Structural

My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Definition
ACI 2.2
Columns

Members with a ratio of height-to-least lateral dimension exceeding 3

used primarily to support axial compressive load. For a tapered
member, the least lateral dimension is the average of the top and
bottom dimensions of the smaller side.

A column is normally used as a main vertical member carrying axial

loads combined with bending and shear.

Pedestal

Members with a ratio of height-to-least lateral dimension less than or

equal to 3 used primarily to support axial compressive load.

Classification of Column

1. Short columns – fails due to initial material failure.

2. Long columns – fails due to lateral buckling.

Design strength of a column depends on:

1. Sectional and material properties

2. Type of lateral reinforcement in the member
a. Ties – rectangular or circular ties.
b. Spiral – consists essentially of continuously wound reinforcing bars
that are in the form of cylindrical helix that enclosed the longitudinal
reinforcement at specified pitch.
3. Slenderness of the column

Types of Columns

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
a. Plain concrete pedestal – this may be used only if the height does not
exceed three times the least dimension.

b. Tied columns – columns in which the longitudinal bars are braced with a
series of closed ties.

c. Spiral columns – columns in which the longitudinal bars and concrete

core are wrapped with a closely spaced helix or spirals.

d. Composite columns – may contain a structural steel shape surrounded by

longitudinal bars with ties or spirals or it may consist of high strength steel
tubing filled with concrete.

Axial Load Capacity of Columns

NSCP Sect 410.4.6
Design axial load strength øPn of compression members shall not be taken
greater than the following:

 For nonprestressed members with spiral reinforcement

øPn max = 0.85ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] Eq 410-1

 For nonprestressed members with tie reinforcement

øPn max = 0.80ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] Eq 410-2

where:

Ag gross area of section (mm2)

Ast total area of longitudinal reinforcement (mm2)
f’c specified compressive strength of concrete (MPa)
fy specified yield strength of steel (MPa)
Pn nominal axial load strength at given eccentricity
ø strength-reduction factor See NSCP Sect 409.4
= 0.75 members with spiral reinforcement
= 0.65 other reinforced members

These maximum load limits govern whichever the moment is so small to keep
the eccentricity under 0.1h where h is the column width parallel to the applied
moment.

Limits for Reinforcement of Compression Members NSCP Sect 409.10

1. Ast shall not be less than 0.01Ag but not more than 0.08Ag.

2. Minimum number of longitudinal bars is 4 for bars within rectangular or

circular ties, 3 for bars within triangular ties and 6 for bars within spirals.

Sizes and Spacing of Main Bars and Ties

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
1. Clear distance between longitudinal bars shall not be less than 1.5db nor
40 mm. NSCP Sect 407.7.3

2. Use 10mmø ties for 32mm bars or smaller and at least 12mmø for 36mm
and bundled longitudinal bars. NSCP Sect 407.11.5.1

3. Vertical spacing of ties shall be the following:

a. 16 x bar diameter
NSCP Sect 407.11.5.2
b. 48 x tie diameter
c. Least dimension of column

4. Ties shall be arrange such that every corner and alternate longitudinal bar
shall have lateral support provided by the corner of the tie with an NSCP Sect 407.11.5.3
included angle of not more than 135° and no bar shall be farther than 150
mm clear on each side along the tie from such a laterally supported bars.

ACI R7.10.5

Sketch to clarify measurements between laterally supported column bars

Sizes and Spacing of Spirals

1. For cast-in-place construction, size of spirals shall not be less than 10

mm. NSCP Sect 407.11.4.2

2. Clear spacing of spiral shall not exceed 75 mm, nor less than 25 mm.
NSCP Sect 407.11.4.3
3. Anchorage of spiral reinforcement shall be provided by 1 ½ extra turn of
spiral bar. NSCP Sect 407.11.4.4

4. Splices of spiral reinforcement shall be

NSCP Sect 407.11.4.5
a. Lap splices 48db but not less than 300 mm.
b. Welded splices in accordance with Sect 412.15.3

5. The percentage of spiral steel ρs is computed by

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Volume of spiral ∈one loop
ρs =
Volume of concrete core for a pitch , S

4 as (D c−d b)
ρs =
S D2c

where:
NSCP Sect 410.10.3
as cross sectional area of spiral bar
Dc diameter of the core out-to-out of the spiral
db diameter of spiral bar

6. Minimum spiral percentage

Volumetric spiral ratio, ρs, shall not be less than the value given below

Where the value of fyt shall not exceed 700 MPa. For fyt greater than 415
MPa, lap splices according to 407.11.4.5(1) shall not be used.

