CE 72 Design of Concrete Structures 2

PEACI
____________________________________________________________________________

MODULE
INTRODUCTION TO
COLUMNS
1
____________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: _____________________________________________________

Contact Number: _____________________________________________

Prepared by: ENGR. ABDUL AZIZ I. OMAR

College Instructor, Civil Engineering Department

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MODULE
1 LESSON 1 LESSON 2

Course Overview
A professional course common to all civil engineering students designed to provide fundamental
concepts, principles, and theories in the structural analysis and design of plain, reinforced, and pre-stressed
concrete elements in a structure. This course deals with the study on concrete behavior and analysis. This
course will tackle the different failures that occur in different concrete structures i.e. Beams, Slabs,
Columns, Walls, etc.

Credit: 3.0 units

TIME FRAME Day 1-4 3 hours

WEEK 1 Day 1 CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Columns

Lesson 1: Types of Columns and the ACI Code

Day 2 Lesson 2: Design Formulas for Columns

Course Objectives
At the end of the semester, the students are expected to be able to:
1. Understand the in-depth stress-strain characteristics of concrete for all stages of loading
2. Evaluate the strength of structural plain, reinforced, or prestressed concrete elements in axial
loading, bending, shear, and torsion under pseudo-elastic and inelastic stages of loading
3. Apply allowable strength and load-and-resistance factor design methods for reinforced and
prestressed concrete

Evaluation Schemes

Weekly Attendance 5%
Module Activities 10%
Chapter Exams 25%
Prelim Exam(s) 20%
Midterm Exam(s) 20%
Final Exam(s) 20%
100%

Grading Scheme:

0 – 49.99 5.00

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 50.00 – 55.55 3.00
55.56 – 61.11 2.75
61.12 – 66.67 2.50
66.68 – 72.23 2.25
72.24 – 77.79 2.00
77.80 – 83.35 1.75
83.36 – 88.91 1.50
88.92 – 94.47 1.25
94.48 – 100 1.00

Course Requirements
a. Active Class Participation
b. Completion of Modular Activities
c. Chapter Exams
d. Major Exams

Teaching Methods and Strategies

a. Lectures and Class Discussions
b. Board Works and Exercises

References
• Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, National Structural Code of the Philippines
(NSCP C101, Vol. 1 Buildings and Other Vertical Structures), 7th Ed., 2016
• American Concrete Institute, ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete, latest
edition
• McCormac, Jack C, Design of Reinforced Concrete, 7th Ed., 2005, John Wiley & Sons
• Nilson, Arthur H. and Winter, George et. Al, Design of Concrete Structures, 13th Ed., 2000, Mc-
Graw Hill, Inc
• Wang. Chu Kia and Salmon, Charles C., Reinforced Concrete Design, 6th Ed., 1998, Addison-
Wesley
• DIT Gillesania, Fundamental Reinforced Concrete Design, 2nd Ed. DIT Gillesania

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CHAPTER
1 LESSON 1

Chapter Learning Outcome:

1. Preparation for the more complex design and analysis of columns
2. Familiarization of the different formulas used in design of columns, both geometrical and empirical
(provided by the codes)
3. Introduction to the proper usage of the interaction diagram for column design

Types of Columns
Columns are defined as members that carry load chiefly in compression (Nilson, 2000). These are
vertical components that mainly resist compressive stresses in buildings, bridges and other structures. As
mentioned, the concept of a column is based on resisting compressive forces but as we progress through
this topic we will learn that there are other factors to consider in the design; such as failure due to bending
moment as well as shear failure.

Columns can be classified into three main types; i.e. pedestals, short columns, and long or slender
columns. The classification of these types of columns depend on the function of the column provided in the
ACI code. These provisions will be stated in another section within this text.
1. Short compression blocks – otherwise known as pedestals are unreinforced or plain concrete used
mainly to resist compressive stresses transmitted to it via any form of structure. According to the
code, “If the height of an upright compression member is less than three times its least lateral
dimensions, it may be considered to be a pedestal.” In equation form, it may be written as 𝐻 < 3𝑐.
2. 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 support is controlled by the
dimensions of the cross section and the strength of the materials from which it was constructed. We
think of a short column as being a rather stocky member with little flexibility.
3. Long or slender reinforced concrete columns – as columns become more slender, bending
deformations will increase, as will the resulting secondary moments. If these moments are of such
magnitude as to significantly reduce the axial load capacities of columns, those columns are referred
to as being long or slender.

