COLUMNS

 Definition
 Types
 Reinforcement
 Load Condition
 Length effect
 Reinforcement
a) Longitudinal or main reinforcement
a) Lateral reinforcement
Types based on Load Condition
i. Axially loaded column
ii. Axial load & bending moment
a) B.M in one direction
b) B.M in both direction

Types based on Length Effect

i. Short Column
ii. Slender or long column
Design of short column (Axially loaded)

 In WDS method P = fcAc+fsAs (fs = nfc)

= fcAc+nfcAs
= fc[Ac+nAs]
= fc[Ag-As+nAs]
= fc[Ag-As(n-1)]
 In USD method
Nominal load= Pn  0.85fc A c  A st fy
 
 0.85fc A g  A st  A st fy g 
A st
Ag
 Ag 0.85f  1      f 
c g g y
Capacity reduction factor
 0.65 for tied column
 0.7 for spirally reinforced column
 Pu = øPn
 For columns subjected to B.M. in addition to axial load,
addition capacity reduction factor
 0.80 for tied column
 0.85 for spirally reinforced column
Ties design
 Spacing of ties > (i) 16 times dia. of main bar.
(ii) 48 times dia. of ties
(iii) Least dimension of column

 Normally # 3 or # 4 bars are used for ties.

 Some recommendations of ACI code
 In tied column, minimum four bars must be used.
 In spirally reinforced column, six bras must be used.
 Cross-Sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement is 1 to 8
percent of gross sectional area.
 In no case g be less than 0.005.
Design of spiral reinforcement

 Due to spiral reinforcement, triaxial compression increase

the strength of concrete. From experiments, it is found
f1  fc  4.1f2 (1)
Design of spiral reinforcement
 The amount of spiral reinforcement is defined using a spiral
reinforcement ratio, s , equal to the ratio of the volume of
the spiral reinforcement to the volume of the core measured
out to out of the spirals, enclosed by the spiral.
A L
 For one turn of the spiral  
s
sp sp
( 2)
A L c c
Where
 2
Asp = Area of the spiral bar  D sp (2a)
4

Dsp = Diameter of the spiral bar

Lsp = Length of one turn of the spiral = Dc

Dc = Diameter of the core, out to out of the spiral
Ac = Area of the core
Lc = Spiral pitch = S ( A sp )Dc 4 A sp
s   (3 )
Thus  2 sDc
 Dc x s
4
Design of spiral reinforcement
From horizontal force equilibrium
2fspAsp = f2Dc s (4)

 From eq.(3) & (4)

 4A sp 
2fSp A sp  f2s 
 ss 
f 
f2  sp s (5 )
2
 Strength of a column before the shell spalls
Po  0.85fc A g  A st   fy A st ( 6)
and the strength after the shell spalls
P2 = 0.85f1(Ac-Ast) + fyAst (7)
 If P2 is to equal P0 then

0.85fc A g  A st   0.85f1A c  A st 
Since Ast is small as compared to Ag or Ac, we can disregard it
A g fc
f1  (8 )
Ac

 Putting the value of f2 from eq.(5) into eq.(1) and then value
of f1 from eq(1) into eq.(8) we get
 fsps  A g fc

fc  4.1 
 2  Ac
 Taking fsp equal to the yield strength of the spiral bar fy,
rearranging and rounding down the coefficient gives.
 Ag  f
s  0.45   1 c (9 )
 Ac  fy

 Design requirements for column spirals are presented in

ACI requires that in cast-in-place construction spirals be at
least # 3 in diameter.
The spacing is determined by three rules.

1. Second maximum load is equal to or exceed the initial

maximum load.
Putting the value of Asp from eq.(2a) into (3) and then putting
the value of s from eq.(3) into eq.(9), we get
d2 sp f y
s
A 
0.45Dc fc  g  1
 Ac 

2. For the spirals to bind the core effectively they must be

spaced relatively close together. ACI limits the clear spacing
between spirals to more than 3 in.
3. To avoid problems in placing the concrete, spirals should
be as far as possible. The clear spacing between spirals
1
should not be less than 1 times the size of the coarse
3
aggregate and never less than 1 in.
Behaviour of spirally reinforced & tied columns
Problem
Design a square tied to support an axial D.L = 130k and axial
live load = 180k. Assume longitudinal steel to be 2%. Design
for fc’ = 4000 psi fy = 60000 psi
Solution

