COLUMNS

Columns are defined as vertical load-bearing members supporting axial compressive

loads chiefly. This structural member is used to transmit the load of the structure to the
foundation. In reinforced concrete buildings beams, floors, and columns are cast monolithically.
The bending action in the column may produce tensile forces over a part of cross-section. Still,
columns are called compression members because compressive forces dominate their behavior.

Concrete columns can be roughly divided into three categories- Pedestals,  Short

reinforced columns, and Long reinforced columns. Besides in modern days columns can be
classified in different categories on a different basis.

TYPES OF COLUMNS

Columns can be of many types based on loading, length, column ties, frame bracing, etc.
The types of columns used in construction are as stated below:

A. Based on Loading
1. Axially Loaded Columns
2. Eccentrically Loaded Columns: Uniaxial
3. Eccentrically Loaded Columns: Biaxial
B. Based on Column Ties
1. Tied Columns
2. Spiral Columns
C. Based on Slenderness Ratio
1. Short Compression Blocks or Pedestals
2. Short Reinforced Columns
3. Long Reinforced Columns
D. Based on Shape of Cross Section
1. Geo-matric Shaped- Regular, Round, Octagonal, Square, etc.
2. L-Shaped
3. V-Shaped
4. T-Shaped
 5. Hexagonal Shaped
6. Arch Shaped
7. Y-Shaped
8. Y-Shaped with Arch
E. Based on Construction Materials
1. Reinforced Concrete Column
2. Composite Column
3. Steel, Timber, Brick Column
F. Based on Frame Bracing
1. Braced Column
2. Unbraced Column

A. Based on Loading
o Axially Loaded Columns

If the compressive vertical loads act along the centroidal axis of the column, it is termed
as an axially loaded column. The design of an axially loaded reinforced concrete (RC) is quite
simple and straightforward. It is governed by the strength of materials and the cross-section of
the member. If vertical axial loads act on the center of gravity of the column's cross-section, it is
an axially loaded column. This type of column without bending is not found practically so much.

o Eccentrically Loaded Columns: Uniaxial

When the loads are acting at a distance ‘e’ from the centroid of the column cross-section, the
column is termed as an eccentrically loaded column. In a uniaxial eccentrically loaded column
this distance ‘e’ could be along x-axis or y-axis. These eccentric loads cause moments along the
x-axis or y-axis. A uniaxial stress or force acts in one direction only.

o Eccentrically Loaded Columns: Biaxial

In this type of column, loads are applied at any point of cross-section but not in axes.
Loads cause moments about both the x- and y-axes simultaneously. If load is not acting
eccentrically on both the axis, that mean load won’t act on either X or Y axis, is called Biaxial.
When vertical on the column is not coincide with center of gravity of column cross section and does
not act on either axis (X and Y axis), then the column is called biaxially eccentric loaded column.
Columns with biaxial loading is common in corner columns with beams rigidly connected at right
angles at the top of columns.

B. Based on Column Ties

o Tied Column

In the tied column, the longitudinal bars are tied together with smaller bars. These smaller
bars are spaced at uniform intervals up the column. Steel ties in column confine the main
longitudinal bars. Over 95 percent of all columns in buildings in non-seismic regions are tied
columns.

o Spiral Column

Spiral columns contain spirals to hold the main longitudinal reinforcement. Spiral is
spring type reinforcement. The main bars are placed in a circle and ties are replaced by spirals.
Spiral columns are used when high strength and/or high ductility are required. Because the spiral
acts to resist the lateral expansion of the column bars under high axial loads. The main bars are
placed in a circle and ties are replaced by spirals. Spiral columns are used more extensively in
seismic regions.

Difference Between Tied Column and Spiral Column

 Sr.No. Tied Column Spiral Column
Tied column provide less load-bearing Spiral column provides
1 capacity as compared to the spiral greater load-bearing capacity.
column.
Tied columns are not suitable for Spiral columns are suitable
2 the construction in the earthquake-prone for the construction in the
areas. earthquake-prone areas.
Tied columns as list ductility and Spiral reinforcement has
3 flexibility as compared to the spiral more flexibility and ductility.
column.
Tied column failed suddenly due to Spiral column can sustain
4 excessive cracking in large deformations before the
the concrete section final collapse.
Spiral column shows
Tied column fails suddenly due
5 deformation or indication
to excessive loads.
before the complete failure.
The lateral reinforcement is provided in The lateral reinforcement is
6 the form of helical hoops. provided in the form of ties.

C. Based on Slenderness
o Short Compression Block or Pedestals

A pedestal is a compression member having a height less than three times its least lateral
dimension. Pedestals need not be reinforced and may be designed with plain concrete.

In general pedestal width is greater than its height. The main functions of pedestal
provision are as follows.

1. To avoid contact between soil and metal elements or wood elements.

2. To offer support for elements at some elevation

3. To allow thinner foundation footings.

 o Short Reinforced Column

The slenderness ratio (ratio of effective length to the least lateral dimension) is less than
12 in the short, reinforced column. Short columns fail due to crushing or yielding of the steel
bars. The loads that a short column may support depend on the dimension of cross-section and
the strength of materials. Short columns show a little flexibility.

o Long Reinforced Column

The slenderness ratio exceeds 12 in long columns. This type of column is also known as
the slender column. As the slenderness increases, bending deformation increases. Long column
fails due to buckling effect which reduces load-bearing capacity.

