SFD Csa S16 01 PDF

Steel Frame
Design Manual
CAN/CSA-S16-01
For ETABS®
ISO ETA062609M17 Rev. 0 Version 9

Berkeley, California June 2009
Copyright
Copyright  Computers and Structures, Inc., 1978-2009

All rights reserved.
The CSI Logo®, SAP2000®, and ETABS® are registered trademarks of Computers and
TM TM
Structures, Inc. SAFE and Watch & Learn are trademarks of Computers and
Structures, Inc.
The computer programs SAP2000® and ETABS® and all associated documentation are
proprietary and copyrighted products. Worldwide rights of ownership rest with
Computers and Structures, Inc. Unlicensed use of these programs or reproduction of
documentation in any form, without prior written authorization from Computers and
Structures, Inc., is explicitly prohibited.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any

means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior explicit written
permission of the publisher.
Further information and copies of this documentation may be obtained from:
Computers and Structures, Inc.

1995 University Avenue
Berkeley, California 94704 USA
Phone: (510) 649-2200

FAX: (510) 649-2299
e-mail: [email protected] (for general questions)
e-mail: [email protected] (for technical support questions)
web: www.csiberkeley.com
DISCLAIMER
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
Steel Frame Design
1 Introduction
1.1 Organization 1-2
1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3
2 Modeling, Analysis and Design Prerequisites

2.1 Check and Design Capability 2-1
2.2 Analysis Sections vs. Design Sections 2-2
2.3 Design and Check Stations 2-3
2.4 Demand/Capacity Ratios 2-4
2.5 Design Load Combinations 2-5
2.6 Second Order P-Delta Effects 2-6
2.7 Notional Load Cases 2-8
2.8 Member Unsupported Lengths 2-9
Contents - i
Steel Frame Design CSA S16-01
2.9 Effects of Breaking a Member into Multiple Elements 2-10

2.10 Effective Length Factor (K) 2-12
2.11 Supported Framing Types 2-15

2.12 Continuity Plates 2-16
2.13 Doubler Plates 2-18
2.14 Frame Design Procedure Overwrites 2-18
2.15 Steel Frame Design Process 2-19
2.16 Interactive Steel Frame Design 2-21
2.17 Automatic Iterative Design 2-22
3 Design Process
3.1 Notations 3-1
3.2 Design Preferences 3-4

3.3 Overwrites 3-7
3.4 Design Loading Combinations 3-12
3.5 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling 3-13

3.6 Calculation of Factored Forces and Moments 3-16
3.7 Calculation of Factored Strengths 3-17
3.7.1 Factored Tensile Strength 3-17
3.7.2 Factored Compressive Strength 3-18
3.7.3 Flexure Strength 3-21
3.7.4 Shear Strength 3-30
3.8 Design of Members for Combined Forces 3-34
3.8.1 Axial and Bending Stresses 3-34
3.8.2 Axial Tension and Bending 3-40
3.8.3 Shear Stresses 3-41
4 Special Seismic Provisions

4.1 Design Preferences 4-1
4.2 Overwrites 4-2
ii - Contents
Contents
4.3 Supported Framing Types 4-2

4.4 Member Design 4-3
4.4.1 Type (Ductile) Moment-Resisting Frames (D MRF) 4-3
4.4.2 Type (Moderately Ductile) Moment-Resisting
Frames (MD MRF) 4-5
4.4.3 Type (Limited-Ductility) Moment-Resisting
Frames (LD MRF) 4-6
4.4.4 Type (Moderately Ductile) Concentric Braced
Frames (MD CBF) 4-7
4.4.5 Type (Limited-Ductility) Concentric Braced
Frames (LD CBF) 4-9
4.4.6 Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) 4-12
4.4.7 Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW) 4-16
4.4.8 Conventional Moment Frame (MF) 4-16
4.4.9 Conventional Braced Frame (BF) 4-16
4.4.10 Cantilever Column 4-16
4.5 Joint Design 4-17
4.5.1 Design of Continuity Plates 4-17
4.5.2 Design of Doubler Plates 4-21
4.5.3 Weak Beam/Strong Beam Measure 4-24
4.5.4 Evaluation of Beam Connection Shears 4-27
4.5.5 Evaluation of Brace Connection Forces 4-28
5 Design Output
5.1 Overview 5-1
5.2 Display Design Information on the Model 5-2
5.3 Display Design Information in Tables 5-5
5.4 Display Detailed Member Specific Information 5-7
5.5 Save or Print Design Information as Tables 5-12
5.6 Error Messages and Warnings 5-12
Appendix A Supported Design Codes
Bibliography
Contents - iii
Chapter 1
Introduction
The design/check of steel frames is seamlessly integrated within the program.

Initiation of the design process, along with control of various design parame-
ters, is accomplished using the Design menu.
Automated design at the object level is available for any one of a number of
user-selected design codes, as long as the structures have first been modeled
and analyzed by the program. Model and analysis data, such as material prop-
erties and member forces, are recovered directly from the model database, and
no additional user input is required if the design defaults are acceptable.
The design is based on a set of user-specified loading combinations. However,

the program provides default load combinations for each supported design
code. If the default load combinations are acceptable, no definition of addi-
tional load combinations is required.
Steel frame design/check consists of calculating the flexural, axial, and shear
forces or stresses at several locations along the length of a member, and then
comparing those calculated values with acceptable limits. That comparison
produces a demand/capacity ratio, which typically should not exceed a value of
one if code requirements are to be satisfied. The program follows the same re-
view procedures when it is checking a user-specified shape or when checking a
shape selected by the program from a predefined list.
1-1
The program also checks the requirements for the beam-column capacity ratio,
checks the capacity of the panel zone, and calculates the doubler plate and con-
tinuity plate thickness, if needed. The program does not do the connection de-
sign. However, it calculates the design basis forces for connection design.
Program output can be presented graphically on the model, in tables for both
input and output data, or in calculation sheets prepared for each member. For
each presentation method, the output is in a format that allows the engineer to
quickly study the stress conditions that exist in the structure, and in the event
the member is not adequate, aid the engineer in taking appropriate remedial
measures, including altering the design member without re-running the entire
analysis.
The program supports a wide range of steel frame design codes, including
many national building codes. Appendix A provides a list of supported steel
frame design codes. However, this manual is dedicated to the use of the menu
option "CAN/CSA S16-01." This option covers the “CAN/CSA S16-01 —
Limit States Design of Steel Structures” (CSA 2001, CISC 2006), and the
“S16S1-05 — Seismic Provisions for Limit States Design of Steel Structures
Including Supplement No. 1” (CSA 2005). The implementation covers loading
and load combinations from "NBCC 2005 Minimum Design Loads for Build-
ings and Other Structures" (NBCC 2005).
The design codes supported under “CAN/CSA S16-01” are written in Newton-
millimeter units. All the associated equations and requirements have been im-
plemented in the program in Newton-millimeter units. The program has been
enabled with unit conversion capability. This allows the users to enjoy the
flexibility of choosing any set of consistent units during creating and editing
models, exporting and importing the model components, and reviewing the de-
sign results.
1.1 Organization
This manual is designed to help you quickly become productive using the
CAN/CSA S16-01 steel frame design option. Chapter 2 addresses prerequisites
related to modeling and analysis for a successful design in accordance with
CAN/CSA S16-01. Chapter 3 provides detailed descriptions of the specific re-
quirements as implemented in CAN/CSA S16-01. Chapter 4 provides detailed
1-2 Organization
Chapter 1 - Introduction
descriptions of the specific requirements for seismic loading as required by the

specification in S16S1-05 — Seismic Provisions for Limit States Design of
Steel Structures Including Supplement No. 1. Chapter 5 concludes by illustrat-
ing some of the display and output options.
1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice

It is strongly recommended that you read this manual and review any applica-
TM
ble "Watch & Learn" Series tutorials, which are found on our web site,
http://www.csiberkeley.com, before attempting to design a steel frame. Addi-
tional information can be found in the on-line Help facility available from
within the program.
Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3

Chapter 2
Modeling, Analysis and Design Prerequisites
This chapter provides an overview of the basic assumptions, design precondi-

tions, and some of the design parameters that affect the design of steel frames.
For referring to pertinent sections of the corresponding code, a unique prefix is

assigned for each code.
• Reference to the CAN/CSA S16-01 and S16S1-05 code is identified with

the prefix "CSA."
• Reference to the NBCC 2005 code is identified with the prefix "NBCC."
2.1 Check and Design Capability

The program has the ability to check adequacy of a section (shape) in accor-
dance with the requirements of the selected design code. Also the program can
automatically choose (i.e., design) the optimal (i.e., least weight) sections from
a predefined list that satisfies the design requirements.
To check adequacy of a section, the program checks the demand/capacity

("D/C") ratios at a predefined number of stations for each design load combina-
2-1
tion. It calculates the envelope of the D/C ratios. It also checks the other
requirements on a pass or fail basis. If the capacity ratio remains less than or
equal to the D/C ratio limit, which is a number close to 1.0, and if the section
passes all of the special requirements, the section is considered to be adequate,
else the section is considered to be failed. The D/C ratio limit is taken as 0.95
by default. However, this value can be overwritten in the Preferences (Chapter
3).
To choose (design) the optional section from a predefined list, the program first
orders the list of sections in increasing order of weight per unit length. Then it
starts checking each section from the ordered list, starting with the one with
least weight. The procedure for checking each section in this list for adequacy
is exactly the same as described in the preceding paragraph. The program will
evaluate each section in the list until it finds the least weight section that passes
the code checks. If no section in the list is acceptable, the program will use the
heaviest section but flag it as being overstressed.
To check adequacy of an individual section, the user must assign the section
using the Assign menu. In that case, both the analysis and design section will
be changed.
To choose the optimal section, the user must first define a list of steel sections,
the Auto Select sections list. The user must next assign this list, in the same
manner as any other section assignment, to the frame members to be optimized.
The program will use the median section by weight when doing the initial
analysis. Click the Define menu > Frame Sections command to access the
Frame Properties form where the Auto Select sections list may be defined.
2.2 Analysis Sections vs. Design Sections

Analysis sections are those section properties used to analyze the model when
the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command is clicked. The design section is
whatever section is used in the steel frame design. It is possible for the last
used analysis section and the current design section to be different. For exam-
ple, an analysis may be run using a W18X35 beam, and then in the design, it
may be found that a W16X31 beam worked. In that case, the last used analysis
section is the W18X35 and the current design section is the W16X31. Before
the design process is complete, verify that the last used analysis section and the
2-2 Analysis Sections vs. Design Sections

Chapter 2 - Modeling, Analysis and Design Prerequisites
current design section are the same. The Design menu > Steel Frame Design
> Verify Analysis vs. Design Section command is useful for this task.
The program keeps track of the analysis section and the design section sepa-
rately. Note the following about analysis and design sections:
 Assigning a frame section property using the Assign menu assigns the sec-
tion as both the analysis section and the design section.
 Running an analysis using the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command
always sets the analysis section to be the same as the current design sec-
tion.
 Assigning an Auto Select section list to a frame object initially sets the
analysis and design section to be the section in the list with the median
weight.
 Unlocking a model deletes the design results, but it does not delete or
change the design section.
 Altering the Design Combinations in any way deletes the design results,
but does not delete or change the design section.
 Altering any of the steel frame design preferences deletes the design re-
sults, but does not delete or change the design section.
2.3 Design and Check Stations

For each design combination, steel frame members (beams, columns, and
braces) are designed (optimized) or checked at a number of locations (stations)
along the length of the object. The stations are located at equally spaced seg-
ments along the clear length of the object. By default, at least three stations will
be located in a column or brace member, and the stations in a beam will be
spaced at most 0.5 meter apart (2 feet if the model has been created in US
units). The user can overwrite the number of stations in an object before the
analysis is made using the Assign menu. The user can refine the design along
the length of a member by requesting more stations.
Design and Check Stations 2-3

2.4 Demand/Capacity Ratios

Determination of the controlling D/C ratios for each steel frame member indi-
cates the acceptability of the member for the given loading conditions. The
steps for calculating the D/C ratios are as follows:
 The factored forces are calculated for axial, flexural, and shear at each de-
fined station for each design combination. The bending moments are calcu-
lated about the principal axes. For I-Shape, Box, Channel, T-Shape, Dou-
ble-Angle, Pipe, Circular, and Rectangular sections, the principal axes co-
incide with the geometric axes. For Single-Angle sections, the design con-
siders the principal properties. For General sections, it is assumed that all
section properties are given in terms of the principal directions.
For Single-Angle sections, the shear forces are calculated for directions
along the geometric axes. For all other sections, the program calculates the
shear forces along the geometric and principal axes.
 The nominal strengths are calculated for compression, tension, bending

and shear based on the equations provided later in this manual. For flexure,
the nominal strengths are calculated based on the principal axes of bend-
ing. For the I-Shape, Box, Channel, Circular, Pipe, T-Shape, Double-Angle
and Rectangular sections, the principal axes coincide with their geometric
axes. For the Angle sections, the principal axes are determined and all
computations related to flexural stresses are based on that.
The nominal strength for shear is calculated along the geometric axes for
all sections. For I-Shape, Box, Channel, T-Shape, Double-Angle, Pipe,
Circular, and Rectangular sections, the principal axes coincide with their
geometric axes. For Single-Angle sections, principal axes do not coincide
with the geometric axes.
 Factored forces are compared to nominal strengths to determine D/C ratios.

In either case, design codes typically require that the ratios not exceed a
value of one. A capacity ratio greater than one indicates a member that has
exceeded a limit state.
2-4 Demand/Capacity Ratios

2.5 Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are the various combinations of the prescribed
analysis cases for which the structure needs to be checked. The program creates
a number of default design load combinations for steel frame design. Users can
add their own design combinations as well as modify or delete the program de-
fault design load combinations. An unlimited number of design load combina-
tions can be specified.
To define a design load combination, simply specify one or more analysis

cases, each with its own scale factor. The scale factors are applied to the forces
and moments from the analysis cases to form the factored design forces and
moments for each design load combination.
For normal loading conditions involving static dead load (DL), live load (LL),
wind load (WL), earthquake load (EL), notional load (NL), and dynamic re-
sponse spectrum load (EL), the program has built-in default design combina-
tions for the design code. These are based on the code recommendations.
The default design combinations assume all static load response cases declared
as dead or live to be additive. However, each static load case declared as wind,
earthquake, or response spectrum cases, is assumed to be non-additive with
other loads and produces multiple lateral combinations. Also static wind,
earthquake and notional load responses produce separate design combinations
with the sense (positive or negative) reversed. The notional load cases are
added to load combinations involving gravity loads only.
For other loading conditions involving moving load, time history, pattern live
load, separate consideration of roof live load, snow load, and the like, the user
must define the design load combinations in lieu of or in addition to the default
design load combinations. If notional loads are to be combined with other load
combinations involving wind or earthquake loads, the design load combina-
tions should be defined in lieu of or in addition to the default design load com-
binations.
For multi-valued design combinations, such as those involving response spec-

trum, time history, moving loads and envelopes, where any correspondence
between forces is lost, the program automatically produces sub-combinations
using the maxima/minima values of the interacting forces. Separate combina-
Design Load Combinations 2-5

tions with negative factors for response spectrum analysis cases are not
required because the program automatically takes the minima to be the nega-
tive of the maxima response when preparing the sub-combinations described
previously.
The program allows live load reduction factors to be applied to the member
forces of the reducible live load case on a member-by-member basis to reduce
the contribution of the live load to the factored responses.
2.6 Second Order P-Delta Effects

Modern design provisions are based on the principle that the member forces are
calculated by a second-order elastic analysis, where the equilibrium is satisfied
on the deformed geometry of the structure. The effects of the loads acting on
the deformed geometry of the structure are known as the second-order or the
P-Delta effects.
The P-Delta effects come from two sources: global lateral translation of the
frame and the local deformation of members within the frame.
Consider the frame object shown in Figure 2-1, which is extracted from a story
level of a larger structure. The overall global translation of this frame object is
indicated by . The local deformation of the member is shown as . The total
second order P-Delta effects on this frame object are those caused by both 
and .
The program has an option to consider P-Delta effects in the analysis. When
you consider P-Delta effects in the analysis, the program does a good job of
capturing the effect due to the  deformation (P- effect) shown in Figure
2-1, but it does not typically capture the effect of the  deformation (P-
effect), unless, in the model, the frame object is broken into multiple elements
over its length.
In design codes, required strengths are usually required to be determined using

a second-order analysis that considers both P- and P- effects. Approximate
second-order analysis procedures based on amplification of responses from
2-6 Second Order P-Delta Effects

Original position of frame Final deflected position of

element shown by vertical frame element that
line includes the global lateral
 translation, , and the
Position of frame element local deformation of the
as a result of global lateral element, 
translation, , shown by
dashed line
Figure 2-1 P- and P- effects
first-order analysis for calculating the required flexural and axial strengths are
common in current design codes and have the following general form:
M CAP  U1  M nt  U 2 M lt  (CSA 8.7.1, 13.8.4)
where,
M CAP = Required flexural design capacities
M nt = Required flexural capacities from first-order analysis of the

member assuming there is no translation of the frame (i.e., asso-
ciated with the  deformation in Figure 2-1)
M lt = Required flexural capacities from first-order analysis of the

member as a result of lateral translation of the frame only (i.e.,
associated with the  deformation in Figure 2-1)
U1 = Unitless amplification factor multiplying M nt
U2 = Unitless amplification factor multiplying  M nt  U 2 M lt 
Second Order P-Delta Effects 2-7

