A Small Step to Reduce the

Giant Cost of Columns

OMICS Group eBooks

Raja Rizwan Hussain

www.esciencecentral.org/ebooks Abdullah Al Mamun
001
A Small Step to Reduce the Giant Cost of Columns

Authors: Raja Rizwan Hussain and Abdullah Al Mamun

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First published February, 2014

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 Preface
The purpose of this book is to give a direction to choose an economical section
of column considering the available market price of reinforcement and concrete.
Here we will also have a direction to choice the strength of concrete for an
economical section. Finally we will give a direction to choice an economical
section between a circular and rectangular section.

Design of a column for a particular biaxial moment and axial load may vary
from engineer to engineer due to neglecting optimizing criteria. While we design
a section of a column the common practice to design a column is to choose an
arbitrary section and check that for bending and axial load with a reinforcement
about 1 to 8 % but whether is it economical or not we dont know. However for
a particular moment and load only for a certain percentage of reinforcement the
section is optimized. But this is not for a fixed percentage of reinforcement. As
the cost of concrete and reinforcement may increase or decrease independently.
So economic section is not fixed for 1-8% reinforcement only. This is dependent
on a factor and here we termed it as price ratio.

X=price of 1 cft reinforcement (490lb)/ price of 1 cft concrete.

X= [price of rod (ton)/price of concrete (cft)] x223x10-3

Here we can find an optimized column section using this price ratio considering
the available price of reinforcement and concrete.

In designing a column its common practice to design a column with a concrete

having a strength of 3000 psi-4000 psi. But now a days concrete with higher
strength is very available throughout the world. Using 5000 psi concrete instead
of 3000 psi concrete reduces 20-50 percent of the total cost of a column section.
Here it is also seen that using 5000 psi concrete instead of 4000 psi concrete
reduces 10-30 percent of the total cost of a column section. So if proper high
strength of concrete can be attained in field condition it can be used to minimize
the total cost of column. Considering the availability of higher strength concrete
in Bangladesh, we used concrete up to 5500 psi only.
 Again in designing a building we often provide circular column. Generally we
provide a circular section as per architectural design, we dont think of the cost.
We must have knowledge between the cost of a circular column and rectangular
column. Here we analyzed the cost of various circular column and square column
having same axial load and moment resisting capacity. The required cost for a
circular column is 20-60 percent more than a square column having same axial
load and moment resisting capacity.

Finally I hope this book will help the structural engineer to design a column
section considering various economical factors. We should remember that these
directions in this book are not design parameter. It is just a direction and that is
not to choose a column section blindly.

Again this direction can be omitted for some practical purpose like reduction
in column section for parking, free space or some other practical purposes.
But we should remember that the increase in the cost of the column section is
proportional to the deviation from the above direction.

Thank you,
Abdullah al Mamun
 About Authors

Dr. Raja Rizwan Hussain is an assosiate Professor, CoE-CRT, Civil

Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He received his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
from the University of Tokyo, Japan, for which he was ranked as outstanding
and was awarded the best research thesis, prize and medal from the
University of Tokyo. He has authored more than 150 publications and has
received several awards, prizes and distinctions throughout his research and
academic career. His research interest is in the steel reinforced concrete
technology, materials & structures.
 Abdullah al Mamun was graduated from Bangladesh University of
Engineering and Technology (BUET) in civil engineering in the year 2012
and pursuing his masters from the same BUET. He is working as Lecturer in
Department of Civil Engineering, Uttara University, Bangladesh. His area of
research is in concrete structures.
 Acknowledgement

I am thankful to Dr. Raja Rizwan Hussain for his wise supervision in

this research and publishing this book.
Abdullah al Mamun
 Introduction

Concrete is the mostly used construction material of our modern society.

It has a long history and development of concrete is a step by step process.
It was first used by Romans. It was also used during Egyptian times. Then
it was suddenly lost for 13 centuries. Then in 1756, the British engineer
John Seaton invented concrete again. We cannot think our infrastructure
development without concrete. It is widely used and popular due to its
durability, strength, flexibility and other many advantages. Now a days
concrete is the widely used building material all over the world. However a
concrete structure is composed of beam, footing slab and column.

