REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

USD Method (Ultimate Strength Design)

ENGR. RIMAR C. LIGUAN
COLUMNS
NSCP 2015 CODE PROVISIONS

NSCP 2015 Section 410.4

Required Strength

NSCP 2015 Section 410.4.1.1

Required strength shall be calculated in accordance with the factored load
combinations in Section 405 (Loads).

NSCP 2015 Section 410.4.1.2

Required strength shall be calculated in accordance with the analysis procedures
in Section 406 (Structural Analysis).

NSCP 2015 Section 410.4.2

Factored Axial Force and Moment

NSCP 2015 Section 410.4.2.1

𝑷𝒖 and 𝑴𝒖 occurring simultaneously for each applicable factored load combination
shall be considered.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5

Design Strength

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.1.1

For each applicable factored load combination, design strength at all sections
shall satisfy ∅𝑆𝑢 ≥ 𝑈, including (a) through (d). Interaction between load effects
shall be considered:
a. ∅𝑷𝒏 ≥ 𝑷𝒖
b. ∅𝑴𝒏 ≥ 𝑴𝒖
c. ∅𝑽𝒏 ≥ 𝑽𝒖
d. ∅𝑻𝒏 ≥ 𝑻𝒖

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.1.2

∅ shall be determined in accordance with Section 421.2.
According to Section 421.2, Table 421.2.1, the Strength Reduction Factor, ∅;
For action or structural Element like moment, axial force, or combined moment and
axial force, ∅= 0.65 to 0.90 in accordance with Section 421.2.2 in exceptions for
near ends of pretensioned members where strands are not fully developed, ∅ shall
be in accordance with Section 421.2.3.
 Table 421.2.2
Strength Reduction Factor, ∅, for Moment, Axial Force, or Combined Moment and Axial Force
∅
Net tensile Type of transverse reinforcement
Classification
strain,𝜺𝒕 Spiral conforming to
Other
Section 425.7.3
Compression
𝜺𝒕 ≤ 𝜺𝒕𝒚 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 (a) 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓 (a)
controlled
(𝜺𝒕 − 𝜺𝒕𝒚 ) (𝜺𝒕 − 𝜺𝒕𝒚 )
𝜺𝒕𝒚 < 𝜺𝒕 < 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓 Transition[1] 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 + 𝟎. 𝟏𝟓 (b) 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓 + 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓 (b)
(𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓 − 𝜺𝒕𝒚 ) (𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓 − 𝜺𝒕𝒚 )
Tension
𝜺𝒕 ≥ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎 (c) 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎 (c)
Controlled
[1]Forsections classified as transition, it shall be permitted to use ∅ corresponding to compression-controlled
sections.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.2

Axial Force and Moment

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.2.1

𝑷𝒖 and 𝑴𝒖 shall be calculated in accordance with Section 422.4.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.2.2

For composite columns, forces shall be transferred between the steel section and
concrete by direct bearing, shear connectors, or bond in accordance to the axial
strength assigned to each component.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.3

Shear

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.3.1

𝑽𝒖 shall be calculated in accordance with Section 422.5.

NSCP 2015 Section 422.5

One-way Shear Strength

NSCP 2015 Section 422.5.1.1

Nominal one-way shear strength at a section, 𝑉𝑛 shall be calculated by:
𝑽𝒏 = 𝑽𝒄 + 𝑽𝒔
NSCP 2015 Section 422.5.1.2
Cross-sectional dimensions shall be selected to satisfy Eq.422.5.1.2.
𝑽𝒖 ≤ (𝑽𝒄 + 𝟎. 𝟔𝟕√𝒇′ 𝒄𝒃𝒘 𝒅)
𝑵𝒖
𝑽𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕 (𝟏 + ) 𝝀√𝒇′ 𝒄𝒃𝒘 𝒅
𝟏𝟒𝑨𝒈
𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕 𝒅
𝑽𝒔 =
𝒔
Where 𝒔 is the spiral pitch or the longitudinal spacing of the shear
reinforcement and 𝑨𝒗 is given in Section 422.5.10.5.5 or 422.5.10.5.6.