Pu = 1.4 (130)+1.7 (180) = 488 k

2
Pu = 0.8ø[0.85fc’(Ag-Ast)+Astfy] A st  Ag
100
Ag = 192.3 in2 Use 14” x 14” (Ag =196 in2 )
Longitudinal Bars
488 = (0.8) (0.7) [ 0.85 (4) (196-Ast) + 60Ast]
Ast = 3.62 in2 Use 6 # 7 ( 3.61 in2)
Design of Ties
3
i. 48 x  18 "
8
7
ii. 16   14 "
8

iii. Least dimension = 14”

 Problem
Design an axially loaded spirally reinforced circular column for a
gravity dead load of 320 K and a live load of 360k using
approx. 3.5% reinforcement. Use fc’ = 4000 psi fy = 60,000 psi
Solution
Pu = (1.4) (320) + (1.7) (360) = 1060 k

Pu=(0.85)(0.75)[0.85fc’(Ag-Ast)+Astfy] Ast=0.035Ag
Ag = 308 in2 d = 19.8 in

Use 20” dia. column with Ag = 314 in2

Ast = 10.45 in2
 Ag  fc
s  0.45  1
 c
A  fy
Ac = 227 in2
s= 0.0115
Solution
 s dc s
A sp 
4

4 A sp
s 
s dc

for # 3 s = 2.25” but 1"  S  3"

for # 4 s = 4.1”
So

Use # 3 bar spiral at s = 2.25”

Eccentrically Loaded Column
i. Vertical loads which are applied
eccentrically through an eccentric
connection.
ii. Position of column

iii. Application of horizontal forces, resulting from earth quake

and wind loads

iv. Disposition of the live load

Strength Interaction Diagram

Pn = Cc + Cs - T
Cc = 0.85fc’ba = 0.85fc’β1cb Since a=β1c
Cs = As’(fs’ – 0.85fc’)
T = Asfs
 Strength Interaction Diagram
h a h   h
 Mn  Pn e  Cc     C s   d'   T d  
2 2 2   2
dc  u 
  s  u   and c  c b  d 
 
 c   u   y 
dc
 fs  uE s   for tensile steel
 c 

 For compression steel

 c  d 

  s  u  
 c 
 c  d 
 fs  uE s   a  1c
 c 
 The axial force Pn and moment Mn corresponding to the
selected neutral axis location can be calculated from above
equations. Different selection give different pairs of Pn and
Mn and graph drawn is called “strength interaction diagram”.
Maximum strength in axial compression-ACI Code.
 Prior to 1997 , for compression members eccentricity
minimum is 0.05h for spirally reinforced and 0.10h for tied
columns, but at least 1.

 Since 1977, ACI code prescribes the maximum axial load

nominal strength Pn(max) = 0.8Po for tied columns and 0.85Po
for spirally reinforced columns while
 Po = 0.85fc’(Ag–Ast) + Astfy
 For high slenderness ratio, minimum eccentricity to be used
is 0.6 + 0.03h.
 Problem
Determine the eccentric compressive strength Pb and Mb and
corresponding eb for balanced condition of failure for section of
column shown in fig. below. fc’=3000 psi and fy=50,000psi
xb 0.003

d 0.003   y
0.003  21.6
 xb   13.72
0.003  0.001724
Solution where a  1x b  11.662
Solution
Cc = 0.85fc’ba = 0.85 (3000) (15) (11.662)
= 446071.5 lb
T = Asfy = 2.35 x 50000 = 117500 lb
 Comparing similar triangles

s 13.72  2.4


0.003 13.72
s  0.002475   y (0.001724 )
 s  A s fy  0.85 fc 
 2.35(50,000  0.85  3000 )
C s  111507.5 lb
 Fy  0
Pb  Cc  C s  T
 446071.5  111507.5  117500
 440079 lb
Solution

Taking moments about N.A.

h a h  h 
Pb eb  Cc     Cs   d   T  2.4 
2 2 2  2 
 24 11.662   24 
440079  eb  446071.5    111507.5  2 .4 
 2 2   2 
 24 
 117500  2 .4 
 2 
eb  11.25
Mb  Pb eb  4950287.084 lb.in.
Problem
Determine the nominal compressive strength Pn for previous
problem for eccentricity e=8”
Solution
e (8”) < eb (11.25”)
Therefore compression control criteria is valid.
Cs = As(fy – 0.85fc’) = 111.51 k
Cc = 0.85fc’ba = 0.85 x 3 x 15 x 0.85x
= 32.5 x
T = Asfs = As s Es
Comparing similar triangles
s 21.6  x

