Title:
Pedagogical Methods for Teaching Torsion Design of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Author(s):
Brock D. Hedegaard
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
367
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
95-132
Keywords:
Torsion, reinforced concrete, structural design, structural analysis, teaching methods
DOI:
10.14359/51750595
Date:
3/1/2026
Abstract:
This paper presents pedagogical tools that may be used in the instruction of torsional design of reinforced concrete beams for an advanced concrete design class geared for senior-level undergraduate and Master’s-level graduate students. Torsion design of reinforced concrete combines both with longitudinal steel requirements for flexural moments and transverse steel requirements for shear force, as therefore makes a useful framework for synthesizing many different beam design topics into an “advanced beam design” unit. For the benefit of the instructor, or even the enterprising student, this is followed by an overview of torsional demands and design in accordance with ACI 318-25. This paper presents course-level information about where and how a torsional design unit may be taught within an advanced concrete design course. Examples of physical demonstrations, example problems, and assessment methods are given to deliver content to students and to evaluate their ability to meet the stated learning objectives. The paper concludes with a discussion on the lessons that the author has learned from teaching this topic since 2020.
Related References:
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