A rigorous second order analysis or the amplification of first order analysis

results to estimate the effect of second order effects is required (CSA 8.7.1,
13.8.4). The program has the capability of performing both. In the first case,
the required strengths are determined directly from the analysis results without
any amplification factors (i.e., U1 and U2 are equal to 1). However, these ampli-
fication factors can always be overwritten by the user on a member-by-member
basis, if desired, using the overwrite option.
To properly capture the P- effect in a finite element analysis, each element,
especially column elements, must be broken into multiple finite elements,
which is not really desired for other reasons. Although a single element per
member can capture the P- effect to some extent, the program considers that
inadequate. The program thus uses the U1 factor even if the analysis considers
the P- effects. This is a conservative approach.
Thus, in general, the steel frame design feature requires consideration of

P-Delta effects in the analysis before the check/design is performed. Although
one element per line object is generally adequate to capture the P- effect, it is
recommended to use more than one element per line object for the cases where
both P- and P- effects are to be considered. However, explicit manual break-
ing of the member into elements has other consequences related to member end
moments and unbraced segment end moment. It is recommended that the
members be broken internally by the program. In this way, the member is
recognized as one unit, end of the members are identified properly, and P-
and P- effects are captured better.
2.7 Notional Load Cases

Notional loads are lateral loads that are applied at each framing level and are
specified as a percentage of the gravity loads applied at that level (CSA 8.7.2).
These are intended to account for the destabilizing effects of out-of-plumbness,
geometric imperfections, inelasticity in structural members, and any other
effects that could induce sway and that are not explicitly considered in the
analysis.
The program allows the user to create a Notional Load case as a percentage of
the previously defined gravity load case to be applied in one of the global lat-
eral directions: X or Y. The user can define more than one notional load case
2-8 Notional Load Cases

associated with one gravity load by considering different factors and different
directions.
Currently, the notional loads are not automatically included in the default de-
sign load combinations. However, the user is free to modify the default design
load combinations to include the notional loads with appropriate factors and in
appropriate load combinations.
2.8 Member Unsupported Lengths

The column unsupported lengths are required to account for column slender-
ness effects for flexural buckling and for lateral-torsional buckling. The pro-
gram automatically determines the unsupported length ratios, which are speci-
fied as a fraction of the frame object length. Those ratios times the frame ob-
ject 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 de-
sign overwrite option. The unsupported length for minor direction bending or
for lateral-torsional buckling also can be defined more precisely by using pre-
cise bracing points in the Lateral Bracing option on the Steel Frame Design
menu. If the unsupported length is defined using the precise bracing point defi-
nition and if it is also overwritten in the overwrites, the value used in the design
overwrites prevails.
Two unsupported lengths, L33 and L22, as shown in Figure 2-2 are to be consid-
ered for flexural buckling. These are the lengths between support points of the
member in the corresponding directions. The length L33 corresponds to insta-
bility about the 3-3 axis (major axis), and L22 corresponds to instability about
the 2-2 axis (minor axis). The length LLTB (also termed Lz), not shown in the
figure, is also used for lateral-torsional buckling caused by major direction
bending (i.e., about the 3-3 axis).
In determining the values for L22 and L33 of the members, the program recog-
nizes various aspects of the structure that have an effect on these lengths, such
as member connectivity, diaphragm constraints, and support points. The pro-
gram automatically locates the member support points and evaluates the corre-
sponding unsupported length.
Member Unsupported Lengths 2-9

L33
L22
Figure 2-2 Unsupported lengths L33 and L22
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 di-
rection only at that story level, and its unsupported length in the other direction
will exceed the story height.
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.
2.9 Effects of Breaking a Member into Multiple Elements

The preferred method is to model a beam, column or brace member as one sin-
gle element. However, the user can request that the program break a member
internally at framing intersections and at specified intervals. In this way, accu-
racy in modeling can be maintained at the same time that design/check specifi-
cations can be applied accurately. There is special emphasis on the end forces
(moments in particular) for many different aspects of beam, column, and brace
design. If the member is manually meshed (broken) into segments, maintaining
the integrity of the design algorithm becomes difficult.
2 - 10 Effects of Breaking a Member into Multiple Elements

Manually breaking a column member into several elements can affect many
things during design in the program.
1. The unbraced length: The unbraced length is really the unsupported length
between braces. If no intermediate brace is present in the member, the un-
braced length is typically calculated automatically by the program from the
top of the flange of the beam framing the column at the bottom to the bot-
tom of the flange of the beam framing the column at the top. The automati-
cally calculated length factor typically becomes less than 1. If there are in-
termediate bracing points, the user should overwrite the unbraced length
factor in the program. The user should choose the critical (larger) one.
Even if the user breaks the element, the program typically picks up the un-
braced length correctly, provided that there is no intermediate bracing
point.
2. K-factor: Even if the user breaks the member into pieces, the program typi-
cally can pick up the K-factors correctly. However, sometimes it can not.
The user should note the K-factors. All segments of the member should
have the same K-factor and that factor should be calculated based on the
entire member. If the calculated K-factor is not reasonable, the user can
overwrite the K-factors for all the segments.
3. 1 factor: The 1 factor should be based on the end moments of unbraced

lengths of each segment and should not be based on the end moments of
the member (CSA 13.8.4). The program already calculates the 1 factors
based on the end moments of unbraced lengths of each segment. If the
break-up points are the brace points, no action is required by the user. If the
broken segments do not represent the brace-to-brace unsupported length,
the program calculated 1 factor is conservative. If this conservative value
is acceptable, no action is required by the user. If it is not acceptable, the
user can calculate the 1 factor manually for the critical combination and
overwrite its value for that segment.
4. 2 factor: The logic is similar to that for the 1 factor.
5. U1 factor: This factor amplifies the factored moments for the P- effect
(CSA 13.8.4). In its expression, there are the 1 factor and the Euler Buck-
ling capacity Pe. If the user keeps the unbraced length ratios (L33 and L22)
and the K-factors (K33 and K22) correct, the U1 factor would be correct. If the
Effects of Breaking a Member into Multiple Elements 2 - 11

axial force is small, the U1 factor can be 1 and have no effect with respect
to modeling the single segment or multi-segment element.
6. U2 factor: The program does not calculate the U2 factor. The program
assumes that the user turns on the P- feature. In such cases, U2 can be
taken as equal to 1 (CSA 8.7.1). That means that modeling with one or
with multiple segments has no effect on this factor.
If the user models a column with a single element and makes sure that the
L-factors and K-factors are correct, the effect of U1 and U2 will be picked up
correctly. The factors 1 and 2 will be picked up correctly if there is no inter-
mediate bracing point. The calculated 1 and 2 factors will be slightly conser-
vative if there are intermediate bracing points.
If the user models a column with multiple elements and makes sure that
L-factors and K-factor are correct, the effect of U1 and U2 will be picked up
correctly. The factors 1 and 2 will be picked up correctly if the member is
broken at the bracing points. The calculated 1 and 2 factors will be conserva-
tive if the member is not broken at the bracing points.
2.10 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 cal-
culate an axial compressive strength, Cr, through an empirical column curve
that accounts for geometric imperfections, distributed yielding, and residual
stresses present in the cross-section.
The K-factor is used for calculating the Euler axial capacity assuming that all
the beam-column joints are free to sway, i.e., lateral translation is allowed. The
resulting axial capacity is used in calculating Cr. The K-factor is always greater
than 1 if the frame is a sway frame. The program calculates the K-factor auto-
matically based on sway condition. The program also allows the user to over-
write K-factors on a member-by-member basis. The same K-factor is supposed
to be used in calculation of the U2 factor. However the program does not calcu-
2 - 12 Effective Length Factor (K)

late U2 factors and relies on the overwritten values. If the frame is not really a
sway frame, the user should overwrite the K-factors.
K has two values: one for major direction, Kmajor, and the other for minor direc-
tion, Kminor,.
There is another K-factor. Kltb for lateral torsional buckling. By default, Kltb is
taken as equal to Kminor. However the user can overwrite this on a member-by-
member basis.
The rest of this section is dedicated to the determination of K-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 basi-
cally 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, beam 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 stiff-
ness 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:
Effective Length Factor (K) 2 - 13

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 particu-
lar joint are deleted, the G-values for all members connecting to that 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 K-factor for the corre-
sponding direction is calculated by solving the following relationship for :
 2 G I G J  36 

6(G  G )
I J
tan 
from which K = /. 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 follow-
ing 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 mem-

ber, 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 direc-

tion, 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
2 - 14 Effective Length Factor (K)

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.
 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.
2.11 Supported Framing Types

The code (Can/CSA S16-01) recognizes the following types of framing sys-
tems.
Framing Type References

Type LD MRF (Limited-Ductility Moment-Resisting Frame) CSA 27.4
Type MD MRF (Moderate-Ductility Moment-Resisting Frame) CSA 27.3
Type D MRF (Ductile Moment-Resisting Frame) CSA 27.2
Type LD CBF(V), (Limited-Ductility Concentrically Braced Frame – Chevron) CSA 27.6.2.2
Type LD CBF(TC) (Limited-Ductility Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension-Compression) CSA 27.6.2.1
Type LD CBF(TO), (Limited-Ductility Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension only) CSA 27.6.2.3
Type LD CBF(OT), (Limited-Ductility Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Others) CSA 27.6.3
Type MD CBF(V), (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Chevron) CSA 27.5.2.4
Type MD CBF(TC), (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension-Compression) CSA 27.5.2.3
Type MD CBF(TO), (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension only) CSA 27.5.2.5
Type MD CBF(OT), (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Others) CSA 27.5.3.2
EBF, (Ductile Eccentric Braced Frame) CSA 27.7
Conventional MF CSA 27.10
Conventional BF CSA 27.10
Supported Framing Types 2 - 15

2.12 Continuity Plates

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.
To achieve a beam/column moment connection, continuity plates, such as

shown in Figure 2-3, 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 in the last two bullet items, the thickness
of such plates is usually set equal to the flange thickness of the corresponding
beam.
However, for the connection condition described by the first bullet item, where
the beam frames into the flange of the column, such continuity plates are not
always needed. The requirement depends upon the magnitude of the beam
flange force and the properties of the column.
The program investigates whether the continuity plates are needed based on the
requirements of the selected code. Columns of I-sections supporting beams of
I-sections only are investigated. The program evaluates the continuity plate re-
quirements for each of the beams that frame into the column flange and reports
the maximum continuity plate area that is needed for each beam flange. The
continuity plate requirements are evaluated for moment frames only.
2 - 16 Continuity Plates
Figure 2-3 Doubler Plates and Continuity Plates
Continuity Plates 2 - 17
2.13 Doubler 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. However, 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 web of the column resists the joint
shear forces. In minor direction bending, the joint shear is carried by the col-
umn flanges, in which case the shear stresses are seldom critical, and the pro-
gram does therefore not investigate this condition.
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
upon the loading and the geometry of the steel beams that frame into the col-
umn, either along the column major direction, or at an angle so that the beams
have components along the column major direction. See Figure 3-3. When
code appropriate, the program investigates such situations and reports the
thickness of any required doubler plates. Only columns with I-shapes and only
supporting beams with I-shapes are investigated for doubler plate requirements.
Also, doubler plate requirements are evaluated for moment frames only.
2.14 Frame Design Procedure Overwrites

The structural model may contain frame elements made of several structural
materials: steel, concrete, aluminum, cold-formed steel and other materials.
The program supports separate design procedures for each material type. By
default the program determines the design procedure from the material of the
frame member.
The program allows the user to turn the design of specific members off and on
by selecting No Design or Default from material. Overwriting the design pro-
cedure can be accessed from the Design menu > Overwrite Frame Design
Procedure command.
ETABS supports both regular steel frame design and composite beam design.
The determination of design procedure is different. If the material is concrete,
the design procedure is concrete. If the material is steel, the default design pro-
2 - 18 Doubler Plates
cedure can be steel frame design or composite beam design. If the section is of
steel material, and the member satisfies a host of other criteria, such as the
member is horizontal (beam), it supports a filled deck or slab, it is an I-shaped
member, it is hinged at both ends and so on, then the default design procedure
is taken as composite beam design; otherwise, the default design procedure is
taken as steel frame design. ETABS allows the user to overwrite a steel mem-
ber frame design procedure to steel frame design, composite beam design, de-
fault, or no design. Change the design procedure by selecting the member(s)
and clicking the Design menu > Overwrite Frame Design Procedure com-
mand. A change in design will be successful only if the design procedure is
valid for that member, i.e., the program will not allow the user to change the
design procedure for a steel frame object to concrete frame design.
2.15 Steel Frame Design Process

The following sequence describes a typical steel frame design process for a
new structure. Note that although the sequence of steps you follow may vary,
the basic process probably will be essentially the same.
1. Use the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > View/Revise Overwrites
command to choose the steel frame design code and to review other steel
frame design preferences and revise them if necessary. Note that default
values are provided for all design preferences, so it is unnecessary to define
any preferences unless you want to change some of the default values.
2. Create the model.
3. Run the analysis using the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command.
4. Assign steel frame overwrites, if needed, using the Design menu > Steel
Frame Design > View/Revise Overwrites command. Note that frame
members must be selected before using this command, and that overwrites
may be assigned before or after the analysis is run.
5. Designate design groups, if desired, using the Design menu > Steel Frame
Design > Select Design Group command. Note that some groups must al-
ready have been created by selecting objects and going to the Assign
menu.
Steel Frame Design Process 2 - 19

6. To use design combinations other than the defaults created by the program,
click the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Select Design Combo
command. Note that design combos must already have been created using
the Define menu.
7. Designate displacement targets for various analysis cases using the Design
menu > Steel Frame Design > Set Displacement Targets command.
8. Set time period targets for various modes using the Design menu > Steel
Frame Design > Set Time Period Targets command.
9. Click the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Start Design/Check of
Structure command to run the steel frame design.
10. Review the steel frame design results by doing one of the following:
a. Click the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Display Design Info
command to display design input and output information on the model.
b. Right click on a frame object while the design results are displayed on
it to enter the interactive design mode and interactively design the
frame member. Note that while in this mode, overwrites can be
revised and the results of the new design displayed immediately. If
design results are not currently displayed (and the design has been
run), click the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Interactive
Steel Frame Design command and then right click a frame object to
enter the interactive design mode for the member.
11. Use the File menu > Print Tables command to print steel frame design
data. If frame objects are selected before using this command, data is
printed for the selected objects only.
12. Use the Display menu > Show Tables command to display steel frame de-
sign data in a spreadsheet-type tabular format. If frame objects are selected
before using the command, data is displayed for the selected objects only.
13. Use the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Change Design Section
command to change the design section properties for selected frame ob-
jects.
2 - 20 Steel Frame Design Process

Structure command to rerun the design with the new section properties.
Review the results using the procedures described in Item 10.
15. Rerun the analysis using the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command.
Note that the section properties used for the analysis are the last specified
design section properties.
16. Compare displacements with displacement targets, or the resulting periods

with period targets, if appropriate.
Structure command to rerun the design with the new analysis results. Re-
view the results using the previous steps.
18. Repeat the processes in steps 13 through 17 as many times as necessary.

Note that steel frame design is an iterative process, and that the analysis
and design will typically be rerun multiple times to complete a design.
19. Click the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Verify Analysis vs De-
sign Section command to verify that all of the final design sections are the
same as the last used analysis sections.
Again, it is important to note that design is an iterative process. The sections

used in the original analysis are not likely to be the same as those obtained at
the end of the design process. Always run the analysis using the frame sections
from the final design, and then run a design check using the forces obtained
from that analysis.
2.16 Interactive Steel Frame Design

The Interactive Steel Frame Design command is a powerful mode that allows
the user to review the design results for any steel frame design and interac-
tively revise the design assumptions and immediately review the revised re-
sults.
Note that a design must have been run for the interactive design mode to be
available. With the design results displayed, right click on a frame object to
display the Steel Stress Check Information form for the member. Click on the
Interactive Steel Frame Design 2 - 21

Overwrites button to display the Design Overwrites form, where the member
section or other design parameters may be changed. Clicking OK on this form
results in an immediate updating of the results displayed on the Steel Stress
Check Information form.
2.17 Automated Iterative Design

If Auto Select sections have been assigned to frame objects, ETABS can auto-
matically perform the iterative steel frame design process. To initiate the proc-
ess, first use the Options menu > Preferences > Steel Frame Design com-
mand and set the maximum number of auto iterations to the maximum number
of design iterations the program is to run automatically. Next, run the analysis.
Then, making sure that no objects are selected, use the Design menu > Steel
Frame Design > Start Design/Check of Structure command to begin the de-
sign of the structure.
The program will then start the cycle of (1) performing the design, (2) compar-
ing the last-used Analysis Sections with the Design Sections, (3) setting the
Analysis Sections equal to the Design Sections, and (4) rerunning the analysis.
This cycle will continue until one of the following conditions has been met:
 The Design Sections and the last-used Analysis Sections are the same.
 The number of iterations performed is equal to the number of iterations

specified for the maximum number on the Preferences form.
2 - 22 Automated Iterative Design

Chapter 3
Design using CAN/CSA S16-01
This chapter provides a detailed description of the algorithms used by the pro-
grams in the design/check of structures in accordance with “CAN/CSA S16-01
— Limit States Design of Steel Structures” (CSA 2001, CISC 2006). The
menu option “CAN/CSA S16-01” also covers the “S16S1-05 — Seismic Pro-
visions for Limit States Design of Steel Structures Including Supplement No.
1” (CSA 2005), which is described in the next chapter. The implementation
covers load combinations from “CAN/CSA S16-01,” which is described in
Section 3.4 Design Loading Combinations in this chapter. The loading based
on "NBCC 2005" has been described in a separate document entitled “CSI Lat-
eral Load Manual” (CSI 2007).


