Dos & Don’ts (Basic Rules) Of Column Design & Construction
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| Structural Columns | img src @structuralguide.com |
Here are some basic rules/dos and don’ts of column design and construction that will really be useful to you.
These rules are required by the applicable code of practice.
In Nigeria, the applicable code of practice is the BS code which stands for British Standard though, the Eurocode is being gradually put to use these days.
Find below some basic rules of column design, detailing and construction:
Don’ts
Don’t lap more than 50% of bars in a section
Don’t fail to crank lapping bars at 1:6
Don’t forget to to bend links at 135° angle
Do not use weak concrete to cast your columns.
Dos
Provide lap lengths of 15D or 300mm, whichever is greater. D is the bar diameter.
Provide a crank of 1:6 runs
Overlapped bars should be less than or equal to 50% in a section.
Links and stirrups should be bent at 135°. This will provide more rigidity for earthquake resistance.
Your columns should be designed and constructed to withstand and effectively be able to bear the structural loads. This means that columns should be designed based on codes rather than guess work.
