CHAPTER-1.

COLUMNS
Introduction
Columns are defined as members that carry loads chiefly in compression, even though the
bending action may produce tensile forces over part of their cross section.
On the basis of construction and lateral ties, three types of reinforced concretes
compression members are in use.
(i) Members reinforced with longitudinal bars and lateral ties.

(ii) Members reinforced with longitudinal bars and continuous spirals.

(iii) Composite compression members reinforced longitudinally with structural steel

shapes, pipe, or tubing, with or without additional longitudinal bars, and various
types of lateral reinforcement.
Types 1 and 2 are by far the most common.
On the basis of the slenderness ratio columns may be classified as short or long (slender).
- For isolate columns, the slenderness ratio is defined by

Le
i

where Le is the effective buckling length

i - is the minimum radius of gyration of the concrete section only.
_ For multistory sway frames comprising rectangular sub frames, the following
expression may be used to calculate the slenderness ration of the columns in the
same storey

12 A
Ki L

Where; A= the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the columns of the story.
Ki=the total lateral stiffness of the columns of the story (story rigidity)
With modulus of elasticity taken as unity,
L=the story height.
The effective height (length) of a column is the distance between the two
consecutive points of contra flexure or zero bending moments. The figure shown
below may serve this purpose.

0.7L

0.5L

e 0.65L

e L

e 0.7 L

1.2L 0.8L

e 1.2 L

e 0.8 L

e 1.5 L

However in accordance with EBCS-2, 1995, the effective length Le for an RC

Column is given as,
a. Non-sway mode

Le m 0.4

0.7
L m 0.8

7.5 41 2 1.61 2
1.15
7.5 1 2
Le
1 0.8 m 1.15.
Or Conservatively
L
For the theoretical model shown below.
b. Sway mode

k1 kc
k11 k12

k 2 kc
k21 k22

2
m 1
2

Le

Lc2

Ic2

Ib22

Ib21
Lc

Ic

Ib12
Lc1

Ib11
Ic1

Where K1 and K2 are column stiffness coefficients (EI/L) for the lower and the upper
column respectively. Kc is the stiffness coefficient (EI/L) of the column being designed.
Kij is the effective beam stiffness coefficient (EI/6)
= 1.0 (EI/L) for opposite end elastically or rigidly restrained.
= 0.5 (EI/L) for opposite end free to rotate.

= 0.0 (EI/L) for a cantilever beam.

For the purpose of design calculations, structures or structural members may be classified
as braced or unbraced depending on the provision or not of bracing elements and as sway
or non- sway depending on their sensitivity to second-order effects due to lateral
displacements.
In a sway frame, additional internal forces or moments due to the effects of the horizontal
displacements of its nodes shall be taken into account for design. Additional internal
forces or moments are neglected in a non-sway frame since its response to in-plane
horizontal forces is sufficiently stiff.
N sd
0.1
N cr
Where: Nsd the design value of the total vertical load.
Ncr critical vertical load for failure in a sway mode given as
2 EI e
N cr
L2e

For a non sway frame

EIe= O.2EcIc + EsIs

Ec

1100 f cd

(or EIe =

Curvature

M bal
o.4 E2 )
1 rbal

5 103
rbal
d

I c= Moment of inertia of the concrete sections

Is = Moment of inertia of reinforcement sections

of the substitute column w.r.to centre

of the conc. section

A frame may be classified as braced if its sway resistance is supplied by a bracing system
which is sufficiently stiff to assume that all horizontal loads are resisted by the bracing
system. (Not more than 10% of the horizontal loads are attracted by the frame)
Generally, the slenderness ratio of concrete columns shall not exceed 140.
Second-order effects in compressive members need not be taken into account in the
following cases:
(a). For sway frames, the greater of the two
25

15

(b).For non sway frames

50 25

M1
M2

Where M1and M2 are the first-order (calculated) moments at the ends. M2 being always
positive and greater in magnitude than M1, and M1 being positive if member is bent in
single curvature and negative if bent in double curvature.

d N sd

f cd Ac

N sd

design axial load

Reinforcement arrangement & Minimum Code Requirements.

