The slenderness ratio for concrete columns is an important consideration in structural design.

Let’s delve into this topic based on the ACI 318-14 code and other relevant references.

1. Slenderness Effects and Frame Designation:

o The ACI 318-14 code addresses slenderness effects for columns in non-sway
frames. It divides the column’s stiffness by the sustained load factor, denoted as 1
+ βdns for non-sway cases. Here:
 βdns represents the ratio of the maximum factored sustained axial load to
the maximum factored axial load.
 The same concept applies to sway frames, but with a different factor, 1 +
βds1.
2. Determining Slenderness Effects:
o For square tied columns in non-sway multistory reinforced concrete frames,
evaluate slenderness effects. Assume the frame is braced sufficiently to prevent
relative translation of its joints.
o Calculate the critical load (Pc) and magnified moment (Mc). The design forces
obtained from a first-order analysis are used for this purpose2.
3. Column Design:
o Consider the following design data:
 Concrete compressive strength (fc’) = 3000 psi.
 Steel yield strength (fy) = 60,000 psi.
 Column dimensions: Height (h) = 17 inches, Width (b) = 17 inches.
 Story height = 12 feet.
o Compare the calculated results with reference values and those obtained from
engineering software programs like spColumn2.
4. Slenderness Limitations:
o The ACI 318 code permits neglecting slenderness effects only for very short,
braced columns.
o For columns with square or rectangular cross-sections, the limiting heights can be
increased as certain ratios decrease3.

Remember that the slenderness ratio involves parameters like unsupported length, radius of
gyration, and effective length factor. Always refer to the specific code provisions for accurate

calculations4.

Certainly! Let’s explore the slenderness ratio for concrete columns according to the ACI 318-
14 code, focusing on metric units and including examples.

1. Slenderness Effects and Frame Designation:

 oThe ACI 318-14 code addresses slenderness effects for columns in both sway and
non-sway frames.
o For non-sway cases, the column’s stiffness is divided by the sustained load factor,
denoted as 1 + βdns.
 Here, βdns represents the ratio of the maximum factored sustained axial
load to the maximum factored axial load.
o The same concept applies to sway frames, but with a different factor, 1 + βds1.
2. Determining Slenderness Effects:
o Consider a square tied column in a non-sway multistory reinforced concrete
frame.
o Assume the frame is braced sufficiently to prevent relative translation of its joints.
o Calculate the critical load (Pc) and magnified moment (Mc).
o Use design forces obtained from a first-order analysis1.
o Let’s illustrate this with an example:
 Design Data:
 Concrete compressive strength (fc’) = 3000 psi (approximately
20.7 MPa).
 Steel yield strength (fy) = 60,000 psi (approximately 414 MPa).
 Column dimensions: Height (h) = 17 inches (approximately 432
mm), Width (b) = 17 inches (approximately 432 mm).
 Story height = 12 feet (approximately 3.66 meters).
 Assumptions:
 Assume 40% of the factored axial load is sustained.
 The frame is braced to prevent relative translation.
 Comparison:
 Compare the calculated results with values from the reference and
with exact values from engineering software programs like
spColumn1.
o Refer to Figure 1 for the reinforced concrete column cross-section.
3. Slenderness Limitations:
o The ACI 318 code permits neglecting slenderness effects only for very short,
braced columns.
o For columns with square or rectangular cross-sections, the limiting heights can be
increased as certain ratios decrease1.

Remember to consult the specific code provisions for accurate calculations and further details.

The slenderness ratio of a reinforced concrete (RC) column is the ratio between the
length of the column, its lateral dimensions, and end fixity. It assesses the ability of the
reinforced concrete column to resist buckling pressure. The slenderness ratio is calculated
by dividing the column length by its radius of gyratio
The slenderness ratio differentiates short column from long or slender column. The
design of the former is controlled by column dimension and material strength whereas the
design of the latter is governed by column slenderness.

A column is said to be slender if its cross-sectional dimensions are small compared to its
length. If the slenderness ratio of a column is high, it will collapse under a smaller
compression load in contrast to a short column with the same cross-sectional dimensions.
So, the slenderness effect should be taken into consideration during the design process.

