How to calculate the total loads on a column and corresponding

footing?

This article has been written on the request from my readers. Engineering
students generally get confused when it comes to calculating loads for column
and footings design. The manual process is simple.

Types of loads on column

1. Self weight of the column x Number of floors

2. Self weight of beams per running meter
3. Load of walls per running meter
4. Total Load of slab (Dead load + Live load + Self weight)
The columns are also subjected to bending moments which have to be
considered in the final design. The best way to design a good structure is to use
advanced structural design software like ETABS or STAAD Pro. These tools are
leagues ahead of manual methodology for structural design, and highly
recommended.

In professional practice, there are some basic assumptions we use for structural
loading calculations.

You can hire me for your structural design need. Contact me.

For Columns
Self weight of Concrete is around 2400 kg per cubic meter, which is equivalent to
240 kN. Self weight of Steel is around 8000 kg per cubic meter. Even if we
assume a large column size of 230 mm x 600 mm with 1% steel and 3 meters
standard height, the self weight of column is around 1000 kg per floor, which is
equivalent to 10 kN. So, in my calculations, I assume self weight of column to be
between 10 to 15 kN per floor.