SHORT COLUMNS

Melchor M. Famisan, D. Eng.

Instructor
 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, the students shall have the ability to:
 Describe the ACI code provisions for tied and spiral
columns.
 Perform analysis and design of axially loaded short
columns.
 Perform analysis of eccentrically loaded short columns.
 Use interaction diagram to perform analysis and design of
eccentrically loaded columns.
 Perform analysis of columns subjected by biaxial bending.
 TOPIC OUTLINE
1. Columns and its types
2. Axially loaded short columns
3. Eccentrically loaded short columns
4. Load-moment interaction diagram
5. Design of columns using interaction diagram
6. Biaxial bending
 COLUMNS AND ITS TYPES
 Columns are structural members that carry compression loads or
compression and bending moments, about one or both axes of the
cross section.
TYPES OF COLUMNS
Columns may be classified based on the following different categories:
Based on loading
 Axially loaded columns, where loads are assumed acting at the
center of the column section.
 Eccentrically loaded columns, where loads are acting at a distance e
from the center of the column section. The distance e could be along
the x or y axis, causing moments either about the x or y axis.
 Biaxially loaded columns, where the load is applied at any point on
the column section, causing moments about both the x and y axes
simultaneously.
Based on column ties
 Tied columns contain steel ties that confine the main longitudinal bars in
the columns. Ties are normally spaced uniformly along the height of the
column.
 Spiral columns contain spirals (spring-type reinforcement) that hold the
main longitudinal reinforcement to help increase the column ductility
before failure. In general, ties and spirals prevent the slender, highly stressed
longitudinal bars from buckling and bursting the concrete cover.
Based on frame bracing
 Columns that are part of a braced frame against sidesway. In braced frames, columns
resist mainly gravity loads, and shear walls resist lateral loads and wind loads.
 Columns that are part of unbraced frame against sidesway. In unbraced frames, columns
resist both gravity and lateral loads, which reduces the load capacity of the columns.
Based on length
 Short columns fail by crushing of concrete or yielding of the steel bars under the full
load capacity of the column.
 Long columns fail by buckling.
Columns are considered to be short and its slenderness effects shall be neglected if:
 For columns not braced against sidesway

 𝑘 ℓ 𝑢 ≤22
𝑟   Where: effective length factor
 For columns braced against sidesway unsupported length
0.3h
  f ∨rectangular column
𝑀1 0.25 𝐷
dimension
  for
of circular column
rec. col. in the direction of bending
 𝑘 ℓ 𝑢
≤ 34 +12
( 𝑀2 )
∧𝑘 ℓ 𝑢
≤ 40
diameter of spiral column
𝑟 𝑟

Where M1 and M2 are end moments. M1 is the smaller end moment. Note that M1/M2 is negative if the
column is bent in single curvature, and positive if it is bent in double curvature.
AXIALLY LOADED SHORT COLUMNS
The nominal load capacity of axially loaded short column can be written
as follows:
 For tied column
Pn = 0.80 [0.85fc’ (Ag – Ast) + fy Ast ]
 For spiral column
Pn = 0.85 [0.85fc’ (Ag – Ast) + fy Ast ]
General Requirement:
φPn ≥ Pu
Where: Ag = gross concrete area
Ast = Area of steel
φ = strength reduction factor
= 0.65 for tied column and 0.75 for spiral column
ACI CODE PROVISIONS FOR TIED AND SPIRAL COLUMNS
 The minimum longitudinal steel percentage is 1%, and the
maximum percentage is 8% of the gross area of the section.
Minimum reinforcement is necessary to provide resistance to
bending, which may exist, and to reduce the effects of creep and
shrinkage of the concrete under sustained compressive stresses.
Practically, it is very difficult to have more than 8% of steel
reinforcement into a column and maintain sufficient space for
concrete between bars.

  𝐴 𝑠𝑡
𝜌𝑠 =
𝐴𝑔
 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 =𝜌 𝑠 𝐴 𝑔   Where:
 At least four bars are required for tied rectangular members and
six bars for circular members enclosed by spirals. For other
shapes, one bar should be provided at each corner, and proper
lateral reinforcement must be provided. For tied triangular
columns, at least three bars are required. Bars shall not be
located at a distance greater than 6 in. (150 mm) clear on either
side from a laterally supported bar. Figure 10.3 shows the
arrangement of longitudinal bars in tied columns and the
distribution of ties. Ties shown in dotted lines are required when
the clear distance on either side from laterally supported bars
exceeds 6 in. The minimum concrete cover in columns is 1.5 in.
(40 mm).
 Ties for columns must have a minimum diameter of 3/8 in. (10
mm) to enclose longitudinal bars of no. 10 (32 mm) size or
smaller and a minimum diameter of 1/2 in. (12 mm) for larger bar
diameters or bundled bars.
 Center to center spacing of lateral ties shall not exceed the
smallest of 48 times the tie bar diameter, 16 times the
longitudinal bar diameter, or the least dimension of the x-
section. The clear spacing of lateral ties should be at least 4/3 the
nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate.
 The ratio of spiral reinforcement, ρs , shall satisfy
ρs ≥ 0.45[Ag/Ac – 1](fc’/fyt)
Where:
Ag = gross area of the section
Ac = area of the core of spirally reinforced column measured
to the outside diameter of spiral
fyt = yield strength of spiral reinforcement
fc’ = specified compressive strength of concrete
 The spiral reinforcement ratio (ρs) is defined as the ratio of
volume of spiral reinforcement in one loop to the total volume of
concrete core for a spacing s.
ρs = volume of spiral in one loop/volume of core for a spacing s
= asπ (Dc – ds)/[s x (πDc2/4)]
ρs = 4as (Dc – ds)/(sDc2)
Where: D c

