CHAPTER 10: SHORT COLUMNS SUBJECT TO AXIAL LOAD AND BENDING

10
10.1 INTRODUCTION

The equivalency between an eccentrically applied load and an axial load–moment combination is shown in Figure 10.1.
Assume that a force 𝑃𝑢 is applied to a cross section at a distance 𝑒 (eccentricity) from the centroid, as shown in Figure
10.1a and b. Add equal and opposite forces 𝑃𝑢 at the centroid of the cross section (Figure 10.1c). The original eccentric
force 𝑃𝑢 may now be combined with the upward force 𝑃𝑢 to form a couple, 𝑃𝑢 𝑒, that is a pure moment. This will leave
remaining one force, 𝑃𝑢 , acting downward at the centroid of the cross section. It can therefore be seen that if a force 𝑃𝑢
is applied with an eccentricity e, the situation that results is identical to the case where an axial load of 𝑃𝑢 at the
centroid and a moment of 𝑃𝑢 𝑒 are simultaneously applied (Figure 10.1d).

Figure 10.1 Load – moment – eccentricity relationship

If we define 𝑀𝑢 as the factored moment to be applied on a compression member along with a factored axial load of 𝑃𝑢
at the centroid, the relationship between the two is
𝑴𝒖
𝒆=
𝑷𝒖

At one time the ACI Code stipulated that compression members be designed for an eccentricity e of not less than 0.05ℎ
for spirally reinforced columns or 0.10ℎ for tied columns, but at least 25 mm in any case. Here ℎ is defined as the overall
dimension of the column. These specified minimum eccentricities were originally intended to serve as a means of
reducing the axial load design strength of a section in pure compression. The effect of the minimum eccentricity
requirement was to limit the maximum axial load strength of a compression member.

10.2 PLASTIC CENTROID

The eccentricity of a column load is the distance from the load to the plastic centroid of the column. The plastic centroid
represents the location of the resultant force produced by the steel and the concrete. It is the point in the column cross
section through which the resultant column load must pass to produce uniform strain at failure. For locating the plastic
centroid, all concrete is assumed to be stressed in compression to 0.85𝑓′𝑐 and all steel to 𝑓𝑦 in compression. For
symmetrical sections, the plastic centroid coincides with the centroid of the column cross section, while for
nonsymmetrical sections, it can be located by taking moments.

Example 1: Locate the plastic centroid of the column shown. Use 𝑓′𝑐 = 28 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 MPa.
10.3 ANALYSIS OF ECCENTRICALLY LOADED SHORT COLUMNS

The first step in our investigation of short columns carrying loads at large eccentricity is to determine the strength of a
given column cross section that carries loads at various eccentricities. This may be thought of as an analysis process.
For this development, we will find the design axial load strength 𝜙𝑃𝑛 , where 𝑃𝑛 is defined as the nominal axial load
strength at a given eccentricity.

Figure 10.2 Calculation of 𝑃𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 using stress and strain diagrams

10.4 INTERACTION DIAGRAMS

We have seen that by statics, the values of 𝑃𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 for a given column with a certain set of strains can easily be
determined. Preparing an interaction curve with a hand calculator for just one column, however, is quite tedious. Imagine
the work involved in a design situation where various sizes, concrete strengths, and steel percentages need to be
considered. Consequently, designers resort almost completely to computer programs, computer-generated interaction
diagrams, or tables for their column calculations. The remainder of this chapter is concerned primarily with computer-
generated interaction diagrams such as the one in Figure 10.3. As we have seen, such a diagram is drawn for a column
as the load changes from one of a pure axial nature through varying combinations of axial loads and moments and on
to a pure bending situation.

Figure 10.3 Column Interaction Diagram

Interaction diagrams are useful for studying the strengths of columns with varying proportions of loads and moments.
Any combination of loading that falls inside the curve is satisfactory, whereas any combination falling outside the curve
represents failure.

If a column is loaded to failure with an axial load only, the failure will occur at point A on the diagram (Figure 10.3).
Moving out from point A on the curve, the axial load capacity decreases as the proportion of bending moment increases.
At the very bottom of the curve, point C represents the bending strength of the member if it is subjected to moment only
with no axial load present. In between the extreme points A and C, the column fails because of a combination of axial
load and bending. Point B is called the balanced point and represents the balanced loading case, where theoretically a
compression failure and tensile yielding occur simultaneously.

Refer to point D on the curve. The horizontal and vertical dashed lines to this point indicate a particular combination of
axial load and moment at which the column will fail. Should a radial line be drawn from point 0 to the interaction curve
at any point (as to D in this case), it will represent a constant eccentricity of load, that is, a constant ratio of moment to
axial load.