This book is just a small step to find the most economical column section.
Though these directions are very simple and do not give any direction
to choice the length and width of column section, but deviation from the
suggestion of this book may cause a significant increase in total cost of
construction. So the findings of this book are just One small step to reduce
the giant cost of column.

As price of concrete and reinforcement is not fixed so design of section of

column should not be fixed for a certain percentage of reinforcement. So we
should find an optimized percentage of reinforcement considering existing
price of concrete and reinforcement. At the same time we will compare the
cost of column for various strength of concrete (f c). As we know with the
increasing of concrete strength the required percentage of reinforcement
decreases. Here we will try to find the decrease in amount reinforcement
or the cost of reinforcement due to increase in the strength of concrete
or cost in concrete. Then we will analyze the increase or decrease in total
cost. Finally we will compare the required cost of circular column with
rectangular column for similar loading condition to select an economical
section.
 Main objectives of our research are:
To find an optimized percentage of reinforcement considering existing
price of concrete and reinforcement.
To compare the cost of column for various strength of concrete ( f c).
To compare the required cost of circular column with rectangular
column for similar loading condition.

I hope this book will help the structural engineer to design a column
section considering various economical factors. We should remember that
these directions in this book are not design parameter i.e. it does not give any
direction to choice length and width of column section. It is just a direction
and that is not to choose a column section blindly.
 Table of Contents
Contents Page #
Abstract 12
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 General 12
1.2 Background and Objective 13
1.3 Scope and Methodology 14
1.3.1 To Find a Optimized Percentage of Reinforcement Considering Existing Price of 14
Concrete and Reinforcement
1.3.2 To Compare the Cost of Column for Various Strength of Concrete ( Fc') 14
1.3.3 To Compare the Required Cost of Circular Column with Rectangular Column for 14
Similar Loading Condition
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction 14
2.2 Component of Column 14
2.2.1 Reinforcement 14
2.2.2 Concrete 15
2.2.2.A Ready Mix Concrete (Rmc) 15
2.3 General 15
2.3.1 Design Methods of Reinforced Concrete Structure 15
2.3.1a Change of Design Methods According to Aci 318 Code (Pca, 1999). 15
2.3.1b The Working Stress Design (Wsd) 15
2.3.1c Ultimate Strength Design (Usd) 15
2.3.1d Condition Factored Load or Load Effect 15
2.4 Column Design 16
2.4.1 Behavior Under Combined Bending and Axial Loads 16
2.4.2 Interaction Diagram between Axial Load and Moment 16
2.4.3 Axial Load and Moment Interaction Diagram General 17
2.4.4 Non-Dimensional Interaction Diagrams 18
2.5 Design Using Non-Dimensional Interaction Diagrams 18
2.6 Design of a Column Using Software 18
2.6.1 Design of a Column Using Pca Col 18
2.6.2 Design of a Column Using Etabs 18
2.7 Selection of Percentage of Reinforcement Considering Existing Price 18
2.8 Comparison of the Cost of Column for Various Strength of Concrete (Fc') 20
2.9 Comparison of the Cost of Circular Column with Rectangular Column for Similar 20
Loading Condition
2.10 Summary 20
Chapter 3: An Optimized Percentage of Reinforcement Considering Existing Cost
3.1 General 20
3.2 Analysis of Cost 20
3.3 Selection of a Structure 20
3.3a Selection of a 6 Story Structure 20
3.3b Selection of a 20 Story Structure 22
3.4 Result and Discussion 24
3.5 Summary 24
Chapter 4: Comparison of the Cost of Column for Various Strengths of Concrete (Fc')
4.1 General 24
4.2 Analysis of Cost 24
4.3. Selection of a Structure 25
4.3a Selection of a 10 Story Structure 25
4.3b Selection of a 6 Story Structure 28
4.3c Selection of a 10 Story Structure 29
4.4 Result and Discussion 32
4.5 Summary 32
Chapter 5: Comparison of the Cost of Circular Column with Rectangular Column for
Similar Loading Condition
5.1 General 33
5.2 Design Method 33
5.3 Selection of Column 33
5.4 Analysis of Cost 33
5.4.1 Analyzing the Cost Changing the Concrete Area 33
5.4.2 Analyzing the Cost Changing the Reinforcement 34
5.5 Result and Discussion 35
5.6 Summary 35
Chapter 6: Conclusions
6.1 General 35
6.2 Findings from the Analysis 35
6.2.1 One Percent is Optimized Percentage of Reinforcement 35
6.2.2 Using 5000 psi or More Compressive Strength (Fc') of Concrete Reduces the 35
Cost of Column
6.2.3 Square Column is More Economical than Circular Column 35
6.4 Scope of Future Study 36
References 36
A Small Step to Reduce the Giant
Cost of Columns
Raja Rizwan Hussain1* and Abdullah Al Mamun2
Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud
1

