AISC_PART 14:14th Ed.

2/23/11 9:55 AM Page 6

14–6 DESIGN OF BEAM BEARING PLATES, COLUMN BASE PLATES…

Available Strength
The available strength of an axially loaded column base plate is determined from the appli-
cable limit states for connecting elements (see Part 9). From Thornton (1990a), the
minimum base plate thickness can be calculated as

LRFD ASD

2 Pu 3.33Pa
tmin = l (14-7a) tmin = l (14-7b)
0.9 Fy BN Fy BN

The length, l, the critical base plate cantilever dimension, is determined as the larger of
m, n and λn′.
In all cases, the available strength, φRn or Rn/Ω, must exceed the required strength, Ru
or Ra.

Finishing Requirements
Base plate finishing requirements are given in AISC Specification Section M2.8. When fin-
ishing is required, the plate material must be ordered thicker than the specified base plate
thickness to allow for the material removed in finishing. Finishing allowances are given in
Table 14-1 per ASTM A6 flatness tolerances for steel base plates with Fu equal to or less
than 60 ksi based upon the width, thickness, and whether one or both sides are to be fin-
ished. Finishing allowances for steel base plates with Fu greater than 60 ksi should be
increased by 50%.
The criteria for fit-up of column splices given in AISC Specification Section M4.4 are
also applicable to column base plates.

Holes for Anchor Rods and Grouting

Recommended maximum anchor rod hole sizes are given in Table 14-2. These hole sizes
will accommodate reasonable misalignments in the setting of the anchor rods and allow bet-
ter adjustment of the column base to the correct centerlines. It is normally unnecessary to
deduct the area of holes when determining the required base plate area. An adequate washer
should be provided for each anchor rod.
When base plates with large areas are used, at least one grout hole should be provided
near the center of the base plate through which grout may be placed. This will provide for
a more even distribution of the grout and also prevent air pockets. Note that a grout hole
may not be required when the grout is dry-packed. Grout holes do not require the same accu-
racy for size and location as anchor rod holes.
Holes in base plates for anchor rods and grouting often must be flame-cut, because drill
sizes and punching capabilities may be limited to smaller diameters. Flame-cut holes may
have a slight taper and should be inspected to assure proper clearances for anchor rods.

Grouting and Leveling

High-strength, non-shrink grout is placed between the column base plate and the supporting
foundation. When base plates are shipped attached to the column, three methods of column
support are:
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION
AISC_PART 14:14th Ed. 2/23/11 9:55 AM Page 21

DESIGN TABLES 14–21

Table 14-1
Finish Allowances
Add to Finish Add to Finish
Size Thickness, in. One Side, in. Two Sides, in.
Maximum dimension 11/4 or less 1/16 1/8

24 in. or less over 11/4 to 2, incl. 1/8 1/4

Maximum dimension 11/4 or less 1/8 1/4

over 24 in. over 11/4 to 2, incl. 3/16 3/8

56 in. wide or less over 2 to 71/2, incl. 1/4 3/8

over 71/2 to 10, incl. 1/2 5/8

over 10 to 15, incl. 3/4 7/8

Over 56 in. wide over 2 to 6, incl. 1/4 3/8

to 72 in. wide over 6 to 10, incl. 1/2 5/8

over 10 to 15, incl. 3/4 7/8

Note: These allowances apply for material with Fu ≤ 60 ksi.

Table 14-2
Recommended Maximum Sizes for
Anchor-Rod Holes in Base Plates

Anchor Rod Max. Hole Min. Min. Anchor Rod Hole Min. Min.
Diameter, Diameter, Washer Washer Diameter, Diameter, Washer Washer
in. in. Size, in. Thickness in. in. Size, in. Thickness
3/4 15/16 2 1/4 11/2 25/16 31/2 1/2
7/8 19/16 21/2 5/16 13/4 23/4 4 5/8

1 113/16 3 3/8 2 31/4 5 3/4

11/4 21/16 3 1/2 21/2 33/4 51/2 7/8

Notes: 1. Circular or square washers meeting the washer size are acceptible.
2. Clearance must be considered when choosing an appropriate anchor rod hole location, noting effects such as the
position of the rod in the hole with respect to the column, weld size and other interferences.
3. When base plates are less than 11/4 in. thick, punching of holes may be an economical option. In this case, 3/4-in.
anchor rods and 11/16-in.-diameter punched holes may be used with ASTM F844 (USS Standard) washers in place
of fabricated plate washers.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION