COLUMNS

Columns are vertical linear member loaded in compression and bending (but the main stress is compression). 1. Columns loaded in compression (singular columns) Conceiving of columns

The shape must to follow bending moment diagram. To conceive this element we follow the next steps (fig. 1): a. structural model, b. loads, c. stresses, d. longitudinal shape, e. cross-sections, f. reinforcement.
N

g (self weight)

a. b.

c.

d.

e. f.

Fig. 1 Conceiving of singular columns The columns can be performed like: monolith columns: are casted in many steps, consume of formwork, hardly to compacting; precast on factory: difficult to transport because are heavy member with big size; precast on building site: eliminate the disadvantageous of transport and compacting; the quantity of formwork are smaller then monolith column.

Making up

About the reinforcement manner the columns can be: with stirrups usual columns; with spiral difficult to perform but increase the strength of element; with rigid reinforcement for very height buildings. Usual longitudinal profile are presented in figure 2 and usual cross-sections are showed in figure 3.

Fig. 2 Usual longitudinal profiles

Fig. 3 Usual cross-sections Minimum cross-sections: for rectangular cross-sections: 250x250 mm for monolith columns and 200x200 mm for precast columns;

for circular cross-sections: Dmin=lf/20 25 mm where lf is yielding length. The longitudinal reinforcement characteristics: min=12 mm, usual=1628 mm; distance between bars: min. 25 mm; minimum reinforcement ratio: 0,2% for one side; maximum reinforcement ratio: 2,5%.

p<20%

a.

b.

c.

d.

Fig. 4 Making up of longitudinal bars Steel bars are passing 4060 but not all bars are passing in the same cross-sections. We must have minimum two passing cross-sections (fig. 4 d.). The transversal reinforcement characteristics: min=6 mm, usual=812 mm; min=25% Aa, where Aa is the longitudinal reinforcement; distance between stirrups: min. 100 mm; to prevent plastic hinges on columns we put some supplementary stirrups. In the middle of the column distance between stirrups are bigger (usual 200 mm). At the column ends the distance between stirrups is 10 cm. To establish the plastic length (fig. 5) we find the maximum value from: lp 600 mm;

lp

lp
Fig. 5 Plastic lengts

lp Hs / 6 where Hs is the clear high; lp h, where h is the height of cross-section;

Fig. 6 Making up of transversal reinforcement The spiral can be used for circular, innelar or polygonal cross-sections (but not rectangular cross-sections). The usual diameter of the spiral is 512 mm. Spiral step is less than 300 mm but bigger than 1/5 d where d is the diameter of the concrete core.

2. Columns loaded in compression and bending (columns from structures) Conceiving of columns

The shape must to follow bending moment diagram. To conceive this element we follow the next steps: a. structural model, b. loads, c. stresses, d. longitudinal shape, e. crosssections, f. reinforcement.

Fig. 7 Column from structures

Structural model is the frame (constituted by girder and columns fig. 8.b). To use a double restrained girder (fig 8.a) for structural model is not a correct solution because
a.
>0 >0 =0 =0

displacements of extremity of the girder are blocked (zero value) in double restrain. In real case, top extremities of columns (where the column intersect the girder) have some displacement on loading, according with deformed shape (fig. 8.b). So, the extremities of girders have displacement too and the girder is not totally double restrained. Result different stresses in the girder and columns.

b.

Figure 1.8 Deformed shape of double restrained girders and frames

Concentrated load (for beams) Uniform distributed load (self-weight)

Fig. 9 - Structural model and loads on frame

+
L L

=
L

Fig. 10 - Stresses on columns

b.

c.

a.
Fig. 11 Shape of column The best cross-section is like in fig. 11 b. but, because this cross-section is very difficult to make, we adopt usually rectangular cross-sections with h/b 1,5. The columns can be performed like monolith columns, precast on factory, precast on building site. Making up

Usual longitudinal profile are presented in figure 12 and usual cross-sections are showed in figure 13.

Fig. 12 Usual longitudinal shape

Fig. 13 Usual cross-sections Minimum cross-sections: for rectangular cross-sections: 250x250 mm for monolith columns and 200x200 mm for precast columns; for circular cross-sections: Dmin=lf/20 25 mm where lf is yielding length. The longitudinal reinforcement characteristics: min=12 mm, usual=1628 mm; distance between bars: min. 25 mm; minimum reinforcement ratio: 0,2% for one side; maximum reinforcement ratio: 2,5%.

Fig. 14 Making up of longitudinal bars Steel bars are passing 4060 but not all bars are passing in the same cross-sections. We must have minimum two passing cross-sections. The corbel making-up is presented in fig. 15.

Fig. 15 Making up of corbels The transversal reinforcement characteristics: min=6 mm, usual=812 mm; min=25% Aa, where Aa is the longitudinal reinforcement;

lp

lp
Fig. 16 Plastic lengts

distance between stirrups: min. 100 mm; to prevent plastic hinges on columns we put some supplementary stirrups. In the middle of the column distance between stirrups are bigger (usual 200 mm). At

the column ends the distance between stirrups is 10 cm. To establish the plastic length (fig. 16) we find the maximum value from: lp 600 mm; lp Hs / 6 where Hs is the clear high; lp h, where h is the height of cross-section;

Fig. 17 Making up of transversal reinforcement Joints between columns are usual in the middle (because the bending moment is 0) and can be made with wet process (concrete, fig. 18 a.) or dry process (steel elements fig. 18 b.).

Fig. 18 Joints between columns a. wet joints with passing the bars or yelding b. dry joints 1-steel L profile; 2-steel plate; 3-yelding; 4- steel plate; 5-yelded reinforcements; 6-bolt; 7steel L profile; 8-joint; 9-concrete or mortar; 10-longitudinal reinforcement; 11-tenon; 12mortar.