University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2
Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering
and Technology, Bangladesh
*Corresponding author: Raja Rizwan Hussain, Department of Civil
Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, Tel: +966-590011078; Fax: +966-1-4670740; E-mail:
raja386@hotmail.com

Abstract
According to the ACI code 10.9.1, the past research claims that the ratio of longitudinal steel area (Ast) to gross concrete cross
section (Ag) is in the range from 0.01 to 0.08. The lower limit is necessary to reduce the effects of creep and shrinkage of concrete under
sustained compression. Ratios higher than 0.08 not only are uneconomical but also would cause difficulty owing to congestion of the
reinforcement while we design a section of a column the common practice to design a column is to choose an arbitrary section and
check that for bending and axial load with a reinforcement about 2 to 5 % but whether is it economical or not we dont know. Design
of a column for a particular biaxial moment and axial load may vary from engineer to engineer due to neglecting optimizing criteria.
However, for a particular moment and load there is only one section which is economical, it means only for a certain percentage of
reinforcement the section is optimized. But this is not for a fixed percentage of reinforcement. Because the section has its component
i.e. concrete and reinforcement and the cost of these material are different which may increase or decrease independently. For example,
let at 2012 the cost of one cft reinforcement (490 lb) is 50 times of one cft concrete (ready mix). For this criteria, a particular section of
column is optimized at 1% reinforcement. Let at 1980 the cost of one cft reinforcement was 20 times of one cft concrete. For that criteria,
is the particular section of column was optimized at 1% reinforcement.? Of course not. Using 3.5-4 % or more reinforcement was
economical on that time. In the similar way it may be more than 50 times like 100 or more at 2020. As the value changes independently
so economic section is not fixed for a certain percentage of reinforcement only.
However for a particular moment and load only, for a certain percentage of reinforcement, the section is optimized. But this is not
for a fixed percentage of reinforcement. As the cost of concrete and reinforcement may increase or decrease independently so economic
section is not fixed for 2-5% reinforcement only. This is dependent on a factor called price ratio X.
X=price of 1 cft reinforcement (490lb)/price of 1 cft concrete.
X= [price of rod (ton)/price of concrete (cft)] x223x10-3
Analyzing the present cost of reinforcement and concrete, it is seen that a column section is optimized at 1-1.2% of reinforcement.
This is true for every column that after a certain price ratio (generally 25) the column section is optimized at 1% of reinforcement on
that loading and moment condition. For present price ratio 40-70 it is seen that with same axial load capacity a column of larger section
with a reinforcement around 1-1.2% is more economical than a column of smaller section with a reinforcement of 2-5. To optimize the
section we should select a column with 1-1.2% reinforcement, when the price ratio is greater than 25.
In many cases it is seen that using 2-3% reinforcement costs about 1.5 to 2 times of 1% reinforcement. In designing a column its
common practice to design a column with a concrete having a strength of 3000 psi - 4000 psi. But now a days concrete with higher
strength is very available throughout the world. Using 5000 psi concrete instead of 3000 psi concrete reduces 20-50 percent of the total
cost of a column section. Here it is also seen that using 5000 psi concrete instead of 4000 psi concrete reduces 10-30 percent of the total
cost of a column sections if proper high strength of concrete can be attained in field condition, it can be used to minimize the total cost
of column. Considering the availability of higher strength concrete in Bangladesh, we used concrete up to 5500 psi only.
Again in designing a building we often provide circular column. Generally we provide a circular section as per architectural design.
We dont think of the cost. We must have knowledge between the cost of a circular column and rectangular column. Here we analyzed
the cost of various circular column and square column having same axial load and moment resisting capacity. The required cost for a
circular column is 20-60 percent more than a square column having same axial load and moment resisting capacity.