the prefix “CSA.”
• Reference to the NBCC 2005 code is identified with the prefix “NBCC.”
3.1 Notations
The various notations used in this manual are described herein.
3-1
2
A Cross-sectional area, mm
2
Ae Effective cross-sectional area for slender sections, mm
2
Ag Gross cross-sectional area, mm
2
Av2,Av3 Major and minor shear areas, mm
2
Aw Shear area, equal dtw per web, mm
Ce Euler buckling strength, N
Cf Factored compressive axial load, N
Cr Factored compressive axial strength, N

6
Cw Warping constant, mm
Cy Compressive axial load at yield stress, AgFy, N
D Outside diameter of pipes, mm

2
E Modulus of elasticity, N/mm
Fcre Elastic critical plate-buckling stress in shear, N-sq-mm
Fcri Inelastic critical plate-buckling stress in shear, N-sq-mm

Fs Ultimate stress, N-sq-mm
2
Fy Specified minimum yield stress of material, N/mm
2
G Shear modulus, N/mm
4
I22 Minor moment of inertia, mm
4
I33 Major moment of inertia, mm
4
J St. Venant torsional constant for the section, mm
K Effective length factor
K33,K22 Effective length K-factors in the major and minor directions
Kz Effective length K-factor for lateral torsional buckling
L Laterally unbraced length of member, mm
3-2 Notations
Chapter 3 - Design using CAN/CSA S16-01
L22, L33 Laterally unbraced length of member for major and minor axes
bending, mm
Lz Unbraced length for lateral-torsional buckling, mm
Mf33,Mf22 Factored bending loads in major and minor directions, N-mm
Mp33,Mp22 Plastic moments in major and minor directions, N-mm
Mr33,Mr22 Factored moment resistance in major and minor directions,

N-mm
Mu Critical elastic moment, N-mm
My33,My22 Yield moments in major and minor directions, N-mm

3
S33,S22 Major and minor elastic section moduli, mm
Tf Factored tensile axial load, N
Tr Factored tensile resistance, N

U1 Moment magnification factor to account for deformation of
member between ends (P- effect)
U2 Moment magnification factor (on sidesway moments) to account
for P-
Vf2,Vf3 Factored major and minor shear loads, N
Vr2,Vr3 Factored major and minor shear resistance, N

3
Z Plastic modulus, mm
3
Z33,Z22 Major and minor plastic moduli, mm
b Nominal dimension of plate in a section, mm

longer leg of angle sections, bf − 2tw for welded and bf − 3tw for
rolled box sections, and the like
be Effective width of flange, mm
bf Flange width, mm
d Overall depth of member, mm
Notations 3-3
h Clear distance between flanges less fillets, taken as (d − 2tf), mm
k Distance from outer face of flange to web toe of fillet, mm
r Radius of gyration, mm
r33,r22 Radii of gyration in the major and minor directions, mm
rz Least radian of gyration for analysis sections, mm
t Thickness, mm
tf Flange thickness, mm
tw Thickness of web, mm
 Coefficient used in an interaction equation
 Slenderness parameter
 Resistance factor (clause 2.1, 13.1)

1 Moment coefficient
 12,  13 Moment coefficient in major and minor directions
2 Bending coefficient
3.2 Design Preferences

The steel frame design preferences are basic assignments that apply to all of
the steel frame members. Tables 3-1 list steel frame design preferences for
"CAN/CSA S16-01." Default values are provided for all preference items.
Thus, it is not necessary to specify or change any of the preferences. However,
at least review the default values to ensure they are acceptable. Some of the
preference items also are available as member-specific Overwrite items. The
overwrites are described in the next section. Overwritten values take prece-
dence over the preferences.
To view design preferences, select the Design menu > Steel Frame Design >
View/Revise Preferences command. The Preferences form will display. The
preference options are displayed in a two-column spreadsheet on that form.
3-4 Design Preferences

The left column of the spreadsheet displays the Preference item name. The
right column of the spreadsheet displays the preference item value.
To change a preference item, left click the desired Preference item in the left or
right column of the spreadsheet. This activates a drop-down list or highlights
the current preference value. If the drop-down list displays, select a new value.
If the cell is highlighted, type in the desired value. The preference value will
update accordingly. Values in the drop-down lists provide the available op-
tions.
For purposes of explanation, the Preference items are presented in Table 3-1.
The column headings in the tables are described as follows:
• Item: The name of the preference item as it appears in the cells at the left
side of the Preferences form.
• Possible Values: The possible values that the associated Preference item
can have.
• Default Value: The built-in default value that the program assumes for the
associated Preference item.
• Description: A description of the associated Preference item.
Table 3-1: Steel Frame Design Preferences

Item Possible Values Default Value Description
Design Code Design codes AISC360-05/ The selected design code. Subsequent design is based
available in the cur- IBC 2006 on this selected code.
rent version
Time History Design Envelopes, Envelopes Toggle for design combinations that include a time
Step-by-Step history designed for the envelope of the time history,
or designed step-by-step for the entire time history. If
a single design combination has more than one time
history case in it, that design combination is designed
for the envelopes of the time histories, regardless of
what is specified here.
Design Preferences 3-5


Framing Type Type LD MRF, Type D MRF This item is used for ductility considerations in the
Type MD MRF, design, when seismic provisions are considered.
Type D MRF,
Type LD CBF(V),
Type LD CBF(TC),
Type LD CBF(TO),
Type LD CBF(OT),
Type MD CBF(V),
Type MDCBF(TC),
Type MD CBF(TO),
Type MD CBF(OT),
EBF, Cantilever,
Column, Conventional
MF, Conventional BF
System Rd >0 5 Overstrength-related force modification factor re-

flecting the capability of a structure to dissipate
energy through inelastic behavior.
System Ro >0 1.5 Overstrength-related force modification factor

accounting for the portion of reserve strength in
structure designed.
System Ie*Fa*Sa(0.2) >0 0.35 Specified short-period spectral acceleration ratio.
Phi (Bending) 1.0 0.9 Resistance factor for flexure.

Phi (Compression) 1.0 0.9 Resistance factor for compression.
Phi (Tension) 1.0 0.9 Resistance factor for yielding in tension.
Phi (Shear) 1.0 0.9 Resistance factor for shear.
Slenderness Modify Geometry,
Modify Geometry
Procedure Modify Fy
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).
Deflection Check Type Ratio, Absolute, Both Both
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.
3-6 Design Preferences


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/ 0 500 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/ 0 400 Deflection limit for total load. Inputting 240 means
that the limit is L/240. Inputting zero means no check
Total-Camber Limit, L/ 0 500 Limit for net deflection. Camber is subtracted from
the total load deflection to get net deflection. Input-
ting 240 means that the limit is L/240. Inputting zero
DL Limit, L/ 0 25.4
Super DL+LL Limit, L/ 0 25.4
Live Load Limit, L/ 0 25.4
Total Limit, L/ 0 25.4
Total-Camber Limit, L/ 0 25.4
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.
Stress Ratio Limit 1.0 0.95 The demand/capacity ratio limit to be used for ac-
ceptability. D/C ratios that are less than or equal to
this value are considered acceptable. The program
will select members from the auto select list with
D/C ratios less than or equal to this value.
Maximum Number of 1 1 Sets the number of iterations of the analysis-design

Auto Iteration cycle that the program will complete automatically
assuming that the frame members have been assigned
auto select sections.
3.3 Overwrites
The steel frame design Overwrites are basic assignments that apply only to
those elements to which they are assigned. Table 3-2 lists steel frame design
overwrites for "CAN/CSA S16-01." Default values are provided for all Over-
Overwrites 3-7
write items. Thus, it is not necessary to specify or change any of the Over-
writes. However, at least review the default values to ensure they are accept-
able. When changes are made to Overwrite items, the program applies the
changes only to the elements to which they are specifically assigned. Overwrit-
ten values take precedence over the Preferences.
To access the steel frame Overwrites, select a frame object and click the
Design menu > Steel Frame Design > View/Revise Overwrites command.
The overwrites are displayed in a two-column spreadsheet. The left column of
the spreadsheet contains the name of the Overwrite item. The right column of
the spreadsheet contains the Overwrites values. In ETABS, check the checkbox
preceding one or more items to select them. In both programs, then click in ei-
ther column of the spreadsheet to activate a drop-down list or highlight the
contents in the cell in the right column of the spreadsheet. If the drop-down list
appears, select a value from the box. If the cell contents are highlighted, type
in the desired value. The Overwrite will reflect the change.
Many of the items on the Overwrites form are similar to those found on the
Preferences form.
Table 3-2 Steel Frame Design Overwrites for "CAN/CSA S16-01"

Current Design Any defined steel Analysis The design section for the selected frame object.
Section section section When this Overwrite is applied, any previous auto
select section assigned to the frame object is
removed.
Fame Type Type LD MRF, From This item is used for ductility considerations in the
Type MD MRF, Preferences design.
Type D MRF,
Type LD CBF(V),
Type LD CBF(TC),
Type LD CBF(TO),
Type LD CBF(OT),
Type MD CBF(V),
Type MDCBF(TC),
Type MD CBF(TO),
Type MD CBF(OT),
EBF, Cantilever,
Column, Conventional
MF, Conventional BF
Deflection Check Ratio, Both Choose to consider deflection limit as an absolute, as
Type Absolute, a divisor of the beam length, as both, or with no
Both deflection limit.
DL Limit, L/ 0 From Deflection limit for dead load. Inputting 120 means
Preferences that the limit is L/120. Inputting zero means no
check will be made of this item.
3-8 Overwrites

Super DL+LL 0 From Deflection limit for superimposed dead plus live
Limit, L/ Preferences 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 From Deflection limit for superimposed live load. Inputting
Preferences 360 means that the limit is L/360. Inputting zero
Total Limit, L/ 0 From Deflection limit for total load. Inputting 240 means
Preferences that the limit is L/240. Inputting zero means no check
Total-Camber Limit, 0 From Limit for net deflection. Camber is subtracted from
L/ Preferences the total load deflection to get net deflection. Input-
ting 240 means that the limit is L/240. Inputting zero
DL Limit, abs 0 25.4 Deflection limit for dead load. Inputting zero means
no check will be made of this item.
Super DL+LL Limit, 0 25.4 Deflection limit for superimposed dead plus live
abs load. Inputting zero means no check will be made of
this item.
Live Load Limit, abs 0 25.4 Deflection limit for superimposed live load. Inputting
zero means no check will be made of this item.
Total Limit, abs 0 25.4 Deflection limit for total load. Inputting zero means
no check will be made of this item.
Total–Camber Limit, 0 125.4 Deflection limit for net deflection. Camber is sub-
abs tracted from the 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 Camber 0 0 The specified amount of camber to be reported in the
design output and to be used in the net deflection
check.
Live Load Reduction 0 Calculated The reducible live load is multiplied by this factor to
Factor obtain the reduced live load for the frame object.
Specifying zero means the value is program deter-
mined.
Net Area to Total 0 1.0 The ratio of the net area at the end joint to gross
Area Ratio cross-sectional 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.
Unbraced Length 0 Calculated Unbraced length factor for buckling about the frame
Ratio (Major) object 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.
mined.
Overwrites 3-9

Unbraced Length 0 Calculated Unbraced length factor for buckling about the frame
Ratio (Minor) object minor axis; specified as a fraction of the frame
length gives the unbraced length for the object.
mined.
Unbraced Length 0 L22 Unbraced length factor for lateral-torsional buckling
Ratio (LTB) for the frame object; specified as a fraction of the
frame object length. This factor times the frame
object length gives the unbraced length for the ob-
ject. Specifying zero means the value is program
determined.
Effective Length 0 1.0 Effective length factor for buckling about the frame
Factor (K Major) object major axis; specified as a fraction of the frame
length gives the effective length for the object.
mined. 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 B1 factor.
Effective Length 0 1.0 Effective length factor for buckling about the frame
Factor (K Minor) object minor axis; specified as a fraction of the frame
length gives the effective length for the object.
mined. 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 U1 factor.
Effective Length 0 K minor Effective length factor for lateral-torsional buckling;
Factor (K LTB) 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. For beam design,
this factor is taken as 1 by default. The values should
be set by the user.
Moment Coefficient 0 Calculated Unitless factor; Cm for major axis bending is used in
(Omega1 Major) determining the interaction ratio. Inputting zero
means the value is program determined.
Moment Coefficient 0 Calculated Unitless factor; Cm for minor axis bending is used in
(Omega1 Minor) determining the interaction ratio. Inputting zero
Bending Coefficient 0 Calculated Unitless factor; Cb is used in determining the interac-
(Omega2) tion ratio. Inputting zero means the value is program
determined.
NonSway Moment 0 Calculated Unitless moment magnification factor for non-sway
Factor (U1 Major) major axis bending moment. Specifying zero means
the value is program determined.
3 - 10 Overwrites

NonSway Moment 0 Calculated Unitless moment magnification factor for non-sway

Factor (U1 Minor) minor axis bending moment. Specifying zero means
the value is program determined.
Sway Moment 0 1.0 Unitless moment magnification factor for sway
Factor (U2 Major) major-axis bending moment. Specifying zero means
the value is program determined. The program de-
termined value is taken as 1 because it is assumed
that P-delta effects were specified to be included in
the analysis, and thus no further magnification is
required.
Sway Moment 0 1.0 Unitless moment magnification factor for sway
Factor (U2 Minor) major-axis bending moment. Specifying zero means
the value is program determined. The program
determined value is taken as 1 because it is assumed
that P-Delta effects were specified to be included in
the analysis, and thus no further magnification is
required.
Yield Stress, Fy 0 From Material Material yield strength used in the design/check.
mined. The program determined value is taken from
the material property assigned to the frame object.
Axial Compression 0 0
Capacity Power, n
Overstrength 0 From Material The ratio of the expected yield strength to the mini-
Factory, Ry mum specified yield strength. This ratio is used in
capacity-based design for special seismic cases.
mined.
Compressive 0 Calculated Nominal axial compressive capacity. Specifying
Capacity, Cr zero means the value is program determined.
Tensile Capacity, Tr 0 Calculated Nominal axial tensile capacity. Specifying zero
Major Bending 0 Calculated Nominal bending moment capacity in major axis
Capacity, Mr3 bending. Specifying zero means the value is program
determined.
Minor Bending 0 Calculated Nominal bending moment capacity in minor axis
Capacity, Mr2 bending. Specifying zero means the value is program
determined.
Major Shear 0 Calculated Nominal shear capacity force for major direction
Capacity, Vr2 shear. Specifying zero means the value is program
determined.
Minor Shear 0 Calculated Nominal shear capacity force for minor direction
Capacity, Vr3 shear. Specifying zero means the value is program
determined.
Overwrites 3 - 11
3.4 Design Loading Combinations

The structure is to be designed so that its design strength equals or exceeds the
effects of factored loads stipulated by the applicable design code. The default
design combinations are the various combinations of the already defined analy-
sis cases, such as dead load (DL), live load (LL), wind load (WL), and horizon-
tal earthquake load (EL).
For the CAN/CSA S16-01 code, the following default design combinations are
generated by the program (CSA 7.2.3, Table 13):
1.4 DL (Case 1, CSA Table 13)

1.25 DL + 1.5 LL (Case 2, CSA Table 13)
1.25 DL + 1.5 LL  0.4 WL (Case 2, CSA Table 13)
1.25 DL  1.4 WL (Case 4, CSA Table 13)

0.9 DL  1.4 WL (Case 4, CSA Table 13)
1.25 DL  1.4 WL + 0.5 LL (Case 4, CSA Table 13)
1.0 DL  1.0 EL (Case 5, CSA Table 13)

1.0 DL  1.0 EL + 0.5 LL (Case 5, CSA Table 13)
The code is required to consider Notional Load in the design loading combina-
tions for steel frame design. The program allows the user to define and create
notional loads as individual load cases from a specified percentage of a given
gravity load acting in a particular lateral direction. These notional load cases
should be considered in the combinations with appropriate factors, appropriate
directions, and appropriate senses. Currently, the program does not automati-
cally include the notional loads in the default design load combinations. The
user is free to modify the default design load combinations to include the no-
tional loads. For further information, refer to the "Notional Load Cases" sec-
tion in Chapter 2.
The combinations described herein are the default loading combinations only.
They can be deleted or edited as required by the design code or engineer-of-
record. The program allows live load reduction factors to be applied to the
member forces of the reducible live load case on a member-by-member basis
to reduce the contribution of the live load to the factored responses.
3 - 12 Design Loading Combinations

3.5 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

For the determination of the nominal strengths for axial compression and flex-
ure, the sections are classified as Class 1 (Plastic), Class 2 (Compact), Class 3
(Noncompact), or Class 4 (Slender). The program classifies the individual sec-
tions in accordance with Table 3-3 (CSA 11.1, 11.2, 13.5.c, Table 2). As speci-
fied in that table, a section is classified as Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4
as applicable.
Table 3-3 Maximum Width-to-Thickness Ratios
Limiting Width-to-Thickness Ratios
Elements for Elements in Flexural Compression
Width- in Axial Class 3
Section Description Thickness Compres- Class 1 Class 2 (Noncom- Class 4
Type of Element Example Ratio sion (Plastic) (Compact) pact) (Slender)
metric I Shape
Doubly Sym-
Flanges of 200 145 170 200  60

rolled b 2t    
Fy Fy Fy Fy
I Shapes
T Shape
200 145 170 200  60

Flanges of
b 2t    
T-sections Fy Fy Fy Fy
T Shape
340 340
Stems of
d t  --- ---  Any
T-sections Fy Fy
Channel
200 145 170 200  60

Flanges of
bt    
Channels Fy Fy Fy Fy
Channel
200 145 170 200

Double
Flanges of
bt      60
Double
Fy Fy Fy Fy
Channels
Classification of Sections for Local Buckling 3 - 13

Table 3-3 Maximum Width-to-Thickness Ratios (cont.)