as = x – sectional area of spiral bar Ag = πD2/4

2
D = diameter of the column Ac = πDc /4
ds = diameter of spiral reinforcement
Dc = diameter of the concrete core measured to
the outside diameter of spiral
s = spacing of the spiral
 The minimum diameter of spiral bar is 3/8 in. (10 mm), and
their clear spacing should not be more than 3 in. (75 mm)
nor less than 1 in. (25 mm) or 4/3 the nominal maximum
size of coarse aggregate. Splices may be provided by
welding or by lapping the deformed uncoated spiral bars by
48 diameters or a minimum of 12 in. (300 mm). Lap splices
for plain uncoated bar or wire = 72 ds ≤ 12 in. (300 mm).
The same applies for epoxy-coated deformed bar or wire.
 Spirals shall be anchored by 1-1/2 extra turns of spiral bar or
wire at each end.
SAMPLE PROBLEM#1
Given the unfactored load as follows:
PD = 850 kN PL = 350 kN
Check the design axial load capacity and the tie spacing of a 300 mm square, short tied
column reinforced with 4 – 28 mm φ bars with 10 mm φ ties spaced at 200 mm on center.
Use fc’ = 27.5 MPa and fy = 415 MPa.

SOLUTION:
Determine the required strength based on the following load combinations.
𝑃  𝑢=1.4 𝑃 𝐷¿  1.4 ( 850 ) =1190𝑘𝑁 300 mm

𝑃  𝑢=1.2 𝑃 𝐷 +1.6 𝑃¿ 𝐿 1.2 ( 850 )+1.6 (350 )=1580 𝑘𝑁 governs

300 mm
Solve the design strength and check the result. 4-28 mmϕ

′
  𝑛 =0.80 [ 0.85 𝑓 𝑐 ( 𝐴 𝑔 − 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 ) +𝑓 𝑦 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 ]
𝑃
2 2
 
[ (
¿ 0.80 0.85 ( 27.5 ) 300 − 4 ∙
2 𝜋 ( 28 )
4 ) (
+ 415 4 ∙
𝜋 ( 28 )
4 )] ×10 ¿  2454.66 𝑘𝑁
−3

∅  𝑃𝑛=0.65 ( 2454.66 )
¿  𝟏𝟓𝟗𝟓 .𝟓𝟑 𝒌𝑵 ¿[  𝑷¿¿𝒖=𝟏𝟓𝟖𝟎],∴𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 ¿
Check the spacing of the ties.
  16
¿  16𝑑(𝑏28 )=448 𝑚𝑚
𝑆 𝑚𝑎𝑥 =smaller of
{ ¿48
  48𝑑(𝑡10 ) =480 𝑚𝑚
least dimension¿  300 𝑚𝑚 controls

𝑺=𝟐𝟎𝟎
  𝒎𝒎 ¿  [ 𝑺 𝒎𝒂𝒙 =𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒎 ] , ∴𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐞 𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 .
SAMPLE PROBLEM#2
A reinforced concrete column carries a dead axial load of 600 kN and a live axial load of 800
kN. Using 20 mm diameter bars, fc’ = 28 MPa and fy = 415 MPa, design completely a tied
column assuming steel ratio of 2%. With the same data, design an axially loaded spiral
column. Use 10 mm diameter for ties/spiral with fyt = 276 MPa.

SOLUTION:
Tied Column:
𝑃  𝑢=1.2 𝑃 𝐷 +1.6 𝑃 𝐿¿  1.2 ( 600 )+1.6 ( 800 )=2000 𝑘𝑁
∅  𝑃𝑛 ≥ 𝑃𝑢   Where:
 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 =0.02 𝐴 𝑔 ∅  =0. 65
0.65
  ( 0.80 ) [ 0.85 ( 28 ) ( 𝐴 𝑔 − 0.02 𝐴 𝑔 ) + 415 ( 0.02 𝐴 𝑔 )¿ ] 2000 ×103
2
 𝐴 𝑔=121621.6 𝑚𝑚
Using square column: 𝑏=
  √ 121621.6=348.78   say
Determine the number of steel reinforcement.
3
0.65
    2000 ×10
( 0.80 ) 0.85 ( 28 ) ( 3502 − 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 ) +415 𝐴 𝑠𝑡¿
[ ]
2
 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 =2378.972 𝑚𝑚
2378.972
  = 7.57 𝐬𝐚𝐲
  Using : 𝑛=
𝜋 ( 20 )
2   𝟖 𝒑𝒄𝒔
4
Check the clear spacing of longitudinal bars:
𝑏 −2 ( 𝑐𝑐 ) −2 𝑑 𝑡 −3 𝑑 𝑏  350 − 2 ( 40 ) − 2 ( 10 ) − 3 ( 20 )
𝑆  𝑐 = ¿
2 2
¿  95 𝑚𝑚  additional tie is not necessary
Maximum spacing of lateral ties:
  16
¿  16𝑑(𝑏20 )=320 𝑚𝑚 controls
𝑆 𝑚𝑎𝑥 =smaller of
{ ¿48
  48𝑑(𝑡10 ) =480 𝑚𝑚
least dimension¿  350 𝑚𝑚
Hence, use spacing of 320 mm on center for 10 mm ϕ lateral ties.
Details of Tied Column:

