Axial Buckling Check

Table 5-2: Buckling Curves (NTC Tab. 4.2.VI)

Buckling Curve
S235, S275,
Section Shape Limits Axis S355, S420 S460
Major a a0
tf ≤ 40 mm
Minor b a0
h/b > 1.2
Major b a
40 < tf ≤ 100 mm
Minor c a
Rolled I-sections
Major b a
tf ≤ 100 mm
Minor c a
h/b ≤ 1.2
Major d c
tf > 100 mm
Minor d c
Major b b
tf ≤ 40 mm
Minor c c
Welded I-sections
Major c c
tf > 40 mm
Minor d d
Hollow Tube and Pipe
hot finished any a a0
Sections
b/tf > 30 or h/tw > 30 any b b
Welded Box
b/tf < 30 or h/tw < 30 any c c
Channel, Tee, Double
Channel, General, Solid
none any c c
Sections, Section
Designer
Angle and Double Angle
none any b b
Sections
Note: The values for a, a0, b, c and d are as defined in Table 5-1.
5.5 Member Unsupported Lengths

The column unsupported lengths are required to account for column
slenderness effects for flexural buckling and for lateral-torsional buckling. The
program automatically determines the unsupported length rations, which are
specified as a fraction of the frame object length. Those ratios times the frame
object lengths give the unbraced lengths for the member. Those ratios also can
be overwritten by the user on a member-by-member basis, if desired, using the
design overwrite option.
Member Unsupported Lengths 5-5

Two unsupported lengths, L33 and L22, as shown in Figure 5-1, are to be
considered for flexural buckling. These are the lengths between support points
of the member in the corresponding directions. The length L33 corresponds to
instability about the 3-3 axis (major axis), and L22 corresponds to instability
about the 2-2 axis (minor axis). The length LLTB, not shown in the figure, is also
used for lateral-torsional buckling caused by major direction bending (i.e.,
bending about the 3-3 axis).
Figure 5-1 Unsupported lengths L33 and L22
In determining the values for L22 and L33 of the members, the program
recognizes various aspects of the structure that have an effect on those lengths,
such as member connectivity, diaphragm constraints, and support points. The
program automatically locates the member support points and evaluates the
corresponding unsupported length.
It is possible for the unsupported length of a frame object to be evaluated by the

program as greater than the corresponding member length. For example,
assume a column has a beam framing into it in one direction, but not the other,
at a floor level. In that case, the column is assumed to be supported in one
direction only at that story level, and its unsupported length in the other
direction will exceed the story height.
5-6 Member Unsupported Lengths

By default, the unsupported length for lateral-torsional buckling, LLTB, is taken

to be equal to the L22 factor. Similar to L22 and L33, LLTB can be overwritten.
The unsupported length for minor direction bending for lateral-torsional

buckling also can be defined more precisely by using “precise” bracing points
in the Lateral Bracing option, which is accessed using the Design menu >
Lateral Bracing command. This allows the user to define the lateral bracing of
the top, bottom, or both flanges. The bracing can be a point brace or continuous
bracing.
The program calculates the unbraced length to determine axial capacity based
on the limit state of flexural buckling from this definition. Any bracing at the
top or bottom, or both, is considered enough for flexural buckling in the minor
direction. While checking moment capacity for the limit state of lateral-
torsional buckling (LTB) at a station, the program dynamically calculates the
bracing points on the compression flange at the left and at the right of the check
station considering the sign of moment diagram. This definition affects only the
unbraced lengths for minor direction bending (L22) and lateral-torsional
buckling (LLTB). This “exact” method of bracing definition does not allow the
user to define unbraced lengths for major direction bending (L33).
There are three sources of unbraced length ratio: (1) “automatic” calculation,
(2) “precise” bracing definition, (3) overwrites, with increasing priority in
considerations. “Automatic” calculation of the unbraced length is based on
member connectivity considering only the members that have been defined in
the model. This misses the tiny bracing members. However, such automatically
calculated bracing lengths are load combination (moment diagram)
independent. This can be reported easily. Similarly, the overwritten values are
load combination independent. This allows the program to report the
overwritten unbraced length easily. However, if the member has a “precise”
bracing definition, the unbraced length can be different at different stations of
the member along the length. Also it can be load combination dependent. Thus,
when the unbraced length is reported in the detailed design info, it is reported
perfectly considering all three sources as needed. However, when reporting
unbraced length on the model shown in the active window, the program-
reported value comes from “automatic” calculation or from the overwrites if the
user has overwritten it.
Member Unsupported Lengths 5-7

5.6 Effective Length Factor (K)

The effective length method for calculating member axial compressive strength
has been used in various forms in several stability based design codes. The
method originates from calculating effective buckling lengths, KL, and is based
on elastic/inelastic stability theory. The effective buckling length is used to
calculate an axial compressive strength, Nb,Rd, through an empirical column
curve that accounts for geometric imperfections, distributed yielding, and
residual stresses present in the cross-section.
There are two types of K-factors in the “Italian NTC 2008” code. The first type
of K-factor is used for calculating the Euler axial capacity assuming that all of
the member joints are held in place, i.e., no lateral translation is allowed. The
resulting axial capacity is used in calculation of the k factors. This K-factor is
named as K1 in this document. The program calculates the K1 factor
automatically based on nonsway condition. This K1 factor is always less than 1.
The program allows the user to overwrite K1 on a member-by-member basis.
The other K-factor is used for calculating the Euler axial capacity assuming that
all the member joints are free to sway, i.e., lateral translation is allowed. The
resulting axial capacity is used in calculating Nb,Rd. This K-factor is named as K2
in this document. This K2 is always greater than 1 if the frame is a sway frame.
The program calculates the K2 factor automatically based on sway condition.
The program also allows the user to overwrite K2 factors on a member-by-
member basis. If the frame is not really a sway frame, the user should overwrite
the K2 factors.
The automated K2-factor calculation is turned off if the user sets the “Consider
P-Delta Done?” to be “Yes” in the preferences. In this case, all the columns,
beams, and braces are assigned K2-factors of unity.
Both K1 and K2 have two values: one for major direction and the other for
minor direction, K1minor, K1major, K2minor, K2major.
There is another K-factor. Kltb for lateral-torsional buckling. By default, Kltb is

taken as equal to K2minor. However, the user can overwrite this on a member-by-
member basis.
5-8 Effective Length Factor (K)

Determination K2 Factors:
The K-factor algorithm has been developed for building-type structures, where
the columns are vertical and the beams are horizontal, and the behavior is
basically that of a moment-resisting frame for which the K-factor calculation is
relatively complex. For the purpose of calculating K-factors, the objects are
identified as columns, beams, and braces. All frame objects parallel to the Z-
axis are classified as columns. All objects parallel to the X-Y plane are classified
as beams. The remainders are considered to be braces.
The beams and braces are assigned K-factors of unity. In the calculation of the
K-factors for a column object, the program first makes the following four
stiffness summations for each joint in the structural model:
Scx = ∑  c c  Sbx = ∑  b b 
EI EI
 Lc  x  Lb  x
Scy = ∑  c c  Sb y = ∑  b b 
EI EI
 Lc  y  Lb  y
where the x and y subscripts correspond to the global X and Y directions

and the c and b subscripts refer to column and beam. The local 2-2 and
3-3 terms EI 22 L22 and EI 33 L33 are rotated to give components along
the global X and Y directions to form the ( EI L ) x and ( EI L ) y values.
Then for each column, the joint summations at END-I and the END-J of
the member are transformed back to the column local 1-2-3 coordinate
system, and the G-values for END-I and the END-J of the member are
calculated about the 2-2 and 3-3 directions as follows:
S I c 22 S J c 22
G I 22 = G J 22 =
S I b 22 S J b 22
S I c 33 S J c 33
G I 33 = G J
33 = J
S I b 33 S b 33
If a rotational release exists at a particular end (and direction) of an object, the

corresponding value of G is set to 10.0. If all degrees of freedom for a
particular joint are deleted, the G-values for all members connecting to that
Effective Length Factor (K) 5-9

joint will be set to 1.0 for the end of the member connecting to that joint.
Finally, if G I and G J are known for a particular direction, the column K2-
factor for the corresponding direction is calculated by solving the following
relationship for α:
α 2 G I G J − 36 α
= (sway)
6(G + G )
I J
tan α
from which K2 = π/α. This relationship is the mathematical formulation for the
evaluation of K-factors for moment-resisting frames assuming sidesway to be
uninhibited. For other structures, such as braced frame structures, the K-factors
for all members are usually unity and should be set so by the user. The
following are some important aspects associated with the column K-factor
algorithm:
 An object that has a pin at the joint under consideration will not enter the
stiffness summations calculated previously. An object that has a pin at the
far end from the joint under consideration will contribute only 50% of the
calculated EI value. Also, beam members that have no column member at
the far end from the joint under consideration, such as cantilevers, will not
enter the stiffness summation.
 If there are no beams framing into a particular direction of a column

member, the associated G-value will be infinity. If the G-value at any one
end of a column for a particular direction is infinity, the K-factor
corresponding to that direction is set equal to unity.
 If rotational releases exist at both ends of an object for a particular

direction, the corresponding K-factor is set to unity.
 The automated K-factor calculation procedure occasionally can generate

artificially high K-factors, specifically under circumstances involving
skewed beams, fixed support conditions, and under other conditions where
the program may have difficulty recognizing that the members are laterally
supported and K-factors of unity are to be used.
 The automated K-factor calculation is turned off if the user sets the
“Consider P-Delta Done?” to be “Yes” in the preferences. In this case, all
the columns, beams, and braces are assigned K-factors of unity.
5 - 10 Effective Length Factor (K)

 All K-factor produced by the program can be overwritten by the user.

