96

CHAPTER – 9

AXIALLY LOADED SHORT COLUMN

Introduction –

A column may be defined as an element used primarily to support axial compressive loads and with a
height of at least three times its least lateral dimension. All columns are subjected to some moment which may
be due to accidental eccentricity or due to end restraint imposed by monolithically placed beams or slabs. The
strength of a column depends on the strength of the materials, shape and size of the cross-section, length and
the degree of the positional and directional restraint at its end.

A column may be classified as short or long column depending on its effective slenderness ratio. The
ratio of effective column length to least lateral dimension is referred to as effective slenderness ratio. A short
column has a maximum slenderness ratio of 12. Its design is based on the strength of the materials and the
applied loads. A long column has a slenderness ratio greater than 12. Its design is based on the strength of the
materials and the applied loads. A long column has a slenderness ratio greater than 12. However , maximum
slenderness ratio of a column should not exceed 0. A long column is designed to resist the applied loads plus
additional bending moments induced due to its tendency to buckle.
ASSUMPTIONS -
The following assumptions are made for the limit state of collapse in compression.
1. Plane sections normal to the axis remain plane after bending.
2. The relationship between stress-strain distribution in concrete is assumed to be parabolic. The
maximum compressive stress is equal to 0.67 ð : / 1.5 or 0.446 ð : .
3. The tensile strength of concrete is ignored.
4. The stresses in reinforcement are derived from the representative stress-strain curve for the type of
steel used.
5. The maximum compressive strain in concrete in axial compression is taken as 0.002.
6. The maximum compression strain at the highly compressed extreme fibre in concrete subjected to
axial compression and bending, but when there is no tension on the section, is taken as 0.0035 minus
0.75 times the strain at the least compressed extreme fibre.
7. The maximum compressive strain at the highly compressed extreme fibre in concrete subjected to
axial compression and bending, when part of the section is in tension, is taken as 0.0035. in the
limiting case when the neutral axis lies along one edge of the section, the strain varies from 0.0035 at
the highly compressed edge to zero at the opposite edge.
 97

The types of failures to the columns –

Columns, when centrally loaded , fails in one of the three following modes, depending on the slenderness ratio.
Fig.

Mode :1 Pure compression failure

The columns fails under axial loads without undergoing any lateral deformation. Steel and
concrete reach the yield stress values at failure. The collapse is due to material failure.
Mode :2 Combined compression and bending failure
Short columns can be subjected to direct load (P) and moment (M). slender columns even when
loaded axially undergo deflection along their length as beam columns, and these deflection produce additional
moments in the columns. When material failure is reached under the combined action of these direct loads and
bending moment. It is called combined compression and bending failure.
Mode : 3 Failure by elastic instability
Very long columns can become unstable even under small loads well before the material reaches
yield stresses. Under such cases the member fails by lateral ‘ elastic bulking’ .
failure by third mode is unacceptable in practical construction. R.C.C members that may fail by this
type of failure is prevented by the codal provision that columns beyond a specified slenderness should not be
allowed in structure.
Braced and unbraced columns :
The columns in a building are classified as braced or unbraced according to the method applied to provide
the lateral stability of the building.
(1) Braced column : In braced frames, the lateral loads like wind , earthquake etc. are resisted by some
special arrangements like shear walls , bracings or special supports. In other words, the sidesway or
joint translation is not possible in such columns. Sidesway or joint translation means that one or both
the ends of a column can move laterally with respect to each other. The columns occurring in braced
buildings are called braced columns.
 98

(2) Unbraced columns : A unbraced frames no special bracing systems are provided to resist
horizontal forces. In other words the sidesway or joint translation do occur in such columns. The
columns shall have to be designed to resist the lateral loads. The column those occur in the buildings
where the resistance to lateral loads is provided by the bending in the columns and beams in that plane
are called unbraced columns.
Effective length of columns :
The unsupported length or height of a column (Lo) is generally taken as the clear height of the
columns. It is defined in IS 456, clause 25.1.3 for various cases of constructions. The effective length of
column is different from unsupported length. Effective length (’Œ ) is dependent on the bracing and end
conditions. It should be noted that for braced columns the effective column height is less than the clear
height between restraints , whereas for unbraced and partially braced columns the effective height is
greater than the clear height.
 99

Design formula for Short column –

A rectangular column section bearing pure axial load. The design stress in mild steel at strain of 0.002
is 0.87 b; , however for , HYSD bars it is not so. The stresses corresponding to 0.002 strain in HYSD bars
are as follows.