0.003 x
s 
21.6  x 0.003 
x
Solution
 21.6  x 0.003  
 
T  2.35  29  10 6  
 x 
4416.12  204.45 x
T
x
Taking moments about Pn
 4416.12  204.45 x  a 
Cs 4  2.4    21.6  4   Cc   4   0
 x  2 
 4416.12  204.45 x 
 111.514  2.4    21.6  4 
 x 
 0.85 x 
 325 x  4  0
 2 
 x 3  9.4 x 2  247.47 x  5624  0
 Synthetic division
16 1 -9.4 247.47 -5624
16 105.6 5649.12
1 6.6 353.07 25.12
for 15.96 5620.59 -3.41
for 15.97 5627.71 3.71
for 15.965 5624.15 0.15
 Cs = 111.51 k
 Cc = 32.5x = 32.5 x 15.965 = 518.86 k
 T = 72.16 k
 ΣFy = 0
 Pn = 111.51 + 518.86 – 72.16
 = 558.21 k
 M = Pne = 446,5680 lb.in
Problem
 Determine nominal compressive strength Pn in previous
problem for e=20”
Solution
e(20”) > eb(11.25”)
Therefore tension control criteria will be valid
T=Asfy=2.35 x 50000 = 117500 lb = 117.5 k
Cc = 0.85fc’ba = 32.5x
CS = As (fy – 0.85fc’) = 111.51k
 ΣFy = 0
 Taking moment about tension steel
 d  d'   a
Pn  e    C c d    Cs (d  d' )
 2   2
Pn  Cc  Cs  T
 32.5 x  111.51  117.5
Pn  32.5 x  6
Solution
 x2 + 18.82x – 167.75 = 0
 x = 6.6” and -25.4 x
 Pn = 211.5 lb
s x  d'

0.003 x

 s’ = 0.00199 > y 0.001724

So assumption was O.K.
Problem
Find Pn for the section shown with e=8”
fc’ = 3000 psi fy = 50000 psi

Solution

1
1000
 Solution
 Cs1 = As1(fy - 0.85fc’)
1
= 2.35(50000 – 0.85 x 3000) x 1000
= 111.5 k
Comparing the similar triangles
s 2 x  12

0.003 x
 x  12 
 s 2  0.003  
 x 
C s 2  A s 2 fs 2  0.85 fc 
 1.57s 2E s  0.85 fc 
 87x  12  3000 
 1.57  0.85  
 x 1000 
132.58 x  1639.08

x
Cc  0.85 fcba
 32.5 x
T  A s fs  A s  sE s
Solution
 From similarity of triangles
s d x

0.003 x
 21.6  x 
  s  0.003  
 x 
  21.6  x  
 
T  2.35  29  10 6 0.003  
  x 
4416.12  204.45 x

x
 Taking moments about Pn
a 
C s1 4  2.4   Cc   4   C s 2 (8 )  T( d  4 )  0
2 
x 3  9.4 x 2  324.2 x  6572.82  0
Solution

x = 15.61”
 Verifying assumption
s1 x  2 .4

0.003 x
s1  0.00254   y (0.001724 ) OK
Solution
s 2 x  12

0.003 x
s 2  0.0007   y (0.001724 ) OK
s d x

0.003 x
 s  0.00115   y (0.001724 ) OK

 Cs1 = 111.5 k
132.58 x  1639.08
 C s2   27.58k
x
4461.12  1639.08
 T   78.45 k
x
 ΣFy = 0
 Pn = Cs1 + Cs2 + Cc - T
 = 111.5 + 27.58 + 507.32 – 78.45
 Pn = 567.95 K
Whitney Formula – Compression Control Criteria

Taking moments about tension steel

 d  d'   a
Pn  e    C c d    Cs (d  d' )
 2   2
 For balanced condition Whitney assumed a = 0.54 d
Whitney Formula – Compression Control Criteria

Cc  0.85fcba  0.459bd fc

 a  0.54d 
Cc  d    0.459bd fc  d  
 2  2 
1
 fcbd 2
3
C s  A s fy
1
fcbd 2 A s fy ( d  d)
Pn  3 
1 1
e  ( d  d) e  ( d  d)
2 2
Whitney Formula – Compression Control Criteria
fcbh A s fy
Pn  

3eh 3eh( d  d ) e 1
 
d2 2d2 ( d  d) 2
For previous problem e = 8” b = 15” h = 24” fc’ = 3000 psi
fy = 50,000 psi d = 21.6” d’ = 2.4” Pn = 525.35 k
While by static equilibrium Pn = 559.94 k