These values should be reviewed and any unacceptable values should be
replaced.
 The beams and braces are assigned K-factors of unity.
Determination K1 Factors:
If G I and G J are known for a particular direction, the column K1-factor for the
corresponding direction is calculated by solving the following relationship for
α:
GIGJ 2  GI + GJ  α   tan ( α 2 ) 
α +  1 −  +  − 1 =0 (non-sway)
  tan α   ( α 2 )

4  2 
from which K1 = π/α. This relationship is the mathematical formulation for the
evaluation of K1-factor for moment-resisting frames assuming sidesway to be
inhibited. The calculation of G I and G J follows the same procedure as that for
K2-factor which is already described in this section.
Effective Length Factor (K) 5 - 11

Chapter 6
Design for Bending Moment
NTC 2008 steel frame design when designing for bending moments. The
following topics are covered:
 design for bending moment (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 design for lateral-torsional buckling (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.2)
6.1 Moment Check

The moment check at each output station shall satisfy:
M Ed
≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 4.2.12)
M c, Rd
where the design moment resistance, Mc,Rd, is taken as:
 Class 1 or 2 sections
W pl f y
=
M =
M (NTC Eq. 4.2.13)
γM 0
c , Rd pl , Rd
6-1
 Class 3 sections
Wel ,min f y
=
M =
M (NTC Eq. 4.2.14)
γM 0
c , Rd el . Rd
 Class 4 sections
Weff ,min f y
M c , Rd = (NTC Eq. 4.2.15)
γM 0
The plastic and elastic section modulus values, Wpl and Wel,min are part of the
frame section definition.
Weff,min is the effective section modulus, corresponding to the fiber with the
maximum elastic stress, of the cross-section when subjected only to moment
about the relevant axis. Weff,min is based on the effective widths of the
compression parts. It is determined based on EN 1993-1-5 code (EN 1993-1-5
4.4(2), Table 4.1, Table 4.2).
The effect of high shear on the design moment resistance, Mc,Rd, is considered
if:
VEd ≥ 0.5Vc , Rd (NTC Eq. 4.2.31)
To account for the effect of high shear in I-H-doubly symmetric sections,

subjected to major axis moment, the reduced design plastic resistance moment
is taken as:
 ρAv2 
 pl , y
W −  f yk
=M y ,V , Rd  4tw 
≤ M y ,c , Rd (NTC Eq. 4.2.33)
γM 0
where ρ and Av are taken as:

2
 2V 
=ρ  Ed − 1 (NTC Eq. 4.2.32)
 Vc , Rd 
Av = hwtw
6-2 Moment Check

Chapter 6 Design for Bending Moment
For all other sections, the reduced design plastic resistance moment is taken as:
My,V,Rd = (1 − ρ) Mc,Rd. (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
6.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

The lateral-torsional buckling check at each output station shall satisfy:
M Ed
≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 4.2.49)
M b, Rd
where the design buckling resistance moment, Mb,Rd, is taken as:
fy
M b , Rd = χ LT Wy (NTC Eq. 4.2.50)
γ MI
and the section modulus, Wy, is defined based on the section classification:
− Class 1 or 2 sections
Wy = Wpl , y (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.2)
− Class 3 sections
Wy = Wel , y (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.2)
− Class 4 sections
Wy = Weff , y (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.2)
Wpl, Wel, and Weff have been described in the previous section.
The reduction factor χLT is taken as:
1
1 1 
χ LT = ⋅ ≤ 1 1 (NTC Eq. 4.2.51)
f Φ LT + Φ LT − β ⋅ λ LT  2 ⋅
2 2
 λ LT f
Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-3

where the factor Φ, the non-dimensional slenderness, λLT , β and f coefficients

are taken as:
Φ
= LT 0.5 1 + α LT ( λ LT − λ LT ,0 ) + β ⋅ λ LT 2  (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.2)
α LT is the imperfection factor (see Table 6.2)
Wy f y
λ LT = (NTC Eq. 4.2.52)
M cr
0.2 ≤ λ LT ,0 ≤ 0.4 (0.2 is the general cautionary value, while 0.4 is the
suggested value for rolled and welded sections)
0.75 ≤ β ≤ 1 (1 is the general cautionary value, while 0.75 is the

suggested value for rolled and welded sections)
(
f =1 − 0.5 (1 − kc ) ⋅ 1 − 2 λ LT − 0.8 )
2
(NTC Eq. 4.2.53)
 
kc is a corrective factor that takes into account the

effective distribution of the moments in the frame (see
Table 6-1)
The elastic critical moment, Mcr, is based on gross cross-section properties and
is taken as:
0.5
π2 EI  I L2 GI 
M cr =
ψ 2 z  w + cr2 T  (NTC Eq. C4.2.30)
Lcr  I z π EI z 
where Iz, Iw, and IT are the minor axis inertia, warping constant, and torsion
constant, respectively; Lcr is the effective unbraced length for the lateral-
torsional buckling mode, and ψ is defined as:
2
MB M 
=
ψ 1.75 − 1.05 + 0.3  B  (NTC Eq. C4.2.31)
MA  MA 
6-4 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

Chapter 6 Design for Bending Moment
Table 6-1: Corrective Factor (NTC Table 4.2.VIII)
where M A and M B are the end moments with M B ≤ M A . The value of ψ is

also taken as 1.0 if the unbraced length is overwritten. The value of ψ can be
overwritten on a member-by-member basis.
Here, Lcr is the effective unbraced length for the lateral-torsional buckling
mode.
Lcr = K LTB LLTB
Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-5

when KLTB is the effective length factor for the lateral-torsional buckling mode,
and LLTB is the unbraced length for the lateral-torsional buckling mode. For
more details on these two factors, please refer to Sections 5.5 and 5.6 in
Chapter 5 of this manual.
The imperfection factor, αLT, is defined in Table 6-2 based on the respective
buckling curve that is defined in Table 6-3 (NTC Tab. 4.2.VII).
The lateral-torsional buckling resistance of Channels, Double Channels, Tees,

Angles, Double Angles, and I-sections is calculated as described previously.
Lateral-torsional buckling is not considered for Tubular, Box, or Solid sections.

For General or Section Designer sections, the lateral-torsional buckling
resistance is taken as the design elastic moment resistance.
Table 6-2: Imperfection Factors (NTC Table 4.2.VI)

Buckling Curve a b c d
Imperfection Factor, αLT [NDP] 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76
Table 6-3: Buckling Curves (NTC Table 4.2.VII)

Section Shape Limits Buckling Curve
h/b ≤ 2 b
Rolled I-sections
h/b > 2 c
h/b ≤ 2 c
Welded I-sections
h/b > 2 d
Other sections - d
Note: The b, c, and d are presented in Table 6-2.
6-6 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

Chapter 7
Design for Shear Force
NTC 2008 steel frame design when designing for shear forces. The following
topics are covered:
 calculation of shear area (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 design for shear (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 design for shear buckling (NTC § C4.2.4.1.3.4)
7.1 Shear Area

The shear area, Av, for various section shapes is taken from the definition given
in the code (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2).
7.2 Shear Check

The shear check at each output station shall satisfy:
VEd
≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 4.2.17)
Vc, Rd
where the design shear resistance Vc,Rd is taken as:
7-1
Vc , Rd =
(
Av f y 3 ) (NTC Eq. 4.2.18)
γM 0
7.3 Shear Buckling Check

For webs of I-sections, Boxes, Channels, Double Channels, Tees, and Double
Angles without intermediate stiffeners, shear buckling is checked if:
hw 72 235
> ⋅ . (NTC Eq. 4.2.28)
tw η fy
The shear area factor, η is taken as:
η = 1.0. (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
The design shear resistance Vc,Rd is taken as:
ηf yw hwt
Vc , Rd =Vb, Rd =Vbw, Rd + Vbf , Rd ≤ (NTC Eq. C4.2.46)
3γ MI
where Vbw, Rd is the contribution from the web, taken as:
χ w f yw hwt
Vbw, Rd = . (NTC Eq. C4.2.47)
3γ MI
λw is taken as:
f yw
λw = 0.76 (NTC Eq. C4.2.50)
τ cr
where:
τcr = kτ σ E (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.4.1)
2
π2 ⋅ E ⋅ t 2  t 
=
σE = 190000 ⋅   (NTC § 4.2.4.1.3.4.1)
(
12 ⋅ 1 − ν ⋅ hw
2
)
 hw 
7-2 Shear Buckling Check

Chapter 7 Design for Shear Force
assuming that transverse stiffeners exist only at supports:

2
h 
=
kτ 5.34 + 4.00  w  (NTC Eq. C4.2.51)
 L
in which L is the span of the beam.
The transverse stiffeners at the supports are assumed to create only a non-rigid
end post, leading to the shear contribution factor being taken as:
η if λ w < 0.83 η

χw =  (NTC Tab. C.4.2.VII)
0.83 λ w if λ w ≥ 0.83 η
The contribution from the flanges, Vbf,Rd, is conservatively ignored.
Vbf,Rd = 0.
Shear Buckling Check 7-3

Chapter 8
Design for Combined Forces
NTC 2008 steel frame design, with respect to designing for combined forces.
The following topics are covered:
 Design for cross-section resistance:
– design for bending and axial force (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
– design for bending, shear, and axial force (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
– design for shear (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
 Design for stability of members
– prismatic members in bending and axial compression (NTC § C4.2.4.1.1.3)
– prismatic members in bending and axial tension (NTC § C4.2.4.1.1.3)
8-1
8.1 Design for Cross-Section Resistance
8.1.1 Bending, Axial Force, and Shear Check

The combined effect of axial force and bending moments is checked in the
same way whether the axial force is a tensile force or a compression force.
There are minor exceptions that are noted in the relevant sections.
8.1.1.1 Class 1 and 2 Cross-Sections

For I and H sections, the combined axial force and bending is checked by
taking the following summation of the utilization ratios for each force
component:
2 5n
 M y , Ed   M z , Ed 
  +  ≤1 (NTC Eq. 4.2.39)
 M N , y , Rd   M N , z , Rd 
N Ed
n= (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
N pl ,Rd
M N ,y ,Rd and M N ,z ,Rd are computed as follows:
 1− n 
=M N , y , Rd M pl , y , Rd   ≤ M pl , y , Rd (NTC Eq. 4.2.34)
 1 − 0.5a 
 M pl ,z ,Rd , for n ≤ a,