Limiting Width-to-Thickness Ratios for Elements in
Width- Elements Flexural Compression
Thick- in Axial Class 3
Section Description ness Compres- Class 1 Class 2 (Noncom- Class 4
Type of Element Example Ratio sion (Plastic) (Compact) pact) (Slender)
200 200
Angle
Legs of
bt    60
--- ---
Angles Fy Fy
200 200
Double
Angle
Legs of double
bt    60
--- ---
angles Fy Fy
Flexural or 420
axial  (rolled)
670 Fy 525 670
compression   
Box
bt No limit
of flanges Fy 525 Fy Fy
under major  (welded)
Fy
axis bending
Axial only 23, 000 13,000 18, 000 66 ,000

Dt     No limit
compression Fy Fy Fy Fy
Round
------ ------ ---- ---- Assumed Class 2
Bar
Rectan-
------ ------ ---- ---- Assumed Class 2
gular
General ------ ------ ---- ---- Assumed Class 3
SD
------ ------ ---- ---- Assumed Class 3
Section
For elements supported along only one edge parallel to the direction of com-
pression force, the width shall be taken as follows:
(a) For flanges of I-shaped members and tees, the width b is one-half the full
nominal dimension, bf .
(b) For legs of angles and flanges of channels and zees, the width b is the full
nominal dimension.
(c) For plates, the width b is the distance from the free edge to the first row of
fasteners or line of welds.
(d) For webs of hot rolled sections, h is the clear distance between flanges.
3 - 14 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

bf bf b ft
k
hp 2
hc 2
PNA
tw h  hc  hp d tw h  hc  hp h
NA
tw
tf tf
b b b fc
s bf bf
k k
b
tw b b  b f  3t w
h  hc  hp h  hc  hp hc d hc  d  3t f
tw tw
tw
tf tf
tf
bf bf
bf
b
bf bf
s
tf
t tf
d h
tw b d
b
tw
Axes Conventions
2, y
2-2 is the cross section axis
parallel to the webs, the
t longer dimension of tubes,
D d 3, x 3, x
the longer leg of single
angles, or the side by side
legs of double anges. This is
the same as the y-y axis.
2, y
3-3 is orthogonal to 2-2. This is
the same as the x-x axis.
Figure 3-1 CAN/CSA S16-01 Definition of Geometric Properties
Classification of Sections for Local Buckling 3 - 15

Refer to Table 3-3 (CSA Table 1 and Table 2) for the graphic representation of
element dimensions.
For elements supported along two edges parallel to the direction of the com-
pression force, the width shall be taken as follows:
(a) For webs of rolled or formed sections, h is the clear distance between
flanges less the fillet or corner radius at each flange; hc is twice the distance
from the centroid to the inside face of the compression flange less the fillet
or corner radius.
(b) For webs of built-up sections, h is the distance between adjacent lines of
fasteners or the clear distance between flanges when welds are used.
(c) For flange or diaphragm plates in built-up sections, the width b is the dis-
tance between adjacent lines of fasteners or lines of welds.
(d) For flanges of rectangular hollow structural sections (HSS), the width b is
the nominal outside dimension less four times the wall thickness. For webs
of rectangular HSS, h is the nominal outside dimension less four times the
wall thickness. The thickness, t, shall be taken as the design wall thickness.
In classifying web slenderness of I-Shapes, Box, Channel, Double Channel,

and all other sections, it is assumed that there are no intermediate stiffeners.
Double angles and channels are conservatively assumed to be separated. When
slenderness parameters are larger than the limits for Class 4 sections, the sec-
tion is classified as Too Slender. Stress check of Too Slender sections is be-
yond the scope of this program.
3.6 Calculation of Factored Forces and Moments

The factored member loads that are calculated for each load combination are
Cf, Mf33, Mf22, Vf2, Vf3 and Tf corresponding to factored values of the axial com-
pression, the major and minor moments and shears, and axial tension, respec-
tively. These factored loads are calculated at each of the previously defined
stations.
3 - 16 Calculation of Factored Forces and Moments

3.7 Calculation of Factored Strengths

The nominal resistance in compression, tension, bending, and shear are com-
puted for Plastic, Compact, Noncompact, and Slender members in accordance
with the following sections. The nominal flexural resistance for all shapes of
sections are calculated based on their principal axes of bending. For the Rec-
tangular, I-Shape, Box, Channel, Double Channel, Circular, Pipe, T-Shape, and
Double Angle sections, the principal axes coincide with their geometric axes.
For the Single Angle sections, the principal axes are determined and all compu-
tations except shear are based on that.
For all sections, the nominal shear strengths are calculated for directions
aligned with the geometric axes, which typically coincide with the principal
axes. Again, the exception is the Single Angle section.
If the user specifies nonzero nominal capacities for one or more of the
members on the Steel Frame Overwrites form, those values will override
the calculated values for those members. The specified capacities should
be based on the principal axes of bending for flexure, and the geometric
axes for shear.
3.7.1 Factored Tensile Strength

This section applies to the members subject to axial tension.
The factored axial tensile strength value, Tr, is taken as AgFy (CSA 13.2.(a)(i)).
For members in tension, if L/r is greater than 300, a message is printed
accordingly (CSA 10.4.2.2).
Tr   Ag Fy (CSA 13.2(i))
Tr   Ae Fu (CSA 13.2(ii))
The effective net area, Ae, is assumed to be equal to the gross cross-sectional
area, Ag, by default. For members that are connected with welds or members
with holes, the Ae A g ratio must be modified using the steel frame design
Overwrites to account for the effective area.
Calculation of Factored Strengths 3 - 17

3.7.2 Factored Compressive Strength

Compression capacity is taken as the minimum of the two limit states: Flexural
Buckling; and Torsional and Flexural-Torsional Buckling.
For the Flexural Buckling limit state, the factored axial compressive strength
value, Cr, for Class 1, 2, or 3 sections depends on a factor, , which eventually
depends on the slenderness ratio, KL/r, which is the larger of (K33L 33 /r33) and
(K22L 22 /r22), and is defined as
Kl fy
 ,
r E
For single angles rz is used in place of r33 and r22. For members in compres-
sion, if KL/r is greater than 200, a message is printed (CSA 10.4.2).
Then the factored axial strength is evaluated as follows (CSA 13.3.1):

1

Cr   AFy (1   2 n ) n (CSA 13.3.1)
where n is an exponent and it takes three possible values to match the strengths
related to three SSRC curves. The default n is 1.34, which is assigned to
W-shapes rolled in Canada, fabricated Boxes and I-shapes, and cold-formed
non-stress relieved (Class C) hollow structural sections (HSS) (CSA 13.3.1,
CSA C13.3). The WWF sections produced in Canada from plates with flame-
cut edges and hot-formed or cold-relieved (Class H) HSS are assigned to a
favorable value of 2.24 (CSA 13.3.1, CSA C13.3). For heavy sections, a
smaller value of n is considered appropriate (CSA C13.3). The program
assumes the value of n as follows:
2.24, for WWF, HS, and HSS (Class H) sections,

1.34
 for W, L, and 2L sections and normal HS and HSS sections,
n
1.34 for other sections with thickness less than 25.4 mm, except WWF sections,
1.00, for other sections with thickness larger than or equal to 25.4mm.
The HSS sections in the current Canadian Section Database of the program are
prefixed as HS instead of HSS. Also, to consider any HSS section as Class H,
it is expected that the user would put a suffix to the HS or HSS section names.
3 - 18 Calculation of Factored Strengths

The value of n can be overwritten in the steel design overwrites.
For the Torsional or Torsional-Flexural Buckling limit state, the factored com-
pressive resistance, Cr, for Class 1, 2, or 3 sections is computed using the fol-
lowing equation, with a value of n = 1.34:
1

Cr   AFy (1   2 n ) n (CSA 13.3.1)
and the value of Fe is taken as:
a) For doubly symmetric and axisymmetric sections, the least of Fex, Fey and
Fez;
b) For single symmetric sections, with the y axis taken as the axis of symme-
try, the lesser of Fex and Feyz,
where,
 2E
Fex  2
(CSA 13.3.2)
 K x Lx 
 
 rx 
 2E
Fey  2
(CSA 13.3.2)
 K y Ly 
 
 ry 
 
 
 
  ECw
2  1
Fez   2
 GJ  2 (CSA 13.3.2)
  K z Lz   Ar o
 r  
 z  
 
Fey  Fez  4 Fey Fez  
Feyz   1 1  (CSA 13.3.2)
2
 
2
 Fey  Fez 
Lz = unbraced length factor for torsional buckling.

Kz = the effective length factor for torsional buckling, conservatively taken

as 1.0. This can be overwritten in the design overwrites.
2
r o  xo2  yo2  rx2  ry2 , and
 x2  y2 
  1  o 2 o  ,
 ro 
where xo, yo = the principal coordinates of the shear center to the centroid
of the cross-section.
c) For angle sections, Fe is taken as the smallest root of:

2 2
 Fe  Fex   Fe  Fey   Fe  Fez   F  Fe  Fey   o   Fe2  Fe  Fex   o   0

2 x y
e
 ro   ro 
The factored compressive resistance, Cr, for Class 4 sections ( CSA 11, Table
1, Table 2) is calculated using the preceding procedure as described for Class
1, 2, and 3 sections, with the exception that an effective area (CSA 13.3.3(a))
or an effective yield stress (CSA 13.3.3(b)) is used. The choice of using the
effective area or effective yield stress can be made in the preferences. The
effective area is calculated using reduced element width meeting the maximum
width-to-thickness ratio of a Class 3 section (CSA 13.3.3(a)). The effective
yield stress is determined from the width-to-thickness ratio meeting the Class 3
limit (CSA 13.3.3(b)). The factored axial compressive resistance, Cr, is calcu-
lated using the requirements of Clause 13.3.1 or 13.3.2 as applicable. The slen-
derness ratios are calculated using gross-section properties.
The program uses the minimum of the factored axial compressive strength, Cr,
computed from Cross-Sectional Strength, Overall Member Strength and Tor-
sional and Torsional-Lateral Buckling Strength (CSA 13.8.2, 13.8.3).
(a) Cross-Sectional Strength: The axial compression capacity is based on

the assumption that the number is fully braced in each direction (L22 = 0,
L33 = 0), i.e.,  = 0. The axial compression capacity is based on the plastic
limit state.
Cr = AFy (CSA 13.8.2(a), 13.8.3(a), 13.3.1)

(b) Overall Member Strength: The axial compression capacity is based on

the assumption that K33 = 1 and K22 = 1. For biaxial bending, Cr is taken
as the minim axial capacity for the flexural buckling limit state for
K 22 L22 K L
and 33 33 . However for uniaxial strong axis bending, it is
r22 r33
K L
based on the flexural buckling limit state for 22 22 (CSA 13.8.2(b),
r22
13.8.2(c), 13.3.1).
(c) Lateral Torsional Buckling Strength: The axial compression capacity is
based on the minimum of capacities from the flexural buckling limit state
and the torsional and torsional-flexural buckling limit state (CSA
13.8.2(c), 13.8.3(c), 13.3.1, 13.3.2). For the flexural buckling limit state,
the compression capacity is based on both the major and minor direction
K L K L
buckling using both 22 22 and 33 33 with the appropriate values for
r22 r33
K22 and K33. For the torsional and torsional-flexural buckling limit state,
K L
and additional slenderness parameter, z z , is used.
rmin
If the capacity Cr is overwritten, only the strength for the last case is modified,
namely, the lateral torsional buckling strength. The capacity used for the cross-
sectional strength and the overall member strength case remain unaffected by
this overwrite.
3.7.3 Flexure Strength

The factored moment resistance in the major and minor directions is based on
the geometric shape of the section, the section classification for compactness,
and the unbraced length of the member. The bending strengths are evaluated in
accordance with CAN/CSA S16-01 as follows (CSA 13.5, 13.6).
The program uses the minimum of the flexure strength, Mr, computed from
Cross-Sectional Strength, Overall Member Strength, and Torsional and Tor-
sional-Lateral Buckling Strength (CSA 13.8.2, 13.8.3).
Cross-Sectional Strength and Overall Member Strength: The Mr33 and Mr22 are
calculated assuming that the member is laterally fully supported (l22 =0 and l33=0)
irrespective of its actual lateral bracing length (CSA 13.5, 13.8.2(a), 13.8.2(b),

13.8.3(a), 13.8.3(b)).
Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength: Mr33 and Mr22 are calculated based on

actual unbraced length (CSA 13.6, 13.8.2(c), 13.8.3(c)).
If the flexural capacities Mr33 and Mr22 are overwritten, only the strength for the
last case is modified, namely, the lateral-torsional buckling strength. The ca-
pacities used for the cross-sectional strength and the overall member strength
cases remain unaffected by the overwrites.
For Cross-Sectional Strength and Overall Member Strength cases, the moment
capacities are considered to be as follows:
For Class 1 and 2 Sections:
M r   ZFy = Mp (CSA 13.5)
For Class 3 Sections:
M r   SFy = My (CSA 13.5)
For Class 4 Sections:
 Se Fy , when using effective section properties

Mr  
 SFy,eff , when using effective yield stress
where (CSA 13.5)
Se = the effective section modulus, and
Fy,eff = the effective section yield stress.
The factored flexural resistance, Mr, for Class 4 sections (CSA 11, Table 1,
Table 2) is calculated using the effective section modulus (CSA 13.5.c(iii)) or
using an effective yield stress (CSA 13.5). The choice of using the effective
section modulus or effective yield stress can be made in the preferences.
The effective section modulus is calculated using a reduced element width that
meets the maximum width-to-thickness ratio of a Class 3 section (CSA
13.5.c(iii)). The use of effective section modulus in determining the factored
moment resistance should be limited to members with Class 4 flanges and

Class 3 or more compact webs. If the section has a web of Class 4, even though
the program uses the preceding simplistic equation, a more detailed procedure
needs to be followed by the user (CSA 13.5.c(i), 13.5.c(ii)). The user should do
those checks independently or should use the effective yield stress method. The
effective yield stress, Fy,eff, is determined from the width-to-thickness ratio that
meets the Class 3 limit (CSA 13.5). The effective yield stress method can be
used for both Class 4 flangse and Class 4 webs. The slenderness ratios are cal-
culated using gross section properties.
For Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength, the moment capacities are calculated

using the procedure described in the following subsections (CSA 13.6,
13.8.2(c), 13.8.3(c)).
3.7.3.1 I-Shapes, Double Channels and Boxes
3.7.3.1.1 Major Axis of Bending

For Class 1 and 2 sections of I-Shapes, Double Channels, and Boxes bent about
the major axis,
when Mu > 0.67 Mp33,
 M p 33 
Mr33 = 1.15 M p 33 1  0.28    M p 33 , (CSA 13.6 (a)(i))
 Mu 
when Mu  0.67 Mp33,
M r33 =  M u (CSA 13.6 (a)(ii))
where,
Mr33 = Factored major bending resistance,

Mp33 = Major plastic moment = z22Fy,
Mu = Critical elastic moment,
2
2 E 
Mu  EI 22GJ    I 22Cw (CISC 13.6 (a))
L  L 
L = Laterally unbraced length, l22,
Cw = Warping constant assumed as 0.0 for Boxes and

2
 Ma   Ma 
2  1.75  1.05    0.30    2.5. (CSA 13.6 (a))
 b
M  Mb 
Ma and Mb are end moments of the unbraced segment, and Ma is less than Mb,
 Ma 
  being positive for double curvature bending and negative for single cur-
 Mb 
vature bending. If any moment within the segment is greater than Mb, 2 is
taken as 1.0. The program defaults 2 to 1.0 if the unbraced length, l, of the
member is overwritten by the user (i.e., it is not equal to the length of the
member). 2 should be taken as 1.0 for cantilevers. However, the program is
unable to detect when the member is a cantilever. The user can overwrite the
value of 2 for any member by specifying it.
For Class 3 and Class 4 sections of I-Shapes, Channels, and Boxes bent about
the major axis,
when M u  0.67 M y 33 ,
 M y 33 
M r 33  1.15  M y 33 1  0.28    M y 33 , (CSA 13.6 (b)(i))
 Mu 
when M u  0.67 M y 33 ,
M r 33   M u , (CSA 13.6 (b)(ii))
Mr33 and Mu are as defined earlier in this section, and My33 is the major yield
moment.
3.7.3.1.2 Minor Axis of Bending

For Class 1 and 2 sections of I-Shapes and Double Channels bent about their
minor axis,
M r 22   M p 22   Z 22 Fy . (CSA 13.6 a)
For Class 3 and Class 4 sections of I-Shapes and Double Channels bent about
their minor axis,
M r 22   M y 22   Z 22 Fy .