You may be somewhat puzzled by the shape of the lower part of the curve from B to C, where bending predominates.
From A to B on the curve, the moment capacity of a section increases as the axial load decreases, but just the opposite
occurs from B to C. A little thought on this point, however, shows that the result is quite logical after all. The part of the
curve from B to C represents the range of tensile failures. Any axial compressive load in that range tends to reduce the
stresses in the tensile bars, with the result that a larger moment can be resisted.

If interaction curves for 𝑃𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 values were prepared, they would be of the types shown in Figures 10.3. To use
such curves to obtain design values, they would have to have three modifications made to them as specified in the code.
These modifications are as follows:
1. Strength reduction or 𝜙 factors (0.65 for tied columns and 0.75 for spiral columns) that must be multiplied by 𝑃𝑛
values. If a 𝑃𝑛 curve for a particular column were multiplied by 𝜙, the result would be a curve something like the ones
shown in Figure 10.4.

Figure 10.4 Curves for 𝑃𝑛 and 𝜙𝑃𝑛

2. The second modification also refers to 𝜙 factors. The code specifies values of 0.65 and 0.75 for tied and spiral
columns, respectively. Should a column have quite a large moment and a very small axial load so that it falls on the
lower part of the curve between points B and C (see Figure 10.3), the use of these small 𝜙 values may be a little
unreasonable. For instance, for a member in pure bending (point C on the same curve), the specified 𝜙 is 0.90, but
if the same member has a very small axial load added, 𝜙 would immediately fall to 0.65 or 0.75. Therefore, the code
states that when members subject to axial load and bending have net tensile strains (𝜀𝑡 ) between the limits for
compression-controlled and tensile-controlled sections, they fall in the transition zone for 𝜙. In this zone, it is
permissible to increase 𝜙 linearly from 0.65 or 0.75 to 0.90 as 𝜀𝑡 increases from the compression-controlled limit to
0.005.
3. Maximum permissible column loads were specified for columns no matter how small their e values. As a result, the
upper part of each design interaction curve is shown as a horizontal line representing the appropriate value of
𝜙𝑃𝑛 (max).

Each of the three modifications described here is indicated on the design curve of Figure 10.5. In Figure 10.5, the solid
curved line represents 𝑃𝑢 vs 𝑀𝑢 (𝜙𝑃𝑛 vs 𝜙𝑀𝑛 ), whereas the dashed curved line is 𝑃𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 . The difference between
the two curves is the V factor. The two curves would have the same shape if the 𝜙 factor did not vary. Above the radial
line labeled “balanced case,” 𝐹 = 0.65 (0.75 for spirals). Below the other radial line, labeled “strain of 0.005,” 𝜙 = 0.90.
It varies between the two values in between, and the 𝑃𝑢 vs 𝑀𝑢 (𝜙𝑃𝑛 vs 𝜙𝑀𝑛 ), curve assumes a different shape.
Figure 10.5 Column interaction diagram

Example 1: Using material strengths of 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi with 𝜀𝑦 = 0.002), determine
the nominal axial load and moment capacity, 𝑃𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 , for the column shown for the following conditions: (a) If 𝑒 = 0;
(b) If 𝜀𝑡 = +0.005; (c) If 𝜀𝑡 = +0.0035; (d) balanced condition (assume 𝜀𝑦 = 0.002); (e) If 𝑒 = 100 mm; (f) If 𝑒 = 175 mm;
(g) If 𝑒 = 250 mm; (h) If 𝑒 = 350 mm; (i) If section is subject to pure moment; (j) Plot the 𝑃𝑛 vs 𝑀𝑛 curve; (k) Plot the 𝜙𝑃𝑛
vs 𝜙𝑀𝑛 curve.

10.5 ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF ECCENTRICALLY LOADED COLUMNS USING ACI INTERACTION DIAGRAMS

If individual column interaction diagrams were prepared as described in the preceding sections, it would be necessary
to have a diagram for each different column cross section, for each different set of concrete and steel grades, and for
each different bar arrangement. The result would be an astronomical number of diagrams. The number can be
tremendously reduced, however, if the diagrams are plotted with ordinates of 𝐾𝑛 = 𝑃𝑛 ⁄𝑓′𝑐 𝐴𝑔 (instead of 𝑃𝑛 ) and with
abscissas of 𝑅𝑛 = 𝑃𝑛 𝑒⁄𝑓′𝑐 𝐴𝑔 ℎ (instead of 𝑀𝑛 ). The resulting normalized interaction diagrams can be used for cross
sections with widely varying dimensions. The ACI has prepared normalized interaction curves in this manner for the
different cross section and bar arrangement situations shown in Figure 10.6 and for different grades of steel and
concrete.

