ANALYSIS & DESIGN OF MULTI STOREYED BUILDINGS

V.M.RAJAN,M.E.(Struct),FIE,

Former CE/Civil/TANGEDCO

******

(ii) Positioning and orientation of Columns:

(i) Normally the positions of the columns are shown by Architect in his
plans .

(ii) Columns should generally and preferably be located at or near corners

and
intersection /junction of walls (at beam- beam junctions).

(iii) If the site restrictions make it obligatory to locate column footings

within the
property line the column may be shifted inside along a cross wall to
accommodate footings within the property line . Alternatively
trapezoidal
footing, eccentric footing can also be adopted. In residential
buildings,
generally columns should be located at 3 to 4m.c/c to avoid large
spans for
beams. This will also control deflection and cracking .

(iv) While fixing the columns orientation care should be taken that it does
not
change architectural elevation. This can be achieved by keeping the
column
orientations and side restrictions as proposed in plans by the Architect
.
 (v) As far as possible, column projection/s outside the walls should be
avoided,
unless Architect’s plans show contrary or same is required as
structural
requirement.

(vi) Columns should not obstruct door and window position/s shown in the
Architect’s plans.

(vii) As far as possible, column should be so positioned, that continuous

frames
from one end to the other end of building in both X and Y directions
are
available. This will increase the global stiffness of the building against
horizontal forces.

(viii) When the locations of two columns are near to each other (for e.g.
the corner
of the building and intersection of the walls), then as for as possible
only one
column should be provided .

(ix) As far as possible, column should not be closer than 2.5m.c/c to avoid
stripped/
combined /continuous footings. Generally the maximum distance
between two
column should not be more than 10.0 m.c/c. Spans of 4 to 6.0m give
normal
sizes of beams. Forr Residential Building Maximum Columns spacing
shall be
between 3m to 4.0m only.

(x) Columns should be normally provided around staircases and lift wells.

(xi) Preferably overhead water tank should rest on the columns as shown
in the
Architect’s plan. The height of water tank should be up to 2.0m.

(xii) Twin columns of equal size are desirable at expansion joints from
aesthetic
point of view .

(xiii) As far as possible every column must be connected (tied) in both

directions
with beams at each floor level, so as to avoid buckling due to
slenderness
effects.
 (xiv) As far as possible column supported on beam (Floating column)
should be
avoided.

(xv) When columns along with connecting beams from a frame, the
columns
should be so orientated that as far as possible the larger dimension
of the
column is perpendicular to the major axis of bending. By this
arrangement
column section and the reinforcement are utilized to the best
structural
advantage.

(xvi) Orientation of columns: In case of square or circular columns there

would have
been no problem regarding orientation. Normally circular columns
are
provided outside the building for aesthetic point of view. But in case
of
rectangular columns the designer must have sufficient knowledge
regarding
orientation of the columns. The orientation of the columns mainly
depends
upon two factors. They are (i) Structural point of view (ii) Functional
point of
view. For Structural point of view, a column is oriented in such a
manner
that the depth of column is in the plane of the maximum bending.
But
sometimes a column oriented to suit the structural requirement
may offset
inside the room and may cause inconvenience for the user. In such
cases the
designer can orient the column so as to merge into the wall,
provided that
the column must have sufficient strength in the plane of maximum
bending.
This can be made possible by arranging the longitudinal steel at the faces
in
the plane of bending.
Three thumb rules to be followed in column layout are as follows:
1. Size of the Columns

2. Distance between Columns

3. Alignment of columns
Thumb rule no.1
Size of the columns

The size of the columns depends on the total load on the columns. There
are axial loads and lateral loads. Large beam spans induce bending
moment not only in the beams, but also in columns which are pulled by
the stresses in the beams. It is highly recommend every structural
designer learn some softwares like STAAD Pro or ETABS for design of high
rise Buildings. The thumb rules are for general designing in very small
projects.

For this general thumb rule, we will assume a structure of G+1

floors high, using standard 6″ walls.

Minimum size of an RCC column should not be less than 9”x 9” (230mm x
230mm) with 4 bars of 12 MM Fe500 Steel.

Nowadays many of the Structural Engineers use minimum of 9″ x 12″

(230 mm x 300mm) with 6 bars of 12 MM Fe500 steel. You can never go
wrong with strong columns. It is recommend use minimum mix of M25
grade concrete for High rise Buildings. Also it is suggested to use of 8 MM
stirrups at a distance of 150 MM center to center throughout the length of
column.

This setup of 9″ x 12″ RCC columns is safe for G+1 Floors. There are a lot
of other considerations, but this is just a thumb rule.

Practical column sizes used for centering point of view are 9” x 9” (230
x230mm),

9” x 12” (230 x 300mm), 9” x 15” (230 x 380mm), 9” x 18” (230 x

460mm) and so on.

Thumb rule no.2

Distance between the columns

Try to maintain equal distance between the centers of two columns.
Always plan a column layout on a grid. For the above column setup, a
 span of up to 5 meters is quite safe. One can use beams of size 9″ X 12″
(230 MM x 300MM) with a slab thickness of 5″ (125 MM) cast in M20
concrete for spans up to 5m. There are other considerations like
secondary and tertiary spans, point loads and wall loads which have to be
considered. It is complicated, but thumb rules can work if the structure is
simple. It is always recommended to use structural design software like
ETABS or Staad Pro for complicated structural arrangement. For
Residential building column spacing may not more than 4.50m Centre to
centre.

In a beam of up to 5 meters length, secondary spans of up to 4 meters,

wall loads of up to 8 kN per running meter, one can use steel as below.

 Top Steel – 2 bars of 12 MM

 Crank bars – 2 bars of 12 MM, cranked at an angle of 45° at a
distance of L/4 at both ends of a simply supported beam
 Bottom Steel – 3 bars of 12 MM.

This configuration can change depending on a lot of factors.

If larger barrier free distances are required then going for larger column
size is to be used.