NSCP 2015 Section 422.5.10.5.5

For each rectangular tie, stirrup, hoop, or crosstie, 𝑨𝒗 shall be the effective
area of all bar legs or wires within spacing 𝒔.
NSCP 2015 Section 422.5.10.5.6
For each circular tie or spiral, 𝑨𝒗 shall be two times the area of the bar or
wire within the spacing 𝒔.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.4

Torsion

NSCP 2015 Section 410.5.4.1

If 𝑻𝒖 ≥ ∅𝑻𝒕𝒉, where 𝑻𝒕𝒉 is given in Section 422.7, torsion shall be considered in
accordance with Section 409.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6

Reinforcement Limits

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6.1

Minimum and Maximum Longitudinal Reinforcement

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6.1.1

For non-prestressed columns and for prestressed columns with average 𝒇𝒑𝒆 < 𝟏. 𝟔𝑴𝑷𝒂,
area of longitudinal reinforcement shall be at least 0.01𝑨𝒈 but shall not exceed
0.08𝑨𝒈 .

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6.1.2

For composite columns with a structural steel core, area of longitudinal bars
located within the transverse reinforcement shall be at least 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏(𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒙 ), but
shall not exceed 𝟎. 𝟎𝟖(𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒙 ).

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6.2

Minimum Shear Reinforcement

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6.2.1

A minimum area of shear reinforcement,𝐴𝑣,𝑚𝑖𝑛 , shall be provided in all regions
where 𝑽𝒖 > 𝟎. 𝟓∅𝑽𝒄.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.6.2.2

If shear reinforcement is required, 𝐴𝑣,𝑚𝑖𝑛 shall be the greater of (a) and (b):
𝒃 𝒔
a. 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟐√𝒇′𝒄 𝒇𝒘
𝒚𝒕
𝒃 𝒔
b. 𝟎. 𝟑𝟓 𝒇𝒘
𝒚𝒕

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7

Reinforcement Detailing

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.1.1

Concrete cover for reinforcement shall be in accordance with Section 420.6.1.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.1.2

Development lengths of deformed and prestressed reinforcement shall be in
accordance with Section 425.4.
NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.1.3
Bundled bars shall be in accordance with Section 425.2.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.2

Reinforcement Spacing

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.2.1

Minimum spacing 𝒔 shall be in accordance with Section 425.2.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.3

Longitudinal Reinforcement

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.3.1

For non-prestressed columns and for prestressed columns with average 𝒇𝒑𝒆 < 𝟏. 𝟔𝑴𝑷𝒂,
the minimum number of longitudinal bars shall be (a), (b), or (c):
a. Three within triangular ties;
b. Four within rectangular or circular ties;
c. Six enclosed by spirals or for columns of special moment frames enclosed by
circular hoops.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6

Transverse Reinforcement

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.1.1

Transverse reinforcement shall satisfy the most restrictive requirement spacing.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.1.2

Details of transverse reinforcement shall be in accordance with Section 425.7.2
for ties, Section 425.7.3 for spirals, or Section 425.7.4 for hoops.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.2

Ties

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.2.1

Ties shall consist of a closed loop of deformed bar or deformed wire with spacing
in accordance with (a) and (b):
a. Clear spacing of at least (𝟒⁄𝟑)𝒅𝒂𝒈𝒈;
b. Center-to-center spacing shall not exceed the least of 𝟏𝟔𝒅𝒃 of longitudinal
bar, 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃 of tie bar, and smallest dimension of member.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.2.2

Diameter of tie bar or wire shall be at least (a) or (b):
a. 10mm∅ enclosing 32mm∅ or smaller longitudinal bars;
b. 12mm∅ enclosing 36mm∅ or larger longitudinal bars or bundled longitudinal
bars.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.1.5

