Now a days RCC columns are widely used ,here is the detail about it.

The size of the columns depends on the total load on the columns.

Minimum size of the column should not be less than 9”x9”.

9”x9” column size is to be used for 1 and half storey structure, with M20 (1:1.5:3)
(cement : sand : aggregate ) grade concrete.

A safe and structurally sound column size for a 1 and half storey structure should
not be less than 12”x9” using M15 grade concrete. This should be in your most
preferred and practical options list.

Distance between the columns

Try to maintain equal distance between the centres of two columns. Always plan a
column layout on a grid.

The distance between two columns of size 9”x9” should not be more than 4m centre
to centre of column.

If larger barrier free distances are required then going for larger column size is to be
used.

The size of the columns increase because of two factors:

1 . Increase in the distance between two columns (This increases the dimensions of
the columns as well the depth of the beam.)
2 . Height of the building (Increase in the number of floors is directly proportional to
the dimensions of the columns.

Alignment of Columns

A rectangular grid is to be made for placing the columns. This helps in avoiding
mistakes and placing in columns can be done in the right way.

The columns can preferably be arranged in two different fashions:

1 . In a straight line with the help of a grid

2 . In a circular fashion for circular buildings.

Zigzag arrangement of columns is an absolutely wrong way of working out Structural

design. It should be remembered that when columns are erected, beams are laid
connecting the columns.

The Zigzag column placement causes three major issues:

1 . Unbalanced load transfer

2 . Problems in wall construction
3 . Problems in laying beams

(This picture shows a rough design of columns for multistory buildings )

How to calculate the total loads on a column and corresponding footing?

This article has been written on the request from my readers. Engineering students generally get confused when
it comes to calculating loads for column and footings design. The manual process is simple.

Types of loads on column

1. Self weight of the column x Number of floors
2. Self weight of beams per running meter
3. Load of walls per running meter
4. Total Load of slab (Dead load + Live load + Self weight)

The columns are also subjected to bending moments which have to be considered in the final design. The best
way to design a good structure is to use advanced structural design software like ETABS or STAAD Pro. These
tools are leagues ahead of manual methodology for structural design, and highly recommended.

In professional practice, there are some basic assumptions we use for structural loading calculations.

For Columns
Self weight of Concrete is around 2400 kg per cubic meter, which is equivalent to 240 kN. Self weight of Steel is
around 8000 kg per cubic meter. Even if we assume a large column size of 230 mm x 600 mm with 1% steel and
3 meters standard height, the self weight of column is around 1000 kg per floor, which is equivalent to 10 kN. So,
in my calculations, I assume self weight of column to be between 10 to 15 kN per floor.
For Beams
 Similar calculations as above. I assume each meter of beam has dimensions of 230 mm x 450 mm excluding
slab thickness. So, the self weight can be around 2.5 kN per running meter.
For Walls
Density of bricks varies between 1500 to 2000 kg per cubic meter. For a 6″ thick wall of 3 meter height and a
length of 1 meter, we can calculate the load per running meter to be equal to 0.150 x 1 x 3 x 2000 = 900 kg which
is equivalent to 9 kN/meter. You can calculate load per running meter for any brick type using this technique.
For autoclaved, aerated concrete blocks like Aerocon or Siporex, the weight per cubic meter is between 550 to
700 kg per cubic meter. By using these blocks for construction, the wall loads per running meter can be as low
as 4 kN/meter, which can result in a significant reduction in the cost of construction.
For Slab
Assume the slab has a thickness of 125 mm. Now each square meter of slab would have a self weight of 0.125 x
1 x 2400 = 300 kg which is equivalent to 3 kN. Now, assume Finishing load to be 1 kN per meter and
superimposed live load to be 2 kN per meter. So, we can calculate slab load to be around 6 to 7 kN per square
meter.
Factor of Safety
In the end, after calculating the entire load on a column, please do not forget to add in the factor of safety. For IS
456:2000, the factor of safety is 1.5.
You can use RCC Column Design app to calculate steel required for the calculated axial load using this method.

Rules for Designation of RCC Columns

Three thumb rules to be followed are as follows:

1. Size of the Columns

2. Distance between Columns

3. Alignment of columns

Thumb rule no.1

Size of the columns

The size of the columns depends on the total load on the columns.

Minimum size of the column should not be less than 9”x9”.

9”x9” columns are to be used for a single storey structure with M15 grade of concrete.

In case, 9”x9” column size is to be used for 1 and half storey structure, then it is advised to use
M20 grade concrete.

A safe and structurally sound column size for a 1 and half storey structure should not be less
than 12”x9” using M15 grade concrete. This should be in your most preferred and practical
options list.

Thumb rule no.2

 Distance between the columns
Try to maintain equal distance between the centers of two columns. Always plan a column layout
on a grid.

The distance between two columns of size 9”x9” should not be more than 4m centre to centre of
column.

If larger barrier free distances are required then going for larger column size is to be used.

The size of the columns increase because of two factors:

1. Increase in the distance between two columns (This increases the dimensions of the columns as
well the depth of the beam.)

2. Height of the building (Increase in the number of floors is directly proportional to the dimensions
of the columns.

Thumb rule no.3

Alignment of Columns
A rectangular grid is to be made for placing the columns. This helps in avoiding mistakes and
placing in columns can be done in the right way.

The columns can preferably be arranged in two different fashions:

1. In a straight line with the help of a grid

2. In a circular fashion for circular buildings.

Zigzag arrangement of columns is an absolutely wrong way of working out Structural design. It
should be remembered that when columns are erected, beams are laid connecting the columns.

The Zigzag column placement causes three major issues:

1. Unbalanced load transfer

2. Problems in wall construction

3. Problems in laying beams

If these three thumb rules are followed by Civil Engineering and Architecture students,
implementation of wrong Structural design can be prevented.

Posted by Prashant at 2:17 AM

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