UNIT 6: DESIGN OF COLUMNS

6.1 GENERAL
A compression member is a structural element which is subjected (predominantly) to axial
compressive forces. Compression members are most commonly encountered in reinforced
concrete buildings as columns (and sometimes as reinforced concrete walls), forming part of the
vertical framing system. Other types of compression members include truss members (struts),
inclined members and rigid frame members.
The column is representative of all types of compression members, and hence, sometimes, the
terms column and compression member are used interchangeably. The Code [Cl. 25.1.1 of
the Code] defines the column as a compression member, the effective length of which exceeds
three times the least lateral dimension. The term pedestal is used to describe a vertical
compression member whose effective length is less than three times its least lateral dimension
[Cl. 26.5.3.1(h) of the Code].
6.2 CLASSIFICATION OF COLUMNS
6.2.1 Based on Type of Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete columns may be classified into the following three types based on the type
of reinforcement provided:
1) Tied columns: where the main longitudinal bars are enclosed within closely spaced lateral
ties [Fig. 1(a)];
2) Spiral columns: where the main longitudinal bars are enclosed within closely spaced and
continuously wound spiral reinforcement [Fig. 1(b)];
3) Composite columns: where the reinforcement is in the form of structural steel sections or
pipes, with or without longitudinal bars [Fig. 1(c)].
6.2.2 Based on Type of Loading
Columns may be classified into the following three types, based on the nature of loading:
1. Columns with axial loading (applied concentrically) [Fig. 2(a)];
2. Columns with uniaxial eccentric loading [Fig. 2(b)];
3. Columns with biaxial eccentric loading [Fig. 2(c)].

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Fig. 1: Types of columns tied, spiral and composite

Fig. 2: Different loading situations in columns

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6.2.3 Based on Slenderness Ratios

Columns (i.e., compression members) may be classified into the following two types, depending
on whether slenderness effects are considered insignificant or significant:
1. Short columns;
2. Slender (or long) columns.
Slenderness is a geometrical property of a compression member which is related to the ratio of
its effective length to its lateral dimension. This ratio, called slenderness ratio, also provides a
measure of the vulnerability to failure of the column by elastic instability (buckling) in the
plane in which the slenderness ratio is computed. Columns with low slenderness ratios, i.e.,
relatively short and stocky columns, invariably fail under ultimate loads with the material
(concrete, steel) reaching its ultimate strength, and not by buckling. On the other hand, columns
with very high slenderness ratios are in danger of buckling (accompanied with large lateral
deflection) under relatively low compressive loads, and thereby failing suddenly. Design codes
attempt to preclude such failure by specifying slenderness limits to columns.
According to the IS Code (Cl. 25.1.2), a compression member may be classified as a short
column if its slenderness ratios with respect to the major principal axis (lex/D) as well as the
minor principal axis (ley/b) are both less than 12; otherwise, it should be treated as slender
column. Here lex and D denote the effective length and lateral dimension (depth) respectively
for buckling in the plane passing through the longitudinal centroidal axis and normal to the major
principal axis; i.e. causing buckling about the major axis [refer Fig. 2(c)]; likewise, ley and b refer
to the minor principal axis.
6.3 EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF COLUMN
When relative transverse displacement between the upper and lower ends of a column is
prevented, the frame is said to be braced (against sideway). In such cases, the effective length
ratio k varies between 0.5 and 1.0, as shown in Fig. 3. The extreme value k = 0.5 corresponds to
100 percent rotational fixity at both column ends [Fig. 3(a)] (i.e., when the connecting floor
beams have infinite flexural stiffness), and the other extreme value k = 1.0 corresponds to zero
rotational fixity at both column ends (pinned) [Fig. 3(c)] (i.e., when the beams have zero
flexural stiffness). When one end is fully fixed and the other pinned, k = 0.7 [Fig. 3(b)].
These values are tabulated in Table 28 of Annex E of the Code.

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Fig. 3: Effective lengths of columns braced against sideway

6.3.1 Code Recommendations
Although, in design practice, it is convenient to assume the idealized boundary conditions of
either zero or full restraint (rotational and translational) at a column end, the fact is that such
idealizations cannot generally be realized in actual structures. For this reason, the Code (Cl. E
1), while permitting these idealizations, recommends the use of effective length ratios k = le/l
that are generally more conservative than those obtained from theoretical considerations [Fig. 3].
These recommended values of k are as follows:
a) Both ends fixed rotationally [Fig. 3 (a)] : 0.65 (instead of 0.5)
b) One end fixed and the other pinned[Fig. 3 (b)] : 0.80 (instead of 0.7)
c) Both ends free rotationally (pinned) [Fig. 3 (c)] : 1.00
6.4 LOADS ON COLUMNS
Columns in a building frame are subjected to the following loads:
Live loads on the floor supported by column.
Dead weight of floor and beams supported by the column.
Self weight of the column.

