Unit 12: Reinforced Concrete Columns

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN C4301/UNIT12/ 1
UNIT 12
REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To understand the basic definitions used in the design of reinforced concrete
columns.
At the end of this unit you will be able to: -
a) differentiate the following:
i) a column and a wall
ii) braced and unbraced columns
iii) short and slender columns
b) calculate the following:
i) the effective height of columns
ii) the minimum and the maximum longitudinal
reinforcement
iii) minimum size and maximum distance of ties
c) arrange the reinforcement according to BS 8110 requirements.
12.1 Definition
This unit is concerned with the design of reinforced concrete columns. The
function of a column is to act as a vertical support to suspend structural
elements and to transmit building loads from these elements to the foundation.
As it is a structural unit, its strength is the capacity to resist compressive
stresses. Clause 3.8.2, BS8110 defines a column as a vertical load-bearing
member whose greatest lateral dimension is not greater than four times its
least lateral dimension. A structure above these limits would be classed as a
wall. This is simplified as follows;
When h < 4b, the design is classified as a wall
When h > 4b, the design is classified as a column
h and b are the dimensions as shown below;
The minimum size of a column is dependent upon fire resistance, nominal
cover and durability requirements. This is h= longerin

given sideTable 3.4 Part 1 of
BS8110.
Classify the given figures whether it is a column or a wall
12.1 b=shorter side
Figure 12.1: Column Dimensions
3000 mm
500 mm
12.2
500 mm
200 mm
PLEASE CHECK YOUR ANSWERS
12.1 b = 700 mm, h = 3000 mm
4b = 4 x 500 = 2000 mm
Since h = 3000 mm > 4b, it is a wall.
12.2 b = 200 mm, 4b = 800mm
h = 500 mm
Since h < 4b, therefore it is a column.
12.3 Braced and Unbraced Columns

A column is classified in relation to the type of force, which may be applied to
it. Earlier we assumed that all loads are applied vertically to a column.
However, horizontal forces such as wind forces when applied to a column will
also cause deflection. The result is that the load is no longer applied axially
throughout the length of the column. Therefore, it is important that when
designing reinforced concrete columns to define whether or not a column may
be classed as braced or unbraced column. The following points should be
taken into account:
a) If vertical supports consist of columns alone the effects of a horizontal
force will be able to deflect all columns sideways. This is termed as an
unbraced column in which the stiffness of the column is assumed to
resist lateral movement.
b) If other structural elements such as shear walls, diagonal bracing, etc
provide a considerable greater resistance to horizontal forces, then the
column is termed braced.
The difference between the braced and unbraced column is stated in clause
3.8.1.5.of BS 8110. Please refer to this clause for your clarification.
12.4 Short and slender columns
The strength of a column could be stated in terms of the ultimate strength in
compression and on facts for a very short column This is true. However, the
ultimate strength of a column depends upon the tendency of the member to
buckle under load, i.e. the slenderness of the column.

According to clause 3.8.1.3 of BS 8110, a column is considered as short when
l ex l
both the ratios and ey is less than 15 (for braced column) and less than
h b
10 (for unbraced column). Above these limits, a column is considered as
slender. l ex and l ey are the effective height of columns, with respect to the x
and y axis. The x and y axis are indicated in figure 12.2 on the next page.
x x
Figure 12.2: Short and slender columns
At the design stage, h is taken as the dimension parallel to the direction of
bending irrespective whether it is the greater or smaller dimension. b is the
other dimension of the column.
Answer the following questions by filling in the blanks with the correct
answers.
12.3 Effective Height of Columns
The height of deflection or buckling of column is affected by its end restraint.
This height is called the effective height and is calculated using equation 30 of
BS 8110. This is given below;
l e  l o
Where l e = effective height of column
β = effective height coefficient (From Table 3.21, BS 8110 for braced
column and Table 3.22 for unbraced column)
l o = clear height between end restraints.
Values of β are dependent upon the end conditions (restraints) and are
explained in the following notes.
12.4 End Conditions
The degree of restraint afforded at the ends of the columns is classified into
four types. They are as follows;
12.2 Condition 1
Braced columns are properly restrained in direction at both ends and are jointed
monolithically together. The depth of the beam should at least be equal to the
column’s dimension in the plane considered. The joint between the column and
foundation is designed to carry bending moments. Figure 12.3 explains condition 1
diagrammatically;
hb ≥ hc
hc
hb ≥ hc
hc
Designed for moments