The size of the columns increase because of two factors:

1. Increase in the distance between two columns (This increases the
dimensions of

the columns as well the depth of the beam.)

2. Height of the building (Increase in the number of floors is directly

proportional to

the dimensions of the columns.

Thumb rule no.3

Alignment of Columns

A rectangular grid is to be made for placing the columns. This helps in

avoiding

mistakes and placing in columns can be done in the right way. Placing of
columns

depend completely on the plan. A planner has a very important role. A grid
column
placement is always preferred in order to reduce point loads and
unnecessary

complications while construction. This reduces the cost of construction as

well as time

required for construction. Beams which have continuity with other simply
supported

beams have reduced bending moments, and thus require less steel and
concrete depth

to be safe .Columns have to be connected with each other for smooth

transfer of loads.

An experienced planner will keep such things in mind when planning the
structure.

The columns can preferably be arranged in two different fashions:

1. In a straight line with the help of a grid

2. In a circular fashion for circular buildings.

Zigzag arrangement of columns is an absolutely wrong way of working out

Structural

design. It should be remembered that when columns are erected, beams are
laid

connecting the columns.

The Zigzag column placement causes three major issues:

1. Unbalanced load transfer

2. Problems in wall construction

3. Problems in laying beams

If these three thumb rules are followed by Civil Engineering and

Architecture

students, implementation of wrong Structural design can be

prevented.

(iii) Positioning and orientation of Beams:

1. Layout of beams shall be done first. The layout of beams are often
controlled by positions of columns and the architectural considerations.
The beams are normally provided over the columns, under the walls and
under heavy concentrated loads to avoid these loads directly coming on
slabs.
2. When the centre to centre distance between the intersection of walls, the
spacing between two columns is governed by limitations of spans of
supported beams, because of spacing of columns, decides the span of the
beam.
3. In general, maximum span of beams carrying live loads up to 4 KN / m 2
may be limited to the following values:

Support Simply supported Fixed/Continuous Cantilever

Conditio
n
Section Rectangul Flange Rectangula Flange Rectangul Flange

ar d r d ar d
Max.
span in 6.0 10.0 8.0 12.0 3.0 5.0
‘m’

4. As far as possible depth of beam greater than 1.0 m should be avoided

from consideration of controlling deflection, cracking and economy point
of view.
5. Beams shall be provided for supporting staircase flights at floor levels and
at mid landing levels.
6. Beams should be positioned so as to restrict the slab thickness to 150
mm, satisfying the deflection criteria. To achieve this, secondary beams
shall be provided where necessary.
7. As far as possible, Cantilever beams should not be projected from beams,
to avoid torsion.
8. Generally we come across with the situation that there is a gap between
the floor level beam and beam supporting the chajja. Here the depth of
floor beam shall be so chosen that it can support chajja also. However if
depth so required is large (distance between floor beam bottom and
lintel top, greater than 30 cm) provide separate beam.
9. Beams of equal depths shall be provided on both side of the expansion
joint from aesthetical point of view.
10. To get the required minimum head room, the following alternatives
can be tried.
Reduce the beam depth without violating deflection criteria and
maximum of steel
criteria for beams.
In case there is a wall, over the beam without any opening inverted
beam may be
provided in consultation with Architect.
11. Where secondary beam are proposed to reduce the slab thickness
and to
form a grid of beams, the secondary beams shall preferably be provided
of

lesser depth than the depth of supporting beams so that main

reinforcement of

secondary beams shall always pass above the main beams.

12. In toilet block provide minimum number of secondary beams so

that
casting slabs and beam will be simple. No secondary beam condition
would
be ideal.

13. Beams which are required to give a planer look from the underside
shall be
provided as inverted beams, e.g. canopies. Alternatively hidden beams

inside the slab having the same depth as thickness of slab may be
adopted.

Such hidden beams can be provided in toilet blocks, under partition wall

etc., where a cluster of beams can be avoided.

(iv) Positioning of Slab:

One-way or two way slab details can be obtained from aspect ratio

L/B=2
Aspect Ratio =

Where L = Longer Span B = Shorter Span

If L / B is > 2 then slab is designed as one way slab .

If L / B is < 2 then slab is designed as two way slab.

1. For one way slab design, there could be serious of long beams with
spacing approximately between 3m to 5m.

2. For two way slabs, cross beams shall be provided so that the smaller
span of two way panel lies between 4m to 6m.

3. One way slab is found to be economical for spans up to 3.5m.

4. Two way slab can be adopted for shorter spans above 3.0m.

5. However as per design practice slabs up to 2.5m spans may be

designed as one way slabs. Canopy, Chajja, balcony slabs are generally
provided as cantilever slabs.

6. As two way slabs are not economical for short spans, in practice,
even though a slab may be supported on all four sides, still it is
designed as one ways slab transferring load only in one direction. Care
should be taken to provide minimum steel at top across the short edge
 support to avoid the cracks to be developed at top along short edge
support.

7. The maximum practical thickness for residential / office / public

buildings is 200mm while minimum is 100mm.

8. The maximum and minimum spans, which decided the spacing of

beams, are governed by loading and limiting thickness as given below:-

Live Load = 5 KN / m2

Supported Simply Fixed /

Cantilever
condition supported continuous

One Two One Two One Two

Slab type
way way way way way way

Maximum span in
1.50 2.0 3.50 4.50 4.50 6.0
meters

9.Types of slabs:-

Slabs are classified based on whether the slab is supported on four edges
or not. If the slab is supported on four edges, check the aspect ratio ly/lx.
If ly/lx is < 2 it is Two way slab. If ly/lx is >2, it is one way slab. For two
way slab, there are 9 edge conditions. In two way slab, the main
reinforcement is provided in two directions. In one way slab, the main
reinforcement is provided in one direction only. For slab not supported on
four edges, they are classified as follows:-

(i) If the slab is supported on 3 edges all around, the slab is designed as
one way

slab along lx or ly spanning in two opposite direction.