For Class 1 and 2 sections of Boxes bent about the minor axis,
when Mu > 0.67 Mp22,
 M p 22 
Mr22 = 1.15 M p 22 1  0.28    M p 22 , (CSA 13.6 (a)(i))
 Mu 
when Mu  0.67 Mp22,
M r22 =  M u (CSA 13.6 (a)(ii))
where,
Mr22 = Factored major bending resistance,

Mp22 = Major plastic moment = z22Fy,
Mu = Critical elastic moment.
For Class 3 and Class 4 sections of Boxes bent about the minor axis,
when M u  0.67 M y 22 ,
 M y 22 
M r 22  1.15  M y 22 1  0.28    M y 22 , (CSA 13.6 (b)(i))
 Mu 
when M u  0.67 M y 22 ,
M r 22   M u . (CSA 13.6 (b)(ii))
Mr22 and Mu are as defined earlier, and My22 is the minor yield moment.
3.7.3.2 Rectangular Bar

For Class 2 sections of Rectangular bars bent about their major axis,
when M u  0.67 M p 33 ,
 M p 33 
M r 33  1.15 M p 33 1  0.28    M p 33 , (CSA 13.6 (b))
 Mu 

when M u  0.67 M y 33 ,
M r 33   M u . (CSA 13.6 (b))

For Class 2 sections of Rectangular bars bent about their minor axis,
when M u  0.67 M p 22 ,
 M p 22 
M r 22  1.15  M p 22 1  0.28    M p 22 , (CSA 13.6 (b))
 Mu 
when M u  0.67 M y 22 ,
M r 22   M u . (CSA 13.6 (b))
3.7.3.3 Pipes and Circular Rods

For pipes and circular rods bent about any axis,
M r 33   Zf y for Class 1 and 2 (CSA 13.5, 13.6 (c))
M r 33   Zf y for Class 3 and 4 (CSA 13.5, 13.6 (c))
3.7.3.4 Channel Section

For Class 3 and 4 Channel sections bent about their major axis,
when M u  0.67 M y 33 ,
 M y 33 
M r 33  1.15  M y 33 1  0.28    M y 33 , (CSA 13.6 (b))
 Mu 
when M u  0.67 M y 33 ,
M r 33   M u . (CSA13.6 (b))


For Class 3 and 4 Channel sections bent about their minor axis,
M r22 = M y22 =  Z 22 Fy .
3.7.3.5 T-Shapes and Double Angles

For Class 3 and 4 sections of T-Shapes and Double Angles, the factored major
bending strength is assumed to be (CSA 13.6e),
w2 EI 22 GJ 
Mr 33   B  1  B2    1.6 Fy S33 ,
L  
(CSA 13.6(e), AISC F9)
where,
B = 2.3  d / L  I 22 / J .
The positive sign for B applies for tension in the stem of T-Shape sections or
the outstanding legs of Double Angle sections (positive moments) and the
negative sign applies for compression in stem or legs (negative moments).

For Class 3 and 4 sections of T-Shapes and Double Angles, the factored minor
bending strength is assumed as,
M r22 =  Fy S22 .
3.7.3.6 Angle Sections

The factored flexural strength for lateral-torsional buckling limit state of Single
Angle sections is conservatively calculated based on the principal axes of
bending.

The factored flexure strength for bending about the major principal axis for the
limit state of lateral-torsional buckling, Mr33, is given as follows:
 0.17 M e 
 92  Me , if M e  M y, and
 M y 
Mr 33  
 My 
 1.92  117 M  M y  1.5M y , if M e  M y .
 e 
(CSA 13.6(f), AISC F10-2, F10-3)
where Me is the elastic lateral-torsional buckling moment defined as follows:
 0.46 Eb2 r 2Cb

 for equal-leg angles,
 L
Me    2 
 4.9EI zCb   2  0.052  Lt     for unequal-leg angles.
 L2  w r  w

   z  
(CSA 13.6(f), AISC F10-5.6)
where,
Cb = Llateral-torsional buckling modification factor for non-uniform

moment diagram. It is computed using equation AISC F1-1.
A limit on Cb is imposed (Cb  1.5) in the program (AISC F10).
L = Laterally unbraced length of the member. It is taken as the max

(L22, L33) in the program because L22 and L33 are not defined in
the principal direction, in (mm).
4
I2 = Minor principal axis moment of inertia, mm .
rt = Radius of gyration for the minor principal axis, mm.
t = Angle leg thickness, mm. It is taken as min(tw, tf).
w = A section property for unequal-legged angles. It is given as fol-

lows:
z  w2  z 2  dA  2 z0
1
w  
Iw A
(AISC Table C-F10.1)

w is positive for short leg in compression, negative for long

leg in compression, and zero for equal-leg angles. If the long
leg is in compression anywhere along the unbraced length of
the member, the negative value of w should be used (AISC
F10.2). It is conservatively taken as negative for unequal-leg
angles.
z = coordinate along the minor principal axis
w = coordinate along the major principal axis
z0 = coordinate of the shear center along the z-axis with re-

spect to the centroid
Iw = major principal axis moment of inertia
Iz = minor principal axis moment of inertia
In the earlier equation, My is taken as the yield moment about the major princi-
pal axis of bending, considering the possibility of yielding at the heel and both
of the leg tips.
The factored flexural strength for bending about the minor principal axis for
the limit state of lateral-torsional buckling, Mr22, is taken as follows:
Mr22 = z22Fy  1.5 S22Fy (CSA 13.6(f), AISC F10-2)
3.7.3.7 General Sections

For General sections, the factored major and minor direction bending strengths
are assumed as,
M r 33   Fy S33 , and
M r 22   Fy S22 .
3.7.4 Shear Strength

The factored shear strengths are calculated for shears along the geometric axes
for all sections. For I-Shape, Box, Channel, Double Channel, T-Shape, Double

Angle, Pipe, Circular, and Rectangular sections, the principal axes coincide
with their geometric axes. For Angle sections, principal axes do not coincide
with their geometric axes.
In calculating factored strength for shear, Vr, it is assumed that there is no in-
termedial stiffness used to enhance shear strength of a section (CSA 13.4.1.1).
3.7.4.1 Shear in the Major Direction

The factored shear strength, Vr2, for major direction shears in I-Shapes, Boxes,
Channels, Double-Channels, and T-Shapes is calculated as follows:
Vr2 = AwFs (CSA 13.4.1.1)
where Aw is the design shear area. It is taken as follows:
dw for I-Shape sections,

dw for Channel sections,

Aw  dw for T-Shape sections, (CSA 13.4.1.1)
2 dw for Double Channel sections, and

2hw for Box sections.
Fs is the ultimate stress. It is taken as follows:
h k
when  439 v
w Fy
Fs = 0.66Fy (CSA 13.4.1.1(a))
kv h k
when 439   502 v
Fy w Fy
Fs = Fcri (CSA 13.4.1.1 (b))
kv h k
when 502   621 v
Fy w Fy
Fs = Fcri + ka(0.5Fy  0.866Fcri) (CSA 13.4.1.1(c))

kv h
when 621 
Fy w
Fs = Fcre + ka(0.5Fy – 0.866Fcre) (CSA 13.4.1.1(d))
where
kv = shear buckling coefficient
(i) when a/h < 1
5.34
kv  4 
 a h 2
(ii) when a/h  1
4
kv  5.34 
 a h 2
a/h = aspect ratio, the ratio of the distance between stiffeners to web
depth
Fy kv
Fcri  290
h w
ka = aspect coefficient
1
=
1  a h
2
180 000 kv
Fcre 
 h w 2
In the preceding expressions, the shear buckling coefficient, kv, is taken as fol-
lows:

 5.39 a
4  if 1
  a h 2 h
kv   (CSA 13.4.1.1)
5.34  4 if
a
1
  a h 2 h

Since the members are assumed to be unstiffened, the distance between stiffen-
ers, a, is very large compared to h, i.e., a >> h, kv is taken as 5.34.
kv = 5.34 (CSA 13.4.1.1)
The aspect coefficient, ka, is given by
1
ka = (CSA 13.4.1.1)
1   a h
2
Once again, ka is taken as zero, as a h is very large
ka = 0 (CSA 13.4.1.1)
h is taken as the clear distance between flanges, except for T-Shape sections,
for which it is taken as the overall depth.
The inelastic critical plate-buckling stress in shear, Fcri, is taken as follows:
Fy kv
Fcri  290 (CSA 13.4.1.1)
hw
The elastic critical plate buckling stress in shear, Fcre, is taken as follows:
180 000 kv
Fcre  (CSA 13.4.1.1)
 h w 2
The factored shear strength, Vr2, for major direction shears in Double Angles,
Angles, Rectangular, Circular, Pipe, and General sections is calculated as fol-
lows:
Vr2 = AwFs (CSA 13.4.1.1)
where

Fs = 0.66Fy (CSA 13.4.2)
3.7.4.2 Shear in the Minor Direction

The factored shear strength, Vr3, for minor direction shear in I-Shapes, Boxes,
Channels, Double Channels, and T-Shapes is calculated as follows:
Vr3 = AwFs (CSA 13.4.1.1)
where, Aw is taken as follows:
2 b f t f for I-Shape sections,


2 b f t f for Channel sections,

Aw  b f t f for T-Shape sections,

 4b f t f for Double Channel sections, and
2 b f t f for Box sections.

Fs is calculated in the same way as that for major direction shear, except that
h w is taken as follows:
b f  2t f  for I-Shape sections,


b f tf for Channel sections,

h w  b f tf for T-Shape sections,

b f 2t f for Double Channel sections, and
b f tf for Box sections.

The factored shear strength, Vr3, for minor direction shears in Double Angle,
Angle, Rectangular, Circular, Pipe, and General sections is calculated as fol-
lows:
Vr3 = AwFs (CSA 13.4.1.1)
where,
Fs = 0.66Fy. (CSA 13.4.2)

3.8 Design of Members for Combined Forces

Previous sections of this design manual address members subject to only one
type of force, namely axial tension, axial compression, flexure, or shear. This
section addresses the design of members subject to a combination of two or
more of the individual forces.
In the calculation of the demand/capacity (D/C) ratios, first, for each station
along the length of the member, the actual member force/moment components
are calculated for each design combination. Then, the corresponding capacities
are calculated. Then, the D/C ratios are calculated at each station for each
member under the influence of each of the design combinations. The control-
ling D/C ratio is then obtained, along with the associated station and design
combination. A D/C ratio greater than the D/C ratio limit (whose default value
is 1.0) indicates exceeding a limit state.
During the design, the effect of the presence of bolts or welds is not consid-
ered.
3.8.1 Axial and Bending Stresses

From the factored axial loads and bending moments at each station and the fac-
tored strengths for axial tension and compression and major and minor axis
bending, a D/C ratio is produced for each of the load combinations as follows:
3.8.1.1 Axial Compressive and Bending — Class 1 and Class 2 I-Shapes

If the axial load is compressive, the D/C ratio for Class 1 and Class 2 sections
of I-Shaped members is given by:
Cf U13 M f 33 U12 M f 22
 0.85  (CSA 13.8.2)
Cr M r 33 M r 22
where,
Cf is the factored axial compressive loading, including P- effects as de-

fined in CSA clause 8.7,
3 - 34 Design of Members for Combined Forces

Mf33 and Mf22 are the factored major and minor axis bending moment, in-
cluding P- effects as described in CSA clause 8.7.
Cr is the factored axial compression capacity for different limit states

(CSA 13.3)
Mr33 and Mr22 are the factored major and minor axis flexural capacity for
different limit states (CSA 13.5, 13.6),
 is a coefficient, and
U12 and U13 are two factors to account for the second-order effects due to
the deformation of a member between its ends. They are different for
different limit states.
 is taken as follows:
 = 0.6 + 0.4 y  0.85 (CSA 13.8.2)
where,
KL22 Fy
y  (CSA 13.3.1)
r22  2E
U1 is taken as follows:
1
U1  , where, (CSA 13.8.4)
cf
1
ce
 2 EI
ce  . (CSA 13.8.4)
L2
The factor U1 must be a positive number. Therefore, cf must be less than

ce. If this in not true, a failure condition is declared.
If the factor U12 or U13 is overwritten by the user, the calculated value is
replaced with the user value.
1 is the coefficient related to the distribution of moment over the span

within the braced segment.
Design of Members for Combined Forces 3 - 35

(i) For beam-columns not subject to transverse loading between sup-

ports in the plane of bending,
1  0.6  0.4  M a M b   0.4 (CSA 13.8.5(a))
where Ma and Mb, calculated from the analysis, are the smaller and
larger moments, respectively, at the ends of that portion of the
member unbraced in the plane of bending under consideration.
Ma /Mb is positive when the member is bent in reverse curvature,
negative when bent in single curvature.
(ii) For beam-columns subjected to distributed transverse loading be-

tween supports, the value of 1 is taken as 1.0.
(iii) For beam-columns subjected to a single concentrated transverse

loading between supports, the value of 1 is taken as 0.85.
When Mb is zero, 1 is taken as 1.0, the program defaults 1 to 1.0, if the

unbraced length is more than actual member length. The user can over-
write the value of 1 for any member. 1 can be expressed as follows:
1.00, if length is more than actual length,


1.00, if tension member,
1.00, if both ends unrestrained

1   Ma (CSA 13.8.5)
0.6  0.4 M , if no transverse loading,
 b
1.00, if transverse loading is present, and


0.85, if single concentrated load is present.
The program checks the interaction equation (CSA 13.8.2) for three different
limit states: (a) Cross-Sectional Strength; (b) Overall Member Strength; and
(c) Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength. In each case, 1, U13, U12, Cr, Mr33, and
Mr22 may assume different values.
(a) Cross-Section Strength (CSA 13.8.2(a))
 The axial compression capacity is based on the assumption that the

member is fully braced in each direction (L22 = 0, L33 = 0), i.e.,  = 0.
The axial compression capacity is based on plastic limit state.

Cr = AFy (CSA 13.8.2(a), 13.3.1)
If the axial capacity Cr is overwritten by the user, it is assumed to not

apply to this limit state and so is ignored.
 The Mr33 and Mr22 are calculated assuming that the members are fully
supported (L22 = 0, L33 = 0, Lz = 0) irrespective of their actual lateral
lengths. The moment capacities are given by CSA Clause 13.5 (CSA
13.8.2(a), 13.5).
If the capacities (Mr33 and Mr22) are overwritten by the user, they are
assumed to not apply for this limit state and so are ignored.
 U12 and U13 are calculated following the procedure described previ-
ously (CSA 13.8.4), but are taken to be not less than 1.
U12  1.0 (CSA 13.8.2(b), 13.8.4)
U13  1.0 (CSA 13.8.2(a), 13.8.4)
 The  factor is taken as 0.6
 = 0.6 (CSA 13.8.2(a))
(b) Overall Member Strength (CSA 13.8.2(b))
 The axial compression capacity is based on the assumption that

K33 = 1 and K22 = 1. For biaxial bending, Cr is taken as the minimum
K L
axial capacity for the flexural buckling limit state for 22 22 , and
r22
K 33 L33
. However for uniaxial strong axis bending, it is based on the
r33
K L
flexural buckling limit state for 22 22 . (CSA 13.8.2(5), 13.3.1)
r22
If the axial capacity Cr is overwritten by the user, it is assumed to not

apply in this limit state and so is ignored.
 Mr33 and Mr22 are calculated assuming that the members are fully sup-
ported (L22 = 0, L33 = 0, Lz = 0) irrespective of their actual lateral

lengths. The moment capacities are given by CSA Clause 13.5 (CSA
13.8.2(a), 13.6).
If the capacities (Mr33 and Mr22) are overwritten by the user, they are
assumed to not apply for this limit state and so are ignored.
 U12 and U13 for members of braced frames are calculated following
the procedure described previously (CSA 13.8.4). But for members
of unbraced frames, they are taken as 1.0 (CSA 13.8.2(b), 13.8.4).
 The  factor is calculated following the procedure described previ-

ously (CSA 13.8.2).
(c) Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength (CSA 13.8.2(c))
 The axial compression capacity is taken as the minimum axial com-

pression capacity considering flexural buckling (CSA 13.3.1) and
torsional or torsional-lateral buckling (CSA 13.3.2). For the flexural
buckling limit state, the compression capacity is based on both the
K L K L
major and minor direction buckling using both 22 22 and 33 33
r22 r33
with the actual values of K22 and K33. For the torsional and torsional-
K L
lateral buckling limit state, additional slenderness parameter z z is
rmin
used.
If the axial capacity Cr is overwritten by the user, the overwritten

value affects the Cr for this limit state.
 Mr33 is calculated using the appropriate values of L22, L33, Lz, K22, K33
and Kz (CSA 13.8.2(c), 13.5, 13.6).
If the capacity Mr33 is overwritten by the user, the overwritten value

affects the Mr33 for this limit state.
 Mr22 is calculated assuming that the members are fully laterally sup-
ported (L22 = 0, L33 = 0, Lz = 0) irrespective of its actual lateral brac-
ing length. The moment capacities are given by CSA Clause 13.5
(CSA 13.8.2(c), 13.5).

