Rohini College of Engineering & Technology

UNIT IV DESIGN OF COLUMNS

Types of columns
Compression members are structural elements primarily subjected to axial compressive forces
and hence, their design is guided by considerations of strength and buckling. Examples of compression
member pedestal, column, wall and strut.

Effective length: The vertical distance between the points of inflection of the compression
member in the buckled configuration in a plane is termed as effective length le of that compression
member in that plane. The effective length is different from the unsupported length l of the member,
though it depends on the unsupported length and the type of end restraints. The relation between the
effective and unsupported lengths of any compression member is
le = k l
Where k is the ratio of effective to the unsupported lengths.

Pedestal: Pedestal is a vertical compression member whose effective length le does not exceed three
times of its least horizontal dimension b. The other horizontal dimension D shall not exceed four times
of b.

Column: Column is a vertical compression member whose unsupported length l shall not exceed sixty
times of b (least lateral dimension), if restrained at the two ends. Further, its unsupported length of a
cantilever column shall not exceed 100b2/D, where D is the larger lateral dimension which is also
restricted up to four times of b

Wall: Wall is a vertical compression member whose effective height Hwe to thickness t (least lateral
dimension) shall not exceed 30. The larger horizontal dimension i.e., the length of the wall L is more
than 4t.

Types of columns

A column may be classified based on different criteria such as:

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1. Based on shape
• Rectangle
• Square
• Circular

2. Based on slenderness ratio or height

Short column and Long column or Short and Slender Compression Members

A compression member may be considered as short when both the slenderness ratios namely
lex/D and ley/b are less than 12:
Where
lex= effective length in respect of the major axis, D= depth in respect of the major axis, ley=
effective length in respect of the minor axis, and b = width of the member.

It shall otherwise be considered as a slender or long compression member.

The great majority of concrete columns are sufficiently stocky (short) that slenderness
can be ignored. Such columns are referred to as short columns. Short column generally fails by
crushing of concrete due to axial force. If the moments induced by slenderness effects weaken
a column appreciably, it is referred to as a slender column or a long column. Long columns
generally fail by bending effect than due to axial effect. Long column carry less load compared
to long column.

3. Based on pattern of lateral reinforcement

• Tied columns with ties as laterals

• Columns with Spiral steel as laterals or spiral columns

Majority of columns in any buildings are tied columns. In a tied column the longitudinal
bars are tied together with smaller bars at intervals up the column. Tied columns may be square,
rectangular, L-shaped, circular, or any other required shape. Occasionally, when high strength
and/or high ductility are required, the bars are placed in a circle, and the ties are replaced by a
bar bent into a helix or spiral. Such a column, called a spiral column. Spiral columns are
generally circular, although square or polygonal shapes are sometimes used. The spiral acts to
restrain the lateral expansion of the column core under high axial loads and, in doing so, delays
the failure of the core, making the column more ductile. Spiral columns are used more
extensively in seismic regions. If properly designed, spiral column carries 5% extra load at
failure compared to similar tied column.

4. Based on type of loading

• Axially loaded column or centrally or concentrically loaded column (Pu)

• A column subjected to axial load and uniaxial bending (Pu + Mux) or (P + Muy)

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• A column subjected to axial load and biaxial bending (Pu + Mux + Muy)

5. Based on materials

• Timber
• Stone
• Masonry
• RCC
• PSC
• Steel
• Aluminium ,
• Composite column

Minimum Eccentricity

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In practical construction, columns are rarely truly concentric. Even a theoretical column loaded
axially will have accidental eccentricity due to inaccuracy in construction or variation of materials etc.
Accordingly, all axially loaded columns should be designed considering the minimum eccentricity

ex min ≥ greater of (l/500 + D/30) or 20 mm

ey min ≥ greater of (l/500 + b/30) or 20 mm
where l, D and b are the unsupported length, larger lateral dimension and least lateral dimension,
respectively.
Longitudinal Reinforcement

The longitudinal reinforcing bars carry the compressive loads along with the concrete. stipulates
the guidelines regarding the minimum and maximum amount, number of bars, minimum diameter of
bars, spacing of bars etc. The following are the salient points:
• The minimum amount of steel should be at least 0.8 per cent of the gross cross-sectional area
of the column required if for any reason the provided area is more than the required area.
• The maximum amount of steel should be 4 per cent of the gross cross-sectional area of the
column so that it does not exceed 6 per cent when bars from column below have to be lapped
with those in the column under consideration.
• Four and six are the minimum number of longitudinal bars in rectangular and circular
columns, respectively.
• The diameter of the longitudinal bars should be at least 12 mm.
• Columns having helical reinforcement shall have at least six longitudinal bars within and in
contact with the helical reinforcement. The bars shall be placed equidistant around its inner
circumference.
• The bars shall be spaced not exceeding 300 mm along the periphery of the column.
• The amount of reinforcement for pedestal shall be at least 0.15 per cent of the cross-sectional
area provided.
Pitch and Diameter of Lateral Ties

Pitch: The maximum pitch of transverse reinforcement shall be the least of the following:
(i) the least lateral dimension of the compression members;
(ii) sixteen times the smallest diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement bar to be tied; and
(iii) 300 mm.
(b) Diameter: The diameter of the polygonal links or lateral ties shall be not less than one-fourth of the
diameter of the largest longitudinal bar, and in no case less than 6 mm.

CE3501 DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS