COLUMNS (SECTION 410 NSCP 2015)

Introduction
Columns are vertical structural elements where the load is transferred parallel to the
longitudinal axis as compression, and sometimes as tension . For example, think of a
rectangular table with four legs at the corners. The weight of the table and all the objects on
the table is transferred to the floor through the legs acting in compression. In this case the legs
can be considered as columns.

Scope (410.1)
The scope of this section shall apply to the design of non-prestressed, prestressed, and
composite columns, including reinforced concrete pedestals.

General (410.2)
Materials (410.2.1)
Columns are typically constructed from materials such as stone, brick, block, concrete,
timber, steel, and so on, which have good compressive strength. In accordance to Section
410.2.1-3, the design for concrete shall be selected according with Section 419, the design
properties for steel reinforcement and structural steel used in composite columns shall be
selected in accordance with Section 420 and the materials, design, and detailing requirements
for embedment in concrete shall be in accordance with Section 420.7.

Composite Columns (410.2.2)

For composite columns, if a structural steel shape, pipe, or tubing is used as longitudinal
reinforcement, the column shall be designed as a composite column.

Connection to Other Members (410.2.3)

The combined use of steel and concrete to form composite structures has been used
widely. The connections are an important part of steel structure and are designed more
conventionally than any individual members. In accordance to Section 410.2.3.1-3, for cast-in-
place construction, beam-column and slab-column joints should satisfy Section 415, for precast
construction, connections should satisfy the force transfer requirements of Section 416.2, and
for connection of columns to foundations should satisfy Section 416.3.
Design Limits (410.3)
Among the all structural Members the Design of Columns are very important yet the
Design of Columns are much neglected. This importance of Structural nature of column is
because if any other structural member say Beams or Slabs fails, it will cause only a local failure
in that particular portion of the structure. Whereas, failure of a column means that the of that
particular column which has failed will have to be borne by the adjacent columns, hence it will
give loads on the adjacent columns beyond their Design Limit.

Dimensional Limits (410.3.1)

In accordance to Section 410.3.1-6, for columns with a square, octagonal, or other
shaped cross section, it shall be permitted to base gross area considered, required
reinforcement, and design strength on a circular section with a diameter equal to the least
lateral dimension of the actual shape. For columns with cross sections larger than required by
considerations of loading, it shall be permitted to base gross arca considered, required
reinforcement, and design strength on a reduced effective area, not less than one-half the total
area. This provision shall not apply to columns in special moment frames designed in
accordance with Section 418. For columns built monolithically with a concrete wall, the outer
limits of the effective cross section of the column shall not be taken greater than40mm. outside
the transverse reinforcement. For columns with two or more interlocking spirals, outer limits of
the effective cross section shall be taken at a distance outside the spirals equal to the minimum
required concrete cover. If a reduced effective area is considered according to Sections
410.3.1.1 through 410.3.1.4, structural analysis and design of other parts of the structure that
interact with the column shall be based on the actual cross section. For composite columns
with a concrete core encased by structural steel, the thickness of the steel encasement shall be
at least (a) or (b):

Required Strength (410.4)

General (410.4.1)
In accordance to Section 410.4.1-2, the required strength shall be calculated in
accordance with the factored load combinations in Section 405 and with the analysis
procedures in Section 406.
Factored Axial Force and Moment (410.4.2)
The Pu and Mu occurring simultaneously for each applicable factored load combination
shall be considered.

Design Strength (410.5)

General (410.5.1)
In accordance to Section 410.5.1-2, for each applicable factored load combination,
design strength at all sections shall satisfy ΦSn > U, including (a) through (d). Interaction
between load effects shall be considered:
a. ΦPn > Pu
b. ΦMn > Mu
c. ΦVn > Vu
d. ΦTn > Tu
The Φ shall be determined in accordance with Section 421.2.

Axial Force and Moment (410.5.2)

In accordance to Section 450.5.2.1-2, the Pu and Mu shall be calculated in accordance
with Section 422.4. For composite columns, forces shall be transferred between the steel
section and concrete by direct bearing, shear connectors, or bond in accordance to the axial
strength assigned to each component.

Shear (410.5.3)
The Vn shall be calculated in accordance with Section 422.5.

Torsion (410.5.4)
If Tu > ΦTth, where Tth is given in Section 422.7, torsion shall be considered in accordance
with Section 409.

