DESIGN OF COLUMNS

Module V
 OVERVIEW
PART
Design of columns
• Classification- effective length- short column - long column
reinforcement-is specifications regarding columns

• Limit state of collapse: compression

• Design of axially loaded short columns

• Design examples with rectangular ties and helical

reinforcement
 Introduction -Columns

• Compression members are structural elements primarily

subjected to axial compressive forces and hence, their
design is guided by considerations of strength and
buckling

Compression member
Column

Pedestal

Struct
• Column is a vertical compression member mainly subjected
to axial loads and effective length exceeds three times its
least lateral dimension

• Pedestal is a compression member whose effective length

less than three times its least lateral dimension

• The compression member which is inclined or horizontal and

is subjected to axial load is called strut.(Struts are used in
trusses)
 Classification of column
Based on shape

• Square
• Rectangular
• Circular
• Pentagonal
• Hexagonal
• Octagonal
• T-shape/L-shape…
Based on material of construction

• Timber columns –Used for light loads. Used for small trusses
and wooden houses.
• Masonry columns- Used for light loads
• RCC columns – Mostly commonly used
• Steel columns – For heavy loads
• Composite columns –Used for very heavy loads. Consists of I
or H sections embedded in RCC section
Based on Loadings
➢Columns subjected to axial loads only (concentric)
➢Columns subjected to combined axial load and uniaxial
bending
➢Columns subjected to combined axial load and bi-axial
bending
Axially loaded column-Load acting along the centroid of
columns . Subjected to direct compressive stress only

Eccentrically loaded column-Loads not acting on longitudinal

axis of column. Subjected to direct compressive stress and
bending stress
Based on Slenderness Ratios
Slenderness ratio = le /least lateral dimension
le = Effective length of column

Effective length of column is defined as the length of column

which takes part in buckling under the action of load
1. Short column
Slenderness ratio is less than or equal to 12

2. Slender or long columns

Slenderness ratio is greater than 12
Based on Types of Reinforcement
Based on the types of reinforcement, the reinforced
concrete columns are classified into three groups:
1. Tied columns: The main longitudinal reinforcement bars
are enclosed within closely spaced lateral ties .
2. Columns with helical reinforcement: The main
longitudinal reinforcement bars are enclosed within
closely spaced and continuously wound spiral
reinforcement. Circular and octagonal columns are
mostly of this type
3. Composite columns: The main longitudinal
reinforcement of the composite columns consists of
structural steel sections or pipes with or without
longitudinal bars
 Reinforcement in
column

Longitudinal Lateral/Transverse
reinforcement reinforcement
Longitudinal reinforcement Transverse reinforcement

Share the compressive load Hold longitudinal bars in

along with concrete thus position
reducing overall size of column

Resist tensile stress developed Resist buckling of main

due to any moment or longitudinal bar
accidental eccentricity
Impart ductility to the column Resist diagonal tension due to
accidental loading

Reduce the effect of creep and Impart ductility and prevent

shrinkage bulging out of concrete by
confining it in core
 Longitudinal reinforcement
The longitudinal reinforcing bars carry the compressive loads
along with the concrete.
Clause 26.5.3.1 stipulates the guidelines regarding the
minimum and maximum amount, number of bars, minimum
diameter of bars, spacing of bars etc.

• The minimum amount of steel should be at least 0.8 per cent

of the gross cross-sectional area of the column.

• The maximum amount of steel should be 4 per cent of the

gross cross-sectional area of the column .It does not exceed 6
per cent when bars from column below have to be lapped
with those in the column under consideration.
• Four and six are the minimum number of longitudinal bars in
rectangular and circular columns, respectively

• The diameter of the longitudinal bars should be at least 12 mm.

• Columns having helical reinforcement shall have at least six

longitudinal bars within and in contact with the helical
reinforcement. The bars shall be placed equidistant around its
inner circumference.

• The bars shall be spaced not exceeding 300 mm along the

periphery of the column.