Introduction
General
Concrete is the mostly used construction material of our modern society. We cannot think our infrastructure development without
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concrete. It is widely used and popular due to its durability, strength, flexibility and other many advantages. It has a long history and
development of concrete is a step by step process. It was first used by Romans. It was also used during Egyptian times. Then it was
suddenly lost for 13 centuries. Then in 1756, the British engineer John Smeaton invented concrete again. Now a days concrete is the
widely used building material all over the world. It can be truly said that many of the achievements of our modern civilization have
depended on concrete, just as many of the enduring achievements of the earlier civilization of Rome were made possible by the use of the
forerunner of modern concrete. However a concrete structure is composed of beam, footing slab and column. Column or compression
member is for brevity and in conformity with general usage. 0012
 Three types of reinforced concrete compression members are in use:
1. Members reinforced with longitudinal bars and lateral ties.
2. Members reinforced with longitudinal bars and continuous spirals.
3. Composite compression members reinforced longitudinally with structural
Steel shapes, pipe, or tubing, with or without additional longitudinal bars, and various types of lateral reinforcement.
The main reinforcement in columns is longitudinal, parallel to the direction of the load and consists of bars arranged in a square,
rectangular, or circular pattern. The ratio of longitudinal steel area Ast to gross concrete cross section Ag is in the range from 0.01 to 0.08
according to ACI Code 10.9.1. The lower limit is necessary to ensure resistance to bending moments not accounted for in the analysis
and to reduce the effects of creep and shrinkage of the concrete under sustained compression. Ratios higher than 0.08 not only are
uneconomical but also would cause difficulty owing to congestion of the reinforcement particularly where steel must be spliced. Generally,
the larger diameter bars are used to reduce placement costs and to avoid unnecessary congestion According to ACI Code 10.9.2, a
minimum of four longitudinal bars is required when the bars are enclosed by spaced rectangular or circular ties and a minimum of six bars
must be used when the longitudinal bars are enclosed by a continuous spiral. Columns may be divided into two broad categories: short
columns, for which the strength is governed by the strength of the materials and the geometry of the cross section and slender columns,
for which the strength may be significantly reduced by lateral deflections. A number of years ago, an ACI -ASCE survey indicated that 90
percent of columns braced against side sway and 40 percent of unbraced columns could be designed as short columns. The behavior of
short, axially loaded compression members, for lower loads for which both materials remain in their elastic range of response, the steel
carries a relatively small portion of the total load. The nominal ultimate strength of an axially loaded column can be found recognizing the
nonlinear response of both materials by summing the strength contributions of the two components of the column.
Pn=0.85 f c Ac+Astfy
Or
Pn=0.85 f c (AgAst)+Astfy
At this stage, the steel carries a significantly larger fraction of the load than was the case at lower total load. According to ACI Code
10.3.5, the useful design strength of an axially loaded column is to be found based on above equation with the introduction of certain
strength reduction factors. The ACI factors reflect differences in the behavior of tied columns and spirally reinforced columns that will be
discussed in Sec 2. A basic factor of 0.75 is used for spirally reinforced columns and 0.70 for tied columns according to ACI Code 10.3.5
for spirally reinforced columns.
Pn (max)=0.85 [0.85 f c (AgAst) fyAst]
with =0.75.
For tied columns
Pn (max)=0.85 [0.85 f c (AgAst) fyAst]
with =0.70
The nominal ultimate strength of an axially loaded column can be found, when the column is in by-axial bending we use Load
Contour Method or Reciprocal Load Method to design a section of a column.

