1.

 Initial width and depth of beam

In order to find initial dimensions of beam, we have to use some thumb rules.
*All Thumb Rules are created on the basis of Experience , Calculations ,Data available from
various books and guidance given by Senior Engineers/Technocrats.
*Thumb Rules are practicable and easy to work out basic/ initial sizes of structural members for
Quantity calibration, estimation and to cross check the safety of structural designs.
*For Big & Complicated structures, actual calculations should be done along with use of these
Thumb Rules.
 Max.Bending Moment at MID-SPAN OF BEAM=(Load x Span x Span)/10 (for partially
fixed)
 MIN.DEPTH of beam=Span of Beam in Ft +3 =------------inch
Eg .For 40 ft span beam, depth =40+3=43 inch.

** For Every additional Point/Concentrated Loads, increase the depth of Beam by 3 to 9 inch.

If Depth reduces, the width should be increased to maintain w.r.t. c/sl area of beam.
 WIDTH of the Beam =(Span of Beam in ft.)/3=------------in inch
(Min.width of beam should be 9 inch)

Eg.Min.Width of 40 ft.span beam=40/3=13..33 inch say 15 inch

OR Min.Width of Beam= (Depth of Beam in inch/3)=……….in inch

Eg.Min.Width of Beam=(36inch/3) =12 inch
 INITIAL DIMENSIONS OF COLUMN
In designing column one of the basic thing is to determine its dimensions. in order to
pick(determine) the initial lateral dimensions, we must first proceed via the designing procedures
column design is fairly a straight forward.
 determine design axial load
 guess a reinforcement ratio
 must be between 0.01 and 0.08
 a good starting value is 0.02
 solve for required gross area
 using the gross area, determine required amount of reinforcement
 check details
 unless otherwise stated, assume 1.5 inch of cover
Following these procedures after solving the required gross area, we can pick column size. In
picking column size there are thumb rules to follow.
The size of the columns depends on the total load on the columns. There are axial loads and
lateral loads. Large beam spans induce bending moment not only in the beams, but also in
columns which are pulled by the stresses in the beams. Minimum size of an RCC column should
not be less than 9”x 9” (225mm x 225mm) with 4 bars of 12 MM Fe=500 Steel.
 INITIAL DEPTH OF A SLAB
Thumb rules for determining initial depth of slab are given below.
One Way Systems:
Beam and Slab -suitable for spans from 6' to 18'. Concrete beams depth in increments of 2".
Rule of Thumb - Slab: floor depth = span/30 (4" minimum) roof depth = span/36. Depth
= span/16. Width 1/3 to 1/2 of depth (of 2" or 3" increments) and greater than the width
of the
Two Way Systems:
Slab and Beam -slab cast integrally with supporting beams and columns on four sides. Most
efficient when square/nearly square bays. Suitable for heavy loads and spans from 15' to 40'.
Rule of Thumb -slab depth = slab perimeter/180 (4" minimum). Ribs based upon molds of 19" to
30" widths and 8" to 20" depths (of 2" increments). 19" width molds with 5" rib widths create 2'
module, whereas 30" width molds with 6" rib widths create a 3' module.
Flat Slab -slab with reinforced column supports. Suitable for heavy loads and 20' to 40' spans.
Rule of Thumb -slab depth = span/36 (6" to 12"). Slab depth around column 5/4 * slab depth.
Column reinforcement width 1/3 span.

2.
Column
 A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that
transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural
elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member. The term column
applies especially to a large round support (the shaft of the column) with a capital and
a base or pedestal which is made of stone, or appearing to be so.
pier
 pier is the type of column which are constructed between the two abutments in the bridge,
which support the load of super structure of bridge.
difference of column and pier
column pier
 used to support horizontal membrane  not used to support horizontal
 used to support structures of a building membrane
 mainly used in river bridges

Similarity of column and pier

column pier
 support load from above  support load from above
 vertical membrane  vertical membrane

3.

Moment-resisting frames are rectilinear assemblages of beams and columns, with the beams
rigidly connected to the columns. Resistance to lateral forces is provided primarily by rigid
frame action-that is, by the development of bending moment and shear force in the frame
members and joints. By virtue of the rigid beam-column connections, a moment frame cannot
displace laterally without bending the beams or columns depending on the geometry of the
connection. The bending rigidity and strength of the frame members is therefore the primary
source of lateral stiffness and strength for the entire frame.

In moment resisting frames, the joints or connections, between columns and beams are designed
to be rigid.
This causes the columns and beams to bend during earthquake. So these structural members are
designed to be strong in bending.