Minimum & Maximum Spacing Of Columns, Determinants Of Column Spacing In A Building
Columns are compression members for bearing and transferring the loads of structures to the foundation. There are various types of columns used in construction. Column classification may be based on the column material, shape or other such determinants.
What is the minimum and maximum spacing of column in construction? What determines the spacing of columns in a building?
The spacing of columns in a building may be determined by the function of the building, aesthetics, or the building’s structural integrity.
It is pertinent to note that increasing the spacing of columns or distance between columns in a building is tantamount to increased construction cost as the larger distance requires beams with larger spans and larger depths. Consequently, the size of such columns will need to increase to be able to bear the larger beams.
For small buildings, and normal buildings, spacing between columns ranges between 3m – 6m. For larger buildings and buildings that require much higher spacing and free space, columns are spaced between 6m – 9m.
For normal buildings & residential buildings, maximum spacing is 7.5m.
What is the minimum spacing for columns in a building?
Minimum spacing for columns in buildings is 2.5m. It should be noted that any spacing can be used between columns provided the safety and integrity of the building are not compromised.
There is no hard-and-fast rule for determining the maximum spacing of columns in a building, but a much higher spacing between columns will also result in higher construction cost.