 If e = 0 then load is axial with no moment. So let Pn = Po

P0  0.85fcbh  2A s fy (1)
fcbh
P0   2A s fy
3h( d  d ) '

2d2
2d2
 fcb   2A s fy ( 2)
3( d  d )
'
Whitney Formula – Compression Control Criteria
Comparing (1) & ( 2)
2d2
0.85h 
3( d  d' )
3h( d  d' ) 1
2
  1.18
2d 0.85
Making substituti on
bh fc A s fy
Pn   (3 )
3eh e
 1.18  0 .5
d 2
d  d
 This is Whitney formula for symmetrical steel with no
correction for concrete displaced by compression steel.
 With formula (3), with the data of for previous problem
Pn=576.43 k
 Approximate Formula-Tension Control Case
 Assuming that the strain in the compression steel is larger
than yield strain
T = Asfy
Cs = As’(fy – 0.85fc’)
Cc = 0.85fc’bβ1x
From force equilibrium

Pn = 0.85fc’bβ1x + As’(fy – 0.85fc’)- Asfy

Let
fy As
m 
0.85fc bd
A s
  thus
bd
Approximate Formula-Tension Control Case
 fy 
Pn  0.85fcb1x  bd  10.85fc  bdf y
 0.85fc 
 0.85fc b1x  bd(m  1)  bdm 
 x 
 0.85fcbd  1  (m  1)  m
 d 
 Taking moment about tension steel

 1x 
 
Pn e  0.85fc b1x   d    A s ( fy  0.85fc )(d  d)
 2 

Pn e  0.85fcbd   1x 
1x 
2
 (m  1)(d  d) 

 2d 
Putting the value of Pn
Approximate Formula-Tension Control 2Case
1x

x
1x  
 
 e  (m  1)  m   1 2d

 d   
  (m  1)(d  d)


 
1x  e1
2

   
 1  x   e (m  1)  e m
2d  d 
 (m  1)(d  d)  0
 e1 2d 2d 
 x  x
2
 2  1  2 
 d 1 1 
2d
 2 em  e  em  (m  1)(d  d)  0
1
 21e 21d 
 x  x
2
 2 
 1 1 
2

em(  )  e  (m  1)(d  d)2d

 0
1
2
 Approximate Formula-Tension Control Case
Solving the quadratic equation for x
x
2
 2 e 2 d   21e 21d   em(  )  e  (m  1)(d  d)2d 
  12  21       4  
 1 1   1 12  12
2
 
2

8d(m  1)(d  d)  e  em(  )

2
 d  e    d  e 
2   2   
     1  12
x 1

e  e 
2
2  d  e em 
1 1  2d (m  1) 1     (    )
x
 d 
1
d 
2 d    d d d
d 1 d  1  12
 

e  e 
2
   d   e   e  
1  1   2  (m  1) 1         m(    )
x
 d   d    d  d d
d 1  1  12
 
Approximate Formula-Tension Control Case
Substituting this value in Pn
  e'  
' (m  1)  m   1    
 d
Pn  0.85fc ' bd  
  e'  2
 e'   d'  
 1    2 (m  m  )  ' (m  1)1   
  d  d   d 

 When  = ’ then

 e'  e' 
2
e'  d'  
Pn  0.85fc ' bd   1  1    2  (m  1)1   
 d  d d  d  

 When no compression steel is present

 e'  e'  2me' 

2

Pn  0.85fcbd  m  1   1    
 d  d d 
Design of Short
Columns
Factors affecting
the choice of
columns
Choice of Columns
Type
 Fig. Below gives the
comparison of
interaction diagrams for
three columns, each
having same fc’ & fy,
same total longitudinal
steel, Ast, same gross
area, Ag. The columns
differ in arrangement of
reinforcement.
 Choice of Columns Type
 For eccentricity ratio, e/h, less than 0.1, spiral column is more
efficient in terms of load capacity. This economy tends to be
offset by more expensive formwork and by the cost of spiral.

For eccentricity ratio, e/h greater than 0.2,a tied column with
bars in the faces farthest from the axis of bending is the
most efficient.

 Tied columns with bars in four faces are used for e/h ratios of
less than about 0.2 and also when moment exist about both
axis.

