Title:
Mathematical Framework for Computing Polar Moments of Inertia for Use with Traditional ‘ACI Commentary Jc Method’
Author(s):
Hugo Esquivel and Guang Lin
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
111-122
Keywords:
ACI CODE-318-25; (centroidal) polar moment of inertia; Jc method; slab-column connection; structural design; two-way shear action
DOI:
10.14359/51749378
Date:
5/1/2026
Abstract:
This paper presents a robust mathematical framework for computing centroidal polar moments of inertia in a standardized manner, applicable to both regular- and irregular-shaped sections, for use with the traditional “ACI Commentary Jc Method.” The paper also showcases with mathematical rigor why, for over 60 years, the standard (traditional) expressions used to compute polar moments of inertia for planar sections embedded in three-dimensional (3-D) space have been incorrectly derived, and explores the implications of not adopting the correct expressions in design. The mathematical framework for computing polar moments of inertia is developed using advanced calculus, and primitive sections are integrated into the formulation to derive with ease the necessary expressions for the most common sections used in design, namely rectangular, circular, C-shaped, L-shaped, and regular polygon-shaped sections. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the practical implementation of the proposed mathematical framework.
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