E702.

Designing Concrete Structures:

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete
Columns

American Concrete Institute

Advancing concrete knowledge

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

2-1/2"

Problem Statement: Draw a interaction diagram for a 12" x 12" non- slender tied(non-spiral) column reinforced
w/ 4 - # 8 bars bending around it's x-axis.
Y

f'c = 4000 psi

b = 12"

fy = 60000 psi

2-1/2"

7"

h = 12"

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes
Calculate Pnmax

Due to the fact concrete structures placed monolithically are continuous, a

minimum eccentricity or minimum moment is assummed in this calculation, the
code reduces the maximum axial load by 20% to account for this minimum
moment.

Pn = .8 [.85 f ' c (Ag Ast ) + Ast f y ]

(Eq. 1-1)

Ag = b h = 12"12"
Ag =

Section R10.3.6
&
R10.3.7

Section 10.3.6.2
Eq (10-2)

144 in2

(Area of 1 - #8 bar = .79 in2)

Ast = (4 * .79) =
Find

2
3.16 in

0.65

Pn = .8(.65)[.85(4ksi)(144in 2 3.16in 2 ) + 3.16in 2 (60ksi)]

Pnmax =
Calculate points
on curve

347.60 kips

It is possible to derive a group of equations to evaluate the strength of columns

subjected to combined bending and axial loads. These equations are tedious to
use, therefore interaction diagrams for columns are generally computed by
assuming a series of strain distributions. These strain distributions correspond fo
a particular point on the interaction diagram, P and M.
Each steel strain is selected by multiplying an arbitrary "Z" factor
and the yield strain of your steel.

s1 = Z y

(Eq. 1-2)

The "Z" factors can range from 1 to -1000 and increments between "Z"
depend on the required detail of diagram. The smaller the increment
the more detailed the diagram will be.

Section 9.3.2.2

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

With the wide range of possible "Z" factors, every designer must understand there
are four mandatory points that must be calculated for each interaction
diagram.These four points "Z" factors are 0, -0.5,-1.0,,-2.5, the importance of each
point will now be discussed.

Z = 0 (s1 = 0) - Strain t = 0 in extreme layer in tension. This point marks the

change from compression lap splice being allowed on all longitudinal bars to a
tension lap splice.
Z = -0.5 (fs1 = -0.5fy, s1 = -0.5y) This strain distribution affects the length of
tension lap splice in a column & is customarily plotted on an interaction diagram.

Z = -1.0 (fs1 = -fy, s1 = -y) This is the point of balanced failure. This strain
distribution marks the change from compression failures originating by crushing
of the compression surface of the section to tension failures initiated by yield of
the longitudinal reinforcement.
- Also marks beginning of transition zone for for columns in which increases
from 0.65 or 0.70 up to 0.90
Z = -2.5 (-2.417 if y = .00207) This point corresponds to the tension controlled
strain limit of 0.005.
For this example points will be calculated in the compression controlled
zone, (one with the column entirely in compression) (Z = 0.9, -0.5), the tension
controlled zone (Z = -5.0) and the transition zone (Z = -1.1).

2/20/2007

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

Compression
Controlled zone

s1 y

Section 10.3.3

Strain in reinforcement and concrete shall be assumed directly proportional to the

distance from the neutral axis "c"

Section 10.2.2

s1

s2

d2
d1
Figure 1.1 - Strain curve for a column entirely in compression
d1 = 9.50 in
d2 = 2.50 in

Given:
Calculate Pn &
Mn for point in
compression
contolled zone &
column entirely in
compression

Z = .9

c =

0.003

f y = Es y y =

y =
Calculate s1
Strain in 1st row
of steel

Es = 29000 ksi
As1 = 1.58 in2
As2 = 1.58 in2

Section 10.2.3

fy
Es

60ksi
29000ksi

(Eq. 1-3)

Section 10.2.4

0.002069

Using Equation 1-2, from previous page calculate s1

s1 = .9(.002069)

s1 =

0.001862

As shown in Figure 1.1: "c" (distance from extreme compression fiber to neutral
axis) can be calculated using similar triangles.
Calculate C

9.5"
d1

= .003
c = .003

.003 .001862
.003 s1

c =
Calculate "a"
(equivalent stress
block)

