8/12/2021 Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016

Bhavin Shah

Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) :

2016
Bhavin Shah
Founder & CEO, SQVe Consultants + Follow
Published May 24, 2020

The concept of stiffness modifiers is introduced for the first time in IS 1893 (Part 1) :
2016. The clause no. 6.4.3.1 of the code defines requirements for structural analysis.
It is mentioned in the clause that for structural analysis, we should consider reduced
moment of inertial for RCC structures. For columns, 70 percent of Igross should be
considered and for beams, 35 percent of Igross to be considered. This clause has
generated many questions among the group of structural engineers. The overall
objective of writing this article is to collate views/suggestions from the wider group
of engineers. In the following section, I have attempted to give answers to few
questions, received from different engineers. The answers are given for buildings

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stiffness-modifiers-per-1893-part-1-2016-bhavin-shah 1/6
8/12/2021 Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016

having height less than 50 m. The comparison of stiffness modifiers with IS 16700
Bhavin Shah
: 2017 & IS 15988 : 2013 will be done in the subsequent article.

 Q-1 Why stiffness modifiers are introduced in the code?

Before this clause, in the structural analysis, we were considering 100% of moment
of inertia for RCC beams and columns. In RCC member, the cracks will generate in
the tension zone of concrete due to application of different loads. Due to these
cracks, the moment of inertia of RCC member will be lesser than the gross moment
of inertia. Hence, to account for the reduced moment of inertia of the cracked
section, the concept of stiffness modifiers is introduced in the code.

 Q-2 Why stiffness modifier value is higher for column than beam?

The pattern and extent of cracks will vary substantially from structure to structures
and members to members even in a similar structure. It is very difficult to assign the
unique values of the stiffness modifiers for different members. The values which are
suggested in the code are based on the numerous experiments and might have been
referred from different international standards. The stiffness modifier value for
column is higher than the beam since the columns will have higher axial compression
than the beam. Hence, the extent of cracks would be lesser in the columns as
compared to the beams. Hence, the stiffness modifier value for column is higher than
the beams.

Q-3 What impact stiffness modifiers will make on overall analysis?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stiffness-modifiers-per-1893-part-1-2016-bhavin-shah 2/6
8/12/2021 Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016

There will be two major impacts in the structural analysis results as compared to the
Bhavin Shah
model using 100% of gross moment of inertia:

1)     Since we are considering the reduced moment of inertia, the overall stiffness of
the structure will reduce. Due to the reduced stiffness, the structure will be relatively
flexible and hence would attract the lower seismic forces.

2)     Drift of the structure will increase because it is relatively flexible.

 Q-4 Are stiffness modifiers required only for analysis or for design as well?

        The stiffness modifiers should be considered only for the structural analysis.
The analysis results to be derived considering the stiffness modifiers. The structural
design to be done with the conventional procedure considering the analysis results.

 Q-5 Should we consider stiffness modifiers for all load cases or only for
seismic loads?

The stiffness modifiers mentioned in IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016 are only for ultimate
condition, i.e. for seismic load case. The same modifiers should not be considered for
the other load cases. 

 Q-6  Is it required to consider the value of torsional stiffness modifiers?

As per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016, no reduction to be considered for torsion constant, i.e.
100% of torsion constant to be considered for the structural analysis.

 Q-7 What will happen if we consider unique stiffness modifiers for both
serviceability and ultimate conditions?

 Generally, the stiffness modifiers are different for serviceability and the ultimate
conditions. As discussed above, the stiffness modifiers defined in IS 1893(Part 1) :
2016 are for the ultimate condition. If we consider the same stiffness modifiers for
the serviceability condition as well then the moment at beam column junction will be
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stiffness-modifiers-per-1893-part-1-2016-bhavin-shah 3/6
8/12/2021 Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016

higher and the span moment will be lesser as compared to the model without
Bhavin Shah
stiffness modifiers. In my opinion, the span moment may err on the unconservative
side, if we consider the same stiffness modifiers for the serviceability condition.

 Q-8 Is it required to consider stiffness modifiers for the shear wall and
slab?

