Title:
Calculation of Shear Force in Beam-Column Joints
Author(s):
Gustavo J. Parra-Montesinos, Sergio M. Alcocer, Martin A. Cuadra, and Rashid Ahmed
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
48
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
51-54
Keywords:
beam-column joint, joint shear force, moment transfer, beam flexural yielding
DOI:
10.14359/51750641
Date:
4/1/2026
Abstract:
ACI CODE-318-25 provisions for calculating horizontal joint shear force in beam-column joints of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category (SDC) A and B generally assume moment transfer to the joint is governed by the nominal flexural strength of the beam(s). There are cases, however, where moment transfer is governed by column flexural yielding or where both the beams and columns framing into the joint are expected to remain elastic. Examples can be found in roof joints and in joints with post-tensioned beams whose design is governed by serviceability conditions. Guidance is provided herein for determining horizontal shear force in joints where moment transfer is not governed by beam flexural yielding through an example roof joint between a cast-in-place post-tensioned beam and a reinforced concrete column.
Related References:
1. ACI Committee 318, “Building Code for Structural Concrete—Code Requirements and Commentary (ACI CODE-318-25),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2025, 702 pp.
2. Joint ACI-ASCE Committee 352, “Recommendations for Design of Beam-Column Connections in Monolithic Reinforced Concrete Structures (ACI PRC-352-02) (Reapproved 2010),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2002, 38 pp.