350 mm

 lateral ties
spaced @ 320 mm o.c.
350 mm

8 - 20 mmϕ
Spiral Column:
𝑃
  𝑢=2000 𝑘𝑁
∅  𝑃𝑛 ≥ 𝑃𝑢   Where:
 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 =0.02 𝐴 𝑔 ∅  =0.75
0.75
  ( 0.8 5 ) [ 0.85 ( 28 ) ( 𝐴 𝑔 −0.02 𝐴 𝑔 ) +415 ( 0.02 𝐴 𝑔 )¿ ] 2000 ×103
2
 𝐴 𝑔=99204.87 𝑚𝑚
2
𝜋
  𝐷 =99204.87
4
𝐷=355.4
    say

Determine the number of steel reinforcement.

2
 
[
0.75 ( 0.8 5 ) 0.85 ( 28 )
2
𝜋 (3 6 0)
( 4 )
− 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 + 415 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 ¿
  ]
2000 ×10 3

 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 =1826.97 𝑚𝑚
1826.97
 
𝑛=
  Using : 𝜋 ( 20 )
2
=5.81
𝐬𝐚𝐲
  𝟔 𝒑𝒄𝒔
4
Determine the spacing of spiral:

Diameter of the concrete core:

𝐷
  𝑐 =𝐷 −2 ( 𝑐 𝑐 ¿
)  360 −2 ( 40 ) 6  −20 𝑚𝑚 ∅

¿280𝑚𝑚
 
Area of the concrete core:
2 2
 𝐴 = 𝜋 𝐷𝑐¿  𝜋 ( 280 ) =19600 𝜋 𝑚𝑚 2
𝑐
4
𝐷
  𝑐 − 𝑑𝑠
4
Gross concrete area: 𝐷
  𝑐
2
 𝐴 = 𝜋 𝐷   𝜋 ( 360 )
2
2
𝐷=360
  𝑚𝑚
𝑔 ¿ =32400 𝜋 𝑚𝑚
4 4
Cross-sectional area of spiral bar: Solve the required spiral reinforcement ratio (ρs):
2 2
  𝜋 𝑑 𝑠  𝜋 ( 10 ) 𝐷
  𝑐 − 𝑑 𝑠 =280 −10=270 𝑚𝑚
𝑎 𝑠= ¿ =25 𝜋 𝑚𝑚 2
4 4 𝜋 ( 𝐷𝑐 − 𝑑 𝑠 ) 𝑎 𝑠
 
Minimum ratio of spiral bar: 𝜌𝑠 = ¿  𝜌𝑠 , 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑐
 𝜌 𝐴𝑔 𝑓 ′𝑐
( )
𝑠 , 𝑚𝑖𝑛 =0.45
𝐴𝑐
−1
𝑓 𝑦𝑡
 𝜋 ( 270 ) ( 25 𝜋 )   24
𝑠 (19600 𝜋 ) 805
¿
32400 𝜋 28   24
¿  0.45 ( − 1) ∙ ¿ 𝒔=𝟑𝟔 .𝟑 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝟑𝟓 𝒎𝒎
19600 𝜋 276 805  
Check the clear spacing of spiral.

𝑠  𝑐 =𝑠 − 𝑑 𝑠¿  3 5− 10=25 𝑚𝑚
Since  25 𝑚𝑚=¿[ 𝑆 𝑐 =2 5 𝑚𝑚 ¿ ] 75 𝑚𝑚   ,

Details of Spiral Column:

  spiral reinforcing bar

spaced @ 35 mm o.c.

6  −20 𝑚𝑚 ∅

𝐷=360
  𝑚𝑚
ECCENTRICALLY LOADED SHORT COLUMNS

BALANCED LOADING CONDITION

A balanced condition is reached when the compression
strain in the concrete reaches 0.003 and the strain in the
tensile reinforcement reaches єy = fy/Es simultaneously;
failure of concrete occurs at the same time as the steel
yields. The moment that accompanies this load is called
the balanced moment, Mb, and the relevant balanced
eccentricity is eb = Mb/Pb.
 h/2 – d’ + eb Pb
By ratio and proportion
єy = fy/Es = (0.003/cb)(d – cb)
cb = ___
ab = β1cb eb
h
єs’ = (0.003/cb)(cb – d’)
fs’ = fy if єs’ > єy
fs’ = єs’Es = (600/cb)(cb – d’) if єs’ < єy b Pb
Calculate the internal forces
Ts = fy As d
cb
Cc = 0.85 fc’abb
cb– d’
Cs = fs’As’ єy
∑Fv = 0 є s’
d – cb 0.003
Cc + Cs – Pb – Ts = 0
ab
Pb = ___ +
∑MT.S. = 0:
0.85fc’
Pb ∙ (h/2 – d’ + eb) = Cc(d – ab/2) + Cs (d – d’) d – ab/2
 eb 𝑏==𝑃
𝑀 ____𝑒
𝑏 𝑏 Ts
Cc
d – d’
Cs
SAMPLE PROBLEM #3
A tied column 450 mm square is reinforced with 8 – 28 mm diameter equally
distributed on its sides. The unsupported length of column is 2.6 m and is
unprevented to sidesway. K = 1.0, fc’ = 20.7 MPa, and fy = 415 MPa. Use 40 mm
concrete cover and 10 mm diameter lateral ties. Determine the balanced load
Pb, and the balanced eccentricity eb.