Background and objective

The ratio of longitudinal steel area (Ast) to gross concrete cross section (Ag) is in the range from 0.01 to 0.08, according to ACI Code
10.9.1. The lower limit is necessary to reduce the effects of creep and shrinkage of the concrete under sustained compression. Ratios higher
than 0.08 are not only uneconomical but also would cause difficulty owing to congestion of the reinforcement. While we design a section
of a column, the common practice to design a column is to choose an arbitrary section and check that for bending and axial load with
reinforcement about 2-.5 % but whether it is economical or not we dont know. Design of a column for a particular biaxial moment and
axial load may vary from engineer to engineer due to neglecting optimizing criteria. However for a particular moment and load, there is
only one section which is economical; it means only for a certain percentage of reinforcement the section is optimized. But this is not for
a fixed percentage of reinforcement because the section has its component i.e. concrete and reinforcement and the cost of these materials
are different which may increase or decrease independently. For example let now at 2012 the cost of one cft reinforcement (490 lb) is 50
times of one cft concrete (Ready Mix). For this criterion a particular section of column is optimized at 1% reinforcement. Let at 1980
the cost of one cft reinforcement was 20 times of one cft concrete. For that criterion, is the particular section of column was optimized at
1% reinforcement? Ofcourse not. Using 3.5-4 % or more reinforcement was economical on that time. In the similar way it may be more
than 50 times like 100 or more at 2020. As the value changes independently, economic section is not fixed for a certain percentage of
reinforcement only. However for a particular moment and load only for a certain percentage of reinforcement the section is optimized.
But this is not for a fixed percentage of reinforcement. As the cost of concrete and reinforcement may increase or decrease independently,
the economic section is not fixed for 2-5% reinforcement only.
This is dependent on a factor called price ratio X.
X=Price of 1 cft reinforcement (490lb)/ Price of 1 cft concrete.
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Or, X= [price of rod (ton)/price of concrete (cft)] x223x10-3

At the same time we will design a section of column for various strength of concrete and we will compare the section for strength of
concrete (fc). We will compare the required cost of circular column with rectangular column for same loading condition.
Main objectives of our research are:
1. To find an optimized percentage of reinforcement considering existing price of concrete and reinforcement. 0013
 2. To compare the cost of column for various strength of concrete (f c).
3. To compare the required cost of circular column with rectangular column for similar loading condition.

Scope and methodology

To find an optimized percentage of reinforcement considering existing price of concrete and reinforcement: We know that the
coming axial load and moment to the column is resisted by concrete and reinforcement simultaneously. For a specific loading condition
if we increase the gross section of column, then the required percentage of reinforcement will decrease. This will decrease until a certain
section and after it the required amount of reinforcement will increase. Here we design a column for various sections and percentage of
reinforcement for a specific loading condition. We analyze the column for various price ratios and found the optimized percentage of
reinforcement for different price ratio. To design the column here we use ETABS 9.7 and PCA COL and to select an optimized section we
use Programming Language c++
a) A building was chosen where the arrangement of column was not symmetrical.
b) For a specific column, a section was chosen for which the required reinforcement was 8 % of gross area.
c) The section was increased with the decreasing of reinforcement gradually form 7.5 .7, 6.5 to 1.0 percent. Here we increased the
section until required amount of reinforcement decreased.
d) Then cost analysis of different section with 1-8% of reinforcement for a specific price ratio was done and most economical section
i.e., most economic percentage of reinforcement was found for that price ratio.
e) Again the cost analysis for different price ratio (1 to 100) of that specific column was done and most economic percentage of
reinforcement was found for the price ratio (1 to 100). This is done for various columns of a specific building where the axial load and
bi-axial moment are different.
g) The whole process is repeated for different types of building models.
Here the data we obtained was observed graphically and a direction was found in selecting the designed percentage of reinforcement.
To compare the cost of column for various strength of concrete (fC): In designing a column it is common practice to design
a column with a concrete having a strength of 3000 psi - 4000 psi. But now-a-days, concrete with higher strength is very available
throughout the world. South Wacker Drive, Chicago one of the tallest Building of the world is the example where high strength concrete
(12000 psi) was used (courtesy of Portland cement association).
Considering the availability of higher strength concrete in Bangladesh, we used concrete up to 5500 psi only.
a) A building was chosen where the arrangement of column was not symmetrical.
b) For a specific column a section was chosen for which the required strength of concrete is 2000 psi.
c) The section was designed for different strengths of concrete (2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, and 5500) psi for a fixed
gross area of concrete using ETABS.
d) The required percentage of reinforcement decreases as the strength of concrete increases.
e) Then cost analysis of the same section with different percentages of reinforcement for a specific price ratio was done and most
economical section was found.
To compare the required cost of circular column with rectangular column for similar loading condition: In designing a building
we often provide circular column. We provide a circular section as per architectural design, we dont think of the cost. We must have
knowledge between the cost of a circular column and rectangular column.
However first of all we need to develop a relation between a circular column and a rectangular one.
To develop a relation between a circular column and a rectangular column here we follow two approaches:
1. Comparing the axial load capacity and moment resisting capacity between a circular column and a rectangular column having an
equal gross concrete area and reinforcement.
2. Design a circular column and rectangular column for a specific load and moment and compare the required cost.