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6.5 BRACED AND UNBRACED COLUMNS

It is desirable that the columns do not have to resist any horizontal loads due to wind or
earthquake. This can be achieved by bracing the columns as in the case of columns of a water
tank or tall buildings (Fig. 4). Lateral tie members for the columns of water tank or shear walls
for the columns of tall buildings resist the horizontal forces and these columns are called braced
columns. Unbraced columns are supposed to resist the horizontal loads also. The bracings can be
in one or more directions depending on the directions of the lateral loads. The effect of bracing
has been taken into account by the IS code in determining the effective lengths of columns (vide
Annex E of IS 456).

Fig. 4: bracing of columns

6.6 CODAL REQUIREMENTS
6.6.1 Slenderness Limits
Slenderness effects in columns effectively result in reduced strength, on account of the additional
secondary moments introduced. In the case of very slender columns, failure may occur
suddenly under small loads due to instability (elastic buckling), rather than due to material
failure. The Code attempts to prevent this type of failure (due to instability) by specifying certain
slenderness limits in the proportioning of columns.
The Code (Cl. 25.3.1) specifies that the ratio of the unsupported length (l) to the least lateral
dimension (d) of a column should not exceed a value of 60 (i.e., l/d 60). Furthermore, in case
one end of a column is free (i.e., cantilevered column) in any given plane, the Code (Cl. 25.3.2)
specifies that l 100b2/D where D is the depth of the cross-section measured in the plane of the
cantilever and b is the width (in the perpendicular direction).

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6.6.2 Minimum Eccentricities

Eccentricities not explicitly arising out of structural analysis calculations act on the column due
to various reasons, such as:
Lateral loads not considered in design;
Live load placements not considered in design;
Accidental lateral/eccentric loads;
Errors in construction (such as misalignments); and
Slenderness effects underestimated in design.
For this reason, the Code (Cl. 25.4) requires every column to be designed for a minimum
eccentricity emin (in any plane) equal to the unsupported length/500 plus lateral dimension/30,
subject to a minimum of 20 mm. For a column with a rectangular section, this implies:
(Whichever is greater)
(Whichever is greater)

For non-rectangular and non-circular cross-sectional shapes, it is recommended that, for any
given plane,

where le is the effective length of the column in the plane considered.

6.6.3 Reinforcement and Detailing
Longitudinal Reinforcement (refer Cl. 26.5.3.1 of the Code)
Minimum Reinforcement: The longitudinal bars must, in general, have a cross-sectional area
not less than 0.8 percent of the gross area of the column section. Such a minimum limit is
specified by the Code:
To ensure nominal flexural resistance under unforeseen eccentricities in loading; and
To prevent the yielding of the bars due to creep and shrinkage effects, which result in
a transfer of load from the concrete to the steel.
In very large-sized columns (where the large size is dictated, for instance, by architectural
considerations, and not strength) under axial compression, the limit of 0.8 percent of gross area
may result in excessive reinforcement. In such cases, the Code allows some concession by
permitting the minimum area of steel to be calculated as 0.8 percent of the area of concrete
required to resist the direct stress, and not the actual (gross) area.
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Maximum Reinforcement: The maximum cross-sectional area of longitudinal bars should not
exceed 6 percent of the gross area of the column section. However, a reduced maximum limit
of 4 percent is recommended in general in the interest of better placement and compaction of
concrete and, in particular, at lapped splice locations.

In tall buildings, columns located in the lowermost storeys generally carry heavy reinforcement
( 4 percent). The bars are progressively curtailed in stages at higher levels.

Minimum diameter / number of bars and their location: Longitudinal bars in columns (and
pedestals) should not be less than 12 mm in diameter and should not be spaced more than
300 mm apart (centre-to-centre) along the periphery of the column [Fig. 5 (a)]. At least 4 bars
(one at each corner) should be provided in a column with rectangular cross-section, and at
least 6 bars (equally spaced near the periphery) in a circular column. In spiral columns
(including noncircular shapes), the longitudinal bars should be placed in contact with the
spiral reinforcement, and equidistant around its inner circumference [Fig. 5 (b)]. In columns
with T-, L-, or other cross-sectional shapes, at least one bar should be located at each corner
or apex [Fig. 5 (c)].

Longitudinal bars are usually located close to the periphery (for better flexural resistance), but
may be placed in the interior of the column when eccentricities in loading are minimal. When a
large number of bars need to be accommodated, they may be bundled, or, alternatively, grouped,
as shown in [Fig. 5 (d)].