•Œ 415 0.79 b;
•Œ 500 0.75 b;

The code adopts the critical value of 0.75 b; for all grades of steel for finding out the pure axial load carrying
capacity of the column. Accordingly
–(— = 0.446 b : + 0.75 b;
This is approximated as
–(— = 0.446 b : + 0.75 b;
–(— = Pure ultimate axial load carrying capacity of column.
b : = Characteristic compressive strength of concrete.
b; = Characteristic strength of reinforcement.
= Area of concrete in column section.
= Area of reinforcement in column section.
Axially loaded practical columns are subjected to moments due to minimum eccentricity . thus all the columns
, even if the design load is axial, shall be designed for moments also.
The code simplifies the work for the columns in which minimum eccentricity ˜oVW ≤ 0.05 D. Thus , when ˜oVW
≤ 0.05 D , the above equation is midified as
–( = 0.4 b : + 0.67 b; ………
It can be seen that , the load carrying capacity of the column is reduced by about 10 percent when ˜oVW ≤ 0.05
D. however if ˜oVW ≤ 0.05 D , the column shall be designed for moment also.
The above equation can written as –
š š
–( = 0.4 b : ( ™ - %%
+ 0.67 b; %%

Where ™ = Gross area of cross section

 100

P = Percentage of reinforcement.
Dividing both sides by ™
š š
A
= 0.4 b : (1 - ) + 0.67 b;
%% %%

š
= 0 .4 b : %%
( 0.67 b; – 0.4 b : )….

The compression in steel b at failure ( € = 0.002) will be

b = 0.87 b; for steel with bilinear stress-strain curve as in Fe 250 steel.
= 0.75 b; for steel with stress-strain curve as in Fe 415 steel.
Hence , the ultimate carrying capacity of the column ›( is given by the expression
1. For Fe 415 steel, P = ( 0.45 b : ) + ( 0.75 b; - 0.45 b : )
2. For Fe 250 steel , P = ( 0.45 b : ) + ( 0.87 b; - 0.45 b : )
However it is never possible to apply the load centrally on a column. Accidental eccentricities are bound to
happen. Indian and British codes allow an accidental eccentricity of 5 percent of the lateral dimension of the
column in the plane of bending ( 0.05 D ) in the strength formula itself. For this purpose the ultimate load ›(
for Fe 415 steel reduces to
–( = 0.9 ( 0.45 b : + 0.75 b; )
–… = 0.4 b : + 0.67 b; as given in IS 456, clause 38.3
With Fe 250 steel the corresponding expression will be
–( = 0.4 b : + 0.75 b; )
It should be clearly noted theses formula already take into account a maximum accidental eccentricity of ( 0.05
D) or ( 0. 05b) in theses columns.
Check for Minimum Eccentricity
Minimum eccentricities are caused by imperfections in construction, inaccuracy in loading etc. The BS code
8110 (1985) Cluase 3.8.2.4 assumes that its value will be equal to 0.05 D, but not more than 20mm.
œ% •
IS 456, Cluase 25.4 gives an expression for the possible minimum eccentricity as ˜oVW = + but not
%% %

less than 20mm.

Where L0 = the unsupported length
D = lateral dimensions in the plane of bending.
For sections other than rectangular, the Explanatory handbook SP 24 recommends a value of ’Œ / 300 , where
’Œ is the effective length of the column.
Thus for example , for a column 600 x 450 of unsupported height 3 m, considering the long direction
according to IS formula,
œ% •
˜oVW = + = 3000/500 + 600/30 = 26mm.
%% %
 101

ŒEDž
As 26mm is greater than the minimum specified 20mm, use ˜oVW = 26mm. then = 26/600 = 0.043
•

Considering the short direction, we have

˜oVW = 3000/500 + 450/30 = 21mm > 20mm.
Œ
Hence = 21/450 = 0.047.
Both these values are less than the specified ratio of 0.05, and hence the simple column formula is applicable
to the above column. If the eccentricities are more, then the column has to be designed as subjected to direct
load P and moment Pe.
Minimum Longitudinal and Transverse reinforcement –
The reinforcement requirements are set out in clause 26.5.3 of IS 456.
1. Longitudinal Reinforcement:
(i) The cross sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement shall be not less than 0.8 percent of gross
cross sectional area of the column.
The minimum area of the reinforcement is specified to avoid the sudden non-ductile failure of the
column, to resist creep and shrinkage and to provide some bending strength to the column.
(ii) In any column that has a larger cross sectional area than that required to support the load, the
minimum percentage of steel should be based upon the area of concrete required to resist the direct
stress and not upon the actual area.
Because of the architectural or the other reasons, sometimes the columns are made larger in
section than that required to resist the load. In such a case , according to this criteria , the minimum
percentage of steel is based on concrete area required to resist the direct load. A concrete pedestal
used to transfer the load from steel stanchion to the foundation in an industrial building is a typical
example for this case. In this case , the size of the pedestal is governed by the size of the base plate
under the steel column.
(iii) The cross sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement shall be not more than 6 percent of the gross
cross sectional area of the column.
The use of 6percent reinforcement may involve practical difficulties in placing and compacting of
concrete, hence lower percentage is recommended where bars from the columns below have to be
lapped with those in the column under consideration, the percentage of steel usually should not
exceed 4 percent.for the column with more than 4 percent steel, the laps may be staggered.
(iv) The minimum number of longitudinal bars provided in a column shall be four in rectangular
columns and six in circular columns.
(v) The bar shall not be less than 12 mm in diameter.
(vi) A reinforced concrete column having helical reinforcement shall have at least six bars of
longitudinal reinforcement within the helical reinforcement.
 102

(vii) In a helical reinforced column , the longitudinal bars shall be in contact with the helical
reinforcement and equidistant around its inner circumference.
(viii) Spacing of longitudinal bars measured along the periphery of the column shall not exceed 300
mm. this is a cracking requirement.
(ix) In case of the pedestals in which the longitudinal reinforcement is not taken into account in
strength calculation, nominal reinforcement not less than 0.15 percent of the cross sectional area
shall be provided.
(2) Transverse Reinforcement:
(i) General : a reinforcement concrete compression member shall have transverse or helical
reinforcement so disposed that every longitudinal bar nearest to thecompression face has
effective lateral support against bulking subject to provisions in (b). The effective lateral
support is given by transverse reinforcement either in the form of circular rings capable of
taking up circumferential tension or by polygonal links (lateral ties) with internal angles not
exceeding 135 degree. The ends of the transverse reinforcement shall be properly anchored.
(ii) Arrangement of transverse reinforcement :
(a) If the longitudinal bars are not spaced more than 75mm on either side, transverse
reinforcement need only to go round the corner and alternate bars for the purpose of
providing effective lateral supports.
(b) If the longitudinal bars spaced at a distance of not exceeding 48 times the diameter of the
tie are effectively tied in two directions, additional longitudinal bars in between theses
bars need to be tied in one direction by open ties.
(c) Where the longitudinal reinforcing bars in a compression member are placed in more than
one row, effective lateral support to the longitudinal bars in the inner rows may be
assumed to have been provided if-
(1) Transverse reinforcement is provided for outer most row in accordance with (b) and
(2) No bar of the inner row is closer to the nearest compression face than three times the
diameter of the largest bar in the inner row.
(d) Where the longitudinal bars ina compression member are grouped and each group
adequetly tied transverse reinforcement in accordance with the above requirements, the
transverse reinforcement for the compression member as a whole may be provided on the
assumption that each group is a single longitudinal bar for purpose of determining the
pitch and diameter of the transverse reinforcement in accordance with above requirements.
The diameter of such transverse reinforcement need not, however exceed 20mm.
(iii) Pitch and diameter of lateral tie :
 103