• The amount of reinforcement for pedestal shall be at least 0.15

per cent of the cross-sectional area provided.
 Transverse Reinforcement
Clause 26.5.3.2 stipulates the guidelines of the
arrangement of transverse reinforcement
• Transverse reinforcement shall only go round corner and
alternate bars if the longitudinal bars are not spaced
more than 75 mm on either side
• Longitudinal bars spaced at a maximum distance of 48
times the diameter of the tie shall be tied by single tie and
additional open ties for in between longitudinal bars
Limit state of collapse :Compression

Assumptions
In addition to assumption in limit state of flexure,
Columns subjected to axial loads only
The maximum compressive strain in concrete in axial
compression is taken as 0.002.

0.002

0.002

Strain diagram
Columns subjected to combined axial load and bending
The maximum compressive strain at the highly compressed
extreme fibre in concrete subjected to axial compression
and bending and when there is no tension on the section
shall be 0.0035 minus 0.75 times the strain at the least
compressed extreme fibre.
∈=least strain in extreme fibre
0.0035-0.75∈

∈
Strain diagram
Load carrying capacity of axially loaded column

As per IS456 Cl 39.3 pg 71

Total load carrying capacity of column =𝑃𝑆 + 𝑃𝐶

𝑃𝑆 = load carried by longitudinal steel

𝑃𝐶 =load carried by concrete
𝑃𝑆 =𝜎𝑠 𝐴𝑠𝑐
𝜎𝑠 =stress in steel (0.87𝑓𝑦 for Fe 250/0.75 𝑓𝑦 for Fe415)
𝐴𝑠𝑐 =area of longitudinal bar
𝑃𝐶 = 𝜎𝑐 𝐴𝑐
𝜎𝑐 =Stress in concrete (0.446 𝑓𝑐𝑘 )
𝐴𝑐 =Area of concrete
Total load carrying capacity of column= 𝜎𝑠 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 𝜎𝑐 𝐴𝑐
= 0.75 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.446 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐

If load is applied within an eccentricity of 0.05 times the lateral

dimension formula can be applied by reducing total load
carrying capacity of column by 10%

90
𝑃𝑢 = 0.75 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.446 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐
100
𝑃𝑢 = 0.67 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐
As per IS456 cl 25.4 pg 42
𝑙 𝐷
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30
greater
20 mm

If 𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 <0.05 D above formula can be used to find load carrying

capacity

𝑙 𝑏
𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30 greater
20 mm
If 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 <0.05 b above formula can be used to find load carrying
capacity
𝑙=unsupported length of column
Problem 1
Determine the ultimate load carrying capacity of rectangular
column of size 400mmx600mm reinforced with 6 bars of 28
mm dia .Use M25 and Fe415 .Unsupported length of column is
3m .The column is effectively held in position at both ends but
not restrain against rotation 400
3# 28 mm dia

600

3# 28 mm dia
Determine the type of column (short column/long column)
Slenderness ratio = le /least lateral dimension
As per IS 456 pg 94 table 28

le= 1.0 𝑙
Slenderness ratio=1.0 x 3/0.4
=7.5 < 12
Hence it is a short column
Determine the type of loading

𝑙 𝐷
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30
20 mm greater

𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =3000/500+600/30
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =26
𝑙 𝑏
𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30
20 mm greater

𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =3000/500+400/30
=19.33
𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =20 mm
0.05D=0.05x600
=30 > 𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛
0.05b=0.05x400
= 20 ≥ 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Hence short column axially loaded

Load carrying capacity

𝑃𝑢 = 0.67 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐

𝜋
𝑃𝑢 =0.67 x 415 x × 282 × 6
4
𝜋
+0.4 × 0.446 × 25 (600 ×400- × 282 ×6)
4

= 3390.31 kN
Allowable service load = 𝑃𝑢 /1.5
= 2260.20 kN
Design of square column
Design a square reinforced concrete axially loaded column to
carry an axial load of 1200 kN including dead load ,live load and
self weight .The column remains continuous through RC beam
and slab floor at both ends . Unsupported length of column is
3m. Use M25 and Fe415

