COLUMN

Definition:
Column is a long cylindrical member subjected to axial compression. Column
carries self-weight and load coming on it, Generally, load transfers through its longitudinal
direction.

A column is defined as a compression member, the effective length of which

exceeds three times the least lateral dimension.
Character of a column:
A column is essentially a vertical member designed to transmit a compressive load.
Being a compression member, it is reasonable to suppose that a column would fail by crushing of
the material when the load reached a high enough value.
most columns failure occurs at a lower load than the crushing strength; this is because most
columns are relatively slender, i.e. they are long in relation to their lateral dimensions. It is generally
seen that when a slender member is loaded in compression, as for example when a slender garden
cane is leaned on rather heavily, it will bow sideways or buckle, and if the load is then increased
further the cane will eventually fail in bending.
If, on the other hand, a stocky column is used, one with a low length to breadth ratio, then a
crushing mode of failure is more likely than a buckling mode
 The shape of a column is also very important. For example, a sheet of cardboard has practically
no strength as a column, but if bent to form an angle section or other shapes as shown below, it
is capable of supporting a load

• It follows that by intelligent use of available material, economical columns can be constructed.
• Buckling of slender columns and struts
• If a long thin flexible rod is loaded longitudinally in compression, it is noticeable that it deflects readily
near the mid point of its length with a considerable amount of displacement. The phenomenon is called
BUCKLING and occurs when the stresses in the rod are still well below those required to cause a
shearing type failure.
Euler buckling load for an axially loaded pin ended column is given by:

• Pcr = the Euler buckling load

• E = Young’s modulus for the material
• I = the least second moment of area of the section
• L = the length of the strut between the pinned ends
• K= Column effective length factor
The magnitude of the buckling load given by this formula is the appropriate value for initially straight
column which are pinned at both ends and are subject to an axial load only. In the cases where one
end is fixed and the other end is pinned, or where both ends are fixed, the effective length has to be
determined by multiplying the length between supports by an effective length factor.
1. Both ends pinned Effective length = actual length x 1.0
2. Both ends fixed Effective length = actual length x 0.5
3. One end pinned other end fixed Effective length = actual length x 0.7
4. One end fixed, other end completely free Effective length = actual length x 2.0
• Both Ends Hinged
This is the standard column end condition. Effective length in this condition is equal to the length of
column. Effective length of other end conditions can be found with reference to this condition. In this
condition, both ends of column are either pinned, pivoted or rounded. As shown in figure below
l = L Where,
l = Effective length L = Actual Length
• Both Ends Fixed
This is the strongest column end condition. Both ends fixed column carries maximum load and
effective length for this condition is considered as half of total column length. Column load bearing
capacity increases with the decrease in column equivalent length. As shown in figure below;
l = L / 2 Where,
l = Effective length L = Actual Length
• One End Fixed and Other Hinged
In this condition, one end of a column is stronger while the other end is very weak. Equivalent length for this
end is as following
One End Fixed and Other Free
This end condition makes column to bear the smallest load than all other end conditions. Column in such
condition is very weak. Equivalent length for one end fixed and other free is as following
A column may be classified based on different criteria such as:

1. Based on shape
Rectangle
Square
Circular
L- section
 T- section
• 2. Based on slenderness ratio
The ratio of the effective length of a column to the least radius of gyration of its cross section is called the slenderness ratio.
Radius of Gyration Formula
• K =√ I/ A Mathematically, Radius of gyration can be represented as;
• Where,
• K = Radius of Gyration
• I = Moment of Inertia
• A = Cross-sectional Area.

• Short RCC column, =< 10

• Long RCC column, > 10
• Short Steel column, =<50
• Intermediate Steel column >50 & <200
• Long Steel column >200