Ductile Design and Detailing of

Reinforced Concrete Structures

Subjected to Seismic Forces-
Code of Practice
(First revision)
IS 13920 : 2016

.
 SECTION 1. SCOPE
1.1 Covers the requirements for designing and detailing of members of
reinforced concrete (RC) structures design to resist lateral effects of
earthquake shaking, so as to give them adequate stiffness, strength
and ductility to resist severe earthquake shaking without collapse. This
standard addresses:-
a) RC moments resisting frames.
b) RC moment resisting frames with unreinforced masonry infill walls.
c) RC moment resisting frames with RC structural walls, and
d) RC structural walls.
1.1.1
• Adopted in all lateral load resisting systems of RC structures located in
Seismic Zone III,IV or V.
• The standard is optional in Seismic Zone II.
1.1.2
• Apply specifically to monolithic RC construction, and not for present
RC structures.
 Section 1. Scope Continued…..
1.1.3
• All RC frames, RC walls and their elements in a
structure need not be designed to resist lateral loads
and the designed can judiciously identify the lateral
load resisting system bases on relative stiffness and
location in the building and design those members for
full lateral force.
• RC monolithic members assumed not to participate in
the lateral force resisting system (See3.7) shall be
permitted provided that their effect on the seismic
response of the system is accounted for.
• Consequences of failure of structural and non-
structural members not part of the lateral force
resisting system shall also be considered in design
 SECTION 3.TERMINOLOGY
For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply:-
1. Beams-
2. Boundary Elements-
3. Columns-
4. Cover Concrete-
5. Transverse Reinforcement- It is a continuous 135°hook with an
extension of 6 times diameter (but not < 65mm) at one end and a
hook not less than 90° with an extension of 6 times diameter (but
not <65 mm) at the other end.
6. Gravity Columns in Buildings-
7. Lateral Forces Resisting System-
8. Moment- Resisting Frame-
8.1 Special Moment Resisting Frame-
8.2 Ordinary Moment Resisting Frame-
9. Link-
10. Shear Wall (also Called Structural Wall)-
11. Special Shear Wall-
 SECTION 5. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
5.1 The design and construction of reinforced concrete buildings shall be
governed by provisions of IS 456, except as modified by the provisions of
this standard for those elements participating in lateral force resistance.
5.2 Minimum grade of structural concrete shall be M20, but M25 for
buildings.
a) more than 15 m in height in Seismic Zones III, IV and V; and
b) but not less than that required by IS 456 based on exposure conditions.
5.3 Steel reinforcement resisting earthquake-induced forces in RC frame
members and in boundary elements of RC structural walls shall comply
5.3.1 Steel reinforcements used shall be,
a) of grade Fe 415 or less (conforming to IS 1786); and
a) of grade Fe 500 and Fe 550, that is; high strength deformed steel bars
produced by thermo-mechanical treatment process having elongation
more than 14.5 percent, and conforming to IS 1786
 Section 5 Continued….
5.3.2 The actual 0.2 percent proof strength of steel bars based on tensile
test must not exceed their characteristic 0.2 percent proof strength by
more than 20 percent.
5.3.3 The ratio of the actual ultimate strength to the actual 0.2 percent proof
strength shall be at least 1.15.
5.4 In RC frame buildings, lintel beams shall preferably not be integrated into
the columns to avoid short column effect. When integrated, they shall be
included in the analytical model for structural analysis. Similarly, plinth
beams (where provided), and staircase beams and slabs framing into
columns shall be included in the analytical model for structural analysis.
5.5 RC regular moment-resisting frame buildings shall have planar frames
oriented along the two principal plan directions of buildings. Irregularities
listed in IS 1893 (Part 1) shall be avoided. Buildings with any of the listed
irregularities perform poorly during earthquake shaking; in addition,
buildings with floating columns and set-back columns also perform poorly
when any such irregularities are adopted, detailed nonlinear analyses shall
be performed to demonstrate that there is no threat to loss of life and
property.
 Section 6. Beams
6.1 General
Requirements of this section shall apply to beams resisting
earthquake-induced effects, in which the factored axial
compressive stress does not exceed 0.08 fck. Beams, in which
the factored axial compressive stress exceeds 0.08 fck, shall
be designed as per requirements of 7.
6.1.1 Beams shall preferably have width-to-depth ratio of more
than 0.3.
6.1.2 Beams shall not have width less than 200 mm.
6.1.3 Beams shall not have depth D more than 1/4th of clear
span. This may not apply to the floor beam of frame staging of
elevated RC water tanks.
 Section 6. Beams continued….

