Design and Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Diaphragms: SERIES

PLEASE NOTE: All webinars and courses require a separate registration for each individual that requires a CE/PDH certificate. Webinars cannot be shared, only one certificate is issued per account. See our discounts for 3 or more registrations!

Watch a video overview on the series here.


These webinars provide step-by-step design procedures and design aids that make designing and detailing reinforced concrete diaphragms simpler and faster. The information that is presented is based on the 2014 edition of ACI Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete for buildings assigned to Seismic Design Categories (SDC) A through F. Practicing engineers, individuals studying for licensing exams, and students will find the requirements presented in a straightforward manner with emphasis placed on the proper application of the ACI 318-14 provisions and on economical detailing. The information presented in these webinars is based on the CRSI publication Design Guide for Reinforced Concrete Diaphragms, and is also applicable to the 2019 edition of ACI 318.

Series sessions:

Session 1: Determination of Diaphragm Thickness and Design Forces; 06/18/19 (60 minutes, .1 CEU/1.0 PDH)
This webinar presents methods on how to determine the required thickness of a diaphragm based on serviceability and strength (in-plane and out-of-plane) requirements. Also presented are step-by-step procedures on how to determine in-plane diaphragm forces due to wind, general structural integrity, seismic, soil, transfer, anchorage, and connection forces based on the requirements of ASCE/SEI 7-16. Also covered are procedures on how to determine collector design forces for buildings assigned to SDC C through F.

Session 2: Diaphragm Modeling and Analysis; 06/18/19 (60 minutes, .1 CEU/1.0 PDH)
This webinar presents the general modeling and analysis requirements for diaphragms given in ACI 318-14. Information is given on how to determine whether a diaphragm is rigid, semirigid, or flexible. Also covered is horizontal distribution of lateral forces to the vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system (LFRS), including methods on how to determine the center of rigidity of a system and approximate in-plane stiffnesses walls and frames. Equivalent beam models are covered in detail, with in-depth information provided on how to determine in-plane forces in diaphragms and collectors. Included is a design method for collectors that are wider than the vertical elements of the LFRS that they frame in to.

Session 3: Determination of Diaphragm Reinforcement; 08/13/19 (60 minutes, .1 CEU/1.0 PDH)
This webinar presents comprehensive information on how to determine and detail the required reinforcement for diaphragms and collectors in accordance with ACI 318-14 and ASCE/SEI 7-16 for buildings assigned to SDC A through F. Step-by-step methods are provided on the following types of reinforcement for two common types of construction: (1) chord reinforcement, (2) diaphragm shear reinforcement, (3) shear transfer reinforcement between the diaphragm and the vertical elements of the LFRS, (4) shear transfer reinforcement between the diaphragm and collectors, (5) anchorage reinforcement, and (6) collector reinforcement. Guidelines and recommendations for economical detailing are provided along with a comprehensive summary of design and detailing requirements.

Session 4: Diaphragm Design Examples; 10/08/19 (60 minutes, .1 CEU/1.0 PDH)
This webinar presents design and detailing requirements for two-way slabs and walls in buildings assigned to SDC A through F. Included are many practical design aids and guidelines that make the design and detailing process simpler and faster.