 Spiral columns are relatively infrequent in non seismic

areas.
Choice of material properties and reinforcement
ratios
 In small buildings, the concrete in the columns is selected to
be equal to that in the floors. Frequently, this will be 3000 psi or
3500 psi.
 In tall buildings, the concrete strength in the columns is often
higher than that in the floors, to reduce that column size.
 In tall buildings, it is not uncommon to use 3750 psi concrete
ins the floors and 1.4 x 3750 ≈ 5000 psi concrete in the
columns
 In vast majority of column, grade 60 reinforcement is used.
 Stirrups are frequently of grade 40 steel.
 ACI Code limits the area, Ast, of longitudinal reinforcement
in tied and spiral columns to not less than 0.01 times the
gross area, Ag and not more than 0.08 Ag.
 Under sustained loads, creep of concrete gradually transfers
load from the concrete to the reinforcement
Choice of material properties and reinforcement
ratios
 Although the code allows a maximum steel ratio of 0.08, it
is generally very difficult to place this amount of steel in a
column, particularly if lapped splices are used.
 Generally roughly 3 to 5% reinforcement. In addition, the
most economical tied column section generally involves t of
1 to 2% .
 Exceptions to this are lower columns in tall buildings, where
bundles of bars can be used.
 The minimum number of bars in a rectangular columns is 4
and in a circular column or spiral column is 6.
 Almost universally, an even number of bars is used in a
rectangular column so that the column is symmetrical about
the axis of bending.
 Almost universally, all the bars are of the same size.
 Estimating the column size
 There is no simple rule for estimating the column size, since
there may different axial load and moment.
 For small values of M, the column size is governed by the
maximum axial load capacity given by
Po = 0.85fc’Ag + Ast (fy – 0.85fc’)
 Simplifying and rounding for tied column
Pu A
A g ( trial)  where  t  st
0.45( fc   t fy ) Ag
for spiral columns
Pu
A g ( trial) 
0.55( fc   t fy )
 Both the above equations will tend to underestimate the
column size if moments are present.
 Although the ACI code does not specify a minimum column
size, the minimum dimension should not be less than 8” and
preferably not less than 10”. The diameter of a spiral column
should not be less than about 12”.
Bar Spacing Requirements
 ACI Code requires a clear concrete cover of not less than
1
1 in . to the ties or spirals in columns.
2
 The column concrete is placed in the core inside the bars
and must be able to flow out between the bars to fill the
space between the bars and the form.
 To facilitate this , the ACI code requires that the minimum
clear distance between longitudinal bars shall not be less
than the larger of
i. 1.5 times the longitudinal bar diameter
ii. 1.5 in
1
iii. 1 times the size of the coarse aggregate.
3
 Because the maximum number of bars occurs at the
splices, the spacing of bars at this location generally
governs.
Reinforcement Splices
 In most buildings non-seismic zones, the longitudinal bars in
the columns are spliced just above each floor as shown in fig
 Reinforcement Splices
 In large columns with large bars, but splices or mechanical
splices may be used.

Types of lap splices required if all bars are lap spliced at every
floor
 Problem
 For rectangular tied column with bars equally distance
along four faces select the reinforcement.
Given
Factored axial load Pu = 560 Kips
Factored moment Mu = 3920 Kips. in.

fc’ = 4 ksi fy = 60 ksi Nominal max.

size of aggregate = l”

Unsupported length of column lu = 10 ft

Column is braced against sides way
 Solution
Step-1 Determine column section size Given h=20” b=16”

Step-2 Check whether slenderness In this case it is given

ratio klu is less than that M1=3920 k.in.
h but M2 is not
critical value. If so,
slenderness effects can be known However
neglected. If not, for rectangular
slenderness effects must columns, for all
be considered by values of M1/M2,
magnifying moment Mu by slenderness may
factor  be neglected
M1
Compute M and read klu
where  6 .6
critical value of klu
2
h
h
Solution
klu
Compute and For columns
h braced against
compare with critical
value; determine whether sidesway k=1.0
slenderness effects must Given: lu=10
be considered. ft=120”
klu 120
  6  6 .6
h 20
slenderness effects
may be
neglected.
Solution
Step-3 Determine Ag=bxh=20x16
reinforcement ratio
g using known =320 in2
values of variables
on appropriate
interaction
diagrams and
compute required x-
sectional area Ast of
longitudinal
reinforcement
pu pu 560
Compute   1.75 ksi
Ag A g 320