6.1.4 Width of beam bw shall not exceed the width of supporting

member c2 plus distance on either side of supporting member
equal to the smaller of

a) Width of supporting member, c2.

b) 0.75 times breadth of supporting member, c1.

Transverse reinforcement for the width of a beam that exceeds

width of the column c2 shall be provided as shown in Fig. 1B
throughout the beam span including within the beam column joint.
FIG :1 Beam Columns Junctions
 Section 6 Beam continued…
6.2 Longitudinal Reinforcement
6.2.1 The longitudinal reinforcement in beams shall be as given below:
a) Beams shall have at least two 12 mm diameter bars each at the top and
bottom faces.
b) Minimum longitudinal steel ratio required on any face at any section
is:

6.2.2 Maximum longitudinal steel ratio provided on any face at any

section is 0.025.
6.2.3Longitudinal steel on bottom face of a beam framing into a column (at
the face of the column) shall be at least half the steel on its top face at the
same section. At exterior joints, the anchorage length calculation shall
consider this bottom steel to be tension steel.
 Section 6. Beams continued….
6.2.4 Longitudinal steel in beams at any section on top or
bottom face shall be at least 1/4th of longitudinal steel
provided at the top face of the beam at the face of the
column; when the top longitudinal steel in the beam at
the two supporting column faces is different, the larger
of the two shall be considered.

6.2.5 At an exterior joint, top and bottom bars of beams

shall be provided with anchorage length beyond the
inner face of the column, equal to development length of
the bar in tension plus 10 times bar diameter minus the
allowance for 90° bends
FIG: 2 Anchorage of Longitudinal Beam
Bars at Exterior Beam- Column Joint
 Section 6 Beam continued…
6.2.6 Splicing of Longitudinal Bars
6.2.6.1 Lap splices
When adopted, closed links shall be provided over the entire length
over which the longitudinal bars are spliced. Further,
a) the spacing of these links shall not exceed 150 mm (see Fig. 3).
b) the lap length shall not be less than the development length of the
largest longitudinal reinforcement bar in tension.
c) lap splices shall not be provided,
1) within a joint ;
2) within a distance of 2d from face of the column; and
3) within a quarter length of the beam adjoining the location where
flexural yielding may occur under earthquake effects.
d) not more than 50 percent of area of steel bars on either top or
bottom face shall be spliced at any one section.
 Bars in Beam
FIG. 3 LAP LENGTH AT LOCATION OF SPLICING OF
LONGITUDINAL BARS IN BEAM
 Section 6. Beam Continued….
6.2.6.2 Mechanical couplers
Mechanical couplers (conforming to IS 16172) shall be used when
longitudinal steel bars have to be continued for beam spans larger
than their manufactured lengths. Further,

a) only those mechanical splices conforming to the above code and

capable of developing the specified tensile strength of spliced bar
shall be permitted within a distance equal to two times the depth
of the member from the member face or in any location where
yielding of reinforcement is likely to take place; and

b) the spacing between adjacent longitudinal bars shall be based also

on the outer size of the coupler to allow easy flow of concrete
 Section 6. Beam Continued….
6.2.6.3 Welded splices

Welded splices shall not be used in beams for a distance

equal to two times the depth of the member from the
member face or in any location where yielding of
reinforcement is likely to take place. At any location,
not more than 50 percent of area of steel bars shall be
spliced at any one section.

Welding of links, ties, inserts or other similar elements

to vertical reinforcement bars required as per design is
not permitted, in any seismic zone.
 Section 6.3 Transverse Reinforcement
6.3.1 Only vertical links shall be used in beams (see Fig. 4A); inclined
links shall not be used. And,

a) in normal practice, a link is made of a single bent bar. But, it may

be made of two bars also namely a U-link with a 135° hook with
an extension of 6 times diameter (but not less than 65 mm) at
each end, embedded in the core concrete, and a cross-tie.

