What is the standard size of a column for building?
required then going for larger column size is
Er Hardeep Malik, Post Secondary Certificat
Construction Project Management & Civil
Engineering, Fanshawe College (2018)
First of all, the question is which type of
column you are using timber, concrete etc.
Now a days RCC columns are widely used,
here is the detail about it. The size of the
columns depends on the total load on the
columns.
Minimum size of the column should not be
less than 9”x9”. 9”x9” columns are to be used
for a single storey structure with M15 (1:2:4)
(cement : sand : aggregate ) grade of
concrete.
In case, 9”x9” column size is to be used for 1
and half storey structure, then it is advised to
use M20 (1:1.5:3) (cement : sand :
aggregate) grade concrete.
A safe and structurally sound column size for
a 1 and half storey structure should not be less
than 12”x9” using M15 grade concrete. This
should be in your most preferred and
practical options list.
Distance between the columns
Try to maintain equal distance between the
centres of two columns. Always plan a
column layout on a grid. The distance
between two columns of size 9”x9” should
not be more than 4 m centre to centre of
column. If larger barrier free distances are
(This picture shows a rough design of columns
for multistory buildings)
Sagar Katore, Structural Engineer
There is no standard size of column. The size
of column depends on the load to be
resisted, the type column and the
architectural utility of that column.
Depending upon these factors we have to
adopt or assume the size of column and
check for safety. After some experience in
structural design people start using thumb
rules in selecting sizes of columns depending
upon their field experience. Some of the
common sizes used are as follows 230 X 300,
380, 450, 530, 600, 750, 900.
to be used.
The size of the columns increase because of
two factors:
1. Increase in the distance between two
columns (This increases the dimensions of
the columns as well the depth of the
beam.)
2. Height of the building (Increase in the
number of floors is directly proportional to
the dimensions of the columns.
Alignment of Columns
A rectangular grid is to be made for placing
the columns. This helps in avoiding mistakes
and placing in columns can be done in the
right way.
The columns can preferably be arranged in
two different fashions:
1. In a straight line with the help of a grid
2. In a circular fashion for circular buildings.
Zigzag arrangement of columns is an
absolutely wrong way of working out
Structural design. It should be remembered
that when columns are erected, beams are
laid connecting the columns.
The Zigzag column placement causes three
major issues:
1. Unbalanced load transfer
2. Problems in wall construction
3. Problems in laying beams
The section can revised and reduced or
increased in size by using different
percentage steel variations.
Source : https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-
standard-size-of-a-column-for-building