1

8 Short Columns
Columns, generally referred as compression members, are members that
carry loads chiefly in compression. Usually columns carry bending moments
as well, about one or both axes of the cross section.
The most common types of RC compression members in use are:
1. Members reinforced with longitudinal bars and lateral ties.
2. Members reinforced with longitudinal bars and continuous spirals.
Other type is the composite compression members reinforced longitudinally
with structural steel shapes, pipe, or tubing, with or without additional
longitudinal bars, and various types of lateral reinforcement.

The main reinforcement in columns is longitudinal, parallel to the direction

of load, and consists of bars arranged in a square, rectangular, or circular
pattern, as shown in Fig. below:

According to ACI Code 10.9.2, a minimum of 4 longitudinal bars is required

when the bars are enclosed by spaced rectangular or circular ties, and a
minimum of 6 bars must be used when the longitudinal bars are enclosed by
a continuous spiral.
According to ACI Code 10.9.1, the ratio of longitudinal steel area Ast to
gross concrete cross section Ag is in the range from 0.01 to 0.08.
The lower limit (Ast / Ag = 0.01) ensures resistance to bending moment not
accounted for in the analysis, and to reduce the effects of creep and
shrinkage of concrete under sustained compression. The upper limit (Ast / Ag
= 0.08) is set for economy and to avoid difficulties owing to congestion of
reinforcement.
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Columns may be divided into two categories:

Short columns: In which the strength is governed by the strength of the
materials and the geometry of the cross section.
Slender columns: In which the strength may be significantly reduced by
lateral deflections.

Behavior of Short, Axially Loaded Compression Members

The nominal strength of an axially loaded RC column can be found,

recognizing the nonlinear response of both materials, by summing the
contribution of steel and concrete:

Pn = 0.85f'c (Ag – Ast) + Ast fy

According to ACI Code 10.3.6, the equation should introduce certain

reduction factors [φ], and further limitations to allow for accidental
eccentricities not considered in design, as follows:

Design axial strength:

For spirally reinforced columns:

φPn,max = 0.85 φ [0.85f'c (Ag – Ast) + Ast fy] φ = 0.75

For tied columns:

φPn,max = 0.80 φ [0.85f'c (Ag – Ast) + Ast fy] φ = 0.65

Lateral Ties and Spirals

Lateral ties and spirals serve several functions:
- Hold the longitudinal bars in position in the forms while concrete is
being placed.
- Prevent the longitudinal bars from buckling outward by bursting the
concrete cover.
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Accordingly, ties and spirals should be closely spaced, and number of ties
may be placed in the same plane. (See Figs c, d, f, g and h)
Fig. below shows column cross sections frequently found in buildings and
bridges.
In Figs a to d, columns with large axial forces and small moments are shown
in which bars are spaced uniformly around the perimeter.
In Figs e to h, columns with large bending moments are shown in which the
bars are concentrated at the faces of high compression or tension.

For tied columns, according ACI Code 7.10.5:

The ties shall be at least No.10 in size for longitudinal bars up to No.32, and
at least No.13 in size for Nos. 36, 43, and 57.
The spacing of ties ≤ (16db, 48dtie, least dimension of the column)
The ties shall be so arranged as shown in Fig below:
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For spirally reinforced columns, according to ACI Code 7.10.4, spirals shall
consist of a continuous bar or wire ≥10 mm in diameter, and the clear
spacing between turns of spiral (pitch) must be (25 mm ≤ pitch ≤ 75 mm).
In addition, according to ACI Code 10.9.3, the volumetric ratio of spiral
reinforcement (ρs) shall not be less than: (fy must be ≤ 420 MPa)

ρs = 0.45[(Ag / Ach) – 1](f'c / fy)

Where
ρs = 4Asp / (dc s)

The volumetric ratio = ratio of (vol. of spiral steel / vol. of core concrete)
ρs = (2π dc Asp / 2) / (π dc2 s / 4) = 4Asp / (dc s)

This is imposed to improve the structural performance w.r.t. both ultimate

load and type of failure, compared with an otherwise identical tied column.

Example 1: For 400 mm circular column, check spiral reinforcement No.10

@ 50 mm pitch. Concrete cover = 40 mm, f'c = 28 MPa and fy = 420 MPa.
Solution:
ρs = 4Asp / (dc s) = 4×71 / (320×50) = 0.0178
ρs = 0.45[(Ag / Ach) – 1](f'c / fy)
= 0.45[(π×2002/ π×1602) – 1](28/420) = 0.0169
0.0169 < 0.0178 OK
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Compression plus Bending of Rectangular Columns

Members that are axially, i.e., concentrically, compressed occur rarely, if

ever, in buildings and other structures. Bending moments are caused by
continuity, by transverse loads such as wind forces, by loads carried
eccentrically on column brackets, or by imperfections of construction.
For this reason, almost all columns are designed for simultaneous
compression and bending.