(ii) If the slab is supported on two opposite edges, then the slab is

designed as one

way slab, based on spanning lx or ly span as the case may be.

(iii) If the slab is supported on two adjacent edges, the slab may be
designed as

cantilever slab spanning along short direction lx.

 (i) If the slab is supported on one edge only, then slab may be
designed as

cantilever slab spanning along lx.

10. W.C. slab is generally made sloping or sunk by about 50 cm below

general

floor level for Indian type water closet. Slabs for toilet block and Nahani

slab are generally sunk by 20 cm. below general floor level.

11. Stair case waist slab shall be generally one way slab.

12. Loft slabs over toilets are generally supported on partition walls of
toilet and
 W.C. Loft load should be considered while designing the beams
supporting these

walls.

13. Flat slabs may be found economical for spans of 6.0 to 9.0m

(V) Marking of Slabs, beams and columns using any

standardized/established method.

The key framing plan showing the arrangements of beams and

dispositioning of columns with horizontal and vertical axis. The key
framing plan is to be prepared to a convenient scale and two axes
marked, one side with alphabets A,B,C etc., and the other with numbers.
Normally a multistoreyed building may have the same key framing plan
for all floors provided the intended use of various floors are identical in
nature. If the dispositioning of columns and arrangements of beams vary
to different floors or the usage of floors vary for different floors, a separate
key framing plan has to be prepared for each floor. The level of each
floor with respect to the first floor level is to be marked on each key
framing plan (key framing plan / floor 2 and level at 3500). Grid Reference
scheme as per IS 5525 with slight modification is adopted in practice. The
marking of Frame components as Per IS 5525 is as detailed below:

Before starting the structural design of R.C. frame components, it is

always necessary to mark or designate them first to facilitate
identification, listing and scheduling.

In this scheme of marking, starting from the column at the bottom left
corner, series of imaginary horizontal grid lines passing through each
column are marked as A-A, B-B, C-C etc., and vertical grid lines passing
through each column are marked as 1-1, .2-2, 3-3 are shown in figure.
 The columns are designated as Cij in which suffix i and j refer to
horizontal (ith) and vertical (jth) grid lines intersecting at the column.
Thus, the column at x is marked as C D3. Beams are marked as BM1,BM2
etc., serially starting from the top left corner and proceeding downwards
and then rightwards (bay wise) sequentially. Slabs are designated serially
as Sb1, Sb2 starting from panel in top left corner, proceeding vertically
downwards bay wise and rightwards. This scheme is partially followed in
practice. Scheme of marking columns in this way is very common, but
that for beams and slabs is not very much favoured (especially writing
suffixes m and b to mark beam and slab respectively, is considered to be
superfluous).

2. Estimation of Loads:
Before we design any structure, it is very necessary to understand the

complete structural system of the structure. How the load act on them,

how are they transmitted from one element to the other, etc., must be

visualized initially. If a loading diagram of the beam is given, it may be

easy to design it, however, the first part of the problem, i.e. finding out

the loads on the beam requires thorough knowledge of the structural

system and the way in which the load transfer takes place.

The buildings are designed to carry some live loads, functional loads and

many other loads during its life span. To carry the loads, we provide the

structural systems like slabs, beams, columns etc., which also have dead

loads. The functional loads may be dead loads like tiles, walls, partitions

etc., and other loads include wind, earthquake, impact etc.

The loads are usually first carried by the slabs although the beams may

be subjected to direct loads. The slabs will transfer the loads on the

beams will be transferred to the columns by bending and shear. Columns

will resist loading by axial compression with bending and will transfer

them to the foundations. Foundations will also resist the loads by bending

and shear and ultimately transfer them to the good soil.

Before calculating loads on the structure, it is necessary to ascertain

preliminary size of various structural components such as slab, beam,

column and foundation type.

PRELIMINARY SIZE OF RCC BUILDING COMPONENTS:

1.Slab:
Thumb rule: ½” per foot run Or 1 cm per 1 foot run (Convert 1 m multiply
by 3 to get feet). Example for 5.0m span i.e 15’, the slab thickness
required is 15x1=15cm.

Oneway slab:

As per Thumb rule:

(i) Simply supported slab : 40 to 45mm/ m span

(ii) Continuous slab : 40mm/m span

Based on L/d ratio:

(i) Simply supported slab = 25

(ii) Continuous slab = 30

MAXIMUM SPAN FOR ONEWAY SLABS WITH RESPECT TO TOTAL DEPTH

Total Depth of Maximum Permissible Span for

slab Simply One edge Both ends Cantilever
supported Continuous Continuous slab
slab

100 mm(4”) 2.03 m 2.44 m 2.84 m 1.02 m

( 6’- 8”) ( 8’- 0”) ( 9’- 4”) ( 3’- 4”)

115 mm(4½”) 2.29 m 2.74 m 3.20 m 1.14 m

( 7’- 6”) ( 9’- 0”) ( 10’- 6”) ( 3- 9”)

125 mm(5”) 2.54 m 3.05 m 3.56 m 1.27 m

( 8’- 4”) ( 10’- 0”) ( 11’- 8”) ( 4’- 2”)

138 mm(5½”) 2.79 m 3.35 m 3.91 m 1.40 m

( 9’- 2”) ( 11’- 0”) ( 12’- 10”) ( 4- 7”)

150 mm(6”) 3.05 m 3.66 m 4.27 m 1.52 m

( 10’- 0”) ( 12’- 0”) ( 14’- 0”) ( 5’- 0”)

162.5 3.30 m 3.96 m 4.62 m 1.65 m

mm(6½”) ( 10- 10”) ( 13- 0”) ( 15- 2”) ( 5- 5”)

175 mm(7”) 3.56 m 4.27 m 4.98 m 1.78 m

( 11’- 8”) ( 14’- 0”) ( 16’- 4”) ( 5’- 10”)

187.5 3.81 m 4.57 m 5.33 m 1.91 m

mm(7½”) ( 12’- 6”) ( 15’- 0”) ( 17’- 6”) ( 6’- 3”)
Reference L/20 L/24 L/28
L/10

Where L = effective span of slab.

