CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

6.1
INTRODUCTION
……………………………………………………………………………...
6.1 Introduction
Columns are structural elements used primarily to support compressive loads. The shape are
usually square, rectangular, circular, L-shaped or orthogonal in cross-section. The function of
column in a structure is to transfer loads from slabs and beams to the foundation. Column
reinforced with longitudinal and transverse steel:

i. Longitudinal steel contribute to the load carrying capacity of the section.

ii. Transverse steel provides lateral support to the longitudinal steel and confines the
concrete.

EC2 Section 5.3.1(7) defines column as a compression members where the

greater cross-sectional dimension does not exceed 4 times the smaller dimension (h ≤ 4b) and
the height is at least 3 times the section depth.

The components in column design are the axial force (N) and the bending
moment (M). If the moment acts about one axis only, it is classified as uniaxial eccentrically
loaded columns; if the moment acts about both axes; it is classified as biaxial eccentrically
loaded columns.

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6.2
COLUMNS AND FAILURE MODES
…………………………………………………………………………...
6.2.1 Slenderness ratio
The slenderness ratio of a column bent about an axis is given by
𝑙𝑜 𝑙𝑜
= =
𝑖 𝐼/𝐴

Where
𝑙0 = the effective length of the column
𝑖 = the radius of gyration about the axis considered
𝐼 = the second moment of area of the section about the axis
𝐴 = the cross-sectional area of the column

6.2.2 Effective length of columns

Effective length is a length used to account for the shape of the deflection curve or it can also be
defined as buckling length. Figure 6.1 shows example of general definition of effective length of
isolated columns with constant cross section.
The effective length will be seen to depend upon the type of deflection
considered and the end fixity of the column. A non-sway or braced column will have an effective
length which is between 0.5 to 1.0 times the actual clear heights of the column while a sway
column will have effective length greater than clear height.
As an alternative method of estimating the effective lengths of column, a simple
and conservative approach given BS 8110 may also be used. Conservative effective length
factors for braced and un-braced columns can be obtained from Table 7.2, where the effective
length lo = factor x clear height.

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Figure 6.1: Different buckling modes and corresponding effective lengths for
isolated members
End condition at bottom
End condition at top
1 2 3
Braced columns
1 0.75 0.80 0.90
2 0.80 0.85 0.95
3 0.90 0.95 1.00
Un-braced columns
1 1.2 1.3 1.6
2 1.3 1.5 1.8
3 1.6 1.8 -
4 2.2 - -
Condition 1 Column connected monolithically to beams on either side
which are at least as deep as the overall dimension of the
column in the plane considered. Where column connected to
a foundation this should be design to carry moment.

Condition 2 Column connected monolithically to beams or slabs on either

side which are shallower than the overall dimension of the
column in the plane considered.

Condition 3 Column connected to members that do not provide more

than nominal restraint to rotation.

Condition 4 The end of column is unstrained against both lateral

movement and rotation.

Table 6.1: Values for effective length factors

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For columns is regular frames, an effective length can be determined in the following way :

Braced columns

𝑘1 𝑘2
𝑙0 = 0.5𝑙 1+ 1+
0.45 + 𝑘1 0.45 + 𝑘2

Unbraced columns

𝑘1 . 𝑘2 𝑘1 𝑘2
𝑙0 = 𝑙 . max 1 + 10 . ; 1+ . 1+
𝑘1 + 𝑘2 1 + 𝑘1 1 + 𝑘2

Where

𝑘1 , 𝑘2 are the relative flexibilities of rotational restrain at ends 1 and 2 respectively

𝑘 = 𝜃 𝐸𝐼
𝑀 . 𝑙

𝜃 is the rotation of restraining members for bending moment M

𝐸𝐼 is the bending stiffness of compression member

𝑙 is the clear height of compression member between end restrains at each end 𝑘1 and 𝑘2
can be taken as :

𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐸𝐼/𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑙/𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛

𝑘 = = =
 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 2 𝐸𝐼/𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 2 𝑙/𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚

It is assumed that any column above or below the column under consideration does not
contribute anything to the rotation restraint of the joint and that stiffness of each connecting
beam is taken as 2𝐸𝐼/𝑙 to allow for cracking effects in the beam.
If an adjacent column in a node is likely to contribute to the rotation at buckling, then
𝐸𝐼/𝑙 in the definition of 𝑘 should be replaced by 𝐸𝐼/𝑙 𝑎 + 𝐸𝐼/𝑙 𝑏 , a and b representing
the column above and below the node.