Mu Mu 3920
Compute   0.61 ksi
A gh A gh 320  20
Solution
h5 20  5
Estimate     0.75
h 20
Determine appropriate For a rectangular tied
interaction diagrams column with bars
along four faces,
fc’=4 ksi fy=60 ksi and
an estimated  of 0.75

pu Mu Pu
Read g for and For  1.75 and
Ag A gh Ag
Mu
 0.61
A gh

g=0.04
Solution
Compute required Ast Required Ast=0.04x320
from Ast=gAg =12.8 in2

Step-4 Select optimum

reinforcement

A. Assume trial quantities 4 8 12 16

2/face 3/face 4/face 5/face

B. Determine smallest bar #18 #14 #10 #9

size to provide Ast

C. List resulting Ast , in2 16.00 18.00 15.24 16.00

A st
Compute resulting g  0.05 0.056 0.048 0.05
Ag
check that 0.01  g  0.08 OK OK OK OK
Solution
D. Refine  and if necessary, 0.69 0.72 0.75 0.76
repeat from step-3
 for 8,12 and 16 bars is close
enough to estimate of 0.75,
but if 4 bars of #18 appear
to be optimum choice, g
should be interpolated from
interaction diagrams for
=0.6 and =0.75

E. Check whether reinforcement Not Not No No

can be accommodated Permitted Permitted
along smaller face with
normal lap splice
Solution
F. Determine tie spacing as
least of

-16 longitudinal bar diameters 36.1 27.1 20.3 18.05

-48 tie bar diameters 24.0 24.0 18.0 18.0

-Least dimension of column 16 16 16 16

-Select most cost-efficient First

reinforcement choice
Use 12#10 bars with bearing splices and #3 ties spaced not more
than 16 in. apart. Choice is based on minimum steel
requirement.
 Problem
Design of rectangular tied column section subject to very small
design moment (Minimum eccentricity=0.10 x column thickness
h is found to govern.)
Given:
Factored axial load Pu=940 kips
Factored moment at top of column=480 k.in.
fc’ = 5 ksi fy=60 ksi
Nominal max. size of aggregate = 1.0 in.
Effective column length klu = 90 in.
 Solution
Preliminary step. Determine which value of
eccentricity e governs:
Columns should be
designed for greatest of

Mu
(a ) e ( a ) 
Pu
(b) For tied columns e(b)=0.1h

(c) e(c)=1 in about either

principle axis

Mu 480
(A) Compute e(a) and compare e( a )  
with e(c) Pu 940
 0.51 in.
e( c )  1.0 in.  e( a )  0.51 in.
Solution
(B) e(b) = 0.1h
Compute e(b) and compare
greater of e(a) and e(c) with e(c) = 1.0 in
e(b)
For e(b) > e(c)
Since column size h is 0.10h > 1.0
unknown, determine
1.0
range of value of h for h , h  10 in
which e(b) will be greater 0.1
than e(c) and judge Design h will probably be
whether design h will fall greater than 10 in.
in that range. When trial h Assume that e(b)
is selected, in step-1, governs and design
check whether e(b) does in column for e=0.1h.
fact govern. When h is selected
in step-1, check that
it is greater than 10
in.
Solution
Step-1 Determine trial column Known:
section size h e(b)=0.1h e/h=0.10
corresponding to
known values of Design g=0.04
variables on
appropriate
interaction diagram.

(A) Assume  value of 0.60 Assume =0.75

or 0.75

(B) Determine appropriate For a square tied column

interaction diagram with steel equally
distributed along four
faces, fc’=5 ksi fy=60
ksi and an assumed 
of 0.75
Solution Pu
(C) Read for A g e/h=0.10 Diagram shows
and the desired steel ratio.
Pu
 3.56 ksi
Ag

(D) Compute estimated gross 940

Ag   264 in2
area Ag from 3.56
1
A g  Pu 
Pu
Ag
h  264  16.2 in
(E) Compute trial column size h
from h  A g and check h  10" so e  0.10h
whether eccentricity governs
condition assumed to
govern does in fact govern. Try h  16" in
Solution

(Step-2) Check whether

slenderness ratio
klu
is less than
h
critical value. If so,
slenderness effects
may be neglected. If
not, slenderness
effects must be
considered by
magnifying moment
Mu by factor 
Solution
M1
(A) Compute M and In this case, M1 and M2
2
read critical are not known, but for
kl rectangular columns,
value of u M1
h for all values of M
2
slenderness may be
neglected where
klu
 6 .6
h
klu 90
  5 .6  6 .6
h 16
Therefore slenderness
effects may be
neglected.
Solution
(Step-3) Determine reinforcement Known:
ratio g using known
Pu=940 kips
values of variables
Pu 940
on appropriate   3.67 kips / in2
interaction diagram A g 16 x 16
and compute
required cross-
sectional area Ast of
longitudinal
reinforcement.