Note :
hb = beam overall depth
hs = slab thickness
hc = column dimensions
Figure 12.3: Braced columns at condition 1
12.3 Condition 2
There are beams monolithically joined to both sides at the end of a beam
column. The depth of the beam is less than the column’s dimension in the
plane considered. This is a braced column imperfectly restrained in direction
at one or both ends. This is shown in figure 12.4.

hb < hc or hs < hc
hc
hb < hc
Note :
hb = beam overall depth
hs = slab thickness
hc = column dimensions
Figure 12.4: Braced column at condition 2
12.4 Condition 3
Unbraced or partially braced columns is properly restrained in direction at one
end but imperfectly restrained in direction at the other end. The adjoining
elements provide only nominal restraint. An example of this is a beam
designed and detailed as simply supported beam. For the junction between the
column and the foundation, it is not designed to carry bending moments.
Figure 12.5 shows this condition;

Simply supported beam
Joint not designed

for moments
Figure 12.5: Braced column at condition 3
12.5 Condition 4
The end of the column is not restrained from lateral movements and torsion. An
example of this is the free end of a cantilever column of an unbraced structure. This is
shown in Figure 12.6.
Free end
Figure 12.6 Braced column at condition 4
However, BS 8110 only specifies the end condition where there are beams on
both sides of the column in a given plane. When there is one beam on one side
of the column, the effective height of the column is obtained using equation 3
to 6, Part2 of the code.
12.5 Main Reinforcement (longitudinal reinforcement)
Table 3.27 of BS 8110 gives the requirements for minimum percentages of
reinforcement to be provided in a column. For a rectangular column, the minimum to
be provided is 0.4 %bh for both steel grades (f y = 250 N/mm2 & fy = 460 N/mm2).
Minimums of four bars are provided and the minimum diameter is 12 mm for a
rectangular column. For a circular column, the minimum number of bars is 6 .
The maximum area of longitudinal reinforcement is 6 % for vertically cast column,
8% for horizontally cast and 10% at laps. These requirements are stated in Clause
3.12.6.2 of the code.
12.6 Ties or Links
The minimum diameter of ties is one quarter of the biggest longitudinal bar in
diameter but not smaller than 6 mm. The maximum distance is 12 times the smallest
longitudinal bar diameter. These requirements are stated in clause 3.12.7.1 of the
code.
Every corner and alternate bar should be restrained by a link passing round the bar.
All other bars should be within 150 mm of a restrained bar. These requirements are
stated in clause 3.12.7.2 of the code. This is shown in figure 12.7 below;
X < 150 mm
θ < 135◦
Figure 12.7: Arrangement of links for containment of beam’s or columns compressive reinforcement.
Answer the following questions;
12.3 Write down the equation that is used to calculate the effective height of
a column.
12.4 What is Table 3.21 used for?
12.5 What is meant by “end conditions”?
12.6 How many types of end conditions are there?
12.7 If b = 250mm and h = 250 mm, what is the minimum area of
longitudinal reinforcement?
12.8 What is the maximum area of longitudinal reinforcement of the column
in question 5?
12.9 What is the minimum size of link to be provided in column in question
5, if 4T20 are used as the main bars?
12.10 What is the maximum distance of the link in question 7?
12.11 What is the maximum angle contained by ties?