The design of columns lean towards failures caused by two reactions. When a column is loaded
vertically and axially (theoretical assumption) it tends to shorten in its overall vertical height as well as
expand laterally, as shown in Figure-1.1. These failures are considered as the main reason for the
arrangement of the following rebars.

Columns come in two types according to use and the overall nature of the structure built. We have
the tied and the spiral columns as shown in Figure-1.2. Tied columns are the most common type of column
often used in construction. This is due to its overall simplicity in design as well as the ease in arranging the
concrete forms during construction. The reinforcements for tied columns are the basic longitudinal

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reinforcing bars which helps strengthen the concrete column in resisting both axial and bending stresses.
The longitudinal rebars are further reinforced by ties, thus its name, to resist lateral expansion. Spiral
columns are stronger in compression than tied columns. This type of column is commonly used in concrete
structures laid out in areas prone to lateral movements such as those caused by seismic actions (e.g.
earthquakes). Spirals are used to reinforce its lateral surfaces which provides for a sturdier concrete column
core thus significantly increasing the concrete column’s ability to resist both axial and bending stresses.

Figure 1.1 Occurring deformations in concrete columns

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 Figure 1.2 Types of columns

Axial Capacity in Columns

In actual practice, there are no perfect axially loaded columns, but a discussion of such members
provide an excellent starting point for explaining the theory involved in designing real columns with their
eccentric loads (McCormac, 2014). Columns cannot be loaded (perfectly) axially due to the natural state of
load transmissions in concrete to vary as concrete is not a perfect homogenous material. We will learn more
about this in the next chapters.

The axial capacity in columns correspond directly to its ultimate or nominal strength in axial
loading denoted by 𝑃𝑛 . Considering a rectangular column;

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 Figure 1.3 A rectangular tied column cross-section

𝑃𝑛 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 + 𝑃𝑠𝑡

𝑃𝑛 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 + 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑡

𝑃𝑛 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑡

Where;

𝑃𝑛 = nominal strength

𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 = area of the concrete (only)

𝐴𝑠𝑡 = area of the longitudinal steel reinforcing bars

𝐴𝑔 = area gross

It is commonly known that concrete fails first rather than the steel. Although in columns, it goes a
bit more complicated than that. Referring to Figure-1.3 the concrete in columns, due to the presence of the
ties (lateral reinforcement), can be subdivided into two; namely the core and the shell. These two
components behave differently. After various tests done by engineers in the laboratory, it is observed that
the concrete shell 𝐴𝑠ℎ tends to fail first before the concrete core 𝐴𝑐 . This is especially true for spiral columns
given that spiral reinforcements are closely spaced resulting to a very intact concrete core thus increasing

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the overall (ultimate) strength of the 𝐴𝑐 . The code provides us with the geometrical equation for the strength
of the concrete shell:

shell strength = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑐 )

Due to the nature of spiral columns to have a stronger core than shell, even if the shell spalls off
this does not necessarily mean that the column fails unless the core also fails. Unfortunately for engineers,
in real life situations building codes provide provisions on the visual failure of columns such that spalling
off of the outer concrete (shell) will directly mean failure resulting to evacuation of the building structure
as top priority. This does not bide well with the economics of the spiral design. Why spend more on spiral
steel for the core when the shell visually determines the failure of a column? This dilemma lead engineers
to think of the most economical way to go about this problem which resulted to letting the spiral steel as
low as possible to let the strength of the core to be only a bit stronger than the strength of the shell. Finally,
this lead to the provisions made by the ACI on the matter.