PRELIMINARY COLUMN SIZING

Preliminary sizes for typical columns in a structure are necessary for frame analysis and initial cost
estimation.

It is a common practice in the early stage of design; preliminary column sizes are obtained using axial
gravity loads only. The axial load in a column at a particular floor level is obtained by multiplying the
dead and live loads at the level by its tributary area.

The total axial gravity loads in the first-story columns are calculated by summing the loads at each
floor level over the height of the building.

Factored axial loads Pu are determined by the load combinations given in NSCP Sect 409.3. The load
factors can be applied at each floor level, and the summation can be performed using factored loads.
Likewise, the service loads can be summed over the column stack, and the load factors can be
applied later.

A preliminary column size is obtained by setting the total factored axial load Pu equal to the design
axial load strength øPn max given by NSCP Eq (410-1) or (410-2). These equations are applicable to
members with spiral reinforcement and tie reinforcement, respectively. The appropriate equation is
subsequently solved for the gross area of the column Ag, assuming practical values for the total area
of longitudinal reinforcement Ast, the compressive strength of the concrete f’c, and the yield strength of
the reinforcement fy.

A preliminary column size should be determined using a low percentage of longitudinal reinforcement.
This allows reinforcement to be added in the final design stage without having to change the column

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
dimensions. Additional longitudinal reinforcement may also be required to account for the effects of
axial load in combination with bending moments and/or slenderness effects. Columns that have
longitudinal reinforcement ratios Ast/Ag in the range of 2% to 3% are usually the most economical
because concrete carries axial compressive loads more cost-effectively than reinforcing steel.
Generally, it is more economical to use larger column sizes with less longitudinal reinforcement.
Columns must be sized not only for strength but also for constructability. To ensure proper concrete
placement and consolidation, column dimensions and bar sizes must be selected to minimize
reinforcement congestion, especially at beam-column or slab-column joints. A smaller number of
larger bars usually improve constructability.

Significant cost savings are often realized where column forms can be reused from story to story. In
low-rise buildings, it is generally economical to use the same column size over the full height of the
building and to vary the amount of longitudinal reinforcement as required. In taller buildings, the size
of the column should change over the height, but the number of changes should be kept to a
minimum. The same column size can be used over a number of stories by judiciously varying the
amount of longitudinal reinforcement and the strength of the concrete. In any building, it is
economically unsound to vary column size to suit the load at each story level.

Example 1 – Preliminary Column Size

Determine a preliminary column size for a tied reinforced concrete column that is subjected to a
factored axial load of 5350 KN. Assume f’c = 48.3 MPa and Grade 60 (fy = 415 MPa) reinforcement.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

Because no additional information is provided, initially assume that bending

moments and secondary effects are negligible.

Pu = øPn max = 0.80ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] NSCP Eq (410-2)

Dividing both sides by Ag

Pu A st A st
= ø0.80 [0.85f’c (1 – )+fy ]
Ag Ag Ag

Solving for Ag
Pu
Ag =
(
∅ 0.80 [0.85 f ' c 1−
Ag )
A st A
+f y st ]
Ag

The following table provides a summary of required column areas Ag for 1%,
1.5%, and 2% reinforcement ratios. ρ

Column Size
2
Ast/Ag Ag (mm ) Square Col (mm)
0.010 229733 480
0.015 220550 470
0.020 212072 470

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

Example 2 – Design of Axially Loaded Tied Column

Design a square tied column with equal number of bars each face to support an axial dead load of
575 kN and an axial live load of 796 kN. Assume f’c = 27.6 MPa and fy = 414 MPa. Use 25 mm main
bars and 10 mm ties.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

In designing columns, assume first a value of steel ratio from 0.01 to 0.08 of NSCP Sect 409.10
the gross concrete area. Obviously, assuming small values of this ratio will
give a bigger size column but smaller steel area. The range of 2% to 3% is
usually the most economical because concrete carries axial compressive
loads more cost-effectively than reinforcing steel.