12.12 What is the maximum distance that a bar should be within a restrained
bar?
12.8 l e  l o
12.9 Table 3.21 is used to determine the values of β.
12.10 End conditions mean the degree of restraint that is present at
the ends of columns.
12.11 4 types
12.12 Minimum area of reinforcement = 0.4%bh
0 .4
=  250  250
100
= 250 mm2
12.13 Maximum area of reinforcement = 6% bh
6
=  250  250
100
= 3,750 mm2
12.14 Minimum size of link
1
=  20
4
= 5 mm (must not be smaller than 6 mm.)
Suitable link is 6 mm diameter.
12.15 Maximum distance of link = 12 x 20
= 240 mm centres.
12.16 135 º
12.17 150 mm
1.A column is considered braced in a given plane if walls or other suitable bracing to
resist all lateral forces in that plane provides the lateral stability to the structure as a
whole.
A column is considered unbraced in a given plane when the column provides lateral
stability in that plane.
Failure of a column is due to buckling rather than pure compression.
The effective height is a convenient method for dealing with buckling.
The effective height can be found from clause 3.8.1.6 of BS 8110.
The minimum percentage area of reinforcement in a column is 0.4% of the column
size.
The maximum percentage areas of reinforcement in a column are 6% and 8% for
vertically cast and horizontally cast columns respectively with 10% at laps for both
columns.
Links or ties should be at least be one quarter the size of the largest compression bar
or 6mm, whichever is the greater.
The maximum spacing of links is 12 times the smallest compression bar.
Every corner bar and each alternate bar should be supported by a link passing round
the bar and having an angle of not more than 135◦
There should be no bars further than 150 mm from a restrained bar.
There are 20 questions. Answer all the questions by circling the correct answers.
Please read the questions carefully before you answer them. Good Luck!
If b and h are the width and overall depth of a section respectively, it can be designed
as a column when …
A. h = 4b
B. h < 4b
C. h > 4b
D. h < 6b
A braced column is said to be short if the effective height to the least side ratio is less
than…
A. 20
B. 15
C. 12
D. 10
An unbraced column is said to be slender if the effective height to the least side ratio
is less than…
A. 20
B. 15
C. 12
D. 10
When walls provide the lateral stability of a structure or bracing, the column of the
structure can be categorised as…
A. short
B. slender
C. braced
D. unbraced
Which of the following equations represent the effective height of a column?

A. l e  l
o
B.   l e l o
C. l o   l e
D. l e   l o
2. The end of a cantilever column can be categorised as…
A. condition 1
B. condition 2
C. condition 3
D. condition 4
3. In a monolithic connection between a beam and a column, when the
depth of the beam is greater than the overall dimension of a column,
what is the end condition?
A. Condition 1
B. Condition 2
C. Condition 3
D. Condition 4
The minimum percentage area of reinforcement in a reinforced concrete column is…
A. 0.2 %
B. 0.4%
C. 0.13%
D. 0.15%
The maximum percentage area of reinforcement in a horizontally cast reinforced
concrete column is…
A. 6%
B. 8%
C. 10%
D. 4%
The minimum number of main steel bars in a rectangular reinforced concrete column
must be…
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
The minimum number of main steel bars in a reinforced concrete circular column
must be…
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
The minimum size of main reinforcement in reinforced concrete column is…
A. 8mm
B. 12mm
C. 16mm
D. 20mm
The maximum spacing of longitudinal bars without a bend around alternate bars in
reinforced concrete column is…
A. 150 mm
B. 100 mm
C. 75 mm
D. nil as there is no such limitation
What is the minimum size of ties suitable for a column reinforced with 4T32
longitudinal bars?
A. 6 mm
B. 8 mm
C. 10 mm
D. 12 mm
What is the maximum spacing of the ties for a column reinforced with 4T32 bars?
A. 284 mm centres
B. 384 mm centres
C. 484 mm centres
D. 584 mm centres
In the case of more than one row of longitudinal bars in each face of a reinforced
concrete column, the bars must be tied …
A. not necessarily in groups
B. in groups and then the groups be inter connected
C. in groups
D. in any way, as there is no fixed limitation
Which of the statements is correct? In the case of two rows of longitudinal bars at a
face in R.C columns, the ties for the inner row …
A. must be provided separately
B. must be connected to the outer row
C. need not be provided in all cases