h5 e 16  5
(A) Estimate    0.10    0.69
h h 16

(B) Determine appropriate For a rectangular column

interaction with steel along four faces
diagrams fc’=5 ksi, fy=60 ksi and an
estimated  of 0.69, Two
Solution
(C) Pu Diagrams are chosen with
Read g for A and e/h =.60 and =0.75
g
Pu
For A  3.67 ksi e/h=0.10
g
and
=0.60 g=0.047
=0.75 g=0.044
For =0.69 g=0.045
Compute required Ast Required
Ast=gAg Ast=0.045(16)2=11.5 in2
(Step-4) Select Optimum
reinforcement
(A) Assume trial bar 4 8 12 16
quantities
(B) Determine smallest bar #18 #11 #9 #8
size to provide Ast
Solution
16.00 12.48 12.00 12.64
(B) List resulting Ast , in2 obviously not
a choice

(C) Select tie size #4 #3 #3

(D) Refine  for bar and tie size 0.66 0.7 0.7
and using this ,
interpolate for accurate
g
Re-compute required 0.046 0.045 0.045
Ast and compare
with Ast provided 11.8 11.5 11.5
(from B above)
(E) Check whether reinforcement OK OK OK
can be accommodate in
column with normal lap
splice.
Solution
(F) Determine tie spacing as 22.6 18.0 16.0
least of 24.0 18.0 18.0
-16 longitudinal bar
16.0 16.0 16.0
diameters, in
-48 tie bar diameters, in
-Least column
dimension, in

Solution Use 16”x16” column with 12#9 bars with normal lap
splices and #3 ties spaced 16” apart.
 Problem
For minimum longitudinal reinforcement (g=0.01) and column
section dimension h=16” , select column dimension b and
reinforcement for a rectangular tied column with bars on end
faces only.
Given:
Factored axial load Pu=660 kips
Factored moment Mu=2790 k.in.
fc’=4 ksi fy=60 ksi

Nominal maximum size of aggregate=1 in.

Slenderness effects may be neglected because klu is known to be
h
below critical value.
Solution
Step-1 Determine trial column Pu=660 kips Mu=2790 k.in
dimension b
corresponding to known
values of variables on g=0.01 fc’=4 ksi
appropriate interaction fy=60 ksi h=16”
diagrams.

(A) Assume a series of trial 24 26 28

column sizes b, in., and
384 416 448
compute Ag=b x h
Pu 660 660 660
(B) Compute Ag
,ksi
384 416 448
=1.72 =1.59 =1.47
Mu 2790 2790 2790
(C) Compute A gh
,ksi
384 x 16 416 x 16 448 x 16
=0.45 =0.42 =0.39
Solution
h5
(D) Estimate   0.69 0.69 0.69
h
(E) Determine appropriate
interaction diagram

Pu Mu
(F) Read g for and
Ag A gh
for  = 0.60 0.022 0.017 0.013

for  = 0.75 0.018 0.014 0.011

Interpolate for  = 0.69 0.020 0.015 0.012

And select dimension Try a 16 x 28 in. column

corresponding to g
nearest desired value of
g=0.01
Solution klu
Step-2: Check whether Given that is below critical
h
slenderness ratio klu is less value, slenderness effects
h
than critical value. If so, may be neglected.
slenderness effects may
be neglected. If not,
slenderness effects must
be considered by
magnifying moment Mu by
factor .
Step-3: Compute required x- Required
section area Ast of Ast=0.012x16x28=5.4 in2
longitudinal reinforcement.
Step-4: Select optimum 4 6 8 10 12
reinforcement.
(A) Assume trial bar quantities 2/face 3/face 4/face 5/face 6/face
Solution
(B) Determine smallest bar #11 #9 #8 #7 #7
size to provide Ast
List resulting Ast, in2 6.24 6.00 6.32 6.00 7.20

(C) List tie size #4 #3 #3 #3

(D) Refine  for bar and tie size, 0.66 0.70 0.70 0.71
and using this  interpolate
for accurate g; if g differs
0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012
from that associated with
dimension chosen in step OK OK OK OK
1F, re-compute required Ast.
in2. and compare with Ast
provided; if necessary, revise
selection of bars.
Solution
(E) Check whether OK OK OK OK
reinforcement can be
accommodated with
normal lap splices
(F) Determine tie spacing as least of
-16 longitudinal bar diameters, in. 22.6 18.0 16.0 14.0
-48 tie bar diameters, in 24.0 18.0 18.0 18.0
-Least dimension of column, in 16.0 16.0 16.0 16.0

(G) Select minimum g First

choice
reinforcement.

