Other column base details may be adopted, including embedding the lower portion of column

into a pocket in the foundation, or the use of baseplates strengthened by additional horizontal
steel members. These types of base are not covered in this publication, which is limited to
unstiffened baseplates for I or H sections. Although no detailed guidance is given, the
principles in this publication may be applied to the design of bases for RHS or CHS section
columns.
Foundations themselves are supported by the sub-structure. The foundation may be supported
directly on the existing ground, or may be supported by piles, or the foundation may be part
of a slab. The influence of the support to the foundation, which may be considerable in certain
ground conditions, is not covered in this document.
Concrete foundations are usually reinforced. The reinforcement may be nominal in the case of
pinned bases, but will be significant in bases where bending moment is to be transferred. The
holding down assembly comprises two, but more commonly four (or more) holding down
bolts. These may be cast in situ, or post-fixed to the completed foundation. Cast in situ bolts
usually have some form of tubular or conical sleeve, so that the top of the bolts are free to
move laterally, to allow the baseplate to be accurately located. Other forms of anchor are
commonly used, as shown in Figure 1.2. Baseplates for cast-in assemblies are usually
provided with oversize holes and thick washer plates to permit translation of the column base.
Post-fixed anchors may be used, being positioned accurately in the cured concrete. Other
assemblies involve loose arrangements of bolts and anchor plates, subsequently fixed with
cementicious grout or fine concrete. Whilst loose arrangements allow considerable translation
of the baseplate, the lack of initial fixity can mean that the column must be propped or guyed
whilst the holding down arrangements are completed. Anchor plates or similar embedded
arrangements are attached to the embedded end of the anchor assembly to resist pull-out. The
holding down assemblies protrude from the concrete a considerable distance, to allow for the
grout, the baseplate, the washer, the nut and a further threaded length to allow some vertical
tolerance. The projection from the concrete is typically around 100 mm, with a considerable
threaded length.
Post-fixed assemblies include expanding mechanical anchors, chemical anchors, undercut
anchors and grouted anchors. Various types of anchor are illustrated in Figure 1.2.

1.2