If the capacity Mr22 is overwritten by the user, it is assumed to not

apply for this limit state and so is ignored.
 U12 and U13 are taken as 1 for unbraced frames (CSA 13.8.2(c)).
U13 = 1 (for unbraced frame) (CSA 13.8.2(c))
U12 = 1 (for unbraced frame) (CSA 13.8.2(c))
U12 for members of braced frames is taken as the calculated value

following the procedure described previously (CSA 13.8.4).
U13 for members of braced frames is taken as the calculated value

following the procedure described previously (CSA 13.8.4), except it
is taken to be not less than 1 (CSA 13.8.2(c)).
U13  1.0 (CSA 13.8.2(c), 13.8.4)
In addition to the preceding interaction equation, for Class 1 and

Class 2 I-Shaped members, the following D/C ratio also is checked.
M f 33 M f 22

Mr 33 Mr 22
where,
Mf33 and Mf22 are the factored major and minor axes bonding mo-
ments, including P- effect as described in CSA Clause 8.7, and
Mr33 and Mr22 are the factored major and minor axes flexural ca-
pacities considering both Clauses CSA 13.5 and 13.6, as appro-
priate.
3.8.1.2 Axial Compression and Bonding — Other Sections

If the axial load is compressive, for all classes of sections except Class 1 and
Class 2 I-Shaped sections, the D/C ratio is given by:
Cf U13 M f 33 U12 M f 22
  (CSA 13.8.3)
Cr Mr 33 Mr 22

where,
Cf is the factored axial compressive loading, including P- effect as

defined in CSA Clause 8.7,
Mf33 and Mf22 are the factored major and minor axis bending moment,
including P- effect as described in CSA Clause 8.7.
Cr is the factored axial compression capacity for different limit states

(CAS 13.3)
Mr33 and Mr22 are the factored major and minor axis flexural capacity for
different limit states (CSA 13.5, 13.6),
U12 and U13 are two factors to account for the second-order effects due to
the deformation of a member between its ends. They are different for
different limit states.
The program checks the interaction equation (CSA 13.8.3) for the three differ-
ent limit states: (a) Cross-Sectional Strength; (b) Overall Member Strength;
and (c) Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength. In each case, U13, U12, Cr, Mr33, and
Mr22 may assume different values. The three limit states are handled in the same
manner as those handled for the Class 1 and Class 2 I-Shaped sections. Please
read the previous section for the appropriate values of U13, U12, Cr, Mr33, and Mr22
for all three limit states (CSA 13.8.3(a), 13.8.3(b), 13.8.3(c)).
3.8.2 Axial Tension and Bending

If the axial load is tensile, the D/C ratio is given by the larger of two ratios. In
the first case, the ratio is calculated as
 T f   M f 33 M f 22 
   , (CSA 13.9 (a))
 Tr   M r 33 M r 22 
assuming Mr22 and Mr33 are calculated based on a fully supported member (L22 =
0 and L33 = 0). If the capacities (Tr, Mr22, and Mr33) are overwritten by the user,
the only overwritten capacity used in this case is Tr. Mr22 and Mr33 overwrites
are assumed to not apply to this case and are ignored.
In the second case, the ratio is calculated as

 M f 33 M f 22   T f Z 33 
    (for Class 1 and 2 Sections) (CISC 13.9 (b))
 M r 33 M r 22   M r 33 A 
 M f 33 M f 22   T f S33 
    (for Class 3 and 4 Sections) (CISC 13.9 (b))
 M r 33 M r 22   M r 33 A 
If the capacities (Mr22 and Mr33) are overwritten by the user, both of these over-
written capacities are used in this case.
For Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS combination is first made of the two
bending components before adding the axial load component instead of the
simple algebraic addition implied by the preceding interaction formulas.
3.8.3 Shear Stresses

From the factored shear force values and the factored shear strength values at
each station, for each of the load combinations, D/C ratios for shear in major
and minor directions are produced as follows:
Vf 2
, and
Vr 2
Vf 3
,
Vr 3

Chapter 4
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 “S16S1-05
– Supplement No. 1 to CAN/CSA-S16-01, Limit States Design of Steel Struc-
ture, January 2005” (CSA 2005, CISC 2006). The program code option
“CAN/CSA S16-01” covers these provisions. The implementation covers load
combinations from “CAN/CSA S16-01,” which is described in the Section 3.4
Design Loading Combination in Chapter 3. The loading based on “NBCC
2005” has been described in a separate document entitled “CSI Lateral Load
Manual” (NBCC 2005; CSI 2007).


the prefix “CSA.”
• Reference to the NBCC 2005 code is identified with the prefix “NBCC.”
4.1 Design Preferences

The steel frame design Preferences are basic assignments that apply to all of
the steel frame members. The Preferences have been described previously in
4-1
Steel Frame Design CSA-S16-01
the relevant section of Chapter 3. Table 3-1 lists the steel frame design Prefer-
ences. The following steel frame design Preferences are relevant to the special
seismic provisions.
 Framing Type
 System Ductility Related Modification Factor, Rd
 System Overstrength Related Modification Factor, Ro
 System Spectral Acceleration Ratio, IeFaSa(0.2)
 Ignore Seismic Code?
 Ignore Special Seismic Load?
 Is Doubler Plate Plug Welded?
4.2 Overwrites
The steel frame design Overwrites are basic assignments that apply only to
those elements to which they are assigned. The overwrites have been described
previously in the relevant section of Chapter 3. Table 3-2 lists the steel frame
design Overwrites. The following steel frame design overwrites are relevant to
the special seismic provisions.
 Frame Type
4.3 Supported Framing Types

The code now recognizes the types of framing systems identified in the table
on the following page (CSA 27.2 to 27.10). With regard to those framing types,
the program has implemented specifications for all of the types of framing sys-
tems listed.
By default in the program, the frame type is taken as Ductile Moment-Resisting
Frame (Type D 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
(Chapter 3). If a frame type Preference is revised in an existing model, the re-
vised 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
4-2 Overwrites
Chapter 4 - Special Seismic Provisions
frame members added to the model after the Preference change and to the old
frame members that were not assigned a frame type though the Overwrites.
Framing Type References

Type LD MRF (Limited-Ductility Moment-Resisting Frame) CSA 27.4
Type MD MRF (Moderately Ductile Moment-Resisting Frame) CSA 27.3
Type D MRF (Ductile Moment-Resisting Frame) CSA 27.2
Type LD CBF(V) (Limited-Ductility Concentrically Braced Frame – Chevron) CSA 27.6.2.2
Type LD CBF(TC) (Limited-Ductility Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension-Compression) CSA 27.6.2.1
Type LD CBF(TO) (Limited-Ductility Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension only) CSA 27.6.2.3
Type LD CBF(OT) (Limited-Ductility Concentrically Braced Frame – Others) CSA 27.6.3
Type MD CBF(V) (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Chevron) CSA 27.5.2.4
Type MD CBF(TC) (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension-Compression) CSA 27.5.2.3
Type MD CBF(TO) (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Tension only) CSA 27.5.2.5
Type MD CBF(OT) (Moderately Ductile Concentrically Braced Frame – Others) CSA 27.5.3.2
EBF (Ductile Eccentrically Braced Frame) CSA 27.7
Cantilever Column CSA 27.10.2
Conventional MF CSA 27.10.1
Conventional BF CSA 27.10.1
4.4 Member Design

This section describes the special requirements for designing a member. The
section has been divided into subsections for each framing type.
4.4.1 Type (Ductile) Moment-Resisting Frames (D MRF)

For this framing system (Rd = 5.0, Ro = 1.5), the following additional require-
ments are checked or reported (CSA 27.2).
 All beams are required to be Class 1 sections (CSA 27.2.2.1(a)).
All beams are required to be laterally braced in accordance with the require-
ments of CSA 13.7(b) (CSA 27.2.2.1(b)).
Member Design 4-3

Lz 2 17 250  15500
 (CSA 13.7(b), 27.2.2.1(b))
r22 Fy
The value of  is computed from the bending moment distribution for com-
bined gravity and seismic loads.
If any of these criteria are not satisfied, the program issues an error message.
 All columns are required to be Class 1 or Class 2 (CSA 27.2.3.1(a).
All columns are required to be laterally braced in accordance with the re-
quirements of CSA Clause 13.7(b) (CSA 27.2.3.1(b)).
L22 17 250  15500

 (CSA 13.7(b), 27.2.3.1(b))
r22 Fy
using  = 0 (CSA 27.2.3.1(b)).
The factored axial load shall not exceed 0.3AFy when the specified one-
second spectral acceleration ratio (IE, Fv, Sa (1.0)) is greater than 0.30.
 Columns need to be designed to resist gravity loads together with the forces
induced by plastic hinging of the beams at each beam-to-column intersection:
  d 
M '
rc   1.1Ry M pb  Vh  x  c
 2 

(CSA 27.2.3.2)

where
M '
rc = sum of the column factored flexural resistance at the intersec-
tion of the beam and column centerlines.
 Cf 
M '
rc  1.18  1 
 Cy  M pc   M pc (CSA 27.2.3.2)
 
M pc = nominal plastic moment resistance of the column
Cf = results from summation of Vh acting at this level and above
4-4 Member Design

M pb = nominal plastic moment resistance of the beam

x = distance from the center of a beam plastic hinge to the column
face
The program calculates only the beam-column capacity ratio. The program
does not design the column for this load yet.
4.4.2 Type (Moderately Ductile) Moment-Resisting Frames (MD MRF)

 All beams are required to be Class 1 or Class 2 sections (CSA 27.3(a)(1)).
All beams need to be designed to be laterally braces in accordance with the

requirements of CSA 13.7(a) (CSA 27.3, 27.2.2.1).
Lcr 25000  15000

 (CSA 13.7(a), 27.3(a)(ii), 27.2.2(a))
ry Fy
The value of  is computed from the bending moment distribution for com-
bined gravity and seismic loads (CSA 27.3(a)).
 All columns are required to be Class 1 or Class 2 sections (CSA 27.3, 27.2.3.1).
All columns need to be designed to be laterally braced in accordance with the

requirements of CSA Clause 13.7(b) (CSA 27.3, 27.2.3.1(b)).
Lcr 17 250  15500

 (CSA 13.7(a), 27.3(a)(ii), 27.2.2(a))
ry Fy
using .
The factored axial loads shall not exceed 0.5AFy when the specified one-
second spectral acceleration ratio (IEFVSa(1.0)) is greater than 0.5 (CSA
27.3(b), 27.2.3.1(b)).
Member Design 4-5

 Columns need to be designed to resist gravity load together with the forces
induced by plastic hinging of the beams at each beam-to-column intersection.
  d 
M '
rc   1.1Ry M pb  Vh  x  c
 2 

(CSA 27.2.3.2, 27.3)

where
M '
 Cf 
M '
rc  1.18  1 
 Cy  M pc   M pc (CSA 27.2.3.2)
 

face
The program calculates only the beam-column capacity ratio. The program
does not design the column for this load yet.
4.4.3 Type (Limited-Ductility) Moment-Resisting Frames (LD MRF)

 All beams are required to be Class 1 or Class 2 sections. If this criterion is

not satisfied, the program issues an error message (CSA 27.4.2.1).
 All columns are required to be Class 1 (CSA 27.4.2.1) I-Shaped sections

(CSA 27.4.4.3).
 When the specified short-period spectral acceleration ratio (IEFVSa(0.2)) is

greater than 0.55 or the building height is greater than 60 m in height (CSA
27.4.2.2), columns shall satisfy the requirements of CSA 27.2.3.2 with modi-
fication of the term 1.1RyMpb to Mpb (CSA 27.4.2.2).
4-6 Member Design

  d 
M '
rc    M pb  Vh  x  c
 2 

(CSA 27.4.2.2)

where,
M '
 Cf 
M '
rc  1.18  1 
 Cy  M pc   M pc (CSA 27.2.3.2)
 

face
If this criterion is not satisfied, the program issues an error message.
4.4.4 Type (Moderately Ductile) Concentrically Braced Frames (MD

CBF)
Moderately ductile concentrically braced frames include the following (CSA

27.5.2.1):
(a) tension-compression bracing system (TC)

(b) chevron braced system (V)
(c) tension only bracing system (TO)
(d) systems other than those in items (a), (b), and (c) (OT).
 The slenderness ratio, KL/r, of diagonal bracing members shall not exceed
2.0 (CSA 27.5.3.1).
 For buildings with specified short-period spectral acceleration, IeFuSa(0.2),

equal to or greater than 0.35, the width-to-thickness ratio of the flanges of
Member Design 4-7

diagonal bracing members shall not exceed the following limits (CSA
27.5.3.2).
(a) when KL/r ≤ 100,
(i) for rectangular and square HSS: 330 Fy ; for circular HSS:
10000 Fy ;
(ii) for legs of angles and flanges of channels: 145 Fy ;
(iii) for other elements: Class 1;
(b) when KL/r = 200

(i) for HSS members: Class 1;
(ii) for legs of angles: 170 Fy ;
(iii) for other elements: Class 2; and
(c) when 100 < KL/r < 200, linear interpolation is used.
When IEFaSa(0.2) is less than 0.35, sections shall be Class 1 or 2, with the
exception of HSS, which shall be Class 1. The width-to-thickness ratio
for legs of angles shall not exceed 170 Fy (CSA 27.5.3.2).
In all of the preceding cases, for back-to-back legs of double angle bracing
members for which buckling out of the plane of symmetry governs, the
width-to-thickness ratio shall not exceed 200 Fy .
 Columns in braced bays shall be Class 1 or Class 2 sections (CSA 27.5.5.2)

and shall have a bending resistance of not less than 0.2 ZFy in combination
with the computed axial loads (CSA 27.5.5.2). If any of these criteria are not
satisfied, the program issues an error message.
 Columns shall never have a slender section (CSA 27.5.5.2).
4.4.4.1 Tension-Compression (TC)

 Tension-compression concentrically braced system shall not exceed 40 m in
height, except when the specified short-period spectral acceleration is less
than 0.35 (CSA 27.5.2.3). The factored seismic force is increased by 3% per
meter of height above 32 m when the building height exceeds 32 m. This
4-8 Member Design

clause has not been implemented in the program yet. The user is required to
check this clause independently.
4.4.4.2 Chevron(V)
 Chevron concentrically braced system shall not exceed 40 m in height, ex-
cept when the specified short-period spectral acceleration is less than 0.35
(CSA 27.5.2.4). The factored seismic force is increased by 3% per meter of
height above 32 m when the building height exceeds 32 m. This clause has
not been implemented in the program yet. The user is required to check this
clause independently.
 The beams to which chevron bracing is attached shall be continuous and

shall resist bending moments due to gravity loads (assuming no vertical sup-
port is provided by the bracing members), in conjunction with bending mo-
ments and axial forces induced by forces of AgRyFy and 0.2 AgRyFy in the ten-
sion and compression bracing members, respectively (CSA 27.5.2.4).
While calculating the bending moment, if the braces are connected to the
beam from above, the brace compression force shall be taken as 1.2 times the
probable compressive resistance of the bracing member (CSA 27.5.2.4).
In the case of buildings up to four stories, the tension brace force may be
taken as 0.6 AgRyFy, provided that the beam is a Class 1 section (CSA
27.5.2.4).
4.4.4.3 Tension-Only (TO)

 Tension-only concentrically braced systems shall not exceed 20 m in height.
The factored seismic force is increased by 3% per meter of height above 16
m when the building height exceeds 16 m (CSA 27.5.2.5(a)). This clause has
not been implemented in the program yet. The user is required to check this
clause independently.
4.4.5 Type (Limited-Ductility) Concentrically Braced Frames (LD CBF)

Member Design 4-9

Limited ductility concentrically braced frames include the following (CSA

27.6.2.1 to 27.6.2.3):
(a) tension-compression bracing system (TC)

(b) chevron braced system (V)
(c) tension only bracing system (TO)
(d) systems other than those in items (a), (b), and (c) (OT).
 For buildings with specified short-period spectral acceleration equal to or

greater than 0.45, the width-to-thickness ratio of flanges of diagonal bracing
members shall not exceed the following limits (CSA 27.5.3.2, 27.6.1).
(a) when KL/r ≤ 100,
(i) for rectangular and square HSS: 330 Fy ; for circular HSS:
10000 Fy ;
(ii) for legs of angles and flanges of channels: 145 Fy ;
(iii) for other elements: Class 1;
(b) when KL/r = 200,

(i) for HSS members: Class 1;
(ii) for legs of angles: 170 Fy ;
(iii) for other elements: Class 2; and
(c) when 100 < KL/r < 200, linear interpolation is used.
(d) when KL/r > 200 as permitted in clause 27.6.3.1, width-to-thickness lim-
its do not apply (CSA 27.6.3.2(a)).
When IzFaSa(0.2) is less than 0.45, sections shall be Class 1 or Class 2.