b) the hooks of the links and cross-ties shall engage around

peripheral longitudinal bars. Consecutive crossties engaging the
same longitudinal bars shall have their 90° hooks at opposite sides
of the beam. When the longitudinal reinforcement bars are
secured by cross-ties in beams that have a slab on one side, the
90° hooks of the cross-ties shall be placed on that side.
FIG: 4 Details of Transverse Reinforcement in
Beams
 Section 6.3 Transverse Reinforcement
Continued…
6.3.2 The minimum diameter of a link shall be 8 mm.
6.3.3 Shear force capacity of a beam shall be more than larger of,
a) factored shear force as per linear structural analysis; and
b) factored gravity shear force, plus equilibrium shear force when plastic hinges are
formed at both ends of the beam.
1) For sway to right:

2) For sway to left:

The design shear force demand at end A of the beam shall be the larger of the two values
of Vu,a computed above. Similarly, the design shear force demand at end B shall be
the larger of the two values of Vu,b computed above.
FIG: 5 Calculation of Design Shear Force Demand on
Beams Under Plastic Hinge Action at Their End
 Section 6.3 Transverse Reinforcement Continued…
6.3.4 In the calculation of design shear force capacity of RC beams,
contributions of the following shall not be considered:
a) Bent up bars,
b) Inclined links, and
c) Concrete in the RC section
6.3.5 Close Spacing of Links
Spacing of links over a length of 2d at either end of a beam shall not
exceed,
a) d/4;
b) 8 times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar; and
c) 100 mm (see Fig. 6).
6.3.5.1 The first link shall be at a distance not exceeding 50 mm from the joint
face.
6.3.5.2 Closely spaced links shall be provided over a length equal to 2d on
either side of a section where flexural yielding may occur under
earthquake effects. Over the remaining length of the beam, vertical links
shall be provided at a spacing not exceeding d/2.
FIG: 6 Details of Transverse Reinforcement in
Beams
 Section 7. Columns and Inclined
Numbers
7.1 Geometry

Requirements of this section shall apply to columns and inclined

members resisting earthquake-induced effects, in which the
factored axial compressive stress due to gravity and earthquake
effects exceeds 0.08 fck. The factored axial compressive stress
considering all load combinations relating to seismic loads shall be
limited to 0.40 fck in all such members, except in those covered in
10.

For various shapes of columns other than rectangular and circular

like ‘T’ shaped, ‘X’ shaped, etc., appropriate designs and detailing
shall be carried out using specialist literature where such columns
are part of lateral load resisting systems.
 Section 7.1 Geometry continued…
7.1.1 The minimum dimension of a column shall not be less than,
a) 20 db, where db is diameter of the largest diameter
longitudinal reinforcement bar in the beam passing through
or anchoring into the column at the joint, or
b) 300 mm (see Fig. 7).

7.1.2 The cross-section aspect ratio (that is, ratio of smaller

dimension to larger dimension of the cross- section of a
column or inclined member) shall not be less than 0.45.
Vertical members of RC buildings whose cross-section aspect
ratio is less than 0.4 shall be designed as per requirements
of 9.
FIG:7 Minimum Size of RC Columns Based on Diameter of Largest
Longitudinal Reinforcement Bar in Beam Framing Into it
Section 7.2 Relative Strengths of Beams and Columns at
a Joint
7.2.1 At each beam-column joint of a moment-resisting frame, the sum of
nominal design strength of columns meeting at that joint (with nominal
strength calculated for the factored axial load in the direction of the lateral
force under consideration so as to give least column nominal design
strength) along each principal plane shall be at least 1.4 times the sum of
nominal design strength of beams meeting at that joint in the same plane
(see Fig. 8).

In the event of a beam-column joint not conforming to above, the columns

at the joint shall be considered to be gravity columns only and shall not be
considered as part of the lateral load resisting system.

• 7.2.1.1 The design moments of resistance of a beam shall be estimated

based on the principles of mechanics and the limiting strain states of the
limit state design method enunciated in IS 456. The design moment of
resistance of a column shall be estimated as in case beams corresponding
to zero axial force on the design P-M interaction diagram.
FIG: 8 Strong Column – Weak Beam Requirement
 Section 7.2 Relative Strengths of Beams and
Columns at a Joint continued…
7.2.1.2 This check shall be performed at each joint for both positive
and negative directions of shaking in the plane under consideration.
Further, in this check, design moments of resistance in beam(s)
meeting at a joint shall be considered in the same direction, and
similarly the design moments of resistance of column(s) at the
same joint shall be considered to be in the direction opposite to
that of the moments in the beams.

