546 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

plotted as vector BC. An examination of line OABC shows that the majority of the axial-
load capacity at the balanced load comes from the concrete, with the forces in the tension
and compression steel layers essentially canceling each other out. All three constituents
contribute to the moment capacity.
A different case is represented by line ODEF in Fig. 11-31. Here, the force Fs1 is in
compression and hence adds to the axial-load capacity and subtracts from the moment
capacity, as shown by the vector DE. An intermediate case, in which Fs1 = 0, is shown by
line OGH. A similar case, in which Fs2 = 0, is shown by line OJK.
The portion of the interaction diagram due to the concrete is a continuous curve. The
discontinuity in the overall interaction diagram at the balanced point is due to the rein-
forcement. The two branches of the interaction diagram in Figs. 11-18 and 11-31 are rela-
tively straight. This is characteristic of a column with a high steel ratio. In the case of low
steel ratios, the diagram is much more curved because the concrete portion dominates.
The effects of the individual reinforcement layers can be seen from Fig. 11-31. From the
top of the diagram down to about F, both layers of steel are effective in increasing the axial ca-
pacity. At H, only the steel on the compression face is effective. At C, both layers are effective
in increasing the moment capacity. At K, only the reinforcement on the tension face is effec-
tive, and finally, at M, both layers add to the tensile capacity. To optimize the design of a mem-
ber subjected to axial load and bending, one may wish to provide different amounts of
reinforcement in the two faces. Figure 11-31 can be used as a guide to where the reinforce-
ment should go. Generally speaking, however, columns are built with the same reinforcement
in the two faces parallel to the axis of bending, (a) to minimize the chance of putting the bars
in the wrong face and (b) because end moments due to wind change sign as a result of winds
blowing from alternate sides of the building. In the case of culverts, arch sections, or rigid
frame legs, however, it may be desirable to have unsymmetrical reinforcement.

11-7 BIAXIALLY LOADED COLUMNS

Up to this point in the chapter we have dealt with columns subjected to axial loads accom-
panied by bending about one axis. It is not unusual for columns to support axial forces and
bending about two perpendicular axes. One common example is a corner column in a frame.
For a given cross section and reinforcing pattern, one can draw an interaction
diagram for axial load and bending about either principal axis. As shown in Fig. 11-32,

Fig. 11-32
Interaction surface for axial
load and biaxial bending.
 Section 11-7 Biaxially Loaded Columns • 547

these interaction diagrams form two edges of a three-dimensional interaction surface

for axial load and bending about two axes. The calculation of each point on such a
surface involves a double iteration: (1) the strain gradient across the section is varied,
and (2) the angle of the neutral axis is varied. For the same reasons discussed in
Section 4-9, the neutral axis will generally not be parallel to the resultant moment
vector [11-13], [11-14]. The calculation of interaction diagrams for biaxially loaded
columns is discussed in [11-15].
A horizontal section through such a diagram resembles a quadrant of a circle or an
ellipse at high axial loads, and depending on the arrangement of bars, it becomes consider-
ably less circular near the balanced load, as shown in Fig. 11-32.
Four procedures commonly used to design rectangular columns subjected to biaxial
loads will be illustrated. Notation is defined in Figs. 11-33 and 11-34.

Pu

Pu

Fig. 11-33
Definition of terms: biaxially
loaded columns. Pu

Fig. 11-34
Approximation of section
through intersection surface.
548 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

Positive-moment vectors are shown in Fig. 11-33. By this definition of moments, a

positive moment Mx causes compression at points with positive y-coordinates, and a posi-
tive moment My causes compression at points with positive x-coordinates.
In addition to the notation presented earlier, other terms include:
Pu = factored axial load, positive in compression.
ex = eccentricity of applied load measured parallel to the x-axis, positive to right
in the cross section in Fig. 11-33.
ey = eccentricity of applied load measured parallel to the y-axis, positive upward
on cross section in Fig. 11-33.
Mux = factoral moment about x-axis, equal to Pu ey, positive when it causes com-
pression in fibers in the positive y direction.
Muy = factoral moment about y-axis, equal to Pu ex, positive when it causes com-
pression in fibers in the positive x direction.
fPnx = reduced nominal axial-load capacity for the moment about the x-axis corre-
sponding to the eccentricity, ey, and the steel and concrete section provided,
with ex = 0.
fPny = reduced nominal axial-load capacity, for the moment about the y-axis corre-
sponding to the eccentricity, ex, and the steel and concrete section provided,
with ey = 0.
fPno = reduced nominal axial-load capacity for the steel and concrete section pro-
vided, with both ey = 0 and ex = 0.
/x = length of side of column parallel to the x-axis.
/y = length of side of column parallel to the y-axis.