Functions of Lateral Reinforcement.
- they hold the longitudinal bars in position in the forms while the concrete is
being placed
- they prevent the slender longitudinal bars from buckling out ward by
bursting the thin concrete cover.
Rules for the arrangement:
- Diameter of ties, t

t 6mm or 4

12 in l
- C/C spacing

b least lateral dim ension

300 .
mm

- Pitch of spiral 100mm

- Ties shall be arranged such that every bar or group of bars placed in a
corner and alternate longitudinal bar shall have lateral support provided by
the corner of a tie with an included angle of not more than 135o and no bar
shall be farther than 150mm clear on each side along the tie from such a
laterally supported bar.
Equal or less
than 150mm

At center
0

135
At center

15t 300mm

May be greater than 150mm

No intermediate tie is required

15t 300mm

Main or Longitudinal reinforcement

- Area of longitudinal reinforcement, Ae.
0.008Ac Ae 0.08Ac or 0.008

Ae
0.08
Ac

4 in rec tan gular arrangement

Min. # of bars
6 in Circular arrangement.

- The diameter of longitudinal bars, 12mm.

- The minimum lateral dimension of a column shall be at least 150mm and
the minimum diameter of a spiral column is 200mm.
- The Min. cover to reinforcement should never be less than
(a) or n ( 40mm), or
(b) 5mm Or n 5mm if d g 32mm.
dg the largest nominal maximum aggregate size.
Example ;1 (Classification of columns).
The frame shown in figure below is composed of members with rectangular cross
sections. All members are constructed of the same strength concrete (E is the same for
both beams and columns). Considering bending in the plane of the frame only, classify
column EF as long or short if the frame is (a) braced and (b) unbraced. All girders are
300 x 600 mm.
600
C

F
350

3.80 m
600
B

M2 = 45 KNm

D
9m

M1 = 30 KNm

300 x 400
A

300 x 350
E
400

3.80 m

525 KN

7.5 m

Solution:
Moments of inertia
3

Girders: I g
Columns: I DE

300 x 600
54 x108 mm 4
12
300 x 400

16 x108 mm 4
12

I EF

300 x350 3
10.71875 x10 8 mm 4 .
12

Stiffness Coefficients:

Girders : K g

EI g
Lg

K BE KcF

E 54x108 6x105 E.

9000

E 54 x108
5
K EH K FI 7500 7.2 x10 E.

K DE

E 16 x108

4.21 x105 E

K EF

E 10.71875 108

2.82 x105 E

EIc

Columns: K c
Lc

3.8 x103

3.8x103

The column being considered is column EF.

Rotational stiffnesses at joints E and F.

Joint E:
Joint F:

EI col / L I col / L

EI g / L I g / L
4.21x105 2.82 x105
E
0.53
6 x105 7.2 x105
2.82 x105
F
0.21
6 x105 7.2 x105

E F 0.53 0.21

0.37
2
2

(a) For a braced column (Non sway structure ) for design

Le m 0.4 0.37 0.4

0.66 0.7
L m 0.8 0.37 0.8

Le= (0.66) (3.8) = 2.508m = 2508mm

The slenderness ratio:

Le

Le

I A

24.82.

2508

10.71875 x10 300 x 350

8

30
50 25
66.66 ok!
45
The colum is short .

(b) For unbraced column (sway structure)

Le

7.5 4 E F 1.6 E F
1.15 for design
7 .5 E F

7.5 4 0.53 0.21 1.6 0.53 0.21

1.136
7.5 0.53 0.21

Le 1.136 3.8 4.32m

4320
42.76
101.036

25 or

15
525 x103
0.85 x 30 x300 x350
1.5

27.66 not ok!

The Column is Long .

Short Versus Long Columns in Axial Compression.

In Compression, both the longitudinal steel and concrete contribute to the
resistance of the applied axial force. For the design of short columns in pure
compression, EBCS-2 limits the strain in the concrete to 0.002, since generally
this is the strain at which the stress in the concretes is maximum. The capacity to
resist compressive force, Pult is approximately equal to:

Pult = fcd (Ag-As)+ fyd As ,

f cd Ag As
f y As
Pd=
c
s

Where =
fck =
Ag=
As =
fy =
c & s =

Coefficient, generally taken as 0.85.

Characteristic compressive cylinder strength of concrete
gross cross-sectional area (bh).
area of longitudinal reinforcement.
yield strength of reinforcement.
Partial factors of safety for concrete and steel.

Short columns usually fail by crushing. Slender column is liable to fail by buckling. The
end moments on a slender column cause it to deflect sideways and thus bring into play an
additional moment. The additional moment causes a further lateral deflection and if the
axial load exceeds a critical value, this deflection and the additional moment become self
-propagating until the column buckles.
For Pin ended columns:
2 EI
2
A column is classified as short if both Lex/h and Ley/b are:

Ncr=

Pcr=

15 for a braced column

10 for an unbraced column
Example .2
Take,

The 300x400mm Column shown below is having eight 16mm diameter

bars. Calculate the ultimate capacity to resist compressive and tensile
force if (a) L=5.5m (b) L=7m
fy =460 N/mm2
fck =35N/mm2

Ec 9.5 f ck 8 3
1

Es= 200GPa
Solution:
(a)

The Column is braced.

