9.

1 General
Concrete columns categories: Long or slender reinforced concrete columns—As
columns become more slender, bending deformations
Short compression blocks or pedestals—If the height of will increase, as well as the resulting secondary
an upright compression member is not more than moments. If these moments are of such magnitude as
three times its least lateral dimensions, it may be to significantly reduce the axial load capacities of
considered to be a pedestal. The NSCP (Sections 402.3, columns, those columns are referred to as being long or
414.1.3d, and 414.5) states that a pedestal may be slender.
designed with unreinforced or plain concrete with a
maximum design compressive stress equal to 0.60𝜙fc′, L≤3hmin
where 𝜙 is 0.60. If bending stress is also present, its M (Primary Moment)
effect must be considered. Should the total load applied
to the member be larger than the stress limits, it is h
min
necessary either to enlarge the cross-sectional area of
the pedestal or to design it as a reinforced concrete P-Δ (Secondary Moment)
column, as described in Section 9.9 of this chapter.
Short reinforced concrete columns—Should a reinforced
concrete column fail due to initial material failure, it is
classified as a short column. The load that it can L>3hmin
support is controlled by the dimensions of the cross
section and the strength of the materials of which it is
M (Primary Moment)
constructed. We think of a short column as being a
rather stocky member with little flexibility.
hmin Moment Diagram for Long Column
9.2 Types of Columns

(a) Tied Column (b) Spiral Column (c) Composite Column (d) Composite Column
9.3 Axial Load Capacity of Columns
Ag

Ast

Nominal Axial Strength

at zero eccentricity, Po
𝑷𝒐 = 𝑷𝒄 + 𝑷𝒔
𝑷𝒐 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄 (𝑨𝒄 ) + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕
𝑷𝒐 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄 (𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 ) + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕

422.4.2.2 For non-prestressed members and

composite steel and concrete members, Po shall be
calculated by
𝑷𝒐 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄 𝑨g − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕 (422.4.2.2)

where Ast is the total area of non-prestressed

(a) Tied Column (b) Spiral Column longitudinal reinforcement.
9.4 Failure of Tied and Spiral Columns

unsupported bars buckle BRITTLE DUCTILE concrete shell spalls off

FAILURE FAILURE
(a) Tied Column (b) Spirally Reinforced Column
9.5 Code Requirements for Cast-in-Place Columns
Longitudinal Reinforcement Number of Longitudinal Bars—The minimum numbers of longitudinal bars
permissible for compression members (NSCP, Section 410.7.3.1) are
Minimum—The longitudinal reinforcement may not be less than 1% of the
as follows:
gross cross-sectional area of a column (NSCP, Section 410.6.1.1). It is
felt that if the amount of steel is less than 1%, there is a distinct  four (4) for bars within rectangular or circular ties,
possibility of a sudden nonductile failure, as might occur in a plain  three (3) for bars within triangular-shaped ties, and
concrete column. The 1% minimum steel value will also lessen creep
 six (6) for bars enclosed within spirals or for columns of special
and shrinkage and provide some bending strength for the column.
moment frames enclosed by circular hoops.
Actually, the NSCP (Section 410.3.1.2) does permit the use of less than
1% steel if the column has been made larger than is necessary to carry  Should there be fewer than eight (8) bars in a circular
the loads because of architectural or other reasons. In other words, a arrangement, the orientation of the bars will affect the moment
column can be designed with 1% longitudinal steel to support the strength of eccentrically loaded columns. This matter should be
factored load, and then more concrete can be added with no increase considered in design according to the ACI Commentary
in reinforcement and no increase in calculated load-carrying capacity. (R10.7.3.1).
In actual practice, the steel percentage for such members is kept to an Minimum Column Dimension
absolute minimum of 0.005.
 Ordinary Column – no
Maximum—The maximum percentage of steel may not be greater than 6% minimum size specified
of the gross cross-sectional area of the column (NSCP, Section
 Seismic-resistant Column
410.6.1.1). This maximum value is given to prevent too much
– 250 mm but not less
crowding of the bars. Practically, it is rather difficult to fit more than
than 20 times the
4% or 5% steel into the forms and still get the concrete down into the
diameter of the beam’s
forms and around the bars. When the percentage of steel is high, the
longitudinal bar that
chances of having honeycomb in the concrete is decidedly increased. If
penetrates the column if
this happens, there can be a substantial reduction in the column’s
normal-weight concrete
load-carrying capacity. Usually the percentage of reinforcement
is used (26 times for
should not exceed 3% when the bars are to be lap spliced. It is to be
light-weight concrete)
remembered that if the percentage of steel is very high, the bars may
be bundled.
 bars with 150 mm 150 mm 150 mm 150 mm
9.5 Code Requirements for Cast-in-Place Columns max. max. max. max.
lateral support
Tie Reinforcement (provided by corner of ties)
Minimum Size:
425.7.2.2 Diameter of tie bar or wire shall be at least 150mm
(a) or (b): unsupported max.
(a) 10 mm ϕ enclosing 32 mm ϕ or smaller longitudinal bars 150mm
bars; max.
(b) 12 mm ϕ enclosing 36 mm ϕ or larger longitudinal
bars or bundled longitudinal bars.
> 150 mm > 150 mm > 150 mm > 150 mm > 150 mm > 150 mm
Spacing:
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): > 150 mm >150mm
(a) Clear spacing of at least (4/3) dagg ;
(b) Center-to-center spacing shall not exceed the least > 150 mm >150mm
of 16db of longitudinal bar, 48db of tie bar, and
smallest dimension of member.
Arrangement: 150mm
max. 150mm max. 150mm max.
425.7.2.3 Rectilinear ties shall be arranged to satisfy
(a) and (b):
(a) Every corner and alternate longitudinal bar shall >150mm
have lateral support provided by the corner of a tie
with an included angle of not more than 135
degrees; >150mm
(b) No unsupported bar shall be farther than 150 mm 150mm
clear on each side along the tie from a laterally max.
supported bar. Typical tie arrangement
 Ach
9.5 Code Requirements for Cast-in-Place Columns
Spiral Reinforcement Ag-Ach