M N ,z ,Rd =  n−a  2 (NTC Eq. 4.2.35-36)
 M pl ,z ,Rd 1 −    , for n > a
   1− a  
where,
N Ed
n= (NTC Eq. 4.2.37)
N pl ,Rd
A − 2b f t f
=a ≤ 0.5 (NTC Eq. 4.2.38)
A
8-2 Design for Cross-Section Resistance

Chapter 8 Design for Combined Force
For other types of sections, NTC 2008 refers to Eurocode 3.
For Hollow Rectangular sections, the combined axial force and bending is
checked by taking the following summation of the utilization ratios for each
force component:
α β
 M y ,Ed   M z ,Ed 
M  + M  ≤1 (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
 N ,y ,Rd   N ,z ,Rd 
α and β are taken as follows:
1.66
α =β = ≤ 6 , where (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
1 − 1.13n 2
N Ed
n= (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
N pl ,Rd
M N ,y ,Rd and M N ,z ,Rd are computed as follows:
 1− n 
=M N ,y ,Rd M pl ,y ,Rd   ≤ M pl ,y ,Rd (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
 1 − 0.5aw 
 1− n 
=M N ,z ,Rd M pl ,z ,Rd   ≤ M pl ,z ,Rd (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
 1 − 0.5a f 
where:
A − 2bt f
=aw ≤ 0.5 (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
A
A − 2ht w
=af ≤ 0.5 (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
A
For Channel, Double Channel, Solid Rectangular, Double Angle, Angle,

General, and Section Designer sections, combined axial force and bending is
conservatively checked by taking a linear summation of the utilization ratios for
each force component as:
Design for Cross-Section Resistance 8-3

N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y, Rd M z , Rd
The design axial resistance NRd is taken as Nt,Rd or Nc,Rd, as appropriate, as

defined in Section 5.2 and 5.3 of Chapter 5 of this manual. The values of
My,Rd and Mz,Rd are defined in Section 6.1 of Chapter 6 of this manual for
cases with both low and high shear.
For Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum of Squares)
combination is made first of the two bending components before adding
the axial load component, instead of the single algebraic addition as
implied by the interaction equations given by EC3 6.2.1(7). The resulting
interaction equation is given by the following:
2 2
N Ed  M y , Ed   M z , Ed 
+   +  ≤ 1.0. (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd  M y , Rd   M z , Rd 
The philosophy behind the preceding modification is that the engineer has
the freedom to choose the principal axis. The engineer can easily choose
the principal axis to match with the resultant moment so that the design is
always based on the uniaxial bending with axial force. In that case, the
moment will be the resultant (SRSS) moment from the two components.
The resultant D/C ratio calculated using the preceding equations will match
the calculated D/C ratio from the pure resultant moment for the Pipe and
Circular sections. The reason is that MRd for Pipe and Solid Circular
sections is independent of the K and L factors.
For Tee sections, combined axial force and bending is conservatively

checked by taking a linear summation of the utilization ratios for each
force component as:
N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
However, for this case the maximum longitudinal stress at three extreme
points of the section are added with appropriate sign. That means that at the

two extreme points on the flange, all three terms are added algebraically,
whereas at the tip of the web, the minor axis bending term becomes zero.
8.1.1.2 Class 3 Cross-Sections

For all shapes, with the exception noted in the following text, the combined
axial force and bending is conservatively checked by taking the linear
summation of the utilization ratios for each force component:
N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
For Doubly Symmetric sections, the preceding equation is a representation of

the code-specified equation given here:
fy
σ x ,Ed ≤ . (EC3 6.2.9.2(1))
γM 0
As an exception for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
adding the axial load component, instead of the single algebraic addition as
2 2
N Ed  M y,Ed   M z ,Ed 
+   +  ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd  M y, Rd   M z , Rd 
As an exception, for Tee sections, the terms are algebraically added for three
extreme points of the section. See the previous Section of this manual for
details.
8.1.1.3 Class 4 Cross-Sections

For all shapes, with the exception noted in the following text, the combined
axial force and bending is conservatively checked by taking linear summation
of the utilization ratios for each force component:
Design for Cross-Section Resistance 8-5

N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
For Doubly Symmetric sections, the preceding equation is a representation of

the code-specified equation given here:
fy
σ x ,Ed ≤ . (EC3 6.2.9.3(1))
γM 0
As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
2 2
N Ed  M y,Ed   M z ,Ed 
+   +  ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd  M y, Rd   M z , Rd 
extreme points of the section. See a previous Section of this manual for details.
In addition, Class 4 sections are checked for the following interaction equation:
N Ed M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

+ + z ,Ed (EC3 6.2.9.3(2))
Aeff f y γ M 0 Weff ,y ,min f y γ M 0 Weff ,z ,min f y γ M 0
where,
Aeff is the effective area of the cross-section when subjected to uniform

compression,
Weff,min is the effective section modulus (corresponding to the fiber with

maximum elastic stress) of the cross-section when subjected only to
moment about the relevant axis,
eN is the shift of the relevant centroidal axis when the cross-section is

subjected to compression only. If the section is under tensile force, eN
is set to zero, and NEd is set to zero.

implied by the interaction equations given previously (EC3 6.2.9.3(2)).
extreme points of the section. See the previous Section of this manual for
details.
8.1.2 Members Subjected to Shear Force

V 
If the shear stress is relevant  Ed ≥ 0.5  , the interaction between axial stress,
 VRd 
bending, and shear stress can be evaluated with the same formulation as is
given in § 8.1.1 in which the resisting moment is calculated with a reduced
yield strength:
f y ,red= (1 − ρ ) ⋅ f yk (NTC § 4.2.4.1.2)
2
 2V 
=ρ  Ed − 1 . (NTC Eq. 4.2.41)
 VRd 
8.2 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members

The combined effect of axial compression and bending with special emphasis
to flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked using NTC C4.2.4.1.3.3.
The combined effect of axial tension and bending is also checked using the
same section, with the exception that the axial term is ignored.
The program checks these equations assuming the section is prismatic. For
nonprismatic sections the same equations are used. However the cross-section
properties used are based on the section being checked. The user is advised to
check the appropriateness of this method.
For Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 sections, the same equations are checked. However, for
simplicity, the versions of equations used for different classes are reported
differently in this manual.
Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 8-7

8.2.1 Class 1, 2 and 3 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Compression

to flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the
utilization ratios based on the following two methods:
Method A:
N Ed M yeq , Ed M zeq , Ed
+ + ≤1
χ min ⋅ f yk ⋅ A f yk  N  f yk  N 
χ LT ⋅ ⋅ Wy ⋅ 1 − Ed  ⋅ Wz ⋅ 1 − Ed 
γM1 γM1 γM1 N cr , z 
 N cr , y  
(NTC Eq. C4.2.32)
in which:
χ min is the minimum χ factor relative to the axial buckling
χ LT is the reduction factor relative to lateral-torsional buckling
Wy , z are the plastics moduli if the section is Class 1 or 2, or the

elastics moduli if the section is Class 3
N cr , y , z are the critical axial loads
N Ed is the acting axial load
M y , zeq are the equivalent acting moment to consider in the verification
= 1.3 ⋅ M m , Ed
M eq , Ed
M m , Ed is the average moment in the beam
0.75M max, Ed ≤ M eq , Ed ≤ M max, Ed
if the beam is subjected to a linear variation of the bending moment, M eq , Ed

can be assumed as:
M eq , Ed = 0.6 M A − 0.4 M B ≥ 0.4 M A

8-8 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members
in which M A and M B are the end moments and M A ≥ M B .
Method B:
N Ed M y , Ed M
+ k yy + k yz z , Ed ≤ 1 (NTC C4.2.37)
χ y Af yk Wy f yk Wy f yk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1
N Ed M y , Ed M
+ k zy + k zz z , Ed ≤ 1 (NTC C4.2.38)
χ z Af yk Wy f yk Wz f yk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1
Wy , z are the plastics moduli if the section is Class 1 or 2, or the elastics moduli
if section is Class 3.
The reduction factors χy and χz are defined in Section 5.4 and χLT in Section 6.2
of this manual.
The interaction factors, kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy, are determined based on Method 2
described in Annex B of Eurocode 3. The method is not repeated in this
manual.
addition of the axial load component instead of simple algebraic addition as
implied by the equation given previously.
8.2.2 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Compression

on flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the
utilization ratios based on the following interaction equations:
N Ed M y , Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz
+ k yy + k yz z , Ed ≤ 1 (NTC Eq. C4.2.38)
χ y Af yk Weff , y f yk Weff , z f yk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1
Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 8-9

N Ed M y , Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz
+ k zy + k zz z , Ed ≤ 1 (NTC Eq. C4.2.38)
χ z Af yk Weff , y f yk Weff , z f yk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1
The characteristic resistance values, Afyk, Weff,yfyk, and Weff,z,fyk; the reduction
factors χy, χz and χLT; the interaction factors kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy are described in
Section 8.2.1 of this manual.
The shifts of the relevant centroidal axis when a Class 4 section is subjected to
uniform compression, eNy and eNz, are described in Section 8.1.1.3 of this
manual.
8.2.3 Class 1, 2, and 3 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Tension

The combined effect of axial tension and bending with special emphasis to
flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is not explicitly mentioned in NTC 2008.
That case however can be checked conservatively by calculating the utilization
ratios based on the following two interaction equations:
M y ,Ed M
k yy + k yz z ,Ed ≤ 1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1
M y ,Ed M
k zy + k zz z ,Ed ≤ 1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M M z ,Rk
χ LT y ,Rk
γM1 γM1
The characteristic resistance values, NRk, My,Rk, and Mz,Rk, are taken as the
design resistance values, NRd, My,Rd, and Mz,Rd, but omitting the γM0 factor (EC3
Table 6.7, 6.2.5(2)). The reduction factor χLT is described in Chapter 6, Section
6.2 of this manual.
8 - 10 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members