1. Fixing the dimension of column

P=1200 kN
𝑃𝑢 =1.5 x 1200
= 1800 kN
Assume it as a square short column axially loaded
𝑃𝑢 = 0.67 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐
1800 × 103 = 0.67 × 415 × 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 × 20 × 𝐴𝑐
As per IS 456 pg48 cl 26.5.3.1 (a)
Cross-sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement =(0.8-4)%
of gross cross-sectional area (𝐴𝑔 )
𝐴𝑔 = 𝐴𝑐 + 𝐴𝑠𝑐
Assume 1% of longitudinal reinforcement
𝐴𝑠𝑐 =0.01 𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑐 = 𝐴𝑔 - 0.01 𝐴𝑔
=0.99 𝐴𝑔
1800 × 103 = 0.67 × 415 × 0.01 𝐴𝑔 + 0.4 × 20 × 0.99 𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑔 =168216.44 mm2 a

a=410.14 ≈ 450 𝑚𝑚 a
2.Check for slenderness ratio
Slenderness ratio = le /least lateral dimension
As per IS 456 pg 94 table 28

Column remains continuous through RC beam and slab floor at

both ends means ends are fixed (effectively held in position at
both ends and restrained against rotation)

le= 0.65 𝑙
Slenderness ratio=0.65 x 3/0.45
=4.33 < 12
Hence it is a short column
3.Check for minimum eccentricity
As per IS456 pg 42 cl 25.4

𝑙 𝑎
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = + greater
500 30
20 mm

𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =3000/500+450/30

𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =21

0.05a=0.05x450
=22.5 > 𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 / 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Hence short column axially loaded

4.Design of longitudinal reinforcement

𝐴𝑠𝑐 =0.01 𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑠𝑐 =0.01x450x450
=2025 mm2
Assume 25 mm dia bars
2025
No of bars =𝜋
4
×252

= 4.12≈ 6 𝑛𝑜𝑠
Reinforcement should always provide in periphery in
symmetrical manner
Provide 6# 25 mm dia bars as longitudinal reinforcement
5. Design of lateral ties

As per IS 456 pg 49 cl 26.5.3.2 (c)

Pitch (spacing of lateral ties)
least lateral dimension
16 x d lesser
300 mm

Pitch = 450 mm
400 mm lesser
300 mm
Pitch= 300 mm
Diameter of lateral ties

Diameter
= ¼ x dia of largest longitudinal reinforcement
greater
= 6 mm

Diameter
= ¼ x 25 =6.25 ≈ 8 mm
= 6 mm greater

Provide 8 mm dia bars @ 300 mm c/c as lateral ties

6.Detailing 450

450

6 # 25 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

6 # 25 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

Design of Rectangular column
Design a column of size 450 mm x 600 mm and having 3m
unsupported length .The column is subjected to a load of
2000kN and is effectively held in position but not restrained
against rotation . Use M20 and Fe415 steel.

P=2000 kN
𝑃𝑢 =1.5 x 2000
= 3000 kN
1.Determine the type of column

a) Check for slenderness ratio

Slenderness ratio = le /least lateral dimension
As per IS 456 pg 94 table 28
le= 1.0 𝑙

Slenderness ratio=1 x 3/0.45

=6.67 < 12
Hence it is a short column
b) Determine the type of loading

𝑙 𝐷
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30
20 mm greater

𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =3000/500+600/30
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =26
𝑙 𝑏
𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30
20 mm greater

𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =3000/500+450/30
=21
𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =21 mm
0.05D=0.05x600
=30 > 𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛
0.05b=0.05x450
= 22.5 > 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Hence short column axially loaded

Therefore
𝑃𝑢 = 0.67 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐
2. Design of longitudinal reinforcement