The width-to-thickness ratio for legs of angles shall not exceed
170 Fy (CSA 27.5.3.2, 27.6.1).
In all of the preceding cases, for back-to-back legs of double angle bracing
members for which buckling out of the plane of symmetry governs, the
width-to-thickness ratio shall not exceed 200 Fy .
 Columns in braced bays shall be Class 1 or Class 2 sections (CSA 27.5.5.2)

and shall have a bending resistance of not less than 0.2 ZFy in combination
4 - 10 Member Design
with the computed axial loads (CSA 27.5.5.2). If these criteria are not satis-
fied, the program issues an error message.
4.4.5.1 Tension-Compression (TC)

 Tension-compression concentrically braced systems shall not exceed 60 m in
height, except where the specified short-period spectral acceleration is less
than 0.35 (CSA 27.6.2.1). The factored seismic force is increased by 2% per
meter of height above 48 m when the building height exceeds 48 m. This
4.4.5.2 Chevron(V)
 Chevron concentrically braced systems shall not exceed 60 m in height (CSA
27.6.2.2). The factored seismic force is increased by 2% per meter of height
above 48 m when the building height exceeds 48 m (CSA 27.6.2.1). This
 The beams to which chevron bracing is attached shall be continuous and

shall resist bending moments due to gravity loads (assuming no vertical sup-
port is provided by the bracing members), in conjunction with bending mo-
ments and axial forces induced by forces of AgRyFy and 0.2 AgRyFy in the ten-
sion and compression bracing members, respectively (CSA 27.6.1, 27.5.2.4).
When braces are connected to the beam from above, the brace compression
force shall be taken as 1.2 times the probable compressive resistance of the
bracing member (CSA 27.6.1, 27.5.2.4).
In the case of buildings up to four stories, the tension brace force may be
taken as 0.6 AgRyFy, provided that the beam is a Class 1 section (CSA 27.6.1,
27.5.2.4).
The exception clause in this section is not used by the program.
Member Design 4 - 11
4.4.5.3 Tension-Only (TO)

 Tension-only concentrically braced systems shall not exceed 40 m in height.
The factored seismic force is increased by 3% per meter of height above 32
m when the building height exceeds 32 m (CSA 27.6.2.3(a)).
 The slenderness ratio, KL/r, of diagonal bracing member shall not exceed
200 (CSA 27.6.1, 27.5.3.1) with the following exception. In single-story and
two-story structures, the slenderness ratio of diagonal bracing members that
are connected and designed as tension only bracing members (CSA 27.5.2.5)
shall not exceed 300 (CSA 27.6.3.1).
4.4.6 Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF)

For this framing system, the program looks for and recognizes the eccentrically
braced frame configurations shown in Figure 4-1. The following additional re-
quirements are checked or reported for the beams, columns, and braces associ-
ated with these configurations.
e e
e e
2 2
L L L
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 4-1. Eccentrically Braced Frame Configurations
 When e  1.6 Mp /Vp, the link beams may have Class 2 flanges and Class 2
web (CSA 27.7.1.2); otherwise, link beams are checked to be Class 1 (CSA
27.7.1.2).
where,
e = length of link
V p  0.55tw dFy (CSA 27.7.1.2)
If this criterion is not satisfied, the program issues an error message.
 The shear resistance for link beams is taken as follows (CSA 27.7.2):
Vr  min Vp , 2 M p e  (CSA 27.7.2)
where,
2
 Pf 
V  Vp
'
 1   , (CSA 27.7.2)
AFy 
p

 P 
M p'  118 M p 1  f   M p  (CSA 27.7.2)
 AFy 
Vp  0.55t d Fy  (CSA 27.7.2)
Pf  Axial force in link (Cf or Tf), (CSA 27.7.2)
e = length of link, (CSA 27.7.2)
A = gross area of link beam. (CSA 27.7.2)
 If Pf  015 AFy , the link beam length, e, is checked not to exceed the fol-
lowing:
Aw Vf
– if  0 3
A Pf
 Pf Aw   M p 
e  1.15  0.5  1.6  (CSA 27.7.3)
 V f A   Vp 
Aw Vf
– if  0 3
A Pf
 Mp 
e  1.6  (CSA 27.7.3)
 Vp 
where,
Aw  (d  2t f ) t w for I-Shaped, Channel and T-Shaped sections

(CSA 27.7.3)
= 2(d  2tf)tw for Box and Double Channel section
Av 2
= for all other sections.
A
If the check is not satisfied, the program reports an error message.
 The link beam rotation,  , 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,  , is checked as follows (CSA 27.7.4):
L

e
–   0.08 radian, where link beam clear length, e  1.6 M p Vp
–   0.02 radian, where link beam clear length, e  2.6 M p Vp
–   value interpolated between 0.08 and 0.02 as the link beam clear
length varies from 1.6 M p Vp to 2.6 M p Vp .
The story drift is calculated as
  3 s , (CSA 27.7.4)
1 = bay length
 The beam strength outside the link is checked to be at least 1.30 Ry times
the beam force corresponding to the controlling link beam shear strength
(CSA 27.7.9.2). The controlling link beam nominal shear strength is taken
as follows:

Vr  Vp min 2 M p e  (CSA 27.7.8.1)
The values of Vp and M p are calculated following the procedure de-
scribed previously (CSA 27.7.2). The correspondence between brace force
and link beam force is obtained from the associated load cases that has the
highest link beam force.
 Each diagonal brace and its end connections shall have a factored resis-
tance to support axial force and moment produced by the strain-hardened
link. The forces developed in the link shall be taken as 1.30Ry times the
nominal strength of the link.
 Columns shall be designed to resist the cumulative effect of yielding links,

together with the gravity loads. The link forces shall be taken as 1.15Ry
times the nominal strength of the link, except that in the top two stories, the
force shall be taken as 1.30Ry times the nominal value. Column resistances
shall satisfy the requirements of Clause 13.8, except that the interaction
value shall not exceed 0.65 for the top column tier in the braced bay and
0.85 for all other columns in the braced bay. Column sections shall be
Class 1 or Class 2 (CSA 27.7.11.1).
 All braces are checked to be at least Class 1 or Class 2 (CSA 27.7.9.1). If

this criterion is not satisfied, the program issues an error message.
 All column members are checked to be at least Class 1 or 2. If these crite-

ria are not satisfied, the program issues an error message (CSA 27.7.11.1).
Note: Axial forces in the beams are included in checking the beams. The user
is reminded 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 dia-
phragm 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.
4.4.7 Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW)

No special consideration for this type of framing system is given by the pro-
gram. The user is required to check the seismic design requirements for SPSW
independently (CSA27.8).
4.4.8 Conventional Moment Frame (MF)

For this framing system, the following additional requirements are checked or
reported (CSA 27.10).
 This framing system is checked to be designed using a force reduction fac-

tor Rd = 1.5, Ro = 1.3.
 The primary framing members of the seismic load resisting system are de-
signed to resist gravity loads combined with seismic loads multiplied by Rd
when the specified short-period spectral acceleration ratio is greater than
0.45. This clause has not been implemented in the program yet. The user is
required to check this clause independently.
4.4.9 Conventional Braced Frame (BF)

reported (CSA 27.10).

tor Rd = 1.5, Ro = 1.3.
 The primary framing members of the seismic load resisting system are de-
signed to resist gravity loads combined with seismic loads multiplied by Rd
when the specified short-period spectral acceleration ratio is greater than
0.45. This clause has not been implemented in the program yet. The user is
required to check this clause independently.
4.4.10 Cantilever Column

reported (CSA 27.10.2).

tor Rd = 1.0, Ro = 1.0. Class 1 sections are to be designed using a force re-
duction factor Rd = 1.5, Ro = 1.3(CSA 27.9(a)). This clause has not been
implemented in the program yet. The user is required to check this clause
independently.
 U2 shall be less than or equal to 1.25. If this criterion is not satisfied, the
program issues an error message.
4.5 Joint Design

When using the SEISMIC design code, the structural joints are checked and
designed for the following.
 Check the requirement of continuity plate and determination of its area
 Check the requirement of doubler plate and determination of its thickness
 Check the ratio of beam flexural strength to column flexural strength
 Report the beam connection shear
 Report the brace connection force
4.5.1 Design of Continuity Plates

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.
Joint Design 4 - 17
To achieve a proper beam-column moment connection strength, continuity

plates such as shown in Figure 2.3 of Chapter 2 are usually placed on the col-
umn, in line with the top and bottom flanges of the beam, to transfer the com-
pression 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, such continuity plates are not always needed. The requirement
depends on the magnitude of the beam-flange force and the properties of the
column. This is the condition that the program investigates. Columns of
I-sections only are investigated. The program evaluates the continuity plate re-
quirements for each of the beams that frame into the column flange (i.e., paral-
lel to the column major direction) and reports the maximum continuity plate
area that is needed for each beam flange. The continuity plate requirements are
evaluated for moment frames (LD MRF, MD MRF and D MRF) only. No
check is made for braced frames (LD CBF, MD CBF, EBF).
The program first evaluates the need for continuity plates. When the required
strength Pbf exceeds the bearing resistance of the web Br as appropriate, a con-
tinuity plate will be required. The program checks the following limit states.
 The factored bearing resistance of the column web against local yielding at
the toe of the fillet is given as follows (CSA 14.3.2):
Br  bi (t fb  10t fc ) Fy tw End column (CSA 14.3.2(a)(i))
Br  be (t fb  4t fc ) Fy tw Interior column (CSA 14.3.2(b)(i))
where
bi  0.80
be  0.75
 The available strength of the column web against crippling is given as fol-
lows:
Br  1.45bi twc
2
Fy E End column (CSA 14.3.2(a)(ii))
Br  0.60betwc
2
Fy E Interior column (CSA 14.3.2(b)(ii))
4 - 18 Joint Design
where
bi  0.80
be  0.75
If any of the preceding conditions are not met, the program calculates the re-
quired continuity plate area as follows (CSA 14.4.2).
Acp 
Pbf  Br 
 25 0.75  d wc  2t fc   twc  End column
Cr
Acp 
Pbf  Br 
 12 0.75  dwc  2t fc   twc  Interior column
 Cr
If Acp  0, no continuity plates are required.
The preceding formula assumes that the continuity plate plus a width of web
equal to 12t wc or 25t wc acts as a compression member to resist the applied load
(CSA 14.4.2). The formula also assumes c  09, as appropriate and
1
Cr   AFy 1   2 n  n (CSA 13.3.1). The user should choose the continuity
plate cross-section such that this is satisfied.
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
If the maximum thickness is more than the upper limit, the program reports
an error. Here it is assumed that the continuity plate can extend for the full
width of the column flange.
 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
Joint Design 4 - 19
 b fp t wc 
bcpmin  2   
 3 2 
 So that the minimum area is given by
Acpmin  tcpmin bcpmin .
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
db = Beam depth
dc = Column depth
h = Clear distance between flanges of column less fillets for rolled

shapes
kc = Distance between outer face of the column flange and web toe of its
fillet
Mu = Factored beam moment
Pbf = Beam flange force, assumed as Mu   db  ttb 
Br = Factored bearing resistance of web
t fb = Beam flange thickness
t fc = Column flange thickness
t wc = Column web thickness
 = Resistance factor
4 - 20 Joint Design
The special seismic requirements additionally checked by the program are de-
pendent on the type of framing used. Continuity plate requirements for seismic
design are evaluated for moment frames (LD MRF, MD MRF and D MRF)
only. No checks are performed for braced frames (LD CBF, MD CBF, EBF).
Note that the code insists on designing the continuity plate to match with tested
connection.
For Seismic cases,
Pof  1.1Ry btb t fb f yb (CSA 27.2.5.2) D MRF
Pfb  1.1Ry b fb t fb f y (CSA 27.3, 27.2.5.2) MD MRF
Pbf  1.1Ry b fb t fb f y (CSA 27.4.4.5, 27.4.4.1) LD MRF
4.5.2 Design of Doubler 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, ei-
ther along the column major direction or at an angle so that the beams have
components along the column major direction. See Figure 2-3 of Chapter 2.
The program investigates such situations and reports the thickness of any re-
quired doubler plates. Only columns with I-Shapes are investigated for doubler
plate requirements. Also doubler plate requirements are evaluated for moment
Joint Design 4 - 21
frames (LD MRF, MD MRF and D MRF) only. No check is made for braced
frames (LD CBF, MD CBF, EBF).
The program calculates the required thickness of doubler plates using the fol-
lowing algorithms. The shear force in the panel zone, is given by:
nb
M bn cos n
Vp    Vc .
n 1 dn  t fn
The available strength of the web panel zone for the limit state of shear yield-
ing resistance is determined as Vr as appropriate. Assuming that the effect of
panel zone deformation on frame stability has not been considered in analysis,
the shear resistance, Vr is determined as follows:
(a) When detailed in accordance to the following conditions:
i. When the doubler plate is Plug welded.
ii. When the specified short-period spectral acceleration ratio (IEFaSa(0.2))

is equal to or greater than 0.55, and when the joint panel zone is de-
signed such that the sum of panel zone depth and the width divided by
panel zone thickness does not exceed 90 (CSA 27.2.4.3(a)).
iii. The joint panel zone is designed to satisfy the width-to-thickness limit
of CSA Clause 13.4.1.1(a) i.e., d wc twc  439 kv Fy (CSA27.2.4.3(b)).
 3b fc t 2fc 
Vr  0.55v d wc t p Fyc 1    0.66v d wc t p Fy 
 d c d wb d wc 
(CSA 27.2.4.2(a))
By using Vp = Vr, the required column panel zone thickness tp is found as

follows.
Vp Vp
tp   .
 3b fct 2fc  0.66v d wc t p Fy
0.55v d wc t p Fy 1  
 d c d wb d wc 
(b) When detailed in accordance to the following conditions:
4 - 22 Joint Design
i. Joint panel zone is designed to satisfy the width-to-thickness limit of

CSA Clause 13.4.1.1(a) i.e., d wc twc  439 kv Fy (CSA27.2.4.3(b)).
Vr  0.55v d wct p Fy . (CSA 27.2.4.2(b))
By using Vp = Vr, the required column panel zone thickness tp is found

as follows.
Vp
tp 
0.55v d wc t p Fy
The extra thickness or the required thickness of the doubler plate is

given as follows:
t dp  t p  t w ,
where
Fy = Column and doubler plate yield stress
tp = Required column panel zone thickness
t fn = Flange thickness of n -th beam
tdp = Required doubler plate thickness
t fc = Column flange thickness
tw = Column web thickness
Vp = Required panel zone shear capacity
Vc = Column shear in column above
nb = Number of beams connecting to column
dn = Overall depth of n -th beam connecting to column
n = Angle between n -th beam and column major direction
Joint Design 4 - 23
dc = Overall depth of column
M bn = Factored beam moment from corresponding loading

combination
Vr = Shear resistance of panel
Pr = Required axial resistance
The largest calculated value of tdp, calculated for any of the load com-
binations based on the factored beam moments and factored column
axial loads, is reported.
Doubler plate requirements for seismic design are evaluated for D

MRF (CSA 27.2.4.2), MD MRF (CSA 27.3, 27.2.4.2), LD MRF (CSA
27.4.3, 27.2.4.2) only. No further check/design is performed for other
types of frames.
The doubler plate and the column web should satisfy the slenderness
criteria (CSA 27.2.4.3(a)). t is taken as twc + tdp when the doubler plate
is plug welded to prevent local buckling. In such cases, tdp is increased
if necessary to meet this criterion. If the doubler plate is not plug
welded to the web, t is taken as twc and also as tdp for checking both the
plates. If the twc cannot satisfy the criteria, then a failure condition is
declared. If tdp does not satisfy this criterion, then its value is increased
to meet the criteria. If the check is not satisfied, it is noted in the out-
put.
4.5.3 Weak Beam/Strong Column Measure

Only for Ductile Moment Resisting Frames (D MRF) and Moderately Ductile
Moment Resisting Frames (MD MRF) with seismic design, the code requires
that the sum of column flexure strengths at a joint be more than the sum of
beam flexure strengths (CSA 27.2.3.2, 27.3). The column flexure strength
should reflect the presence of the axial force present 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.
4 - 24 Joint Design
When the specified short-period spectral acceleration ratio is greater than 0.55
or the building is greater than 60 m in height, columns shall satisfy the re-
quirements of Class 27.2.3.2; however, when applying Clause 27.2.3.2, the
term 1.1RyMpb may be replaced by Mpb. In addition, the beams shall be designed
so that for each story, the story shear resistance is not less than that of the story
above.
The preceding equation can be written as follows:
When IeFaSa(0.2) > 0.55 or when the building height is greater than 60 m, col-
umns are designed for:
M rc
    M pb  Vh  x  dc 
 (CSA 27.2.3.2)
  2 
where
M rc
 = sum of the column factored flexural resistance at the intersec-
 C 
M rc
  1.18 M pc 1  f
 C y    M pc (CSA 27.2.3.2)
 

Vh = shear acting at that plastic hinge location when 1.1RyMpb is
reached at beam hinge locations
face, which shall correspond to that of the assembly used to
demonstrate performance in accordance with Clause 27.2.5.1.
For the major direction of any column (top end), the beam-to-column-strength
ratio is obtained as
nb
M 
pbn cos n
Rmaj  n 1
.
M pcax  M pcbx
Joint Design 4 - 25
For the minor direction of any column, the beam-to-column-strength ratio is

obtained as
nb
M 
pbn sin  n
Rmaj  n 1

M pcay  M pcby
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 pbn = Plastic moment capacity of n-th beam connecting to column
n = Angle between the n-th beam and the column major direc-
tion
M pcax  y = Major and minor plastic moment capacities, reduced for axial
force effects, of column above story level
M pcbx  y = 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 ef-
fects and are taken as
 Cf 
M pc  Mrc  1.18  1   M pc   M pc (CSA 27.2.3.2, 27.3)
 C y
 
The plastic moment capacities of the beams are amplified for potential increase
in capacity for strain hardening as follows:
4 - 26 Joint Design
For D MRF and MD MRI
 d 
M pb  M rb  1.1Ry M pb  Vh  x  c  (CSA 27.2.3.2, 27.3)
 2
For LD MRF
M pb  M b  Vh  x  ac  (CSA 27.4.2.2)
M rc = factored plastic moment resistance of the column

M rb = amplified plastic moment resistance of the beam
x = distance from the center of a beam plastic hinge to the column face
Vh = Shear acting at plastic hinge location when 1.1RyMpb is reached at
hinge location.
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.
4.5.4 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 D MRF, MD MRF and LD MRF, the beam connection shear is taken as
the maximum of those from regular load combinations and those required for
the development of full plastic moment capacity of the beam, i.e., 1.1RyZFy
(CSA 27.2.5.2, 27.3, 27.4.4.2(a)). The connection shear for the development
of the full plastic moment capacity of beam is as follows:
Joint Design 4 - 27
Rd Ro
Vf  EL  VDL  VLL (CSA 27.2.5.2, 27.3, 27.4.4.2(b))
1.3
where,
Vf = Shear force corresponding to END I or END J of the beam
EL = Maximum anticipated seismic load
Lh = Clear length of the beam
VDL = Absolute maximum of the calculated beam shears at the cor-

responding beam ends from the factored dead load only
VLL = Absolute maximum of the calculated beam shears at the cor-

responding beam ends from the factored live load only
If the beam-to-column connection is modeled with a pin in the program by

releasing the beam end, it automatically affects the beam connection shear.
4.5.5 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 ax-
ial forces obtained from the loading combinations.
For special seismic design, the brace connection forces 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.
Brace axial forces for seismic designs are evaluated for braced frames (LD
CBF, MD CBF, EBF) only. No special checks are performed for moment
frames (DMRF, MD MRF, LD MRF).
 For MD CBF and LD CBF, the bracing connection force is taken as the mini-
mum of the two values (CSA 27.5.4.2(a)):
a. The expected yield strength in tension of the bracing member, deter-
4 - 28 Joint Design
mined as TyFyAg (CSA 27.5.4.2(a)) and 1.2 times the probable compres-
sive resistance of the bracing members, determined as Cr  .
 For EBF, the required strength of the diagonal brace connection at both ends
of the brace is taken as the maximum of the following two values: (a) the
maximum connection force from the design load combinations, and (b) the
maximum brace connection force based on 1.30Ry times the nominal strength
of the link (CSA 27.7.9.2).
The maximum connection force from the load combinations is determined

for all of the regular load combinations.
Joint Design 4 - 29
Chapter 5
Design Output
5.1 Overview
The program has the capacity to create design output in four major ways –
graphical display, file output, tabular display, and member specific detailed de-
sign information.
The graphical display includes input and output design information for mem-
bers visible in the active window; the display can be sent directly to a printer or
saved to a file. The file output includes both summary and detail design data
that can be saved in RTF, HTML and plain text formats. The tabular display
output includes both summary and detail design data that can be displayed or
saved in many formats, including Excel, Access, RTF, HTML and plain text.
The member specific detailed design information shows the details of the cal-
culation.
The following sections describe some of the typical graphical display, file out-
put, tabular display output, and member specific detailed design information.
Some of the design information is very specific to the chosen steel design code.
This manual addresses "CAN/CSA S16-01" design code related output infor-
mation only.
5-1
5.2 Display Design Information on the Model