1. The strain-compatibility method. The use of an iterative strain-compatibility

analysis for a biaxially loaded column is illustrated in Example 11-5. This is the most nearly
theoretically correct method of solving biaxially loaded column problems presented in this
book. Alternatively, design can be based on one of the three widely used approximate de-
sign procedures presented after Example 11-5.
2. The equivalent eccentricity method. The biaxial eccentricities, ex and ey, can
be replaced by an equivalent uniaxial eccentricity, eox, and the column designed for uniax-
ial bending and axial load [11-15], [11-16]. We shall define ex as the component of the ec-
centricity parallel to the side lx and the x-axis, as shown in Fig. 11-33, such that the
moments, Muy, and Mux, are

Muy = Pu ex Mux = Pu ey (11-27a,b)

If
ex ey
Ú (11-28)
/x /y

then the column can be designed for Pu and a factored moment Moy = Pu eox, where

aey/x
eox = ex + (11-29)
/y
where for Pu>fcœAg … 0.4,

Pu fy + 40,000
a = a0.5 + œ b Ú 0.6 (11-30a)
f cA g 100,000
 Section 11-7 Biaxially Loaded Columns • 549

and for Pu>fcœ A g 7 0.4,

Pu fy + 40,000
a = a 1.3 - œ b Ú 0.5 (11-30b)
f cA g 100,000

In Eq. (11-30), fy is in psi. If the inequality in Eq. (11-28) is not satisfied, the defin-
ition of the x and y axes should be interchanged.
This procedure is limited in application to columns that are symmetrical about
two axes with a ratio of side lengths, /x>/y, between 0.5 and 2.0. Reinforcement should
be provided in all four faces of the column. The use of Eqs. (11-27) to (11-30) is illus-
trated in Example 11-6.

3. Method based on 45° slice through interaction surface. Charts [11-16] or

relationships [11-17] are available for the 45° section through the interaction surface
(Mx and My at point A in Fig. 11-34). The design is then based on straight-line approxi-
mations to horizontal slices through the interaction surface as shown by the dashed lines
in Fig. 11-34.
4. Bresler reciprocal load method. ACI Commentary Sections 10.3.6 and 10.3.7
give the following equation, originally presented by Bresler [11-18], for calculating the ca-
pacity under biaxial bending:

1 1 1 1
= + - (11-31)
fPn fPnx fPny fPno

This procedure, widely used to check designs, is illustrated in Example 11-7.

EXAMPLE 11-5 Calculate the Capacity of a Biaxially Loaded Column

for a Given Neutral-Axis Location

Compute the nominal axial-load capacity, Pn, and the nominal Mnx and Mny mo-
ments corresponding to a prescribed strain distribution in the column. Use a 16-in.-by-
16-in. tied column with 4000-psi concrete and eight No. 8 Grade-60 bars, with three bars
in each face of the column. The neutral-axis position assumed in this example crosses
the vertical axis of symmetry of the section (the y-axis) at 10 in. below the top of the sec-
tion, at an angle of 30° counterclockwise from the x-axis of the cross section. Use the
ACI rectangular stress block.
1. Select a sign convention. The cross section of the column is a z-plane. (A z-plane
is a plane that is perpendicular to the z-axis.) Positive x and y are to the right and upward,
respectively. Positive moments cause compression at positive x locations and positive y loca-
tions. Compression is positive.
2. Locate the neutral axis. Figure 11-35a shows the cross section and the speci-
fied neutral axis (axis of zero strain). The origin is 8 in. below the top and 8 in. from the
left side. The neutral axis crosses the y-axis at 2 in. below the origin and intersects the left
and right sides of the section at 14.62 in. and 5.38 in., respectively, below the top of the
section. The extreme compression fiber, A, is located in the upper-left corner of the sec-
tion. The perpendicular distance from this fiber to the neutral axis is

cincl = 14.62 cos 30° = 12.66 in.

550 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

Yb3 5.60 in.

2.4 in.
Compression
y

A A

3.18 in.
5.38 in.
16 in.
c incl a incl 10.76 in.
14.62 in. 12.66 in. x Stress
9.24 in. block
1.90 in.
Neutral Tension
30 Neutral
axis
axis

8 No. 8 Bars 2.2 in.

16 in.
(a) Location of neutral axis. (b) Location of stress block.