According to the code, the spiral steel is at least twice as effective in increasing the strength of the
ultimate column capacity as is longitudinal steel. Thus, from the steel ratio of the spirals 𝜌𝑠 ;

𝐴𝑠
𝜌𝑠 =
𝐴𝑒

In columns, the effective area is the concrete core due to the fact that it is stronger than the shell
thus carrying more of the load. Therefore, 𝐴𝑒 = 𝐴𝑐

𝐴𝑠
𝜌𝑠 =
𝐴𝑐

2𝜌𝑠 𝐴𝑐 = 𝐴𝑠
𝑃𝑠
2𝜌𝑠 𝐴𝑐 =
𝑓𝑦𝑡

𝑃𝑠 (spiral strength) = 2𝜌𝑠 𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡

Now to achieve an economic design, we let shell strenght ≤ spiral strenght and taking in the
equality equation;

0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑐 ) = 2𝜌𝑠 𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡

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 0.85 𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑐′
𝜌𝑠 = ( )( )
2 𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡

𝐴𝑔 𝑓𝑐′
𝜌𝑠 = 0.425 ( − 1) ⋅
𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡

But, to ensure that the spiral is just a little bit stronger than the concrete shell, the ACI code provides
us with a minimum spiral steel ratio equation.
𝐴𝑔 𝑓𝑐′
𝜌𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.45 ( − 1) ⋅
𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡

The code also provides the following equation;

4𝑎𝑠 (𝐷𝑐 − 𝑑𝑏 )
𝜌𝑠 =
𝑠𝐷𝑐2

Where,

𝑎𝑠 = area of the spiral later reinforcement

𝐷𝑐 = diameter of the core

𝑑𝑏 = diameter of the spiral

𝑠 = pitch or spacing on centers

Code Requirements for Cast-in-Place Columns

The ACI Code specifies quite a few limitations on the dimensions, reinforcing, lateral restraint, and
other items pertaining to concrete columns. Some of the most important limitations are as follows.

1. The percentage of longitudinal reinforcement may not be less than 1% of the gross cross-
sectional area of a column (ACI Code 10.9.1). It is felt that if the amount of steel is less than
1%, there is a distinct possibility of a sudden nonductile failure, as might occur in a plain
concrete column. The 1% minimum steel value will also lessen creep and shrinkage and provide
some bending strength for the column. Actually, the code (10.8.4) does permit the use of less
than 1% steel if the column has been made larger than is necessary to carry the loads because
of architectural or other reasons. In other words, a column can be designed with 1% longitudinal
steel to support the factored load, and then more concrete can be added with no increase in
reinforcing and no increase in calculated load-carrying capacity. In actual practice, the steel

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 percentage for such members is kept to an absolute minimum of 0.005.
2. The maximum percentage of steel may not be greater than 8% of the gross cross-sectional area
of the column (ACI Code 10.9.1). This maximum value is given to prevent too much crowding
of the bars. Practically, it is rather difficult to fit more than 4% or 5% steel into the forms and
still get the concrete down into the forms and around the bars. When the percentage of steel is
high, the chances of having honeycomb in the concrete is decidedly increased. If this happens,
there can be a substantial reduction in the column’s load-carrying capacity. Usually the
percentage of reinforcement should not exceed 4% when the bars are to be lap spliced. It is to
be remembered that if the percentage of steel is very high, the bars may be bundled.
3. The minimum numbers of longitudinal bars permissible for compression members (ACI Code
10.9.2) are as follows: four for bars within rectangular or circular ties, three for bars within
triangular-shaped ties, and six for bars enclosed within spirals. Should there be fewer than eight
bars in a circular arrangement, the orientation of the bars will affect the moment strength of
eccentrically loaded columns. This matter should be considered in design according to the ACI
Commentary (R10.9.2).
4. The code does not directly provide a minimum column cross-sectional area, but it is obvious
that minimum widths or diameters of about 8 in. to 10 in. are necessary to provide the necessary
cover outside of ties or spirals and to provide the necessary clearance between longitudinal bars
from one face of the column to the other. To use as little rentable floor space as possible, small
columns are frequently desirable. In fact, thin columns may often be enclosed or “hidden” in
walls.
5. When tied columns are used, the ties shall not be less than #3, provided that the longitudinal
bars are #10 or smaller. The minimum size is #4 for longitudinal bars larger than #10 and for
bundled bars. Deformed wire or welded wire fabric with an equivalent area may also be used
(ACI 7.10.5.1).

