First Approximate Method Of Design For

Compression Failure
Step 3: Calculate eb from the moment equation in
terms of Ast.
h a Ast  h  Ast
Pnb × eb = 0.85 fc′bab  − + ′
fy − d + f y (d ′′)
2 2 2 2  2
For symmetric sections, h/2 − d′ = d″
h 
fc′bab  − 
h a
Pnb × eb = 0.85 + Ast fy  2 
 − d ′ (XVI)
2 2
Step 4: Calculate Po in terms of Ast.

Po = φ [0.85 fc′ (Ag − Ast) + Ast fy] (XV)

Step 5: The interaction diagram in the compression
region is assumed to be a straight line from
the safe purely axial load point (Po) to safe
balanced point (Pb).
Pu

A
C Design Curve

Pu e
Po B
Pu

Pb

Pu × e
Pbeb
Fig. 14.19. Approximate Design Interaction Curve For Compression Region.
 Po − Pb
Slope of line =
Pb eb
Po − Pb
Hence for any point ‘C’, Pu = Po − (Pu e)
Pb eb
Po
Pu = (XVI)
 Po  e
1 +  − 1

 Pb  eb
The values of Po and Pb may be put in terms of Ast to
form a quadratic equation in terms of Ast.
The resulting equation may be solved for the unknown
steel area.
However, the solution is still lengthy and difficult to
solve for design.
 Whitney’s Empirical Equation
Assumptions:

The column has a rectangular cross-section with

reinforcement placed in two layers parallel to the axis of
bending at equal distances from this axis.

The compression reinforcement has yielded. This is true

for small eccentricities.

The area of concrete displaced by the compression steel

may be neglected.
A straight line can represent the interaction diagram
for compression failures starting from the point
corresponding to the pure axial load capacity Pno to
the point corresponding to a balanced failure.

The depth of the compression stress block for a

balanced failure is ab = β1cb.

From strain compatibility, assuming that fc′ ≤ 28 MPa

and fy = 420 MPa, we get,
600
ab = β1 d
600 + f y
600
= 0.85 d ≅ 0.50 d
600 + 420
Summing the moments about the tension reinforcement
at balanced stage gives the following:
 h
Pnb  eb + d −  = Cs′ (d − d′ ) + Cc (d − ab/2)
 2
d − h/2 = (d − d′ ) / 2, Cs′ = As′ fy, Cc = 0.85 fc′ b ab

Pnb  d − d′
 eb + 
 2 
 0.50d 
= As′ fy (d − d′ ) + 0.85 fc′ b (0.50d)  d −
2 


h
0.319 f c′bd 2 × 2 As′ f y
Pnb = d +
d − d′ h e
eb + × 2 + 0 .5
2 d d − d′
 0.319 f c′ b h As′ f y
Pnb = eb h (d − d ′) h + e (XVII)
+ + 0 .5
d 2
2d 2 d − d′

This equation is basically valid for balanced failure.

To make it valid for smaller eccentricities, the above
equation is forced to pass through the value of Pno at e = 0.
Also to make it a general equation, e is used in place of eb
and Pn is used in place of Pnb.
For e = 0, Eq. XVII gives:
0.319 f c′ b h
Pno = + 2As′ fy (XVIII)
(d − d ′) h
2d 2
Actually, Pno = 0.85fc′ b h + 2As′ fy (XVIV)
Comparing Eqs. XVIII and XVIV,
0.319 f c′ b h
(d − d ′) h = 0.85 fc′ b h
2d 2
(d − d ′) h
2 = 0.375 (XVV)
2d
0.319 f c′b h Ast f y
From XVII: Pn = eh + 2e
+ 0.375 1+
d 2
d − d′

Pu = φPn for fy = 420 MPa

In general, the formula for all grades of steel becomes:
α f c′b h Ast f y
Pn = eh α + 2e
+ 1+
d 2
0.85 d − d′

where α = 0.408 − 0.00021 fy

Example 14.3: A 375×450 mm tied column is to be
reinforced symmetrically by bars placed in two opposite
faces of the section. fc′ = 20 MPa, fy = 420 MPa, d′ = 65
mm and d = 450 − 65 = 385 mm. Determine the steel
areas required for the column to support the following
ultimate loads:
1. 675 kN at e = 450 mm, 2. 1180 kN at e = 200 mm.
Solution:
600
ab = β1 600 + f d= 192.5 mm
y

ab − β 1 d ′
εs′ (balanced condition) = (0.003)
ab
fy
= 0.00214 > = 0.0021
Es
∴ Compression steel is yielding at balanced stage,

