Design of Compression membersAxially Loaded columns

by
S.PraveenKumar
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
PSG College of Technology
Coimbatore
spk@civ.psgtech.ac.in,praveen9894861585@gmail.com

Introduction
A column is an important components of R.C. Structures.
A column, in general, may be defined as a member carrying direct axial

load which causes compressive stresses of such magnitude that these

stresses largely control its design.
A column or strut is a compression member, the effective length of
which exceeds three times the least lateral dimension.
When a member carrying mainly axial load is vertical, it is termed as
column ,while if it is inclined or horizontal, it is termed as a strut.
Columns may be of various shape such as circular, rectangular,
square, hexagonal etc.

Classification of columns
Based on Type of Reinforcement
a) Tied Columns-where the main
longitudinal bars are enclosed within
closely spaced lateral ties( all cross
sectional shapes)
b) Spiral columns-where the main
longitudinal bars are enclosed within
closely spaced and continuously wound
spiral reinforcement (Circular, square,
octagonal sections)
c) Composite Columns-where the
reinforcement is in the form of structural
steel sections or pipes, with or without
longitudinal bars

Based on Type of Loading

a) Columns with axial loading (applied concentrically)
b) Columns with uniaxial eccentric loading
c) Columns with biaxial eccentric loading

occurrence of pure axial compression in a column (due to

concentric loads) is relatively rare.
Generally, flexure accompanies axial compression due to rigid
frame action, lateral loading and/or actual(or even,
unintended/accidental) eccentricities in loading.
The combination of axial compression (P) with bending moment (M) at
any column section is statically equivalent to a system consisting of the
load P applied with an eccentricity e = M/P with respect to the
longitudinal centroidal axis of the column section.
In a more general loading situation, bending moments (Mx and My) are
applied simultaneously on the axially loaded column in two perpendicular
directions about the major axis (XX) and minor axis (YY) of the column
section. This results in biaxial eccentricities ex= Mx /P and ey = My /P, as
shown in [Fig.(c)].
The

 Columns

in reinforced concrete framed buildings, in general, fall into

the third category, viz. columns with biaxial eccentricities.
The biaxial eccentricities are particularly significant in the case of the
columns located in the building corners.
In the case of columns located in the interior of symmetrical, simple
buildings, these eccentricities under gravity loads are generally of a low
order (in comparison with the lateral dimensions of the column), and
hence are sometimes neglected in design calculations.
In such cases, the columns are assumed to fall in the first category,
viz. columns with axial loading.
The Code, however, ensures that the design of such columns is
sufficiently conservative to enable them to be capable of resisting nominal
eccentricities in loading
6

Based on Slenderness Ratio

Columns (i.e., compression members) may be classified into the following
two types, depending on whether slenderness effects are considered
insignificant or significant:
1. Short columns
2. Slender (or long) columns.
Slenderness is a geometrical property of a compression member
which is related to the ratio of its effective length to its lateral
dimension. This ratio, called slenderness ratio, also provides a measure of
the vulnerability to failure of the column by elastic instability (buckling)
in the plane in which the slenderness ratio is computed..
Columns with low slenderness ratios, i.e., relatively short and stocky
columns, invariably fail under ultimate loads with the material (concrete,
steel) reaching its ultimate strength, and not by buckling.
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On the other hand, columns with very high slenderness ratios are in
danger of buckling (accompanied with large lateral deflection) under
relatively low compressive loads, and thereby failing suddenly.
Braced columns & unbraced column
In most of the cases, columns are also subjected to horizontal loads like
wind, earthquake etc. If lateral supports are provided at the ends of the
column, the lateral loads are borne entirely by the lateral supports. Such
columns are known as braced columns.(When relative transverse
displacement between the upper and lower ends of a column is prevented,
the frame is said to be braced (against sideway)).
Other columns, where the lateral loads have to be resisted by them, in
addition to axial loads and end moments, are considered as unbraced
columns. (When relative transverse displacement between the upper and
lower ends of a column is not prevented, the frame is said to be unbraced

(against sideway).

In such cases,
the effective
length ratio k
varies between
0.5 and 1.0

In such cases,
the effective
length ratio k

varies between
1.0 and infinity

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Reinforcement in column
Concrete is strong in compression.
However, longitudinal steel rods are

always provided to assist in

carrying the direct loads.

A minimum area of longitudinal steel is provided in the column, whether
it is required from load point of view or not.
This is done to resist tensile stresses caused by some eccentricity of
the vertical loads.
There is also an upper limit of amount of reinforcement in RC columns,
because higher percentage of steel may cause difficulties in placing and
compacting the concrete.
Longitudinal reinforcing bars are tied laterally by ties or stirrups
at suitable interval so that the bars do not buckle
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Codal Provisions(IS-456-2000)

12

Page No:41 & 42 IS 456-2000

13

Page No:94IS 456-2000

Page No:42IS 456-2000

14

15

Clause26.53.1- Page No:48IS 456-2000

16

Functions of longitudinal reinforcement

To share the vertical compressive load, thereby reducing the overall

size of the column.