In SI units, ties should not be less than #10 for longitudinal bars #32 or smaller and #13 for
larger longitudinal bars.
The center-to-center spacing of ties shall not be more than 16 times the diameter of the
longitudinal bars, 48 times the diameter of the ties, or the least lateral dimension of the column.
The ties must be arranged so that every corner and alternate longitudinal bar will have lateral
support provided by the corner of a tie having an included angle not greater than 135◦. No bars
can be located a greater distance than 6 in. clear[4] on either side from such a laterally supported
bar. These requirements are given by the ACI Code in its Section 7.10.5. Figure 9.4 shows tie
arrangements for several column cross sections. Some of the arrangements with interior ties,
such as the ones shown in the bottom two rows of the figure, are rather expensive. Should
longitudinal bars be arranged in a circle, round ties may be placed around them and the bars do
not have to be individually tied or restrained otherwise (7.10.5.3). The ACI also states (7.10.3)
that the requirements for lateral ties may be waived if tests and structural analysis show that
the columns are sufficiently strong without them and that such construction is feasible. There
is little evidence available concerning the behavior of spliced bars and bundled bars. For this
reason, Section R7.10.5 of the commentary states that it is advisable to provide ties at each end
of lap spliced bars and presents recommendations concerning the placing of ties in the region
of end-bearing splices and offset bent bars. Ties should not be placed more than one-half a

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 spacing above the top of a footing or slab and not more than one-half a spacing below the
lowest reinforcing in a slab or drop panel (to see a drop panel, refer to Figure 16.1 in Chapter
16). Where beams frame into a column from all four directions, the last tie may be below the
lowest reinforcing in any of the beams.
3
6. The code (7.10.4) states that spirals may not have diameters less than 8 in.[5] and that the clear
spacing between them may not be less than 1 in. or greater than 3 in. [6] Should splices be
necessary in spirals, they are to be provided by welding or by lapping deformed uncoated spiral
bars or wires by the larger of 48 diameters or 12 in.[7] Other lap splice lengths are also given in
ACI Section 7.10.4 for plain uncoated bars and wires, for epoxy-coated deformed bars and
wires, and so on. Special spacer bars may be used to hold the spirals in place and at the desired
pitch until the concrete hardens. These spacers consist of vertical bars with small hooks. Spirals
are supported by the spacers, not by the longitudinal bars. Section R7.10.4 of the ACI
Commentary provides suggested numbers of spacers required for different-size columns.
7. The ACI 318 Code (Section 7.10.5.4) states that where longitudinal bars are located around the
perimeter of a circle, a complete circular tie is permitted. The ends of the circular tie must
overlap by not less than 6 in. and terminate with standard hooks that engage a longitudinal
column bar. Overlaps at ends of adjacent circular ties shall be staggered around the perimeter
enclosing the longitudinal bars. The code commentary for this provision warns that vertical
splitting and loss of tie restraint are possible where the overlapped ends of adjacent circular ties
are anchored at a single longitudinal bar. Adjacent circular ties should not engage the same
longitudinal bar with end hook anchorages. While the transverse reinforcement in members
with longitudinal bars located around the periphery of a circle can be either spirals or circular
ties, spirals are usually more effective.

[4] 150 𝑚𝑚 in S.I.

[5] 10 𝑚𝑚 in S.I.
[6] 25 𝑚𝑚 and 75 𝑚𝑚 in S.I.
[7] 300 𝑚𝑚 in S.I.

Expand your knowledge! This module only provides the basics and fundamentals of the topic on
hand. A civil engineering student should possess or be equipped with the proper skill to do his/her own
research from time to time for additional information.

Activity – 1: Reading codes and standards are quite the tedious process that is why most engineers prefer
these codes to be summarized into equations or even illustrated (if possible). Submit a summary of the 7
codes presented in the previous section. You may use any technique (e.g. equations, mathematical notations,
or illustrations) to present your summary.

For instance, in the first provision of the code it simply states the following equation.

According to ACI 10.9.1, 𝜌 ≥ 0.01𝐴𝑔 .

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CHAPTER
1 LESSON 2

Design Formulas
As mentioned in the previous lessons, in realistic analysis, no column is truly axially loaded. This
is due to the effects of varying loads because columns don’t just carry static loads. The reason why we
multiply a greater factor to live loads (i.e. "1.6𝐿𝐿") than to any other type of loading is because live loads
cause dynamic internal stresses within concrete components thus resulting to a varying stresses overall felt
by the structures. This means, for safety reasons, a larger than usual allowance for the unpredictable
characteristics of live loads and dynamic stresses.