The interaction factors, kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy, are determined based on EC3 Annex
B. The method is not repeated in this manual.
8.2.4 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Tension

The combined effect of axial tension and bending with special emphasis to
flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is not explicitly mentioned in NTC 2008.
That case however can be checked conservatively by calculating the utilization
ratios based on the following two interaction equations:
M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

k yy + k yz z ,Ed ≤1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γ M1 γ M1
M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

kzy + kzz z ,Ed ≤1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γ M1 γ M1
The characteristic resistance values, NRk, My,Rk, and Mz,Rk, the reduction factor
χLT, the interaction factors kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy are described in Section 8.2.1 of
this manual (EC3 Table 6.7, 6.2.5(2), 6.3.1.2(1), 6.3.2.2(1), 6.3.3(5), Table A.1,
Table B.1).
The shifts of the relevant centroidal axis when a Class 4 section is subjected to
uniform tension, eNy and eNz, and are described in Section 8.1.1.3 of this manual
(EC3 6.3.3(4), 6.2.9.3(2.)). For this case eNy and eNz are taken as zero.
Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 8 - 11

Chapter 9
Special Seismic Provisions
This chapter provides a detailed description of the algorithms related to seismic

provisions in the design/check of structures in accordance with the NTC 2008.
The program code option NTC 2008 covers these provisions. The implementa-
tion covers load combinations from NTC 2008, which is described in section
4.3 Design Load Combinations in Chapter 4. The loading based on NTC 2008
has been described in a separate document entitled “CSi Lateral Load Manual”
(CSI 2012).
9.1 Design Preferences

The steel frame design Preferences are basic assignments that apply to all of
the steel frame members. Table A.1 lists the steel frame design Preferences.
The following steel frame design Preferences are relevant to the special seismic
provisions.
 Framing Type
 Behavior Factor, q
 System overstrength factor, Ω
 Ignore Seismic Code?
9-1
 Ignore Special Seismic Load?

 Is Doubler Plate Plug Welded?
9.2 Overwrites
The steel frame design Overwrites are basic assignments that apply only to
those elements to which they are assigned. Appendix B identifies the steel
frame design Overwrites. The following steel frame design overwrites are rele-
vant to the special seismic provisions.
 Frame Type
 Material overstrength factor, γ Rd
 System overstrength factor, Ω
NTC-Table 7.5.I
9.3 Supported Framing Types

The code recognizes the types of framing systems identified in NTC § 7.5.2.1.
The program has implemented specifications only for the types of framing sys-
tems listed in the following table.
Framing Type References

DCH-MRF (Ductility Class High Moment-Resisting Frame) NTC § 7.5.2.1
DCL-MRF (Ductility Class Low Moment-Resisting Frame) NTC § 7.5.2.1
DCH-CBF (Ductility Class High Concentrically Braced Frame) NTC § 7.5.2.1
9-2 Overwrites
Chapter 9 - Special Seismic Provisions
Framing Type References

DCL-CBF (Ductility Class Low Concentrically Braced Frame) NTC § 7.5.2.1
DCH-EBF (Ductility Class High Eccentrically Braced Frame) NTC § 7.5.2.1
DCL-EBF (Ductility Class Low Eccentrically Braced Frame) NTC § 7.5.2.1
Inverted Pendulum Structure NTC § 7.5.2.1
Not Dissipative NTC § 7.2.1
By default in the program, the frame type is taken as Ductility Class High Mo-
ment-Resisting Frame (DCH-MRF). However, the default frame type can be
changed in the Preferences for all frames or in the Overwrites on a member-by-
member basis. If a frame type Preference is revised in an existing model, the
revised frame type does not apply to frames that have already been assigned a
frame type through the Overwrites; the revised Preference applies only to new
frame members added to the model after the Preference change and to the old
frame members that were not assigned a frame type through the Overwrites.
9.4 Member Design

This section describes the special requirements for designing a member. The
section has been divided into subsections for each framing type.
The behavior factor q0 accounts for the energy dissipation capacity of the struc-
ture. For regular structural systems, the behavior factor q0 should be taken with
the upper limits referenced to the values given in NTC 2008 Table 7.5.II.
Table 9.1 Upper Limits of Behavior Factor q0

Ductility Class § 7.5.2.2
Structural Type DCM DCH α u α1 for DCH
Moment resisting frames 4 5 α u α1 1.1-1.3
Frames with concentric bracing
- Diagonal Bracing 4 4 –
- V-bracing 2 2.5
Frame with eccentric bracings 4 5 α u α1 1.2
Inverted Pendulum 2 2 α u α1 1.1
Member Design 9-3

9.4.1 Section class requirements

On the basis of behavior factor used in the calculation, the following section
class must be chosen for all the dissipative elements:
Ductility class Behavior factor q Section class

- High 2≤ q ≤4 1 or 2
- Low q>4 1
9.4.2 Ductility Class High Moment-Resisting Frames (DCH-MRF) and

Ductility Class Low Moment-Resisting Frames (DCL-MRF)
The following additional requirements are checked or reported (NTC §7.5.4).
NOTE: The geometrical constraints and material requirements given in NTC 2008
Section 7.2.2 should be independently checked by the user because the program does
not perform those checks.
9.4.2.1 Beams
 To ensure that the full plastic moment of resistance and rotation capacity
are not decreased by compression or shear forces, the following conditions
are checked (NTC § 7.5.4.1):
M Ed
≤ 1.0 (NTC Eq. 7.5.3)
M pl , Rd
N Ed
≤ 0.15 (NTC Eq. 7.5.4)
N pl , Rd
VEd
≤ 0.5 (NTC Eq. 7.5.5)
V pl , Rd
where,
=
VEd VEd ,G + VEd , M (NTC Eq. 7.5.5)
9-4 Member Design

N Ed is the factored design axial force,
M Ed is the factored design bending moment,
VEd is the factored design shear,
VEd ,G is the design shear force due to non-seismic actions,
VEd , M is the design shear force due to plastic moments M pl , Rd , A and

M pl , Rd , B with opposite signs at the ends of section A and B
=
of the beam i.e., VEd , M (M pl , Rd , A + M pl , Rd , B ) / L
N pl , Rd , M pl , Rd , V pl , Rd are the design resistance factors in accordance

with § 4.2.4.1. of NTC 2008.
9.4.2.2 Columns
 The columns are checked by considering the most unfavorable combina-
tion of axial force and bending moments. In the design checks,
N Ed , M Ed , VEd are computed as follows (NTC § 7.4.5.2):
N=
Ed N Ed ,G + 1.1γ Rd ΩN Ed , E (NTC Eq. 7.5.6)
M=
Ed M Ed ,G + 1.1γ Rd ΩM Ed , E (NTC Eq. 7.5.7)
= VEd ,G + 1.1γ Rd ΩVEd , E

VEd (NTC Eq. 7.5.8)
where,
N Ed ,G , M Ed ,G , VEd ,G are the compression force, bending moment
and shear force in the column, respectively, due to the nonseis-

mic actions included in the combination of actions for the seis-
mic design situation.
Member Design 9-5

N Ed , E , M Ed , E , VEd , E are the compression force, bending moment,
and shear force in the column, respectively, due to design seis-

mic action.
γ Rd is the material overstrength factor.
Ω is the minimum value of Ωi =M pl , Rd ,i M Ed ,i of all lateral beams;

M Ed ,i is the design bending moment in beam i in the seismic
combination and M pl , Rd ,i is the corresponding plastic moment.
NOTE: Ω is not calculated automatically by the program. Rather, its value can be
overwritten by the user through design Preference and Overwrites.
 The column shear force VEd resulting from analysis should satisfy the follow-
ing condition (NTC § 7.5.4.2):
VEd
≤ 0.5 (NTC Eq. 7.5.9)
V pl , Rd
9.4.2.3 Beam-Column Capacity Design Provisions (see § 9.5.3 of this

manual for the implementation)
To ensure a global dissipative mechanism, it is necessary that every beam-
column node of the structure respect this further condition:
∑M C , pl , Rd ≥ γ RD ∑M b , pl , Rd
in which:
γ RD = 1.3 for DCH and

= 1.1 for DCL
M C , pl , Rd are the resisting moments of the columns at the joint under

consideration
9-6 Member Design

M b , pl , Rd are the resisting moments of the beams at the joint under

consideration
9.4.3 Ductility Class High Concentrically Braced Frames (DCH-CBF)

and Ductility Class Low Concentrically Braced Frames (DCL-
CBF)
The following additional requirements are checked or reported (NTC § 7.5.5).
9.4.3.1 Brace
 The slenderness ratio, λ , of X diagonal bracing members as defined in NTC
§ 4.2.4.1.3.1 is limited to the following (NTC § 7.5.5):
1.3 ≤ λ ≤ 2.0.
where,
Af y
λ=
N cr
=
N cr N cr ,TF < N cr ,T
N cr ,TF is the elastic torsional-flexural buckling force, and
N cr ,T is the elastic torsional buckling force
For torsional or torsional-flexural buckling the appropriate buckling curve

is determined from NTC 2008 Table 4.2.VI considering the one related to
the z-axis.
 The slenderness ratio, λ , of frames with V bracings should be limited to

(NTC § 7.5.5):
λ ≤ 2.0.
 The slenderness ratio, λ does not apply to structures up to two stories (NTC
§ 7.5.5)
Member Design 9-7

 The yield resistance N pl , Rd of the gross cross-section of the diagonal should

be:
N Ed ≤ N pl , Rd
where,
Af y
N pl , Rd =
γM0
To ensure a homogeneous dissipative behavior of the diagonals, the maxi-

mum system overstrength, Ωi , does not differ from the minimum value of
Ω by more than 25% (NTC § 7.5.5).
9.4.3.2 Beams and Columns