1. 2. 3. 2.4 in.

CR
p1 9.38 in. 5.60 in.

8. 4.
Neutral
axis

7. 6. 5. TR

(c) Location of bars. (d) Location of resultant

compression and
tension forces.

Fig. 11-35
Location of neutral axis and stress block—Example 11-5.

3. Locate the stress block. The stress block extends from corner A to a line at
1b 1 * cincl2 = aincl = 10.76 in. ( b 1 = 0.85) from corner A measured perpendicular to the
neutral axis. The column capacity is assumed to be reached when the strain at A reaches a
compressive strain of 0.003. A uniform compression stress of 0.85fcœ acts on the sum of the
two shaded areas in Fig. 11-35b. To simplify the calculation of the forces in the concrete, the
area loaded by the stress-block is divided into a rectangle and a triangle, with dimensions as
shown in Fig. 11-35b as follows:
(a) Rectangular portion, height = 3.18 in., width = 16 in., area = 50.9 in.2 with cen-
troid located at
x = 0, and
y = 8.0 - 3.18>2 in. = 6.41 in.

(b) Triangular portion, height = 9.24 in., width = 16 in., area = 73.9 in.2, with centroid
located at

x = 8 - 16>3 = - 2.67 in. to the left of the origin, and

y = 8 - 3.18 - 9.24>3 = 1.74 in. above origin.
 Section 11-7 Biaxially Loaded Columns • 551

4. Compute the distance from the bars to the neutral axis. The individual rein-
forcing bars are numbered as shown in Fig. 11-35c. The perpendicular distance, pi, from
the neutral axis to the ith bar is

pi = 1ysi - yNA2 cos u - xsi sin u (11-32)

where
ysi = the vertical distance from the centroid of the section to the center of the bar, posi-
tive upward
xsi = the horizontal distance from the centroid of the section to the center of the
bar, positive to the right
yNA = the vertical distance from the centroid of the column to the place where the
neutral axis crosses the y-axis of the section, specified in this example to
be –2 in.; and
u = the angle between the neutral axis and the x-axis, specified to be 30° coun-
terclockwise from the x-axis
The calculations of the bar forces are presented in Table 11-2. The calculations for bar 1 in
the table are explained in the following paragraphs:
Columns 2 and 3 in Table 11-2 give the x and y distances from the column centroid
to the centers of the bars. These come from Fig. 11-35c.
Column 4 gives the perpendicular distance from the neutral axis to the center of the
ith bar, computed by using Eq. (11-32);
For bar 1, xs1 = - 5.6 in. and ys1 = +5.6 in. Using Eq. (11-32) then gives

p1 = [5.6 - 1 - 22] cos 30° - 1- 5.62 sin 30°

= 6.58 - 1 - 2.82 = 9.38 in.
5. Compute the forces in the column reinforcement. Column 5 of Table 11-2,
from similar triangles, gives the strain in the reinforcing bar 1 as
pi 9.38
esi = * 0.0030 = * 0.0030 = 0.00222 (11-33)
cincl 12.66

TABLE 11-2 Computation of Bar Forces in Biaxially Loaded Column

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Perpendicular Steel Corrected
xsi ysi Distance = pi Strain, Steel Stress, Steel Force
Bar( ) in. in. in. Psi ksi Pn,si, kips
1 -5.6 +5.6 9.38 0.00222 60 44.7
2 0 +5.6 6.58 0.00156 45.2 33.0
3 +5.6 +5.6 3.78 0.000896 26.0 17.8
4 +5.6 0 -1.07 -0.000254 -7.3 -5.8
5 +5.6 -5.6 -5.92 -0.00140 -40.7 -32.1
6 0 -5.6 -3.12 -0.000739 -21.4 -16.9
7 -5.6 -5.6 -0.32 -0.000076 -2.2 -1.7
8 -5.6 0 4.53 0.00107 31.1 21.9
552 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

Column 6 gives the stress in reinforcing bar 1 as

fsi = esi * Es = 0.00222 * 29,000

= 64.5 ksi

but not more than fy = 60 ksi not less than - 60 ksi. Therefore, fs1 = 60 ksi.