For L = 5.5m
Le= 0.7L (for one end fixed the other pinned nomograph)
Le = (0.7) (5.5) = 3.85.
Lex 3.85

9.625 15 short.
h
0.4
Ley
3.85

12.83 15 short.
b
0.3

The Column with this length and restrain Conditions is a

short column.
Ag=300x400= 120000 mm2 (gross area).
As = (8 *162)/4= 1608mm2 (reinforcement area).

Design Compressive force:

N sd

0.85 f ck
c

fy

As

Nsd=

0.85 35 120000 1608 4601608.

Taking c = 1.5
s =1.15

As

1.5
= 2991308 N = 2991.308 kN

1.15

In tension, the design axial load is:

f

460

y
Nsd = r As 1.15 1608 N 643.2kN

(b)

For

L=7m.
Le= 0.7 7 4.9m.
Lex
4.90

12.25 15 short
h
0.4
Ley
4.90

16.33 15 Long.
b
0.3

2 EI e
Ncr = 2
Le

The column is slender.

EI e 0.2 E c I c E s I s .
16
400 mm

40mm 220mm 40mm

40mm 220mm 40mm

Ic

400 300 3

9 x10 8 mm 4
12
4 16 2 110 2 9.73x10 6 mm 4 .
Is
4
..

300 mm

Take minimum reinforcement Cover = 32mm

EI e 0.2 33 9 x108 200 9.73 x106 .

59.4 x10 19.46 x10 78.86 x10 kN .mm 2
8

N cr

78.86 x10 3241.6kN .

2

4900 2

Design of Short Members for Axial Force and Uniaxial Bending

General:
A column is subjected to uniaxial bending when the load applied to a column is eccentric
about one axis only. The presence of this form of bending in axially loaded members can
reduce the axial load capacity of the member. It is the combined effect of axial
compression and bending at the ultimate limit state that tends to govern the design.
Design load for axially loaded columns (ideal columns)
-No moment considered.
Pod

fy
Fs

Concrete

Section A-A
0

Pod

fy

fc

Stress

Steel

fy

fc

Pod Fs Fc

0.001

Ast f y

0.002

0.003
Strain

Ast 0.85 f c'

Ast f y
rs

Fc Ag Ast O.85 f c '

In practice column loads will have eccentricities at least due to imperfect constructions.
Design Eccentricity
ed = ec + ea + e2
Where ee =equivalent constant first-order eccentricity of the design axial load.
ee = eo for eo equal at both ends of a column
Higher of ee= 0.6 eo2+0.4eo1
ee=0.4eo2
For moments varying linearly along the length.

10

eo1 and eo2 are first order eccentricities at the ends with eo2 being positive and greater in
magnitude than eo1.
ea=additional eccentricity in account of geometric imperfections.
Le
20mm
300
e2 = Second-order eccentricity .
ea=

For non sway frames,

K1

20
K 1.0

0.75

e2=

K 1 L2e 1 r
10

for 15 35
for 35.

Curvature at the critical sec tion

5 3
10
d

K2

Where d = the Column dimension in the buckling plane less the cover to the center of the
longitudinal reinforcement.
K2 =

Md

M bal

Md = design moment at the critical section including second-order effects.

Mbal = balanced moment capacity of the column.
The sway moments found by a first-order analysis shall be increased by multiplying
them by the moment magnification factor:
s

Provided

1
1 N sd / N cr

N sd
0.25
N cr

11

Ultimate Limit state

As a loading approaches the ULS, the following valid assumptions are made.
Non elastic redistribution of stresses take place
Plane section before loading remain plane after loading
Failure of concrete is governed by the maximum strain criteria.
0.01

c
0
-0.002
Strain Diagram at ULS
The maximum compressive strain in the concrete is taken to be: 0.0035 in
bending (simple or compound) 0.002 in axial compression.
The maximum tensile strain in the reinforcement is taken to be 0.01.
The strain diagram shall be assumed to pass through one of the three points A,B
Or C.
The design stress strain curve for concrete (fig. a) & steel (fig. b) are as shown
below.
0.01

B 3

d
sy A

-0.002 -0.0035

Idealized Diagram

fs

fc
Idealized Diagram
Design Diagram

Design Diagram f yd

0.85 f ck
c
f c 1000 c 250 c 1 f cd , for c 0.002
f cd

-0.001

-0.002

(a)

-0.0035

f yk

0.01

(b)

Consider the rectangular section when subjected under an axial load Pd with large
eccentricity e, as shown below. For the purpose of stress calculation, the actual non-linear
stress distribution shown can be replaced with equivalent rectangular stress distribution.
Pd
h

As

d
d

fcd
e
e

As

b
Cross section

Pd
Ns2
Nc
Ns1

Actual stress

fcd
a

Pd
Ns2
Nc

a 0.8x

s
Strain

Ns1
Simplified stress

12

Applying force equilibrium.