 The beams and columns are checked by considering the most unfavorable
combination of axial force and bending moment. In design check the M Ed
and VEd are taken from the factored loads. However, the axial force N Ed is
modified as follows (NTC § 7.5.5):
N=
Ed N Ed ,G + 1.1γ Rd ΩN Ed , E (NTC Eq. 7.5.6)
where,
N Ed ,G is the axial force in the beam or in the column due to non-

seismic actions included in the seismic load combinations,
N Ed ,E is the axial force in the beam or in the column due to de-

sign seismic action,
γ Rd is the material overstrength factor,
9-8 Member Design

Ω is the minimum value of Ωi =N pl , Rd ,i N Ed ,i over all the di-

agonals of the braced frame system, where N pl , Rd ,i is the de-
sign resistance of diagonal i, and N Ed ,i is the design axial
force in the same diagonal i in the seismic combination.
 In the V-braced frames, beams must resist non-seismic action without con-
sidering the support given by the diagonals. In addition, beams must resist
the unbalanced actions that develop after the plasticization of tensioned di-
agonals and the buckling of compressed ones: this requirement can be veri-
fied considering an axial action equal to N pl , Rd in tensioned diagonals and
equal to 0.3 N pl , Rd in compressed ones.
9.4.4 Ductility Class High Eccentrically Braced Frames (DCH-EBF)

and Ductility Class Low Eccentrically Braced Frames (DCL-EBF)
The following additional requirements are checked or reported (NTC § 7.5.6).
For this framing system, the program looks for and recognizes the eccentrically
braced frame configurations shown in Figure 9-1. The other case that is de-
scribed in EC8 Figure 6.4 is not covered.
e e
e e
2 2
L L L
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 9-1. Eccentrically Braced Frame Configurations
Member Design 9-9

The following additional requirements are checked or reported for the beams,
columns, and braces associated with these configurations.
 The link beams are classified into three categories according to the type of
plastic mechanism developed (NTC § 7.5.6):
– Short links (es), which dissipate energy by yielding essentially in shear;
– Long links (eL), which dissipate energy by yielding essentially in bend-

ing;
– Intermediate links (e), which plastic mechanism involves bending and

shear.
 For I-sections, the design resistance is computed as follows (NTC § 7.5.6):
− If N Ed N pl , Rd ≤ 0.15 :
=
M l , Rd f y bt f h − t f( ) (NTC Eq. 7.5.16)
( )
fy
=
Vl , Rd tw h − t f . (NTC Eq. 7.5.17)
3
− If N Ed N pl , Rd > 0.15 :
( ) ( ) ( )
2 0.5
=Vl , Rd fy 3 tw h − t f ⋅ 1 − N Ed N pl , Rd  (EC8 Eq. 6.17)
 
M=
l , Rd (  ) (
f y bt f h − t f ⋅ 1 − N Ed N pl , Rd 
 ) (EC8 Eq. 6.18)
 The link length e is classified as follows (NTC § 7.5.6):
es 0.8 (1 + α ) M l , Rd Vl , Rd
– Short links (es), e ≤= (NTC Eq. 7.15a)
es 1.5 (1 + α ) M l , Rd Vl , Rd
– Long links (eL), e ≥= (NTC Eq. 7.15c)
– Intermediate links (e), e < es < eL (NTC Eq. 7.15b)
9 - 10 Member Design
in which α is the ratio between the minor and the major end moment (tak-
en in absolute value). If the check is not satisfied, the program reports an
error message.
 The link beam rotation, θ, of the individual bay relative to the rest of the
beam is calculated as the story drift ∆ times bay length ( L ) divided by the
total lengths of link beams (e) in the bay.
The link rotation, θ, is checked as follows (NTC § 7.5.6):
δL
θ =q (EC8 Fig 6.14(a))
e
 0.08 radian, for short link where e ≤ es


θ ≤  0.02 radian, for short link where e ≥ eL
 value interpolated between 0.08 and 0.02 radian, for e < e < e
 s L
q is the behavior factor,
δ is the story drift,
e is the link length, and
L is the beam span.
 The ultimate resistance of links, due to various effects such as hardening,

the participation of the slab of the deck, and the uncertainty of the yield
stress, is greater than M l , Rd and Vl , Rd . Based on the available experimental
results, the overstrength can be calculated by the following relations:
 M=u 0.75 ⋅ e ⋅ Vl , Rd
for short links 
Vu= 1.5 ⋅ Vl , Rd
 M= 1.5 ⋅ M l , Rd

u
for long links  M l , Rd
 Vu = 2 ⋅
 e
for intermediate link the values are interpolated.
Member Design 9 - 11
 The individual values of the ratios Ωi :
M l , Rd ,i
for long and intermdiate links Ωi= 1.5 ⋅ (NTC Eq. 7.5.20a)
M Ed ,i
Vl , Rd ,i
for short links Ωi= 1.5 ⋅ (NTC Eq. 7.5.20a)
VEd ,i
must not exceed the minimum value of Ωi by more than 25%.
NOTE: Ω is not calculated automatically by the program. Rather, its value can
be overwritten by the user through the design Preference and Overwrites.
 Beams and columns are checked as shown for the concentrically braced
frames (§9.4.3.2 of this manual) in which the overstrength factors Ω are
those defined previously.
Note: Axial forces in the beams are included in checking the beams. The user is re-
minded that using a rigid diaphragm model will result in zero axial forces in the beams.
The user must disconnect some of the column lines from the diaphragm to allow beams
to carry axial loads. It is recommended that only one column line per eccentrically
braced frame be connected to the rigid diaphragm or that a flexible diaphragm model
be used.
9.4.5 Inverted Pendulum

For this framing system, the following additional requirements are checked or
reported (EC8 6.9).
 This framing system is checked to be designed using axial compression by

considering the most unfavorable combination of axial force and bending
moments (EC8, 6.9(1)).
 N Ed , M Ed , VEd are computed in accordance with EC8 Section 6.6.3.
 The limit for the slenderness ratio for the columns, λ , should be limited to
λ ≤ 1.5 (EC8 6.9(3)).
9 - 12 Member Design
 The interstory drift sensitivity coefficient, θ, as defined in EC8 Section

4.4.2.2 should be limited to θ ≤ 0.2 (EC8 6.9(4)). This clause has not been
implemented in the program. The user is required to check this clause in-
dependently.
9.4.6 Not Dissipative

The resistance of the members and connections are evaluated in accordance
with NTC 2008 § 7.2.1 without any additional requirements.
9.5 Design of Joint Components

In a plan view of a beam-column connection, a steel beam can frame into a
column in the following ways.
 The steel beam frames in a direction parallel to the column major direction,
i.e., the beam frames into the column flange.
 The steel beam frames in a direction parallel to the column minor direc-
tion, i.e., the beam frames into the column web.
 The steel beam frames in a direction that is at an angle to both of the prin-
cipal axes of the column, i.e., the beam frames partially into the column
web and partially into the column flange.
To achieve a proper beam-column moment connection strength, continuity

plates are usually placed on the column, in line with the top and bottom flanges
of the beam, to transfer the compression and tension flange forces of the beam
into the column. For connection conditions described by the first bullet, where
the beam frames into the flange of the column, the program investigates joint
component checks based on EC3-1-8 Section 6.2.6.1 to 6.2.6.4. Columns of I
or H sections connected with I-shaped beam sections only are investigated. The
joint component requirements are evaluated for Medium and High Ductile
Moment frames (DCL-MRF and DCH- MRF) only. No check is made for
braced frames.
The program evaluate the following checks.
 Check the requirement of the continuity plate and determine its area.
Design of Joint Components 9 - 13

 Check the requirement of the supplementary web plate and determine its
thickness.
 Check the ratio of the sum of the beam flexural strength to the sum of the
column flexural strength.
 Report the beam connection shear.
 Report the brace connection force.
9.5.1 Design of Continuity Plates

The program first evaluates the need for continuity plates. When the required
strength FEd exceeds the available resistance Fc ,wc , Rd , Ft , wc , Rd , or Ffc , Rd , as ap-
propriate, a continuity plate will be required. The program checks the follow-
ing limit states.
(a) Column Web in Transverse Compression

 The design resistance of an unstiffened column web subjected to transverse
compression is given as follows (EC3-1-8 6.2.6.2):
ωk wc beff ,c , wc twc f y , wc ωk wc ρbeff ,c , wc twc f y , wc

=Fc , wc , Rd ≤ (EC3-1-8 Eq. 6.9)
γM 0 γM1
where,
ω is a reduction factor to allow for the possible effects of interaction

with shear in column web panel in accordance with EC3-1-8 Ta-
ble 6.3. ω is a function of β in EC8 Table 6.3. Approximate val-
ues for the transformation parameter β is also given in EC3-1-8
Table 5.4. Conservatively, program uses β =2 (EC3-1-8 5.3(7)).
beff ,c ,wc is the effective width of column web in compression. For a weld-
ed connection,
beff ,c ,wc =t fb + 2 2 ab + 5 ( t fc + s ) ,
9 - 14 Design of Joint Components

where ab , ac and rc are indicated in EC3-1-8 Figure 6.6.
ab is taken as t fb 2 in the program
ac is taken as t fc 2 in the program
rc for a rolled I or H section column

s=
 2ac for a welded I or H section column
ρ is the reduction factor for plate buckling:
1 if λ p ≤ 0.72 (EC3-1-8Eq.6.13a)

ρ =
( )
 λ p − 0.2 λ p
2
if λ p > 0.72 (EC3-1-8Eq.6.13b)
λp is the plate slenderness:

beff ,c , wc d wc f y , wc
λ p = 0.932 2
(EC3-1-8 Eq. 6.13c)
Etwc
(
hc − 2 t fc + rc
 )
for a rolled I or H section column
d wc = 
( )
hc − 2 t fc + 2ac for a welded I or H section column
kwc is the reduction factor and is given in EC3-1-8 6.2.6.2(2):
where the maximum longitudinal compressive stress σcom, Ed due

to axial force and bending moment in the column exceeds 0.7 fy,wc
in the web (adjacent to the root radius for a rolled section or the
toe of the weld for a welded section), its effect on the design
resistance of the column web in compression is reduced by kwc as
follows:
when σ com , Ed ≤ 0.7 f y , wc ; kwc = 1 (EC3-1-8 Eq. 6.14)
when σ com , Ed > 0.7 f y , wc ; k=

wc 1.7 − σ com , Ed f y , wc
Conservatively, k wc is taken as 1.