450 mm

8 - 28 mmϕ
SOLUTION: 450 mm

Check the slenderness:

 𝑘 ℓ𝑢   𝑘 ℓ 𝑢
¿
𝑟 0.3 h
  1.0 ( 2600 )
¿ =19.26¿  22 ,∴ 𝑠h𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑛 − 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛
0.3(450)
 𝑐𝑏
 
  ′ = 𝑐𝑐+ 𝑑 + 𝑑 𝑏¿  40+10+ 28 =64 𝑚𝑚
𝑑
𝑐 𝑏 −𝑑 ′
 
𝑡 𝑐 𝑏 −h/2
2 2 ∈
  𝑦 ′
 
𝑑 −𝑐 𝑏 ∈
𝑑  =h −𝑑 ′¿  450 −64=386 𝑚𝑚     𝑆2 ∈′𝑆 1
  0.003
 
At balanced condition:
450 mm
 0.003 = ∈ 𝑦  
where
𝑓𝑦
: ∈ 𝑦 = ¿ 
𝑓𝑦
𝑐𝑏 𝑑 − 𝑐𝑏 𝐸 𝑠 200000
600
  ( 𝑑 −𝑐 𝑏 ) =𝑐 𝑏 𝑓 𝑦

8 - 28 mmϕ
450 mm
600 𝑑   600 ( 386 ) Pb
𝑐  𝑏 = = =228.18 𝑚𝑚
𝑓 𝑦 +600 415+600
𝑎  𝑏=𝛽 1 𝑐 𝑏¿  0.85 ( 228.18 )=193.953 𝑚𝑚
Check the strain of and the outer and inner CS. 𝑎
  𝑏 Pb
  = 0.003 ( 𝑐 − 𝑑 ′ ¿ ) 0.003 ( 228.18 −64 )
∈
′ CL
𝑠1 𝑏
𝑐𝑏 228.18 eb
¿  0 .00216¿  [ ∈ 𝑦 =0.002075 ]  the outer CS yields
  ′ = 0.003 ( 𝑐 −h / 2¿ ) 0.003 ( 228.18 − 450/ 2 ) 0.85
  𝑓 ′𝑐
∈ 𝑠2 𝑏 𝑪
𝑐𝑏 228.18   𝒔𝟏
𝑪
¿  0 .0000418¿  [ ∈ 𝑦 =0.002075 ]   the inner CS DNY 𝑻
  𝑪
  𝒔𝟐
  𝒄
For the TS and outer CS: 450 mm

𝑓  𝑠=𝑓 ′𝑠1 =𝑓 𝑦 =415 𝑀𝑃𝑎

For the inner CS:

8 - 28 mmϕ
𝑓  ′𝑠 2=∈′𝑠 2 𝐸𝑠=4.18 ×10− 3 ( 200 × 103 )

450 mm
Pb
¿  8.362 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Solve the forces.
𝐶  𝑐 =0.85 𝑓 ′𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 ¿𝑏  0.85 ( 20.7 ) ( 193.953 ) ( 450 ) ×10− 3¿ 1535.67 kN
2  
𝜋 28
𝐶 ′ ′  
[
  𝑠 1=𝑓 𝑠 1 𝐴 𝑠¿1 415 3 ∙ 4
(
] )

𝜋 ( 28 )
2
−3
×10 ¿ 766.61 𝑘𝑁
  𝑎
  𝑏
Pb
𝐶 ′ ′ 
[
  𝑠 2=𝑓 𝑠 2 𝐴 𝑠¿2 8.362 2∙ 4
2
] × 10−3¿  10.30 𝑘𝑁 CL
eb
𝑇 =𝑓 𝑠 𝐴 𝑠¿  415 3 ∙ 𝜋 ( 28 ) ×10− 3 ¿ 766.61 𝑘𝑁
  [ 4 ]  
∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0:
  𝐶  𝑐 +𝐶 𝑠 1+𝐶 𝑠2 −𝑇 − 𝑃 𝑏=0
𝑃  𝑏 =1535.67+766.61+10.30 −766.61 𝑷
  𝒃 =𝟏𝟓𝟒𝟓 . 𝟗𝟕 𝒌𝑵 𝑪
  𝒄
𝑪
0.85
 
  𝒔𝟏
𝑓 ′𝑐

𝑪
∑ (𝑀 𝑇𝑆=0:
 
𝑃
′
+
′
  𝑏 h/ 2 − 𝑑 +𝑒 𝑏 ) −𝐶 𝑠 1 ( 𝑑 − 𝑑   ) −𝐶 𝑐 ( 𝑑 − 𝑎𝑏 /2 ) − 𝐶 𝑠2 ( h/ 2 −𝑑 ′ )=0
𝑻
  h/
  2 −𝑑
′
  𝒔𝟐

𝑑  −𝑎 𝑏 / 2
450 193.953 𝑑  −𝑑 ′
 
1545.97
2 (−64+ 𝑒𝑏−766.61
  ( )
386 −64 )
−1535.67 386−
2 ( ) h/ ′
  2 −𝑑 +𝑒 𝑏
450
 