FH 0 Pd N c N s 2 N si

M Ns1 O Pd e' N c d a 2 N s 2 d d '

N c f cd ab A' s
1

N s 2 As f s

d
h

(1)

( 2)

N s1 As f s .

For very small eccentricity, the stress distribution along the cross-section is as shown
below.
As
cu = 0.0035 0.75cb
Ns2
Ns2
s
P
d
P
d
Pd
Nc
Nc
e
e
e

As

Ns1

s
cb

Cross-section
Actual Stress

x
Ns1
Simplified stress

Strain

Applying force equilibrium.

FH=O

N 51

Pd = Nc+Ns2+Nsi

O
Hence

---------------

(3)

1
Pde = Nc d x 2 N 52 d d 4

Nc = fcd (b x x Ast)
N52 = Asfs
Nsi = Asfs

h, when0.8x h
x
0.8x, when0.8x h.

Note also e' e d d 1 / 2.

13

Design Criteria
Balanced Condition:
For a given cross-section a design axial force Pda acts at one specific eccentricity e =eb
(or e = eb) to cause failure by simultaneous yielding of tension steel and crushing of
concrete. For simplification purpose symmetrical reinforcement is considered and
compressive steel is assumed to be its limiting stress level.
0.8 cu

s cu

Fn O pd Pnb f cd bd

Since part of the concrete is under tension,

c = cu = 0.0035 ,and s = yd =

f yd

Es

a
f cd abb As' d b As' f yd d d '
2

MN s1 O e' eb'
Pnb
ab 0.8 x

in which

(6)

0.8cu
As
As'
d and

=
s cu
bd bd

In case where compression steel is not at its limiting stress.

's
&

cu xb d '
cu
, xb
d
xb
s cu
fs =Es s fyd.

Whenever, fs < fyd , a value of a force As (fyd fs) shall be subtracted from pnb of eqn (5)
and fyd in (6) shall be replaced with fs
Tension Failure Controls:
Again As = As1 assumed & both steel are stressed to fyd. The two equilibrium equations
yield.
Pd = fcd bd
Where

As

bd

As'

bd

e'
e'

1
1
d
2
2
d

& m'

f yd

d' '
m
2 1
d

fcd
14

Compression Failure Controls (very small eccentricity):

In this case fs < fyd & it is not known whether the steel furthest from the load is under
compression or tension. This situation makes the solution procedure more complicated.
Column interaction diagrams can be used to simplify the design.
Column Interaction Diagram (Dimensionless).
- It is a plot of a column axial load capacity against the moment it sustains.
P
Pdo

Compression failure zone

Pd
Balanced failure

Pnb

Tension failure zone

O

Md

Mnb

- Any loading within the curve is a possible safe loading combination.

- Any combination of loading out side the curve represent a failure combination.
- Any radial line from point O represents a constant ratio of moment to load Constant
eccentricity.
- The full line curve in compression failure range can be conservatively replaced by the
dashed line as shown. Knowing the coordinates (O, Pdo) & ( Mnb, Pnb), the design
capacity Pd for a known moment Md, [ Md = ed Pd] can be obtained using the straight
line equation as :

Pd

Pdo

P
e
1 do 1 d
Pnb eb

8 .

Here ed & eb are design eccentricity & eccentricity for balanced condition respectively.
When Pd = 0
Md = fcd (0.8bx - As ) (d 0.4x) + Asfs (d d).
in which

1
b1 b12 4c
2

A d

b1 As Es cu f yd f cd / 0.8b f cd

'
'
c
cu Es / 0.8bf cd .
s
and x xmax max md .

15

Example .3 (Analysis)
A rectangular column 300x500 (mm x mm) reinforced with 4 26 (As = As =1060mm2)
one at each corner with d

0.1. Determine the design strength Pd when the design

eccentricity from centerline of column x-section including all effects is

a) eb (balanced ) b) 20mm c) 150mm d) 400 mm e)Very large approaching .
Solution
d = (0.1) (500) = 50 mm
d = 500 - 50 = 450mm

4 26

500

Constants: - fck=24 , fcd=13.60

300
fyd = 260.87
As
0.00785
bd
f yd
m
23.98.
0.8 f cd

m'

f yd
f cd

0.8m 19.18

As' As 2 x530 1060.