The slenderness ratio of reinforced concrete columns can be computed according to the
procedures and specifications of applicable codes such as ACI 318-19 and IS 456.

How to Calculate Slenderness Ratio Based on ACI 318-

19?
The degree of slenderness is generally expressed in terms of the slenderness ratio:

where:

l : unsupported length of the member

u

r: radius of gyration of its cross section

K: constant to reflect end conditions of the column; distance between two inflection
points (Alignment chart is used to calculate K).

Unsupported Length of the Member (l ) u

1. The unsupported length (lu) of a column is measured as the clear distance between the
underside of the beam, slab, or column capital above, and the top of the beam or slab below,
as shown in Figure-1.
 Fig
ure-1: Measurement of Unsupported Length of Columns with Different End Conditions

2. The unsupported length of a column may be different in two orthogonal directions

depending on the supporting elements in respective directions.

Figure-2: Different Unsupported Length of a Column in Each Direction

Radius of Gyration of Column Cross-section (r)

The radius of gyration introduces the effects of cross-sectional size and shape on
slenderness. For the same cross-sectional area, a section with a higher moment of
inertia produces a more stable column with a lower slenderness ratio. The radius of
gyration r is calculated using the following formula:

Where:
I : moment of inertia of gross concrete section about centroidal axis, neglecting
g

reinforcement, mm 4

A : Gross area of column, mm

g
2

It is possible to use the approximations of r = 0.3h for square and rectangular sections,
and r = 0.25h for circular sections.

where,

h: overall sectional dimension in the directional stability is being considered.

Fig
ure-3: Approximate Estimation of Radius of Gyration for Different Cross-sectional Shapes of
Reinforced Concrete Column

Effective Length Factor (k)

The effective length factor (k) reflects the end restraint (support) and lateral bracing
conditions of a column. If a column is hinged at both ends, it follows a half-sine wave
when it buckles, and the value of (k) factor for such type of column is 1.0. So, the
effective length of the column (kl ) is equal to the unsupported length of the column (l ).
u u
 Figure-4: Effective Length Factor for Column Hinged at Both Ends
A column with fully restrained end conditions develops deflected shape as shown in
Figure-5. The portion of the column between the points of contraflexure follows a half-
sine wave. The effective length factor k for this case is equal to 0.5.

Figure-5: Effective Length Factor for Fixed End Columns

Columns in real structures are rarely either hinged or fixed but have ends partially
restrained against rotation by abutting members. The value of k, in this case, varies
between 0.5 and 1.0 for laterally braced columns, Figure-6. For unbraced columns, the
value of k varies between 1.0 and ∞, Figure-7.

The majority of reinforced concrete columns are considered to be laterally braced

columns. The exact value depends on the degree of end restraint, that is, on the ratio of
the stiffness (EI/l) of the column to the sum of stiffnesses (EI/l) of the restraining
members at both ends.

Figure-6: Effective Length Factor

 Figure-7: Effective Length Factor for Unbraced Column

ACI Criteria for Slenderness Ratio Effect

The effect of slenderness ratio for columns braced against sideway can be neglected
when:

Note: As a first approximation, k may be taken equal to 1.0 in this equation

Where:

M :lesser factored end moment on a compression member, N·mm

1

M :greater factored end moment on a compression member.

2

M /M : negative if the column is bent in single curvature, and positive for double
1 2

curvature. M /M is negative if the column is bent in single curvature, and positive for
1 2

double curvature, as illustrated in Figure-8:

Figure-8: Single
Curvature and Double Curvature Column

The effect of slenderness ratio for columns not braced against sideway can be neglected
when:
Alignment Chart for Effective Slenderness Factor
If slenderness is found to be important, refine the calculation of k based on the alignment
chart as shown below:

Figure-9: Alignment Charts for Sway and Non-sway Column

The Ψ factor at one end of the column equals the sum of the stiffness ∑(EI/L) of the
columns meeting at that joint, including the column in question, divided by the sum of all
the stiffnesses of the beams meeting at the joint.

Where:

E: Modulus of Elasticity

I: Moment of Inertia

L: span length measured center to center of joints.