−10.30
2 (
−64 =0 )
𝒆  𝒃=𝟐𝟖𝟔 .𝟖𝟒𝟑 𝒎𝒎

DESIGN
  COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH GIVEN THE ECCENTRICITY
General Requirement: φPn ≥ Pu
 For Tied Column
φ = 0.65 for compression controlled, 0.65 + 0.25 (ϵs – ϵy)/(0.005 – ϵy) for
transition, and 0.90 for tension controlled
 For Spiral Column
φ = 0.75 for compression controlled, 0.75 + 0.15 (ϵs – ϵy)/(0.005 – ϵy) for
transition, and 0.90 for tension controlled
When an eccentric load is applied on a short reinforced concrete column, the
following cases may arise, according to the location of the load with respect to
the plastic centroid.
Case 1: Compression Failure
This is the case of a large axial load acting at a small eccentricity. The range
of this case varies from a maximum value of Pn = Pn,max to a minimum value
of Pn = Pb (balanced load). Failure occurs by crushing of the concrete on the
compression side with a strain of 0.003 before the steel bars (on the
tension side) yields, (i.e., ). In this case Pn > Pb and e < eb.

Case
  2: Tension Failure
This is the case of a small axial load with large eccentricity,
that is, a large moment. Before failure, tension occurs in a
large portion of the section, causing the tension steel bars
to yield before actual crushing of the concrete. At failure,
the strain in the tension steel is greater than the yield
strain(i.e., ), before the strain in the concrete reaches 0.003.
The range of this case extends from the balanced to the case
of pure flexure. When tension controls, Pn < Pb and e > eb.
SAMPLE PROBLEM #4
The column shown is reinforced with 6 – 25 mm diameter bars
with fy = 415 MPa. The centroid of the corner longitudinal bar is
65 mm from the nearest side of the column. If the compressive
strength of concrete fc’ = 27 MPa, determine the design strength
when:
(a) e = 200 mm h = 400 mm
(b) e = 350 mm b = 250 mm

4 Pn

e
 Note:
  The balanced eccentricity must be solved first before it will be
compared against the given eccentricity to determine whether the
SOLUTION: farthest tension steel will yield or not. If the farthest tension steel
𝑑  ′ =65𝑚𝑚 will yield. Otherwise, the farthest tension steel will not yield.

𝑑  =h −𝑑 ′¿  400 −65=335 𝑚𝑚

At balanced condition: h = 400 mm
 𝑐 = 600 𝑑 =  600 ( 335 ) =198.03 𝑚𝑚 𝑑  ′ 𝑑
 
𝑏
𝑓 𝑦 +600 415+600 𝑒
 𝑏
𝑎  𝑏=𝛽 1 𝑐 𝑏¿  0.85 ( 198.03 )=168.326 𝑚𝑚

b = 250 mm
Check the strain of the CS.
  ′ = 0.003 ( 𝑐 − 𝑑 ′ ¿)  0.003 ( 198.03− 65 )
∈
4 Pb
𝑠 𝑏
𝑐𝑏 198.03
¿  0.002015  CS DNY
𝑓  ′𝑠=∈′𝑠 𝐸¿𝑠  0.002015 ( 200,000 )=403.06 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑐  𝑏
∈ 𝑐  𝑏 −𝑑 ′
Solve the forces.   𝑦
′
∈
2
𝜋 ( 25 ) 𝑑  −𝑐 𝑏   𝑠 0  .003
𝑇  =𝑓 𝑦 𝐴 𝑠¿  415 [3∙
4 ]
𝜋 ( 25 )
×10− 3=611.138 𝑘𝑁
2
𝐶 ′ ′ 
  𝑠=𝑓 𝑠 𝐴¿𝑠 403.06 3 ∙
′
[ 4 ] −3
×10 =593.555 𝑘𝑁
𝐶
  𝑐 =0.85 𝑓 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 𝑏¿  0.85 ( 27 ) ( 168.326 ) ( 250 ) ×10− 3=965.77 𝑘𝑁
   𝐶
  𝑐 +𝐶 𝑠 −𝑇 − 𝑃 𝑏=0
h = 400 mm
𝑑  ′ 𝑑
 
𝑃
  𝑏 =965.77+593.555 −611.138¿9
  4 8.187 𝑘𝑁 𝑒
 𝑏

∑ 𝑀 𝑇𝑆=0:
  +

b = 250 mm
  h 𝑎𝑏
2
′
( )
𝑃𝑏 − 𝑑 + 𝑒𝑏 −𝐶 𝑠 ( 𝑑 − 𝑑 ′ ) − 𝐶 𝑑 −
𝑐 2
=0 ( ) 4 Pb

  400
948.187 (2
  )
−65+ 𝑒𝑏 −593.555 ( 335 −65 ) Pb

  168.326 𝑎
 𝑏
−965.77 (
335 −
2
=0 ) h/ ′
  2 −𝑑 +𝑒 𝑏
𝑒  𝑏=289.506 𝑚𝑚 0.85
  𝑓 ′𝑐

  (a) When 𝑑  −𝑎 /2
𝐶
  𝑐
  Since hence the TS 𝑑  −𝑑 ′
𝑇 𝐶
  𝑠
will not yield but the CS may or may not yield.  
600
𝑓  𝑠= ( 𝑑 − 𝑐 )¿  600 ( 335 −𝑐 ) ′
Assume that the CS will yield: 𝑓  𝑠=𝑓 𝑦 =415 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑐 𝑐
Solve the forces. h = 400 mm
𝐶  𝑐 =0.85 𝑓 ′𝑐 ( 𝛽 1 𝑐 ) 𝑏¿  0.85 ( 27 ) ( 0.85 𝑐 )( 250¿4876.875 𝑐 𝑑  ′ 𝑑
 )  
𝜋 ( 25 )
2 𝑒=200𝑚𝑚
 