If pi exceeds the distance from the neutral axis to the lower edge of the rectangular stress
block (2.2 in. vertically; see Fig. 11-35b), the bar displaces concrete in the compression
stress block, an effect that will be corrected for by subtracting the force in the displaced
concrete. Otherwise, Fsi = fsi * Asi.
For bar number 1,

Fsi = 1fsi - 0.85fcœ 2 Asi

Fs1 = 160 - 0.85 * 4 ksi2 * 0.79 in.
= 44.7 kips

6. Compute concrete forces and moments.

Concrete forces:
Area 1—Rectangle: Cc1 = 0.85 * fœc * area = 0.85 * 4 * 50.9 = 173 kips.
Area 2—Triangle: Cc2 = 251 kips.

The calculation of moments is done in Table 11-3. The center of compression is in the
upper-left quadrant of the section. From the sign convention,
Mx = positive, because it causes compression stress at positive y-coordinates (in the
upper half of the cross section), and
My = negative, because it causes compression in the left half of the cross section.
7. Compute F factor, FPn , FMnx , and FMny . From step 5, calculate the extreme
tension steel strain in bar 5, et = -0.00140. Where-is tension. Because this is less than
the yield strain in tension, this is a compression-controlled point and f = 0.65.
The sums of columns 2, 4, and 6 of Table 11-3 are multiplied by f = 0.65, giving
fPn = 315 kips, fMnx = 1540 kip-in, and fMny = - 748 kip-in.
8. Summary. The nominal load capacity and factored nominal load capacity are
Pn 485 kips
F Pn 315 kips
Mnx 2370 kip-in
F Mnx 1540 kip-in
Mnx causes compression at y elements.
Mny -1150 kip-in
FMny - 748 kip-in ■

The nominal moments for Example 11-5 act around the x- and y-axes. These mo-
ments can be combined into a total moment vector. This vector has a magnitude of
 Section 11-7 Biaxially Loaded Columns • 553

TABLE 11-3 Computation of Moments of Bar Forces and Concrete Forces about - and -Axes
of the Column Cross Section
1 2 3 4 5 6
Mny,si = Pn,si * xsi Mnx,si = Psn,si * ysi
Bar (i) Forces, Pn,si and and
and and xsi Mny,ci = Pn,ci * xci y si Mnx,ci = Pcn,si * yn,ci
Concrete Pn,ci, kips in. kip-in. in. kip-in.
1 44.7 -5.6 -250 +5.6 250
2 33.0 0 0 +5.6 185
3 17.8 +5.6 100 +5.6 100
4 -5.8 +5.6 -32 0 0
5 -32.1 +5.6 -180 -5.6 180
6 -16.9 0 0 -5.6 95
7 -1.7 -5.6 10 -5.6 10
8 21.9 -5.6 -123 0 0
Concrete
Rectangle 173 0 0 6.41 1109
Concrete
Triangle 251 -2.67 -670 1.74 437
Sum Pn Sum Mny Sum Mnx
485 1150 2370
kips kip-in. kip-in.

fMn = 1710 kip-in and is at an angle of 25.9° with the x-axis. In a rectangular column
with uniaxial bending about the x-axis, the moment vector, Mnx, is parallel to the neutral
axis. In the general case of biaxial bending of a noncircular, biaxially loaded section, the
moment vector is at an angle with the neutral axis. In this example, the difference between
the direction of the moment vector and the direction of the assumed neutral axis was small
(25.9° compared with 30°). This closeness occurred because the column was square with
bars in all four faces.
The internal load components can be combined into a resultant compression force,
CR, by adding all the axial forces, Pn, and the moments Mnx and Mny of the individual bars
and areas that are in compression. The same is done for the elements stressed in tension
forces to get the resultant tension force, TR. Together, these allow the eccentricities, ex and
ey, to be calculated.
From column 2 of Table 11-3, ©1compression-resisting forces2 = CR = 541 kips
From column 4,

©Mny for compression-resisting forces = -943 kip-in

ex = -943>541 = -1.74 in.

By inspection of the location of those loads and compressed areas of the column which
are concentrated in the upper left-hand quadrant, ex must be in the negative x direction.
554 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

From column 6,

©Mnx for compression-resisting forces = 2080 kip-in

ey = 2080>541 = + 3.85 in.

By inspection of the location of those loads and tensile-bar areas of the column
which are located in the lower right-hand quadrant, ey must be in the positive y direction.
Thus, the resultant compression-resisting force, CR = 541 kips, acts at ey = 3.85 in.
above and ex = -1.74 in. to the left of the centroid.
From column 2,

©1tension-resisting forces2 = TR = -56.5 kips

From column 4,

©Mny for tension-resisting forces = -202 kip-in

ex = -202> - 56.5 = 3.58 in. to the right of the y-axis

From column 6,

©Mnx for tension-resisting forces = 285 kip-in

ey = 285> -56.5 = - 5.04 in. below the x-axis.