(a) Pitch : the pitch of transverse reinforcement shall be not more than the least of the following
distances:
(1) The least lateral dimension of the compression member.
(2) Sixteen times the smallest diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement bar to be tied.
(3) 300mm.
(b) Diameter : the diameter of the polygonal links or ties shall be not less than one fourth of the
diameter of the largest longitudinal bar and in no case less than 6 mm.
(iv) Helical reinforcement :
(a) Pitch : Helical reinforcement shall be of regular formation with the turns of the helix
spaced evenly and its ends shall be anchored properly by providing one and a half extra
turns of the spiral bar. Where an increase load on the column on the strength of the helical
reinforcement is allowed for, the pitch of helical turns shall be not more than 75 mm, nor
more than one-sixth of the core diameter of the column, nor less than 25mm, nor less than
there times the diameter of the steel bar forming the helix.
(b) Fiameter : the diameter of the helical reinforcement shall be as per lateral ties.
(v) Cover : the longitudinal reinforcing bar in a column shall have concrete cover, not less than
40mm, nor les than the diameter of such bar. This requirements gives a fire protection of 0.5 h
to 4h (h = hour) and is suitable for moderate exposure assuming a maximum of 10 mm
diameter tie. However the cover to the ties may be governed by exposure conditions. In the
case of columns the minimum dimensions of 200 mm or under, whose reinforcing bars do not
exceed 12mm, a cover of 25mm may be used.
 104

Design of short column by IS 456 and SP 16 –

Charts 24 to 26 of the IS publication design aids SP 16 can be used for routine office design of short
columns. These charts are made from the column formula
–( = 0.4 b : + 0.67 b;

™ = area of cross section

– = ›˜Ÿr˜f |¡˜ ¢b d ˜˜£ = 100 -

¤ℎ˜ |Ÿ˜| ¢b d ˜˜£ |f< r¢frŸ˜ ˜ |Ÿ˜ ¡e]˜f Hc

= %%

= ™ - = ™ (1 -
%%
)

¦˜§Ÿe ef¡ ℎ˜ ˜¨©| e¢f §e ℎ |H¢]˜ ¨©|f e e˜d , §˜ ¢H |ef

š š
A
= 0.4 b : (1 - ) + 0.67 b;
%% %%

š
–( =[ 0.4 b : %%
( 0.67 b; - 0.4b : ] ™
 105

Chart 24 to 26 of SP 16 have been prepared from these formula for Fe 250 , Fe 415 and Fe 500 and b : = 15,
20, 30, 35, and 40.
To use design chart , choose the value of the factored design load –( , and proceed horizontally till the ™

corresponding to the size of the column selected is reached. The value of percentage of steel required for the
adopted value of b: is read off from the lower half of chart 13.1.
Procedure for design of centrally loaded short column:
The step-by-step procedure for design of a centrally loaded column can be arranged as follows:
Step 1 : compute the factored load on the column.
Step 2 : Choose a suitable size for the column, depending on the size of the beam that has to be placed on it
and the architectuerral requirements. Usually the beams are accommodated inside the column. Check also the
minimum eccentricity.
 106

Step 3: Determine the effective length length and slenderness of the column about the principal axes. If it is
less than 12, it can be can be considered as a short column. If it is 12 or more, it is to be designed as a long
column.
Step 4 : compute the area of the longitudinal steel required by either (a) by using the formula or (b) by using
SP 16 in the following manner.

