Base plates

AISC Manual Part 14

AISC Manual Chapter J
Base plates for Concentrically Loaded Columns
The design compressive stress in concrete or other
type of masonry footing is smaller than it in steel
columns .when steel column is supporting by footing,
it is necessary for the column load to be spread over a
sufficient area to keep the footing from being
overstressed .Loads from the steel column are
transferred through the base plate to a fairly large
area of the footing.
The typical components of a column base plate are
shown in figure below.
The base plate for steel column can be welded directly
column or they can be fastened by means of some
types of bolted angels as shown below.
Material Specifications
The AISC Specification lists a number of plate and threaded rod
materials that are structurally suitable for use in base plate and
anchor rod designs. Based on cost and availability, the materials
shown in Tables 2.1 and 2.2 are recommended for typical
building design. Base plates should be designed using ASTM
A36 material unless the availability of an alternative grade is
confirmed prior to specification. Since ASTM A36 plate is
readily available, the plates can often be cut from stock material.
There is seldom a reason to use high-strength material, since
increasing the thickness will provide increased strength where
needed. Plates are available in 1/8 in. increments up to 1 1/4 in.
thickness and in ¼ in. increments above this. The base plate sizes
specified should be standardized during design to facilitate
purchasing and cutting of the material.
Many structural engineers have established minimum
thicknesses for typical gravity columns.
For posts and light HSS columns, the minimum plate thickness
is typically ½ in., and for other structural columns a plate
thickness of ¾ in. is commonly accepted as the minimum
thickness
specified.
Anchor Rod Material

As shown in Table below , the preferred specification

for anchor rods is ASTM F1554, with Grade 36 being
the most common strength level used. The availability
of other grades should be confirmed prior to
specification. ASTM F1554 Grade 55 anchor rods are
used when there are large tension forces due to
moment connections or uplift from overturning.
ASTM F1554 Grade 105 is a special high strength rod
grade and generally should be used only when it is not
possible to develop the required strength using larger
Grade 36 or Grade 55 rods.

ASTM F1554 anchor rods are required to be color

coded to allow easy identification in the field. The
color codes are as follows:
Grade 36............................................................... Blue
Grade 55............................................................ Yellow
Grade 105.............................................................. Red
Anchor Rod Holes and Washers
The most common field problem is anchor rod
placements that either do not fit within the anchor rod
hole pattern or do not allow the column to be properly
positioned. Because OSHA requires any modification
of anchor rods to be approved by the Engineer of
Record, it is important to provide as large a hole as
possible to accommodate setting tolerances.
The AISC-recommended hole sizes for anchor rods
are given in Table 2.3.
For anchor rods for columns designed for axial
compression only, the designer may consider using a
smaller hole diameter of 1 1/16 in. with ¾ in.-
diameter rods and base plates less than 11/4 in. thick,
as allowed in Footnote 3 in Table 2.3.
Design of Base Plates for Concentric Compressive
Axial Loads
To analyze the base plate shown in figure below, the
column is assumed to apply to a total factored load of
Pu for LRFD and Pa for ASD. The load is assume
transmitted uniformly from the plate to the footing
below with pressure equal to .
For LRFD Pu /A
For ASD Pa/A
Where A is the area of the base plate.

The footing will push back with an equal pressure and

will tend to curl up the cantilever portion of the base
plate outside of the column. This pressure will tend to
push up the part of the base plate between the column
flanges.
With reference to this figure the AISC suggests that
the maximum moment in the base plate occur at a
distance of 0.8 bf and 0.90 d apart. The bending
moment can be calculated at each of these sections,
and the larger value used to calculate the plate
thickness.
Concentric Compressive Axial Loads
When a column base resists only compressive column axial
loads, the base plate must be large enough to resist the bearing
forces transferred from the base plate (concrete bearing limit),
and the base plate must be of sufficient thickness (base plate
yielding limit).
Concrete Bearing Limit
The design bearing strength on concrete is defined in ACI 318-
14, Section 22.8.3.1, as
PP = 0.85fc′A1 [on the full area of concrete support]
ASIC Eq. J8.1
The above equation is used when the supporting surface is not
larger than the base plate. When the supporting surface is wider
on all sides than the loaded area, the design bearing strength
above is permitted to be multiplied by
𝐴1
𝐴2 ≤ 2, therefore

𝑨𝟐
PP = 0.85fc′A1 [ 𝑨𝟏 ] ≤ 1.7 fc′A1 ASIC Eq. J8.2
Where
fc′ - is the 28 days compression strength of concrete
A1 = area of the base plate, in.2, and not less than the depth of the
column times its flange width (A1, min. = bf .d)
A2 = maximum area of the portion of the supporting surface that
is geometrically similar to and concentric with the loaded
area, in.2
 These equations are multiplied by the resistance
factor, ɸ, for LRFD or divided by the safety factor, Ω,
for ASD. Section J8 stipulates the ɸ and Ω factors (in
the absence of Code Regulations) for bearing on
concrete as follows:

ɸ = 0.65 (LRFD) Ω = 2.31 (ASD)

Therefore the required base plate area is

LRFD with ɸ = 0.65 ASD with Ω = 2.31

Pu =ɸ PP = ɸ(0.85fc′A1 𝟎.𝟖𝟓𝐟𝐜′𝐀𝟏
𝑨𝟐
𝑷𝒑 𝑨𝟏

𝑨𝟐
𝑷𝒂 = =
𝛀 𝛀
[ 𝑨𝟏 )]

𝑷𝒖 𝑷𝒂 𝛀
𝑨𝟏 = 𝑨𝟏 =
𝑨𝟐 𝑨𝟐
ɸ(𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟𝐜′ 𝑨𝟏 ) 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝐟𝐜′ 𝑨𝟏
After controlling the value of A1 is determined as
described above, the plate dimensions B and N are
selected to the nearest inch so that the values of m and
n shown in figure below are equal, such procedure
will make the cantilever moments in both directions
are approximately equal. This will enable us to keep
the plate thickness to a minimum.
The condition m=n can be approached if the following
equations are satisfied

𝑁 ≅ 𝐴1 + ∆
Here A1 = Area of the plate = B x N

(0.95𝑑 − 0.80𝑏𝑓 )
∆=
2
𝐴1
𝐵=
𝑁
Base Plate Thickness
To determine the required plate thickness, t, moments
are taken about the two directions as though the plate
were cantilevered out by the dimensions m and
consider the figure shown.
The moments in two direction per one inch width are,
𝑃𝑢 𝑚 𝑃𝑢 𝑚2
𝑚 =
𝐵𝑁 2 2𝐵𝑁
𝑃𝑢 𝑛 𝑃𝑢 𝑛2
𝑛 =
𝐵𝑁 2 2𝐵𝑁
In general, the required strength of the base plate can
be determined as
𝑙2
𝑀𝑝𝑙 = 𝑓𝑝𝑢 ( ) for LRFD [1-a]
2
𝑙2
𝑀𝑝𝑙 = 𝑓𝑝𝑎 ( ) for ASD [1-b]
2
Where the critical base plate cantilever dimension, l, is
the larger of m, n, and λn′,
𝑁 − 0.95𝑑
𝑚=
2
𝐵 − 0.8𝑏𝑓
𝑛=
2
′ 𝑑𝑑𝑓
λ𝑛 = λ
4
Where
N = base plate length, in. , B = base plate width,
in.,
bf = column flange width, in.
d = overall column depth, in.
n′= yield-line theory cantilever distance from column
web or column flange, in.
2 𝑋
λ= ≤ 1.0
1+ 1−𝑋

4𝑑𝑏𝑓 𝑃𝑢
𝑋=[ ] for LRFD
𝑑+𝑏𝑓 ɸ𝑐 𝑃𝑝

4𝑑𝑏𝑓 𝛺𝑃𝑎
𝑋=[ ] for ASD
𝑑+𝑏𝑓 𝑃𝑝
where
Pu = the required axial compressive load (LRFD),
kips
Pa = the required axial compressive load (ASD), kips
𝐴2
PP = 0.85fc′A1 [ 𝐴1 ]

The resisting moment per in width for plates from the

flexural formula as shown in the figure below is
𝑡 𝑡2
Mp = Fy ( 𝑥1)(t/2) = Fy
2 4

And for the entire width ,b

ɸ𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑏𝑡 2
for LRFD [2-a]
4
𝐹𝑦 𝑏𝑡 2
for ASD [2-b]
4𝛺𝑏
With ɸb = 0.9 and Ωb = 1.67
If these resisting moment in equations 1 and 2 are
equated to the maximum bending moment, the
resulting expression may be solved for the required
thickness of the plate, therefore, for b= 1 in.