425.7.3 Spirals
425.7.3.1 Spirals shall consist of evenly spaced continuous
bar or wire with clear spacing conforming to (a) and (b):
(a) At least the greater of 25 mm and (4/3) dagg;
(b) Not greater than 75 mm. Shell strength = 0.85𝑓 (Ag-Ach)
425.7.3.2 For cast-in-place construction, spiral bar or wire Spiral strength ≈ 2ρs Ach fyt
D
diameter shall be at least 10 mm.
Equating, 0.85𝑓 (Ag-Ach)≈ 2ρs Ach fyt
425.7.3.3 Volumetric spiral reinforcement ratio ρs shall (Ag-Ach)𝑓
satisfy Eq. (425.7.3.3). ρs ≈ 0.425
Ach fyt
𝑨𝒈 𝒇𝒄
𝝆𝒔 ≥ 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓 −𝟏 (425.7.3.3)
(plus some allowance) Ag 𝑓
𝑨𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒚𝒕 ρs ≈ 0.425 A -1 f
ch yt
where the value of fyt shall not be taken greater than 700 MPa.
425.7.2.4 Circular ties shall be permitted where longitudinal bars are located around the perimeter of ρs = spiral ratio
a circle. volume of spiral in one loop
ρs =
425.7.2.4.1 Anchorage of individual circular ties shall be in accordance with (a) through (c): volume of concrete core for a pitch s
(a) Ends shall overlap by at least 150 mm; a [π(Dc-db)] a (πDc)
ρs = πs or ρs = π s
(b) Ends shall terminate with standard hooks in accordance with Section 425.3.2 that engage a (Dc)2 (s) (D )2 (s)
4 4 c
longitudinal bar;
4as (Dc-db) 4as
(c) Overlaps at ends of adjacent circular ties shall be staggered around the perimeter enclosing the s= s=
Dc2 ρs Dc ρs
longitudinal bars.
 9.6 Safety Provisions for Columns Reasons for lower 𝜙 values for columns:
421.2.2 Strength reduction factor for moment, axial force, or combined The failure of a column is generally a more severe
moment and axial force shall be in accordance with Table 421.2.2. matter than is the failure of a beam, because a
column generally supports a larger part of a
Table 421.2.2 structure than does a beam.
Strength Reduction Factor, ϕ, for Moment, Axial Force, or The quality of the resulting concrete columns is
Combined Moment and Axial Force probably not as good as that of beams and slabs
𝝓 because of the difficulty to do as good a job in
Net tensile Type of transverse reinforcement placing the concrete for a column than it is for a
Classification
stain, 𝜺𝒕 Spirals conforming to
Other
beam.
Sect. 425.7.3
Compression
The failure strength of a column is closely related
𝜺𝒕 ≤ 𝜺𝒕𝒚 0.75 (a) 0.65 (b) to the concrete’s ultimate strength, a value that is
controlled
𝜺𝒕𝒚 < 𝜺𝒕 𝜀 −𝜀 𝜀 −𝜀 quite variable. The failure strength of a beam is
Transition [1] 0.75 + 0.15 (c) 0.65 + 0.25 (d) normally dependent on the yield stress of the
< 0.005 0.005 − 𝜀 0.005 − 𝜀
Tension tensile steel—a property that is quite accurately
𝜺𝒕 ≥ 0.005 0.90 (e) 0.90 (f) controlled in the steel mills.
controlled
[1] For sections classified as transition, it shall be permitted to use 𝝓 corresponding to
It seems impossible for a column to be perfectly
compression-controlled sections.
axially loaded. Furthermore, columns may be
The values of 𝜙 for columns: The values of 𝜙 for beams: initially crooked or have other flaws, with the
result that lateral bending will occur. Wind and
 0.65 is specified for tied columns;  0.90 for flexure
other lateral loads cause columns to bend, and the
 0.75 for spiral columns (slightly  0.75 for shear columns in rigid-frame buildings are subjected to
higher because of greater toughness) moments when the frame is supporting gravity
loads alone.
9.7 Design Formulas where
422.4.2.2 For non-prestressed members
Pu Pu
Pu = factored axial load to be resisted by a column
Mu = factored moment to be resisted by a column
and composite steel and concrete members,
Po shall be calculated by
e = eccentricity of loading
𝑷𝒐 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄 𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕 (422.4.2.2)
M
e= u
Pu where Ast is the total area of non-
In situations where there are no calculated moments or the prestressed longitudinal reinforcement.
calculated moments are very small, the NSCP specifies the
following:
422.4.2 Maximum Axial Compressive Strength Maximum Usable Axial Strength
Pu 422.4.2.1 Nominal axial compressive strength, Pn, shall
not exceed Pn,max, in accordance with Table 422.4.2.1,
for spirally−reinforced column:
where Po is calculated by Eq. (422.4.2.2) for non- 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝝓𝑷𝒐
prestressed members and composite steel and concrete
members. for tied column:
Table 422.4.2.1 𝟎. 𝟖𝟎𝝓𝑷𝒐
Pu Maximum Axial Strength
Member
Transverse
𝑷𝒏,𝒎𝒂𝒙
Note: 0.80 and 0.85 are factors
Reinforcement to consider minimum
M u = Pu e Ties conforming to
0.80 𝑃 (a) eccentricity requirement
Section 422.4.2.4
Non-prestressed in design
Spirals conforming
0.85 𝑃 (b)
to Section 422.4.2.5
Ties 0.80 𝑃 (c)
Prestressed
Spirals 0.85 𝑃 (d)
Composite steel and
concrete columns in All 0.85 𝑃 (e)
accordance with Sect. 410
RC Columns

