LESSON 28.

Axially Loaded RCC Columns

28.1 INTRODUCTION
A reinforced concrete column is said to be subjected to an axial
load when the line of the resultant thrust of loads supported by
the column is coincident with the line of C.G. of the column in
the longitudinal direction. Depending upon the architectural
requirements and the loads to be supported, R.C. Columns may
be cast in various shapes i.e., square, rectangular, hexagonal,
octagonal or circular. Columns of ell-shape or tee-shape are also
sometimes used in multi-storeyed buildings. The longitudinal
bars in columns help to bear the load in combination with the
concrete. These bars are uniformly spaced along the perimeter of
the columns as near the surface as permissible. The longitudinal
bars are held in position by transverse reinforcement, or lateral
binders. The binders prevent displacement of the longitudinal
bars during concreting operation and also check the tendency of
their buckling outwards under loads.
The transverse reinforcement or binders are of two types. Type
(1) consists of separate small diameter steel binder bent around
the longitudinal bars. The diameter, centre to centre spacing and
the arrangement of the separate binder, depends upon the
number and diameter of longitudinal bars and the size of the
column. In the second type, reinforcing bar forming the tie, is
wound round the longitudinal bars in the form of a closely
spaced continuous helix and is termed as spiral or helical
reinforcement. The helical reinforcement in addition to
rendering support to longitudinal bars against buckling and
displacement, also act to confine the concrete within it in the
form of a core thereby increasing the load carrying capacity of
the column.
Different arrangement of separate binders and helical
reinforcement are shown in Fig. 28.1. The load carrying capacity
of a column depends upon number of variables. The following
points should be kept in view while designing a column to effect
saving in cost.
1. Column with separate lateral ties works out to be cheaper
than columns with spiral reinforcement.
2. Axially loaded columns with a low percentage of steel
works out to be more economical per tonne of load
supported than columns with a higher percentage of steel.
3. The richer the concrete, the more economical is the
design.
28.2 TYPES OF COLUMNS
Columns can be broadly divided into the following three
categories:
(i) Columns reinforced with longitudinal steel and lateral ties or
binders.
(ii) Columns reinforced with longitudinal steel and closely
spaced spirals.
(iii) Composite columns in which steel or cast iron structural
member is encased in a concrete column of the type (i) or (ii)
referred above.
(iv) Concrete filled steel pipe columns.
 Out of the above types, columns reinforced with longitudinal
steel and lateral ties or spirals are most common in use. The
columns of type (iii) are recommended when the loads to be
carried are extremely heavy and the dimensions of the columns
are to be restricted from architectural considerations. Columns
of type (iv) are used where loads to be carried are light and it is
essential to provide smallest possible diameter of the column
from aesthetic reasons.
28.3 EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF A COLUMN
From practical considerations the actual length (L) of a column
is taken as the clear distance between the floor and the lower
extremity of the capital, drop panel or slab whichever is smaller
while in a beam and slab construction the actual length (L) is
taken as the clear distance between the floor and the underside
of the shallower beam framing into the column in each direction
at the next higher floor level.
The effective length of a column depends upon the conditions of
its end. For the purpose of design, only the effective length of a
column is considered. Table 28.1 gives the effective length \
[({l_{ef}})\] of a column is terms of unsupported length (l) for
various end conditions.
            TABLE 28.1 Effective length of compression members
(as per IS : 456-1978)

Theoretical value
Degree of end restraint of compression Recommended va
of effective
member of effective length
length
Effectively held in position and restrained
0.50 l 0.65 l
against rotation at both ends.

Effectively held is position at both ends,

0.70 l 0.80 l
restrained against rotation at one end.

Effectively held in position at both ends but

1.00 l 1.00 l
not restrained against rotation

Effectively held in position and restrained

against rotation at one end and at the other
1.00 l 1.20 l
restrained against rotation but not held in
position.

Effectively held in position and restrained

against rotation at one end and at the other
--- 1.50 l
partially restrained against rotation but not
held in position.

Effectively held in position at one end but not

restrained against rotation and at the other end
2.00 l 2.00 l
restrained against rotation but not held in
position.