𝐴𝑔 = 𝐴𝑐 + 𝐴𝑠𝑐
𝐴𝑔 =450 x 600
=270000 mm2
𝐴𝑐 =27 x 104- 𝐴𝑠𝑐
𝑃𝑢 = 3000 kN
3000 x 103=0.67 x 415 x 𝐴𝑠𝑐 +0.4 x 20 x (27 x 104- 𝐴𝑠𝑐 )
𝐴𝑠𝑐 =3110.53 mm2

% of reinforcement = 𝐴𝑠𝑐 / 𝐴𝑔 x 100

= 3110.53/(450 x 600 ) x100
=1.15 %
As per IS 456 pg48 cl 26.5.3.1 (a)
Cross-sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement =(0.8-4)% of
gross cross-sectional area (𝐴𝑔 )
0.8 < % of 𝐴𝑠𝑐 < 4 ( Hence safe)

Assume 28 mm dia bars

3110.53
No of bars = 𝜋 2
×28
4
= 5.05≈ 6 𝑛𝑜𝑠
Reinforcement should always provide in periphery in
symmetrical manner
Provide 6# 28 mm dia bars as longitudinal reinforcement
3. Design of lateral ties

As per IS 456 pg 49 cl 26.5.3.2 (c)

Pitch (spacing of lateral ties)
least lateral dimension
16 x d lesser
300 mm

Pitch = 450 mm
448 mm lesser
300 mm
Pitch= 300 mm
Diameter of lateral ties

Diameter
= ¼ x dia of largest longitudinal reinforcement
greater
= 6 mm

Diameter
= ¼ x 28 =7 ≈ 8 mm
= 6 mm greater

Provide 8 mm dia bars @ 300 mm c/c as lateral ties

 600
4.Detailing

450

6 # 28 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

6 # 25 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

Design of Circular column with helical reinforcement
Design a circular reinforced column axially loaded to carry a load
of 1200 kN including dead load ,live load and self weight. The
column remains continuous through RC beam and slab floor at
both ends . Unsupported length of column is 6m. Use M20 and
Fe415
1. Fixing the dimension of column
P=1200 kN
𝑃𝑢 =1.5 x 1200
= 1800 kN
Assume it as a short column axially loaded
As per IS456 pg 71 cl 39.4
For compression member wit helical reinforcement
𝑃𝑢 = 1.05 (0.67 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐴𝑐 )
1800 × 103 = 1.05(0.67 × 415 × 𝐴𝑠𝑐 + 0.4 × 20 × 𝐴𝑐 )
As per IS 456 pg48 cl 26.5.3.1 (a)
Cross-sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement =(0.8-4)% of
gross cross-sectional area (𝐴𝑔 )
𝐴𝑔 = 𝐴𝑐 + 𝐴𝑠𝑐
Assume 1% of longitudinal reinforcement
𝐴𝑠𝑐 =0.01 𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑐 = 𝐴𝑔 - 0.01 𝐴𝑔
=0.99 𝐴𝑔
1800 × 103 =1.05(0.67 × 415 × 0.01 𝐴𝑔 + 0.4 × 20 × 0.99 𝐴𝑔 )
𝐴𝑔 =160206.13 mm2 D

D=451.64 ≈ 500 𝑚𝑚
2.Check for slenderness ratio
Slenderness ratio = le /least lateral dimension
As per IS 456 pg 94 table 28

Column remains continuous through RC beam and slab floor at

both ends means ends are fixed (effectively held in position at
both ends and restrained against rotation)

le= 0.65 𝑙
Slenderness ratio=0.65 x 6/0.5
=7.8 < 12
Hence it is a short column
3.Check for minimum eccentricity
As per IS456 pg 42 cl 25.4

𝑙 𝐷
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = +
500 30
greater
20 mm

𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =6000/500+500/30

𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =28.67

0.05a=0.05x500
=25 < 𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 / 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Hence column is not axially loaded
Increase the dimension of the section to make it a axially loaded
column
Assume D=800 mm
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =6000/500+800/30
𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 38.67

0.05a=0.05x800
=40 > 𝑒𝑥 𝑚𝑖𝑛 / 𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Hence it is a axially loaded column

Again checking slenderness ratio

Slenderness ratio=0.65 x 6/0.8
=4.85 < 12
Hence it is a short column
4.Design of longitudinal reinforcement

𝐴𝑠𝑐 =0.01 𝐴𝑔
𝜋
𝐴𝑠𝑐 =0.01x × 8002
4
=5026.55 mm2
Assume 25 mm dia bars
5026.55
No of bars = 𝜋 2
×25
4
= 10.24≈ 12 𝑛𝑜𝑠
Reinforcement should always provide in periphery in
symmetrical manner
Provide 12 # 25 mm dia bars as longitudinal reinforcement
5. Design of spiral/helical reinforcement
As per IS456 pg 71 cl 39.4.1

Volume of spiral reinforcement in one loop = 𝜋(𝐷𝐶 -∅𝑠𝑝 )𝑎𝑠𝑝

𝜋 2
Volume of core = 𝐷𝑐 𝑝
4
∅𝑠𝑝 = diameter of the spiral reinforcement
𝐷𝑐 = diameter of the core
𝑎𝑠𝑝 = area of cross-section of spiral reinforcement
𝑝 =pitch of spiral reinforcement
Assuming a clear cover of 40 mm over spirals
Core diameter = 800 - (40 x 2) = 720 mm
Assuming a bar diameter of 6 mm and pitch 𝑝,
𝜋(𝐷𝐶 −∅𝑠𝑝 )𝑎𝑠𝑝
𝝆𝑺 = 𝜋 2
𝐷 𝑝
4 𝑐 𝜋
𝜋(720−6) 4 ×62
= 𝜋
×7202 ×𝑝
4

𝟎.𝟏𝟓𝟖
=
𝑝

𝜋 2
𝟎.𝟏𝟓𝟖 ×800 𝟐𝟎
4
= 0.36 𝜋 −𝟏
𝑝 ×7202 𝟒𝟏𝟓
4
𝑝=38.8 mm ≈ 30 𝑚𝑚
3. Design of lateral ties

As per IS 456 pg 49 cl 26.5.3.2 (c)

Max pitch of helical reinforcement
75 mm lesser
1/6 x core diameter

Min pitch of helical reinforcement

25 greater
3 x dia of helical reinforcement
Max pitch of helical reinforcement
75 mm
1/6 x 720 lesser
=120 mm
Max pitch =75mm
Min pitch of helical reinforcement
25
3x6 greater
=18 mm
Min pitch =25mm
Max pitch =75mm > 30 mm >Min pitch =25mm
Provide 6 ∅ spiral @ 30 mm c/c pitch as helical reinforcement
6.Detailing

800mm
Short Compression Members/Columns under
Axial Load with Uniaxial Bending
A C B
Design of Rectangular column subjected to uniaxial moment
Design the reinforcement in rectangular column of size 300 mm x 600 mm
subjected to a factored load of 1400 kN and factored moment of 280 kNm with
respect to major axis. Use M20 and Fe415 steel.

(Axis perpendicular to larger dimension is called major axis and axis perpendicular
to smaller dimension is called minor axis )
𝑃𝑢 = 1400 kN
𝑀𝑢𝑦 = 280 kNm
1. Design of longitudinal reinforcement
If moment is acting in the column ,use interaction curves from SP16 to
design the column
Interaction curve is selected based on
1. Grade of steel
𝑑′
2. ratio , 𝑑′ =effective cover and 𝐷 =lateral dimension of section
𝐷
(dimension perpendicular to the axis where moment considered)
3. Type of section and distribution of reinforcement
1. Grade of steel = Fe415
𝑑′
2. 𝐷
′ 𝑑𝑖𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑙 𝑏𝑎𝑟
𝑑 =Clear cover +
2
Assume clear cover =40 mm
Dia of longitudinal bar =20 mm
D= 600 mm
𝑑 ′ 40+10
= =0.083 ≈ 0.1
𝐷 600