Assume Ast = 0.02 Ag

The axial load capacity of a tied column is

Pu = øPn max = 0.80ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] NSCP Eq (410-2)

where ø = 0.65 NSCP Sect 409.4

Pu =0.80ø[0.85f’c(Ag – 0.02Ag) + fy (0.02Ag )]

Solving Pu using appropriate combination

Pu =1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2(575) + 1.6(796) = 1963.6 kN NSCP Sect 409.3

1963.6(10)3 = 0.80(0.65)[0.85(27.6)(Ag-0.02Ag) + 414(0.02Ag)]

Solving for Ag

Ag = 120756 mm2

For a square column

H2 = 120756 ; H = 348 mm Use 350 x 350 square column

Steel reinforcement

Ast = 0.02 Ag = 0.02(120756) = 2415 mm2

2
π
25 N = 2415 ; N = 5 bars Use 8 – 25mm dia bars
4
Tie Spacing: NSCP Sect
a. 16 x db = 16(25) = 400 mm 407.11.5.2
b. 48 x tie diameter = 48(10) = 480 mm

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
c. Least column dimension = 350 mm

Use 10 mm ties @ 350 mm o.c.

Example 3 – Design of Axially Loaded Tied Column

Design the smallest square tied column with equal number of bars each face to carry an axial dead
load of 684 kN and an axial live load of 542 kN. Assume f’c = 20.7 MPa and fy = 276 MPa. Use 25
mm main bars and 10 mm ties.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

For the section to be smallest, assume Ast = 0.08 Ag

The axial load capacity of a tied column is

Pu = øPn max = 0.80ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] NSCP Eq (410-2)

where ø = 0.65 NSCP Sect 409.4

Pu =0.80ø[0.85f’c(Ag – 0.08Ag) + fy (0.08Ag )]

Solving Pu using appropriate combination

Pu =1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2(684) + 1.6(542) = 1688 kN NSCP Sect 409.3

1688(10)3 = 0.80(0.65)[0.85(20.7)(Ag-0.08Ag) + 276(0.08Ag)]

Solving for Ag

Ag = 84828 mm2

For a square column

H2 = 84828 ; H = 291 mm Use 300 x 300 square column

Steel reinforcement

Ast = 0.08 Ag = 0.08(84828) = 6786 mm2

2
π
25 N = 6786 ; N = 14 bars Use 16 – 25mm dia bars
4
Tie Spacing: NSCP Sect
a. 16 x db = 16(25) = 400 mm 407.11.5.2
b. 48 x tie diameter = 48(10) = 480 mm
c. Least column dimension = 300 mm

Use 10 mm ties @ 300 mm o.c.

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Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

8
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Example 4 – Design of Axially Loaded Spiral Column

Calculate the ultimate axial load capacity of a round spiral column having a diameter of 300 mm
reinforced with 6-16 mm bars having fy = 276 MPa. Assume f’c = 20.7 MPa.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

The axial load capacity of a spiral column is

Pu = øPn max = 0.85ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] NSCP Eq (410-1)

where ø = 0.75 NSCP Sect 409.4

2
Ast = 6 π
16 = 1206 mm2
4
2
Ag = π
300 = 70686 mm2 NSCP Sect 409.3
4
Substituting in Eq 410-1

Pu =0.85(0.75)[0.85(20.7)(70686 – 1206) + 276 (1206 )]

Pu = 991540 N = 991.5 kN

Example 5 – Design of Axially Loaded Spiral Column

Design a round spiral column to support an axial dead load of 1200 kN and an axial live load of 1850
kN. Assume that 2% longitudinal steel is desired, f’c = 27.6 MPa, and fy = 414 MPa. Use 25 mm main
reinforcement and 10 mm spiral with 30 mm steel covering.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

