Lecture on Design of Columns
1. Introduction
Columns are one of the most important compression members in a structure.
They act as vertical supports that carry axial loads (from beams and slabs) and transfer them
down to the foundation.
Because failure of a column can lead to partial or total collapse, the design of columns must
ensure strength, stability, and ductility.
In essence:
A column is the backbone of a building’s load-bearing system.
2. Definition
Column: A vertical structural member that primarily carries compressive loads, but may also be
subjected to bending due to eccentricity of loading or lateral forces.
Columns can be made of reinforced concrete, steel, or timber, but this lecture focuses on
reinforced concrete (R.C.) columns, which are the most common in buildings.
3. Functions of a Column
1. To support vertical loads from beams and slabs.
2. To transfer loads safely to the foundation.
3. To resist bending and shear due to eccentric or lateral loads.
4. To maintain structural stability of frames and prevent buckling.
4. Classification of Columns
Columns are classified based on several factors:
A. Based on Shape of Cross Section
Shape Description / Use
Square or Rectangular Common in buildings; easy to construct.
Shape Description / Use
Circular Used in aesthetic or column-free layouts (e.g., parking areas).
L-Shaped or T-Shaped Used at corners or wall junctions.
Polygonal / Special Architectural or industrial designs.
B. Based on Type of Loading
Type Description
Axially Loaded Column Load acts concentrically through centroid.
Eccentrically Loaded Column Load acts away from centroid, causing bending.
Biaxially Eccentric Column Load acts eccentrically in two directions.
C. Based on Slenderness Ratio (L/D)
Type Description
Short Column Fails by crushing of concrete. (L/D < 12)
Long Column Fails by buckling. (L/D ≥ 12)
D. Based on Reinforcement Arrangement
Type Description
Tied Column Longitudinal bars tied by lateral ties (most common).
Spiral Column Longitudinal bars enclosed by continuous spiral reinforcement.
Composite Column Steel section encased in concrete or reinforced by both.
5. Column Loads and Design Considerations
A column carries:
1. Axial load (P) — vertical compression from slabs and beams.
2. Moment (M) — due to eccentric loads or lateral forces.
3. Shear (V) — due to lateral loads or unbalanced reactions.
In design, we consider combined axial load and bending.
Thus, the column must be checked for:
Axial compression strength
Bending moment capacity
Buckling stability
6. Design Philosophy (Limit State Design)
According to ACI 318 or NSCP 2015, columns are designed using Limit State of Strength and
Limit State of Serviceability.
ϕ Pn ≥ Pu
where:
ϕ = strength reduction factor (≈ 0.65 for compression)
Pn= nominal axial load capacity
Pu= factored axial load
7. Design Equation for Axially Loaded Column
For short tied columns (per NSCP / ACI):
'
Pn=0.85 f c ( A g− A st )+ f y A st
and factored load capacity:
'
ϕ Pn=0.65 [0.85 f c ( A g− A st )+ f y A st ]
where:
f c= compressive strength of concrete (MPa)
'
f y = yield strength of steel (MPa)
A g= gross area of column section
A st= total area of longitudinal steel bars
For spiral columns, the strength factor is slightly higher:
ϕ=0.75
8. Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement Requirements
Parameter Requirement (NSCP / ACI)
Steel ratio (ρ) 1% ≤ ρ ≤ 8% of gross area
Minimum bars 4 bars for rectangular, 6 bars for circular columns
Diameter ≥ 10 mm, spacing ≤ 16 × bar diameter or 48 × tie
Ties (lateral reinforcement)
diameter
Concrete cover ≥ 40 mm for columns exposed to earth, 25 mm for interior columns
9. Design Procedure for a Short Tied Column
Step 1: Determine Inputs
Given loads: Puand M u
Material strengths: f 'c, f y
Column dimensions (assume or from architectural plan)
Step 2: Check Column Type
Compute slenderness ratio (L/ D).
If < 12 → short column; else → slender (needs stability check).
Step 3: Assume Reinforcement Ratio (ρ)
Usually 1% to 4%.
A st =ρ A g
Step 4: Compute Nominal Strength
'
Pn=0.85 f c ( A g− A st )+ f y A st
Step 5: Apply Strength Reduction Factor
ϕ Pn=0.65 Pn
Step 6: Check Capacity
If ϕ Pn ≥ Pu, the design is safe.
Otherwise, increase column size or steel ratio.
10. Example Problem
Given:
Axial load Pu=900 kN
f c =28 MPa, f y =415 MPa
'
Column size = 300 mm × 500 mm
Find: Required steel area A st
Solution:
1. A g=300 ×500=150,000 m m2
2. Formula:
900,000=0.65[0.85(28)(150,000− A st )+ 415 A st ]
3. Simplify:
900,000 /0.65=0.85 (28)(150,000− A st )+ 415 A st 1,384,615=3,570,000−23.8 A st +415 A st
2,185,385 2
A st (415−23.8)=3,570,000−1,384,615 A st = =5,590 m m
391.2
4. Steel ratio:
5,590
ρ= =0.0373=3.73 %
150,000
✅ Safe: within 1–8%.
Provide: 8 – 25mm Ø bars
( A st , provided =8 × 491=3,928 mm2) — adjust size or number accordingly.
11. Long Column Design (with Slenderness)
For slender columns, additional moment magnification is considered:
2
π EI
Pcr =
¿¿
and effective moment increased by:
δu
M u=M 2 (1+ )
P cr
where K = effective length factor, E = modulus of elasticity, I = moment of inertia.
This ensures buckling is prevented.
12. Column Reinforcement Detailing
Component Detailing Guidelines
Longitudinal Bars 12mm Ø to 32mm Ø (min 4 for rectangular, 6 for circular).
Lateral Ties 10mm Ø @ 100–200 mm spacing.
Lap Splice Minimum 40 bar diameters.
Clear Cover 40 mm (ground floor), 25 mm (