Longitudinal reinforcement shall be laterally supported using ties or hoops in
accordance with Section 410.7.6.2 or spirals in accordance with Section
410.7.6.3, unless tests and structural analyses demonstrate adequate strength and
feasibility of construction.
NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.2
Lateral Support of Longitudinal Bars Using Ties or Hoops

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.2.1

In any storey, the bottom tie or hoop shall be located not more than one-half the
tie or hoop spacing above the top of footing or slab.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.2.2

In any storey, the top tie or hoop shall be located not more than one-half the
tie or hoop spacing below the lowest horizontal reinforcement in the slab, drop
panel, or shear cap. If beams or brackets frame into all sides of the column, the
top tie or hoop shall be located not more than 75mm below the lowest horizontal
reinforcement in the shallowest beam or bracket.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.3

Lateral Support of Longitudinal Bars Using Spirals

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.3.1

In any storey, the bottom of the spiral shall be located at the top of footing or
slab.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.3.2

In any storey, the top of the spiral shall be located in accordance with Table
410.7.6.3.2.

Table 410.7.6.3.2
Spiral Extension Requirements at Top of Column
Framing at column end Extension requirement
Extend to the level of the lowest
Beams or brackets frame into all sides
horizontal reinforcement in members
of the column
supported above.
Extend to the level of the lowest
horizontal reinforcement in members
Beams or brackets do not frame into all supported above. Additional column ties
sides of the column shall extend above termination of
spiral to bottom of slab, drop panel,
or shear cap.
Extend to the level at which the
Columns with capitals diameter or width of capital is twice
that of the column.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.5

Shear

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.5.1

If required, shear reinforcement shall be provided using ties, hoops, or spirals.

NSCP 2015 Section 410.7.6.5.2

Maximum spacing of shear reinforcement shall be in accordance with Table
410.7.6.5.2.
 Table 410.7.6.5.2
Maximum Spacing of Shear Reinforcement
Maximum s, mm
𝑽𝒔 Non-prestressed Prestressed
column column
𝑑/2 3ℎ/4
≤ 0.33√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤 𝑑 Lesser of:
600
𝑑/4 3ℎ/8
> 0.33√𝑓′𝑐𝑏𝑤 𝑑 Lesser of:
300

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3

Spirals

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3.1

Spirals shall consist of evenly spaced continuous bar or wire with clear spacing
conforming to (a) and (b) (pitch in one revolution):
(a) At least the greater of 25mm and (𝟒⁄𝟑)𝒅𝒂𝒈𝒈;
(b) Not greater than 75mm
NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3.2
For cast-in-place construction, spiral bar or wire diameter shall be at least
10mm.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3.3

Volumetric spiral reinforcement ratio 𝜌𝑠 shall satisfy Eq.425.7.3.3.
𝑨𝒃 𝝅(𝒅𝒄𝒔 − 𝒅𝒃 ) 𝑨𝒈 𝒇′𝒄
𝝆𝒔 = ≥ 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓 ( − 𝟏)
𝑨𝒄𝒔 𝒔 𝑨𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒚𝒕
Where the value of 𝑓𝑦𝑡 shall; not be taken greater than 700MPa,𝐴𝑏 is the area of
the spiral bar or wire, 𝑑𝑏 is the spiral bar or wire diameter;𝑑𝑐𝑠 is the outside
diameter of the spiral; 𝑠 is the vertical spacing of the spiral; 𝐴𝑐𝑠 is the area
of the confined column core measured from the outside diameter of the spiral
𝑨𝒄𝒔 = 𝝅𝒅𝟐𝒄𝒔 /𝟒; 𝐴𝑔 is the gross column section area; 𝑓′𝑐 is the column concrete
specified strength; 𝑓𝑦𝑡 is the steel yield strength of the spiral.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3.4

Spirals shall be anchored by 1-1/2 extra turns of spiral bar or wire at each end.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3.5

Spirals are permitted to be spliced by (a) or (b):
(a) Mechanical or welded splices in accordance with Section 425.5.7;
(b) Lap splices in accordance with Section 425.7.3.6 for 𝑓𝑦𝑡 not exceeding
420MPa.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.3.6