Thus, the resultant tension-resisting force, TR = -56.5 kips, acts at ex = 3.58 in. to
the right of the y-axis, and ey = -5.04 in. (below the x-axis).
The line joining the points where CR and TR act has a horizontal projection of
1.74 + 3.58 in. = 5.32 in. and a vertical projection of 3.85 in. + 5.04 in. = 8.89 in.
The angle of the line joining these points is arctan 18.89>5.322 = 59.1°. For a square
column with bars in all four sides, the line joining the points where the resultants CR and
TR act should be 60° (perpendicular to the specified 30° neutral axis). The discrepancy is
due to round-off errors. The resultant compressive and tensile forces, CR, and TR, must lie
in a plane with the applied load, Pn.
In our solution for the moments, the moment vector is at an angle of 30° with the
neutral axis. If one were using an iterative solution to get the position of the neutral axis
for a given set of load and moments, it would be necessary to iterate two variables: (i)
the distance, dn, along the y-axis from the intersection of the neutral axis and the top
of the beam and (ii) the angle, u, between the neutral axis and the x-axis. Warner et al.
[11-13] observed that Pn is affected more strongly by the height of the intercept, dn, than
by the angle, u, and vice-versa for the angle u and the resultant of the applied moments.
They suggest following these steps in solving for the forces in a biaxial-bending
problem:

1. Select the cross section.

2. Choose the depth, dn, to the intersection of the neutral axis with the y-axis of the
section and the angle, u, between the neutral axis and the x-axis of the section.
3. Follow the computations in this example to get an initial set of Pn, Mnx, and Mny
values.
4. Keep u constant, and iterate dn until the computed Pn is close to the target value.
5. Iterate the angle u until Mnx and Mny approach the target values.
 Section 11-7 Biaxially Loaded Columns • 555

EXAMPLE 11-6 Design of a Biaxially Loaded Column:

Equivalent Eccentricity Method

Select a tied column cross section to resist factored loads and moments of Pu = 250 kips,
Mux = 55 kip-ft, and Muy = 110 kip-ft. Use fy = 60 ksi and fcœ = 4 ksi. The first ap-
proximate procedure, based on Eqs. (11-27) to (11-30a), will be used.
1. Select a trial section. Assume that rg = 0.015. Use a section with bars in the
four faces, because the column is loaded biaxially. Then

Pu
Ag1trial2 Ú
0.401fcœ+ fyrg2
250
Ú
0.4014 + 60 * 0.0152
Ú 128 in.2 or 11.3 in. square

Because this column is subjected to biaxial bending, try a 16-in.-square column with eight
No. 8 bars, three in each face.
2. Compute G.

116 - 2 * 2.52
g = = 0.69
16

3. Compute ex , ey , and eox. From the definition of the moments and eccentrici-
ties in Fig. 11-33,
Muy
ex =
Pu
110 * 12
= = 5.28 in.
250
Mux
ey =
Pu
55 * 12
= = 2.64 in.
250

By inspection, ex>/x Ú ey>/y; therefore, use Eq. (11-29) as given. If this were not true,
you would transpose the x- and y-axes before using it. In any event, we have

Pu 250
œ = = 0.244 6 0.4
fcAg 4 * 256

Therefore, use (11-30a) to compute a:

Pu fy + 40,000
a = a0.5 + b a b (11-30a)
fcœ Ag 100,000
60,000 + 40,000
= 10.5 + 0.2442a b
100,000
= 0.744
556 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

From (11-29),
aey /x
eox = ex +
/y
16
= a5.28 + 0.744 * 2.64 * b = 7.24 in.
16

Thus, the equivalent uniaxial moment is

Moy = Pu eox
= 250 * 7.24 = 1810 kip-in.
The column is designed for uniaxial bending for Pu=250 kips and the equivalent mo-
ment, Moy = 1810 kip-in.
4. Use interaction diagrams to determine R g . Because the column has biaxial
bending, we will select a section with bars in four faces. The interaction diagrams are en-
tered with

Pu 250
= = 0.977 ksi
Ag 256
and

Moy 1810
= = 0.442 ksi
Ag h 163

From Figs. A-9a and A-9b,

for g = 0.60, rg = 0.025

for g = 0.75, rg = 0.018

By linear interpolation, rg = 0.021 for g = 0.69.