The axial load capacity of a spiral column is

Pu = øPn max = 0.85ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] NSCP Eq (410-1)

where ø = 0.75 NSCP Sect 409.4

Pu =1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2(1200) + 1.6(1850) = 4400 kN NSCP Sect 409.3

Ast = 0.02 Ag

Substituting in Eq 410-1

4400(10)3 = 0.85(0.75)[0.85(27.6)(Ag – 0.02Ag) + 414 (0.02Ag )]

Ag = 220716 mm2
Ast = 0.02 (220716) = 4414 mm2

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Diameter of column:

2
Ag = π
D = 220716 mm2; D = 530.1 mm say 540 mm
4
Number of bars:

2
Nπ
25 = 4414 ; N = 9 bars
4
Spiral pitch, s:

d’ = covering = 30mm
Dc = 540 – 2(30) = 480 mm
2
Ag = π
540 = 229022 mm2
4
2
Ach = π
480 = 180956 mm2
4
Volumetric spiral reinforcement ratio, ρs

4 as (D c−d b)
ρs =
S D2c
2
as = π
10 = 79 mm2
4 NSCP Sect 410.10.3

Ag f 'c 229022 27.6

ρs min = 0.45( – 1) = 0.45 ( – 1)
A ch fy 180956 414
=0.0078

4 (79)(480−10)
0.0078 =
S¿¿ NSCP Sect 407.11.4.3

s = 82.6 mm Say 80 mm (clear spacing = 80 – 10 = 70 mm)

Maximum clear spacing by the code = 75 mm

Minimum clear spacing by the code = 25 mm

Example 6 – Design of Axially Loaded Spiral Column

Design a spiral column to carry a factored load of 1900 kN and a factored moment of 24 kN-m.
Assume f’c = 27.6 MPa, and fy =415 MPa. Use 25 mm main reinforcement and 10 mm spiral with 30
mm steel covering.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

The eccentricity of the load is, e = Mu/Pu = 24/1900 = 0.0126 m (12.6 mm)

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
This column can be designed as axially loaded if the eccentricity is kept
within 0.05h where h in this problem is the column diameter.

Assuming e < 0.05h

Pu = øPn max = 0.85ø[0.85f’c(Ag – Ast) + fyAst] NSCP Eq (410-1)

where ø = 0.75 NSCP Sect 409.4

Assume Ast = 0.03 Ag

Substituting in Eq 410-1
1900(10)3 = 0.85(0.75)[0.85(27.6)(Ag – 0.03Ag) + 415 (0.03Ag )]
Ag = 84655 mm2
2
84655 = π
D ; D = 328 mm
4
0.05(328) = 16.4 mm > 12.6 mm (ok)

Thus, this column can be designed as axially loaded with D = 330 mm

Ast = 0.03 (84655) = 2540 mm2

Number of bars:

2
Nπ
25 = 2540 ; N = 6 bars
4
Spiral pitch, s:

d’ = covering = 30mm
Dc = 330 – 2(30) = 270 mm
2
Ag = π
330 = 85530 mm2
4
2
Ach = π
270 = 57256 mm2
4
Volumetric spiral reinforcement ratio, ρs
4 as (D c−d b)
ρs = 2
S Dc
2
as = π
10 = 78 mm2
4

Ag f 'c 85530 27.6

ρs min = 0.45( – 1) = 0.45 ( – 1)
A ch fy 57256 415 NSCP Sect 410.10.3
=0.0148

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
4 (78)(270−10)
0.0148 = NSCP Sect 407.11.4.3
S¿¿
s = 75 mm (clear spacing = 75 – 10 = 65 mm)

Maximum clear spacing by the code = 75 mm

Minimum clear spacing by the code = 25 mm

SHORT COLUMNS SUBJECT TO AXIAL LOAD AND BENDING

All columns are subject to axial forces as well as bending and they need to be proportioned to resist
both forces.

Equations 410-1 and 410-2 of NSCP are only applicable where the eccentricity is 0.10h for tied
column and 0.05h for spiral columns.