LRFD with ɸb = 0.9 ASD with Ωb = 1.67

ɸ𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑏𝑡 2 𝑃𝑢 𝑙2 𝐹𝑦 𝑏𝑡 2 𝑃𝑎 𝑙 2
= =
4 2𝐵𝑁 4𝛺𝑏 2𝐵𝑁
2𝑃𝑢 3.33𝑃𝑎
𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞. =𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞. =𝑙
0.9𝐹𝑦 𝐵𝑁 𝐹𝑦 𝐵𝑁
For HSS columns, adjustments for m and n must be
made. For rectangular HSS, both m and n are
calculated using yield lines at 0.95 times the depth and
width of the HSS. For round HSS and Pipe, both m
and n are calculated using yield lines at 0.8 times the
diameter. The λ term is not used for HSS and Pipe.
Example 1
Design a base plate of a 36 steel, Fy = 36 Ksi, for a
W12x65 column (Fy = 50 Ksi) that supports the loads
PD = 200 Kip. and PL = 300 Kip. The concrete has a
compressive strength f/c = 3Ksi, and the footing has
the dimensions 9 ft x 9 ft.
Solution:
From the steel manual Table 1 , for W12x65 ,d= 12.1
in ,bf = 12.0 in
1- LRFD
Pu =1.2 PD + 1.6PL = 1.2(200) +1.6(300) = 720 K
A2 = Footing area = 12(9) x12(9) = 11664 in2
𝐴1
Determine the base plate area A1 , but 𝐴2 ≤ 2,
 𝐴1
Take 𝐴2 = 2,
𝑃𝑢 𝟕𝟐𝟎
𝐴1 = = = 217.2 𝑖𝑛2
𝐴2 (𝟎.𝟔𝟓)(𝟎.𝟖𝟓)(𝟑)(𝟐)
ɸ(0.85fc′ 𝐴1 )

The base plate area must be larger than the column

base area d.bf = 12x12. 145.2𝑖𝑛2 < 217.2 𝑖𝑛2 OK
Optimize the base plate dimensions to make m and n
approximately equal , refer to the figure below .
𝑁 ≅ 𝐴1 + ∆
Here A1 = Area of the plate = B x N
(0.95𝑑−0.80𝑏𝑓 ) (0.95𝑥12.1−0.80𝑥12)
∆= = = 0.947 in
2 2
𝑁≅ 𝐴1 + ∆ = 217.2 + 0.947 = 15.7 𝑖𝑛 say 16
in
𝐴1 217.2
𝐵= = = 13.6 in
𝑁 16

Choose a square plate, say 16 in x16 in,

Now check the bearing strength of concrete,
𝐴2
Pu =ɸ PP = ɸ (0.85fc′A1 [ 𝐴1 )]
= (0.65) (0.85) (3) (16x16) (2)
= 848 .6 Kips > 720 Kips OK
Compute the required base plate thickness
𝑁−0.95𝑑 16−0.95𝑥12.1
𝑚= = = 2.25 in
2 2
 𝐵−0.8𝑏𝑓 16−0.8𝑥12
𝑛= = = 3.20 in
2 2

𝑏𝑑𝑓 12𝑥12.1
λ𝑛′ =λ = 1.0 x = 3.01 in
4 4
l is the larger of m ,n and λ𝑛′
l= 3.2 in
2𝑃𝑢 2𝑥720
𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞. = 𝑙 = 3.2 = 1.33 𝑖𝑛
0.9𝐹𝑦 𝐵𝑁 0.9𝑥36𝑥16𝑥16
Use PL 1 1 2 𝑥16𝑥16 𝑖𝑛

2 ASD
Pa =PD + PL = 200 +300 = 500 K
A2 = Footing area = 12(9) x12(9) = 11664 in2
𝐴1
Determine the base plate area A1 , but 𝐴2 ≤ 2,

𝐴1
Take 𝐴2 = 2,
 𝑃𝑎 Ω 2.31𝑥500
𝐴1 = = = 226.5 𝑖𝑛2
𝐴2 0.85(3)(2)
0.85fc′ 𝐴1

The base plate area must be larger than the column

base area d.bf = 12x12.1 = 145.2𝑖𝑛2 < 226.5 𝑖𝑛2 OK
Optimize the base plate dimensions to make m and n
approximately equal, refer to the figure below.
𝑁 ≅ 𝐴1 + ∆
Here A1 = Area of the plate = B x N

(0.95𝑑−0.80𝑏𝑓 ) (0.95𝑥12.1−0.80𝑥12)
∆= = = 0.947 in
2 2
𝑁≅ 𝐴1 + ∆ = 226.5 + 0.947 = 16.0 𝑖𝑛 say 16
in
𝐴1 226.5
𝐵= = = 14.2 in
𝑁 16

Choose a square plate, say 16 in x16 in,

Now check the bearing strength of concrete,
𝐴2
𝑃𝑝 0.85fc′A1 𝐴1 0.85(3)(16)(16)(2)
= = = 565.2 Kips >
Ω Ω 2.31
500 Kips OK
Compute the required base plate thickness
𝑁−0.95𝑑 16−0.95𝑥12.1
𝑚= = = 2.25 in
2 2

𝐵−0.8𝑏𝑓 16−0.8𝑥12
𝑛= = = 3.20 in
2 2
𝑏𝑑𝑓 12𝑥12.1
λ𝑛′ = λ = 1.0 x = 3.01 in
4 4
larger of m ,n and λ𝑛′
l is the
l= 3.2 in
3.33𝑃𝑎 3.33𝑥500
𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞. = 𝑙 = 3.2 = 1.36 in
𝐹𝑦 𝐵𝑁 36𝑥16𝑥16
Use PL 1 1 2 𝑥16𝑥16 𝑖𝑛