  𝑠=𝑓 𝐴  
𝐶 ′
𝑠
′
𝑠 ¿ 415 3∙ [ 4 ]
¿  194531.25 𝜋
2
𝜋 ( 25 )
 
𝑇  =𝑓 𝑠 𝐴 𝑠¿ 600
( 335 −𝑐 ) 3∙[ ]

b = 250 mm
𝑐 4
281250 𝜋 4 Pn
¿  ( 335 − 𝑐 )
𝑐
∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0:𝐶 +𝐶 −𝑇 − 𝑃 =0
    𝑐 𝑠

𝑃  𝑛 =4876.875 𝑐+194531.25 𝜋 −
𝑛
281250 𝜋
( 335 − 𝑐 )
Pn

𝑐 𝑎
 
∑ 𝑀 𝑇𝑆=0:
  +

  h − 𝑑 ′ +𝑒 − 𝐶 ( 𝑑 − 𝑑 ′ ) − 𝐶 𝑑 − 𝑎 =0
h/2
  −𝑑 +𝑒
′

0.85
  𝑓𝑐
′
𝑃 𝑛
2( 𝑠 ) 𝑐 2 ( )
𝑑  −𝑎 /2
 4876.875 𝑐+194531.25 𝜋 − 281250 𝜋 ( 335 − 𝑐 ) 400 − 65+ 200
[ 𝑐 2 ]( ) 𝑑  −𝑑 ′
𝐶
  𝑐
𝐶
0.85 𝑐 𝑇   𝑠
−194531.25
  𝜋 ( 335 − 65− ) 4876.875 𝑐 335 −
2 (
=0  
)
𝑐=225.02𝑚𝑚
  𝑎=0.85
  )  91.2 7𝑚𝑚
( 225.02¿1
Check the strain of CS & TS.
  ′𝑠= 0.003 ( 𝑐 − 𝑑 ′¿)  0.003 ( 225.02− 65 )=0.002133 
∈ OK
𝑐 225.02
  𝑠= 0.003 ( 𝑑 − 𝑐¿ ) 0.003 ( 335− 225.02 )=0.00147  
∈ Compression controlled
𝑐 225.02
Solving for the design strength:
281250 𝜋
𝑃  𝑛 =4876.875 𝑐+194531.25 𝜋 − ( 335 − 𝑐 )
𝑐
281250 𝜋
[
¿  4876.875 ( 225.02 ) +194531.25 𝜋 −
225.02 ]
( 335 −225.02 ) ×10 −3¿  1276.68 𝑘𝑁
∅  𝑃𝑛=0.65 ( 1276.68 ) ¿  𝟖𝟐𝟗 . 𝟖𝟒𝟐𝒌𝑵
  (b) When
  Since the TS will yield but the CS may or may not yield.
′ 600 600
Assume that the CS will not yield: 𝑓  𝑠= 𝑐 ( 𝑐 − 𝑑 ′ ¿)  𝑐 ( 𝑐 − 65 )
Solving for the forces:
𝐶  𝑐 =0.85 𝑓 ′𝑐 ( 𝛽 1 𝑐 ) 𝑏¿  0.85 ( 27 ) ( 0.85 𝑐 )( 250¿4876.875
 ) 𝑐 2

𝜋 25
2 281250 𝜋 𝑇  =𝑓 𝑠 𝐴 𝑠 ¿  415 3 ∙ 𝜋 ( 25 ) ¿194531.25
[ ]  𝜋
𝐶
  𝑠=𝑓 𝐴  
′
𝑠
600′
( 𝑐 − 65 ) 3 ∙
𝑠¿
𝑐 [( ) ¿ 
4 𝑐 ] ( 𝑐 −65 ) 4
∑ 𝐹 𝑣 =0:𝐶 +𝐶 −𝑇 − 𝑃 =0
    𝑐 𝑠
281250 𝜋
𝑛

𝑑  ′
h = 400 mm

𝑃  𝑛 =4876.875 𝑐+ ( 𝑐 − 65 ) −194531.25 𝜋 𝑑
 
𝑐
𝑒=350
  𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝑀 𝑇𝑆=0:
  +

  h − 𝑑 ′ + 𝑒 − 𝐶 ( 𝑑 − 𝑑 ′ ) − 𝐶 𝑑 − 𝑎 =0
𝑃 𝑛( 𝑠) ( )

b = 250 mm
2 𝑐 2
 4876.875 𝑐+ 281250 𝜋 ( 𝑐 − 65 ) −194531.25 𝜋   400 −65+350 4 Pn
[ 𝑐 2 ]( )
281250 𝜋 0.85 𝑐
− 
𝑐 (
( 𝑐 − 65 ) (335 − 65 )−  4876.875 𝑐 335 −
2
=0 ) Pn