–( = 0.4 b : + 0.67 b;
š
¢Ÿ –( =[ 0.4 b : ( 0.67 b; - 0.4b : ] ™
%%

The minimum percentage of steel adopted should be greater than 0.8. As regards the maximum percentage , it
should be less than 4 in normal designs where lapping becomes essentials. Where lapping is not adopted, one
may accept a percentage of up to 6.
Step 5: Detain the steel by choosing a suitable size and number (size not to be less than 12mm and for a
symmetrical arrangement with at least four bars for a rectangular column and six bars for a circular ciolumn).
Adopt a suitable cover to teh steel ( clause 26.4.1) and check perimeter spacing of bars (IS clause 26.5.3.1) is
not more than 300mm.
Step 6: Detail the transverse steel. Adopt a suitable size, determine spacings, etc.
Strength of helically reinforced short column:
IS 456, clause 26.5.3.2(d) deals with design of helically reinforced column. In working stress design, it was
practice to consider the strength of spirals also in contributing to the strength of the column. Tests on spirally
reinforced reinforced columns show that the additional strength due to spirals in working stress design can be
estimated by considering the volume of spiral steel per unit height of the column is approximately twice as
effective as the same volume were put as longitudinal steel. Hence the equation for strength of spiral columns
in working load (Pc) is usually written as
Pc = ( Load taken by core ) + (load taken by longitudinal steel ) + 2 ( ' ª ) ( stress in spiral)
Where ' ª is the volume of the spiral per unit length of the column which is also termed as the equivalent area
of helical steel per unit height of the column. However when dealing with ultimate loads and limit state design,
it has been observed that
1. The containing effect of spirals is useful only in the elastic stage and it is lost when the spirals also
reach yield point.
2. The spirals become fully effective only after the concrete cover over the spirals spalls off after
excessive deformation.
Hence in ultimate load estimation , the strength of spirally reinforced columns is expressed by
1. –( (spirally reinforced column) = 1.05 –( (tied column)
2. The volume of spirals to be provided which is calculated on the principle that it should be adequate to
offset the loss of strength of the cover which cracks up at ultimate stage.
 107

Calculation of spacing of spirals:

S = Pitch or spacing of spirals used.
a = area of spiral steel .
D = diameter of the column.
€: = diameter of the core.
The condition is that the loss of strength due to spalling of cover should be equal to the contribution due to
spirals.

Taking : as the area of the core and ™ as the area of cross section and using the same assumption about the
action of the spiral as is used in the elastic design, the relationship at failure is given by
2' ª ( 0.87b; ) = 0.63 b : ( ™ - :)
+ y
' ª = 0.36 ( ™ - : )( + )
,

Which can be reduced to the form given in IS 456, clause 38.4.1 as

G-« + y
= 0.36 ( - 1) ( )
y y +,

Where ™ = gross area of section

: = area of core.
This expression gives the ratio of the volume of the helical reinforcement required for the volume of the core
per unit height of the column.
Simplifying this expression further, one can write
' ª = (Volume of the spiral in one ring) x (No. Of rings per unit length)
Taking €: as the diameter of the core , we get
U=‹Œ= Z+ Ž‹V=> ) ¬ •y =¬•y
'ª = =
0Ž= VW™ (ŽV ª)
 108

Rewriting the IS equation by using the above value for ' ª , we get
=•y %. 8 ( • F p•yF ) + y
=
+,

=•y ) +,
S=
%. 8 ( • F p•yF ) + y

. =•y~, )
S= .............(1)
+ y ( • F p•yF )

Which can be used as the expression for calculating the pitch of the spirals for a given steel of cross section
area a.
The rules regarding detailing of helical steel are given IS 456, clause 26.5.3.2. the main considerations are:
1. The diameter of the helicals shall be at least 6mm or one fourth the diameter of longitudinal steel.
2. The pitch shall be (a) as derived from formula equation (1) (b) not more than 75mm, (c) not more than
1/6th core diameter , (d) not less than 25mm, (e) not less than three times the diameter of the steel bar
forming the helix.
If the diameter and the pitch of the spirals do not comply with the above rules, the strength is to be
taken as only that of a tied column of similar dimension.
Problem 1:
A column of 400 x400mm has an unsupported length of 7m and effective length of 4.5 m. Can it be designed
as a short column under axial compression , if the load placed centrally on it?
Solution:
Step 1: Slenderness ratio consideration
-®
= 4500 / 400 = 11.25 (IS456 Cl.25.1.2)
•