Reinforcement Limits (410.6)

There are multiple benefits in stipulating upper and lower reinforcement ratios in a
column. The primary motive for the minimum limit is to ensure that the moment capacity is
higher than the cracking moment. This is to make sure that you eliminate the danger of a brittle
failure. Values of maximum reinforcement ratio is specified differently in different countries.
This is to ensure enough ductility in the column.
Minimum and Maximum Longitudinal Reinforcement (410.6.1)
In accordance to Section 410.6.1-2, for non-prestressed columns and for prestressed
columns with average fpe < 1.6 MPa, area of longitudinal reinforcement shall be at least 0.01Ag,
but shall not exceed 0.08Ag. For composite columns with a structural steel core, area of
longitudinal bars located within the transverse reinforcement shall be at least 0.01(Ag, - Asx),
but shall not exceed 0.08(Ag, - Asx).

Minimum Shear Reinforcement (410.6.2)

In accordance to Section 410.6.2.1-2, a minimum area of shear reinforcement Av,min,
shall be provided in all regions where Vu > 0.5ΦVc. If shear reinforcement is required, Av,min shall
be greater of (a) and (b):

Reinforcement Detailing (410.7)

Reinforcement detailing plays an important role in construction to resist the collapse of
buildings from defective connection or detailing.

General (410.7.1)
In accordance to Section 410.7.1.1-2, the concrete cover for reinforcement shall be in
accordance with Section 420.6.1. The development lengths of deformed and prestressed
reinforcement shall be in accordance with Section 425.4. The bundled bars shall be in
accordance with Section 425.6.

Reinforced Spacing (410.7.2)

The minimum spacing s shall be in accordance with Section 425.2.
Longitudinal Reinforcement (410.7.3)
In accordance to Section 410.7.3.1-2, for non-prestressed columns and for prestressed
columns with average fpe < 1.60 MPa, the minimum number of longitudinal bars shall be (a), (b),
or (c):
a. Three within triangular ties;
b. Four within rectangular or circular ties;
c. Six enclosed by spirals or for columns of special moment frames enclosed by circular hoops.
For composite columns with structural steel cores, a longitudinal bar shall be located at
every corner of a rectangular cross section, with other longitudinal bars spaced not farther
apart than one-half the least side dimension of the composite column.

Offset Bent Longitudinal Reinforcement (410.7.4)

Offset bent longitudinal reinforcement means the bending of vertical reinforcement
bars of a column (bigger column) at a specific storey with the purpose of providing the bars
across the limit of a column over (smaller column). In accordance to Section 410.7.4.1-2, the
slope of the inclined portion of an offset bent longitudinal bar relative to the longitudinal axis of
the column shall not exceed 1 in 6. Portions of bar above and below an offset shall be parallel
to axis of column. If the column face is offset 75 mm or more, longitudinal bars shall not be
offset bent and separate dowels, lap spliced with the longitudinal bars adjacent to the offset
column faces, shall be provided.

Splices of Longitudinal Reinforcement (410.7.5)

The method used to join the reinforcement bars, so that the force is transferred
effectively from one bar to the other is called as splicing. The integrity of the concrete structure
is dependent on proper splicing of the reinforcement bars.
General (410.7.5.1)
In accordance to Section 410.7.5.1.1-3, lap splices, mechanical splices, butt-welded
splices, and end-bearing splices shall be permitted, splices shall satisfy requirements for all
factored load combinations, and splices of deformed reinforcement shall be in accordance with
Section 425.5 and shall satisfy the requirements of Section 410.7.5.2 for lap splices or Section
410.7.5.3 for end-bearing splices.
Lap Splices (410.7.5.2)
In accordance to Section 410.7.5.2.1-2, if the bar force due to factored loads is
compressive, compression lap splices shall be permitted. It shall be permitted to decrease the
compression lap splice length in accordance with (a) or (b), but the lap splice length shall be at
least 300 mm.:
a. For tied columns, where ties throughout the lap splice length have an effective area not less
than 0.0015hs in both directions, lap splice length shall be permitted to be multiplied by 0.83.
Tie legs perpendicular to dimension h shall be considered in calculating effective area;
b. For spiral columns, where spirals throughout the lap splice length satisfy Section 425.7.3, lap
splice length shall be permitted to be multiplied by 0.75.
If the bar force due to factored loads is tensile, tension lap splices shall be in accordance
with Table 410.7.5.2.2.