Ψ , Ψ : Values of (Ψ ) at each end of the column
A B

The modulus of elasticity for normal concrete is computed as:

The moment of inertia used to compute Ψshould be based on cracked section, so ACI
318-19 section 6.6.3.1.1 provides Table-1:

Table-1: Moment of Inertia Used to Compute Ψ Factor

Member and Condition Moment of Inertia

Columns 0.70Ig

Uncracked walls 0.70Ig

Cracked Walls 0.35Ig

Beams 0.35Ig

Flate Plates and Flat Slabs 0.25Ig

FAQs
How do you determine if a column is short or slender?
The column is considered to be slender if its length is higher compared to its cross-
sectional dimension i.e. slenderness ratio is used to differentiate slender column from
short column.
What is slenderness ratio of a reinforced concrete column?
Slenderness ratio of reinforced concrete (RC) column is the ratio between column length,
its lateral dimensions, and end fixity. It assesses the ability of reinforced concrete column
to resist buckling pressure.
What is the use of slenderness ratio?
It is used to find out the design load as well as in classifying various columns in
short/intermediate/long. The slenderness ratio of a column gives an indication of
buckling failure in the column. More the slenderness ratio, the more is the tendency of
the column to fail by buckling effect in that direction.
How do you calculate slenderness ratio of a column?
1. Calculate the effective length factor (K) that ranges between 0.5 to 1.0 for the
reinforced concrete column. It can be considered to be 1.0 conservatively.
2. Compute the unsupported length of the column (l ) which is measured as the clear
u

distance between the underside of the beam, slab, or column capital above, and the top of
the beam or slab below.
3. Estimate the radius of gyration (r). It is possible to use the approximations of r = 0.3h
for square and rectangular sections, and r = 0.25h for circular sections.
4. Calculate slenderness ratio which is equal to effective length factor times unsupported
length divided by the radius of gyration.
What is buckling of column?
Buckling of the column is a form of deformation as a result of axial compression forces
that leads to a bending of the column, as a result of the instability of the column. This
mode of failure is quick and undesirable.
What is radius of gyration of column?
The radius of Gyration is used to describe the distribution of cross-sectional area in an
RC column around its centroidal axis.

 The design of reinforced concrete (RC) column is carried out by following certain
procedures. However, some specific rules and requirements need to be met. The
conditions are commonly related to reinforcement ratio, size of rebars, spacing of
steel bars, size and spacing of lateral ties or spirals, thickness of concrete cover,
number of steel bars, and dimensions of the column.

The requirements or specifications related to the RC column design are commonly

provided by codes such as ACI 318-19, IS 456, etc.

Tips and Rules for Design of Reinforced Concrete

Column
1. Dimensions of Column's Cross-Section
1. According to ACI 318-19, the limitation on minimum dimension for columns is not imposed
to allow reinforced concrete columns with a small cross-section in lightly loaded structures,
such as low-rise residential and light office building.
2. There is a great need for careful workmanship if a small cross-section is used for the column.
3. For practical purposes, it is desired to have the column's cross-section as a multiple of 5 cm.
2. Longitudinal Bars
Longitudinal reinforcement are the main bars in the RC column. They are arranged in
square, rectangular, or circular pattern.

2.1 Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement Ratio

1. According to ACI 318-19, section 10.6.1, the area of longitudinal reinforcement should not
be less than (0.01*Ag), and not greater than (0.08*Ag). Where "Ag" is the gross cross-
sectional area of the column.
2. The minimum reinforcement ratio of (0.01*Ag) provides resistance against bending moments
not accounted for in the analysis. It also reduces the effects of creep and shrinkage of the
concrete under sustained compression.
3. A reinforcement ratio higher than (0.08*Ag) is economically and practically undesirable as it
leads to steel congestions that hinder proper placement and concrete consolidation.
4. The congestion is highly probable in regions where steel needs to be spliced. Steel congestion
may lead to the formation of honeycomb in concrete.
5. The majority of columns are designed with a maximum reinforcement ratio of (0.04*Ag).
This considerably reduces the chance of congestion.
6. The use of large steel bars can reduce steel congestion.
7. The largest commercially available steel bars are No. 43 and No. 57, mainly manufactured in
columns.