D. Based on Shape of Cross Section

o Geo-matric Shaped

Column sections can be rectangular, round, square, octagonal, hexagonal as per

requirements. Generally tied columns may be square and rectangular while spiral columns are
circular. Circular columns are used when higher elevation is needed like in piles, bridges pillars.
Circular columns provide a smooth and aesthetic finish. On the other hand, rectangular columns
are found in residential and official buildings. They are easy and less costly to cast.

o L- Shaped

This type of column is unpopular. The L-shaped column can be used as a corner column
in a framed structure. This design of the column can be a good replacement to resist both axial
compression and biaxial bending of corners. Commonly, L-shaped column is utilized in the
corners of the boundary wall and has similar characteristics of a rectangular or square column.

o V- Shaped

In the trapezoidal structure, this type of column can be used. V-shaped columns need more
materials comparatively. As a name itself, it showcasing the column is in V shape and generally
used if the shape of the room is in trapezoidal. As it requires more amount of concrete when
compared to the other columns.

o T- Shaped

T-shaped columns may be used in bridge pillars depending on design requirements. It is utilized
based on design requirements of a structure. T-Shaped column is widely used in the construction
of bridges.

o Hexagonal Column

Hexagon columns are generally modified columns. It has six sides, and it gives good
pictorial view generally used in elevation.  It is adopted to give a good look to the column. It is
generally provided in open verandahs, Auditoriums, Cinema halls etc.

o Arch Shaped

These types of columns are used when the room has a shape of an arch. It is adopted
where there is a no chance of building square or rectangular or circular type of column. it is
rarely used as it possesses very difficult in casting.

o Y-Shaped

These types of columns are generally used in the construction of bridges, flyovers, etc.

o Y-Shaped with Arch

As it is same as Y-type Column, but it has curved edges or sides. These are generally
provided below the bridges and flyovers where there is a congestion of building more columns to
withstand heavy loads on top.

E. Based on Construction Materials

o Reinforced Concrete Column
 Reinforced concrete columns are the most widely used columns for framed structure.
This type of column is composed of concrete as a matrix. The steel frame is embedded in
concrete. Concrete carries the compressive load and reinforcement resists tensile load. The
reinforcing materials can be made of steel, polymers, or alternate composite materials. For a
strong, ductile, and durable construction the reinforcement needs to have some properties such as
thermal compatibility, high resistance to tensile stress, good bond to concrete, anti-corrosive, etc.

o Composite Column

Composite columns are constructed using various combinations of structural steel and
concrete. The interactive and integral behavior of concrete and the structural steel elements
makes the composite column a very stiff, more ductile, cost-effective, and consequently a
structurally efficient member in building and bridge construction. This type of column has great
fire and corrosion resistance also.

o Steel, Timber, Brick Column

Steel columns are made of steel entirely. These columns are used in aircraft
manufacturing warehouses, indoor shipyards, etc.

Timber columns are made of wood timber. They provide an aesthetic appearance creating
a feeling of space and openness. Timber columns are designed for housebuilders, reception areas,
and refurbishment properties.

Brick columns are found in masonry structures. They can be reinforced with concrete to
increase strength or can be unreinforced. Brick columns can be a round-shaped, rectangle, or
square, or elliptical in cross-section.

F. Based on Frame Bracing

o Braced Column

Columns may be part of a frame that is braced or unbraced against sideways. Lateral stability to
a structure is provided by bracing. Bracing can be obtained by using shear walls or bracings in
the building frame. In braced frames relative transverse displacement of upper and lower ends of
a column is prevented. Braced columns prevent gravity loads and shear walls prevent lateral
loads and wind loads.

o Unbraced Column

Unbraced columns resist both gravity load and lateral load. As a result, the load capacity of the
column reduces. Unbraced columns are basically those columns which are designed to resist the
lateral loads caused by wind load and earthquake loads. It has more serviceable area as compared
to the braced column’s structure. As it’s easy to provide openings in braced columns structure.

Some Other Types of Columns

o Prestressed Concrete Column

Prestressed columns can be used as an extension of the reinforced concrete columns

when bending moments due to wind and earthwork forces, eccentric loads, or frame action are
applied to columns. Prestressing transforms a cracked section into a non-cracked one and resists
significant bending. This type can be found useful when the column is a high slender column and
precast column.

o Greek and Roman Column

Classical Greek and Roman architecture made use of five major styles of columns for their
buildings and temples. These five types of columns were Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite
and Tuscan. These columns look straight and uniform from a distance. But up close, they might
tilt a bit, or lean left or right.
REFERENCES

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Types_of_column#:~:text=A%20column%20is%20a
%20vertical,to%20a%20floor%20or%20foundations.

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These%20four%20types%20of%20columns,and%20uniform%20from%20a%20distance

https://civiljungle.com/tied-column-and-spiral-column/

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https://www.eigenplus.com/what-is-the-difference-between-braced-and-unbraced-column/
#:~:text=Unbraced%20columns%20are%20basically%20those,openings%20in%20braced
%20columns%20structure.