TORSION: Basically, torsion can be divided in to two.

1. Equilibrium torsion and 2. compatibility torsion.

Equilibrium Torsion
This case occurs when the torsional moment is required to be in equilibrium and maximum
torsional moment (Tu) cannot be reduced by redistribution of moments. In this case the
torsion reinforcement must be provided to resist all of T u. This type of torsion is also known
as primary torsion.
This exists when the external load has no alternative load path but must be supported by
torsion. For such cases, the torsion required to maintain static equilibrium can be uniquely
determined. This cannot be released/ignored since the structure will not be stable if
released.
To understand it beter,consider a free cantelever slab from a beam.There is no back
anchorage for the slab-Just a projection to 1 side from a beam.This is a case of equilibrium
torsion.The slab can be in equilibrium or stable only if the beam absorbs this torsion and
thereby supports the slab.This torsion from slab has only 1 load path and that is through
beams.If the building has such type of structural element then it needs to be designed for
torsion.
Example: An edge beam supporting cantilever slab.
Compatibility Torsion
This case occurs when the torsional moment can be reduced by the redistribution of internal
forces while compatibility of deformation is maintained in the member. This type of torsion is
also known as secondary torsion.
This arises from the requirements of continuity/compatibility of deformation between
adjacent parts of a structure. An internal readjustment of forces is possible and an
alternative equilibrium of forces can be found. That is torsion has more than 1 load path.
Cantilevers with back anchorages/continuous slabs behind the cantilever etc. are examples.
Example: An edge beam supporting two transverse beams producing twisting moment.

Compatibility Torsion
Code provisions
IS-456 clause 41.1 says that compatibility torsion can
be ignored in design if the torsion stiffness of member
is completely ignored/released in the analysis model.
Code further adds that nominal shear reinforcement
provided as per clause 40, will be adequate to control
any torsion cracking.
Releasing compatible torsion in model has 2 parts. 1)
Release of torsion in members when slabs are
modeled as plates/shells and slabs designed as per
the model forces. 2) Release of torsion in members
when slabs are not modeled as plates/shells.
• In case 1 there will be complete compatibility of
deformation between adjacent parts and there is no
need of designing for torsion. • In case 2 there will not
be complete compatibility of deformation if the
adjacent slab panels have different spans or loading.
(Prudent if the span and/or load differences are
considerable) In case 2 two design solutions are
possible. A. Either the beam needs to be designed for
that differential moment (as torsion) or B. Design the
slabs as per clause 24.4.1
If we adopt Solution A ie; designing for differential
moment, we will have to provide additional steel for
resisting torsion. Plain concrete will have a nominal
capacity to resist torsion and if the design torsion
increases the nominal value, the concrete needs to
crack to transfer forces to additional steel provided. In
that case, torsion stiffness shall be half the value
calculated for plain concrete section. This means that
torsional stiffness in analysis model shall be modified
by using a factor of 0.5
SUMMARY
Equilibrium torsion cannot be released.
Compatibility torsion can be released.
If we choose to design for compatibility torsion, the
torsional stiffness needs to be modified by 0.5
Without realizing these points, certain designers
consider torsion for all member design and results in
uneconomic designs. Some do not consider even
equilibrium torsion and this results in unsafe designs.
It is of high importance to understand these points for
safe and economic designs.