Effectively held in position and restrained

against rotation as one end but not held in
2.00 l 2.00 l
position nor restrained against rotation at the
other end.
 
Note. l is the unsupported length of compression member.
28.4 LONG AND SHORT COLUMNS
In general columns may be divided in two different categories
namely (i) short columns and (ii) long columns. A column is
considered to be short when the ratio of its effective length to its
least lateral dimensions does not exceed 12. If the ratio of the
effective length to its least lateral dimension exceeds 12, the
column is considered to be a long column.
Since a long slender column buckles more easily, the ratio
between the column’s effective length and its least lateral
dimension have definite relation with the load carrying capacity
of the column. On account of its buckling tendency a long
column has less strength than a short column of the same
sectional area and hence can carry lesser loads as compared to
short column.
Thus in long columns the maximum permissible stresses in
concrete and steel are reduced by multiplying the respective
stresses by a reduction coefficient \[{C_r}\] given by the
formula
\[{C_r} = 1.25 - \frac{{{l_{ef}}}}{{48b}}\]                           …
(i)
where
Note.   In case of columns having helical binders, (where
permissible load is based on the area of concrete core) the least
lateral dimension should be taken as the diameter of the concrete
core.
Hence, the safe load that a long column can carry is obtained by
multiplying the value of load which a short column of the same
sectional area can carry by the reduction coefficient \[{C_r}\] .
For more exact calculations, the maximum permissible stresses
in a reinforced concrete column or part thereof having a ratio of
effective column length to least lateral radius of gyration above
40 shall not exceed those which result from the multiplication of
the appropriate maximum permissible stress in concrete and
steel reinforcement by the co-efficient given by the formula
\[{C_r} = 1.25 - \frac{{{l_{ef}}}}{{160.{i_{min}}}}\]
where \[{i_{min}}\] is the least radius of gyration.
28.5 PERMISSIBLE STRESSES IN R.C. COLUMNS
As a result of experiments all the codes recommend reduction of
stresses in concrete in direct compression as well as steel
reinforcement in R.C. columns. As per revised IS : 456 – 1978,
the permissible stresses for various grades of concrete and for
various type of steel reinforcement to be considered in the
design of column are reproduced below.
(a) Permissible stress in concrete:

  Permissible stress in compression

(Bending) (Direct)
  \[{\sigma _{cbc}}\]
 \[{\sigma _{st}}\]

M 10 3.0 \[N/m{m^2}\] 2.5 \[N/m{m^2}\]

M 15 3.0 \[N/m{m^2}\] 2.5 \[N/m{m^2}\]

M 20 7.0  \[N/m{m^2}\] 5.0 \[N/m{m^2}\]

M 25 8.5  \[N/m{m^2}\] 6.0 \[N/m{m^2}\]

M 30 10.0  \[N/m{m^2}\] 8.0 \[N/m{m^2}\]

 
(b) Permissible stress in steel reinforcement : For column bars in
compression ( \[{\sigma _{sc}}\] )
\[= 130N/m{m^2}forMSbars\]
\[= 190N/m{m^2}forHYSDbars\]
28.6 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF DIFFERENT
TYPES OF SHORT COLUMNS
The safe axial load carrying capacity of different types of short
columns shall be as given below.
28.6.1 Short Columns and Pedestals with Lateral Ties
The permissible axial load (P) on a short column or pedestal
reinforced with longitudinal bars and lateral ties is given by the
equation  \[P = {\sigma _{CC}}.{A_c} + {\sigma _{sc}}.
{A_{sc}}\]
Where

28.6.2 Short Columns with Helical Reinforcement

Fig. 28.2 shows the short column with helical reinforcement.
The permissible load for columns with helical reinforcement
shall be 1.05 times the permissible load for similar member with
lateral ties or rings. This provision can be made applicable only
if the ratio of volume of helical reinforcement to the volume of
core is not less than
\[0.36\left( {\frac{{{A_g}}}{{{A_c}}} - 1}
\right)\frac{{{f_{ck}}}}{{{f_y}}}\]
where