When a member is subjected to combined axial compression P and moment

M, see Fig. a, it is convenient to replace the axial load and moment with an
equal load P applied at eccentricity e = M / P, (Fig. b)

Columns having small e are characterized by compression over the entire

concrete section. They will fail by concrete crushing and yielding of steel in
compression.
Columns having large e are characterized by tension over at least part of the
concrete section. They will fail by tensile yielding of steel on the side
farthest from the load.

Design of columns is based on factored load, which must not exceed the
design strength:

φMn ≥ Mu φPn ≥ Pu
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Interaction Diagrams
Fig. (a) below shows a member loaded parallel to its axis by a compressive
force Pn at an eccentricity e measured from the centerline. Fig. (b) shows the
strain distribution at section a-a, at failure. The corresponding stresses and
forces are shown in Fig. (c).

From equilibrium:
ΣF = 0, (Fexternal = Finternal)

Pn = 0.85f'c ab + A's f's – As fs ……. (1)

ΣMcenterline = 0, (Mexternal = Minternal)

Mn= Pne = 0.85f'c ab (h/2 – a/2) + A's f's(h/2 – d') – As fs (d – h/2) …. (2)

For a given e determined from frame analysis (e = Mu / Pu) it is possible to

solve Eqs. 1 and 2 for Pn and Mn as follows:
From strain diagram, with εu = 0.003, f's , fs , and a can be expressed in
terms of a single unknown c. The result is that the two equations contain
only two unknowns, Pn and c and can be solved for them simultaneously.
However, to do this in practice would be complicated algebraically.
A better approach is to construct a strength interaction diagram defining the
failure load and failure moment for a given column for the full range of
eccentricities from 0 to ∞.
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For any eccentricity e, there is a unique pair of Pn and Mn. That pair can be
plotted as a point on a graph relating Pn and Mn, see Fig. below. A series of
such calculations, corresponding to different eccentricities will result in a
curve having a shape typically as shown below:

Any radial line represents a particular e = M / P

The vertical axis: (e = 0), and Po = capacity of concentrically loaded column.
The horizontal axis: (e = ∞), and Mo = pure bending capacity of column.
e small: produces failure governed by concrete compression.
e large: produces failure governed by yielding of tension steel.
eb : produces “balanced failure”, with Pb and Mb acting in combination. The
concrete reaches its limit strain εu at the same instant that tensile steel
reaches yield strain. This point on the interaction diagram is the dividing
point between compression failure (e small) and tension failure (e large).

Example 2: (Construction of Interaction Diagram)

A 300×500 mm column is reinforced with 4 No.29 bars of area 645 mm2
each, one in each corner as shown in Fig. f'c = 28 MPa and fy = 420 MPa.
Determine:
(a) Pb and Mb , and eb.
(b) The load and moment for a point in the tension failure region.
(c) The load and moment for a point in the compression failure region.
(d) Po for e = 0.
(e) Sketch the ‘Interaction Diagram’ of this column,
(f) Design the transverse reinforcement.
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a) From strain diagram c = cb = d[εu /(εu + εy)] 2.5'' = 65 mm

= 435[0.003/0.0051] = 256 mm 17.5'' = 435 mm
a = β1c = 0.85(256) = 218 mm 12'' = 300 mm
f’s = Es εu (c − d’)/c = 448 MPa > 420 MPa 20'' = 500 mm
–3
C = 0.85×28 ×218×300×10 = 1557 kN
Pb = 0.85f'c ab + A's f's – As fs
= 1557 + 1290×420×10–3 – 1290×420×10–3 = 1557 kN
Mb = 0.85f'c ab (h/2 – a/2) + A's f's(h/2 – d') – As fs (d – h/2)
= 1557(250 – 109) + 1290×420(250 – 65) + 1290×420(435 – 250)
= 420×103 kN-mm = 420 kNm
eb = 241 mm

b) Any c < cb = 256 mm will give a point in tension failure region: e > eb
For e.g., choose c = 125 mm.
f’s = 200,000 ×0.003(125 – 65)/125 = 288 MPa
a = β1c = 0.85(125) = 106 mm
C = 0.85×28 ×106×300×10–3 = 757 kN
Pn = 0.85f'c ab + A's f's – As fs
= 757 + 1290×288×10–3 – 1290×420×10–3 = 587 kN
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Mn = 0.85f'c ab (h/2 – a/2) + A's f's(h/2 – d') – As fs (d – h/2)