Two way slab:

Based on Thumb rule:

Support condition Overall slab depth

Simply supported slab 40mm/m span
Continuous slab 35mm/m span

Based on L/d ratio

Case 1: For span Lx upto 3.5m and Live load up to 3.0KN/m2

Support condition L/D ratio

Simply supported slab 28
Continuous slab 32
Case 2: For span Lx > 3.5m and Live load > 3.0KN/m2

Support condition L/d ratio

Simply supported slab 25
Continuous slab 30
2.Beams:

Width:

Width of beam= width of wall or 1/3 to 2/3 depth of beam for all beams

1/3 to ½ of overall depth for Tee beams

b= 3.24(Lx)1/3 (As per Swedish Regulations) b, Lx are in cms.

Depth:

For simply supported and continuous beam=1/10 to 1/12 of clear span

Tee beams=1/12 to 1/15 of clear span

Cantilever beams=1/5 to 1/6 of clear span.

Dp/Dt =1.67 Ly/Lx but not less than 2.5 where Dp=Depth of beam

Dt=Depth of slab

Thumb rule: 1” per 1 foot run Or 7 to 8 cm per metre run

Support condition Section Type Depth

Singly Reinforced beam Rectangular 100mm/m span
Flanged 80mm/m span
Cantilever 120 to 150mm/m span
Doubly reinforced 2/3 D of Singly
beam reinforced section
Simply supported Doubly reinforced beam=L/15 or 2/3 D of sSngly
reinforced beam

Continuous doubly reinforced beam= L/12 to L/15

Based on l/d ratio

Span Loading Type L/d ratio

3 to 4m Light 15 to 20
5 to 10m Medium 12 to 15
>10m Heavy 12
Relation between Slab & Beam

Slab depth Beam Depth Maximum Span of beams

D in inches ‘h’ Simply One End Both End
supported Continuous Continuous
12” 16’ 18’-6” 21’-0”
4”
4½”
14” 18’-8” 21’-7” 24’-6”
5”
16” 21’-4” 24’-9” 28’-0”

18” 24’-0” 27’-7” 31’-5”

5½”
6”
18” 24’-0” 27’-9” 31’-6”
6½”
20” 26’-9” 30’-10” 33’-0”
7”
22” 29’-4” 34’-0” 38’-6”
Reference h x 16 h x 18.5 h x 21
12 12 12
Where ‘h’ is depth of beam in inches.
3. Column Design:

Size of column shall be chosen on the higher side and richer mixes and
age factor

shall be used to the lower storeys. It shall be advantage to use minimum

mix as M25

concrete and Fe 500 TMT bars for Multistoreyed building design. For
achieving

economy in shuttering, column size can be kept the same throughout the

height of building(or in steps of a few storeys at the least) for carrying the

reinforcement. Moments in columns change sign in each storey, so that, we

generally

provide symmetrical bar arrangement in a column section and the steel

area is kept
constant throughout a given storey. In General steel reinforcement is
equally on all

faces, in case of columns subjected to only axial load where as in case of

column

subjected to bending also in addition to axial load the longitudinal bars are
arranged

at the faces in the plane of bending. Generally in top storey the axial load
is less but

the bending moment will be more. In construction of Multi storey building

design if the

building is designed for higher floors and construction is limit to less than
designed

floors, design should be checked for top most floor and accordingly the
column

reinforcement shall be adopted.

The design of column necessitates determination of load transferred

from beam

at different floor levels. Loads are transferred slabs to beams and then to
columns.

Hence, slabs and beams are normally designed prior to the design of
columns. This

method enables one to asses the loads on columns more accurately and
design of
column becomes realistic and economical.

However, in practice, many times situation arise which require the

design of

columns and footings to be given to the client prior to the design of slabs
and beams.

In such situations, loads on columns and footings are required to be

assessed using

judgement based on past experience or using approximate methods. The

loads on

the columns can be determined approximately on the basic floor area

shared by each

column. These loads are normally calculated on the higher side so that
they are not
less than the actual loads transferred from slabs/ beams. This method of
design of

column is likely to be uneconomical.

However as per official procedure, one should design slabs and

beams first in

order to know the actual design loads on columns. Only in case of

emergency for need

of giving the design of column and footings prior to the design of beams,
the

approximate method of assessing the load on column based on the floor

area shared

by the columns by tributary area method or by summation of beam

reactions at

floor levels can be used.

1.Approximate Method for estimation of Load on column by thumb

rule:

Load on column = No. of floors x Tributary area of column x

Load/m2/Floor.

Office/commercial
Column Position Residential building
building

Interior column 12KN/m2 14KN/m2

 Side or end column 17KN/m2 19KN/m2

Corner column 22KN/m2 24KN/m2

Note: Add extra 2KN/m2 in toilet and staircase areas.

For example for residential flats (GF+3 Floors) for 4m x 4m panel

Load on interior column = 4 x 16 m2 x 12 KN/m2 =768 KN say 780KN or
78 tonnes.

2. Speedy calculation for Load on column (Alternate Method)

Following approximate loads may be considered for various types of

buildings.