Possible Failures Under the Combined Axial and Bending Loads

1. Large axial load with negligible moment- failure under this

condition occur by crushing of concrete with all reinforcing bars in
the column having reached their yield stress in compression.

2. Large axial load with moment with the entire cross-section in

compression – failure occurs by crushing of concrete with all bars
in compression.

3. Large axial load with moment larger than (2) – bars in far side in
tension but have not yielded. Failure occurs by crushing of
concrete.

4. Balanced loading condition – bars on tensile side yield at the

same time concrete in compression side crushes at 0.85f’c.

5. Large moment, relative small axial load – failure initiated by

yielding of tensile bars.

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
6. Large bending moment – failure occur as beam.

PLASTIC CENTROID

Plastic centroid is the point of application of the resultant force for

the column cross section (including concrete and steel forces) if
the column is compressed uniformly to the failure strain εu = 0.003
over its entire cross section. Eccentricity of the applied load must
be measured with respect to the plastic centroid, because only
then where e = o correspond to the axial thrust with no moment.
Clearly, in a symmetrically reinforced cross section, plastic centroid
and the geometric center coincide.

In locating the plastic centroid, all concrete is assumed to be

stressed in compression to 0.85f’c and all steel to fy in
compression and the centroid is then located by taking moments
due to these forces. Its distance from the left face is Plastic centroid of unsymmetrical
reinforced column
' 2 ' '
0.85 f c b h /2+ A s f y d+ A s f y d
x= ' '
0.85 f c bh+ A s f y + A s f y

Example 7 – Location of plastic centroid

The 250x400 rectangular column is unsymmetrically reinforced with 2-16 mm bar near the left face
and 4-16 mm bar near the right face as shown in the figure. Assume f’c = 27.6 MPa, and fy = 276
MPa, locate its plastic centroid from the left face. Use 60 mm steel covering.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

The plastic centroid of the column is at the resultant of the forces due
to concrete and steel

C1 = 0.85f’cbh
= 0.85(27.6)(250)(400)/1000 = 2346 kN

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
2
Ab = 201 mm

Cs1 = 2Abfy
= 2(201)(276)/1000 = 111 kN

Cs2 = 4Abfy
= 4(201)(276)/1000 = 222 kN

By summing moment at the left face:

2346 ( 200 ) +111 ( 60 )+ 222(340)

x= = 205.8 mm from left
2346+111+222
face

Location of plastic centroid

Example 8 – Location of plastic centroid

The T-shaped column is reinforced with 10-25 mm bar as shown in the figure. Assume f’c = 27.6
MPa, and fy = 414 MPa, locate its plastic centroid from 500 mm side. Use 75 mm steel covering.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

The plastic centroid of the column is at the resultant of the forces due to
concrete and steel

For concrete:

C1 = 0.85f’cAc1
= 0.85(27.6)(250)(500)/1000 = 2932.5 kN

C2 = 0.85f’cAc2
= 0.85(27.6)(300)(350)/1000 = 2463.3 kN

For steel:

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
2
Ab = 201 mm

Cs1 = 4Abfy
= 2(201)(276)/1000 = 222 kN

Cs2 = 2Abfy
= 2(201)(276)/1000 = 111 kN

Cs3 = Cs4 = 111 kN

By summing moment at the left face:

x=
2932.5 (125 ) +2463.3 ( 425 ) +222 ( 75 ) +111 (175 ) +111 ( 325 ) +111(525) Location of plastic centroid
2932.5+2463.3+222+111+111+111
x = 259.4 mm from left face

ANALYSIS OF ECCENTRICALLY LOADED COLUMNS

The following procedure and formulas may be applied on

determining the value of Pn for columns with four rows of
reinforcement perpendicular to the axis of bending (alongside
h).