Cover to reinforcement: A minimum clear cover of 40 mm or bar diameter (whichever is

greater), to the column ties is recommended by the Code (Cl. 26.4.2.1) for columns in
general; a reduced clear cover of 25 mm is permitted in small-sized columns (D 200 mm
and whose reinforcing bars do not exceed 12mm) and a minimum clear cover of 15 mm (or
bar diameter, whichever is greater) is specified for walls. However, in aggressive
environments, it is desirable, in the interest of durability, to provide increased cover but
preferably not greater than 75 mm.

Transverse Reinforcement (refer Cl. 26.5.3.2 of the Code)

General: All longitudinal reinforcement in a compression member must be enclosed within
transverse reinforcement, comprising either lateral ties (with internal angles not exceeding
135o) or spirals. This is required:
To prevent the premature buckling of individual bars;
To confine the concrete in the core, thus improving ductility and strength;
To hold the longitudinal bars in position during construction; and
To provide resistance against shear and torsion, if required.

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Fig. 5: Some Code recommendations for detailing in columns

Lateral Ties: The arrangement of lateral ties should be effective in fulfilling the above
requirements. They should provide adequate lateral support to each longitudinal bar, thereby
preventing the outward movement of the bar. The diameter of the tie t is governed by
requirements of stiffness, rather than strength, and so is independent of the grade of steel.
The pitch st (centre-to-centre spacing along the longitudinal axis of the column) of the ties
should be small enough to reduce adequately the unsupported length (and hence, slenderness
ratio) of each longitudinal bar. The Code recommendations are as follows:

where long,max denotes the diameter of longitudinal bar to be tied and D denotes the least lateral
dimension of the column.
Ideally, the tie must turn around (and thereby provide full lateral restraint to) every longitudinal
bar that it encloses particularly the corner bars. When the spacing of longitudinal bars is less
than 75 mm, lateral support need only be provided for the corner and alternate bars [Fig. 5 (e)].
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The straight portion of a closed tie (between the corner bars) is not really effective if it is large,
as it tends to bulge outwards when the concrete core is subjected to compression. For this reason,
supplementary cross ties are required for effective confinement of the concrete. If the
longitudinal bars spaced at a distance not exceeding 48t are effectively tied in two directions,
then the additional longitudinal bars in between these bars need be tied only in one direction by
open ties [Fig. 5 (f)].

Spirals: Helical reinforcement provides very good confinement to the concrete in the core
and enhances significantly the ductility of the column at ultimate loads. The diameter and
pitch of the spiral may be computed as in the case of ties except when the column is designed
to carry a 5 percent overload (as permitted by the Code), in which case

The ends of the spiral should be anchored properly by providing one and a half extra turns.
6.7 DESIGN OF SHORT COLUMNS UNDER AXIAL COMPRESSION
The main assumptions made for limit state design of columns failing under pure compression as
specified in Cl. 39.1 of IS: 456-2000 are as follows:
1. The maximum compressive strain in concrete in axial compression is 0.002.
2. Plane sections remain plane in compression.
3. The design stress-strain curve of steel in compression is taken to be the same as in tension.
The design stress in steel is 0.87fy in Fe 250, 415 and 500 grade steels. Accordingly, under pure
axial loading conditions the design strength of the short column is expresses as,

Where,

fsc = 0.87fy

The code requires that all columns are to be designed for minimum eccentricity of 0.05 times the
lateral dimension. Hence, the final expression for the ultimate load is obtained by reducing the
value of Pu by 10 percent in the above equation specified as,

Where,

Pu = axial ultimate load on the member.

fck = characteristic compressive strength of concrete

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Ac = area of concrete
fy = characteristic compressive strength of steel
Asc = Area of longitudinal reinforcement
Short columns with helical reinforcement (spiral columns) have increased ductility prior to
collapse and hence the code permits 5% increase in the load carrying capacity of spiral columns.
However, the ratio of the volume of helical reinforcement to the volume of the core shall not be
less than,

according to Cl. 39.4.1 of IS:456-2000.

Where,

Ag = gross area of the section,

Ac = area of the core of the helically reinforced column measured to the outside
diameter of the helix.

6.8 DESIGN PROCEDURE TO FIND AREA OF COMPRESSION REINFORCEMENT

GIVEN THE DIMENSIONS
1. Slenderness ratio
If, L/D < 12
Design the column as short column.
2. Minimum eccentricity
Calculate,

3.
4.
5.
6.

7.

8.

Calculate, eper = 0.05D

emin < eper. Therefore codal formula can be used.
Calculate Pu = 1.5P
Area of column, A = b X D
Area of concrete, Ac = A- Asc
Design of longitudinal reinforcement,
Pu = 0.4 fck Ac + 0.67 fy Asc
Substitute value of Ac as (A Asc)
Find Asc
Assuming dia of bars ( ) (12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25mm, 32 mm)
Area of one bar, asc = * 2/4
No. of bars = Asc/asc
Design of lateral ties
Diameter ranges from /4 to 16 mm
Pitch is least of following,
i) Least lateral dimension: b or D

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ii) 16 times diameter of longitudinal bar ( )

iii) 300 mm
9. Sketch the reinforcement details.