Spiral lap splices shall be at least the greater of 300mm and the lap length in
Table 425.7.3.6.
 Table 425.7.3.6
Lap Length for Spiral Reinforcement
Ends of lapped spiral
Reinforcement Coating Lap length, mm
bar or wire
Uncoated or zinc-
Hook not required 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃
coated (galvanized)
Deformed bar Epoxy-coated or zinc Hooked not required 𝟕𝟐𝒅𝒃
and epoxy dual Standard hook of
coated Section 425.3.2[1] 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃
Uncoated Hook not required 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃
Hooked not required 𝟕𝟐𝒅𝒃
Deformed wire
Epoxy-coated Standard hook of
Section 425.3.2[1] 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃
Hooked not required 𝟕𝟐𝒅𝒃
Uncoated or zinc-
Plain bar Standard hook of
coated (galvanized) 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃
Section 425.3.2[1]
Hooked not required 𝟕𝟐𝒅𝒃
Uncoated or zinc-
Plain wire Standard hook of
coated (galvanized) 𝟒𝟖𝒅𝒃
Section 425.3.2[1]
[1] Hooks shall be embedded within the core confined by the spiral.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.4

Hoops

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.4.1

Hoops shall consist of a closed tie or continuously would tie, which can consist
of several reinforcement elements each having seismic hooks at both ends.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.7.4.2

Anchorage of the ends of the reinforcement elements that comprise hoops shall be
provided by seismic hooks that confirm to Section 425.3.4 and engage a
longitudinal bar. A closed tie shall not be made up of interlocking headed
deformed bars.

NSCP 2015 Section 425.3.4

Seismic hooks used to anchor stirrups, ties, hoops, and crossties shall be in
accordance with (a) and (b):
(a) Minimum bend of 90 degrees for circular hoops and 135 degrees for all
other hoops;
(b) Hook shall engage longitudinal reinforcement and the extension shall
project into the interior of the stirrups or hoops.

NSCP 2015 Section 418.7

Columns of Special Moment Frames

NSCP 2015 Section 418.7.2

Dimensional Limits

NSCP 2015 Section 418.7.2.1

Columns shall satisfy (a) and (b):
a. The shortest cross-sectional dimension, measured on a straight line passing
through the geometric centroid, shall be at least 300mm;
 b. The ratio of the shortest cross-sectional dimension to the perpendicular
dimension shall be at least 0.4.
NSCP 2015 Section 418.7.3
Minimum Flexural Strength of Columns

NSCP 2015 Section 418.7.3.1

Columns shall satisfy Section 418.7.3.2 or 418.7.3.3.

NSCP 2015 Section 418.7.3.2

The flexural strengths of the columns shall satisfy
∑ 𝑴𝒏𝒄 ≥ (𝟔/𝟓) ∑ 𝑴𝒏𝒃
Where:
∑ 𝑀𝑛𝑐 = sum of nominal flexural strengths of columns framing into the joint,
evaluated at the faces of the joint. Column flexural strength shall be calculated
for the factored axial force, consistent with the direction of the lateral forces
considered, resulting in the lowest flexural strength.

∑ 𝑀𝑛𝑏 = sum of nominal flexural strengths of the beams framing into the joint,
evaluated at the faces of the joint. In T-beam construction, where the slab is in
tension under moments at the face of the joint, slab reinforcement within an
effective slab width defined in accordance with Section 406.3.2 shall be assumed
to contribute to 𝑀𝑛𝑏 if the slab reinforcement is developed at the critical
section for flexure.

NSCP 2015 Section 406.3.2

T-beam Geometry

NSCP 2015 Section 406.3.2.1

For non-prestressed T-beams supporting monolithic or composite slabs, the
effective flange width 𝑏𝑓 shall include the beam web width 𝑏𝑤 plus an effective
overhanging flange width in accordance with Table 406.3.2.1, where ℎ is the slab
thickness and 𝑠𝑤 is the clear distance to the adjacent web.