Given or known data:

As1, As2, As3, As4, fy, f’c
b, h, d’, e, x1, x2, x3 and x4

z2 = d’ + x4 – x2
z3 = d’ + x4 – x3
z4 = d’

h
x=e+ – d’
2
d = h – d’

a
xc = e +
2
Steel stresses:

d−c
fs1 = 600
c
d−z 2
fs2 = 600
c

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
d−z 3
fs3 = 600
c
d−z 4
fs4 = 600
c
Forces: ΣFv = 0
Pn =C2 + C3 + C4 + Cc – T
T = As1fs1
C2 = As2fs2 ΣMT = 0
C3 = As3fs3 C2x2+C3x3+C4x4+Ccxc–Pnx=0
C4 = As4fs4
Cc = 0.85f’cab
= 0.85f’cβ1cb

COLUMN INTERACTION DIAGRAM

Column Failure Line

A column normally fails by either tension or compression. In between the two lies the so called
balanced load condition where failure may be of either type.

Balanced Loading Condition – the tension steel just reached its yield strain fy/Es and the concrete is
strained to 0.003.

Compression Controls – if the eccentricity of column is less than eb . (fs1 < fy)

Tension Controls – if the eccentricity of column is greater than eb . (fs1 > fy)

Interaction diagram

It is to be noted that, in contrast to beam design, one cannot restrict column designs such that
yielding failure rather than crushing failure would always be the result of overloading. The type of
failure for a column depends on the value of eccentricity e, which in turn is defined by the load

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
analysis of the building or other structure. However, the balanced failure point on the interaction
diagram is a useful point of reference in connection with safety provisions.

It is important to observe in the interaction diagram, that in the region of compression failure the
larger the axial load Pn the smaller the moment Mn that the section is able to sustain before failing.
However, in the region of tension failure the reverse is true; the smaller the axial load the larger the
simultaneous moment capacity.

17
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Example 9 – Balanced loading

A rectangular column 300x600 is reinforced with 6-25 mm bars with three bars along each 300 mm
side. The center of the bars is located 65 mm from the column edge. Assume fy = 414 MPa and f’c =
20.7 MPa. Calculate the balanced loading Pbn, eb, and Mbn for bending parallel to the long side of the
column.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

At balanced condition, yield stress at tension bar is equal to fy.

Solve for c:
From strain diagram

d−c
fy = 600
c

535−c
414 = 600 ; c = 316.6 mm
c
Check the yield strength of compression steel

'
fs1 = 600
c−d = 600 316.6−65
c 316.6

fs1 = 476.8 MPa > 414 MPa Steel yields: fs1 = fy

a = 0.85(316.6) = 269.1 mm

C = 0.85f’cab = 0.85(20.7)(300)(269.1)/1000 = 1420.4 kN

Cs1 = T = As1fy = 3(491)(414)/1000 = 609.8 kN

ΣFv = 0

Pbn = C + Cs1 – T = 1420.4 + 609.8 – 609.8 = 1420.4 kN

ΣM @ T = 0

x Pbn = C(d – a/2) + Cs1(d-d’) = 1420.4(535 – 269.1/2) + 609.8(535 – 65)

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
x = 602.2 mm
Solve for eb:

eb = 602.2 + 65 – 600/2 = 367.2 mm

Solve for balanced moment, Mb:

Mb = ebPbn = 0.3672(1420.4) = 521.6 kN-m

Example 10 – Balanced loading

Assume fy = 414 MPa and f’c = 27.6 MPa. Calculate the balanced loading Pbn, eb, and Mbn for bending
parallel to the web of the T-shaped column shown below.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

From Problem 8, the plastic centroid is located 259.4 mm from left face.

At balanced condition, yield stress at tension bar is equal to fy.

Solve for c:
From strain diagram

d−c
fy = 600
c

525−c
414 = 600 ; c = 310.6 mm
c
Check the yield strength of compression and tension steel