= 757(250 – 53) + 1290×288(250 – 65) + 1290×420(435 – 250)
= 318×103 kN-mm = 318 kNm
e = 542 mm

c) Any c > cb =256 mm will give a point in compression failure region: e < eb
For e.g., choose c = 460 mm.
fs = 200,000 ×0.003(435 – 460)/460 = – 33 MPa (indicates As is in comp.)
f’s = 200,000 ×0.003(460 – 65)/460 = 515 MPa > 420
a = β1c = 0.85(460) = 391 mm
C = 0.85×28 ×391×300×10–3 = 2792 kN
Pn = 0.85f'c ab + A's f's – As fs
= 2792 + 1290×420×10–3 – 1290×(– 33)×10–3 = 3376 kN
Mn = 0.85f'c ab (h/2 – a/2) + A's f's(h/2 – d') – As fs (d – h/2)
= 2792(250 – 196) + 1290×420(250 – 65) + 1290×(– 33)(435 – 250)
= 243×103 kN-mm = 243 kNm
e = 72 mm

d) The axial strength of concentrically loaded column (c = ∞, e = 0):

Po = 0.85f'c (Ag – Ast) + Ast fy (neglect Ast deduction, error is only 1%)
= [0.85×28 ×300×500 + 2580×420]×10–3 = 4654 kN

e) The interaction diagram can be constructed:

f) Minimum permitted bar size is No.10 bar.

Spacing is min of (48dtie, 16db, least dim of column)
(48×9.5, 16×28.7, 300) mm = (456, 459, 300) mm
Use No.10 ties @ 300 mm
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Distributed Reinforcement
It is often advantageous to place steel uniformly around the perimeter when
axial compression is predominant (small e). The intermediate bars will be
stressed below yield point. This situation can be analyzed based on strain
compatibility.
Example 3:
The column below (300×670 mm) is reinforced with 10 No.36 bars
distributed around the perimeter. Load Pu will be applied with eccentricity e
about the strong axis. f'c = 42 MPa and fy = 550 MPa. Find the load and
moment corresponding to a failure point with NA c = 460 mm from the right
face. [2½'' = 65 mm, 7'' = 180 mm, 12'' = 300 mm, 26'' = 670 mm]

Solution: c = 460 mm(18''), β1 = 0.75(check this!), a = β1c =345 mm(13.5'')

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From strain diagram (fig. b): (εu = 0.003, Es = 200,000 MPa)

εs1 = 0.003[(c – d')/c] = 0.003[(460 – 65)/460] = 0.00258
εs1 = 0.00258 fs1 = Es εs1 = 516 MPa compression
εs2 = 0.00140 fs2 = Es εs2 = 280 MPa compression
εs3 = 0.00023 fs3 = Es εs3 = 46 MPa compression
εs4 = 0.00095 fs4 = Es εs4 = 190 MPa tension

C = [0.85×42 ×345×300]×10–3 = 3695 kN concrete compression

From fig. c:
Cs1 = As1 fs1 , As1 = 3 No.36 = 3×1006 = 3018 mm2
Cs1 = 3018×516×10–3 = 1557 kN
Cs2 = 2012×280×10–3 = 563 kN
Cs3 = 2012× 46×10–3 = 92 kN
Ts4 = 3018×190×10–3 = 573 kN

ΣF = 0; Pn = 3695 + 1557 + 563 + 92 – 573 = 5334 kN

ΣM = 0; Mn = 3695(335 – 172.5) + 1557(335 – 65) + 563(335 – 245) –
92(335 – 245) + 573(335 – 65) = 1218000 kN-mm = 1218 kN-m
e = 1218 / 5334 = 0.228 m = 228 mm

Note: Unsymmetrical Reinforcement

For some cases it is more economical to use unsymmetrical pattern of bars,

with most of the bars on the tension side. Such columns can be analyzed by
the same strain compatibility approach as described in the previous example.
However, for such columns to be loaded concentrically, the load must pass
thru a point known as plastic centroid (PC). It is defined as x = ΣFy¯ / ΣF.
See Eq. above. Eccentricity must be measured w.r.t. the PC.
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Circular Columns
Spirally reinforced columns show greater ductility than tied columns, esp.
when load eccentricities are small. Also, the max design load for axially
loaded members is larger for spirally reinforced columns than tied columns.
For these reasons, the ACI Code provides φ = 0.75 for spiral columns,
compared with φ = 0.65 for tied columns.
Fig. (a) below shows a cross section of a spirally reinforced column.
Fig. (b) shows the strain distribution.
Fig. (c) shows the internal forces.
Calculations for Pn and Mn can be carried out exactly as in the previous
example, except that the concrete compression zone has the shape of a
segment of a circle.