28.6.3 Composite Columns

The allowable axial load P on a composite column consisting of
structural steel or cast-iron column thoroughly encased in
concrete reinforced with both longitudinal and spiral
reinforcement shall not exceed that given by the following
formula
\[P = {\sigma _{CC}}.{A_c} + {\sigma _{sc}}.{A_{sc}} +
{\sigma _{mc}}.{A_m}\]
Where

28.7 BASIC RULES FOR THE DESIGN OF COLUMNS

(AS PER IS : 456-1978)
Longitudinal reinforcement:
(i) The cross-sectional area of longitudal reinforcement in a
column shall not be less than 0.8% and not more than 6% of the
gross cross-sectional area of the column. In places where bars
from a column below have to be lapped with those in the column
to be provided above, the maximum percentage of steel should
preferably not exceed 4%.
The object of fixing the upper limit of 6% is to avoid such a
concentration of steel as would create problems in placing and
consolidation of concrete. In normal case, the designer should
attempt to restrict the percentage of steel in a column to 4%.
(ii) The minimum number of longitudinal bars provided in a
column shall be four in rectangular columns and six in circular
columns.
(iii) A column having helical binders must have at least six bars
of longitudinal reinforcement within the helical reinforcement.
(iv) The minimum diameter of the longitudinal bars shall not be
less than 12 mm and the maximum diameter should preferably
not exceed 50 mm.
(v) The minimum cover to the outside of longitudinal bars shall
be 40 mm or the diameter of the bar whichever is more. In case
where the minimum dimension of a column does not exceed 20
cm and the diameter of the longitudinal bars does not exceed 12
mm, the cover of 25 mm may be used.
(vi) Where it is necessary to splice the longitudinal
reinforcement, the bars shall over-lap for a distance of not less
than 24 times the diameter of the smallest bar.
(vii) If on account of architectural considerations or otherwise a
column has a large cross-sectional area than that required to
support the load, the minimum percentage of steel shall be based
upon the area of concrete required to resist the direct stress (i.e.,
the cross-sectional area of column required as per design) and
not upon the actual area.
(viii) In the case of pedestals in which the steel reinforcement is
not taken in to account in strength calculations, nominal
longitudinal reinforcement not less than 0.15% of the cross-
sectional area shall be provided.
Note.   Pedestal is a compression member, the effective length
of which does not exceed three    the least lateral dimension.
Transverse reinforcement: To safeguard the longitudinal
reinforcement against buckling, the transverse reinforcement
may be provided either in the form of ties or helical
reinforcement (spiral).
(i) The minimum diameter of the lateral ties or helical
reinforcement (spiral) shall not be less than ¼ th of the diameter
of the largest longitudinal bars and in no case less than 5 mm.
(ii) The maximum diameter of the ties should preferably be not
more than 12 mm.
(iii) The pitch of the ties should not be more than the least of the
following distances.
(a) The least lateral dimension of the column.
(b) 16 times the smallest diameter of the longitudinal
reinforcement bar to be tied.
(c) 48 times the diameter of lateral tie or transverse
reinforcement.
In cases where the column is assumed to take increased load on
account of the continuous helical binding or spiral
reinforcement, the following requirement in respect of the pitch
of the helical reinforcement should be strictly followed.
(iv) The pitch of the helical turns should not be more than the
least of the following distances:
(a) \[\frac{1}{6}th\] of the core diameter upto centre of helix.
(b) 75 mm.
(v)   The least spacing of the lateral ties may be 150mm and for
the spirals the minimum pitch shall be 25 mm or 3 times the
diameter of the helical reinforcement member whichever is
greater.
Fig. 28.3 and Fig. 28.4 shows the typical details of column
splices.
28.8 ARRANGEMENT OF TRANSVERSE
REINFORCEMENT
As per IS : 456-1978, the arrangement of transverse
reinforcement in a compression member shall be as under:
1. If the longitudinal bars are not spaced more than 75 mm
on either side, transverse reinforcement need only to go
round corner and alternate bars for the purpose of providing
effective lateral supports as shown in Fig. 28.5 (a).
2. If the longitudinal bars spaced at a distance of not
exceeding 48 times the diameter of the tie effectively tied
in two directions, additional longitudinal bars in between
these bars need to be tied in one direction by open ties as
shown in Fig. 28.5 (b).
3. When the longitudinal reinforcing bars in a compression
member are placed in more than one row, effective lateral
support to the longitudinal bars in the inner rows may be
assumed to have been provided if:
(i) Transverse reinforcement is provided for the outer-most row.
(ii) No bar of the inner row is close to the nearest compression
face than three times the diameter of the largest bar in the inner
row as shown in Fig. 28.5 (c) and (d).
28.9 STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE DESIGN
Fig. 28.6 shows the arrangement of ties for different numbers of
column bars. The various steps involved in the design of a
column, with independent or separate links, are given below:
(a) Find the load the column is required to carry. Add the self-
weight of column to get the total load at the column base.
(b) Decide the grade of concrete and hence the stress in concrete
to be adopted in the design.
(c) Depending upon the load, assume, suitable area of
reinforcement \[({A_{sc}})\] = 1 to 2% of gross area (A) of
column. Determine approximate area (A) of the column by the
formula
\[P = {\sigma _{cc}}\left( {A - {A_{sc}}} \right) + {\sigma
_{sc}}{A_{sc}}\]
If  \[{A_{sc}}\] assumed = 1%A = 0.01A
Then
(d) Having found the value of A from the above equation, find
out the least dimension (b) of the column. In case, it is desired to
have a square column, b= \[\sqrt A\] . While if a circular column
of  \[\phi\] (b) is desired
\[b = \sqrt {\frac{{4A}}{\pi }}\]
(e) Find the effective length \[({l_{ef}})\] , of the column from
the given end conditions. If \[\frac{{{l_{ef}}}}{b} < 12\] it
becomes a case of short column. In such a case drop the steps (f)
and (g) given below and then proceed.
(f) If \[\frac{l}{b} > 12\] \[= 12\] or  it becomes a case of long
column. In such a case find the reduction co-efficient \[{C_r}\] 
given by \[{C_r} = 1.25 - \frac{{{l_{ef}}}}{{48b}}\]
(g) Calculate the load P’ for which an equivalent short column
should be designed.
\[P' = \frac{P}{{{C_r}}}\]
Now substitute this value of load, in step (c) and calculate the
final area of column and hence determine the final size of
column.
(h) Calculate area of longitudinal reinforcement and choose
suitable diameter of longitudinal reinforcement.
(i) Find the diameter of the bar to be used as ties, and find pitch
of ties in accordance with rules.
 
