Why Do We Provide Stirrups, Types, Purpose And Spacing

Stirrups, What Are Its Type, Purpose  And Spacing

The stirrups are usually made out of a rectangular steel piece which is wrapped around top and bottom bars of the beams. Stirrups help to hold in place the primary reinforcement bars. The use of stirrups is needed to prevent the columns and beams from buckling.

Types of Stirrups

Different types of stirrups used n beam and column which is based on their load carrying capacity.

1. Lateral Ties

2. Helical Reinforcement

1. Lateral Ties 

The lateral ties are transverse reinforcement which forms an individual ring with a fixed spacing between each the links. The lateral stirrups provided can be two-legged stirrups, four-legged stirrups or six-legged stirrups etc depending on the column cross-section and the number of vertical or longitudinal reinforcement bars employed.

2. Helical Reinforcement 

The helical reinforcement differs from the lateral ties as the latter one possess spacing between individual ties. In helical reinforcement ,instead of spacing, the measured value is pitch.

Why Do We Provide Stirrups

There are many reasons for providing stirrups in structural member

1. To improve ductility of the column

2. To increase the compressive strength in column 

3. It prevent the movement of reinforcement at the time of concrete pouring

4. It helps in maintain the constant clear cover along its length 

5. to prevent the column and beam from buckling

6. To resist the shear force and torsion

7.They protect RCC structures from collapsing during seismic activities i.e. Earthquakes.

Spacing Between Stirrups

The spacing of the stirrup along the beam and column is important and should ideally be specified by the designer. This will help the stirrups to be manufactured accordingly. 

They are usually placed in places where there are high chances of shearing such as beneath large load and bearing points.

stirrups are sometimes placed diagonally and often vertically as well. This is done to prevent shear failure which is usually diagonal in case of cracks in beams. The primary reason for the diagonal shear is due to compression and tension caused by transverse and vertical tension. Eventually diagonal tension occurs since concrete is stronger in compression as compared to tension. This tension is bound by steel stirrup which holds the cracked surface together.

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