30/06/2026
JACENMA Engineering Services was given the opportunity by Hannah Construction “We Build Now Pay Later Home” to perform the seismic structural analysis of a two-story residential structure in Lipa City, Batangas.
The structure consisted of a reinforced concrete beam-and-column frame designed as a Special Moment Resisting Frame (SMRF), the structural system required by the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) for resisting earthquake forces in Zone 4 seismic zones.
What I found fun and challenging in this structure was its second-floor beam layout. The middle beam was offset from its supporting column thus providing torsion effects to the primary beams/ girders. This additional torsion increased the demand for larger beam section, more longitudinal reinforcements (main bars), & closely spaced stirrups.
To solve this challenge, I considered the fact that NSCP & ACI 318 (structural codes in the PH, and Concrete Code in the US) allows a redistribution of loads or a change in load path for large torsion members to the secondary beams connected to it. By doing this, we could transfer a certain amount of the torsion forces to the secondary beams and convert it into flexural forces of the secondary beams. Note, however, that the code only allows this reduction when its compatibility torsion and not equilibrium torsion.
While these concepts may sound highly technical, they reflect what goes on behind every well-engineered structure. At JACENMA Engineering Services, every project is approached with careful analysis, sound engineering judgment, and strict compliance with the governing design codes—because at JACENMA, we believe that every client deserves a safe, efficient, and reliable structural design.
For inquiries, quotations, and consulations, feel free to contact us.