Literature Review
Introduction
Short columns, for which the strength is governed by the strength of the materials and the geometry of the cross section, and slender
columns, for which the strength may be significantly reduced by lateral deflections. A number of years ago, an ACI -ASCE survey indicated
that 90 percent of columns braced against side sway and 40 percent of unbraced columns could be designed as short columns. The
behavior of short, axially loaded compression members, for lower loads for which both materials remain in their elastic range of response,
the steel carries a relatively small portion of the total load. The nominal ultimate strength of an axially loaded column can be found. When
the column is in by-axial bending, we use Load Contour Method or Reciprocal Load Method to design a section of a column.
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Component of column
Reinforcement: Reinforcing is an essential component in reinforced concrete. Concrete has a high compression but very low tensile
stress. Due to this fact reinforcing or rebar is necessary to provide added tensile strength. To achieve adequate tying yet hold the number
of ties to a minimum, ACI Code 7.10.5 gives the following rules for tie arrangement: All bars of tied columns shall be enclosed by lateral
ties, at least No.3 in size for longitudinal bars up to No.10, and at least No. 4 in size for Nos.11, 14, and 18 and bundled longitudinal bars.
The spacing of the ties shall not exceed 16 diameters of longitudinal bars, 48 diameters of tie bars, or the least dimension of the column. 0014
The ties shall be so arranged that every corner and alternate longitudinal bar shall have lateral support provided by the corner of a tie
having an included angle of not more than 135, and no bar shall be farther than 6 inch clear on either side from such a laterally supported
bar. Deformed wire or welded wire fabric of equivalent area may be used instead of ties. Where the bars are located around the periphery
of a circle, complete circular ties may be used. For spirally reinforced columns ACI Code 7.10.4 requirements for lateral reinforcement
may be summarized follows: Spirals shall consist of a continuous bar or wire not less than 83 inch in diameter and the clear spacing
between turns of the spiral must not exceed 3 inch nor be less than 1 inch.
Concrete: There are two types of concrete:
Concrete made at the site
Ready Mix concrete
For different company price of one cft concrete is almost same for ready mix where price of concrete made at site may vary largely
from site to site. Here we will analyze only on ready mix for simplification.
Ready Mix Concrete (RMC): A modern version of conventional concrete is getting a huge response from builders mainly due to its
scientific maintenance of standard and quick delivery. It also does not need an extra space to be made on a construction site as it can be got
readymade from an RMC manufacturing company. RMC is the construction paste blended in a factory or batching plant in a controlled
environment where proportionate use of RMC raw materials such as sand, cement and crushed stone is ensured through a computerized
system. The process allows producing quality RMC quickly and according to a set recipe. The company now supplies RMC to at least 50
real estate companies through its 24 dedicated vehicles. After preparing RMC the companys special vehicles can preserve the mixture
from 2-6 hours and carry it to distant places. Each such vehicle generally carries 221 cft of paste and is allowed to run in daytime on city
thoroughfares. Sector people said the demand for RMC is more in the large and high-rise building projects where producing concrete
manually or through mixture machines take a huge time. People who want to finish their projects quickly also use the product. By using
RMC it is possible to increase work speed manifold as an RMC plant can produce around 30,000 cft of concrete a day, while a traditional
mixture machine can hardly produce 1,000 cft of paste. Describing another positive side of the paste, Islam said it took around 9 days
for RMC-made floor to get its full strength if a certain chemical is used in preparing RMC, while it requires around 28 days for a newly
constructed building made with conventional concrete mixture.