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Figure 6.2: Column dimension and notation.

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 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

6.2.3 Classification of Columns

a) Braced and un-braced column

Braced Column: Column where the lateral stability at particular planes is upheld by restraining
walls or any other bracing elements. The N and M are induced by axial loads only.

Un-braced Colum: Column where the lateral stability is only upheld by the column’s own
bending action without any other bracing elements. The load arrangement need include the
effects of horizontal loads.

b) Slender and non-slender column

Column may be classified into slender or non-slender depending on its sensitivity to second-
order effects (P-Δ effect). Column can be deemed to be non-slender when design actions are not
significantly affected by their deformation (P-Δ effect is deemed to be small). Second order effect
may be ignored provided the slenderness ratio of column does not exceed a particular limiting
value. Second order effect also can be ignored if they are less than 10% of the corresponding
first order bending moments.

6.2.4 Failure Modes

Slenderness ratio, provide a measure of vulnerability to failure of the column by elastic
instability or buckling. Short column with low slenderness ratio invariably fail under ultimate
loads with very high slenderness ration are in danger of buckling under relatively low
compressive loads as shown in Figure 6.3.
Short columns usually fail by crushing but slender column is liable to fail by buckling.

Short column : Slender column :

fail by crushing fail by buckling.

Figure 6.3: Failure modes of column

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6.3
REINFORCEMENT DETAILS
……………………………………………………………………………...
6.3.1 Longitudinal steel
1. A minimum of four bars is required in a rectangular column (one bar in each corner) and six
bars in a circular column. Bar diameter should not be less tan 12mm.
2. The minimum area of steel is given by

0.10𝑁𝐸𝑑
𝐴𝑠 = ≥ 0.002𝐴𝑐
0.87𝑓𝑦𝑘

3. The maximum area of reinforcement is given by

𝐴𝑠,𝑚𝑎𝑥
< 0.08
𝐴𝑐

Where, 𝐴𝑠 is the total area of longitudinal steel and 𝐴𝑐 is the cross-sectional area of the column.

Otherwise, in region away from laps :

𝐴𝑠,𝑚𝑎𝑥
< 0.04
𝐴𝑐

6.3.2 Requirements for link

The diameter of links should not be less than 6mm or one –quarter of the diameter of the largest
longitudinal bar. The maximum spacing of links in column (refer clause 9.5.3 EC2) should not
exceed.
• 20 times the minimum diameter of the longitudinal bars
• The lesser dimension of the column
• 400 mm
At the distance within the larger dimension of the column above or below a beam or slab
and near lapped joints these spacing should be reduced by a factor of 0.6.

Every longitudinal bar or bundle of bars placed in corner should be held by transverse
reinforcement. No bar within compression zone should be further than 150mm from restrained
bar.

123
6.3.3 Analysis
In situ reinforced concrete structures behave as rigid frames, and should be analyzed as such.
They can be analyzed as a complete space frame or divided into a series of plane frame. For the
purpose or simplified design calculations the axial force in a column in monolithic braced frame
may be calculated on the assumption that the beams are simply supported. The bending
moments may be calculated using the simplified sub-frame shown in Figure 6.4. The
arrangement of the design ultimate imposed load should be such as to cause the maximum
moment in the column.

Kcu
Wmax Wmax
Wmin

0.5Kbeam 0.5Kbeam 0.5Kbeam

Kcl

Figure 6.4: Simplified sub-frame

Where:

Wmax = 1.35Gk + 1.5Qk

Wmin = 1.35Gk
K = Stiffness = EI/L

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 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

6.4
DESIGN OF SHORT BRACED COLUMN
……………………………………………………………………………...
6.4 Design procedure
A procedure for carrying out the detailed design of braced columns (i.e. columns that do not
contribute to resistance of horizontal actions) is shown in Table 6.2.