Example 28.1
(a) A reinforced concrete column is 400 mm x 400 mm in size
and has an effective length of 4500 mm. The column is
reinforced with 8 Nos of 20 mm \[\phi\]  bars and the grade of
concrete used in the work is M 15. Find the magnitude of safe
load that such a column can carry.
(b) What will be the magnitude of safe load if the effective
length of the column is increased to 8000 mm.
Solution (a) In this case  \[{l_{ef}} = 4500mm\]
\[b = 400mm\]
The ratio \[\frac{{{l_{ef}}}}{b} = \frac{{4500}}{{400}} =
11.25\]
Since it is less than 12, the column is to be treated as a short
column.
Load carrying capacity of a short column is given by    \
[{\text{P}} = {\text{}}{\sigma _{cc}}.{A_c} + {\sigma _{sc}}.
{A_{sc}}\]
From M 15 grade of concrete \[({\sigma _{cc}})\] =  \
[4\frac{N}{{m{m^2}}},{\sigma _{sc}} = 130N/m{m^2}\]
\[{A_{sc}} = 8.\frac{\pi }{4}{\left( {20} \right)^2} =
2513m{m^2}\]
\[A = 400 \times 400 = 160000m{m^2}\]
\[{A_c} = A - {A_{sc}} = 160000 - 2513 = 157487m{m^2}\]
Substituting the values in formula above, we get
\[P = \left( {4 \times 157487 + 130 \times 2513} \right) =
956638N = 956.6kN\]
(b) In this case \[{l_{ef}} = 8000mm\]
The ratio    \[\frac{{{l_{ef}}}}{b} = \frac{{8000}}{{400}} =
20\]
which is greater than 12. Hence the column is to be treated as a
long column.
Reduction factor,       \[{C_r} = 1.25 - \frac{{{l_{ef}}}}
{{48b}} = 1.25 - \frac{{8000}}{{48 \times 400}} = 0.833\]
Load carrying capacity of the long column
\[= Loadcarryigcapacityoftheshortcolumnx{C_r}\]
\[= 956638 \times 0.833 = 797198N = 797.2kN\]
                                                           