Try 16x28 in. column with 6#9 bars and #3 ties spaced not more
than 16 in. apart.
Problem
For a circular spiral column, select column section diameters and
choose reinforcement. Use g ≈ 0.04
Given:

Factored axial load Pu=940 kips

Factored moment at top of column
Mu=480 k.in.
fc’=5ksi fy=60 ksi
Maximum size of aggregate=1.0 in.
Effective length of column klu=90 in.
Solution

 Preliminary step:
Determine which value of
eccentricity e governs.
Columns should be
designed for greatest of
Mu
e
(a) ( a ) 
Pu
(b) For spirally reinforced
columns
e(b)=0.05h
(c) e(c)=1.0 in.
Mu 480
(A) Compute e(a) and compare e( a )    0.51 in.
with e(c) Pu 940
e( c )  1.0 in  e( a )  0.51 in.
Solution
(B) Compute e(b) and compare e(b) = 0.05 h
greater of e(a) and e(c) with e(c) = 1.0 in.
e(b). Since column For e(b) > e(c)
thickness h is unknown,
determine range of values 0.05 h > 1.0
of h for which e(b) will be 1.0
h  20 in.
greater that e(c), and judge 0.05
whether design h will fall Design h will probably be less
in that range. When trial h than 20 in. So assume that
is slected in step-1, check e(b) governs and design
whether e(b) does in fact column for e=1.0 in. when h
govern. is selected in step-1 check
that it is less than 20 in.

(C) Compute Mu=Pu x e Mu=940x1=940 kip. in.

Solution
Step-1: Determine trial column Known e(c)=1.0 in.
section diameter h
corresponding to known Design g ≈ 0.04
values of variables on
appropriate interaction
diagram.
(A) Assume trial column sizes h, in. 15 17 19

Mu
(B) Compute A gh using
Mu
from preliminary step-c
Mu 940 0.36 0.24 0.17

A gh  (h)2 h
4
(C) Compute e/h where e=1.0 in. 0.067 0.059 0.053

h5
(D) Estimate   0.67 0.71 0.74
h
Solution
(E) Select appropriate
interaction diagram.
Mu
(F) Read g for computed A h
g
and e/h
For  = 0.6 >0.08 0.044 <0.02
For  = 0.75 >0.07 0.041 ≈ 0.02

Interpolate  0.042

(G) Select trial column size h Try h =17 in.

Step-2: Check whether
kl
slenderness ratio u is less
h
than critical value . If so,
slenderness effects may be
neglected. If not,
slenderness effects must be
considered by magnifying
moment M by factor .
Solution
(A) Compute M1/M2 and read
kl
critical value of u
h rectangular columns, for all
klu
(B) Compute and compare
h h
with critical value
Step-3: Determine
reinforcement ratio g and
compute required cross-
sectional area Ast of
longitudinal reinforcement.
(A) Required Ast=gAg
In this case, M1 and M2 are
not known, but for
values of M1/M2
slenderness may be
neglected where klu  6.6
h
klu 90
  5 .3  6 .6
70
Therefore slenderness effects
may be neglected.
Known from step IF g=0.042

Required A st  0.042 x (17)  9.53 in
2 2
4
Solution
Step-4: Select optimum
reinforcement.
(A) Assume trial bar quantities 6 7 8 9 10 11

(B) Determine smallest bar #14 #11 #10 #10 #9 #9

size to provide Ast
List Resulting Ast 13.50 10.92 10.16 11.43 10.0 11.0

(C) Select spiral size #4 #4 #4 #4 #4 #4

Not
(D) Check whether permitt Ok Ok Ok
reinforcement can be ed
accommodated in column
with normal lap splices.

E. Select most cost-efficient Probable
reinforcement. 1st
choice
 Result
Use a 17 in. diameter column with 7#11 bars and #4 spirals
dia of Ac=12” Ag  fc
 s  0.45   1
Ac  fy
 17 2  5
 0.45   1
 12
2
 60

 0.0377
4 A sp
s  1.768
 s dc
So use spiral with spacing (pitch) of 2” 1"  5  3"