Type of Building Load /m2 per floor in KN/m2

Residential Flats 16

Education/Medical hospitals
18
building

Library/Godowns/printing press
22
building

Industrial Building 20

Steel Roof ACC sheet building 7

Staircase/ Escalators 18

Car parking (Silt Floor) 8

Roof terrace floor 10

Load on the column= Intensity of loading x Area to be covered under

the influence of the column. This area can be arrived by bisecting the
distance between the columns on all four sides (2 sides on corner
columns). Note:

1. Extra load for sitout & Balcony: This can be separately computed
and
apportioned to the column concerned.

2. For Lift & Machine room: extra loads can be arrived from the lift &
Machine
room data.
 3. Overhead Tank: extra load can be easily calculated Dead wt. of
OHT+weight of water to be stored and apportioned to the column
concerned. For example
10,000 litres capacity of OHT the dead weight of tank may be taken
as 100%
weight of water i.e 10m3 or 10tonnes. Total weight is 10t+10t =20t.
Load on
each column assuming supporting water tank column as 4,
=20t/4=5t.
Moment factors to be considered for calculating loads on columns as
per

Reynolds hand book:

Position of column Moment factor

Interior Middle column 1.10

Exterior intermediate column 1.30

Corner column 1.80

For example interior intermediate column with 5m x 4m grid with (silt

+4Floors)

Load on column= Equivalent load x Reynolds moment factor.

Equivalent load = Tributary area x Total load intensity.

Tributary area = (5m x 4m) =20 m2

Total Load intensity=load intensity for silt Floor+ load intensity for
residential

flat for 3 Floors +Load intensity for Roof area

= (8 +3x16+10)=66KN/m2

Equivalent load on interior column =20 x 66=1320KN.

Actual axial Load on interior column= Equivalent load x

Moment Factor =1320 x 1.10=1452KN.

Arriving size of Column:

Based on load on column, size of the Column can be calculated by any

one of the following method.

Method 1 : Based on ultimate load/m2 (Approximate)

Ag (Gross area) required = 80 to 100 mm2 per every 1KN ultimate
load carried by the column depending on the grade of concrete used.

Ac= cross sectional area of column

D= large dimension of column =Ac/b

b=width of column.

For 1.5 x 1452= 2178 KN ultimate load, area required= 80x 2178
=174240 mm2

If b=230mm, D=174240/230=758mm say 750mm.

Provide Size of column as 230 x 750mm. Assume 1 to 2% of steel and M25

concrete. If we provide 2% of steel,

Ast required= 2/100 x(230 x750) =3450mm2 . Provide 8 Nos. 25 dia steel.

Safe Load carrying capacity of column

P=(2.6805p+10)bD/1500=(2.7005x2.275+10)230x750/1500

=1851KN. >1452KN .

Factored Load =1.5x1851= 2776.5KN> 2178KN.

Method 2 : Based on Axial load on Column

Equivalent axial Column size

column Load with
(mm)
moment factor (KN)

Up to 500 230 x 230

Above 500 to 800 230 x 300

Above 800 to 1200 230 x 450

 Above 1200 to 1500 230 x 600

Above 1500 to 1950 300 x 750

Above 1950 300 x 830

As per table for axial load of 1452 KN , approximate size of column =

230 x600mm. The reinforcement shall be taken as 1 to 2% of cross
sectional area provided.

Method 3: (Based on tributary area)

Area required is mm2/m2 of area covered by the column

Grade of concrete External column Internal column

M20 2000 1500

M25 1800 1200

M30 1600 900

M35 1400 600

M40 1200 300

For example for (Silt +4Floors) residential building interior column with
M20 concrete with 5m by 4m grid

Area required = (5 storey) x tributary area (5x4)x 1500 mm2

=150000mm2

Assuming width of column b=230 mm

Depth required D = 150000/230 =652mm say 600mm

The size of column to be adopted is 230 x 600 mm.

Method 4: Based on thumb rule :

(i) Based on height or span of the beam

Column depth is 3 to 5% of total height of building

For example (Silt +4 Floors) 5 storeyed building with 3m height

The depth of column is (5x3=15m+0.6m(Basement height)) 15.6x3/100=
0.47m say 480mm.

If the beam span is 4.0m, along transverse direction,

width (b) = 1/12 of span of beam

b= 1/12x4.00 =0.333m say 300 mm. Column size is 300 x 480

(ii) Based on storey/ span of beam

If building height is 3 storeys or less:

If beam span is < 6m, D=300mm;

If beam span is between 6.0 to 9m, D=350mm

If the beam span is more than 12.0m, D=400mm.

If the building height is 4 to 9 storeys:

If beam span is < 6m, D=400mm;

If beam span is between 6.0 to 9m, D=500mm

If the beam span is more than 12.0m,D=600mm

In this example, the span of beam is 5.0m and No. of storeys =5

Size of column is 300 x 400mm.

(iii) Based on Seismic and Non seismic areas:

For Seismic areas : Assume Pu/fck bD=0.35 for side column and 0.30 for
corner column. In case of non seismic areas, the ratio will be 0.40 for side
column and 0.35 for corner column.

For example if Pu= 2178KN, fck=20, column area for non seismic zone for
side column=2178x1000/0.40x20=272250mm2 . The size of column is
300 x 900mm. Assume 0.8% of C.S area=2160mm2. Provide 8 Nos. 20mm
dia bars. (2512mm2.2160mm2)

Method 5: Using Column load & Moment

Based on Column load & Moment;

Assume 2% of C.S area for fy=250N/mm2

(i) If the line of action of the eccentric Load is outside

C.S.area = Pu/0.4 fck

(ii) If the line of action of the eccentric Load is inside (within the section)

C.S.area=Pu /0.45 fck

Example : Pu=2460KN Mu=91 KNm fck=20N/mm2 fy=415 N/mm2

Calculate eccentricity of Load =Mu/Pu = 91/2460=0.037m

Assume that line of action of axial load is inside the section and check this
later.

C.S.area required =2460 x103 /0.45 x20x106 =0.273m2

If one dimension is 460mm, the other needs to be= 0.273/0.46=0.59m

say 0.60m

Therefore section of column=460mm x 600mm

Area of steel reinforcement -=0.20 x 0.273 x(250/415) x 106

=3289.16mm2

100

Method 6:

Safe load carrying capacity of column based on % of steel and

known column section for various grade of concrete and Steel.