Design or analysis of spirally reinforced columns is usually carried by means

of design aids. This is also true for tied columns.
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ACI Code Provisions for Column Design

ACI Code provides basic reduction factors: φ = 0.75 for spiral columns, and
φ = 0.65 for tied columns.
The effects of these safety provisions are shown in Fig. below:

The outer curve represents the actual carrying capacity.

The inner curve shown partially dashed, then solid, then dashed, represents
the basic design strength obtained by reducing Pn and Mn to φPn and φMn.
The horizontal cutoff at φPo represents the max design load for small e.
At the other end (lower right), for large e, i.e., small axial loads, a linear
transition of φ from 0.65 or 0.75 to 0.9 at εt = 0.005

Design Aids
In practice, design aids are used. They cover the most frequent practical
cases for reinforced rectangular and square columns and circular spirally
reinforced columns.
Graphs A.5 through A.16 are RC column design charts for concrete with
f'c = 28 MPa and steel with fy = 420 MPa:
Graphs A.5 through A.8: Rectangular columns with bars distributed
around perimeter.
Graphs A.9 through A.12: Rectangular columns with bars along 2 opposite
faces.
Graphs A.13 through A.16: Circular columns with bars in a circular
pattern.
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The vertical axis (load) is plotted as Kn = Pu / φf’cAg

The horizontal axis (moment) is plotted as Rn = Pue / φf’cAg h
Families of curves are drawn for various values of ρg = Ast / Ag.
Radial lines represent different eccentricity ratios (e / h).
Lines of fs / fy and values of strain εt = 0.002 and 0.005 in extreme tension
steel are presented.

Use of charts:
They may be used in 2 ways as follows.
For a given factored load Pu and equivalent eccentricity e = Mu / Pu:
1.
a) Select trial cross section dimensions b and h.
b) Calculate the ratio γ, and select the corresponding chart.
c) Calculate Kn= Pu/ φf’cAg and Rn= Pue/ φf’cAgh, where Ag= bh.
d) From graph read reinforcement ratio ρg
e) Calculate the total steel area Ast = ρg bh.
2.
a) Select the reinforcement ratio ρg
b) Choose a trial value of h and calculate e/h and γ.
c) Select the graph, and read Kn = Pu / φf’cAg and calculate the
required Ag.
d) Calculate b = Ag / h.
e) Revise h if necessary to obtain a well-proportioned section.
f) Calculate the total steel area Ast = ρg bh.
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Example 4:
An exterior rectangular column (b = 500 mm, h = 650 mm) is to be
designed for a service dead load of 990 kN, live load of 1320 kN, dead load
moment of 190 kNm, and live load moment of 270 kNm. Find the required
column reinforcement. f'c = 28 MPa and fy = 420 MPa.
Solution:
Pu = 1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2(990) + 1.6(1320) = 3300 kN
Mu = 1.2MD + 1.6ML = 1.2(190) + 1.6(270) = 660 kNm
Assume bending is about the strong axis (h = 650).
Reinforcement distributed around column perimeter will be used, and
assume d' = 65 mm
γ = (h – 2d')/h = (650 – 130) / 650 = 0.8 Thus, graph A.7 will be used.
Kn = Pu / φf’cAg = 3300 ×103/ (0.65×28×325,000) = 0.558
Rn = Pue / φf’cAg h = 660 ×106/ (0.65×28×325,000×650) = 0.172
From graph A.7 read ρg = 0.023
Ast = ρg bh = 0.023×325,000 = 7475 mm2. Use 12No.29 (7740 mm2), one at
each corner and two evenly spaced along each face of column.