3. Type of section=Rectangular section

Distribution of reinforcement= Equally distributed on all four sides
Use chart 44 in pg 129 of SP16
𝑀𝑢 280 ×106
=
𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝐷2 20×300×6002
= 0.129 ≈ 0.13
𝑃𝑢 1400 ×103
=
𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝐷 20×300×600
=0.388 ≈ 0.39
𝑝
=0.10 , 𝑝=percentage of reinforcement
𝑓𝑐𝑘
𝑝=0.10 × 20
=2%
2
Area of steel = ×300 ×600
100
= 3600 mm2
Assume 28 mm dia bars
3600
No of bars =𝜋
×282
4
= 5.85 ≈ 6 𝑛𝑜𝑠
Provide 6 # 28 mm dia bars as longitudinal reinforcement
2. Design of lateral ties
As per IS 456 pg 49 cl 26.5.3.2 (c)
Pitch (spacing of lateral ties)
least lateral dimension
16 x d lesser
300 mm

Pitch = 300 mm
448 mm lesser
300 mm
Pitch= 300 mm
Diameter of lateral ties

Diameter
= ¼ x dia of largest longitudinal reinforcement
greater
= 6 mm

Diameter
= ¼ x 28 =7 ≈ 8 mm
greater
= 6 mm

Provide 8 mm dia bars @ 300 mm c/c as lateral ties

 600
3.Detailing

300

6 # 28 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

6 # 25 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

 INTERACTION CURVES
An interaction diagram (or curve) displays the combinations of the acceptable
moment and axial capacities of a structural member.
Different position of axial force from the section centroid produces various
behaviors of a column as well as stress distribution in sections. These are
plotted on the M-P Interaction Curve:
Pure axial compression (point A)
This is the largest axial compression load that the column can support.
Compression with minor bending (point B).
This is the case of a large axial load acting at a small eccentricity.
The stress distribution becomes inclined but the section is still under
compression. Failure occurs by crushing of the concrete.
Pure axial compression (point A)
• This is the largest axial compression
load that the column can support.
Compression with minor bending
(point B)
• This is the case of a large axial load
acting at a small eccentricity.
• The stress distribution becomes
inclined but the section is still under
compression.
• Failure occurs by crushing of the
concrete.
Compression control (point C)
• Here exist both compression zone and
tension zone of concrete. Steel is
subjected to tension.
• Failure occurs by crushing of the
concrete on the compression side,
whereas the stress in steel fs is less
than the yield stress fy.
Balanced condition (point D)
• A balanced condition is reached
when the compression strain in the
concrete reaches limited and the
tensile reinforcement reaches yielding
simultaneously.
• Failure of concrete occurs at the same
time as the steel yields
Tension control (point E)
• This is the case of a small axial load
with large eccentricity, that is, a large
moment.
• At failure, the strain in the tension
steel is greater than the yield strain.
Pure flexure (point F)
• The section, in this case, is subjected
to a bending moment M, whereas the
axial load is P = 0.
• Failure occurs as in a beam subjected
to bending moment only.
Pure axial tension (point G)
• This is the largest axial tension load
that the column can support.
Design of Rectangular column subjected to uniaxial moment
Design the reinforcement in rectangular column of size 300 mm x 600 mm
subjected to a factored load of 1400 kN and factored moment of 280 kNm with
respect to minor axis. Use M20 and Fe415 steel.