To resist tensile stresses caused in the column due to (i) eccentric
load (ii) Moment (iii) Transverse load.
To prevent sudden brittle failure of the column.
To impart certain ductility to the column.
To reduce the effects of creep and shrinkage due to sustained loading.

17

18

Clause 26.53.3.2Page No:49IS 456-2000

19

Clause 26.5.3.2 Page No:49IS 456-2000

20

Clause 26.5.3.2 Page No:49IS 456-2000

Functions of Transverse reinforcement

To prevent longitudinal buckling of longitudinal reinforcement.
To resist diagonal tension caused due to transverse shear due to

moment/transverse load.
To hold the longitudinal reinforcement in position at the time of
concreting.
To confine the concrete, thereby preventing its longitudinal splitting.
To impart ductility to the column.
To prevent sudden brittle failure of the columns.
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Clause 26.5.3.2 Page No:49IS 456-2000

Cover to reinforcement
For a longitudinal reinforcing bar in a column, the nominal cover shall not
be less than 40mm, nor less than the diameter of such bar.
In the case of columns of minimum dimension of 200mm or under, whose
reinforcing bars does not exceed 12mm, a cover of 25mm may be used.
Clause 26.4.2.1 Page No:49IS 456-2000

22

SP 34- 1987 Page No:88

23

Assumptions in Limit State of Collapse -Compression

24

Clause 38.1 Page No:69IS 456-2000

Clause 38.1 Page No:69IS 456-2000

25

Clause 38.1 Page No:69IS 456-2000

26

27

28

29

Detailing of columns

30

a) Termination of column bars inside slab

b) Fixed end joint in a column

31

c) Typical detail of beam column junction at external column

32

33

Design of Compression membersUniaxial Bending

Based on Type of Loading

a) Columns with axial loading (applied concentrically)
b) Columns with uniaxial eccentric loading
c) Columns with biaxial eccentric loading

occurrence of pure axial compression in a column (due to

concentric loads) is relatively rare.
Generally, flexure accompanies axial compression due to rigid
frame action, lateral loading and/or actual(or even,
unintended/accidental) eccentricities in loading.
The combination of axial compression (P) with bending moment (M) at
any column section is statically equivalent to a system consisting of the
load P applied with an eccentricity e = M/P with respect to the
longitudinal centroidal axis of the column section.
In a more general loading situation, bending moments (Mx and My) are
applied simultaneously on the axially loaded column in two perpendicular
directions about the major axis (XX) and minor axis (YY) of the column
section. This results in biaxial eccentricities ex= Mx /P and ey = My /P, as
shown in [Fig.(c)].
The

 Columns

in reinforced concrete framed buildings, in general, fall into

the third category, viz. columns with biaxial eccentricities.
The biaxial eccentricities are particularly significant in the case of the
columns located in the building corners.
In the case of columns located in the interior of symmetrical, simple
buildings, these eccentricities under gravity loads are generally of a low
order (in comparison with the lateral dimensions of the column), and
hence are sometimes neglected in design calculations.
In such cases, the columns are assumed to fall in the first category,
viz. columns with axial loading.
The Code, however, ensures that the design of such columns is
sufficiently conservative to enable them to be capable of resisting nominal
eccentricities in loading
4

Column under axial compression and Uni-axial

Bending
Let

us now take a case of a column which is subjected to combined

action of axial load (Pu) and Uni-axial Bending moment (Mu).
This case of loading can be reduced to a single resultant load Pu acting
at an eccentricity e such that e= Mu / Pu .
The behavior of such column depends upon the relative magnitudes of
Mu and Pu , or indirectly on the value of eccentricity e.
For a column subjected to load Pu at an eccentricity e, the location of
neutral axis (NA) will depend upon the value of eccentricity e.
Depending upon the value of eccentricity and the resulting position (Xu)
of NA., We will consider the following cases.
5

 Case I :
Concentric loading: Zero Eccentricity or nominal
eccentricity (Xu =)
Case II :
Moderate eccentricity (Xu > D)
Case III :
Moderate eccentricity (Xu = D)
Case IV :
Moderate eccentricity (Xu < D)

Case I (e=0 and e<emin )

Case II (Neutral axis outside the section)

Case III (Neutral axis along the edge)

Case IV (Neutral Axis lying within the section)

Modes of Failure in Eccentric Compression

The mode of failure depends upon the relative magnitudes of

eccentricity e. (e = Mu / Pu )
Eccentricity
e = Mu / Pu
e = Mu / Pu
e = Mu / Pu

Range
Small
Large
In between
two

Behavior
Compression
Flexural
Combination

Failure
Compression
Tension
Balanced

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Column Interaction Diagram

A column subjected to varying magnitudes of P and M will act with its

neutral axis at varying points.