Ast 2120

(a)

Balanced case:cu
Xb
d
yd cu

0.0035
x 450 328mm
260.87
0.0035
2 * 105

ab =0.8xb =262mm
's

278
x 0.0035 0.002966 0.003 yd 0.0013
328

16

 Compression steel is yielding

0.8 cu
Pnb fcd bd

yd cu

0.8 0.0035

0.00785
0.0013 0.0035

1056587.4 N 1056kN

13.60 300 450

f cd abb As' d ab As' f yd d d '

2
e
Pnb
'
b

13.60 262 300 1060

262
1060 260.87 450 50
2
1056

450

423mm

eb = eb - (d-d)/2 =223mm.(from Centerline).

e=ed =20mm < eb Comp. failure controls.

(b)

Pdo = fcd (bh Ast)+fyd Ast.

= (13.60) ((300) (500) 2120) + (260.87) (2120)
= 2564212.4N 2564kN.
Pdo
2564
Pd
p
e
2564 20
1
1

1 do 1 d
1056 223
pnb eb
2273kN .

(c )

(d)

e= ed = 150mm < eb Comp. Controls.

Pdo
2564

P
e
2564 150
Pdo = 2564
Pd =
1
1

1 do 1 d
1056 223
Pnb eb
= 1308kN
e=ed =400mm > eb = 223mm Tension controls.
e = e + (d-d)/2 = 400 + (450 50)/2 = 600.
d'
50

0.111,
1
m =19.18, d 450
0.00785.

e1

600
1.33
450

17


600 0.00785
Pd 13.60 300 450 1

450
2

0.00785
600
1

2
450

50

2 0.00785 1
19.18
450

= 514679.03 N.
514.68 kN.
e or Pd O

( e)

only flexure.

1060 200 x10 x0.0035 260.87 13.60 / 0.8 x300 x13.60.

= As Es cu f yd f cd / 0.8b f cd .

b1

= 138.19mm
'
'
= As d cu Es / 0.8bf cd .

= 1060 x50 x 0.0035 x 2 x105 / 0.8 x300 x13.60.

= 11366.42.
1
138.19
2

138.19 2 4 x11366 .42

= 57.95 < xmax.

x d1 57.97 50
5
f =

x
0
.
0035
x
2
x
10
x cu s 57.97

= 96.24Mpa. > fyd.

Md = fcd (0.8bx-As)(d-0.4x) + Asfs(d - d1)
=(13-6) (0.830057.97-1060)(450-0.4x57.97)
+ 106096.24(450-50)=115411678 Nmm.
= 115.4 kNm.
ed (m)
Pd (kN)
Md (kNm)

0.00
2564
0

0.020
2273
45.46

0.150
1308
196.20

0.223
1056
235.49

0.4
515
206.00

0
115.40

If compression member is subjected to Pd 0.1 fcd Ac, it may be designed as a

beam using flexural equation, provided min. steel is placed on the
compression face of the member.

18

Design of Columns for uniaxial Bending

Given Pd and ed , the design requires the following procedure.
- A trial cross section and steel area g are selected.
- The section in question is investigated which load combination it can sustain. More
suitably, for a fixed value of ed, determine Pdn (its capacity) such that .
If Pdn Pd , safe but is it economical ?

If Pdn Pd , Unsafe , choose new cross section and /or g st

Ag

- Thus, the trial shall be repeated until the value of Pdn is close enough and Pdn Pd
On the other hand, interaction chart are prepared using dimensional parameters such that
v s is Plotted .
Mh
N f bh
,
cd
f cd bh 2
where N Pd

Mh Md.

d
=1.0

h
d

=0.2
=0.1

d ' 0.1
n

h is in the direction of the bending moment.

- Families of curves are drawn for fixed ratio [ranges 0.5 to 0.25] each curve
representing a particular mechanical steel ratio.

Ast f yd
bhf cd

- The cover to reinforcement should not be too large [problem of spalling concrete
cover falling off ] & also not too small to prevent corrosion /fire. Usually for column,
cover 25mm.
In using the chart for design the following procedure can be used .
Given Pd and ed such that Md = Pded.
Assume a cross section, d and evaluate

d'

to schoose appropriat e chart.

