Unit III

(Part II) Column Bases

B.Tech VIth sem

NIT Raipur

Introduction
Column bases transmit the
column load to the concrete
or
masonry
foundation
blocks.
The column base spreads the
load on a wider area so that
the intensity of bearing
pressure on the foundation
block is within the bearing
strength.
In addition to transferring safely the column loads, a base
plate maintains alignment of the column in plan, verticality
of the column and controls the column and frame
deflections.

Types of Column Bases

There are two types of column bases commonly used in practice:
1. Slab Base
2. Gusset Base

SLAB BASE:
These are used in columns
carrying small loads.
The
column
is
directly
connected to the base plate
through cleat angles. Cleat
angles may be omitted if the
base plate is shop welded to the
column.
It is assumed that the pressure
is distributed uniformly under
the slab base.

Clause 7.4.1 pg 46:

The nominal bearing pressure between the base plate and
the support below may be determined on the basis of
linearly varying distribution of pressure. The maximum
bearing pressure should not exceed the bearing strength
equal to 0.6 fck, where fck is the smaller of characteristic
cube strength of concrete or bedding material.
A reduced value of 0.45 fck
is used against maximum of
0.60 fck as recommended
by code.

 tf = flange thickness of compression member.

GUSSET BASE:
When the load on column is too large or when axial load is
accompanied by bending moments, gusset base is provided.
It consists of a base plate, two gusset plates and two gusset
angles when bolted connections are made.
Gusset materials used in the base increase the bearing area,
consequently reducing the thickness of the base plate as
compared to the slab base. Also, the gusset material supports
the base plate against bending.
In case of welded connections, gusset angles will not be
required. The load is transferred to the base partly through
bearing and partly through gussets.

Clause 7.4.2 pg 46, Gusseted Bases: For stanchion with

gusseted bases, the gusset plates, angle cleats, stiffeners,
fastenings, etc., in combination with the bearing area of the
shaft, shall be sufficient to take the loads, bending moments and
reactions to the base plate without exceeding specified strength.
All the bearing surfaces shall be machined to ensure perfect
contact
Clause 7.4.2.1: Where the ends of the column shaft and the
gusset plates are not faced for complete bearing, the weldings,
fastenings connecting them to the base plate shall be sufficient
to transmit all the forces to which the base is subjected.

7. Welded joint between the column and base plate is designed.

If the column and base have machined ends, and perfect bearing
is ensured, the axial load is assumed to be transferred directly
and welding is designed for moments only, if any.
If perfect bearing cannot be ensured the column should be
welded to the base plate for all the forces.

For bolted gusset base, the strength of bolt is determined

in single shear.
The number of bolts required to connect the column
flange with the gusset plate are worked out.
Same number of bolts are provided to connect the gusset
plate with the gusset angle since the force to be
transferred from gusset plate to gusset angle will be same.

Example 1:
Design a slab base for a column ISHB 350 @ 710.2 N/m
Column is subjected to factored axial load of 1500 kN
Load is transferred to the base plate by direct bearing of column
flanges.
The base rests on concrete pedestal of grade M20.
Assume steel of grade Fe 410 and bolts of grade 4.6.
Solution:
For Fe 410 grade of steel: fu = 410 MPa, fy = 250 MPa
Partial safety factors:
mo = 1.1
The properties of ISHB 350 @ 710.2 N/m are:
Depth of section, D = 350 mm
Width of flange bf = 250 mm
Thickness of flange tf = 11.6 mm
Thickness of web tw = 10.1 mm

Table 5,
pg 30

Clause 7.4.3.1,
pg 47

Since the base is subjected to only axial compressive load and there is
no bending moment, the base is not subjected to tension in any of its
part.
Therefore, provide nominal 20 mm diameter bolts, two in numbers, to
keep the base plate in position.

Example 2:
Design a gusset base for a column ISHB 350 @ 710.2 N/m
Column is subjected to factored axial load of 3600 kN
The base rests on concrete pedestal of grade M20.
Assume steel of grade Fe 410
Use 24 mm diameter bolts of grade 4.6
Solution:

Clause
10.2.4.2,p
g 74

Table 5,
pg 30

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Clause
10.3.3,
pg 75

Clause
10.3.4,
pg 75

Clause
10.3.4,
pg 75

8.

9. Provide 16 bolts as shown in figure (see next slide), for

connecting column to gusset plate.
The number of bolts required to connect the gusset angle
with gusset plate will be the same = 16 numbers.
Height of gusset plate = 150 + 39 + 60 +39 = 288 mm
Length of gusset plate = length of base plate parallel to the
flange = 650 mm
Provide gusset plate 650 x 288 x 16 mm in size.