ACI 21.4 - moment frame members w/ axial and flexure

[Structures33]

Hey all - ACI 21.4.1 says that this section applies to members a) resisting eq forces and b) having a factored axial force exceeding Agfc'/10

What do we use if the axial force in the columns do not satisfy this requirement?? i.e. my axial loads do not exceed Agfc'/10. I have to use a special moment frame b/c of the seismic zone. Do I use section 21.3 for flexural members and apply these criteria to the columns??

Thanks in advance for any comments on this.

 

[prsconsultant]

If the column member does not have adequate axial load, it behaves more as a flextural member. Yes, you have to design these as beam-columns and apply the detailing requirements of flextural members.