Figure-1: Longitudinal Bars in RC column

2.2 Number of Longitudinal Bars

According to ACI 318-19, section 10.7.3, the minimum number of bars for concrete
columns are as follows:

1. Four within rectangular or circular ties.

2. Six enclosed by spirals or for columns of special moment frames held by circular hoops.
3. Three within triangular ties
Note:

 For columns with large axial forces and small moments, longitudinal bars should be spaced
more or less uniformly around the perimeter.
 If bending moments on the column is large, much of the longitudinal steel rebars are
concentrated at the highest compression or tension faces, i.e., at maximum distances from the
axis of bending.

2.3 Thickness of Concrete Cover

The minimum thickness of concrete cover is 40 cm. However, it may be required to be

increased if in special circumstances or when general building code needs greater
concrete cover for fire protection:

1. For columns that are cast and permanently in contact with the ground, the minimum cover is
7.5 cm.
2. For columns exposed to weather or contact with the ground and embedded bars are No. 19 or
greater, the minimum concrete cover is 5 cm.

2.4 Spacing Between Longitudinal Bars

The spacing between longitudinal reinforcement of the column should be the greatest of
the following:

1. 4 cm
2. 1.5 times the diameter of the longitudinal bar
3. (4/3) times the diameter of maximum aggregate size
 Figure-2: Clear Distance Between
Longitudinal Reinforcement of Column

2.5 Bundled Bars

1. Bundled bars are groups of parallel bars that are in contact with each other to act as a unit bar.
It is used where a heavy concentration of reinforcement is required. Bundled bars save space
and reduce congestion for placement and compaction of concrete.
2. The maximum number of bundled bars are four.
3. Bundled bars shall be enclosed within transverse reinforcement.
4. Bundled bars in compression members shall be enclosed by transverse reinforcement at least
No. 13 in size.
5. Bars larger than a No. 36 shall not be bundled in beams.
 Figure-3:
Bundled Bars

3. Transverse Bars
3.1 Ties
 Ties shall be arranged in a way that every corner and alternate longitudinal bar shall have
lateral support provided by the corner of link having an included angle of not more than 135
degrees.
 Transverse ties shall not be farther than 150 mm clear on either side from laterally supported
longitudinal bars.
 Ties for columns must have a minimum diameter of 10 mm to enclose longitudinal bars of
No. 32 or smaller and a minimum diameter of 12 mm for larger bar diameters.

Figure-4: How Tie

Reinforcement Should Support Longitudinal Reinforcement in Columns
 Figure-5:
Illustrations to Clarify Measurements Between Laterally Supported Column Bars

 Spacing of ties shall not exceed the smallest of:

1. 48 times the tie diameter

2. 16 times the longitudinal bar diameter
3. The least dimension of the column

Figure-6: Spacing Between Ties in RC Column

3.2 Circular Individual Ties

Circular ties should be used where longitudinal bars are located around the perimeter of a
circle.
 Figure-6: Circular Tie and its Anchorage

3.3 Spirals
 For cast-in-place construction, the spiral bar should not be less than No. 10 bars.
 Minimum clear spacing is the greatest of 25 mm or (4/3) times the diameter of aggregate.
 Maximum clear spacing of 75 mm.
 1.5 extra turns of spiral bar should anchor spirals at each end.

Figure-7: Spiral Anchorage

FAQs
What is the minimum size of RC column?