Figure 10.6 Column sections for ACI Interaction Diagrams

In order to correctly use these diagrams, it is necessary to compute the value of 𝛾 (gamma), which is equal to the
distance from the center of the bars on one side of the column to the center of the bars on the other side of the column
divided by ℎ, the depth of the column (both values being taken in the direction of bending). Usually the value of 𝛾
obtained falls in between a pair of curves, and interpolation of the curve readings will have to be made.

Be sure that the column picture at the upper right of the interaction curve being used agrees with the column being
considered. In other words, are there bars on two faces of the column or on all four faces? If the wrong curves are
selected, the answers may be quite incorrect.

Figure 10.7 ACI Column Interaction Diagram

Example 1: Using material strengths of 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi), determine the nominal axial
load capacity, 𝑃𝑛 , for the column shown for the following conditions: (a) If 𝑒 = 0; (b) If 𝜀𝑡 = +0.005; (c) If 𝜀𝑡 = +0.0035; (d)
balanced condition (assume 𝜀𝑦 = +0.002); (e) If 𝑒 = 100 mm; (f) If 𝑒 = 175 mm; (g) If 𝑒 = 250 mm; (h) If 𝑒 = 350 mm; (i)
If section is subject to pure moment. Use ACI column interaction diagrams.

Example 2: The short 350 mm X 500 mm tied column is to be used to support the following loads and moments: 𝑃𝐷 =
556 kN, 𝑃𝐿 = 623 kN, 𝑀𝐷 = 102 kN − m, 𝑀𝐿 = 122 kN − m. If 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi), select
reinforcing bars to be placed in its end faces only using appropriate ACI column interaction diagrams.
Example 3: Design a short square tied column for the following conditions: 𝑃𝑢 = 2670 kN, 𝑀𝑢 = 108 kN − m, 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6
MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi). Place the bars uniformly around all four faces of the column.
Example 4: Design a short circular spiral column for the following conditions: 𝑃𝑢 = 2225 kN, 𝑀𝑢 = 305 kN − m, 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6
MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi). Assume a diameter of 500 mm and location of centroid of bars is 65 mm from
the concrete surface.

10.6 ANALYSIS OF SHORT COLUMN SUBJECTED TO BIAXIAL BENDING

Many columns are subjected to biaxial bending, that is, bending about both axes. Corner columns in buildings where
beams and girders frame into the columns from both directions are the most common cases, but there are others, such
as where columns are cast monolithically as part of frames in both directions or where columns are supporting heavy
spandrel beams. Bridge piers are almost always subject to biaxial bending.

Circular columns have polar symmetry and, thus, the same ultimate capacity in all directions. The design process is the
same, therefore, regardless of the directions of the moments. If there is bending about both the x- and y-axes, the biaxial
moment can be computed by combining the two moments or their eccentricities as follows:
𝟐
𝑴𝒖 = √(𝑴𝒖𝒙 )𝟐 + (𝑴𝒖𝒚 )
or
𝟐
𝒆 = √(𝒆𝒙 )𝟐 + (𝒆𝒚 )

For shapes other than circular ones, it is necessary to consider the three-dimensional interaction effects. Whenever
possible, it is desirable to make columns subject to biaxial bending circular in shape. Should it be necessary to use
square or rectangular columns for such cases, the reinforcing should be placed uniformly around the perimeters.

You might quite logically think that you could determine 𝑃𝑛 for a biaxially loaded column by using static equations. Such
a procedure will lead to the correct answer, but the mathematics involved is so complicated because of the shape of the
compression side of the column that the method is not a practical one. Nevertheless, a few comments are made about
this type of solution, and reference is made to Figure 10.8.

Figure 10.8 Column cross section with skewed neutral axis from biaxial bending

For column shapes other than circular ones, it is desirable to consider three-dimensional interaction curves such as the
one shown in Figure 10.9. In this figure, the curve labeled 𝑀𝑛𝑥𝑜 represents the interaction curve if bending occurs about
the x-axis only, while the one labeled 𝑀𝑛𝑦𝑜 is the one if bending occurs about the y-axis only. In this figure, for a constant
𝑃𝑛 , the hatched plane shown represents the contour of 𝑀𝑛 for bending about any axis.