Table 406.3.2.1
Dimensional Limits for Effective Overhanging Flange Width for T-Beams
Effective overhanging flange
Flange Location
width, beyond face of web
𝟖𝒉
Each side of web Least of: 𝒔𝒘 /𝟐
𝓵𝒏 /𝟖
𝟔𝒉
One side of web Least of: 𝒔𝒘 /𝟐
𝓵𝒏 /𝟏𝟐

TYPES OF COLUMNS BASED ON ITS PROPERTIES

a. PLAIN CONCRETE PEDESTAL
This may be used only if the height does not exceed three times the least
lateral dimension.
b. TIED COLUMNS
 A column in which the longitudinal bars are braced with a series of closed
ties.
c. SPIRAL COLUMNS
A column in which the longitudinal bars and concrete core are wrapped with a
closely spaced helix or spiral.
d. COMPOSITE COLUMNS
These columns may contain a structural steel shape surrounded by
longitudinal bars with ties or spirals or it may consist of high-strength
steel tubing filled with concrete.

Figure 5.1. Types of Columns based on its properties Figure 5.2. Tied Columns

Figure 5.3. Tied Columns least dimensions Figure 5.4. Spiral Columns least dimensions
Figure 5.5. Tied and Spiral Columns Figure 5.6. Composite Columns dimensioning

Figure 5.7. Tied Column least dimensions for bars

DIMENSION LIMITS FOR COLUMNS:

Minimum cross-sectional dimensions for rectangular columns should comply with (a)
and (b): See Figure 5.1.
(a) The least cross-sectional dimension should not be less than 10in (250mm).
(b) Ratio of the long cross-sectional dimension to the short dimension should
not exceed 3, except in slab-column systems, where it should not exceed
2.
Minimum cross-sectional dimension for circular columns should have a diameter of
at least 12in (300mm).

Figure 5.8. Minimum cross-sectional dimensions

TYPES OF COLUMNS BASED ON ITS ORIENTATION:

1. Interior columns
For interior columns, the column cross section dimension parallel to the
direction of the support should be less than 1/10 of the clear vertical
distance between lateral supports,ℎ𝑛 .
2. Edge columns
For edge columns, column cross-section dimension perpendicular to the edge
should not be less than one-ninth of the clear vertical distance between
lateral supports, ℎ𝑛 .
 Figure 5.9. Types of Columns based on its orientation
3. Corner columns
For corner columns, minimum column cross section dimension should be one-
eighth of the clear vertical distance between lateral supports, ℎ𝑛 .
4. Column built monolithically with wall
Effective cross section of a tied or spirally reinforced column that is
monolithic with a concrete wall should be taken not greater than 1-
1/2in(40mm)outside the tie or spiral reinforcement or the lateral wall
faces.

Figure 5.10. Columns built monolithically with wall

Minimum and maximum area of longitudinal reinforcement

Total area of column longitudinal reinforcement,𝐴𝑠𝑡 , should not be less than 0.01
or more than 0.06 times the gross area 𝐴𝑔 of section
𝑨𝒔𝒕
𝟎. 𝟎𝟏 ≤ 𝝆𝓵 (= ) ≤ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔
𝑨𝒈
This guide limits the column longitudinal reinforcement ratio to 6 percent
because of reinforcement congestion concerns.

Minimum diameter of longitudinal bars

Minimum diameter of longitudinal bars in columns should be 5/8 in (16mm).

Figure 5.11. Minimum diameter of longitudinal bars

 Figure 5.12 Load and Moment distributions in reinforced concrete column based on its orientation.