𝑐=167.216
  𝑚𝑚 𝑎=0.85
   ) 42 .134 𝑚𝑚
( 167.216¿1 𝑎
 
′
Check the strain of CS & TS. h/2
  −𝑑 +𝑒
0.003 0.003 0.85 ′
  ′𝑠=
∈ ( 𝑐 − 𝑑 ′¿ ) ( 167.216 −65 )   𝑓𝑐
𝑐 167.216
¿  0.00183   OK 𝑑  −𝑎 /2
𝐶
  𝑐
0.003 0.003 𝑑  −𝑑 ′
  𝑠=
∈ ( 𝑑 − 𝑐¿ ) ( 335 −167.216 ) 𝐶
𝑐 167.216 𝑇
    𝑠
¿  0.00301   transition
 Solve the strength reduction factor:
∈𝑠 −∈ 𝑦   0.00301 −0.002075
∅  =0.65+0.25 ∙ ¿ 0.65+0.25 ∙
0.005 −0.002075
0.005 −∈ 𝑦
¿  0.7299
Compute the design strength:
281250 𝜋
𝑃  𝑛 =4876.875 𝑐+ ( 𝑐 − 65 ) −194531.25 𝜋
𝑐
281250 𝜋
[
¿  4876.875 ( 167.216 )+
167.216 ]
( 167.216 −65 ) −194531.25 𝜋   ×10− 3

¿  744.465 𝑘𝑁
∅  𝑃𝑛=0.7299 ( 744.465 ) ¿  𝟓𝟒𝟑 .𝟑𝟗𝟔 𝒌𝑵
 LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION DIAGRAM
Load Pn

Pno

Allowable Pn
(max) lled
tro
con
-
ssi on n
re egio
o mp r
C
When a normal force is applied Pn
ro lled
on a short reinforced concrete - cont
n
sio egion

e
column, the following cases Ten r
Pb
may arise, according to the
eb
location of the normal force e=
with respect to the plastic
centroid.
Moment Mn
Mu Mn Mb

5.3.
1.Tension
4.
2. Compression
Balanced
Axial
Maximum Failure.Failure.
This(P
Condition
Compression
Nominal is
(PThis
Axialthe
). A is
casetheisof
Pcase
balanced
This
Load atheoretical
small
ano,max of a large
axial
condition
. This axial
load
is
is the
case load
with
reached
case
assumingof acting
large
awhen eccentricity,
normalat aaforce
the
that small eccentricity.
compression
largeactingthatload
axial onis, the
aislarge
strain
nob
6. Pure
moment.
The Flexure.
rangeBefore
of thisThe
casesection
failure, varies
tension inoccurs
from this case
a maximum aislarge
instrain subjected
value
portionoftoPofna =the
bending
Pn,max to moment,
section,a minimum
causing Mthe , whereas
value
tension
in the
section
acting concrete
atwith reaches
the plastic
minimum 0.003
centroid; eand
eccentricity. = 0theand Mn = in
According the tensile
0. Failure
to the of
ACI reinforcement
theCode,
columnPn,max = reaches
occurs 0.80P єs =oftied
by ncrushing
no for
єyPof
=nsteel
the
bars Paxial
=f /E loadbefore
to(balanced
yield is P n =actual
load).0. Failure
Failure
crushing
occurs ofas in
the
by a beam subjected
concrete.
crushing At
thefailure,
ofthe to bending
concrete theonstrain
the moment
in only. side
the tension
compression steel is
columns
the s simultaneously; failure of concrete occurs at same Ptime as
thethe steel by
yields. The
bconcrete
and and
0.85P yielding
for spirally
of steel reinforced
bars. This columns.
is represented
In this bycase, on
failure curve.
occurs crushing
y
greater
with athan
strainthe yield
0.003,strain
no
ofaccompanies whereas in thethe concrete
stress inwhich
thethe is 0.003.
steel bars (on Thetherange
no of this
tension case
side) is extends
less thanfrom
moment
of
the the that
concrete and the yielding this load
of steelis called
bars. balanced moment, M , and the relevant
thebalanced to the (i.e.,
case of fs <pure flexure. When Pn >tension
Pb and controls, Pn < Pb and e > eb.
b
yield strength fy). In this case e < eb.
balanced eccentricity is eb = Mb/Pb.
CAUTION:
Be sure that the strength of the concrete and steel as well as the configuration
of the column at the upper right of the interaction diagram being used agrees
with the configuration of the column being considered. That is, f’c and fy as well
as the shape and line of bars along the faces of the column must agree. Note
that wrong choice of interaction diagram leads to wrong answer.

SAMPLE PROBLEM #5
The column shown is reinforced with 6 – 25 mm diameter bars with fy = 415
MPa. Concrete strength fc’ = 27 MPa. Use interaction diagram to determine the
design compressive strength if: h = 400 mm
(a) e = 200 mm
(b) e = 350 mm
b = 250 mm

4 Pn

e
SAMPLE PROBLEM #6
A 500 mm x 500 mm column is reinforced with 16 – 28 mm
diameter bars around the four faces. The main bars are tied with
10 mm diameter and provided with clear concrete cover of 46
mm. The concrete cylinder strength is fc’ = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and
the steel yield strength is fy = 415 MPa (60 ksi). Check the
adequacy of the column if PD = 500 kN and PL = 800 kN are
applied eccentrically along the x – axis by 200 mm.

SAMPLE PROBLEM #7
A spiral column 500 mm diameter is reinforced with 8 – 20 mm
φ bars and provided with 10 mm φ spiral reinforcement. If the
eccentricity is e = 150 mm, compressive strength of the concrete
is fc’ = 27.6 MPa (4 ksi) and fy = 415 MPa (60 ksi), determine the
design compressive strength of the column.
SAMPLE PROBLEM #8
A 300 mm × 500 mm column is reinforced with 8 – 28 mm diameter bars as
shown. The concrete cylinder strength is fc’ = 24 MPa and the steel yield
strength is fy = 415 MPa. Determine (a) the load Pb , moment Mb, and
corresponding eccentricity eb for balanced failure; (b) the axial load
strength for zero eccentricity; (c) the load and moment for a representative
point in the compression failure region; and (d) the load and moment for a
representative point in the tension failure region of the interaction curve.
Then (e) sketch the strength interaction diagram for this column. Finally,
(f) design the transverse reinforcement, based on ACI Code provisions.

h = 500 mm
b = 300 mm

4 Pn

e
DESIGN OF COLUMNS USING INTERACTION DIAGRAM
CASE 1: Selection of reinforcement for column of given size.
SAMPLE PROBLEM #9
The short 14-in. × 20-in. tied column as shown is to be used to support
the following loads and moments: PD = 125 k, PL = 140 k, MD = 75 ft-k,
and ML = 90 ft-k. If fc’ = 4000 psi and fy = 60,000 psi, select reinforcing
bars to be placed in its end faces only using appropriate ACI column
interaction diagrams.
SAMPLE PROBLEM #10
Using the ACI column interaction diagram, design the
reinforcement and lateral ties of a 16-in x 16-in short square
column for the following conditions: Pu = 600 k, Mu = 80 ft-
k, fc’ = 4000 psi, and fy = 60,000 psi. Place the bars
uniformly around all four faces of the column.

SAMPLE PROBLEM #11

Using the ACI column interaction graphs, select reinforcing
bars for the short round spiral column of diameter 20-in. fc’
= 4000 psi, fy = 60,000 psi, Pu = 500 k, and Mu = 225 ft-k.
CASE 2: Selection of column size and reinforcement.
Procedure 1:
1. Calculate the eccentricity.
e = Mu/Pu
2. Select trial cross-sectional dimensions b and h.
 Assume average compressive strength ranging from o.50fc’ to 0.6fc’.
 Compute the gross area to select a tentative section size.
Ag = Pu/(average fc’)
3. Compute for γ to select the appropriate interaction diagram.
4. Solve for Kn and Rn.
Kn = Pu/(φfc’Ag) where: Ag = bh
Rn = Pue/(φfc’Agh)
5. From the graph, determine the required reinforcement ratio ρg.
6. Solve the required area of steel. Ast = ρg bh
7. Select a bar size and compute the required number of bars.
8. Determine the spacing of lateral ties.
Procedure 2:
1. Calculate the eccentricity.
e = Mu/Pu
2. Select the reinforcement ratio ρg.
3. Choose a trial value of h and calculate eh and γ.
4. From the graph, determine Kn and calculate the required Ag.
Kn = Pu/(φfc’Ag)
Ag = Pu/(φfc’ Kn)
5. Solve for b = Ag/h.
6. Revise the value of h if necessary to obtain a well-
proportioned section.
7. Compute the required area of steel.Ast = ρg bh.
8. Select a bar size and compute the required number of bars.
9. Determine the spacing of lateral ties.
SAMPLE PROBLEM #12
Design a square tied column to carry a factored axial load
of 2800 kN and a factored moment of 200 kN-m. Use 25
mm diameter bars to be placed around the faces of the
column. The compressive strength of concrete is fc’ = 27.6
MPa (4 ksi) and the steel yield strength is fy = 415 MPa (60
ksi).

SAMPLE PROBLEM #13

Design a rectangular short tied column with bars only in
the two end faces for Pu = 500 k, Mu = 250 ft-k, fc’ = 4000
psi, and fy = 60,000 psi. Select a column with approximately
2% steel.
 BIAXIAL BENDING
BRESLER RECIPROCAL LOAD EQUATION

Where:
Pn = approximate value of nominal load in biaxial
bending with eccentricities ex and ey
Pnyo = nominal load when only eccentricity ex is
present (ey = 0)
Pnxo = nominal load when only eccentricity ey is
e
present (ex = 0)
P0 = nominal load for concentrically loaded
column usually taken as 0.85fc’ (Ag – As) + fy As
SAMPLE PROBLEM #13
Determine the design strength, φPn, of the short tied column
shown in the Figure, which is subjected to biaxial bending. fc' =
4,000 psi, fy = 60,000 psi, ex = 8 in., and ey = 16 in.
SAMPLE PROBLEM #14
Select the reinforcing needed for the short square tied
column shown in the figure for the following: PD = 100 k, PL
= 200 k, MDY = 50 ft-k, MLY = 110 ft-k, MDX = 40 ft-k, MLX = 90
ft-k, fc’ = 4000 psi, and fy = 60,000 psi.
 REFERENCES
 Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, National
Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP C101,Vol. I Buildings, Towers
and Other Vertical Structures), 7th ed., 2016
 Darwin, D., Dolan, C. & Nilson, A. (2016). Design of Concrete
Structures, 15th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education
 Hassoun, N. & Al-Manaseer, A. (2015). Structural Concrete: Theory and
Design, 6th ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons
 McCormac, J. & Brown, R. (2014). Design of Reinforced Concrete, 9th ed.
USA: John Wiley & Sons
 Nawy, E. (2010). Prestressed Concrete, 5th ed. New Jersey: Prentice hall
 Wight, J. & MacGregor, J. (2012). Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics &
Design, 6th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education