Compression Steel
'
fs4 = 600
c−d = 600 310.6−75
c 310.6

fs4 = 455.1 MPa > 414 MPa Steel yields: fs4 = fy

'
fs3 = 600
c−d −200 = 600 310.6−75−200
c 310.6

fs3 = 68.8 MPa < 414 MPa Steel does not yields:
fs3 = 68.8 MPa

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

Tension Steel
d−c−100 525−310.6−100
fs2 = 600 = 600
c 310.6
fs2 = 221.0 MPa < 414 MPa Steel does not yields:
fs2 = 221.0 MPa
d−c 525−310.6
fs1 = 600 = 600
c 310.6
fs1 =414.1 MPa > 414 MPa Steel yields: fs1 = fy

a = 0.85(310.6) = 264.0 mm

C = 0.85f’cab = 0.85(27.6)(300)(264.0)/1000 = 1858.0 kN

Cs3 = As3fs3 = 2(491)(68.8)/1000 = 67.6 kN

Cs4 = As4fs4 = 2(491)(414)/1000 = 203.3 kN

T1 = As1fs1 = 4(491)(414)/1000 = 813.1 kN

T2 = As2fs2 = 2(491)(221)/1000 = 217.0 kN

ΣFv = 0

Pbn = C + Cs3 + Cs2 – T1 – T2 = 1858 + 67.6 + 203.3 – 813.1 – 217.0

= 1098.8 kN

ΣM @ T1 = 0

x Pbn = C(d – a/2) + Cs4(d-d’) + Cs3(d-d’-200) – T2(d-d’-350)

= 1858(525 – 264/2) + 203.3(525 – 75) + 67.6(525 – 75 – 200) – 217(525 – 75 – 350)
X = 743.4 mm
Solve for eb:

eb = 743.4 + 75 – 259.4 = 559 mm

Solve for balanced moment, Mb:

Mb = ebPbn = 0.559(1098.8) = 614.2 kN-m

20
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Example 11 – Column with Large Eccentricity

A rectangular column 300x600 is reinforced with 6-25 mm bars with three bars along each 300 mm
side. The center of the bars is located 65 mm from the column edge. Assume fy = 414 MPa and f’c =
20.7 MPa. Calculate the nominal axial load capacity of the column that can be applied at an
eccentricity of 450 mm.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

Check balanced condition, solve for cb:

From strain diagram

d−c b
fy = 600
cb

535−c b
414 = 600
cb
cb = 316.6 mm ; a = 269.1 mm

Check the yield stress of compression bars

Compression Steel
'
fs2 = 600
c−d = 600 316.6−65
c 316.6

fs2 = 476.8 MPa > 414 MPa Steel yields: fs2 = fy

Solve for internal forces:

Cc = 0.85f’cab = 0.85(20.7)(269.1)(300) = 1420.4 KN
Cs1 = A’s(fs – 0.85f’c) = 3(491)[414 – 0.85(20.7)] = 583.9 KN
T = Asfy = 3(491)(414) = 609.4 KN

Σ Fv = Pb
Pb = Cc + Cs1 – T = 1420.4 + 583.9 – 609.4 = 1394.9 KN

Location of Pb from tension reinforcement, X:

a
PbX = Cc (d – ) + Cs1 (d – d’) – T(0)
2
269.1
1394.9X = 1420.4(535 – ) + 583.9(535 – 65) – 609.4(0)
2

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
X = 604.5 mm

Solving for eb:

'
eb = X –
d−d = 604.5 – 535−65 = 370 mm < 450 mm Tension Controls
2 2

Assume:
 Compression bars does not yield.
 Compression bars are within “a”.

Cc = 0.85f’cab = 0.85(20.7)(0.85c)(300) = 4.487c

c−65
Cs1 = A’s(fs – 0.85f’c) = 3(491)[600 – 0.85(20.7)]
c
857.9 c−57447
Cs1 =
c
T = Asfy = 3(491)(414) = 609.4 KN

857.9 c−57447
Pn = Cc + Cs1 – T = 4.487c + – 609.4
c
2
Pn =
4.487 c +248.5 c−57447
c
Σ M @ T = P nX
535−65
X= + 450 = 685 mm
2

a
PnX = Cc (d – ) + Cs1 (d – d’)
2
2
4.487 c +248.5 c−57447 (685) = 4.487(535 – 0.85 c ) + 857.9 c−57447 (535 – 65)
c 2 c

c = 112.3 mm

Check assumption:

'
fs2 = 600
c−d = 600 112.3−65 = 252.7 MPa < 414 MPa Steel does not yield. OK
c 112.3

Pn = 240.8 KN

22
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Example 12 – Column with Small Eccentricity

Use data of Problem 11, calculate the nominal axial load capacity of the column that can be applied
at an eccentricity of 250 mm.