6.9 DESIGN PROCEDURE TO FIND DIMENSIONS AND COMPRESSION

REINFORCEMENT
1. Area of concrete, Ac = A Asc
Assuming 0.8% percent of reinforcement = 0.008A
Ac = A 0.008A
2. Size of column
Pu = 0.4fckAc + 0.67fyAsc
Substitute Ac and Asc
Find the area of column required A
i) If square column, then size of column, D = sqrt(A)
ii) If rectangular column, then assume b = 300 mm to 500 mm then D = A/b
iii) If circular column, diameter, D = sqrt(4A/ )
3. Slenderness ratio check, L/D < 12. Therefore short column.
If L/D > 12, redesign.
4. Minimum eccentricity check
Calculate,
Calculate, eper = 0.05D
emin < eper. Therefore codal formula can be used.
If emin > eper revise the dimensions.
5. Design of longitudinal reinforcement
Calculate area of steel, Asc = 0.008A
Assuming dia of bars ( ) {12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm}
Area of one bar, asc = 2/4
No. of bars = Asc/ asc
10. Design of lateral ties
Diameter ranges from /4 to 16 mm
Pitch is least of following,
i) Least lateral dimension: b or D
ii) 16 times diameter of longitudinal bar ( )
iii) 300 mm
11. Sketch the reinforcement details.

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6.10 DESIGN OF SHORT COLUMNS UNDER COMPRESSION WITH UNIAXIAL

BENDING
The external columns of multistoried buildings and columns supporting crane loads through
corbels are subjected to direct loads and bending moments. The compression members should be
designed for axial load and bending moment based on the assumptions prescribed in IS: 4562000 code Cls. 39.1 and 39.2.
The analytical design of members subjected to combined axial load and uniaxial bending
involves lengthy calculation by trial and error and the method uses equilibrium equal to
determine the area of reinforcement required to resist direct loads and uniaxial moment. In order
to overcome these difficulties, IS code recommends the use of interaction diagrams involving
non-dimensional parameters in SP: 16 design aids for reinforced concrete.
The following cases are covered in the SP: 16 design charts:
1. Rectangular section reinforced with equal number of bars on opposite sides parallel to
that axis of bending (Charts 27 to 38).
2. Rectangular sections reinforced with equal number of bars on all the four sides (Charts 39
to 50).
3. Circular sections reinforced with 8 bars symmetrically spaced (Charts 51 to 62) and these
charts can also be used for bars not less than 6.
The charts for each of these types have been given for three grades of steel (Fe-250, Fe-415 and
Fe-500) and four values of the ratio (d`/D). The dotted lines in these chats indicate the stress in
bars nearest to the tension face of the member. It is pertinent to note that all these stress values
are at the failure condition corresponding to the limit state of collapse and not at working loads.
The construction of these design charts are based on the equilibrium equations at the limit state
collapse as outlined in SP: 16.

Fig. 6: Compression with bending-Rectangular section-Reinforcement distributed equally

on two sides (SP: 16 chart 32)
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6.11 DESIGN OF SHORT COLUMNS UNDER COMPRESSION WITH BIAXIAL

BENDING
Columns located at the corners of a multistoried building with rigidly connected beams at right
angles, develop biaxial moments together with the axial compression load transmitted from
beams. Fig. 7 (a) shows the column section subjected to the axial compressive load P u and the
moments Mux and Muy about the major and minor axis respectively. Fig. 7 (b) shows the axis of
bending and the resultant moment Mu acts about this axis inclined to the two principal axes. The
resultant eccentricity is computed as e = Mu/Pu and this can also be expressed as,

where,

and

The possible neutral axis lies in the X-Y plane as shown in Fig. 7 (c).
By choosing the neutral axis which is in the X-Y plane, calculations are made from fundamentals
to satisfy the equilibrium of load and moments about both the axes. This procedure is tedious and
is not generally recommended for routine design.

Fig. 7: Biaxial bending of short column

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6.11.1 Codal method for design of compression members subjected to biaxial bending
The simplified procedure adopted by the code (Cl. 39.6) based on Breslers empirical
formulation is expressed by the relation,

Where Mux, Muy are the moments about X and Y axes respectively due to design loads. Mux1 and
Muy1 are the maximum uniaxial moment capacities with an axial load P u, bending about X and Y
axes respectively. n is an exponent whose value depends on the ratio of P u/Puz where,
Puz = 0.45fckAsc + 0.75fyAsc

i.e., value of Pu when M = 0

Alternative to this equation chart 63 of SP: 16 can be used to get Puz. For different values of
Pu/Puz, the appropriate values of n has been taken and curves for the equation,
have been plotted in Chart 64 of SP: 16.

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