Steel Grade  Fe 415 Fe 500

Concrete Grade


M20 P=(2.7005 p+ 8) P=(3.27p + 8)

bD/1500 bD/1500

M25 P=(2.6805 p+ 10) P=(3.25p +10)

bD/1500 bD/1500

M30. P=(2.6605 p+ 12) P=(3.23p + 12)

bD/1500 bD/1500

M35 P=(2.6405 p+ 14) P=(3.21p + 14)

bD/1500 bD/1500

M40 P=(2.6205 p+ 16) P=(3.19p + 16)

bD/1500 bD/1500

Where P is Axial Load carrying capacity of column in KN.

p = % of steel reinforcement (say 2% is 2)

b = Breadth of Column in mm

D = Depth of Column in mm.

Method 7: Based on formula given in IS 456-2000

STEP 1 :- Calculation of the Influence Area of the Column :

The first step is to find out the Influence Area of the Column to be
Designed. In this plan the tributary area for internal column= (2.85 x
2.35) =6.70m2
 STEP 2:- Calculation of the Loads Coming on Column from the
Influence Area :

In this step the Load Calculation is being done. This is done by calculating
all the loads acting within the influence area.

The Loads acting are broadly classified as Dead Load (DL) and Live Load
(LL). Dead Loads are the load of objects which cannot be moved from on
place to another like the loads of Brick Work, Beams, Slabs etc. and the
Live Loads are the loads coming from movable objects such as Humans,
Chair, Table etc.

Thus We Need to Calculate the Dead Loads as well as Live Loads within
the Influence Area, these are as follows in the general case of a Building :-

A) Dead Loads :

I. Due to weight of Slab [25000 N/m3 ]

II. Due to weight of Floor Finish [500 N/m2]

III. Due to weight of Brick Masonry [19200 N/m3]

IV. Due to weight of Beam [25000 N/m3]

V. Due to weight of Self Weight of Column [25000 N/m3]

B) Live Load :

It depends upon the Nature of the Structure, and it values for different
structural nature are given in the concerned Code of Practice, like in India
these are given in I.S.: 875-Part II.

For Residential Buildings it is generally considered @ 2KN/m2

For office Building 2.50 to 4.0KN/m2

For Roof with access provided 1.50KN/m2

With access not provided 0.75KN/m2

Slab Load/m2 Roof slab Floor Slab

Live Load 1.50 KN/m2 2.0KN/m2

Dead load

Self weight 0.12x25 3.0 KN/m2 3.0 KN/m2

Floor finish 2.25KN/m2 1.00KN/m2

Total Dead load 5.25KN/m2 4.00KN/m2

If partition wall load is there, this can be calculated as follows:

230mm wall load/m run=0.23 x 1x (3.0-0.3) x 19.20=11.92 KN/m say

12KN/m

115mm wall load/m run=0.115x1x(3.0-0.30) x19.20 =5.96KN/m say 6.0

KN/m

Parapet wall load =0.23 x 1 x 0.90x19.20=3.97 KN/m say 4.0KN/m

Now after correct calculation of above loads the Total Load is Calculated
by,

Total Load on each floor = Dead Load + Live Load

Now this the actual load which will be acting on column for each floor, now
if the building say 5 storied, then just multiply the value with the nos. of
floors, like for five storied building multiply the Total Load on each story
with 5.

Now thus the Total load acting on column at Column Base is obtained and
it is denoted with ‘P’.

Hence P= Total Load on each Floor X Nos. of Stories = (Dead Load + Live
Load) X Nos. of Stories.

Now we shall move to the actual Designing to determine suitable Column

sections and its Reinforcements so that the above load is safely resisted
by the column Designed.

It can be done by Three main Methods of Design : a) Working Stress

Method b) Ultimate Load Method and c) Limit State Method.

The Modern Practice is to use Limit State Method for all types of
Designing, Hence we discuss here the Limit State Method Of Design Of
Column.

STEP 3 :- Finding The Gross Cross-Sectional Area Required For

The Column

This is the one of the most important and main step of the Design of
Column.
First in the Limit State Method of Design we must increase the load acting
on the column with a Load Factor so that if there will be any accidental
increase of loads the column will be still safe to resist the load without a
failure. The Factor of Safety for Dead Load + Live Load Combination is 1.5,
hence we must multiply the load action on column (P) with the 1.5 to
obtain the Ultimate Load that is the Factored Load of the Column that is Pu.

Hence Factored Load, Pu = 1.5 X P

For Design we will work with this value of load.

Now before going on we here to say that we will design according to the
Code Of Practice of I.S.: 456-2000

The Ultimate Load of a Column is given by,

Pu = 0.4.fck.Ac + 0.67.fy.Asc [Equation I]

Where, Pu = Ultimate Load of the Column in N/mm2

fck= Yield Strength of Concrete in N/mm2

Ac = Area of Concrete (Cross-Sectional Area) of Column in mm2

fy = Yield Strength Of Steel in N/mm2

Asc = Area of Steel (Cross-Sectional Area) in Column in mm2

Now the column consists of Concrete and as well as Steel in the form of
Reinforcements hence the Total Cross-Sectional Area of Column is made of
Area of Concrete and Area of Steel.

The Total Cross-Sectional area of Column can be also termed as Gross

Cross-Sectional Area of Column and it’s denoted by Ag.

Hence, Gross Cross-Sectional Area of Column = C/S Area of Concrete +

C/S Area of Steel

Therefore, Ag = Ac + Asc

And hence, Ac = Ag - Asc

Now putting the above obtained value in the original equation (Equation I)
we get,

Pu = 0.4.fck.(Ag-Asc) + 0.67.fy.Asc [Equation II]

Now Assume the Percentage of Steel you want to use ranging anywhere
from 0.8% to 6% with Respect to Gross Cross-Sectional Area of the
Column (Ag). Say Assuming Steel as 1% of Ag it means Area of Steel Asc =
1% of Ag = 0.01Ag

The higher will be the percentage of steel used the lower will be Ag and
thus lesser will be the cross-sectional dimension of the column. But the as
the Price of Steel is very high as compared to the Concrete hence it is
desirable to use as less as steel possible to make the structure
economical, again if the percentage of steel is lowered then the Ag will
increase at higher rate, about 30% with decrease of just 1% of steel and
so each lateral dimension of the column will increase and will cause a
gigantic section to be provided to resist the load. Therefore both the
factors are to be considered depending upon the amount of loadings.