Today, the analysis of columns subject to biaxial bending is primarily done with computers. One of the approximate
methods that is useful in analysis and that can be handled with pocket calculators includes the use of the so-called
reciprocal interaction equation, which was developed by Professor Boris Bresler of the University of California at
Berkeley.
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + −
𝑷𝒏 𝑷𝒏𝒙 𝑷𝒏𝒚 𝑷𝒐
where
𝑃𝑛 = the nominal axial load capacity of the section when the load is placed at a given eccentricity along both axes.
𝑃𝑛𝑥 = the nominal axial load capacity of the section when the load is placed at an eccentricity 𝑒𝑥 .
𝑃𝑛𝑦 = the nominal axial load capacity of the section when the load is placed at an eccentricity 𝑒𝑦 .
𝑃𝑜 = the nominal axial load capacity of the section when the load is placed with a zero eccentricity. It is usually taken
as 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝐴𝑔 + 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑡 .

The Bresler equation works rather well as long as 𝑃𝑛 is at least as large as 0.10𝑃𝑜 . Should 𝑃𝑛 be less than 0.10Po, it is
satisfactory to neglect the axial force completely and design the section as a member subject to biaxial bending only.
This procedure is a little on the conservative side. For this lower part of the interaction curve, it will be remembered that
a little axial load increases the moment capacity of the section. The Bresler equation does not apply to axial tension
loads. Professor Bresler found that the ultimate loads predicted by his equation for the conditions described do not vary
from test results by more than 10%.

Figure 10.9 Interaction surface for biaxially loaded column

Example 1: Determine the nominal axial load capacity, 𝑃𝑛 of the column shown if 𝑒𝑥 = 200 mm and 𝑒𝑦 = 400 mm. Use
𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi).
10.7 DESIGN OF SHORT COLUMN SUBJECTED TO BIAXIAL BENDING

During the past few decades, several approximate methods have been introduced for the design of columns with biaxial
moments. For instance, quite a few design charts are available with which satisfactory designs may be made. The
problems are reduced to very simple calculations in which coefficients are taken from the charts and used to magnify
the moments about a single axis. Designs are then made with the regular uniaxial design charts.

An approximate procedure that works fairly well for design office calculations is uses a simple method applied to square
columns, the values of both 𝑀𝑛𝑥 and 𝑀𝑛𝑦 are assumed to act about both the x-axis and the y-axis (i.e., 𝑀𝑥 = 𝑀𝑦 =
𝑀𝑛𝑥 + 𝑀𝑛𝑦 ). The steel is selected about one of the axes and is spread around the column, and the Bresler expression
is used to check the ultimate load capacity of the eccentrically loaded column.

Should a rectangular section be used where the y-axis is the weaker direction, it would seem logical to calculate 𝑀𝑦 =
𝑀𝑛𝑥 + 𝑀𝑛𝑦 and to use that moment to select the steel required about the y-axis and spread the computed steel area
over the whole column cross section. Although such a procedure will produce safe designs, the resulting columns may
be rather uneconomical, because they will often be much too strong about the strong axis. A fairly satisfactory
approximation is to calculate 𝑀𝑦 = 𝑀𝑛𝑥 + 𝑀𝑛𝑦 and multiply it by 𝑏/ℎ, and with that moment design the column about the
weaker axis.

Example 1: Design a square tied column subjected to following loads: 𝑃𝐷 = 445 kN, 𝑃𝐿 = 890 kN, 𝑀𝐷𝑥 = 68 kN − m,
𝑀𝐿𝑥 = 150 kN − m , 𝑀𝐷𝑦 = 55 kN − m, 𝑀𝐿𝑦 = 122 kN − m. Use 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi).
Assume a column dimension of 550 mm with bars placed uniformly around all four faces of the column. Location of
centroid bars are 75 mm from concrete surface. Use a load combination of U = 1.2D + 1.6L.

Example 2: Design a rectangular tied column subjected to following loads: 𝑃𝐷 = 700 kN, 𝑃𝐿 = 500 kN, 𝑀𝐷𝑥 = 80 kN − m,
𝑀𝐿𝑥 = 120 kN − m , 𝑀𝐷𝑦 = 70 kN − m, 𝑀𝐿𝑦 = 90 kN − m. Use 𝑓′𝑐 = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and 𝑓𝑦 = 413.7 MPa (60 ksi).
Assume a column dimensions ratio of 𝑏/ℎ = 0.75 with bars placed uniformly around all four faces of the column. Location
of centroid bars are 65 mm from concrete surface. Use a load combination of U = 1.2D + 1.6L.