As columns with slenderness less than 12 can be considered as short , the column is short.
Step 2: Eccentricity considerations
œ% •
˜oVW = + not less than 20mm. (IS 456 Cl . 25.4)
%% %

= 7000/ 500 + 400/30

= 14 + 13.3
27.3 mm is greater than 20mm. Adopt 27.3mm
The eccentricity for which short column formula is applicable id D/20
D/20 = 400/20 = 20mm ( IS 456 Cl.39.3)
˜oVW > D/20
¯˜fr˜ b¢Ÿk©£| b¢Ÿ |ne|£ £¢|< ed f¢ |››£er|H£˜.
Column should be designed as subject to axial load and moment due to ˜oVW .
(M = P ˜oVW )
 109

Problem – 2
Design an axially loaded tied column 400 x 400 mm pinned at both ends with an unsupported length of
3m for carrying a factored load of 2300 KN. Use grade 20 concrete and Fe 415 steel.
Solution:
Step 1: Factored load on column
–( = 2300KN
\ ˜› 2: Size of column and check ˜oVW ( IS 456 Cl. 25.4)
\e±˜ ¢b r¢£©kf = 400 n400 , D/20 = 20mm
œ% •
˜oVW = + = 3000/500 + 400/30 = 19.33 < 20mm
%% %

˜oVW less than D/20 is assumed in the formula. Hence short column formula for axial load can be used.
\ ˜› 3: Calculation of slenderness ( IS456 Cl. 25.1.2)
’Œ = 1.0L = 3000mm
-®
= 3000/400 = 7.5 < 12

\ ˜› 4: Find area of steel and check percentage

(a) By formula, –( = 0.4 b : + 0.67 b; (IS 456 Cl. 39.3)
2300 x 10³ = 0.4 x 20 x ( 400² - ) + 0.67 x 415 x
= 3777 mm², P = 3777/ 400² x 100 = 2.36%
¤ℎed ed k¢Ÿ˜ ℎ|f 0.8% |f< £˜dd ℎ|f 6%. ℎ˜fr˜ ¢.
(b) By SP 16 , ™ = 1600 cm², P = 2300 KN. P = 2.4% (SP 16 chart 25)
= ( 2.4x400x400) / 100 = 3840mm² ( Use 8T -25 / 3927mm²)
\ ˜› 5 ∶ Detail the longitudinal steel
Use cover = 40mm (Cl. 26.4.2.1)
Steel spacing = ( 400 – 40 – 40 -25) / 2 = 147.5
Clear spacing between bars = 147.5 – 25 = 122.5 < 300 (Cl.26.5.3.1 g)
Step 6: Design transverse steel
Diameter of links : not less than 25/4 or 6mm.
Use 10mm
Spacing least of [ Cl. 26.5.3.2 (c)]
(a) Dimension of column = 400mm
(b) 16 times Ø of long steel = 16 x25 = 400mm
(c) 300 mm adopt 300mm.
Use Fe250 steel for ties.
. =•y~, )
(a) S = =( 11.1 x 28 x 400 x 145) / (57600 x 30)
+ y ( • F p•yF )

= 30mm Cl. 39.4.1

 110

(b) Spacing not more than 75mm

(c) Spacing not more than 320 / 6 = 53.3mm
(d) Spacing not less than 25
(e) Spacing not less than 6 x 3 = 18mm
Choose 30mm spacing.
(Design helically reinforced columns)
Problem 1 :
Design a circular pin ended column 400 mm dia and helically reinforced , with an unsupported length of 4.5 m
to carry a factored load of 900 KN. Assume M30 concrete and Fe 415 steel.
Solution:
Step 1: Factored load, –( = 900 Kn.
Step 2: Size of column D = 400mm, cover = 40mm
€ Z‹Œ = 320mm
D/20 = 400/20 = 20mm.
-• %% %% %%
˜´µ¶ = + = + = 22.3mm > 20mm.
%% % %% %

As ˜´µ¶ > D/20, theoretically short column formula for centrally loaded column is not applicable. However
the column is designed as centrally loaded, as the moment to be considered is small.