25.05 in

a = 1C

For f'c 4000 psi

a=

ah

(Eq. 1-5)

For f'c 4000 psi

1 =

(Eq. 1-4)

0.85

"a' must be less than depth of

column

1 = .85
1 = .85 .05( f ' c 4000 )
1 .65
a = .85(25.05") = 21.29" 12"

12.000 in
4

Section 10.2.7.1
Section 10.2.7.3

(Eq. 1-6)

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

Calculate s2
Strain in 2nd row
of steel

As shown in Figure 1.1: s2 can be calculated using similar triangles.

C d2
25.05"2.5"
s 2 = .003
= .003

C
25.05"
s2 =

Calculate stress
in each row of
steel (fs1 & fs2)

0.002701

f sx = sx E s

f sx f y

(Eq. 1-8)

Section 10.2.4

f s 2 = .002701(29000ksi) = 78.33 60

f s1 = .001862(29000ksi)

f s 2 = 60 ksi

f s1 = 54 ksi
Calculate force in
each row of steel

(eq. 1-7)

Fx = f sx Asx
Fx = Asx ( f sx .85 f 'c )

Tension Steel:

(Eq. 1-9)

(Eq. 1-10)
Compression Steel:
(must subtract concrete stress when in compression since concrete will be
replaced by steel)

F1 = 1.58in 2 (54ksi .85(4ksi))

F1 =

F2 = 1.58in 2 (60ksi .85(4ksi))

F2 = 89.43 kips

79.95 kips

.85f'c
b

a
a

Cc

/2

Figure 1.2 - Equivalent rectangular stress block diagram

An average stress of .85 f'c is assumed uniformily distributed over an equivalent
compression zone.
Caclulate Cc
(Concrete
Compression
Force)

Using Figure 1.2 - Caclulate Cc

Cc = .85 f 'c ab = .85(4ksi)(12")(12")

C c = 489.60 kips

(Eq. 1-11)

Section 10.2.6
Section 10.2.7
Section 10.2.7.1

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

b/2 = 6"
Calculate Pn & Mn
by applying forces
to free body
diagram

Pn
Mn

79.95 kips

89.43 kips
489.60 kips

d2 = 2.5"
a/2 = 6"

d1 = 9.5"
Figure 1.3: Column free body diagram for a "Z" of .9
Using Figure 1.3, Calculate Pn by summing vertical forces:

Fv = 0 = 79.95kips + 489.60kips + 89.43kips Pn

Pn = 658.98 kips
Using Figure 1.3 from previous page, calculate Mn by summing moments about
steel in line d1: (counterclockwise being positive moment)

M = 0 =

489.6kips(3.5") 89.43kips(7") 658.98kips(3.5")

+

Mn
12"
12"
12"
1'
1'
1'

Moment arms will be in inches, must convert to feet for desired Units.

M n = 2.82 kip-ft
Calculate Pn &
Mn

= .65

Section 9.3.2.2

Pn = (.65)658.98

Pn =

428.33 kips

M n =

1.83 kip-ft

M n = (.65)2.82
Point on curve for "Z" = .9

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

s1

s2
d2

d1

Figure 1.4 - Strain curve for a column in compression & tension

Calculate Pn &
Mn (column in
compression &
tension)

d1 = 9.50 in
d2 = 2.50 in

Given:

Es = 29000 ksi
As1 = 1.58 in2
As2 = 1.58 in2
Z = -.5

Calculate s1
Strain in 1st row
of steel

Calculate C

c =

0.003

y =

0.002069

s1 = .5(.002069)

s1 =

-0.001034

9.5"

c = .003
.003 ( .001034)

(Eq. 1-2)
(Eq. 1-4)

c = 7.06 in

1 =
Calculate "a"

a = .85(7.06") = 6.00" 12"

a=
Calculate s2
Strain in 2nd row
of steel

steel (fs1 & fs2)

(Eq. 1-5)

6.004 in

7.06"2.5"

7.06"

s 2 = .003
s2 =

Calculate stress
in each row of

0.85

(eq. 1-7)