At present, I think it is not required for the shear wall & slab as per IS 1893 (Part 1) :
2016. It is only required for RCC beams and columns.

Q-9 Should we consider stiffness modifiers for design of foundations?

 As mentioned above, the stiffness modifiers to be considered only for seismic load
case. The structural analysis is to be performed with the seismic loads having
stiffness modifiers. Thereafter, the analysis results should be used for design of the
foundation.

 Concluding remarks:

Consideration of the stiffness modifiers will reduce the seismic demand on the
structure. But at the same time, it will result in relatively higher drifts due to
increased flexibility of the structure. The stiffness modifiers value should be different
for the serviceability and the ultimate conditions. The stiffness modifiers are to be
used only for structural analysis. The comparison of stiffness modifiers with IS
16700 : 2017 & IS 15988 : 2013 will be done in the subsequent article. The above
mentioned answers are based on my understanding. If you have further
questions / difference of opinion, then please share details in the below comment
box. 

330 ·
111 Comments

Like Comment Share

Shahid Malik

2w
Shahid
Shaik Imran

MalikLike
Reply

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stiffness-modifiers-per-1893-part-1-2016-bhavin-shah 4/6
8/12/2021 Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016

Bhim saud

3mo
Bhim in Bhavin Shah
case of RCC basement wall should there is use torsional modifier or not?

saud
Like
Reply
1 Like

Bhavin Shah

3mo
Bhavin
bhim saud What is overall height of the building?

Shah Like
Reply

DHIRENDER BISHT

4mo
DHIRENDER
Thanks a lot, sir...keep bringing such knowledgeful content...

BISHTLike
Reply
1 Like

DHIRENDER BISHT

4mo
DHIRENDER
Bhavin Shah yes sir.. already subscribed..

BISHTThanks a lot again

Like
Reply

Bhavin Shah

4mo
Bhavin
DHIRENDER BISHT Certainly, will keep on sharing such content. You may also sub‐
Shah scribe to YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/c/StructuralEngineering/

Like
Reply
1 Like

Pavan Kushwah

11mo
Pavanhello there is no clear statments what to do..you have not talked about 16700 also.

Kushwah
Like
Reply

Bhavin Shah

11mo
Bhavin
Pavan Kushwah I am planning to arrange the next live session on stiffness modi‐
Shah fiers. You may participate in the same for better understanding.

Like
Reply

Jaykumar Viradiya

11mo
Jaykumar
Well, Sir, I agree with your answer. I would like to ask that if there are cracks on the
Viradiya
structure in service life (I am talking about old structure), then how to calculate its effect
on the strength reduction of that member or in building analysis. Can we use stiffness
modifier in that case by considering it for serviceability? Presume that I have analysis and
design model of the original structure. Or any other Idea that how to analyse the old
damaged structure (after obtaining required NDT results) and redesign it for Jacketing or
wrapping?

Like
Reply
1 Like

Bhavin Shah

11mo
Bhavin
Jay Viradiya Stiffness modifiers are defined with a fact that the RC structural ele‐
Shah ments would have cracks during their service life. For seismic evaluation and ret‐
rofitting of the existing RCC structures, you can refer IS 15988:2013.

Like
Reply
See more comments

Sign In to leave your comment

ghost-
image
To view or add a comment, sign in

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stiffness-modifiers-per-1893-part-1-2016-bhavin-shah 5/6
8/12/2021 Stiffness Modifiers as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016

More articles by this author See all

Bhavin Shah
Important Design & Design of PEB structures – Session 15 : A Q&A Sessio
Construction Parameters for Challenges and Way forward with Tony Rofail from
Industrial PEB Structures at (Part 1) Windtech on Wind Tunnel
Tender Stage Testing of Tall Buildings

Important Design & Design of PEB Session 15 : A Q&A

Construction… structures – Challeng… Session with Tony…
Apr 8, 2021 Mar 11, 2021 Feb 8, 2021

© 2021 About

Accessibility User Agreement

Privacy Policy Cookie Policy

Copyright Policy Brand Policy

Guest Controls Community Guidelines

Language

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stiffness-modifiers-per-1893-part-1-2016-bhavin-shah 6/6