The graphical display of design output includes input and output design infor-
mation for all steel frame members that are visible in the active window. The
graphical output can be produced in color or in gray-scaled screen display. The
active screen display can be sent directly to the printer or saved to a file in sev-
eral formats.
Input and output design information for the CAN/CSA S16-01 code includes
the following.
Table 5-1 Graphical Display of Design Information

Design Input Information Design Output Information
 Design sections  P-M stress ratio values with members
 Design type color-coded based on the ratio
 P-M colors and shear stress ratio val-
 Live load reduction factors
ues
 Unbraced length ratios, L-factors,
 P-M ratio colors and no values
for major and minor direction of bending,
and for lateral-torsional buckling  Identify the P-M failure
 Effective length factor for sway condition,  Identify the shear failure
K-factors, for major and minor directions
of bending  Identify all failures
 Effective length factors, Kz, for
lateral-torsional buckling
 1 factors for major and minor
directions of bending
 2 factors for major and minor
 U1 factors for major and minor
 U2 factors for major and minor
 Rd factors
 Ro factors
 Yield stress, Fy
 Nominal axial capacities
 Nominal bending capacities
 Nominal shear capacities
Note that only one of the listed items can be displayed on the model at a time.
5-2 Display Design Information on the Model

Chapter 5 - Design Output
Use the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Display Design Info command
to plot design input and output values directly on the model. The Display Steel
Design Results form shown in Figures 5-1 and 5-2 will display. Choose the
Design Output or Design Input option. One item can be selected from the
drop-down list. For example, the P-M interaction ratios can be displayed by
choosing the Design Output option and selecting P-M Ratio Colors & Values
from the drop-down list. Click the OK button to display the longitudinal rein-
forcing in the active window. A typical graphical display of longitudinal rein-
forcing is shown in Figure 5-3.
Figure 5-1 Choice of design input data for display on the model
in the active window
Figure 5-2 Choice of design output data for display on the model
in the active window
Display Design Information on the Model 5-3

Figure 5-3 A typical graphical display
The graphics can be displayed in 3D or 2D mode. The standard view transfor-

mations are available for all steel design information displays. Several buttons
on the toolbar can be used to switch between 3D and 2D views. Alternatively,
click the View menu and the Set 3D View or Set 2D View commands.
The onscreen graphical display can be sent to printer using any of the follow-
ing commands. Use the File menu > Print Graphics command to print the ac-
tive window. To capture the graphical display in a file for printing through
another application, use the File menu > Capture Enhanced Metafile com-
mand to create an .emf file, or use the File menu > Capture Picture command
to create a bitmap (.bmp) file. Create a screen capture of the active window
using the Alt+ Print Screen keyboard keys or create a screen capture of the
entire window using the Ctrl + Print Screen keyboard keys. Then use the
Ctrl+V keyboard keys to paste the saved image into Paint or other graphical
program.
By default the graphical displays are in color. It may be advantageous to view

or present the display in gray-scale graphics or using a white background. Use
the Options menu > Color command to set these options.
5-4 Display Design Information on the Model

5.3 Display Design Information in Tables

In addition to model definition and analysis results, the design information for
all steel frame members or for only selected members can be displayed in
tabular spreadsheet format. Currently, the program generates design summary
data, PMM design details and shear design details. The tabular spreadsheet
output can be displayed by selecting the Display menu > Show Tables com-
mand to access the Choose Tables for Display form, an example of which is
shown in Figure 5-4. That form can be used to choose which tables or sets of
tables are to be displayed.
Figure 5-4 Choice of design data tables for tabular display
The names of the tables are displayed in a tree structure, which can be col-
lapsed or expanded by clicking on an item in the tree. Click on the small check
Display Design Information in Tables 5-5

boxes preceding the items to select those tables for display. If a branch of the
tree is selected, all of the tables under that branch are selected. The selected set
of tables can be saved as a Named Set using the Save Named Set button. This
named set can be used in the future for quick selection. If one or more frame
members are selected on the structural model before accessing the Choose Ta-
bles for Display form, the Selection Only check box will be checked when the
form displays, and the program will display information for the selected mem-
bers only; uncheck the check box to display information for all applicable "un-
selected" members in the model. If the Show Unformatted check box is
checked, the numbers will be displayed unformatted instead of being displayed
using a limited number of decimal digits. The unformatted option provides
higher precision output that can then be copied into other programs.
Use the other buttons in the form to tailor the data display. For example, click
the Select Load Cases button to specify which load cases are to be included in
the display of model definition data; click the Select Analysis Case and Mod-
ify/Show Options to specify which analysis cases are to be included and how
analysis results are displayed.
After selecting all of the tables for steel frame design and the display options,
click the OK button to display a form showing one of the selected design ta-
bles, with a drop-down list in the upper right-hand corner of the form that can
be used to select other tables for display. A typical design table is shown in
Figure 5-5.
Use the scroll bars on the bottom and right side of the tables to scroll right and
left or up and down if portions of the data table can not be displayed in the
form's display area. The columns can be resized by clicking the left mouse
button on the separator of the headers, holding down the left mouse button and
then dragging the mouse to the left or right. Reset the column widths to their
default values by selecting the View menu > Reset Default Column Widths
command on the form. The table can be split into two or more tables by click-
ing on the small black rectangular area near the bottom-left corner of the table,
holding down the left mouse button, and then dragging the mouse button to the
left or right. Repeat this process to add more splits. Use the split and horizontal
scroll bar to put two columns side by side for easier comparison. The splits can
be removed by selecting the View menu > Remove Splits command on the
form. Alternatively, remove the split by clicking, holding and dragging the left
mouse button to merge the split key to its original location.
5-6 Display Design Information in Tables

Figure 5-5 A typical tabular display of design data
Select multiple consecutive columns by putting the cursor on the header, hold-
ing down the mouse button, and then dragging the mouse button left or right.
Alternatively, depress the Shift key and click the left mouse button to select a
range of columns.
The current table (i.e., the table in the active window) can be copied to the
Window clipboard and them pasted into popular programs such as Excel, Ac-
cess, .rtf., .html, and plain text formats. Many other features of the design ta-
bles are left for the user to discover by using the program.
5.4 Display Detailed Member Specific Information

The program has the capability to display the design details for a specific mem-
ber. The information includes member identification, shape name, section
properties, design combination name, design combination forces, and other de-
sign input data to check the design results. The information also includes stress
ratios for P-M-M and other interactions, demand/capacity ratios from shear,
nominal strengths, design factors such as 1, 2, U1, U2, and so forth. The de-
Display Detailed Member Specific Information 5-7

sign details are displayed in a summary form and also are displayed for a spe-
cific load combination and for a specific station of a frame member.
When the design results are displayed on the model in the active window, the
detailed design information can be accessed by right clicking on the desired
frame member to display the Steel Stress Check Information form. Alterna-
tively, click the Design menu > Steel Frame Design > Interactive Steel
Frame Design command and then right click on the frame member. An exam-
ple of that form is shown in Figure 5-6.
Figure 5-6 A typical member specific steel stress check information summary
The Steel Stress Check Information form identifies the frame members and the
analysis and design section, and includes a display area of mostly de-
mand/capacity ratio data and buttons that access forms that provide further de-
tails about the selected frame member. The display area reports the load
combinations, the stress check stations, the P-M-M interaction ratio along with
its axial and flexural components, and the shear stress ratios. The load combi-
nation is reported by its name, while the station is reported by its location,
which is measured from the I-end of the column. The number of reported line
items in the text box is equal to the number of design combinations multiplied
by the number of stations. Only one line item is highlighted in blue when the
5-8 Display Detailed Member Specific Information

form first displays. That item highlights the largest demand/capacity ratio from
P-M-M, major and minor shear or any other considered interaction ratio, unless
a line item(s) has design overstress or an error. In that case, the item with the
overstress or error will be selected and highlighted. If many line items are
overstressed or have an error, the last among all such line items will be selected
and highlighted.
The stress check information is always reported for the design section. If the
member is assigned an individual section, the analysis and design section are
always the same. If the member is assigned an Auto Select Section (a list of
sections), the analysis and design section can be different, unless the design has
converged.
The Overwrites and Details buttons near the bottom of the Steel Stress Check
Information form can be used to access the Steel Frame Design Overwrites
form, and the Steel Stress Check Data form, which displays detailed informa-
tion about the selected frame element. While the latter form displays informa-
tion in a non-editable format, the Overwrites form display the overwrite data in
editable format. This allows the user to enter an interactive mode of design.
 Overwrites button. Click this button to access the Steel Frame Design
Overwrites form. Use that form to make revisions to the steel frame design
overwrites and then immediately review the new design results as a summary
using the Steel Stress Check Information form, or in detail by clicking the
Details button to access the Steel Stress Check Data form. Clicking the OK
button on the Steel Frame Design Overwrites form temporarily saves any
changes. To make the changes permanent, click the OK button on the Steel
Stress Check Information form. To disregard the changes, click the Cancel
button on the Steel Stress Check Information form. An example of an Over-
writes form is shown in Figure 5-7.
Display Detailed Member Specific Information 5-9

Figure 5-7 A typical member specific Steel Frame Design Overwrites form
 Details button. Click this button to access the Steel Stress Check Data form.
Use the form to review all of the design details for the highlighted item. An
example of a Steel Stress Check Data form is shown in Figure 5-8. The in-
formation includes the member ID, load combo and station identifications,
5 - 10 Display Detailed Member Specific Information

steel design sections, section properties, design combination forces, stress ra-
tios for P-M-M and other interactions, stress ratios for shear, nominal
strengths, and design factors such as, 1, 2, U1, U2, and so forth. Values that
are not applicable are reported as N/A. Similarly, N/C and N/N indicate an
item is “Not Calculated” and “Not Needed.”
Before clicking the Details button on the form shown in Figure 5-6, highlight
an item for the desired design station and design load combination in the
Steel Stress Check Information display area by clicking on the line. The data
subsequently displayed will relate to the highlighted item. By default, the
most critical line item is selected when the form first displays, as described
previously.
To increase or decrease the width of the Steel Stress Check Information form
(Figure 5-8), put the cursor near the right edge of the form, click the left
mouse button, and drag the mouse cursor towards the left or right. Similarly,
the height of the form can be increased or decreased.
Figure 5-8 A typical Steel Stress Check Information form

The text in the form can be dragged in any direction by positioning the cursor
in the middle of the form, and then clicking the left mouse button and drag-
Display Detailed Member Specific Information 5 - 11

ging the text in the desired direction. Similarly, the graphical display of the
column section can also be dragged in any direction.
Use the Units drop-down list in the upper right-hand corner of the form to
change the units used to display the data. Data displayed on the form can be
sent directly to the printer by selecting the File menu > Print command on
the form. The program allows limited page setup options using the Print
Setup command on the File menu on the form.
5.5 Save or Print Design Information as Tables

In addition to model definition and analysis results, the design information for
all steel frame members or for selected frames only can be saved in tabular
format. Currently for CAN/CSA S16-01 code, the program saves design sum-
mary data, PMM design details, and shear design details.
Save the file output by selecting the File menu > Print Tables command and
selecting the type of information (e.g., Input, Analysis Output, Summary Re-
port and so on); the Print Design Tables form will then display. If one or more
structural members were selected before the Print Design form is accessed, the
Selection Only check box will be checked and the program will save the data
for the selected members only; uncheck the check box to save the data for all
appropriate “unselected” members. After the design output is saved in a text
file, the file can be opened using any text file editor/viewer. However, the pro-
gram provides the File menu > Display Input/Output Text Files command
that can be used to display the text file in Window’s Wordpad.
Using the preceding process without checking the Print to File check box will
send the specified information directly to the printer.
5.6 Error Messages and Warnings

Error messages and warnings may be displayed in the steel frame design out-
put. Those messages and warnings are assumed to be self explanatory.
5 - 12 Save or Print Design Information as Tables

Appendix A
Supported Design Codes

The program supports a wide range of steel frame design codes, including the
following:
 AISC-ASC 01
 AISC-ASD 89
 CAN/CSA S16-01
 AISC-LRFD 99
 AISC-LRFD 93
 API-RP2A-LRFD 97
 API-RP2A-WSD 2000
 ASCE 10-97
 BS5950 90
 BS5950 2000
Appendix A - 1
Steel Frame Design
 CISC 95
 EuroCode 3-1993
 Indian IS:800-1998
 Italian UNI 10011
 UBC97-ASD
 UBC97-LRFD
Among all of the listed design codes, ASCE 10-97, API-WSD 2000, and
API-LRFD 97 codes are available only in SAP2000. ETABS does not support
those codes. The "Chinese 2002" code is available only in the specialized Chi-
nese version of SAP2000 and ETABS. The specialized Indian version of the
programs supports only the Indian IS 800-1998 code.
The list is growing and becomes outdated very often.
Appendix A - 2
Bibliography
CSA, 2001. CAN/CSA-S16-01 – Limit States Design of Steel Structures; Ca-

nadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Missis-
sauga, Ontario, Canada L4W5N6.
CSA, 2005. S16S1-05 – Supplement No. 1 to CAN/CSA – S16-01, Limit

States Design of Steel Structures, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction,
201 Consumers Road, Suite 300, Willowdale, Ontario M2J 4G8, Canada.
th
CISC, 2006, Handbook of Steel Construction, 9 Edition, Second Revised
Printing, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, 201 Consumers Road,
Suite 300, Willowdale, Ontario M2J 4G8, Canada.
NBCC 2005. National Building Code of Canada, National Research Council

of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
CSI, 2009. Automatic Lateral Load Manual. Computers and Structures, Inc.,
1995 University Avenue, Berkeley, California, 94704..
White, D.L. and J. F. Hajjar, 1991. “Application of Second-Order Elastic Ana-

lysis in LRFD: Research to Practice,” Engineering Journal, ACI, Vol. 28,
No. 4, pp. 133–148.
Bibliography - 1

SFD Csa S16 01 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SFD Csa S16 01 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SFD Csa S16 01 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Steel Frame

ISO ETA062609M17 Rev. 0 Version 9

Copyright  Computers and Structures, Inc., 1978-2009

No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any

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

Computers and Structures, Inc.

Phone: (510) 649-2200

CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE

Steel Frame Design

2 Modeling, Analysis and Design Prerequisites

2.9 Effects of Breaking a Member into Multiple Elements 2-10

2.11 Supported Framing Types 2-15

2.17 Automatic Iterative Design 2-22

3.2 Design Preferences 3-4

3.5 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling 3-13

4 Special Seismic Provisions

4.3 Supported Framing Types 4-2

Appendix A Supported Design Codes

The design/check of steel frames is seamlessly integrated within the program.

The design is based on a set of user-specified loading combinations. However,

descriptions of the specific requirements for seismic loading as required by the

1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice

Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3

This chapter provides an overview of the basic assumptions, design precondi-

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

• Reference to the CAN/CSA S16-01 and S16S1-05 code is identified with

2.1 Check and Design Capability

To check adequacy of a section, the program checks the demand/capacity

2.2 Analysis Sections vs. Design Sections

2-2 Analysis Sections vs. Design Sections

2.3 Design and Check Stations

Design and Check Stations 2-3

2.4 Demand/Capacity Ratios

 The nominal strengths are calculated for compression, tension, bending

 Factored forces are compared to nominal strengths to determine D/C ratios.

2-4 Demand/Capacity Ratios

2.5 Design Load Combinations

To define a design load combination, simply specify one or more analysis

For multi-valued design combinations, such as those involving response spec-

Design Load Combinations 2-5

2.6 Second Order P-Delta Effects

In design codes, required strengths are usually required to be determined using

2-6 Second Order P-Delta Effects

Original position of frame Final deflected position of

Figure 2-1 P- and P- effects

M CAP  U1  M nt  U 2 M lt  (CSA 8.7.1, 13.8.4)

M CAP = Required flexural design capacities

M nt = Required flexural capacities from first-order analysis of the

M lt = Required flexural capacities from first-order analysis of the

U1 = Unitless amplification factor multiplying M nt

U2 = Unitless amplification factor multiplying  M nt  U 2 M lt 

Second Order P-Delta Effects 2-7

A rigorous second order analysis or the amplification of first order analysis

Thus, in general, the steel frame design feature requires consideration of

2.7 Notional Load Cases

2-8 Notional Load Cases

2.8 Member Unsupported Lengths

Member Unsupported Lengths 2-9

Figure 2-2 Unsupported lengths L33 and L22