19

- Find and
- If the coordinates (, ) lies with in the families of the curve, the assumed crossSection is feasible, which otherwise need to choose new large section.
- The coordinate (,) gives the value of .
bhf cd Ac f cd

and arrange the reinforcement.

f yd
f yd
- Check minimum and maximum provisions.

- Obtain or Ast using Ast =

Example .4
Design a column to sustain a design axial load of 1100KN & design bending moment of
160KNm, which includes all other effects, assume concrete C-30, steel S- 400 class I
work. Approximate b=0.6h.
Solution:
Constants:
f ck 24,

f ed

0.85 x 24
13.6
1.5

f yd 347.83

Pda=1100KN,

M d 160 x10 3

145mm.
ed =
Pda
1100

Using Equations.
Assume 300x500mm & 4 26
g 0.014 g min 0.008

Trial 1:

530
As bd 2 *
0.00785.
300 x500
d 500 50 450 so that d ' 0.1
h
Conditions controlling the design.

Pub=fcd

0.8 cu
bd
967 kN.
yd cu
ab =

0.8 cu
d 240mm.
yd cu

20

a
f cd bab As' d b As' f yd d d '
2

eb'
482mm
Pnb
eb =282mm > ed compression controls.

Pdo = fcd

Ast f yd Ast 2749KN .

p do
Pd=

P
e
1 do 1 d
Pnb
eb

1412 KN Pd 1100 kN

Safe but not economical.

- For ductility requirement, it would be better to go for low steel ratio.

Trial procedure: - Change cross-section fixing reinforcements or vice- versa.
For offshore structures use large tie bars due to corrosion action.
Trial 2.
270 450 with 4 24 g 0.015.

As bd

2 452
0.0083
270 450 45

Pnb = 13.60270405[0.534438 0.0083] 10-3 = 782kN.

ab = 0.534438405 = 216mm

eb

216

13.6 270 216 904 405

904 347.83 405 45.
=
2

782 x103

= 441mm.
eb = 441 360/2 = 26mm > ed Compression controls.
Pd0 = [13.6

Pd = 1

(270 450-1808) + 347.83

1808] 10-3 = 2257 KN

2257
2257
145 = 1102 KN > Pd = 1100 KN Safe and economical.
1
782
261

Using interaction charts: - [Uniaxial chart No 2 ].

Assume 270 x 450
N

d'
45

0.10
h
450
1100 10 3

sd = f bh = 13.6 270 450 = 0.67

cd

= 0.35
21

M
160 10 6
sd =
=
= 0.22
f cd bh 2 13.6 270 450 2
A f
0.35 270 450 13.6
Ast = fc cd
= 1662.71mm2
347.83
yd

24 = 3.7

use 4 24

Example .5
Design a column to sustain a design axial load of 550 KN acting with a design bending
moment of 200 KNm including all other effects. Use the same materials example 1.4.2.
Solution:
M
ed d

200 x103
mm = 364mm.
Pd
550
fcd = 13.6 Mpa , fyd = 347. 83 Mp
Trial 1:

270 x 450 with 4 26

4 530

g 270 450 0.017,

d 450

2 530
As bd
0.0097
270 405

450
405mm
10

Pnb = 780 KN , ab = 216mm, eb = 467mm

eb = 287 < ed Tension controls.
m'

f yd
f cd

25.58 ,

d1

0.11, e'

1.343

Pd=598 KN.> Pda=550 safe It is possible to stop at this.

Lets use 4 20 +4 16
Pd=584 ok!

Trial 2:

Using interaction chart : [ Uniaxial Chart No 2 ]

d ' 0.1
h

270x450

Nd
o.33 ,
f cd bh

= 0.40.
Ast
Use 4 20

d = 405.

M
bh 2 0.27.
f cd

Ac f cd
0.40 270 450 13.60

1900mm 2
f yd
347.83

& 4 16.
Ast = 4*314 + 4*201 = 2060 mm2 > 1900mm2
22

Circular Columns
Consider the cross section shown reinforced with 6 longitudinal bars (the No of bars
can vary from 6 to 10).
Pda

Pda

cu

a'

e a

Ns1
Ns2

Ns3

Ns4

Strain

Stress Simplified

For bars with strains in excess of yield strain yd , f s f yd .

For the cross section with tension crack, cu 0.0035.
For bars with smaller strains the stress is found using f s s Es in which the
strain s is obtained from the strain geometry.
For analysis or design, the iterative procedure involves the following.