Calculation and Discussion Code Reference

At balanced condition, eb = 370 mm > 250 mm Compression Controls.

Assume:
 Compression bars yield. Tension bars does not yield

Cc = 0.85f’cab = 0.85(20.7)(0.85c)(300) = 4.487c

Cs1 = A’s(fs – 0.85f’c) = 3(491)[491 – 0.85(20.7)] = 583.9 KN
535−c
T = Asfs = 3(491) 600
c

472833−883.9 c
T=
c
472833−883.9 c
Pn = Cc + Cs1 – T = 4.487c + 583.9 –
c
2
Pn =
4.487 c +1467.8 c−472833
c
Σ M @ T = P nX
535−65
X= + 250 = 485 mm
2

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 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
a
PnX = Cc (d – ) + Cs1 (d – d’)
2
2
4.487 c +1467.8 c−472833 (485) =
c
0.85 c
4.487c(535 – ) + 583.9 (535 – 65)
2
c = 371.5 mm

Check assumption:

'
fs2 = 600
c−d = 600 371.5−65 = 495 MPa > 414 MPa
c 371.5
Steel yield. OK

d−c 535−371.5
fs = 600 = 600 = 264.1 MPa < 414 MPa
c 371.5
Steel does not yield. OK

Pn = 1862.0 KN

BRESLER EQUATION

A method published by Professor Boris Bresler in 1960 relates the desired value of ØPn
under biaxial loading (ex and ey) to three other Pu values.

1 1 1 1
= + −
P n P nx P ny P no
Where
Pnx = axial load capacity of the column for eccentricity ex with ey = 0
Pny = axial load capacity of the column for eccentricity ey with ex = 0
Pno = pure axial capacity of the column

The Bresler equation works well as long as Pn is at least as large as 0.1Pno. Should Pn be less
than 0.1Pno, it is satisfactory to neglect the axial force completely and design as a member
subject to biaxial bending only.

Procedure to determine the load capacity of column for a given eccentricity:

1. Calculate ρg
2. Determine the ratio γ
h−2 d '
γ=
h
3. Determine e/h
4. Select the appropriate interaction diagram.

24
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
5. From the interaction diagram, draw the line e/h.
6. Locate the intersection of line e/h and ρg. Draw a horizontal line and read the value on
vertical axis
7. Determine the Pn.

25
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

Example 13 – Bresler Equation

Using the attached Interaction Diagrams, calculate the axial load that can be carried by the column
shown below at the given eccentricities. Assume f’c = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and fy = 414 MPa (60 ksi)

Eccentricities:
ex = 200 mm
ey = 90 mm

Solve for ρg:

As 10(491)
ρg = = = 0.025
A g 400(500)

Solve for Pnx:

ex = 200 mm
500−2(75)
γx= = 0.70
500
e 200
= = 0.4
h 500

Pn
' = 0.46
f Ag
c

Pn = 0.46(27.6)(500)(400) = 2539.2 KN

Solve for Pny:

ey = 90 mm
400−2(75)
γx= = 0.625
400
e 90
= = 0.225
h 400

For γ = 0.6

Pn
' = 0.65
f Ag
c

Pn = 0.67(27.6)(500)(400) = 3698.4 KN

For γ = 0.7

Pn
' = 0.65
f Ag
c

26
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
Pn = 0.65(27.6)(500)(400) = 3753.6 KN

27
 Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns
By ratio and proportion
Pny = 2973.8 KN

Pno = 0.85f’cAg + Astfy = 0.85(27.6)(400)(500)10(491)(414-0.85(27.6))

Pno = 6609.6 KN

Using Bresler Equation

1 1 1 1
= + -
Pn Pnx Pny Pno

Pn =2057 KN

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Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

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Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

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Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

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Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

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Structural
My Notes
Engineers
Design of Concrete Structure
Columns

33