fs′ = fy

Pnb ≈ 0.85×200×375×192.5 + As′ fy − As fy

= 1227.2 kN
 Pb = 0.65 Pnb = 797.7 kN

1. Pu = 675 kN, e = 450 mm

Pu < Pb ⇒ tension failure ⇒ fs = fy
Pu
φappr. = 0.9 −
4 Pnb
675
= 0 .9 − = 0.76
4 × 1227.2
Assuming fs′ = fy, the load equation becomes:
675000
0.76
= 0.85 × 20 × 375 a ∴ a = 139.3 mm
 a − β1d ′
εs′ = 0.003 = 0.00181 < εy
a
∴ Compression steel is not yielding.

Let fs′ = (εs′ Es + Previous fs′ ) / 2

= (0.00181 × 200,000 + 420) / 2 = 391 MPa
From the moment equation about the plastic centroid,
675000 × 450
0.76
= 0.85 (20)(375)(139.3)(225 − 139.3/2)
Ast Ast
+ (391)(225 − 65) + (420)(225 − 65)
2 2
Ast = 4034 mm2
2nd Trial
675000 4034 4034
= 0.85 × 20 × 375 a + (391) − (420)
0.76 2 2
∴ a = 148.5 mm
a − β1d ′
εs′ = 0.003 = 0.00188 < εy
a
∴ Compression steel is not yielding.
Let fs′ = (εs′ Es + Previous fs′ ) / 2

= (0.00188 × 200,000 + 391) / 2 = 384 MPa

From the moment equation about the plastic centroid,
we get:
 675000 × 450
= 0.85 (20)(375)(148.5)(225 − 148.5/2)
0.76
Ast Ast
+ 2
(384)(225 − 65) + (420)(225 − 65)
2
Ast = 3995 mm2
3rd Trial
675000 3995 3995
= 0.85 × 20 × 375 a + (384) − (420)
0.76 2 2
∴ a = 150.6 mm
a − β1d ′
εs′ = 0.003 = 0.00190 < εy
a
∴ Compression steel is not yielding.
Let fs′ = (εs′ Es + Previous fs′ ) / 2

= (0.00190 × 200,000 + 384) / 2 = 382 MPa

From the moment equation about the plastic centroid,

675000 × 450
= 0.85 (20)(375)(150.6)(225 − 150.6/2)
0.76
Ast Ast
+ (382)(225 − 65) + (420)(225 − 65)
2 2
Ast = 3989 mm2
4th Trial
Ast = 3990 mm2
 As an alternate, exact solution may be carried out
following almost the same procedure as that for the
compression failure.
β1 d − a
εs = 0.003
a
= 0.00349
0.25
φ = 0.65 + (ε t − ε y ) = 0.77
0.005 − ε y
This value is sufficiently close to the assumed value, and
is on the safe side.

2. Pu = 1180 kN, e = 200 mm

Pu > Pb ⇒ φ = 0.65
 A. EXACT SOLUTION
Assuming the compression to be yielding, the load
equation may be written as follows:
1180,000 Ast Ast  0.85 (385 ) − a 
= 0.85 (20)(375)(a ) + (420) 2
− (600 )
 a


0.65 2
327.25 − a
Ast (210 − 300 ) = 1,815,385 − 6375 a
a
Ast 1,815,385 − 6375 a
∴ = (I)
a 510 a − 98175

From moment equation, we get,

 1180,000 × 200
0.65
= 0.85(20)(375)(a)(225 − 0.5a)
Ast Ast  0.85 (385) − a 
+ (420)(160) + (600)  
(160)
2 2  a 
Ast 3.1875 a 2 − 1434.4 a + 363,077
∴ = 15,708 − 14.4 a (II)
a
From Eqs. I and II:
F(a) = 0.00163 a3 − 1.1363 a2 + 452.27 a − 64161 = 0
F′ (a) = 0.00489 a2 − 2.2726 a + 452.27
Assume ao = h / 2 = 225 mm
 F (a o )
a1 = ao −
F ′ (a o )
(− 1358.7 )
= 225 − = 232.2 mm
188.49
F (a1 )
a2 = a1 −
F ′ (a1 )

(− 1.28)
= 232.2 − = 232.2 mm
188.22
a − β1d ′
εs′ = 0.003
a
= 0.00229 > εy

(Compression steel is yielding)

From Eq. I: Ast = 3843 mm2
B. FIRST APPROXIMATE METHOD
Try at home. Results like those given below will be
obtained:
1864.7 + 0.273 Ast
1180 =  1864.7 + 0.273 Ast  200
1+  − 1
 797.7  128.75 + 0.05476 Ast