The size of the column is not restricted to allow the use of small concrete column cross-
section in lightly loaded concrete structure, as per ACI 318-19. However, IS 456 specifies
a minimum column size of 228 mm x 228 mm, contains steel reinforcement of 4 bars of
12 mm supported laterally by stirrups of 8 mm diameter at a distance of 150 mm.
How do you calculate stirrups spacing in RC column?
According to ACI 318-19, the spacing of stirrups in the RC column should not exceed the
smallest of the following:
1. 48 times the diameter of the tie.
2. 16 times the diameter of the longitudinal bar.
3. The least dimension of the column.
What is the minimum diameter of stirrups in RC column?
The minimum diameter of stirrup is 10 mm to enclose longitudinal bar of No. 32 or
smaller, and minimum diameter of 12 mm for larger longitudinal bars.
What is the minimum number of longitudinal bars in RC columns?
According to ACI 318-19, section 10.7.3, the minimum number of bars for concrete
columns are as follows:
1. Four within rectangular or circular ties.
2. Six enclosed by spirals or for columns of special moment frames held by circular
hoops.
3. Three within triangular ties
What is the minimum spacing/distance between vertical bars in RC
columns?
The spacing between longitudinal reinforcement of the column should be the greatest of
the following:
1. 4 cm
2. 1.5 times the diameter of the longitudinal bar
3. (4/3) times the diameter of maximum aggregate size
 Euler’s Theory of Column Buckling
Euler's theory of column buckling is used to estimate the critical buckling load of column
since the stress in the column remains elastic. The critical buckling load is the maximum
load that a column can withstand when it is on the verge of buckling. The buckling
failure occurs when the length of the column is greater when compared with its cross-
section.

The Euler's theory is based on certain assumptions related to the point of axial load
application, column material, cross-section, stress limits, and column failure. The validity
of Euler’s theory is subjected to a condition that failure occurs due to buckling.
This theory does not consider the effect of direct stress in column, the crookedness in
column which is always present, and possible shifts of axial load application point from
the center of the column cross-section. As a result, the theory may overestimate the
critical buckling load. The Euler theory of column buckling was invented by Leonhard
Euler in 1757.

Euler’s Theory
The Euler’s theory states that the stress in the column due to direct loads is small
compared to the stress due to buckling failure. Based on this statement, a formula
derived to compute the critical buckling load of column. So, the equation is based on
bending stress and neglects direct stress due to direct loads on the column.
Assumptions
 Initially, the column is perfectly straight.
 The cross-section of the column is uniform throughout its length.
 The load is axial and passes through the centroid of the section.
 The stresses in the column are within the elastic limit.
 The materials of the column are homogenous and isotropic.
 The self-weight of the column itself is neglected.
 The failure of the column occurs due to buckling only.
 Length of column is large compared to its cross-sectional dimensions.
 The ends of the column are frictionless.
 The shortening of column due to axial compression is negligible.

Limitations
 The possibility of crookedness in column is not accounted for in this theory, and the load
may not be axial.
 The axial stress is not considered in the formula derived in Euler theory of column buckling,
and the critical buckling load may be greater than the actual buckling load.

Critical Buckling Load

The maximum axial load that a column can support when it is on the verge of buckling is
called the crippling load or critical buckling load (Pcr). At this stage, the ultimate stress
in the column would less than the yield stress of the material, and the column is pinned at
both ends:

Pcr= EI(PI/KL) ^2 Equation 1

Where:

Pcr: Critical buckling load

E: Modulus of elasticity

I: Moment of inertia which is equal to cross-sectional area multiply radius of gyration.

L: Length of the slender column

K: Effective length factor which is based on the support conditions of the column as
illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fi
g. : End Conditions

Failure of Columns
Buckling failure occurs when the cross-section of the column is small in comparison with
its height. The buckling takes place about the axis having minimum radius of gyration or
least moment of inertia. The formula of critical buckling load can be expressed in terms
of radius of gyration:

Pcr= Ear^2(PI/KL) ^2 Equation 2

Or

Mean compressive stress on column/E= (PI)^2/(KL/r)^2 Equation 3

Equation 3 is the most convenient form of presenting theoretical and experimental results
for buckling problems. The ratio KL /r is called the slenderness ratio.

Failure of the column would occur in purely axial compression provided that the stress in
the column reaches the yield stress of the material. However, when the critical buckling
stress is less than the yield stress, then the column would fail by buckling before the yield
stress is reached.

Fig
.2: Buckling Failure of Slender Column
 Fig
. 3: Failure of Long Column

Sign convention for Bending Moments

A bending moment which bends the column as to present convexity towards the initial
centre line of the member would be regarded as positive.

Bending moment which bends the column as to present concavity towards the initial
centre line of the member would be regarded as negative.

Fig. 4: Sign Convention for Bending Moment