(b) Column Web in Transverse Tension

 The design resistance of an unstiffened column web subjected to transverse
tension is given as follows (EC3-1-8 6.2.6.3):
ωbeff ,t , wc twc f y , wc
Ft , wc , Rd = , (EC3-1-8 Eq. 6.15)
γM 0
where,
ω is a reduction factor to allow for the possible effects of inter-

action with shear in the column web panel in accordance with
EC3-1-8 Table 6.3. ω is a function of β in EC8 Table 6.3.
Approximate values for the transformation parameter β are also
given in EC3-1-8 Table 5.4. Conservatively, the program uses
β =2 (EC3-1-8 5.3(7)).
beff ,t , wc is the effective width of the column web in tension. For a welded
connection,
beff ,t , wc =t fb + 2 2ab + 5 ( t fc + s ) ,
where ab , ac and rc are as indicated in EC31-8 Figure 6.6.
rc for a rolled I or H section column

s=
 2ac for a welded I or H section column
(c) Column flange in transverse bending

 The design resistance of an unstiffened column flange, welded connection is
given as follows (EC3-1-8 6.2.6.4.3):
beff ,b , fc t fb f y , fb
Ffc , Rd = (EC3-1-8 Eq. 6.20)
γM 0
where,
beff ,b , fc is the effective breath beff as defined in EC3-1-8 section 4.10(2),

where the beam flange is considered as plate.
beff ,b , fc = twc + 2 s + 7 kt fc (EC3-1-8 Eq. 4.6a)
=k (t f t p )( f y , f f y , p ) ≤ 1.0 (EC3-1-8 Eq. 4.6b)
f y , f is the yield strength of the flange of the I or H section,
f y , p is the yield strength of the plate of the I or H section.
The dimension s is obtained from the following expression:
rc for a rolled I or H section column (EC3-1-8 Eq.4.6c)

s=
 2ac for a welded I or H section column (EC3-1-8 Eq.4.6d)
The continuity plate is computed using the following equations:
 ( FEd − Fc , wc , Rd )

 N b , Rd

 ( FEd − Ft , wc , Rd )
Acp = max  (EC3-1-5 9.4.(2))
 N b , Rd

 ( FEd − Ffc , Rd )
 N b , Rd

If Acp ≤ 0, no continuity plates are required.
Continuity plates are designed for all moment resisting frames for factored
load. In this case, FEd is taken as follows:
M Ed
FEd = .
(d − t f )
In addition, continuity plates are designed for DCH-MRF and DCL-MRF for
capacity moment. In this case, FEd is taken as follows:
FEd= 1.1γ 0 v b fb t fb f yb (EC8 6.5.5(3), Eq. 6.1)

In the preceding formula, assume for the purpose of calculation of N b , Rd that

the continuity plate plus a width of web equal to 12twc or 25twc acts as a com-
pression member to resist the applied load (AISC J10.8). This provides a rea-
sonable value of i22 and i33. Also, compression curve c is assumed (EC3-1-1
9.4(2)). The formula also assumes N b , Rd =
χAeff f y γ M 1 .
If continuity plates are required, they must satisfy a minimum area specifica-
tion defined as follows:
 The minimum thickness of the stiffeners is taken as follows:
tcpmin = 0.5t fb (AISC J10.8)
 The minimum width of the continuity plate on each side plus 1/2 the thick-
ness of the column web shall not be less than 1/3 of the beam flange width,
or
 b fp t wc 
=
bcpmin 2  − , (AISC J10.8)
 3 2 
so that the minimum area is given by
Acpmin = tcpmin bcpmin . (AISC J10.8)
Therefore, the continuity plate area provided by the program is zero or the
greater of Acp and Acpmin .
In the preceding equations,
Acp = Required continuity plate area
fy = Yield stress of the column and continuity plate material
h = Clear distance between flanges of column less fillets for rolled

shapes
FEd = Beam flange force
Fc , wc , Rd = Resistance of the column web

t fb = Beam flange thickness
t fc = Column flange thickness
t wc = Column web thickness
9.5.2 Design of Supplementary Web Plates

One aspect of the design of a steel framing system is an evaluation of the shear
forces that exist in the region of the beam-column intersection known as the
panel zone.
Shear stresses seldom control the design of a beam or column member. How-
ever, in a Moment-Resisting frame, the shear stress in the beam-column joint
can be critical, especially in framing systems when the column is subjected to
major direction bending and the joint shear forces are resisted by the web of
the column. In minor direction bending, the joint shear is carried by the column
flanges, in which case the shear stresses are seldom critical, and this condition
is therefore not investigated by the program.
Shear stresses in the panel zone, due to major direction bending in the column,
may require additional plates to be welded onto the column web, depending on
the loading and the geometry of the steel beams that frame into the column,
either along the column major direction or at an angle so that the beams have
components along the column major direction. The program investigates such
situations and reports the thickness of any required supplementary web plates.
Only columns with I-Shapes are investigated for supplementary web plate
requirements. Also supplementary web plate requirements are evaluated for
moment frames only (DCH-MRF and DCL-MRF).
The program calculates the required thickness of supplementary web plates

using the following algorithms. The shear force in the panel zone is given by:
=Vwp , Ed γ Rd
∑M b , pl , Rd 
1 −
z 
 (NTC Eq. C7.5.2)
Z  H − hb 
where:
Z is the lever arm of the column,

z is the lever arm of the beam,
H is the interstory height
hb is the beam height.
For DCH-MRF and DCL-MRF, M b , pl , Rd is taken as:
M b , pl , Rd = γ RdW pl f y .
The available resistance of the web panel zone for the limit state of shear yield-
ing resistance, Vwp,Rd, is determined assuming that the effect of panel zone
deformation on frame stability has not been considered in analysis. The shear
resistance, Vwp,Rd, is determined as follows (NTC § C7.5.4.5):
2
fy σ 
=
Vwp , Rd Avc 1−   (NTC Eq. C7.5.3)
 f
3  y 
where σ is the average compression stress in the panel due to axial stress of
the column.
By using Vwp,Rd = Vwp,Ed, the required column panel zone thickness tp is found.
 If the required supplementary web plate ts > tw , a failure condition is

declared,
 If the required supplementary web plate is not plug welded,
– if hwc twc > 69ε, a failure condition is declared.
– if bs ts > 40ε, then web supplementary plate thickness is set as

=ts bs 40ε .
 If the required supplementary web plate is plug welded, and if

hwc ( twc + ts ) > 69ε, a failure condition is declared. The web supplementary
plate thickness is set =
as ts hwc 69ε − twc .

The largest calculated value of ts, calculated for any of the load combinations
based on the factored beam moments and factored column axial loads, is
reported.
The supplementary web plate and the column web should satisfy the slender-
ness criteria as stated in the preceding text. If the twc cannot satisfy the criteria,
then a failure condition is declared. If ts does not satisfy this criterion, then its
value is increased to meet the criterion. If the check is not satisfied, it is noted
in the output.
9.5.3 Weak Beam/Strong Column Measure

For Moment Resisting Frames Ductility Class High (DCH-MRF) and Moment
Resisting Frames Ductility Class Low (DCL-MRF) frames with seismic design
only, the code requires that the sum of the column flexure strengths at a joint
should be more than the sum of the beam flexure strengths (see § 9.4.2.3 of this
manual). The column flexure strength should reflect the presence of axial force
in the column. The beam flexural strength should reflect the potential increase
in capacity for strain hardening. To facilitate the review of the strong
column/weak beam criterion, the program will report a beam-column plastic
moment capacity ratio for every joint in the structure.
For the major direction of any column (top end), the beam-to-column-strength
ratio is obtained as:
nb
1.3∑ M Rbn cos θn
Rmaj = n =1
. (EC8 4.4.2.3, Eq. 4.29)
M pl , RdA + M pl , RdB
For the minor direction of any column, the beam-to-column-strength ratio is

obtained as
nb
1.3∑ M Rbn sin θn
Rmin = n =1
. (EC8 4.4.2.3, Eq. 4.29)
M pl , RdA + M pl , RdB
where,

Rmaj = Plastic moment capacity ratios, in the major directions of the

column
Rmin = Plastic moment capacity ratios, in the minor directions of the

column
M Rbn = Plastic moment capacity of n-th beam connecting to column
θn = Angle between the n-th beam and the column major direc-
tion
M pl , RdA = Major and minor plastic moment capacities, reduced for axial
force effects, of column above story level
M pl , RdB = Major and minor plastic moment capacities, reduced for axial
force effects, of column below story level
nb = Number of beams connecting to the column
The plastic moment capacities of the columns are reduced for axial force
effects and are taken as
  N 
2

=
M N , Rd M pl , Rd 1 −  Ed  . (EC3 Eq. 6.32)
  N pl , Rd  
 
The plastic moment capacities of the beams are amplified for potential increase
in capacity for strain hardening as
M pl , Rd = γ RdW pl b Fyb (EC8 6.1.3(2))
where,
W plb = Plastic modulus of beam
W pl = Plastic modulus of column
Fyb = Yield stress of beam material

Fyc = Yield stress of column material
N Ed = Axial compression force in the column for the given load combi-
nation
For the preceding calculations, the section of the column above is taken to be
the same as the section of the column below, assuming that the column splice
will be located some distance above the story level.
9.5.4 Evaluation of Beam Connection Shears