Ast2 − 543.2Ast − 15,218,662 = 0

Ast = 4182 mm2 (8.83% greater than actual result)
C. USING WHITNEY’S EQUATION
α = 0.408 − 0.00021 fy
= 0.408 − 0.00021 × 420 = 0.32
 α f c′b h Ast f y
Pn = eh α + 2e
+ 1+
d − d′
2
d 0.85
1180,000 (0.32)(20)(375)(450) + Ast (420)
= (200)(450) 0.32 (2 )(200 )
0.65 + 1+
(385)2 0.85 320

∴ Ast = 3844 mm2

(can be on unsafe side in some cases)
 ANALYSIS OF RECTANGULAR COLUMNS
HAVING BARS AT FOUR FACES
For a general bar ‘i’ in the section, from the strain
diagram of Fig. 14.20,
di − c
εsi = 0.003 ; di < c ⇒ Compressive strains
c
denoted by negative sign
di > c ⇒ Tensile strains denoted by positive sign
The stresses can be calculated according to the following
three possibilities:
fy
1. If, εsi ≥ , fsi = fy (tensile)
Es
 e
h/2 h/2

b P

ith bar
di
c
Strain Diagram
εsi

Fig. 14.20. General Analysis

of a Short Column. εc=0.003
a

0.85fc′ Equivalent Stress Diagram

fsi

P
Force Diagram

Asi fsi Cc Pn
 fy
2. If, εsi ≤ – , fsi = – (fy − 0.85 fc′)
E s (compressive, exact)
fsi = – fy (compressive, approximate)

3. Otherwise, fsi = εsi Es + 0.85 fc′

(compressive, exact)
fsi = εsi Es (compressive, approximate)

Cc = − 0.85 fc′ a b
n

Load equation Pn = − Cc − ∑f
i =1
si Asi
Moment equation Pn × e
n
h a
= − Cc  −  −
2 2
∑f
i =1
si Asi ( h/2 − di)

=
a h
Cc  2 − 2 
 
+ ∑f
i =1
si Asi (di – h/2)

To find out the load carrying capacity of such a column at

a known eccentricity, trial method is suitable. The general
procedure is summarized below:
1. Select ‘c’ and ‘a’ arbitrarily.
2. Find fs in all the steel bars.
3. Calculate Pn from the load equation.
4. Calculate Pn from the moment equation
knowing the eccentricity.
5. Repeat steps 1,2,3 and 4 until the values of Pn
in steps 3 and 4 become the same.
Example 14.4: The column shown in Fig. 14.21 is
reinforced with 10 # 25 (US Customary) bars. Find Pn
and Mn, if the neutral axis is known to be at 500 mm from
the right face. fc′ = 25 MPa, fy = 520 MPa, d′ = 67.5 mm
and d = 675 − 67.5 = 607.5 mm.
Solution:
Using strain diagram of Fig. 14.21, Es = 200,000 MPa,
and c = 500 mm:
 di − c
εsi = 0.003 ; εy = 0.0026;
c

0.85 fc′ = 21.25 MPa

675
180 180 180

375 Pn

As4 As3 As2 As1

Fig. 14.21. Column Cross-Section For Example 14.4.
 d1 = 67.5 mm As1 = 1530 mm2
d2 = 247.5 mm As2 = 1020 mm2
d3 = 427.5 mm As3 = 1020 mm2
d4 = 607.5 mm As4 = 1530 mm2

εs1 = − 0.002595 fs1 = − 519 MPa (compressive)

εs2 = − 0.001515 fs2 = − 303 MPa (compressive)
εs3 = − 0.000435 fs3 = − 87 MPa (compressive)
εs4 = + 0.000645 fs4 = + 129 MPa (tensile)
a = β1c = 425 mm
Cc = 0.85 × (−25) × 375 × 425 / 1000 = − 3386.7 kN
Fsi = fsi × Asi
Fs1 = (1530) × (− 519) / 1000 = − 794.1 kN
Fs2 = (1020) × (− 303) / 1000 = − 309.1 kN
Fs3 = (1020) × (− 87) / 1000 = − 88.7 kN
Fs4 = (1530) × (+129) / 1000 = + 197.4 kN
n
Pn = − Cc − ∑f
i =1
si Asi