(Axis perpendicular to larger dimension is called major axis and axis perpendicular
to smaller dimension is called minor axis )
major axis

minor axis
𝑃𝑢 = 1400 kN
𝑀𝑢𝑥 = 280 kNm
1. Design of longitudinal reinforcement
If moment is acting in the column ,use interaction curves from SP16 to design
the column
Interaction curve is selected based on
1. Grade of steel
𝑑′
2. ratio , 𝑑′ =effective cover and 𝐷 =lateral dimension of section
𝐷
(dimension perpendicular to the axis where moment cosidered)
3. Type of section and distribution of reinforcement
1. Grade of steel = Fe415
𝑑′
2. 𝑏
𝑑𝑖𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑙 𝑏𝑎𝑟
𝑑 ′ =Clear cover +
2
Assume clear cover =40 mm
Dia of longitudinal bar =20 mm
b= 300 mm
𝑑 ′ 40+10
= =0.166 ≈ 0.2
𝐷 300

3. Type of section=Rectangular section

Distribution of reinforcement= Equally distributed on all four sides
Use chart 46 in pg 131 of SP16
𝑀𝑢 280 ×106
=
𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐷𝑏2 20×600×3002
= 0.259 ≈ 0.26
𝑃𝑢 1400 ×103
=
𝑓𝑐𝑘 𝐷𝑏 20×300×600
=0.388 ≈ 0.39
𝑝
=0.10 , 𝑝=percentage of reinforcement
𝑓𝑐𝑘
𝑝=0.10 × 20
=2%
2
Area of steel = ×300 ×600
100
= 3600 mm2
Assume 28 mm dia bars
3600
No of bars =𝜋
×282
4
= 5.85 ≈ 6 𝑛𝑜𝑠
Provide 6 # 28 mm dia bars as longitudinal reinforcement
2. Design of lateral ties
As per IS 456 pg 49 cl 26.5.3.2 (c)
Pitch (spacing of lateral ties)
least lateral dimension
16 x d lesser
300 mm

Pitch = 300 mm
448 mm lesser
300 mm
Pitch= 300 mm
Diameter of lateral ties

Diameter
= ¼ x dia of largest longitudinal reinforcement
greater
= 6 mm

Diameter
= ¼ x 28 =7 ≈ 8 mm
greater
= 6 mm

Provide 8 mm dia bars @ 300 mm c/c as lateral ties

 600
3.Detailing

300

6 # 28 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

6 # 25 mm dia bars

8 mm dia @ 300 mm c/c

 INTERACTION CURVES
An interaction diagram (or curve) displays the combinations of the acceptable
moment and axial capacities of a structural member.
Different position of axial force from the section centroid produces various
behaviors of a column as well as stress distribution in sections. These are
plotted on the M-P Interaction Curve:
Pure axial compression (point A)
This is the largest axial compression load that the column can support.
Compression with minor bending (point B).
This is the case of a large axial load acting at a small eccentricity.
The stress distribution becomes inclined but the section is still under
compression. Failure occurs by crushing of the concrete.
Pure axial compression (point A)
• This is the largest axial compression
load that the column can support.
Compression with minor bending
(point B)
• This is the case of a large axial load
acting at a small eccentricity.
• The stress distribution becomes
inclined but the section is still under
compression.
• Failure occurs by crushing of the
concrete.
Compression control (point C)
• Here exist both compression zone and
tension zone of concrete. Steel is
subjected to tension.
• Failure occurs by crushing of the
concrete on the compression side,
whereas the stress in steel fs is less
than the yield stress fy.
Balanced condition (point D)
• A balanced condition is reached
when the compression strain in the
concrete reaches limited and the
tensile reinforcement reaches yielding
simultaneously.
• Failure of concrete occurs at the same
time as the steel yields
Tension control (point E)
• This is the case of a small axial load
with large eccentricity, that is, a large
moment.
• At failure, the strain in the tension
steel is greater than the yield strain.
Pure flexure (point F)
• The section, in this case, is subjected
to a bending moment M, whereas the
axial load is P = 0.
• Failure occurs as in a beam subjected
to bending moment only.
Pure axial tension (point G)
• This is the largest axial tension load
that the column can support.