D. must be tied to the both ends.
A column is considered unbraced in a given plane when lateral stability in that plane
is provided by the…
A. column
B. beam
C. slab
D. foundation
The failure of column is due to _____________ rather than pure compression.
A. crushing
B. buckling
C. shear
D. cracking
If both ends of a braced column is of type “end condition 1”, the effective height is
________________ times the clear height.
A. 1.00
B. 0.95
C. 0.85
D. 0.75
1. B 11. C
2. B 12. B
3. D 13. A
4. C 14. B
5. D 15. B
6. D 16. A
7. A 17. C
8. B 18. A
9. B 19. B
10. B 20. D

Unit 12: Reinforced Concrete Columns

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit 12: Reinforced Concrete Columns

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL DESIGN C4301/UNIT12/ 1

To understand the basic definitions used in the design of reinforced concrete

At the end of this unit you will be able to: -

a) differentiate the following:

i) a column and a wall

ii) braced and unbraced columns

iii) short and slender columns

b) calculate the following:

i) the effective height of columns

ii) the minimum and the maximum longitudinal

iii) minimum size and maximum distance of ties

c) arrange the reinforcement according to BS 8110 requirements.

function of a column is to act as a vertical support to suspend structural

As it is a structural unit, its strength is the capacity to resist compressive

stresses. Clause 3.8.2, BS8110 defines a column as a vertical load-bearing

least lateral dimension. A structure above these limits would be classed as a

wall. This is simplified as follows;

When h < 4b, the design is classified as a wall

When h > 4b, the design is classified as a column

h and b are the dimensions as shown below;

The minimum size of a column is dependent upon fire resistance, nominal

cover and durability requirements. This is h= longerin

Classify the given figures whether it is a column or a wall

12.1 b=shorter side

Figure 12.1: Column Dimensions

PLEASE CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

12.1 b = 700 mm, h = 3000 mm

Since h = 3000 mm > 4b, it is a wall.

12.2 b = 200 mm, 4b = 800mm

Since h < 4b, therefore it is a column.

12.3 Braced and Unbraced Columns

A column is classified in relation to the type of force, which may be applied to

throughout the length of the column. Therefore, it is important that when

designing reinforced concrete columns to define whether or not a column may

be classed as braced or unbraced column. The following points should be

taken into account:

a) If vertical supports consist of columns alone the effects of a horizontal

force will be able to deflect all columns sideways. This is termed as an

unbraced column in which the stiffness of the column is assumed to

resist lateral movement.

b) If other structural elements such as shear walls, diagonal bracing, etc

provide a considerable greater resistance to horizontal forces, then the

column is termed braced.

3.8.1.5.of BS 8110. Please refer to this clause for your clarification.

12.4 Short and slender columns

The strength of a column could be stated in terms of the ultimate strength in

ultimate strength of a column depends upon the tendency of the member to

buckle under load, i.e. the slenderness of the column.

According to clause 3.8.1.3 of BS 8110, a column is considered as short when

10 (for unbraced column). Above these limits, a column is considered as

Figure 12.2: Short and slender columns

At the design stage, h is taken as the dimension parallel to the direction of

bending irrespective whether it is the greater or smaller dimension. b is the

other dimension of the column.

12.3 Effective Height of Columns

The height of deflection or buckling of column is affected by its end restraint.

BS 8110. This is given below;

Where l e = effective height of column

β = effective height coefficient (From Table 3.21, BS 8110 for braced

column and Table 3.22 for unbraced column)

l o = clear height between end restraints.

explained in the following notes.