Example 2
Design a base plate of a 36 steel, Fy = 36 Ksi, for a
W12x152 column (Fy = 50 Ksi) that supports the loads
PD = 200 Kip. and PL = 450 Kip. The concrete has a
compressive strength f/c = 3Ksi. The base plate is
designed to cover the entire footing pedestal
underneath.
Solution:
From the steel manual Table 1 , for W12x152 ,d= 13.7
in ,bf = 12.5 in
1- LRFD
Pu =1.2 PD + 1.6PL = 1.2(200) +1.6(450) = 960 K
Determine the base plate area A1
Since the base plate is designed to cover the entire
footing pedestal underneath.
𝐴1
𝐴2 = 1,

𝑃𝑢 960
𝐴1 = = = 579.2 𝑖𝑛2
𝐴2 (0.65)(0.85)(3)(1)
ɸ(0.85fc′ 𝐴1 )

The base plate area must be larger than the column

base area d.bf = 13.7x12.5 = 171.2𝑖𝑛2 < 579.2 𝑖𝑛2
OK
Optimize the base plate dimensions to make m and n
approximately equal,
𝑁 ≅ 𝐴1 + ∆
Here A1 = Area of the plate = B x N

(0.95𝑑−0.80𝑏𝑓 ) (0.95𝑥13.7−0.80𝑥12.5)
∆= = = 1.51 in
2 2
𝑁≅ 𝐴1 + ∆ = 579.2 + 1.51 = 25.6 𝑖𝑛 say 26 in
𝐴1 579.2
𝐵= = = 22.3 in say 23in
𝑁 26
Choose a plate, 26in x 23 in ,
Now check the bearing strength of concrete,
𝐴2
Pu =ɸ PP = ɸ (0.85fc′A1 [ 𝐴1 )]
= (0.65) (0.85) (3) (26x23) (1)
= 991.2 Kips > 960 Kips OK
Compute the required base plate thickness
𝑁−0.95𝑑 26−0.95𝑥13.7
𝑚= = = 6.49 in
2 2
𝐵−0.8𝑏𝑓 23−0.8𝑥12.5
𝑛= = = 6.5 in
2 2

𝑑𝑑𝑓 13.7𝑥12.5
λ𝑛′ =λ = 1.0 x = 3.27 in
4 4
l is the larger of m ,n and λ𝑛′
l= 6.5 in
2𝑃𝑢 2𝑥960
𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞. = 𝑙 = 6.5 = 2.05 𝑖𝑛
0.9𝐹𝑦 𝐵𝑁 0.9𝑥36𝑥26𝑥23

Use PL 2 1 8 𝑥26𝑥23 𝑖𝑛
Example 3
A HSS 10x10x5/16 with Fy = 46 Ksi is used to support
a service dead load of 100 Kips and alive of 150 Kips
.A spread footing underneath is 9ft x9ft and consists a
reinforced concrete of 4000 psi .Design a base plate
for this column with A36 steel.
Solution-
Pu =1.2 PD + 1.6PL = 1.2(100) +1.6(150) = 360 K
Try a base plate extending 4 in. from the face of
column in each side , that is an 18x18 in plate
Determine the available strength of concrete footing
A1 = (18) (18) = 324 in2
A2 = (9x12) (9x12) = 11664 in2
𝐴2
PP = 0.85fc′A1 [ 𝐴1 ] ≤ 1.7 fc′A1
11664
PP = 0.85(4) (324) [ 324] = 6609.6 K
Since 11664 324 = 6.0 > 2.0
∴PP = 1.7 fc′A1 = 1.7 (4) (324) = 2203.2 K

ɸ Pp= 0.65 x 2203.2 = 1432.1 K

Determine plate thickness, since the plate is a squared
plate
𝑁−0.95(𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑆𝑆)
𝑚=𝑛= =
2
16−0.95𝑥10
= 4.25 in
Note that these values of m and n are both less than
the distance from the center of the base plate to the
center of HSS walls. However, the moment in the
plate outside the wall is greater than the moment in the
plate between the walls as shown in the figure below,

2𝑃𝑢
𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑞. = 𝑙 =
0.9𝐹𝑦 𝐵𝑁

2𝑥360
4.25 =
0.9𝑥36𝑥18𝑥18
1.11 𝑖𝑛

Use PL 1 1 4 𝑥18𝑥18 𝑖𝑛
Beam – Bearing Plates
The material used for a beam support can be concrete,
brick, or some other material, but it usually will be
concrete. This material must resist the bearing load
applied by the steel plate. The nominal bearing
strength specified in AISC J8 is the same as that given
in the American Concrete Institute’s Building Code
(ACI, 2008) and may be used if no other building code
requirements are in effect. If the plate covers the full
area of the support, the nominal strength is