5. Compute Ast and select the reinforcement.

Ast = rg Ag = 0.021 * 256 = 5.38 in.2

Select eight No. 8 bars, three in each face, Ast 6.32 in.2. Design ties and lap splices as
in earlier examples. ■

EXAMPLE 11-7 Design of a Biaxially Loaded Column:

Bresler Reciprocal Load Method

Repeat Example 11-6, but use Eq. (11-31).

1. Select a trial section. Select Ag as in Example 11-6. To use Eq. (11-31), it is
necessary also to estimate the reinforcement required. Try a 16-in.-square column,
fcœ = 4 ksi, fy = 60 ksi, eight No. 8 bars (three in each face), and No. 3 ties.
2. Compute G.
g = 0.69
 Section 11-7 Biaxially Loaded Columns • 557

3. Compute FPnx. fPnx is the factored axial load capacity corresponding to ex and rg.
We have

8 * 0.79
rg = = 0.0247
16 * 16
ex Muy 110 kip-ft * 12
= =
/x Pu/x 250 kips * 16 in.
= 0.330

From the interaction diagram, Fig. A-9a, e/h 1ex>/x2 = 0.330 and rg = 0.0247 give
1fPnx>bh2 = 1.30 for g = 0.60. From Fig. A-9b, 1fPnx>bh2 = 1.40 for g = 0.75.
Interpolating gives 1fPnx>bh2 = 1.36 and fPnx = 348 kips.
4. Compute FPny .
ey Mux 55 * 12
= = = 0.165
/y Pu /y 250 * 16

From Fig. A-9a, 1fPny>bh2 = 2.10 for g = 0.60. From Fig. A-9b, 1fPny>bh2 = 2.20 for
g = 0.75. Interpolating gives 1fPny>bh2 = 2.16 and fPny = 553 kips.
5. Compute FPno. Use Eq. (11-8b) to calculate Pno = 1230 kips. Thus, fPno =
0.65 * 1230 = 798 kips.
6. Solve for FPn .

1 1 1 1
= + -
fPn fPnx fPny fPno
1 1 1
= + -
348 553 798
fPn = 292 kips

The required capacity is 250 kips; therefore, the column design is adequate. Use eight
No. 8 bars, three in each face, Ast 6.32 in.2. ■
Examples 11-5, 11-6, and 11-7 all dealt with the same column and essentially the
same loads. The strain-compatibility solution in Example 11-5 computed the axial load
and bending strengths about two axes for a specified 16-in.-square column with eight No.
8 bars, three per side, for one assumed neutral-axis position. This gave

Pn = 485 kips
fPn = 315 kips
Mnx = 2370 kip-in.
fMnx = 1540 kip-in.
Mny = - 1150 kip-in.

fMny = - 713 kip-in.

558 • Chapter 11 Columns: Combined Axial Load and Bending

The equivalent eccentricity method was used in Example 11-6, to check whether the
same cross section could support

Pu = 250 kips
Mux = 55 kip-ft = 660 kip-in.
Mny = 110 kip-ft = 1320 kip-in.

After the two moments were converted to an equivalent uniaxial moment about the
y-axis, interaction diagrams for fPn and fM n were used to compute the strength. This so-
lution indicated that a 16-in.-square column with eight No.8 bars was adequate to resist
these loads and moments.
The Bresler reciprocal load method was used in Example 11-7 to check if the selected
cross section was safe for the same loading conditions. Interaction diagrams in Figs.
A-9a and A-9b were used to determine fPnx and fPny, and Eq. (11-8b) was used to find
fPno. The check was then completed using Eq. (11-31), which indicated that the selected
column section was adequate.

PROBLEMS
11-1 The column shown in Fig. P11-1 is made of 4000- 11-4 Compute the balanced axial load and moment ca-
psi concrete and Grade-60 steel. pacity of the column shown in Fig. P11-1. Use
fcœ = 4000 psi and fy = 60,000 psi.
(a) Compute the theoretical capacity of the
column for pure axial load. 11-5 For the column shown in Fig. P11-5, use a strain-
compatibility solution to compute five points on
(b) Compute the maximum permissible fPn for
the interaction diagram corresponding to points 1
the column.
to 5 in Fig. 11-22. Plot the interaction diagram.
11-2 Why does a spiral improve the behavior of a Use fcœ = 5000 psi and fy = 60,000 psi.
column?
11-6 Use the interaction diagrams in Appendix A to
11-3 Why are tension splices required in some compute the maximum moment, Mu, that can be
columns? supported by the column shown in Fig. P11-1 if

Fig. P11-1 Fig. P11-5