7.2.1.3 This check shall be waived at all joints at roof level only, in
buildings more than 4 storeys tall.

The provisions of 7.2 are not applicable for flat slab structures.
 Section 7.3 Longitudinal
Reinforcement
7.3.1 Circular columns shall have minimum of 6 bars.
7.3.2 Splicing of Longitudinal Bars
7.3.2.1 Lap splices
When adopted, closed links shall be provided over the entire length over which
the longitudinal bars are spliced. Further,
a) the spacing of these links shall not exceed 100 mm.
b) the lap length shall not be less than the development length of the largest
longitudinal reinforcement bar in tension.
c) lap splices shall be provided only in the central half of clear column height,
and not
1) within a joint, or
2) within a distance of 2d from face of the beam.
d) not more than 50 percent of area of steel bars shall be spliced at any one
section.
e) lap splices shall not be used for bars of diameter larger than 32 mm for
which mechanical splicing shall be adopted
 Section 7.3 Longitudinal Reinforcement continued….
7.3.2.2 Mechanical couplers
Mechanical couplers (conforming to IS 16172) shall be used. Further,
only those mechanical splices conforming to the above standard
and capable of developing the specified tensile strength of spliced
bar shall be permitted within a distance equal to two times the
depth of the member from the column face in any location where
yielding of reinforcement is likely to take place.

7.3.2.3 Welded splices

Welded splices shall not be used in columns for a distance equal to
two times the depth of the member from the member face or in
any location where yielding of reinforcement is likely to take place.
At any location, not more than 50 percent of area of steel bars shall
be spliced at any one section. But, welding of links, ties, inserts or
other similar elements to vertical reinforcement bars required as
per design is not permitted, in any seismic zone.
 Section 7.3 Longitudinal Reinforcement
continued….
7.3.3 A column that extends more than 100 mm beyond the
confined core owing to architectural requirement (see Fig.
9) shall be detailed in the following manner:

a) When the contribution of this area is considered in the

estimate of strength of columns, it shall have at least the
minimum longitudinal and transverse reinforcement given
in this standard.

a) When the contribution of this area is not considered in

the estimate of strength of columns, it shall have at least
the minimum longitudinal and transverse reinforcement
given in IS 456.
FIG: 9 Reinforcement Requirement in Columns With
Projection More Than 100 MM Beyond Core
 Section 7.4 Transverse Reinforcement
7.4.1 Transverse reinforcement shall consist of closed loop,
a) spiral or circular links in circular columns, and
b) rectangular links in rectangular columns.
In either case, the closed link shall have 135° hook ends with an
extension of 6 times its diameter (but not< 65 mm) at each end,
which are embedded in the confined core of the column.
7.4.2When rectangular links are used,
a) the minimum diameter permitted of transverse reinforcement
bars is 8 mm, when diameter of longitudinal bar is less than or
equal to 32 mm, and 10 mm, when diameter of longitudinal bar is
more than 32 mm;
b) the maximum spacing of parallel legs of links shall be 300 mm
centre to centre;
 Section 7.4.2 Transverse Reinforcement
continued…
c) a cross-tie shall be provided, if the length of any side of
the link exceeds 300 mm (see Fig. 10B); the cross-tie shall
be placed perpendicular to this link whose length
exceeds 300 mm. Alternatively, a pair of overlapping links
may be provided within the column (see Fig. 10C). In
either case, the hook ends of the links and cross-ties shall
engage around peripheral longitudinal bars. Consecutive
cross-ties engaging the same longitudinal bars shall have
their 90° hooks on opposite sides of the column.
Crossties of the same or smaller bar size as the hoops
shall be permitted; and,
d) the maximum spacing of links shall be half the least
lateral dimension of the column, except where special
confining reinforcement is provided as per 8.
FIG: 10 Details of Transverse Reinforcement in Columns
 Section 7.5 Design Shear Force in Columns
The design shear force demand on columns is the larger of,
a) factored shear force demand as per linear structural analysis; and
b) factored equilibrium shear force demand when plastic hinges are
formed at both ends of the beams given by:
1) For sway to right:

2) For sway to left:

