Inclined column is not vertical which are used in many construction works

for aesthetics and architectural requirements. Inclined column design, loads

and bending moment in inclined columns are discussed.

A vertical structural member subjected to axial compression in the majority

with some or no moment is termed as a column. If the same member is
inclined, it is a strut. But all these members in common are subjected to
compression in the majority and they are categorized as strut members.

Sophisticated design in the construction industry is rapidly increasing due to

the developments and demand of the population. One of the main structural
member of all time too had gone through different changes in constructing
to have a unique aesthetic view.

The new idea mentioned is that columns are no longer vertical. It can be
inclined. Inclined columns are originated from the category of structural
framing members gravity load loaded columns and can be applied to both
rigid as well as braced frames.
 Fig.1: Inclined columns of a stadium

Fig.2: Two Precast Grand Beams Arranged that are supported by an inclined column
When we consider an inclined column (say strut) the forces it is subjected to
are axial compression, moments and shear, which can be found out by any
method of frame analysis. We have mostly seen in many of the structural
analysis problems we have dealt with inclined columns. But there is no
variation in the method of analysis that we perform on it.
The design in most of the cases is carried out for axial force and moments
by the usual method. In a condition where shear is found predominant (this
is the case when the member is inclined appreciably), shear reinforcement
should be designed and their provision is made.

Some of the examples of inclined column constructions are rafter & struts of
an RCC truss, gable beams of a sloped roof, and the top chord of an RCC
Virendeel Girder.

The top chord (beam) of a Virendeel girder, which is a horizontal member, is

designed as a column, and not as a beam, as compression is dominant in it.

Load Transferring and Deflection

Fig.3: An Inclined Column – Load Deflection

A column that possesses a cross-section without symmetry may be
subjected to torsional buckling or lateral buckling. Torsional buckling is a
sudden twisting of the column. As the theories say the existence of eccentric
loading would decrease in column strength.
The term eccentrically loaded is defined as the situation when the axial load
on the column is not concentric or in other words if the line of action of the
axial load is not parallel to the central axis of the column.

The eccentricity mainly represented by ‘e’, of the load subjects to bending of

the column immediately. Hence the combined action of axial and bending
would result in reduced load carrying ability.

Fig.4: Inclined Column Subjected to Eccentric Axial Load

Loads and Bending Moment in an Inclined Column
Figure 5 below shows an inclined column connected a beam. We will discuss
how we can determine the load in the column.
 Fig.5: Inclined Column – Beam Connection
From the figure the

w = total load applied to the beam. This is the load that has to be
transferred to the inclined column AB.

The axial force P can be obtained by the equation

The moment due to eccentricity in the column can be given by

M = P.e
Where e is the eccentricity. From the figure, ‘e’ has to be determined from
the given details. Thus,

Once the column is analyzed and the loads, forces are determined the next
procedure is design of inclined column.

Design of Inclined Column

The inclined column design is like vertical columns

o Determine the type of column by calculating the effective length and the end
conditions

o For the maximum moment, value determines the reinforcement

Many studies have shown that the inclined columns are subjected to greater
moments due to eccentricity compared to vertical columns. The moment will
increase with the increase in eccentricity.
As the inclination of the columns is higher, the eccentricity also increases,
thus the moment. The inclination in columns will result in horizontal
component forces in addition to external lateral load present.