In reality, loads are eccentrically loaded. Eccentrical distances are offset distance from a
perspective axis or datum. In this case, the datum would the central axis of the column cross-section.
Throughout this text, eccentricity will be denoted by the variable 𝑒. Figure-1.4 shows an example of an
eccentric loading.

Figure 1.4 Eccentric loading and its result

When the value of 𝑒 is too small such that the column acts as if it is only axially loaded
concentrically, then the eccentricity 𝑒 may be negligible. Thus, the proper definition for 𝑒 is the offset
distance from the center of the column to the point where it starts to develop a bending moment 𝑀.

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 𝑀𝑢
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑃𝑢 ⋅ 𝑒 or 𝑒 =
𝑃𝑢

Nonetheless, there are many situations where there are no calculated moments for the columns of
a structure. For many years, the code specified that such columns had to be designed for certain minimum
moments even though no calculated moments were present. This was accomplished by requiring designers
to assume certain minimum eccentricities for their column loads. These minimum values were 1 in. or
0.05h, whichever was larger, for spiral columns and 1 in. or 0.10h for tied columns. (The term h represents
the outside diameter of round columns or the total depth of square or rectangular columns.) A moment equal
to the axial load times the minimum eccentricity was used for design.

Although, in modern times, even for ideal columns without any calculated bending moment, the
code still requires for a safety factor. To compensate for this, the code provides a multiplicative factor for
the theoretical axial load of 0.85 for spiral columns and 0.80 for tied columns.

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.80𝜙[0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ] 𝜙 = 0.65 for tied columns

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.85𝜙[0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ] 𝜙 = 0.75 for spiral columns

Sample Problem – 1: Design a square tied column to support an axial dead load 𝐷𝐿 = 130 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 and axial
live load 𝐿𝐿 = 180 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. Initially assume that 2% longitudinal steel is desired, 𝑓𝑐′ = 4000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 and 𝑓𝑦 =
60000 𝑝𝑠𝑖.

Solution:

Since a dead load and a live load is given, proceed with finding the factored load.

𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝐿𝐿
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2(130) + 1.6(180)
𝑃𝑢 = 444 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = 𝜙𝑃𝑛

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.80𝜙[0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦 ]

𝐴
From the formula of the steel ratio 𝜌 = 𝐴 𝑠𝑡 . Take note that unlike in beams, the effective area of columns
𝑒𝑓𝑓

is the whole gross area of the column itself because every single part of the cross-sectional area of the
column helps in carrying the load. In beams, recall that when concrete starts to crack, the cracked part of
the concrete is no longer useful in resisting tensile stress that is why the 𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 for concrete is only up to the
effective depth of the steel reinforcing bars 𝑏𝑑. Thus;

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 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝐴𝑠𝑡
𝜌= = → 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 𝜌𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 𝐴𝑔

Also, note that it states in the problem to assume for a 2% steel ratio which is equal to 0.02

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.80(0.65)[0.85(4)(𝐴𝑔 − 0.02𝐴𝑔 ) + 60(0.02𝐴𝑔 )]

444 = 0.52[3.332𝐴𝑔 + 1.2𝐴𝑔 ]
𝐴𝑔 = 188.40 𝑖𝑛2

For a square column both sides are equal. Thus;

𝑐 2 = 188.40 𝑖𝑛2
𝑐 = 13.73 𝑖𝑛 ≈ 14 𝑖𝑛

Thus, the size should be a 14 × 14 𝑖𝑛2 column. Most times, it is better to round up the resulting values into
the nearest base numbers as to help in the easement of the installation of forms (in field). Now to clarify
the dimensions of the concrete column, 𝐴𝑔 = 14 × 14 = 196 𝑖𝑛2 . From the same formula. We can find
the corresponding 𝐴𝑠𝑡 .

444 = 0.80(0.65)[0.85(4)(𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 60𝐴𝑠𝑡 ]

444 = 0.52[3.4(196 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 60𝐴𝑠𝑡 ]
853.85 = 666.4 − 3.4𝐴𝑠𝑡 + 60𝐴𝑠𝑡
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 3.31 𝑖𝑛2

Or 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 𝜌𝐴𝑔 = 0.02(196) = 3.92 𝑖𝑛2

Now which one do we choose from the two resulting values? Well obviously both are right, but
economically speaking, the smaller value would mean lesser cost. Thus we shall choose 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 3.31 𝑖𝑛2.
Looking at the table of values shown below, try a few and find the one with nearest value to 𝐴𝑠𝑡 .