0.001938

f s1 = .001034(29000ksi)

f s 2 = .001938(29000ksi)

f s 2 = 56.21 kips

f s1 = -30.00 ksi

F1 = 1.58in 2 ( 30ksi)
F2 = 1.58in 2 (56.21ksi .85(4ksi))

Calculate force in
each row of steel

F1 =

(Eq. 1-8)

F2 = 83.44 kips

-47.40 kips
7

(Eq. 1-9)
(Eq. 1-10)

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

Caclulate Cc

Cc = .85(4ksi)(6.004")(12")

(Eq. 1-11)

Section 10.2.6

C c = 244.98 kips
b/2 = 6"
Calculate Pn & Mn
by applying forces
to free body
diagram

Pn
Mn

83.44 kips

-47.4 kips

244.98 kips
d2 = 2.5"
a/2 = 3.002"
d1 = 9.5"

Figure 1.5: Column free body diagram for a "Z" of -.5

Tensile strength of concrete shall be neglected in axial and flexural calculations of
reinforced concrete.
Using Figure 1.5 , calculate Pn by summing vertical forces:

Fv = 0 = 47.4kips + 244.98kips + 83.44kips Pn

Pn =

281.02 kips

Using Figure 1.5, calculate Mn by summing moments about steel in line d1:
(counterclockwise being positive moment)

M = 0 =

244.98kips(6.5") 83.44kips(7") 281.02kips(3.5")

+

Mn
12"
12"
12"
1'
1'
1'

M n = 99.41 kip-ft
Calculate Pn &
Mn

= .65
Pn = (.65)281.02

Pn =

182.67 kips

M n =

64.62 kip-ft

M n = (.65)99.41
Point on curve for "Z" = -.5

Section 10.2.5

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

.002 s1 .005

Transition Zone
Calculate Pn &
Mn (column in
compression &
tension)

Calculate s1
Strain in 1st row
of steel
Calculate C

d1 = 9.50 in
d2 = 2.50 in

Given:

c =

0.003

y =

0.002069

s1 = 1.1(.002069 )

1 =

Calculate stress
in each row of
steel (fs1 & fs2)

0.85
(Eq. 1-5)

4.590 in

5.40"2.5"

5.40"

s 2 = .003
s2 =

(eq. 1-7)

0.001612

f s1 = .002276(29000ksi) = 66 60ksi
f s 2 = .001612(29000ksi)

(Eq. 1-8)
(Eq. 1-8)

f s 2 = 46.75 kips

F1 = 1.58in 2 ( 60ksi)

F2 = 1.58in (46.75ksi .85(4ksi))

2

F1 =
Caclulate Cc

(Eq. 1-4)

5.40 in

f s1 = -60.00 ksi
Calculate force in
each row of steel

5.401961

a = .85(5.4") = 4.59" 12"

a=
Calculate s2
Strain in 2nd row
of steel

s1 =

9.5"

c = .003
.003 ( .002276)

c=
Calculate "a"
(equivalent stress
block)

Es = 29000 ksi
As1 = 1.58 in2
As2 = 1.58 in2

(Eq. 1-9)
(Eq. 1-10)

F2 = 68.49 kips

-94.80 kips

Cc = .85(4ksi)(4.59")(12")

C c = 187.27 kips

(Eq. 1-11)

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

b/2 = 6"
Calculate Pn & Mn
by applying forces
to free body
diagram

Pn
Mn

68.49 kips

-94.8 kips

187.27 kips

a/2 = 2.295"
d2 = 2.5"
d1 = 9.5"
Figure 1.6: Column free body diagram for a "Z" of -1.1

Using Figure 1.6, calculate Pn by summing vertical forces:

Fv = 0 = 94.8kips + 68.49kips + 187.27 kips Pn

Pn =

160.96 kips

Using Figure 1.6 calculate Mn by summing moments about steel in line d1:
(counterclockwise being positive moment)

M = 0 =

187.27kips(7.205") 68.49kips(7") 160.96kips(3.5")

+

Mn
12"
12"
12"
1'
1'
1'

M n = 105.45 kip-ft
Calculate Pn &
Mn

250
250
= .65 + (.002276 .002 )
= .673
3
3

= .65 + ( s1 .002 )