My suggestion is to use the following Percentage of steel for the Design,

Which I’ve found to be effective and to produce economical and safe
section of Column.

Loading (Pu) in N Percentage Of Steel for Satisfactory

Design

Below 250000 --------------------------------------------0.8%

250,000 to 500,000 --------------------------------------1.0%

500,000 to 750,000 --------------------------------------1.5%

750,000 to 1000,000 -------------------------------------2.0%

1000,000 to 1500,000 -----------------------------------2.5%

1500,000 to 2000,000 -----------------------------------3.0%

And so on, with increase of each 250,000 N increasing the Percentage of

Steel as 0.5%.

Now input the value of the Asc in the form of Ag in the Equation I. For
example suppose 1% Steel is used then the equation will be like the one
below :-

Pu = 0.4.fck.(Ag-0.01Ag) + 0.67.fy.0.01Ag

Therefore, if we know the Grade of Concrete and Grade of Steel to be used

and Factored Load coming on the Column and Assuming the Percentage of
steel required appropriately then we can Very Easily Calculate the Gross-
Sectional Area (Ag) of the Column required from the above form of the
equation.

Now as the Ag is obtained thus the Lateral Dimensions of the Column that
are the sides of the column can be easily determined.

The Ag or Gross-Sectional Area of the Column means that it is the product

of the two lateral sides of a column [i.e. Breadth (b) X Depth (D)], hence
reversely knowing the Ag we can determine the Lateral Dimensions.

For making a Square Section just Determine the Root Value of the Ag. Like
if the Value of Ag is 62500 mm2 Then considering square section of a
column we can get each side

Also Rectangular Column Sections Can be made by using different

proportion say b : D = 1 : 2 , Hence D=2b , Therefore, Ag = b X D = b X 2b
= 2b2 or b=

Hence D can be also determined as D=2b after Calculating the b.

Most of the times after calculating the sides of a column it will give results
such as 196.51mm or 323.62 etc. values, which practically cannot be
provided at field, hence we must increase those values to the nearest
greater multiple of 25mm (i.e. 1 inch). For examples a value of 196.51mm
may be increased to 200mm or 225mm or 250 mm even, and a value of
323.62mm may be increased to 350mm. more it will be increased the
more it will be safer, but it is uneconomical to increase by a very high
amount, it should not be increased more than by 75mm to consider the
economical factor.

STEP 4 : Check For Long/Short Column

Depending upon the ratio of Effective Length to the Least Lateral

Dimension of a column, a column may be classified as Long Column and
Short Column. If the value of this ratio is less than 12 then it’s called as a
short column and if the value is more than 12 then it’s called as a Long
Column. A short column mainly fails by direct compression and has a
lesser chance of failure by buckling. And in the case of a long column the
failure mainly occurs due to the buckling alone. Long column being
slender, that is being thin like stick as compared with its length it grows a
tendency to get bended by deviating from its verticality under the action
of loads. Due to this tendency of long column to get buckled (bended) a
long column of all same properties and dimensions that of a short column
will be able to carry much lesser load safely than that of the short column.
Suppose a 400mmx400mm short column can take a load of 1000KN , then
a long column of 400mmx400mm having same grade of concrete, same
amount of reinforcement and same workmanship will be able to carry a
lesser load like say about 800KN only, hence we get a loss of 200KN which
is 20% loss of load carrying capacity. So the above formula used in Step 3
holds good only for the Short Column. For using it in long column a little
modification is needed, which I will update it later when I will get hands on
this article again. For now let us concentrate on Short Column. First of all
we need to find out the effective length of a column, which can be
obtained by multiplying a factor with the actual unsupported length of the
column. The factor depends upon the end condition of the column. In most
general cases we use a Both End Fixed Column for which The Factor is
0.65.

Therefore, Effective Length = Effective Length Factor (0.65) x Unsupported

Length (l). suppose a column has a unsupported length of 2.7m =
2700mm, hence the effective length will be lef = 0.65x2700 = 1755mm.
Least lateral dimension means the shorter of the two dimensions of
column that is length and breadth. But in case of a circular column as
there is only diameter, hence we will use the diameter.

Suppose a column is of 400mmx200mm section and has an unsupported

length of 2700mm, then the Ration of Effective length t the Least Lateral
Dimension will be as follows :-

(Effective Length/Least Lateral Dimension) = (lef/b) = (1755/200) = 8.775

which is less than 12 and hence is a Short Column.

STEP 5 :Check For Eccentricity

Eccentricity means deviating from the true axis. Thus an Eccentric Load
refers to a load which is not acting through the line of the axis of the
column in case of column design. The eccentric load cause the column to
bend towards the eccentricity of the loading and hence generates a
bending moment in the column. In case of eccentric loading we have to
design the column for both the Direct Compression and also for the
bending moment also. Practically all columns are eccentric to some extent
which may vary from few millimetres to few centimetres. In practical field
it is almost impossible to make a perfectly axially loaded column, as a
reason we have to consider a certain value of eccentricity for safety even
though if we are designing for a axially loaded column. The conditions of
considering eccentricity and its value may differ from code to code
according to the country. Here I will tell you what I.S. : 456-2000 says.
According to it the eccentricity which we have to consider for design must
be taken as the greater of the followings :-

i) 20mm.

ii) (lef/500) + (b/30)

Where,

lef = Effective Length of the Column

b = Lateral Dimension of the Column (We have to calculate two separate

values for two sides in case of rectangular column)

Permissible Eccentricity :- 0.05b where b is the dimension of a side of a

column, we have to check for two sides separately in case of rectangular
column.