For each steel beam in the structure, the program will report the maximum ma-
jor shears at each end of the beam for the design of the beam shear connec-
tions. The beam connection shears reported are the maxima of the factored
shears obtained from the loading combinations.
For special seismic design, the beam connection shears are not taken less than
the following special values for different types of framing. The special seismic
requirements additionally checked by the program are dependent on the type of
framing used.
 For DCH-MRF and DCL-MRF, the beam connection shear is taken as the
maximum of those from regular load combinations and those required for the
development of the full plastic moment capacity of the beam. The connection
shear for the development of the full plastic moment capacity of the beam is
as follows:
=
VEd VEd ,G + VEd , M (EC8 6.6.4(1), 6.6.2(2))
CM Ed , M
VEd , M = , (EC8 6.6.2(2))
L
where,
V = Shear force corresponding to END I or END J of beam

C = 0 if beam ends are pinned, or for cantilever beam
= 1 if one end of the beam is pinned
= 2 if no ends of the beam are pinned

M Ed , M = Plastic moment capacity of beam = 1.1γ 0V W pl f y (EC8

6.6.4(1), 6.5.5(3), Eq. 6.1)
L = Clear length of the beam
VEd ,G = Absolute maximum of the calculated beam shears at the cor-
responding beam ends from the factored gravity load only
 For DCH-CBF and DCL-CBF, the beam connection shear is taken as the
maximum of those from regular load combinations and from the capacity
design principal.
 For DCH-EBF and DCL-EBF, the beam connection shear is taken as the
minimum of the two values: (a) maximum shear from the load combinations
and (b) maximum shear based on the link beam shear capacity.
The maximum beam connection shear based on the link beam shear capacity
is taken as the beam connection shear that can be developed when the first
link beam yields in shear. The load factor for the seismic component of the
load in the combination is calculated to achieve forces related to yielding of
the link beam.
If the beam-to-column connection is modeled with a pin by releasing the

beam end in the program, it automatically affects the beam connection shear.
9.5.5 Evaluation of Brace Connection Forces

For each steel brace in the structure, the program reports the maximum axial
force at each end of the brace for the design of the brace-to-beam connections.
The brace connection forces reported are the maxima of the factored brace
axial forces obtained from the loading combinations.
For seismic design, the brace connection forces are not taken less than the fol-
lowing special values for different types of framing. The seismic requirements
additionally checked by the program are dependent on the type of framing
used.
Brace axial forces for seismic designs are evaluated for braced frames only
(DCH-CBF, DCL-CBF, DCH-EBF and DCL-EBF). No special checks are per-
formed for moment frames (DCH-MRF and DCL-MRF).

 For DCH-CBF and DCL-CBF, the bracing connection axial force is taken as
(NTC § 7.5.3.3):
R=
d 1.1γ Rd R pl , Rd (NTC Eq.7.5.2)
where,
Rd is the axial resistance of the connection in accordance with NTC

2008;
Rpl,Rd is the plastic resistance of the connected dissipative member based

on the design Af y of the material as defined in NTC 2008.
γ Rd is the material overstrength factor.
The maximum connection force from the load combinations is determined for
all of the regular load combinations.

Appendix A Design Preferences
The steel frame design preferences are general assignments that are applied to
all of the steel frame members. The design preferences should be reviewed and
any changes from the default values made prior to performing a design. The
following table lists the design preferences that are specific to using NTC 2008;
the preferences that are generic to all codes are not included in this table.
Table A-1: Steel Frame Design Preferences

Item Possible Values Default Value Description
Design Code Design codes AISC360-10/ The selected design code. Subsequent design is based
available in the IBC 2006 on this selected code.
current version
Method Used for Method A, Method B Method for determining the interaction factors for
Buckling in P-M-M Method B, "Italian NTC 2008". This is either Method A based
Method Both on equation C4.2.32, Method B based on equation
C4.2.37, or both.
A -1

Multi-Response Case Envelopes, Envelopes Select to indicate how results for multivalued cases
Design Step-by-Step, Last (Time history, Nonlinear static or Multi-step static)
Step, Envelopes, are considered in the design. - Envelope - considers
All, Step-by-Step - enveloping values for Time History and Multi-step
All static and last step values for Nonlinear static. Step-
by-Step - considers step by step values for Time
History and Multi-step static and last step values for
Nonlinear static. Last Step - considers last values for
Time History, Multi-step static and Nonlinear static.
Envelope - All - considers enveloping values for
Step-by-Step - All - considers step by step values for
Step-by-Step and Step-by-Step - All default to the
corresponding Envelope if more then one
multivalued case is present in the combo.
Framing Type "DCH-MRF", "DCL- "DCH-MRF" This item is used for ductility considerations in the
MRF", "DCH-CBF", design.
"DCL-CBF", "DCH-
EBF", "DCL-EBF",
"InvPendulum", or
"Non Dissipative"
Behavior Factor, q0 >0 4.0 This is called the Response Modification Factor.
This is a function of Seismic Force Resisting System.
The q0 values can be specified in the definition of
Auto-Seismic Loads for load calculation. It can
assume different values for load calculation in two
orthogonal directions. The q0 value specifid here is
solely used for design. For design, the program uses
the same value for all directions. See NTC2008
section 7.5.2.2 and Table 7.5.II for details.
System Overstrength >0 1.0 This is called the System Overstrength Factor.
Factor, Omega Omega factor is related to seismic factored member
force and member capacity. It can assume different
values in two orthogonal directions. The Omega
value specified here is solely used for design. The
program uses the same value for all directions. See
NTC2008 section 7.5.5, 7.5.6, and 7.5.6 for details.
Consider P-Delta Yes, No No Toggle to consider whether P-Delta analysis is done.

Done? This affects K factor calculation.
A -2
Consider Torsion? Yes, No No Toggle to consider whether torsion is to be

considered. If chosen "Yes", the program considers
torsion only for certain sections which are I,
Channel, Rectangular Hollow, Square Hollow, and
Circular Hollow sections. For all other sections,
torsion is not considered in design checks even if this
parameter is chosen as "Yes".
γM0 ≥ 1.0 1.0 The partial factor for resistance of cross-sections.

Partial factor for the resistance of members to
γM1 ≥ 1.0 1.0
instability.
Partial factor for the resistance of members in tension
γM2 ≥ 1.0 1.25
to fracture.
Ignore Seismic Code? Yes, No No Toggle to consider (No) or not consider (Yes) the
seismic part of the code in design.
Ignore Special Yes, No No Toggle to consider (No) or not consider (Yes) special
Seismic Load? seismic load combinations in design.
Is Doubler Plate Plug Yes, No Yes Toggle to indicate if the doubler-plate is plug welded
Welded? (Yes), or it is not plug welded (No).
Consider Yes, No Yes Toggle to consider the deflection limit (Yes) or to not
Deflection? consider the deflection limit (No).
DL Limit, L/ ≥0 120 Deflection limit for dead load. Inputting 120 means
that the limit is L/120. Inputting zero means no check
will be made of this item.
Super DL+LL Limit, L/ ≥0 120 Deflection limit for superimposed dead plus live
load. Inputting 120 means that the limit is L/120.
Inputting zero means no check will be made of this
item.
Live Load Limit, L/ ≥0 360 Deflection limit for superimposed live load. Inputting
360 means that the limit is L/360. Inputting zero
means no check will be made of this item.
Total Limit, L/ ≥0 240 Deflection limit for total load. Inputting 240 means
that the limit is L/240. Inputting zero means no check
will be made of this item.
Total-Camber Limit, L/ ≥0 240 Limit for net deflection. Camber is subtracted from
the total load deflection to get net deflection.
Inputting 240 means that the limit is L/240. Inputting
zero means no check will be made of this item.
A -3

Pattern Live Load ≤1.0 0.75 The live load factor for automatic generation of load
Factor combinations involving pattern live loads and dead
loads.
Demand/Capacity ≤1.0 0.95 The demand/capacity ratio limit to be used for

Ratio Limit acceptability. D/C ratios that are less than or equal to
this value are considered acceptable.
A -4
Appendix B Design Overwrites
The steel frame design overwrites are assignments that are applied on a
member-by-member basis. The design overwrites should be reviewed and any
changes from the default values made prior to performing a design. The
following table lists the design overwrites that are specific to using NTC 2008;
the overwrites that are generic to all codes are not included in this table.
Table B-1: Design Overwrites

Overwrite Description
Current Design The design section for the selected frame objects. When this
Section overwrite is applied, any previous auto select section assigned to
the frame object is removed. Program determined value means it is
taken from the analysis section.
Framing Type This is "DCH-MRF", "DCL-MRF", "DCH-CBF", "DCL-CBF", "DCH-
EBF", "DCL-EBF", "InvPendulum", or " NonDissipative". This item is
used for ductility considerations in the design.
Section Class Section class to be used. This can be "Class 1," "Class 2," "Class
3," or "Class 4." It determines the capacity of the sections and the
interaction equations to be used. If not overwritten, it is calculated
based on NTC Tables 4.2.I-III.
Column Buckling Column buckling curve to be used for flexural buckling about the
Curve (y-y) major axis. This can be “a0,” “a,” “b,” “c,” or “d.” It determines the
imperfection factors for buckling curve. If not overwritten, it is taken
from NTC Table 4.2.VI.
B -1