SPIRALLY TIED
REINFORCED
COLUMN COLUMN
(410 - 1) (410 - 2)
𝝓𝑷𝒏(𝐦𝐚𝐱) = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝝓 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇 𝒄 𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕
NSCP 2010
𝝓𝑷𝒏(𝐦𝐚𝐱) = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟎𝝓 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇 𝑪 𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕 NSCP 2010
𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝝓 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 Note: Above formulas are not anymore shown in NSCP 2015. 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝝓 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓
RC Columns

1. Round Ties
2. Very light spiral
3. Light spiral
4. ACI spiral
5. Heavy spiral

Behavior of spirally reinforced and tied columns

9.8 Comments on Economical Column Design as small a percentage of steel as possible) and then continue to use that same
size vertically for as many stories as possible, by increasing the steel percentage
Reinforcing bars are quite expensive, and thus the percentage of longitudinal
floor by floor as required. Furthermore, it is desirable to use the same column
reinforcement used in reinforced concrete columns is a major factor in their total
size as much as possible on each floor level. This consistency of sizes will
costs. This means that under normal circumstances, a small percentage of steel
provide appreciable savings in labor costs.
should be used (perhaps in the range of 1.5% to 3%). This can be accomplished by
using larger column sizes and/or higher-strength concretes. Furthermore, if the The usual practice for the columns of multistory reinforced concrete
percentage of bars is kept in approximately this range, it will be found that there buildings is to use one-story-length vertical bars tied together in preassembled
will be sufficient room for conveniently placing them in the columns. cages. This is the preferred procedure when the bars are 36 mm ϕ or smaller,
Higher-strength concretes can be used more economically in columns than in
where all the bars can be spliced at one location just above the floor line. For
beams. Under ordinary loads, only 30% to 40% of a beam cross section is in columns where staggered splice locations are required (as for larger-size bars),
compression, while the remaining 60% to 70% is in tension and thus assumed to be the number of splices can be reduced by using preassembled two-story cages of
cracked. This means that if a high-strength concrete is used for a beam, 60% to 70% reinforcing.
of it is wasted. For the usual column, however, the situation is quite different Unless the least column dimensions or longitudinal bar diameters control
because a much larger percentage of its cross section is in compression. As a result, tie spacings, the selection of the largest practical tie sizes will increase their
it is quite economical to use high-strength concretes for columns. Although some spacings and reduce their number. This can result in some savings. Money can
designers have used concretes with ultimate strengths as high as 130 MPa (as at also be saved by avoiding interior ties, such as the ones shown in the bottom two
Two Union Square in Seattle) for column design with apparent economy, the use of rows of columns in Figure 9.4. With no interior ties, the concrete can be placed
35-MPa to 42-MPa columns is the normal rule when higher strengths are specified more easily and lower slumps used (thus lower-cost concrete).
for columns.
In fairly short buildings, the floor slabs are often rather thin, and thus