STE
TASK STANDARD
P
EN 1990 : Table 2.1
1 Determine design life, Exposure class & Fire resistance EN 1992-1-1: Table 4.1
EN 1992-1-2: Sec. 5.6
BS 8500-1: Table A.3
2 Determine material strength
EN 206-1: Table F1

3 Select size of column EN 1992-1-2: Table 5.5

Calculate min. cover for durability , fire and bond

4 EN 1992-1-1: Sec. 4.4.1
requirements
Analyze structure to obtain critical moments and axial
5 EN 1992-1-1 : Sec. 5
forces

6 Check slenderness EN 1992-1-1: Sec. 5.8.3

7 Determine final design moment EN 1992-1-1: Sec. 5.8.8

8 Determine area of reinforcement required EN 1992-1-1: Sec. 6.1

9 Detailing EN 1992-1-1: Sec. 8 & 9

Table 6.2: Design Process for column

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Example 6.1

Figure E7.1 shows plan view and cross-section of two-storey reinforced concrete building. The
building considered braced with provision of bracing elements at certain locations. The size of
column is 275 x 350 mm while sizes of beam are 250 x 400 mm and 250 x 500 mm for
secondary beam and main beam respectively. Calculate the axial force and moment of column
B/2

A B C
6000 8000
1
250 x 500

4000

000
250 x 500
2
250 x 400

250 x 400
250 x 400

4000

000
250 x 500
3

4000

000
250 x 500
4
PLAN VIEW
4000

000
5000

000
1500

000

CROSS-SECTION
Figure E6.1

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 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Example 6.1 page 1/6

Ref. Calculations Output

Project Designed by :

Checked by:
Location
Date:

COLUMN : B/2

Column Size : 275 x 350 mm

z
Secondary
y y L12 = 4.00 m L23= 4.00 m
beam

z w23
Main beam LAB= 6.00 m LBC = 8.00 m
wAB wBC

w12
Roof WAB WBC w12 w23
Gk 20.0 20.0 10.0 10.0
4.0 m Qk 10.0 10.0 5.0 5.0
Max.* 42 42 21 21
* Max = 1.35Gk + 1.5Qk *Min = 1.35Gk

1st. FL WAB WBC w12 w23

Gk 27.0 27.0 20.0 20.0
Qk 18.0 18.0 15.0 15.0
5.0 m Max. 63 63 50 50

Gnd. FL WAB WBC w12 w23

1.5 m Gk 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8
Qk 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Max. 11 11 11 11

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page 2/6

Ref. Calculations Output

AXIAL LOAD

1st. Fl. To Roof

Load from roof truss = 16 kN
Main beam = (42 x 6.0 x 0.5) = 126 kN
(42 x 8.0 x 0.5) = 168 kN
Sec. beam = (21 x 4.0 x 0.5) = 42 kN
(21 x 4.0 x 0.5) = 42 kN
Selfweight = 1.35 (0.3 x 0.35 x 4.0 x 25) = 13 kN
N1-Roof = 407 kN

Gnd Fl. to 1st. Fl.

Load from above = 407 kN
Main beam = (63 x 6.0 x 0.5) = 190 kN
(63 x 8.0 x 0.5) = 254 kN
Sec. beam = (50 x 4.0 x 0.5) = 99 kN
(50 x 4.0 x 0.5) = 99 kN
Selfweight = 1.35 (0.3 x 0.35 x 5.0 x 25) = 16 kN
NGnd-1 = 1065 kN

Footing to Gnd. Fl.