Step 3: Slenderness of column

-®
= 4500/40 = 11.25 < 12. (centrally loaded Short Column)
•

Step 4: Area of longitudinal steel

–( = 1.05 (0.4 b : + 0.67 b; (IS456 Cl. 39.4)
6%%
= x 400² / 4 = 125.6 x 10 ³ mm², = = 857 KN.
.% .%

857 x 10³ = [ .4 x 30 x ( 125600 - ) + 0.67 x 415 ]

= 1507 x 10³ + ( 278 – 12)
Concrete itself can carry more than the required load.
Hence provide minimum steel.
(´µ¶ ) = 0.8% ( of area required to carry P ) IS 456 Cl 26.5.3.1 (a) (b)
6%% %³
to resist given P = .% %. %
= 71428mm²
%.)
(´µ¶ ) =
%%
x ( 71428) = 571.4 mm².
Provide 6 nos. Of 12mm bars giving area 678 mm² as minimum number of bars allowed is 6 nos.
Step 5: Design Spirals CL.26.5.3.1(c)
Choose 6mm, a = 28 mm² (area) , s = pitch.
 111

Detailing at junctions with reinforcement footing –

 112

CHAPTER – 10

Ductility
Introduction –
Member or structural ductility is defined as the ratio of absolute maximum deformation to the
corresponding yield deformation. However ductility has no precise meaning until the method of measuring the
deformation has been defined. This can be defined with respect to strains, rotations, curvatures or deflections.
Strain based ductility definition depends almost exclusively on the materials, while rotation or curvature based
ductility definition also includes the effects of shape and size of the cross section. When the definition is
applied to deflections, the entire configuration of structure and loading is also taken into account.
Necessity of ductility -
When a ductile structure subjected to overloading it will tend to deform in elastically and in doing so, will
redistribute the excess load to elastic parts of the structure. This concept can be utilized in several ways.
1. If a structure is ductile, it can be expected to adapt to unexpected overloads, load reversals, impact and
structural movements due to foundation settlements and volume changes. These items are generally
ignored in the analysis and design but are assumed to have been taken care of by the presence of some
ductility in the structure.
2. If a structure is ductile, its occupants will have sufficient warning of the impending failure thus
reducing the probability of loss of life in the event of collapse.
3. The limit state design procedure assumes that all the critical sections in the structure will reach their
maximum capacities at design load for the structure. For this to occur, all joints and splices must be
able to withstand forces and deformations corresponding to yielding of the reinforcement.
Methods of improving ductility in R.C structure –
Selection of cross –section that will have adequate strength is rather easy. But it is much more difficult to
achieve the desired strength as well as ductility. To ensure sufficient ductility , the designer should pat
attention to detailing of reinforcement, bar cut-offs, splicing and joint details. Sufficient ductility can be
ensured by following certain simple design details such as .
1. The structural layout should be simple and regular avoiding offsets of beams to columns. or offsets of
columns from floor to floor. Changes in stiffness should be gradual from floor to floor.
2. The amount of tensile reinforcement in beams should be restricted and more compression
reinforcement should be provided. The later should be enclosed by stirrups to prevent it from buckling.
3. Beams and columns in a reinforced concrete frame should be designed in such a manner that
inelasticity is confined to beams only and the columns should remain elastic. To ensure this, sum of
the moment capacities of the columns for the design axial loads at a beam column joint should be
greater than the moment capacities of the beams along each principal plane.