= 3386.7 + 794.1 + 309.1 + 88.7 − 197.4

≈ 4381 kN
Mn = Pn × e
n
a h
= Cc  2 − 2  + ∑f
i =1
si Asi (di – h/2)
Mn = [(−3386.7)(212.5 − 337.5)
+ (−794.1)(67.5 −337.5) + (−309.1)(247.5 −337.5)
+ (−88.7)(427.5 −337. 5)
+ (197.4)(607.5 −337.5)] / 1000
= 710.9 kN-m
 BIAXIAL BENDING
In practice many columns are subjected to bending about
both principal axes simultaneously.
A typical example is the corner columns of a building.
A failure surface for axial load (Pn) plus biaxial bending
(Mnx = Pn ey and Mny = Pn ex) is plotted on the three
mutually perpendicular axes, exactly analogous to the
failure line for axial load plus uniaxial bending.
Any combination of Pu, Mux and Muy falling inside the
design surface can be applied safely, but any point falling
outside the surface would represent failure.
 ex = eccentricity of load from the plastic
centroid parallel to the x-axis
and ey = eccentricity of load from the plastic
centroid parallel to the y-axis
Three Types of Interaction Surfaces
1. Surface plotted for parameters Pn, ex and ey
(Diagram – A of Fig. 14.22).

2. Surface plotted for parameters 1 / Pn, ex and ey

(Diagram – B of Fig. 14.22).

3. Surface plotted for parameters Pn, Mnx and Mny

(Diagram – C of Fig. 14.22).
 Pn 1 / Pn

ex ex
ey ey

Interaction Diagram - A Interaction Diagram - B

Pn

Case-I
Case-II

Case-III Interaction Diagram - C

Mny
Mnx
λ
Fig. 14.22. Typical Interaction Surfaces For Biaxial Bending of Columns.
λ = eccentricity angle, defined as the angular
distance of load from the y-axis.
−1
e −1
M ny
= tan = tan M
ey nx

θ = counter-clockwise angle of the neutral axis

with respect to the y-axis.
Analysis and design of column sections having biaxial
bending are lengthy compared to uniaxial bending cases
because a trial and adjustment procedure is required to find
the inclination of the neutral axis, θ, and the depth of
neutral axis, c, satisfying the equilibrium equations. There
are two unknowns in this analysis, namely, θ and c, as
compared to only one unknown in the uniaxial analysis.
 Y Y
ex Pn

c
ey
Pn

X X

Mny = Pn ex Mnx = Pn ey
c
Case-I Case-II

Y
Pn
λ Pn
ex ey
Y X
θ ey
Plastic
centroid
90 − θ X
h/2
ex b/2
h/2 b/2
N.A.

Case-III
The four possible shapes of the equivalent compressive
stress block for Case III, are shown in Fig. 14.24.

kx b
β1kxb Point of Resultant Cc

y β1kyh ky h
h

x
b

Case-1 Case-2 Case-3 Case-4

Fig. 14.24. Various Concrete Stress Blocks For Biaxial Bending of Columns.
 For First Stress Block, we have,

(0.85 f c′)( β 1 k y h)( β 1 k x b)

Cc = = 0.425 f c′β12 k x k y bh
2

x = 0.333 β1 kx b : y = 0.333 β1 ky h

The strain, stress and force diagrams for any one of these
cases can be drawn perpendicular to the neutral axis, as
shown in Fig. 14.25.
 y ex
kxb Pn

ty
ey
2 1 kyh
θ x
εc = 0.003 P
3 c Pn
4
ty εs1 0.85fc′
εs2 a
fs1
tx tx
εs3 S1
fs2
fs3 Cc
ε
kyh Strain s4 S2
cotθ = Diagram fs4
k xb Stress S3
Diagram
Force S
4
Fig. 14.25. Strain, Stress and Force Diagrams For Diagram
Biaxial Bending of a Column Section.
The strain, stress and force diagrams for any one of these
cases can be drawn perpendicular to the neutral axis, as
shown in Fig. 14.25.
From similar diagrams of the strain diagram, considering
compressive strains and stresses to be positive, the
following is obtained:
ε s1 distance of ε s1 from N.A. along c - dimension
=
0.003 c
= ratio of vertical corresponding distances
The above is true because lines perpendicular to the
neutral axis and the vertical lines are both intersecting a
set of parallel lines and hence the ratio between the
corresponding intercepts must be equal.
 ty
2 1 kyh
θ