Example 28.2 Design a short R.C. column required to carry an
axial load of 1500 kN. Use M 20 grade of concrete and mild
steel reinforcement.
Solution The permissible stress for concrete in direct
compression \[({\sigma _{cc}})\]  for M 20 grade of concrete  \
[= 5N/m{m^2}\]
Let the area of longitudinal reinforcement \[({A_{sc}})\]
                                                = 1% of cross-sectional area (A)
of the column = 0.01A mm2
The load carrying capacity of a short column is given by
\[P = {\sigma _{CC}}.{A_c} + {\sigma _{sc}}.{A_{sc}} =
{\sigma _{CC}}\left( {A - 0.01A} \right) + {\sigma _{sc}}
\times 0.01A\]
\[1500 \times {10^3} = 5\left( {A - 0.01A} \right) + 130 \times
0.01A = 4.95A + 1.3A = 6.25A\]
or        \[A = \frac{{1500x{{10}^3}}}{{6.25}} =
240000m{m^2}\]
            One side (b) of a square column = \[\sqrt A\]
\[b = \sqrt {240000}= 489mmsay490mm\]
Hence provide a square column of size 490 mm x 490 mm
Area of longitudinal reinforcement \[= 0.01 \times 240000 =
2400m{m^2}\]
Using 20 mm \[\phi\] bars     \[\left( {{A_\phi } = \frac{\pi }
{4} \times {{\left( {20} \right)}^2} = 314m{m^2}} \right)\]
No. of bars required =    \[\frac{{2400}}{{314}} =
7.64say8Nos\]
Design of ties : The diameter of  the ties should not be less than
1/4 the diameter of the largest longitudinal bar subject to a
minimum of 5 mm.
            Hence adopt dia. of ties = 5mm
            The c/c spacing of the ties should be least of the
following:
                        (i) least lateral dimension of column = 490mm
                        (ii) 16 x \[\phi\] of longitudinal bar   = 16 x 20 =
320mm         
                        (iii) 48 x \[\phi\] of tie                     =  48 x 5 =
240mm         
            Hence provide 5mm \[\phi\] @ 240 mm c/c as shown in
the Fig. 28.7.
Example 28.3 A 400 mm x 400 mm column 12000 mm long is
restrained at both ends and is required to carry an axial load of
900 kN. Design the column using M 20 grade of concrete and
mild steel reinforcement.
Solution: For M 20 grade of concrete
\[({\sigma _{cc}})\]  = \[5\frac{N}{{m{m^2}}},{\sigma _{sc}}
= 130N/m{m^2}\]
 Effective length of the column \[{l_{ef}} = 0.65 \times 12000 =
7800mm\]