Example 5:
A column is designed to carry a factored load Pu = 2140 kN and factored
moment Mu = 690 kNm about the strong axis. Cost studies indicate that ρg =
0.03 is optimum with steel arrangement in two layers parallel to the axis of
bending. Find the required dimensions b and h of the column. f'c = 28 MPa
and fy = 420 MPa.
Solution:
A trial h = 650 mm is selected and assume d' = 65 mm
γ = (h – 2d')/h = (650 – 130) / 650 = 0.8 Thus, graph A.11 will be used
e = Mu / Pu = 690 / 2140 = 0.322 m = 322 mm
e / h = 322 / 650 = 0.50
From graph A.11 with e / h = 0.50 and ρg = 0.03, read Kn = 0.505
Kn = 0.505 = Pu / φf’cAg = 2140 ×103 / (0.65×28× b × 650),
Find b = 373 mm
Use column 375 × 650 mm with Ast = ρg bh = 0.03×375 × 650 = 7031 mm2.
Use 8No.36 (8048 mm2), arranged in two layers of 4 bars each.
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Biaxial Bending
There are situations in which axial compression is accompanied by
simultaneous bending about both principal axes of the section. Such is the
case of corner columns of buildings, and of interior columns if the column
layout is irregular.
The situation is described in the Figs. below.
Figs a and b describes uniaxial bending about Y and X axes, respectively.
Fig. c describes the case of biaxial bending. The orientation of the resultant
eccentricity is defined by the angle λ:
λ = tan−1 (ex / ey) = tan−1 (Mny / Mnx)
Bending is about an axis defined by the angle λ w.r.t. X axis.

Column strength is defined by the interaction curve labeled case (c). For
other values of, similar curves are obtained to define a failure surface for
axial load plus biaxial bending.
Due to many difficulties related to the subject, a simple approximate method
is widely used, as follows.
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Reciprocal Load Method

The reciprocal load equation:
(1 / Pn) = (1 / Pnx0) + (1 / Pny0) − (1 / P0)
Where
Pn = approximate value of nominal load in biaxial bending with
eccentricities ex and ey
Pny0 = nominal load when only ex is present (ey = 0)
Pnx0 = nominal load when only ey is present (ex = 0)
P0 = nominal load for concentrically loaded column

This equation is acceptable provided Pn ≥ 0.10 P0

Example 6:
The 300 × 500 mm column shown in Fig. is reinforced with 8 No.29 bars
arranged around the column perimeter, providing an area Ast = 5160 mm2
A factored load Pu of 1130 kN is to be applied with eccentricities ey = 3''
(75 mm) and ex = 6'' (150 mm). f'c = 28 MPa and fy = 420 MPa.
Check the trial design using the reciprocal load method.

Solution: 2.5''=65mm, 7''=170mm, 12''=300mm, 15''=370mm

1st, bending about Y axis:

γ = 370 / 500 = 0.74, e / h = 150 / 500 = 0.3, As / bh = 5160 /(300 × 500) =
0.0344
Use weighted average between graph A.6 (γ = 0.7) and A.7 (γ = 0.8):
For γ = 0.74, it means 60% of graph A.6 and 40% of graph A.7:
Pny0 / f’cAg (ave.) = 0.60 (0.63) + 0.40 (0.66) = 0.64
Pny0 = 0.64 ×28×150,000×10– 3 = 2696 kN
P0 / f’cAg = 1.34, P0 = 5628 kN (Pu = 1130 kN > 0.1P0 = 562.8 kN OK)
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2nd, bending about X axis:

γ = 170 / 300 = 0.57, e / h = 75 / 300 = 0.25, As / bh = 5160 / (300 × 500) =
0.0344
Use graph A.5 (γ = 0.6):
Pnx0 / f’cAg = 0.67,
Pnx0 = 0.67 ×28×150,000×10– 3 = 2814 kN
P0 / f’cAg = 1.34, P0 = 5628 kN
Substitute these values in RLE:
(1 / Pn) = (1 / Pnx0) + (1 / Pny0) − (1 / P0)
(1 / Pn) = (1 / 2814) + (1 / 2696) − (1 / 5628) = 0.0005486
Pn = 1823 kN
Thus design load Pu = 0.65×1823 = 1185 kN can be applied safely.
1130 kN < 1185 kN OK

Bar Splicing in Columns

The main vertical reinforcement in columns is usually spliced above each
floor, or sometimes at alternate floors.
It is standard practice to offset the lower bars as shown in Fig. to permit the
proper positioning of the upper bars.
According to ACI Code 7.8.1, the slope of the inclined bars of an offset bar
≤ 1 : 6, and the ties placed ≤ 150 mm (6 in.) as shown in Fig.
According to ACI Code 7.10.5, ties may be terminated ≤ 75 mm (3 in.)
below the lowest reinforcement of beams framing into a joint, as shown in
Fig.