Minimum clear spacing between longitudinal bars

Clear spacing between bars should not be less than 𝟏. 𝟓𝒅𝒃 nor 1-1/2in. (40mm)
Figure 5.13. Column Reinforcement detailing
DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
A. AXIALLY LOADED COLUMNS
𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 ≤ 𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏
Where:
𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.10ℎ for tied columns
𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.05ℎ for spiral columns
𝑴
𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 =
𝑷

NSCP 2015 Section 422.4.2

Maximum Axial Compressive Strength

NSCP 2015 Section 422.4.2.1

Nominal axial compressive strength,𝑷𝒏 , shall not exceed 𝑷𝒏,𝒎𝒂𝒙, in accordance with
Table 422.4.2.1, where 𝑷𝒐 is calculated by Eq. 422.4.2.2 for non-prestressed
members and composite steel and concrete members, and by Eq. 422.4.2.3 for
prestressed members.

Table 422.4.2.1
Maximum Axial Strength
Transverse
Member 𝑷𝒏,𝒎𝒂𝒙
Reinforcement
Ties conforming
to Section 0.80𝑷𝒐 (a)
422.4.2.4
Non-Prestressed
Spirals
conforming to 0.85𝑷𝒐 (b)
Section 422.4.2.5
Ties 0.80𝑷𝒐 (c)
Prestressed
Spirals 0.85𝑷𝒐 (d)
Composite steel and
concrete columns in
All 0.85𝑷𝒐 (e)
accordance with Section
410

NSCP 2015 Section 422.4.2.2

For non-prestressed members and composite steel and concrete members, 𝑷𝒐 shall be
calculated by
𝑷𝒐 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇′𝒄 (𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 ) + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕
Where 𝑨𝒔𝒕 is the total area of non-prestressed longitudinal reinforcement.
 Table 420.6.1.3.1
Specified Concrete Cover for Cast-in-Place Non-Prestressed Concrete Members

Concrete exposure Member Reinforcement Specified cover,mm

Cast against and
permanently in contact All All 75
with ground
20mm∅ through 58mm∅
50
Exposed to weather or in bars
All
contact with ground 16mm∅ bars, MW200 or
40
MD200 wire, and smaller
40mm∅ and 58mm∅ bars 40
Slabs, joists, and walls
36mm∅ bar and smaller 20
Not exposed to weather
Beams, columns, Primary, reinforcement,
or in contact with ground
pedestals, and tension stirrups, ties, spirals, and 40
ties hoops
For columns:
Concrete cover must be larger than the following:
(a) 40mm
(b) 𝑑𝑏
1
(c) 1 𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑔
3

B. ECCENTRICALLY LOADED COLUMNS

𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 > 𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏
Where:
𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.10ℎ for tied columns
𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.05ℎ for spiral columns

UNIAXIAL BENDING:

Figure 5.14. Uniaxial bending in columns

𝑴
𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 =
𝑷

I. ANALYTICAL METHOD
CASE 1: BALANCED CONDITION
Balanced condition occurs when concrete strain reaches 0.003 and tension
reinforcement reaches 0.003 and tension reinfcement yields, ie.
𝑓𝑦
𝑓𝑠 = 𝑓𝑦 , ∈𝑠 =∈𝑦 , ∈𝑦 =
𝐸
With regard of the eccentricity,
 𝑒 = 𝑒𝑏𝑎𝑙

CASE 2: COMPRESSION-CONTROLLED CONDITION

Compression-controlled condition occurs when concrete strain reaches 0.003
and tension steel does not yield.
𝑓𝑠
𝑓𝑠 < 𝑓𝑦 , ∈𝑠 <∈𝑦 , ∈𝑠 =
𝐸
With regard of the eccentricity
𝑒 < 𝑒𝑏𝑎𝑙

CASE 3: TENSION-CONTROLLED CONDITION

Tension-controlled condition occurs when concrete strain reaches 0.003 and
tension steel does yield. With regard of the eccentricity,
𝑓𝑠 > 𝑓𝑦 , ∈𝑠 >∈𝑦
𝑒 > 𝑒𝑏𝑎𝑙
2. GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
USING THE COLUMN INTERACTION DIAGRAM

Figure 5.15-27. Column Interaction Diagram and Charts

BIAXIAL BENDING:

Figure 5.28. Biaxial Bending in Columns

2
𝑀𝑢 = √(𝑀𝑢𝑥 )2 + (𝑀𝑢𝑦 )
2
𝑒 = √(𝑒𝑥 )2 + (𝑒𝑦 )
BRESLER EQUATION:
A method published by Professor Boris Bresler in 1960 relates the desired value
of ∅𝑃𝑛 under biaxial loading (𝑒𝑥 and 𝑒𝑦 ) to three other 𝑃𝑛 values.
1 1 1 1
= + −
𝑃𝑛 𝑃𝑛𝑥 𝑃𝑛𝑦 𝑃𝑛𝑜
Where:
𝑃𝑛𝑥 : axial load capacity of the column for eccentricity 𝑒𝑥 with 𝑒𝑦 = 0
𝑃𝑛𝑦 : axial load capacity of the column for eccentricity 𝑒𝑥 = 0 with 𝑒𝑦
𝑃𝑛𝑜 : pure axial capacity of the column
𝑃𝑛𝑜 = 0.85𝑓′𝑐 𝐴𝑔 + 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
The Bresler equation works well as log as 𝑃𝑛 is at least as large as 0.1𝑃𝑛𝑜 . Should
𝑃𝑛 be less than 0.10𝑃𝑛𝑜 , it is satisfactory to neglect the axial force completely
and design the section as a member subject to biaxial bending only.

EXAMPLES:
1. A square tied column 400mm on each side is reinforced with 8-25 mm bars with
fy=275MPa. Assuming f’c=22MPa, determine the ultimate axial load capacity of
this column.
2. Design a square tied column to support an axial dead load of 575Kn and an
axial live load of 795Kn. Assume f’c=27.6MPa and fy=414MPa. Use 28mm main
bars and 10mm ties. Use Ast=0.02Ag.
3. Calculate the ultimate axial load capacity of a round spiral column having a
diameter of 450mm reinforced with 6-25mm bars having fy=276MPa. Assume
f’c=34MPa.
4. Design a round spiral column to support axial dead load of 800Kn AND AN
AXIAL LIVE LOAD OF 1350Kn. Assume that 2% longitudinal steel is desired,
f’c=27.6MPa, and fy=414MPa. Use 25mm main reinforcement and 10mm spiral with
30mm steel covering.
5. A rectangular column 350mm by 600mm is reinforced with 6-28mm diameter bars
with three bars along each 350mm side. The center of the bars is located
from the column edge. Assume fy=414MPa and f’c=20.7MPa. calculate the
 balanced loading Pbn, eb, and Mbn for bending parallel to the long side of
the column.
6. Calculate the nominal axial load capacity of the column that can carry in
Problem 5 at an eccentricity of 450mm.
7. Calculate the nominal axial load capacity of the column with dimension,
400mm x 600mm with 8-25mm main bars, 4pcs each parallel to 400mm side if the
eccentricity of 200mm. use f’c=20.7MPa and fy=413.7MPa.
8. Check answers for 5,6,&7 using Column Interaction Diagram.
9. Calculate the nominal axial load capacity of the column with 500mm square
and 70mm steel cover. Reinforced with 16-28mm bars 5 bars in each sides. Use
f’c=20.7MPa and fy=413.7MPa, if eccentricity of 200mm. Use column
interaction diagram.
10. A spiral reinforcement has 500mm dia. With 8-22mm bar with 62.5mm
steel cover.
a. Determine the 𝜌𝑔 in percent, if the eccentricity is 150mm.
b. Determine the ratio of the center-to-center spacing of reinforcementto
the column dimension in the direction of bending.
c. Using the column interaction diagram, determine the maximum downward load
that the column can support.
11. Calculate the permissible load capacity,Pu of the short tied column
with dimension 375mm x 600mm, and reinforced by 8-28mm, 3 bars in each side
parallel to 375mm and 600mm. Eccentricity at x=200mm and y=100mm. Use
f’c=20.7MPa and fy=413.7MPa.