The ratio                                                 

Hence the column is a long column.
Reduction factor,       \[{C_r} = 1.25 - \frac{{{l_{ef}}}}
{{48b}} = 1.25 - \frac{{7800}}{{48 \times 400}} = 0.844\]
Design load for a short column \[= \frac{P}{{{C_r}}} =
\frac{{900}}{{0.844}} = 1066kN\]
Hence the column can now be designed as a short column for a
design load of 1066 kN.
\[P = {\sigma _{CC}}.\left( {A - {A_{sc}}} \right) + {\sigma
_{sc}}.{A_{sc}}\]
\[1066 \times {10^3} = 5\left( {400 \times 400 - {A_{sc}}}
\right) + 130 \times {A_{sc}}\]
\[{A_{sc}} = 2128m{m^2}\]
Provide a combination of 20 mm \[\phi\]  and 18 mm \[\phi\]
bars so as to have 8 bars giving
\[{A_{sc}} = 2128m{m^2}approx\]
Area of 20 mm \[\phi\] bar      \[\left( {{A_\phi } = \frac{\pi }
{4} \times {{\left( {20} \right)}^2} = 314m{m^2}} \right)\]
Area of 18 mm \[\phi\] bar      \[\left( {{A_\phi } = \frac{\pi }
{4} \times {{\left( {18} \right)}^2} = 254m{m^2}} \right)\]
Area provided by 4 - 20 mm \[\phi\]  + 4 - 18 mm \[\phi\] bars \
[= 4 \times 314 + 4 \times 254 = 2272m{m^2}\]
Hence provided by 4 - 20 mm \[\phi\]  + 4 - 18 mm \[\phi\] bars
Design of ties : The diameter of  the ties should not be less than
1/4 the diameter of the largest longitudinal bar or 5 mm
whichever is more.
            Hence adopt dia. of ties = 5mm
            The c/c spacing of the ties should be least of the
following:
                        (i) Least lateral dimension of column = 400 mm
                        (ii) 16 x \[\phi\] of longitudinal bar     \[= 16
\times 18 = 288mm\]
                        (iii) 48 x \[\phi\] of tie                       \[= 48 \times
5 = 240mm\]
            Hence provide 5 mm \[\phi\] ties @ 240 mm c/c as
shown in the Fig. 28.8.
Example 28.4 Design a short circular R.C. column to carry an
axial load of 388 kN. The column is to be provided with circular
lateral ties. Adopt M 20 grade of concrete and mild steel
reinforcement.
Solution The load carrying capacity of a short column is given
by
\[P = {\sigma _{CC}}.{A_c} + {\sigma _{sc}}.{A_{sc}}\]
Let the area of longitudinal reinforcement \[({A_{sc}})\]
= 2% of cross-sectional area (A) of the column = 0.02A mm2
\[{A_c} = A - {A_{sc}} = A - 0.02A\]
\[P = {\sigma _{CC}}.\left( {A - {A_{sc}}} \right) + {\sigma
_{sc}}.{A_{sc}} = {\sigma _{CC}}.\left( {A - 0.02A} \right) +
{\sigma _{sc}}.0.02A\]
\[388 \times {10^3} = 5\left( {A - 0.02A} \right) + 130 \times
0.02A = 4.9A + 2.6A = 7.5A\]
or    \[A = \frac{{388 \times {{10}^3}}}{{7.5}} =
51733m{m^2}\]
Let D be the diameter of the column
\[A = \frac{\pi }{4}{D^2} = 51733\]  or         D=257 mm say
260 mm
Hence adopt diameter of the column      = 260 mm
Area of longitudinal reinforcement          = 0.02 x 51733 = 1035
mm2
Using 16 mm \[\phi\] bar    \[\left( {{A_\phi } = \frac{\pi }{4}
\times {{\left( {16} \right)}^2} = 201m{m^2}} \right)\]
No. of bars required  \[= \frac{{1035}}{{201}} = 5.2say6Nos.\]
Hence provide 6 nos. of 16 mm \[\phi\] bars.
Design of ties : The diameter of  the ties should not be less
than ¼ the diameter of the largest longitudinal bar subject to a
minimum of 5 mm.
In this case ¼ x 16 = 4 mm, hence provide 5mm \[\phi\] circular
ties or rings.
The c/c spacing of the ties should be least of the following:
(i) Least lateral dimension of column = 260 mm
(ii) 16 x \[\phi\] of longitudinal bar     = 16 x 16 = 256 mm      
(iii) 48 x \[\phi\] of tie                       = 48 x 5 = 240 mm       
Hence provide 5 mm circular ties or ring @ 240 mm c/c as
shown in the Fig. 28.9.