General
Design methods of reinforced concrete structure: Two major calculating methods of reinforced concrete have been used formerly
1900s to current. The first method is called Working Stress Design (WSD) and the second is called Ultimate Strength Design (USD).
Working Stress Design was used as the principal method from early 1900s until the early 1960s. Since Ultimate Strength Design method
was officially recognized and permitted from ACI318-56, the main design method of ACI 318 Code has gradually changed from WSD to
USD method. The program of this book is based on ACI 318-95 Code USD Method, published in 1995.
Design Methods of Reinforced Concrete Structure:
Change of Design Methods according to ACI 318 Code (PCA, 1999).
The Working Stress Design (WSD)
The Ultimate Strength Design (USD)
Condition Factored load or load effect U
The strength reduction factors
Change of design methods according to ACI 318 code (PCA, 1999)
ACI 318-56: USD was first introduced (1956)
ACI 318-63: WSD and USD were treated on equal basis
ACI 318-71: Based entirely on strength Method (USD)
WSD was called Alternate Design Method (ADM)
ACI 318-77: ADM relegated to Appendix B
ACI 318-89: ADM back to Appendix A
ACI 318-95: ADM still in Appendix A
Unified Design Provision was introduced in Appendix B was deleted from Appendix A (ACI,2002) ACI 318-02: ADM
The Working Stress Design (WSD): Traditionally, elastic behavior was used as a basis for the design method of reinforced concrete
structures. This method is known as Working Stress Design (WSD) and also called the Alternate Design Method or the Elastic Design
Method. This design concept is based on the elastic theory that assumes a straight-line stress distribution along the depth of the concrete
section. To analyze and design reinforced concrete members, the actual load under working conditions, also called service load condition,
is used and allowable stresses are decided depending on the safety factor. For example allowable compressive bending stress is calculated
as if the actual stresses do not exceed the 0.45f allowable stresses, the structures are considered to be adequate for strength. The WSD
method is easier to explain and use than other method but this method is being replaced by the Ultimate Strength Design method. ACI
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318 Code treats the WSD method just in a small part.

Ultimate Strength Design (USD): The Ultimate Strength Design method, also called Strength Design Method (SDM), is based on the
ultimate strength when the design member would fail. The USD method provides safety not by allowable stresses as for the ASD method
but by factored loads, nominal strength and strength reduction factors, both defined by the ACI code.
The load factors are 1.7 for live load and 1.4 for dead load. Other factors are given below
Condition factored load or load effect U 0015
 Basic U=1.4D+1.7L
U=0.75(1.4D+1.7L+1.7W)
Winds U=0.9D+1.3W
U=1.4D+1.7L
U=0.75(1.4D+1.7L+1.87E)
Earthquake U=0.9D+1.43E
U=1.4D+1.7L
U=1.4D+1.7L+1.7H
Earth pressure U=0.9D+1.7H
U=1.4D+1.7L
Settlement, creep, shrinkage, or U=0.75(1.4D+1.4T+1.7L)
Temperature change effects U=1.4(D+T)
Factored load combinations for determining required strength U
However, deflections are based on service load rather than factored load.
The strength reduction factors are given below:
Different factors are used for beams, tied column, or spiral column.
Flexure, without axial load 0.90
Axial tension
Axial compression with flexure 0.90
Axial compression
Axial compression with flexure member 0.70
Axial compression
Axial compression with flexure member with spiral reinforcement 0.75
Shear and torsion 0.85
Bearing on concrete 0.70
Strength reduction factors in the ACI Code (Nilson, 1997)

Column design
Behavior under combined bending and axial loads: In designing a column, we select a section with reinforcement 1-8 percent to
resist the axial load and biaxial-moment. Usually moment is represented by axial load times eccentricity in (Figure 2.4.1), i.e.