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Method of Design of Eccentrically loaded short column

The design of eccentrically loaded short column can be done by two
methods
I) Design of column using equations
II) Design of column using Interaction charts

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Design of column using equations

13

14

Design of column using Interaction charts

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16

Design of Compression membersBiaxial Bending

Introduction
A

column with axial load and biaxial bending is commonly found in

structures because of two major reasons:
Axial load may have natural eccentricities, though small, with
respect to both the axes.
Corner columns of a building may be subjected to bending
moments in both the directions along with axial load
Examples
1) External faade columns under combined vertical and horizontal
load
2) Beams supporting helical or free-standing stairs or oscillating
and rotary machinery are subjected to biaxial bending with or
without axial load of either compressive or tensile stress.
2

Biaxial Eccentricities
Every

column should be treated as being

subjected to axial compression along with
biaxial bending by considering possible
eccentricities of the axial load with respect to
both the major axis(xx-axis) as well as minor
axis (yy-axis).
These eccentricities, designated as ex and
ey with respect of x and y axes, may be
atleast emin though in majority of cases of
biaxial bending, these may be much more
then emin.

Method Suggested by IS 456-2000

The

method set out in clause 39.6 of the code is based on an

assumed failure surface that extends the axial load-moment
diagram (Pu-Mu) for single axis bending in three dimensions.
Such an approach is also known as Breslars Load contour
method.
According to the code, the left hand side of the equation

Shall not exceed 1. Thus we have

The code further relates n to the ratio of Pu/Puz
as under:
Pu/Puz Between 0.2 and 0.8
For intermediate values, linear interpolation
may be done from figure.
Load Puz is given by
Load Puz may be evaluated from chart 63 of ISI
Handbook(SP-16-2000)

Design of Column
Step-1-Assume the cross-section of the column and the area of
reinforcement along with its distribution, based on moment Mu
given by equation
where a may vary between 1.10 to 1.20lower of a for higher axial loading (Pu/Puz)
Step-2- Compute Puz either using Equation or chart. Find ratio of
Pu/Puz.
Step-3- Determine Uniaxial Moment Capacities Mux1 and Muy1
combined with axial load Pu , using Appropriate Interaction
curves(Design charts) for case of column subjected to axial load
(Pu ) and Uniaxial Moment.

Step-4-Compute the values of Mux/Mux1 and Muy/Muy1 from chart

64 of SP-16, Find the permissible value of Mux/Mux1 corresponding
top the above values of Muy/Muy1 and Pu/Puz .If actual value of
Mux/Mux1 is more than the above value found from chart 64 of SP
16, the assumed section is unsafe and needs revision. Even if the
assumed value is over safe, it needs revision for the sake of
economy.

Simplified method as per BS8110

Design of Slender Columns

Introduction
A

Compression member may be considered as slender or long when

the slenderness ratio lex/D and ley/b are more than 12.
Thus, if lex/D > 12, the column is considered to be slender for bending
about x-x axis, while if ley/b > 12, the column is considered to be slender
for bending about y-y axis.
When a short column is loaded even with an axial load, the lateral
deflection is either zero or very small.
Similarly when a slender column is loaded even with axial load, the
lateral deflection , measured from the original centre line along its
length, becomes appreciable.

Methods of Design of Slender Columns

The design of a slender column can be carried out by following

simplified methods
1) The Strength Reduction Coefficient method
2) The Additional moment Method
3) The Moment Magnification Method
The reduction coefficient method, given by IS 456-2000 is
recommended for working stress design for service load and is based on
allowable stresses in steel and concrete.
The additional moment method is recommended by Indian and British
codes.
The ACI Code recommends the use of moment magnification method.
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Page no:71,72-IS 456-2000

Determination of Total Moment

Bending of columns in frames

(a) Braced (b) unbraced

Procedure for Design of Slender Column

Step-1- Determine the Effective Length and Slenderness Ratio in each
direction
Step-2- (a) Determine Initial Moment (Mui) from given primary end
moments Mu1 and Mu2 in each direction.
(b) Calculate emin and Mu,min in each direction.
(c) Compare moments computed in steps (a) and (b) above and take the
greater one of the two as initial moment Mui ,in each direction.
Step-3- (a) Compute additional moment (Ma) in each direction, using
equation

(b) Compute total moment (Mut ) in each direction from using equation
without considering reduction factor (ka)

(c) Make Preliminary design for Pu and Mut and find area of steel. Thus p is
known.
Step-4- (a) Obtain Puz. Also obtain Pb in each direction, for reinforcement
ration p determined above.
(b) Determine the value of ka in each direction.
(c) Determine the Modified design value of moment in each
direction
Mut = Mui + ka Ma
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Step-5- Redesign the column for Pu and Mut . If the column is slender
about both the axes, design the column for biaxial bending, for (Pu , Muxt)
about x-axis and (Pu , Muyt) about y-axis.
Note-When external moments are absent, bending moment due to
minimum eccentricity should be added to additional moment about the
corresponding axes.

10