Load from above = 1065 kN
Main beam = (11 x 6.0 x 0.5) = 32 kN
(11 x 8.0 x 0.5) = 42 kN
Sec. beam = (11 x 4.0 x 0.5) = 21 kN
(11 x 4.0 x 0.5) = 21 kN
Selfweight = 1.35 (0.3 x 0.35 x 1.5 x 25) = 5 kN
Nft = 1186 kN

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page 3/6

Ref. Calculations Output

BENDING MOMENTS
COLUMN = B/2

z-z
Stiffness, K = bh 3 /12L
5
Column 4.0 m : (275 x 350) 3 / (12 x 4000) = 2.46 x 10
3 5
5.0 m : (275 x 350) / (12 x 5000) = 1.97 x 10
3 5
1.5 m : (275 x 350) / (12 x 1500) = 6.55 x 10
3 5
Beam 6.0 m : (250 x 500) / (12 x 6000) = 4.34 x 10
3 5
8.0 m : (250 x 500) / (12 x 8000) = 3.26 x 10

y-y
Stiffness, K = bh 3 /12L
5
Column 4.0 m : (350 x 275) 3 / (12 x 4000) = 1.52 x 10
3 5
5.0 m : (350 x 275) / (12 x 5000) = 1.21 x 10
3 5
1.5 m : (350 x 275) / (12 x 1500) = 4.04 x 10
3 5
Beam 4.0 m : (250 x 400) / (12 x 4000) = 3.33 x 10
3 5
4.0 m : (250 x 400) / (12 x 4000) = 3.33 x 10

Level : 1st. Fl - Roof

z-z y-y

27.0 kN/m 42.0 kN/m 13.5 kN/m 21.0 kN/m

4.0 m 4.0 m
275 x 350 350 x 275

6.0 m 8.0 m 4.0 m 4.0 m

Beam size: Beam size:

250 x 500 200 x 500 250 x 400 250 x 400

Fixed End Moment Fixed End Moment

M 1 = wL 2 /12 M 1 = wL 2 /12
= 81.0 kNm = 18.0 kNm
M 2 = wL 2 /12 M 2 = wL 2 /12
= 224.0 kNm = 28 kNm

Column Moment Column Moment

M = (K c/Kc + K b1 /2 + K b2 /2 ) x (M 2 -M 1 ) M = (K c/Kc + K b1 /2 + K b2 /2 ) x (M 2 -M 1 )
= (2.46 / 6.3) x 143.0 = 56.2 kNm = (1.52 / 4.8) x 10.0 = 3.13 kNm

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page 4/6

Ref. Calculations Output

Level : Gnd. Fl. - 1st. Fl.

z-z y-y

4.0 m 4.0 m
275 x 350 350 x 275
36.5 kN/m 63.5 kN/m 27.0 kN/m 50 kN/m

5.0 m 5.0 m
275 x 350 350 x 275

6.0 m 8.0 m 4.0 m 4.0 m

Beam size: Beam size:

250 x 500 200 x 500 250 x 400 250 x 400

Fixed End Moment Fixed End Moment

2
M 1 = wL /12 M 1 = wL 2 /12
= 109.4 kNm = 36.0 kNm
2 2
M 2 = wL /12 M 2 = wL /12
= 338.4 kNm = 66 kNm

Column Moment Column Moment

Moment in upper column Moment in upper column
M cu = Kcu / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) x (M 2 -M 1 ) M cu = Kcu / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) x (M 2 -M 1 )
= (2.46 / 8.2) x 229 = 68.45 kNm = (1.52 / 6.1) x 30 = 7.50 kNm

Moment in lower column Moment in lower column

M cL = Kcl / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) + (M 2 - M 1 ) M cL = Kcl / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) + (M 2 -M 1 )
= (1.97 / 8.2) x 229 = 54.76 kNm = (1.21 / 6.1) x 30 = 6.00 kNm

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page 5/6

Ref. Calculations Output

Level : Gnd. Fl - Found.

z-z y-y

5.0 m 5.0 m
275 x 350 350 x 275
11 kN/m 11 kN/m 11 kN/m 11 kN/m

1.5 m 1.5 m
275 x 350 350 x 275

6.0 m 8.0 m 4.0 m 4.0 m

Beam size: Beam size:

250 x 500 250 x 500 250 x 400 250 x 400

Fixed End Moment Fixed End Moment

M 1 = wL 2 /12 M 1 = wL 2 /12
= 31.6 kNm = 14.0 kNm
M 2 = wL 2 /12 M 2 = wL 2 /12
= 56.2 kNm = 14 kNm

Column Moment Column Moment

Moment in upper column Moment in upper column
M cu = Kcu / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) x (M 2 -M 1 ) M cu = Kcu / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) x (M 2 -M 1 )
= (1.97 / 12.3) x 25 = 3.92 kNm = (1.21 / 8.6) x 0 = 0.00 kNm

Moment in lower column Moment in lower column

M cL = Kcl / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) + (M 2 - M 1 ) M cL = Kcl / (Kcu + Kcl + Kb1 /2 + Kb2 /2) + (M 2 -M 1 )
= (6.55 / 12.3) x 25 = 13.07 kNm = (4.04 / 8.6) x 0 = 0.00 kNm

Summary of Bending Moment

56.2 3.1

68.5 54.8 7.5 6.0

3.9 13.1 0.0 0.0

6.5 0
M z-z (kNm) M y-y (kNm)

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page 6/6

Ref. Calculations Output

EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF COLUMN

Effective length, l o = factor x clear height

z-axis : End condition Top = 1

= 0.75
Bottom = 1

l oz = 0.75 x (4000 - 250)

= 2813 mm clear 4000
height

500

y-axis : End condition Top = 1

= 0.75
Bottom = 1

l oy = 0.75 x (4000 - 200)

= 2850 mm

clear 4000
height

400

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 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Example 6.2
Design the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement for the column shown in Figure E6.2
below. The column is subjected to 50 years working life, 1 hour fire resistance and build inside
building. Use grade C25/30 concrete and grade 500 steel reinforcement.

N = 1200 kN
Mz
35
250

300
25
Mz kNm
Figure E6.2
Effective height, l0 = 4.2 m
Braced non-slender column

Example 6.3

Design the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement for rectangular columns size 300 x 350
mm. This column is classified as non-slender and subjected to ultimate axial load of 1800 kN
and bending moment of 55 kNm and 32 kNm about major and minor axis respectively. Use
grade C25/30 concrete, grade 500 steel reinforcement and nominal cover concrete of 30 mm.
Verify the suitability of the bar arrangement to meet the requirement for column subjected to
biaxial bending as mention in clause 5.8.6(4) of EC2.

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 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

EXAMPLE 6.2 : DESIGN OF NON-SLENDER COLUMN BENT ABOUT MAJOR AXIS page 1/2

Ref. Calculations Output

SPECIFICATION

Classification: Braced non-slender column

Material: Axial force, N Ed = 1200 kN
2
Concrete, f ck = 25 N/mm
2 z
Reinforcement, f yk = 500 N/mm Mz
Size, b x h = 250 x 300 mm 35 kNm
Effective length, l o = 4.20 m 250
y y

300 z
Assumed : f link = 6 mm 25 kNm
f bar = 20 mm Mz
Nominal cover, C nom = 30 mm

134
 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Ref Calculation Output

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 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

EXAMPLE 6.3 : DESIGN OF NON-SLENDER COLUMN BENT ABOUT BOTH AXIS page 1/6

Ref. Calculations Output

SPECIFICATION

Classification: Braced non-slender column

Material: Axial force, N Ed = 1800 kN
2
Concrete, f ck = 25 N/mm
2 z
Reinforcement, f yk = 500 N/mm Mz
Size, b x h = 300 x 350 mm
Effective length, l oz = 3.70 m 300 My
Effective length, l oy = 3.00 m y y
Slenderness ratio, λz = 27.7
Slenderness ratio, λy = 34.2 350
z
Assumed : f link = 6 mm Bending moment :
f bar = 25 mm Mz = 55 kNm
Nominal cover, C nom = 30 mm My = 32 kNm

136
 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Ref Calculation Output

137
 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Ref Calculation Output

138
 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Ref Calculation Output

139
 CHAPTER 6 : DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN

Ref Calculation Output

140
Ref Calculation Output

141