Column Buckling Column buckling curve to be used for flexural buckling about the
Curve (z-z) minor axis. This can be “a0,” “a,” “b,” “c,” or “d.” It determines the
imperfection factors for buckling curve. If not overwritten, it is taken
Buckling Curve Buckling curve to be used for lateral-torsional buckling. This can be
for LTB “a0,” “a,” “b,” “c,” or “d.” The program gives one extra option "a0"
following flexural buckling mode. It determines the imperfection
factors for buckling curve. If not overwritten, it is taken from the
NTC Table 4.2.VII.
System The Omega factor is related to seismic factored member force and
Overstrength member capacity. It can assume different values in two orthogonal
Factor, Omega directions. The Omega value specified here is solely used for
design. The program uses the same value for all directions. The
program uses the same value for all directions. See EC8 sections
6.6.3(1), 6.7.4(1), 6.8.3(1), and 6.8.4(1) for details. Specifying 0
means the value is program determined. Program determined value
means it is taken from the preferences. .
Is Rolled Toggle to consider whether the design section has to be considered
Section? as "Rolled" or "Welded." It affects the selection of buckling curve
Deflection Check Choose to consider deflection limit as an absolute, as a divisor of
Type the beam length, as both, or with no deflection limit.
Deflection Check Choose to consider deflection limit as an absolute, as a divisor of
Type the beam length, as both, or with no deflection limit.
DL Limit, L/ Deflection limit for dead load. Inputting 120 means that the limit is
L/120. Inputting zero means no check will be made of this item.
Super DL+LL Deflection limit for superimposed dead plus live load. Inputting 120
Limit, L/ means that the limit is L/120. Inputting zero means no check will be
made of this item.
Live Load Limit, Deflection limit for superimposed live load. Inputting 360 means that
L/ the limit is L/360. Inputting zero means no check will be made of this
item.
Total Limit, L/ Deflection limit for total load. Inputting 240 means that the limit is
Total-Camber Limit for net deflection. Camber is subtracted from the total load
Limit, L/ deflection to get net deflection. Inputting 240 means that the limit is
DL Limit, abs Deflection limit for dead load. Inputting zero means no check will be
made of this item.
B-2
Appendix B – Design Overwrites

Super DL+LL Deflection limit for superimposed dead plus live load. Inputting zero
Limit, abs means no check will be made of this item.
Live Load Limit, Deflection limit for superimposed live load. Inputting zero means no
abs check will be made of this item.
Total Limit, abs Deflection limit for total load. Inputting zero means no check will be
made of this item.
Total–Camber Deflection limit for net deflection. Camber is subtracted from the
Limit, abs total load deflection to get net deflection. Inputting a value of 240
means that the limit is L/240. Inputting zero means no check will be
made of this item.
Specified The specified amount of camber to be reported in the design output
Camber and to be used in the net deflection check.
Net Area to Total The ratio of the net area at the end joint to gross cross-sectional
Area Ratio area of the section. This ratio affects the design of axial tension
members. Specifying zero means the value is the program default,
which is 1.
Live Load The reducible live load is multiplied by this factor to obtain the
Reduction Factor reduced live load for the frame object. Specifying zero means the
value is program determined.
Unbraced Length Unbraced length factor for buckling about the frame object major
Ratio (Major) axis; specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor
times the frame object length gives the unbraced length for the
object. Specifying zero means the value is program determined.
Unbraced Length Unbraced length factor for buckling about the frame object minor
Ratio (Minor) axis; specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor
Unbraced Length Unbraced length factor for lateral-torsional buckling for the frame
Ratio (LTB) object; specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor
Effective Length Effective length factor for buckling about the frame object major
Factor Braced axis; specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor
(K1 Major) times the frame object length gives the effective length for the
For beam design, this factor is always taken as 1, regardless of any
other value specified in the Overwrites. This factor is used for the
calculation of k factors.
B -3

Effective Length Effective length factor for buckling about the frame object minor
Factor Braced axis; specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor
(K1 Minor) times the frame object length gives the effective length for the
For beam design, this factor is always taken as 1, regardless of any
other value specified in the Overwrites. This factor is used for
calculation of the k factors.
Effective Length Effective length factor for buckling about the frame object major axis
Factor Sway (K2 assuming that the frame is braced at the joints against sidesway;
Major) specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor times
the frame object length gives the effective length for the object.
Specifying zero means the value is program determined. The factor
is used for axial compression capacity.
Effective Length Effective length factor for buckling about the frame object minor axis
Factor Sway (K2 assuming that the frame is braced at the joints against sidesway;
Minor) specified as a fraction of the frame object length. This factor times
the frame object length gives the effective length for the object.
Specifying zero means the value is program determined. The factor
is used for axial compression capacity.
Effective Length Effective length factor for lateral-torsional buckling; specified as a
Factor Sway fraction of the frame object length. This factor times the frame object
(LTB) length gives the effective length for the object. Specifying zero
means the value is program determined. For beam design, this
factor is taken as 1 by default. The values should be set by the user.
Bending Unitless factor; ψ is used in determining the interaction ratio.
Coefficient (ψ) Inputting zero means the value is program determined.
Moment Moment coefficient for major axis bending determined by Method 1
coefficient (kyy or Method 2 from § C4.2.4.1.3.3 of the code.
Major)
Moment Moment coefficient for minor axis bending determined by Method 1
coefficient (kzz or Method 2 from § C4.2.4.1.3.3 of the code.
Minor)
Moment Moment coefficient determined by Method 1 or Method 2 from §
coefficient (kzy) C4.2.4.1.3.3 of the code.
Moment Moment coefficient determined by Method 1 or Method 2 from §
coefficient (kyz) C4.2.4.1.3.3 of the code.
Yield Stress, Fy Material yield strength used in the design/check. Specifying zero
means the value is program determined. The program determined
value is taken from the material property assigned to the frame
object.
B-4
Appendix B – Design Overwrites

Material The ratio of the expected yield strength to the minimum specified
Overstrength yield strength. This ratio is used in capacity based design for special
Factor, γov seismic cases. See NTC Table 7.5.I for details. Specifying 0 means
the value is program determined.
Warping Warping constant. This affects torsion design.
constant, Iw
Elastic torsional Elastic torsional buckling force. This affects axial buckling.
buckling force,
Ncr,T
Elastic flexural- Elastic flexural-torsional buckling force. This affects axial buckling.
torsional buckling
force, Ncr,TF
Axial Allowable axial compressive capacity. Specifying 0 means the
compressive value is program determined.
capacity, Nc,Rd
Axial tensile Allowable axial tensile capacity. Specifying 0 means the value is
capacity, Nt,Rd program determined.
Major bending Allowable bending moment capacity in major axis bending.
capacity, Mc3,Rd Specifying 0 means the value is program determined. For
symmetrical sections major bending is bending about the local 3-
axis. For unsymmetrical sections (e.g., angles) major bending is the
bending about the section principal axis with the larger moment of
inertia.
Minor bending Allowable bending moment capacity in minor axis bending.
capacity, Mc2,Rd Specifying 0 means the value is program determined. For
symmetrical sections minor bending is bending about the local 2-
axis. For unsymmetrical sections (e.g., angles) minor bending is the
bending about the section principal axis with the smaller moment of
inertia.
Buckling Allowable critical moment capacity for major axis bending.
resistance Specifying 0 means the value is program determined. For
moment, Mb,Rd symmetrical sections major bending is bending about the local 3-
axis. For unsymmetrical sections (e.g., angles) major bending is the
bending about the section principal axis with the larger moment of
inertia.
Major shear Allowable shear capacity force for major direction shear. Specifying
capacity, V2,Rd 0 means the value is program determined. For symmetrical sections
major shear is shear in the local 2-axis direction. For unsymmetrical
sections (e.g., angles) major shear is the shear associated with
major bending. Note that major bending is the bending about the
section principal axis with the larger moment of inertia.
B -5

Minor shear Allowable shear capacity force for minor direction shear. Specifying
capacity, V3,Rd 0 means the value is program determined. For symmetrical sections
minor shear is shear in the local 3-axis direction. For unsymmetrical
sections (e.g., angles) minor shear is the shear associated with
minor bending. Note that minor bending is the bending about the
section principal axis with the smaller moment of inertia.
D/C Ratio Limit The demand/capacity ratio limit to be used for acceptability. D/C
ratios that are less than or equal to this value are considered
acceptable. Specifying zero means the value is program
determined.
B-6

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Steel Frame Design Manual

Italian NTC 2008

Italian NTC 2008

ISO ETA022819M18 Rev 0

Copyright  Computers & Structures, Inc., 1978-2019

The computer programs SAP2000® and ETABS® and all associated

Further information and copies of this documentation may be obtained from:

info@csiamerica.com (for general information)

CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE

THIS PRODUCT IS A PRACTICAL AND POWERFUL TOOL FOR STRUCTURAL

THE INFORMATION PRODUCED BY THE SOFTWARE MUST BE CHECKED BY

1.1 Units 1-2

1.2 Axes Notation 1-2

1.3 Symbols 1-2

2 Assumptions and Limitations

2.1 Assumptions 2-1

2.1.1 General 2-1

2.2 Limitations 2-3

2.2.1 General 2-3

3 Design Flow Charts

4 General Design Parameters

4.1 Partial Factors 4-1

4.2 Design Forces 4-2

4.3 Design Load Combinations 4-2

4.4 Material Properties 4-4

4.5 Section Classification 4-4

5 Design for Axial Forces

5.1 Axial Area 5-1

5.2 Tension Check 5-2

5.3 Compression Check 5-2

5.4 Axial Buckling Check 5-3

5.5 Member Supported Lengths 5-5

5.6 Effective Length Factor (K) 5-8

6 Design for Bending Moment

6.1 Moment Check 6-1

6.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-3

7 Design for Shear Force

7.1 Shear Area 7-1

7.2 Shear Check 7-1

7.3 Shear Buckling Check 7-2

8 Design for Combined Forces

8.1 Design for Cross-Section Resistance 8-2

8.1.1 Bending, Axial Force, and Shear Check 8-2

8.2 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 8-7

9 Special Seismic Provisions

9.1 Design Preferences 9-1

9.2 Overwrites 9-2

9.3 Supported Framing Types 9-2

9.4 Member Design 9-3

Braced Frames (DCL CBF) 9-7

9.5 Design of Joint Components 9-13

Appendix A Design Preferences

Appendix B Design Overwrites

For referring to pertinent sections of the corresponding code, a unique prefix is

 References to the “Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni - D.M. 14 gennaio

 Reference to the EN 1993-1-1:2005 code is identified with the prefix “EC3.”

 Reference to the EN 1993-1-5:2006 code is identified with the prefix “EN

 Reference to the ENV 1993-1-1:1992 code is identified with the prefix

 Reference to the Eurocode 8 code is identified with the prefix “EC8.”