1. Assume a, equivalent stress block depth and compute

a , 1 0.8
1
2. Evaluates the stress fs or fyd assuming cu 0.0035
3. Determine Pd and then a (or x), using the two equilibrium equations.
To simplify the iterative procedure of determination of the unknowns an
approximate empirical formula modified to confirm LSD of the local standard, for
circular column of diameter h failing in compression is given [Whitney].
Pd

As f yd
3e
1
h 2d '

Ag f cd
9.6he

0.8h 0.67 h 2d
'

1.18.

This approximate formula holds, for e eb & eb for this purpose may be approximated as
eb = (0.2 + 0.9gm)h.
For practical problems interaction charts are available for use.

23

Example .6
Design a circular column for design axial load of Pda=1225 kN & design bending moment
of Md=180 KN.m. Use C-30, S-300, class I work.

Solution.
Pda = 1225 KN, Md= 180KNm, C-30, S-300, class I.
Required: Design a circular column.
Constants: fcd=13.6, fyd=260.87, m=19.18.
Assume D=h= 500mm & 6 24 As=2712
h 2
196.35 10 3
4
g 0.0138 max Ok !
Ag

180 10 3
147 mm
1225
eb 0.2 0.9 g m ' h 219mm
e ed

ed Compressio n controls.

Using the formula:

Pd=

2712 260.87

3 145
1
500 2 50

196.35 10 3 13.6

3
10
9.6 500 145
1.18

0.8 500 0.67 500 2 50 2

=1313KN > Pda (= 1225kN) Ok!

Using Interaction Chart
Assume D =500mm; Ag = 196.35 * 103 mm2 ; d '

Pda
1225 10 3

0.46
f cd Ag 13.6 196.35 10 3

Md
f cd Ag h

h = 0.10

180 10 6
0.135
13.6 196.35 10 3 500

= 0.19 from chart

24

 As

0.19 196.35 103 13.6

260.87

1945mm 2

Use 6 22 this shows 6 26 is conservative

Short columns under Biaxial Bending

Consider an RC column section shown when subjected to design axial force pd acting
with eccentricities edx & edy, such that
M
M
edx dy
& edy dx , from centroidal axis.
Pd
Pd

cu

Asci

f cd
sci

f sci

ci

Aci

f ci

sti

Strain

Cross-section

Nci + Nsci

Nsti

f sti

Stress in
concrete

Stress in
steel

Computation begins with an assumed neutral axis depth and:

where

0 Pd N c N sc N st
N c Aci f ci , resul tan t

force in concrete

N sc Asci f sci resul tan t force in compressio n steel

N st Asti

f sti resul tan t force in tension steel.

M dx Aci f ci y ci Asci f sci y sci Asti f sti y sti

M dy Aci f ci x ci Asci f sci x sci Asti f sti x sti

The procedure using

the expressions
developed so far is
tedious, as the
determination of the
neutral axis requires
several trials. Thus the
two commonly used
methods proposed by

Bresseler shall be discussed below.

A. Bresselers Method I - Inverse load versus eccentricities gives bowel shaped failure
surface.
1
P

25

q
Q

A
C

edx

edy

ex

ey

Consider the 1 P versus edi surface in the region of interest at pt. Q where edx & edy for
the respective uniaxial eccentricities are approximated using pt. A & B. Let pt. c represent
the reciprocal of the concentric design load capacity.
The pt. Q on the interaction surface is approximated by a point of which generally gives a
conservative estimate of the strength. On this basis the strength may be obtained from
1

Pd

Pdx

Pdy

Pd 0

Pdx Pdy Pdo

Pdx Pd 0 Pdy Pdo Pdx Pdy

Pd

Where,
Pd = design axial force capacity under biaxial bending edy & edx .
Pdx & Pdy = Capacities for uniaxial bending with eccentricities edy & edx respectively.
Pdo = concentric axial force capacity.
B) Breslers Method II
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Assume the cross- Sectional dimensions, area of steel and its distribution.
Pda
Compute concentric load Capacity Pdo and
Pdo
Determine uniaxial moment capacities Mdxo and Mdyo of the section combined
with given axial load Pda with the use of interaction curves for axial load and
unixial moment.
Then the adequacy of the column section can be checked either with the
interaction equation or interaction curves. For checking the adequacy of
column section with interaction equation, determine

n 0.667 1.667 Pd

Pdo which shall be 1< n <2. Then compute

26

 M dx

M dxo

M dy

M dyo

1 , otherwise the section is unsafe. Then

the section is modified and checked again. For checking the adequacy of
section with interaction curves, the values of Mdx/Mdxo and Mdy/Mdyo are
plotted as Px and Py respectively. If the plot is within the interaction curve for

Pd

Pdo then the assumed section is safe.