M n = (.673)105.45

Pn = (.673)160.96

Pn =

108.33 kips

M n =

70.97 kip-ft

Point on curve for "Z" = -1.1

10

Figure R9.3.2

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

Tension Controlled
Zone

s1 .005

Calculate Pn &
Given:
Mn for point in
Tension controlled
zone & column in
compression &
tension

Calculate s1
Strain in 1st row
of steel

Calculate C

d1 = 9.50 in
d2 = 2.50 in

As2 = 1.58 in2

Z = -5

c =

0.003

y =

0.002069

s1 = 5(.002069)

1 =

in each row of
steel (fs1 & fs2)

2.14 in
0.85

(Eq. 1-7)

-0.000505

f s1 = .010345(29000ksi) = 300 60ksi

f s 2 = .000505(29000ksi)

F1 = 1.58in 2 ( 60ksi)
F1 =

Caclulate Cc

(Eq. 1-5)

1.819 in

f s1 = -60.00 ksi
Calculate force in
each row of steel

(Eq. 1-8)
(Eq. 1-8)

f s 2 = -14.65 kips

F2 = 1.58in 2 ( 14.65ksi)

(Eq. 1-9)

F2 = -23.15 kips

-94.80 kips

Cc = .85(4ksi)(1.819")(12")

Cc =

(Eq. 1-2)

(Eq. 1-4)

2.14"2.5"
s 2 = .003

2.14"
s2 =

Calculate stress

-0.010345

a = .85(2.14") = 1.819" 12"

a=
Calculate s2
Strain in 2nd row
of steel

s1 =

9.5"

c = .003
.003 ( .010345)
c=

Calculate "a"

Es = 29000 ksi
As1 = 1.58 in2

74.22 kips

11

(Eq. 1-11)

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

b/2 = 6"
Calculate Pn & Mn
by applying forces
to free body
diagram

Pn
Mn

-23.15 kips

-94.8 kips

74.22 kips

a/2 = .91"
d2 = 2.5"
d1 = 9.5"
Figure 1.7: Column free body diagram for a "Z" of -5

Using Figure 1.7, calculate Pn by summing vertical forces:

Fv = 0 = 94.8kips 23.15kips + 74.22kips Pn

Pn =

-43.73 kips

Using Figure 1.7 calculate Mn by summing moments about steel in line d1:
(counterclockwise being positive moment)

M = 0 =

74.22kips(8.59") 23.15kips(7") 43.73kips(3.5")

Mn
12"
12"
12"
1'
1'
1'

M n = 52.38 kip-ft
Calculate Pn &
Mn

= .9

Section 9.3.2.2

M n = (.9)52.38

Pn = (.9 )( 43.73)

Pn =

-39.36 kips

M n =

47.14 kip-ft

Point on curve for "Z" = -5

12

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

Calculate Pnt

When column is entirely in tension the designer shall assume the concrete in the
column will not contribute to tension strength, only reinforcement shall resist
tension.

Section 10.2.5

Pnt = Ast f y
(Area of 1 - #8 bar = .79 in2)
2
3.16 in

Ast = (4 * .79) =

Pnt = 3.16in 2 (60ksi)

Pnt = -189.60 kips

Find

0.9

Section 9.3.2.2

Pnt = .9( 189.6kips)

Pnt = -170.64 kips

s1

Pn

Mn

0.002069
0.0018621
-0.001034
-0.002276
-0.010345

347.60
347.60
182.67
108.33
-39.36
-170.64

0.00
1.83
64.62
70.97
47.14
0.00

Column Interaction Diagram

400.00

300.00

200.00

Pn (Kips)

Draw interaction
diagram using
points calculated.

100.00

0.00
0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

-100.00

-200.00
Mn (k-ft)

13

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

E702 Example Problems

Interaction Diagrams for Concrete Columns

2/20/2007

D.D. Reynolds ,K.W. Kramer

ACI-318 05
Reference

Notes

Finally an actual iteraction diagram will be shown with using more values of "Z", to
get a more detailed curve.

Column Interaction Diagram

400.00

300.00

Pn (Kips)

200.00

100.00

0.00
0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

-100.00

-200.00
Mn (k-ft)

14

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00