3 4

kyh
t x cot θ = t x tx
k xb

Fig.14.26.Calculation of
Vertical Dimensions.
ε s1 k y h − t x cotθ − t y
= kyh
0.003
  t ty 
εs1 = 0.003 1 − x
− 

 k x b k h
y 

Let, dxi = horizontal distance of steel from the

compression face
dyi = vertical distance of steel from the
compression face
= ty for steels 1 and 2
= h − ty for steels 3 and 4
 d d yi 
Then, εsi = 0.003 1 − xi
− 

 k x b k y h 
For example,
 b − tx ty 
εs2 = 0.003 1 − − 
 k b k h 
 x y 
 h − ty 
εs3 = 0.003 1 − t x − 
 k b kyh 
 x 
 b − tx h − ty 
εs4 = 0.003 1 − k b − k h 

 x y 

It is to be noted that the positive strains indicate

compression. The stresses in the steel bars are
calculated as follows:
If εsi ≥ fy / Es, fsi = fy
or if εsi ≤ −fy / Es, fsi = −fy
else fs1 = εsi Es

The forces in steel bars are calculated as follows:

Si = Asi fsi
The equilibrium equations are then written as follows to
calculate the load and the moment capacities:
Pn = Cc + Σ Si
h 
y  + Σ Si  − d yi 
h
Mnx = Pn ey = Cc  −
2  2 
 b  b 
Mny = Pn ex = Cc  − x + Σ Si  2 − d xi 
2   
The appropriate signs should always be substituted into the
above equations to get the correct answers.

The procedure to plot the strength interaction curve for a

particular value of the eccentricity angle, λ, is as follows:
1. Neutral axis distance from the most heavily
compressed corner is selected.
2. Some value of angle θ is selected.
3. The concrete stress resultant and its point of
application are determined by using Eqs. I to III.
 4. Strains are calculated in all the steel bars by
employing Eq. IV.
5. Stresses are determined for the conditions of Eq. V.
6. The values of Pn, Mnx and Mny are evaluated.
7. The value of λ for this trial is determined as tan-1(Mny /
Mnx).
8. Steps 2 to 7 are repeated until λ = λt, with some pre-
defined tolerance, which gives one point on the curve.

Calculate Mnλ = M nx2 + M ny2 and plot the point Pn, Mnλ.
9. The φ-factor is calculated for the maximum tensile
strain in any steel bar. If no steel bar is in tension, the
value of 0.65 is used.
10. A new value of the neutral axis depth is selected and
steps 2 to 9 are repeated until full curve is plotted.
APPROXIMATE MEHTODS OF ANALYSIS
AND DESIGN FOR BIAXIAL BENDING

Method Of Superposition
In this method, the reinforcement required for the two
uniaxial bending cases, (Pu, Mux) and (Pu, Muy), is
calculated separately and is then added to get the design
for the biaxial bending.
Equivalent Uniaxial Eccentricity Method
The biaxial eccentricities, ex and ey, are replaced by an
equivalent uniaxial eccentricity, eox, and the column is
designed for the uniaxial bending case, (Pn, Pn×eox).
ey
If ex / b ≥ ey / h, eox = ex + α b
h
Pu  P  f y + 300
For ≤ 0.4 α =  0.5 + u 
 720
≥ 0 .6
f c′Ag  f c′Ag 

Pu  Pu  f y + 300
For > 0.4 
α =  1 .3 −  ≥ 0 .5
f c′Ag f c′Ag  720
 
This method has certain restrictions.

Firstly, it is applicable only for columns symmetrical

about both the axes and the ratio of their sides (b / h)
lying between 0.5 and 2.0.

Secondly, the resulting reinforcement is to be placed in

all the four faces of the column.

For the cases when the condition ex / b ≥ ey / h is not

satisfied, either the axes may be interchanged (ex becomes
ey and vice versa) or the equation may be written for eoy.
Bresler Reciprocal Load Method

It is derived from a plane segment inside the interaction

surface defined by 1/Pn, ex and ey.

If Pni is the approximate value of the ultimate load in

biaxial bending case having eccentricities ex and ey, Pnx
is the nominal load strength when only ex is present (ey =
0), Pny is the nominal load strength when only ey is
present (ex = 0) and Po is the nominal load strength for
concentrically loaded column, the following expression
is used to find the strength corresponding to biaxial
bending:
 1 1 1 1
= + −
Pni Pnx Pny Po
The same equation may be modified for the interaction
curve with φ-factor as follow:
1 1 1 1
= + −
φPni φPnx φPny φPo

The value of φPn obtained in this way should not exceed

0.80φPno for tied columns and 0.85φPno for spirally
reinforced columns. In the design problems, the trial size
and reinforcement of the column is selected which is then
checked to see if Pu ≤ φPn.