However interaction charts prepared for this purpose can be used for actual design using
the following procedure.
Mb
h
h

Mh

h1
b1

0.1 0
h
b

Range values of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, , 0.25 are available

Select A Cross section dimension h & b, h , b

Compute:
N

Normal force ratio = f A , N Pd

cd
c
Moment ratio
Mh
h
, M h M dy .
f cd Ac h
Mb
b
, M b M dx
f cd Ac b
-

Select suitable chart, which satisfy h'

Enter the chart & pick , mechanical steel ratio.

Compute

Atot =

& b' ratio

b

Ac f cd
f yd

Check Atot satisfies the max. & min provisions

Select suitable bass

Example .7
Design a column to sustain a factored design load of 900 KN and biaxial moments of

27

Mdx = 180 KNm, Mdy = 270 KNm including all other effects. Assume materials of
concrete C-30, steel S-300, class I work.
Solution:
Constants fck = 24,
edx =

M dy
Pda

fcd = 13.6,

fyd = 260.87,

m1 = 19.18

edy

M dx
200mm
Pda

300mm

Trial 1: Assume 600 x 400 with 8 28 arranged as shown.

Y
Mdx

400

Mdy
600

Ast = 8 615 = 4920; g 0.0205

Pdo = fcd (Ag - Ast) + fyd Ast = 4480 KN
'
As = A s = 3* 615
[The two bars on the centroidal axis have negligible moment for both cases of
direction]
X- direction:
edx =300 mm, Pda = 900 KN, d = 600-60 = 540mm
b = 400mm,
Pnb = 1678 KN,

As

dd

eb' = 520mm,

0.00854
eb = 280mm < edx = 3 T-controls

'
'

Pdx = bd fcd 1 e d 2 1 e d 2

2 m ' 1 d '

= 1560 KN
If Pdx is near 900 or less, you should change the X- section immediately without
further check for Pdy because for even a uniaxial case it hasnt satisfied to be
900.
Y- direction;
edy = 200mm, d = 400 40 = 360mm , b = 600mm.
Pnb = 1687 KN, eb = 187mm < edy = 200 T-controls.
Pdy = 1560 KN
Pd=

Pdx Pdy Pdo

Pdo ( Pdx Pdy ) Pdx Pdy

944 KN Pda 900 KN .

28

Using interaction chart.

400x600 - same section.
900 10 3
0.28
13.6 400 600
270 10 6
h
0.138
13.6 400 600 2

180 10 6
0.138.
13.6 400 2 600

Slender Columns (ACI Provisions)

A Column may be classified as long when the slenderness factor g defined as g =

12. For such Columns a load reduction factor Cr is introduced in such a way that

the concentric design axial load capacity may be obtained as

Pdw = Cr Pdo in which Cr = 1.25

Le

48b

Slender Columns
Summary
The strength of Concentrically loaded Columns decreases with increasing
slenderness ratio k .

In Columns that are braced against side sway or that are parts of frames braced
against side sway, the effective length k, i.e. , the distance b/n inflection points,
falls between and , depending on the degree of end restraint.

The effective lengths of Columns that are not braced against side sway or that are
parts of frames not so braced are always larger than , the more so the smaller the
end restraint .In consequence, the buckling load of a frame not braced against side
sway is always substantially smaller than that of the same frame when braced.

29

 In flexural members the presence of axial Compression causes additional deflections

and additional moments Py. Other things being equal, the additional moments
increase with increasing slenderness ratio k .

In members braced against side sway and bent in single curvature, the maxima of
both types of moments, Mo and Py, occur at the same or at nearby locations and are
fully additive, this leads to large moment magnifications. If the M o moments result
in double curvature (i.e., in the occurrence of an inflection point), the opposite is
true and less or no moment magnification occurs.
In members of frames not braced against side sway the maximum moments of both
kinds, Mo and Py, almost always occur at the same locations, the ends of the
column, they are fully additives, regardless of the presence or absence of an
inflection point. Here, too, other things being equal, the additional deflections and
the corresponding moments increase with increasing k

r.

Moment Magnification
Non sway: (According to ACI).
Mc= ns M 2 .
Cm
ns
1
1 Pu 0.75 Pc
Where
Pu=Factored Load.

2 EI

2
Pc=Critical Load ku
effective length factor

Cm=0.6+0.4

M1
o.4.
M2

For members braced against side sway and without transverse loads between supports.
Here M2 is larger of the two end moments, and M 1 M 2 is positive when the end
moments produce single curvature and negative when they produce double curvature.
For unbraced frame, Cm=1.0.

30