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Trial no. 1: Using 8 – no. 6 bars, 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 3.52 𝑖𝑛2 OK!
Trial no. 2: Using 6 – no. 7 bars, 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 3.60 𝑖𝑛2 OK!
Trial no. 3: Using 4 – no. 8 bars, 𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 3.16 𝑖𝑛2 NOT OK!

From the three trials done, 1 and 2 passes while 3 fails, we shall choose the first trial since it has a smaller
area and more economic. Thus, we shall choose 6 − 𝑛𝑜. 6 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠. The next step would be determining the
right size of tie reinforcements.

Spacing:

• 48 × 0.375 𝑖𝑛 = 18 𝑖𝑛
• 16 × 0.750 𝑖𝑛 = 12 𝑖𝑛
• Least dim. = 14 𝑖𝑛

Thus, we shall choose 𝑛𝑜. 3 𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 @ 12 𝑖𝑛. So for the final design, with all the right dimensions and
requirements, is shown in the figure below.

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Sample Problem – 2: Design a round spiral column to support an axial dead load of 800 𝑘𝑁 and an axial
live load of 1350 𝑘𝑁. Assume that 2% longitudinal steel is desired, 𝑓𝑐′ = 27.6 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 414 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
Use 25-mm main reinforcement and 10-mm spiral with 30 𝑚𝑚 steel covering.

Solution:

𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝐿𝐿
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2(800) + 1.6(1350)
𝑃𝑢 = 3120 𝑘𝑁 = 𝜙𝑃𝑛

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.80𝜙[0.85𝑓𝑐′ (𝐴𝑔 − 𝐴𝑠𝑡 ) + 𝐴𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑦 ] ; 𝜙 = 0.75 (spiral)

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.80(0.75)[0.85(27.6)(𝐴𝑔 − 0.02𝐴𝑔 ) + 414(0.02𝐴𝑔 )]
3120 × 103 = 0.6[23.46𝐴𝑔 − 0.47𝐴𝑔 + 8.28𝐴𝑔 ]
5200 × 103 = 31.27𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑔 = 166293.57 𝑚𝑚2

𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 0.02𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 0.02(166293.57)
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = 3325.87 𝑚𝑚2

𝜋 2
𝐷 = 166293.57
4
𝐷 = 460.14 𝑚𝑚 → 𝑠𝑎𝑦 460 𝑚𝑚

The above diameter pertains to the diameter of the column edge to edge. The following will be for the
number of bars in the column.

𝜋
(25)2 × 𝑁 = 3325.87
4
𝑁 = 6.77 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠 → 𝑠𝑎𝑦 7 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠

According to the problem statement, a 30 𝑚𝑚 steel covering should be considered thus, the diameter of
the core is approximately equal to 400 𝑚𝑚.

𝜋 2 𝜋
𝐴𝑐 = 𝐷 = (400)2 = 125663.71 𝑚𝑚2
4 𝑐 4

𝐴𝑔 𝑓𝑐′
𝜌𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.45 ( − 1) ⋅
𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑦𝑡
166293.57 27.6
𝜌𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.45 ( − 1) ⋅
125663.71 414
𝜌𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.0097

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 4𝑎𝑠 (𝐷𝑐 − 𝑑𝑏 )
𝜌𝑠 =
𝑠𝐷𝑐2
𝜋
4 (4 × 102 ) (400 − 10)
0.0097 =
𝑠(400)2

𝑠 = 78.94 𝑚𝑚 → 79 𝑚𝑚 c. o. c
𝑠 = 79 − 𝑑𝑏 = 69 𝑚𝑚 (clear spacing) < 3 𝑖𝑛 (≈ 76 𝑚𝑚) OK!

Final note, always be very mindful of the design requirements provided by the code (as shown in the
previous sections pages 8-9). Make sure that every factor of the designed column conforms with the ACI
code.

Test your limits! Answer the following problems. Show your complete solution. Free body diagrams
should be provided when necessary.

Problem – 1: Design an economic round tied column to support an axial dead load 𝑃𝐷𝐿 = 240 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 and
axial live load 𝑃𝐿𝐿 = 300 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. 𝑓𝑐′ = 4000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 and 𝑓𝑦 = 60000 𝑝𝑠𝑖.

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