7.5.1 The calculation of design shear force capacity of RC columns shall be

calculated as per IS 456
 Section 8. Special Confining
Reinforcement
The requirements of this section shall be met with in beams and columns, unless a
larger amount of transverse reinforcement is required from shear strength
considerations given in 6.3.3 for beams and 7.5 for columns.
8.1 Flexural yielding is likely in beams during strong earthquake shaking and in
columns when the shaking intensity exceeds the expected intensity of earthquake
shaking. This special confining reinforcement shall.
a) Be provided over a length from the face of joint towards mid-span of beams and
mid heights of columns, on other side of the joint; where lo is not less than
1) larger lateral dimension of the member at the section where yielding occurs,
2) 1/6 of clear span of the member; or
3) 450 mm.
b) have a spacing not more than
1) 1/4 of minimum member dimension of the beam or column;
2) 6 times diameter of the smallest longitudinal reinforcement bars; and
3) 100 mm link.
c) have area Ash of cross section of the bar forming links or spiral of at least:
FIG:11 Equilibrium Design Shear Force Demand on Column
When Plastic Hinges are Formed at Beam Ends
FIG: 12 Column and Joint Detailing
Section 8.2 When a column terminates into a footing or
mat, special confining reinforcement shall extend at
least 300 mm into the footing or mat
 Section 8 Special Confining Reinforcement
continued….
8.3 When the calculated point of contra-flexure, under the effect of gravity
and earthquake effects, is not within the middle half of the member clear
height, special confining reinforcement shall be provided over the full
height of the column.

8.4 Special confining reinforcement shall be provided over the full height of a
column which has significant variation in stiffness along its height. This
variation in stiffness may result due to abrupt changes in cross- section
size, or unintended restraint to the column provided by stair-slab,
mezzanine floor, plinth or lintel beams framing into the columns, RC wall
or masonry wall adjoining column and extending only for partial column
height.

8.5 Columns supporting reactions from discontinued stiff members, such as

walls, shall be provided with special confining reinforcement over their full
height. (see Fig. 14). This reinforcement shall also be placed above the
discontinuity for at least the development length of the largest
longitudinal bar in the column. Where the column is supported on a wall,
this reinforcement shall be provided over the full height of the column; it
shall also be provided below the discontinuity for the same development
length
Fig: 14 Columns With Variable Stiffness
 Section 9. Beam-Column Joints of
Moment-Resisting Frames
9.1 Design of Beam-Column Joint for Distortional Shear
9.1.1 Shear Strength of Concrete in a Joint
The nominal shear strength tjc of concrete in a beam- column joint
shall be taken as

where Aej is effective shear area of joint given by bjwj, in which bj is

the effective breadth of joint perpendicular to the direction of
shear force and wj the effective width of joint along the direction of
shear force. The effective width of joint bj (see Fig. 15) shall be
obtained from following:
 Section 9. Beam-Column Joints of
Moment-Resisting Frames continued…
9.1.2 Design Shear Stress Demand on a Joint
a) Design shear stress demand acting horizontally along each of the two principal
plan directions of the joint shall be estimated from earthquake shaking
considered along each of these directions, using

It shall be ensured that the joint shear capacity of joint concrete estimated using
9.1.1 exceeds both tjdX and tjdY.
b) Design shear force demands VjdX and VjdY acting horizontally on the joint in
principal plan directions X and Y shall be estimated considering that the
longitudinal beam bars in tension reach a stress of 1.25 fy (when over strength
plastic moment hinges are formed at beam ends)
 Section 9. Beam-Column Joints of
Moment-Resisting Frames continued…
9.1.3 Width of Beam Column Joint
When beam reinforcement extends through beam- column joint,
the minimum width of the column parallel to beam shall be 20
times the diameter of the largest longitudinal beam bar.
9.2 Transverse Reinforcement
9.2.1 Confining Reinforcement in Joints.
When all four vertical faces of the joint are having beams framing
into them covering at least 75 percent of the width on each face,
1) At least half the special confining reinforcement required as
per 8 at the two ends of columns, shall be provided through the
joint within the depth of the shallowest beam framing into it;
and
2) Spacing of these transverse links shall not exceed 150 mm.
 Section 9. Beam-Column Joints of
Moment-Resisting Frames continued…
b) When all four vertical faces of the joint are not having beams
framing into them or when all four vertical faces have beams
framing into them but do not cover at least 75 percent of the width
on any face,

1) special confining reinforcement required as per 8 at the two ends

of columns shall be provided through the joint within the depth of
the shallowest beam framing into it, and

2) spacing of these transverse links shall not exceed 150 mm.

9.2.2 In the exterior and corner joints, all 135° hooks of cross-ties
should be along the outer face of columns.
 FIG:15 Plan view of a Beam Column Joint
Showing Effective Breath and Width of Joint