Column Splices and Column Base

• A column splice means the joining of two parts of a column

• A column base transfers forces and moments at the lower end of a column to a
foundation.
• The common thing between these is the use of bearing plates since to splice columns
of different sizes bearing plates are used as is also the case with column bases.
• In practice, the splicing of columns is to be done to get the required height.
• In multistorey buildings, it is very convenient to splice the column just above the floor
and it is economical to provide a splice near the inflection point in the column.
• The parts of the column to be spliced may be of the same size
• Column splices can be of two types. In the bearing type, the faces of the two columns
are prepared to butt against each other and thus transmit the load by physical
bearing.
• In such cases only a nominal connection needs to be provided to keep the columns
aligned.
Column Splices
• However, this type of splice cannot be used if the column sections are not
prepared by grinding, if the columns are of different sizes, if the column
carries moment or if continuity is required.
• In such cases, HSFG bolts will have to be used and the cost of splice
increases. When connecting columns of different sizes, end plates or
packing plates should be provided similar to the beam splice shown in
Figure
Welded Column Base
Design Procedure
• Design of a base plate consists in finding out its size and thickness.
1. Assume a suitable grade of concrete. Depending upon the grade of
concrete used, the bearing strength of concrete is determined by 0.45
fck. A reduced value of 0.45 fck is used against maximum of 0.60 fck as
recommended by the code.
2. The area of a slab base may be computed by

where A = required area of the base plate in mm2, P = factored load

3. A square base plate is generally provided. The side of the base plate
may be worked out by Eq
• Some designers feel that the projections of the base plate beyond
column edges a, b as shown in Fig. 11.9 may be kept equal and the
sides can be worked out by Eq
• (D + 2b) × (bf + 2a) = A
where L = length of base plate in mm, B = width of base plate in mm,
a = bigger projection of base plate beyond column in mm, b = smaller
projection of base plate beyond column in mm, D = depth of column
section in mm, bf = width of the flange of column in mm
If the size of the base plate is larger than that required to limit the bearing pressure on the base
support, an equal projection c of the base plate beyond the face of the column and gusset may be
taken as effective in transferring the column load as shown in Fig. 11.10, such that bearing pressure
on the effective area does not exceed bearing capacity of concrete base.
• The minimum thickness ts of the slab base is calculated from Eq. It should not be less than
the thickness of the column flange tf .

• If only effective area of the base plate is used then (a2 – 0.3b2) in Eq. (6) may be replaced
by c2.
• 6. Holding down bolts 2 or 4 in numbers and of 20 mm diameter are usually provided.
When the base is subjected to only axial compressive load, two bolts will be enough.
• 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. However, if perfect
bearing cannot be
• It is assumed that the bearing pressures are uniformly distributed over all contact surfaces.
The bottom of the column and the supporting surface of the base are machined so that the
axial compressive load is transmitted to the plate by direct bearing.
Design a slab base for a column ISHB 350 @ 710.2 N/m subjected to an
factored axial compressive load of 1500 kN for the following conditions:
(a) Load is transferred to the base plate by direct bearing of column flanges.
(b) Load is transferred to the base plate by welded connections; the column
end and the base plate are not machined for bearing. Whether anchor bolts
are required? The base rests on concrete pedestal of grade M20.
For Fe 410 grade of steel: fu = 410 MPa, fy = 250 MPa
Hence, provide a base plate 470 × 370 × 16 mm in size.