Grade 420 reinforcing bars are generally used for best economy in the columns deflections may be a problem. As a result, rather short spans and thus close
of most structures. However, Grade 520 bars may provide better economy in high- column spacings may be used. As buildings become taller, the floor slabs will
rise structures, particularly when they are used in combination with higher- probably be thicker to help provide lateral stability. For such buildings, slab
strength concretes. deflections will not be as much of a problem, and the columns may be spaced
In general, tied columns are more economical than spiral columns, particularly farther apart.
if square or rectangular cross sections are to be used. Of course, spiral columns, Even though the columns in tall buildings may be spaced at fairly large
high-strength concretes, and high percentages of steel save floor space. intervals, they still will occupy expansive floor space. For this reason, designers
As few different column sizes as possible should be used throughout a try to place many of their columns on the building perimeters so they will not
building. In this regard, it is completely uneconomical to vary a column size from use up the valuable interior space. In addition, the omission of interior columns
floor to floor to satisfy the different loads it must support. This means that the provides more flexibility for the users for placement of partitions and also
designer may select a column size for the top floor of a multistory building (using makes large open spaces available.
 Example 9.1
Design a square tied column to support an axial dead load Design of Ties (assuming 10 mm 𝝓 bars):
D of 580 kN and an axial live load L of 900 kN. Initially
Spacing:
assume that 2% longitudinal steel is desired, 𝒇𝒄 = 28 MPa,
and fy = 420 MPa. 48ds = 48(10) = 480 mm
16db = 16(28)= 448 mm
Pu = 1.2PD + 1.6PL
hmin = 350 mm
Pu = 1.2(580) + 1.6(900)
Pu = 2,136 kN ∴ provide 10 mm 𝝓 ties @ 0.35m o.c.

𝝓𝑷𝒏(𝐦𝐚𝐱) = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟎𝝓 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄 𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕 10 mm 𝝓 ties

2,136(1,000) = 0.80(0.65) 0.85(28)(Ag - 0.02Ag) + 420 (0.02Ag) @ 0.35m o.c. 65
Ag = 129,480 mm2
129,480 = 359.8 mm
6-28mm 𝝓 220 350
∴ Use 350 mm × 350 mm (Ag = 122,500 mm2)

2,136(1,000) = 0.80(0.65) 0.85(28)(122,500 - Ast) + 420 (Ast) 65

220 65
Ast = 3,009 mm2 3,009/491 = 6.13 7-25mm 𝝓 65
350
3,009/616 = 4.88 5-28mm 𝝓
∴ provide 6-28 mm 𝝓 (Ast = 3,696 mm2)
 Example 9.2
Design a round spiral column to support an axial dead Design of Spiral (assuming 10 mm 𝝓 bars):
load PD of 1,070 kN and an axial live load PL of 1,340 kN. Dc = D - 2cc = 450 - 2(40) = 370 mm
Initially assume that approximately 2% longitudinal steel π
Ach = 4 (370)2 = 107,520 mm2
is desired, 𝒇𝒄 = 28 MPa, and fy = 420 MPa. 𝑨𝒈 𝒇𝒄
min 𝝆𝒔 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓 −𝟏
Pu = 1.2PD + 1.6PL 𝑨𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒚𝒕
Pu = 1.2(1,070) + 1.6(1,340) 159,040 𝟐𝟖
= 0.45 - 1 420 = 0.01438
Pu = 3,428 kN 107,520
4as 4(79)
s= =
𝝓𝑷𝒏(𝐦𝐚𝐱) = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝝓 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄 𝑨𝒈 − 𝑨𝒔𝒕 + 𝒇𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒕 Dc ρs 370(0.01438)
3,428(1,000) = 0.85(0.75) 0.85(28)(Ag - 0.02Ag) + 420 (0.02Ag) = 59.4 mm
Ag = 169,500 mm2 ∴ provide 10 mm 𝝓 spiral @ 50mm o.c.
π 2
4
D = 169,500 D = 465 mm
10 mm 𝝓 spiral
@ 0.050m o.c.
∴ Use 450 mm diameter column (Ag = 159,040 mm2)
7-28mm 𝝓
3,428(1,000) = 0.85(0.75) 0.85(28)(159,040 - Ast) + 420 (Ast)
Ast = 4,018 mm2 Dc = 370
40 40
∴ provide 7-28 mm 𝝓 (Ast = 4,312 mm2) 450