End-bearing Splices (410.7.5.3)

In accordance to Section 410.7.5.3.1-2, if the bar force due to factored loads is
compressive, end-bearing splices shall be permitted provided the splices are staggered or
additional bars are provided at splice locations. The continuing bars in each face of the column
shall have a tensile strength at least 0.25f, times the area of the vertical reinforcement along
that face. For composite columns, ends of structural steel cores shall be accurately finished to
bear at end bearing splices, with positive provision for alignment of one core above the other in
concentric contact. Bearing shall be considered effective to transfer not greater than 50 percent
of the total compressive force in the steel core.

Transverse Reinforcement (410.7.6)

The main role of transverse reinforcement in reinforced concrete columns is not to
transfer the shear stress as it is mainly in the beams, but it is prevention buckling of longitudinal
bars and transfer of tensile stresses, that arise in the orthogonal direction to the direction of
compressive force action in the column.
General (410.7.6)
In accordance to Section 410.7.6.1.1-6, The transverse reinforcement shall satisfy the
most restrictive requirements for reinforcement spacing. The details of transverse
reinforcement shall be in accordance with Section 425.7.2 for ties, Section 425.7.3 for spirals, or
Section 425.7.4 for hoops. For prestressed columns with average fpe > 1.6 MPa, transverse ties
or hoops need not satisfy the 16db spacing requirement of Section 425.7.2.1. For composite
columns with a structural steel core, transverse ties or hoops shall have a minimum db of 0.02
times the greater side dimension of the composite column, but shall be at least 10 mm Ø and
need not be larger than 16 mm Ø . Spacing shall satisfy Section 425.7.2.1, but not exceed 0.5
times the least dimension of the composite column. Deformed wire or welded wire
reinforcement of equivalent area shall be permitted. Longitudinal reinforcement shall be
laterally supported using ties or hoops in accordance with Section 410.7.6.2 or spirals in
accordance with Section 410.7.6.3, unless tests and structural analyses demonstrate adequate
strength and feasibility of construction. If anchor bolts are placed in the top of a column or
pedestal, the bolts shall be enclosed by transverse reinforcement that also surrounds at least
four longitudinal bars within the column or pedestal. The transverse reinforcement shall be
distributed within 125 mm. of the top of the column or pedestal and shall consist of at least two
12 mm o or three 10 mm Ø bars.
Lateral Support of Longitudinal Bars Using Ties or Hoops (410.7.6.2)
In accordance to Section 410.7.6.2.1-2, in any storey, the bottom tie or hoop shall be
located not more than one-half the tie or hoop spacing above the top of footing or slab. In any
storey, the top tie or hoop shall be located not more than one-half the tie or hoop spacing
below the lowest horizontal reinforcement in the slab, drop panel, or shear cap. If beams or
brackets frame into all sides of the column, the top tie or hoop shall be located not more than
75 mm below the lowest horizontal reinforcement in the shallowest beam or bracket.
Lateral Support of Longitudinal Bars Using Spirals (410.7.6.3)
In accordance to Section 410.7.6.3.1-2, in any storey, the bottom of the spiral shall be
located at the top of footing or slab. In any storey, the top of the spiral shall be located in
accordance with Table 410.7.6.3.2.
Lateral Support of Offset Bent Longitudinal Bars (410.7.6.4)
In accordance to Section 410.7.6.4.1-2, where longitudinal bars are offset, horizontal
support shall be provided by ties, hoops, spirals, or parts of the floor construction and shall be
designed to resist 1.5 times the horizontal component of the calculated force in the inclined
portion of the offset bar. If transverse reinforcement is provided to resist forces that result from
offset bends, ties, hoops, or spirals shall be placed not more than 150 mm. from points of bend.
Shear (410.7.6.5)
In accordance to Section 410.7.6.5.1-2, if required, shear reinforcement shall be
provided using ties, hoops, or spirals. Maximum spacing of shear reinforcement shall be in
accordance with Table 410.7.6.5.2.

References
https://archive.org/details/NSCP2015/page/n393/mode/2up
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Types_of_column
https://structuralengineeringbasics.com/what-are-beams-and-columns-building-construction
https://civilengineeringbible.com/subtopics.php?i=96
http://mycivil.engineer/design-of-columns-in-limit-state-method/
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Reinforcement_detailing
http://www.sketchup3dconstruction.com/const/longitudinal-reinforcement-in-columns.html?
fbclid=IwAR3REhSDWM_KSpTY0fXEXUwlwUoxF4LjlaYBtjUoDmsuJySpUHApDRS68JU#:~:text=Off
set%20bent%20longitudinal%20reinforcement%20means,should%20remain%201%20in%206
https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/splicing-of-reinforcement-bars/8915/