The Permissible eccentricity must be greater than or equal to the actual

eccentricity of the column. Or else we have to design it for bending also.

STEP 6 : Calculating The Area Of Steel Required

Now the Area of Steel Required Asc is to be calculated from the Ag as the
predetermined percentage of Ag. For example if the Gross-Sectional Area
of the Column is 78600 mm2 and at the starting of calculation of Ag it was
assumed that 1% Steel is used then we get,

Asc = 1% of Ag = 0.01Ag = 0.01 X 78600 = 786 mm2

Now we shall provide such amount of Reinforcements that the Cross-

Sectional Area of the Reinforcement provided is Equal to or Greater than
the Cross-Sectional Area of Steel required above.

Hence in the above case we shall Provide 4 Nos. of 16mm Diameter Bars

Hence, The Actual Area of Steel Provided,

Hence the Area of Steel Provided is Greater than Area Of Steel Required,
Hence the Structure will be Safe.

NOTE : The minimum of 4 Nos. of Bars to be provided at the four corners

of a rectangular or Square Column and minimum diameter of Bars that to
be used is 12mm Diameter. Hence 4 Nos. of 12mm Diameter Bars are
must in any Column irrespective of their necessities.

STEP 7 : Determining The Diameter and Spacing Of The Lateral

Ties

In this step we will Determine the Diameter and the Spacing of the Lateral
Ties or Transverse Links or Binders.

The Diameter of the Ties shall not be lesser than the Greatest of the
following two values

1. 6mm

2. 1/4th of the Diameter of the Largest Diameter Bar

For an example if a Column has 16mm and 20mm both types of bar as
Longitudinal Bars or main Reinforcement then 1/4th of 20mm = 5mm
Hence we shall provide 6mm diameter Ties. But in practice we use 8 dia
RTS only.

The Spacing of Ties shall not exceed the least of the followings three
values

1. Least Lateral Dimension

2. 16 Times of the Diameter of the Smallest Diameter Longitudinal Bar

3. 300 mm

[In this case our objective is to minimize the value to reduce the spacing
and to make the structure more stable, hence we shall take least value
and suitably in a multiple of 25mm]

4. Foundation:

(i) Depth of foundation:

Minimum depth of foundation: 500 mm from G.L. ( As per I.S. 1080-1962)

Minimum depth of foundation as per Rankine’s theory

d = p / γ {1- sin Ø / 1+ sin Ø }2

Where p = gross bearing capacity (SBC )

γ = density of soil.

Ø= angle of repose of soil.

But in practice, the foundation depth is kept at 0.90m or even more. The
depth of

foundation depends not only on the nature of soil strata but also on the
height of

building. It is customary practice to place the foundation of a “simple

footing “ at a

minimum depth of 1.50 m from ground level or at least 1.50 times the
width of

footing. In cold climates the depth is kept at a minimum of 1.50 m below

surface
because of possible frost action. For low rise building (less than four
storeys)

a depth of foundation of 1.2m to 1.50m may be adequate. For taller

buildings (6 to

12 storeys) 2.0m to 3.0m foundation depth will be adequate. For still taller
buildings

shallow foundation may not be suitable. In these case higher capacity of

pile

foundation shall be adopted to suit the super structure of load and nature
of soil

condition. For tall isolated Structures, like water towers, the foundation
depth may

be at 3.0m also.

A few practical requirements also may have to be considered while

deciding the depth of foundation such as the existing foundation of nearby
building, the possible influence of future expansion etc. If the height of
building is more, the horizontal forces acting on the building such as wind
force are large. As a thumb rule, minimum depth of foundation may be
selected as 5% to 10% of the height of building.

Where the moisture content may vary and cause shrinkage, the depth
must be
 considered with the minimum moisture content variation(1.50m to
2.0m).In case of

black cotton soils of expansive nature, the zone of movement may be as

deep as

3.0m to 3.50m. This is why ,the under reamed piles in expansive clays are
taken to

minimum depth of 3.50m.

(ii) Size of Footing:

For working out size of footing working load on foundation to be considered.

The load

to be increased for 10% on account for self weight of footing.

Area of Footing required= Axial Load on column+10% for self weight

SBC of Soil

For square footing side of footing = √ Area = X in m

PRACTICAL DIMENSIONS:

(i) Size of footing : 1000 mm to 3000 mm in multiples of 250 mm.

(ii) Maximum depth near column face:

500 to 1000 mm in multiples of 50 mm.

(iii) Depth of Footing:

Depth of footing can be calculated based on bending moment, one way

shear and two way shear consideration. For preliminary, depth of footing
can be calculated using any one of the following approximate methods.

(a) Thumb rule based on projection of footing

Depth of footing D =650 x a where

a = projection of footing from face of column in metres and D is in

mm.
(b) Thumb rule based on side of the footing for Fe 415 / Fe 500 steel.

Net upward soil pressure in D / A value

t / m2

5 1/7

10 1/5.5

15 1/5.0

20 1 /4.5

25 1 /4.0

30 1 /3.50

Note :

1) Increase 20% for sloped and stepped footing.

2) p = Net upward pressure in t / m2

D = Overall depth of footing in cm.

A = Average side of footing in cm.

3) Minimum depth at the edges =200 mm (150 mm according

to IS

456-2000)

(iv) Reinforcement:

Minimum Dia. of bar : 8 Φ RTS

Preferable : 10 Φ RTS

Thumb rule:

Up to 2.0 m width : use 10 Φ RTS

Above 2.0m Up to 3.0 m width : use 12 Φ RTS

Above 3.0 m width : use 16 Φ RTS

Minimum reinforcement :

Not less than 0.15% of c.s area for mild steel &

0.12% when HYSD bars are used.

Maximum spacing of bar : 200 mm

(180 mm for Tor 40 as per IS 456-2000)