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Figure 2.4.1: Eccentric loading on column.

0016
Interaction diagram between axial load and moment in (Figure 2.4.2).
 Figure 2.4.2: Behavior under combined bending and axial loads.

Axial load and moment interaction diagram-general in [Figure 2.4.3 (a), (b)]:

(a)

(b)
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Figure 2.4.3: Any combination of P and M outside the envelope will cause failure.

Figure 2.4.3: Any combination of P and M outside the envelope will cause failure.
Resultant Forces action at Centroid
Pn = Cs1 + Cc Ts2

0017
compression
is positive
 Moment about geometric center
h h a h
M
= n Cs1 * d1 + Cc * + Ts2 * d 2
2 2 2 2
Non-dimensional interaction diagrams (Figure 2.4.4):

Figure 2.4.4: Non-dimensional interaction diagrams.

Design using non-dimensional interaction diagrams

a. Calculate factored loads (Pu, Mu) and e for relevant load combinations
b. Select potentially governing case(s)
c. Use estimate h to calculate gh, e/h for governing case(s)
d .Use appropriate chart (App. A) target rg

Pn Pu
Ag =
Ag Pn

Ag
Select

b & h Ag =
b*h
e. If dimensions are significantly different from estimated (step 3), recalculate (e / h) and redo steps 4 & 5. Revise Ag if necessary
f. Select steel, Ast= Ag
g. Using actual dimensions & bar sizes to check all load combinations (use charts or exact: interaction diagram)
h. Design lateral reinforcement

Design of a column using software

Design of a column using PCA COL: There are various codes to design a column by PCA COL softwares like ACI 318-89; CAN
3-A23; CAN3-M84; ACI 318-83.
Design of a column using ETABS: There are various codes to design a column by ETABS softwares like ACI 318-05/IBC2003; ACI
318-02; CAN 3-A23; CAN3-M84; UBC-97:ACI 318-83; Indian IS 356-2000 etc.

Selection of percentage of reinforcement considering existing price

In designing column section by above method the ratio of longitudinal steel area Ast to gross concrete cross section Ag is in the range
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from 0.01 to 0.08, if we follow ACI Code 10.9.1. We will discuss only on design of column by ACI Code as it is similar to BNBC 1993.
Here it is seen that the design of column section is confined with reinforcement about 1-.8 % but whether is it economical or not we dont
know. Design of a column for a particular biaxial moment and axial load may vary from engineer to engineer. For example a column may
be designed with a reinforcement of 5 percent with a section X. It may also be designed with reinforcement 2% with a section Y.
Here Y is larger than X. But we dont know which one is economical. Section X may be economical for a price of steel and concrete
where section Y may be economical for a different price of steel and concrete. Because the section has its component i.e., concrete and 0018
reinforcement and the cost of these material are different which may increase or decrease independently. However for a particular
moment and load, there is only one section which is economical. It means only for a certain percentage of reinforcement, the section is
optimized. We may see the research paper where they obtained graph is as below in (Figure 2.7.1).

Figure 2.7.1: Optimization process of RC beam [9].

This is also true for a column section of a building that for a particular moment and load there is only one section which is economical,
it means only for a certain percentage of reinforcement the section is optimized. Here we can see the change in price of steel for last 20
years in (Figure 2.7.2 and 2.7.3):

Figure 2.7.2: Decrease in steel price.

Source: The U.S. Steel Industry Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going- Keith Busse (President and CEO, Steel Dynamics,
Inc. National Association of Pipe Distributors) Las Vegas, February 26, 2005.

Figure 2.7.3: Increase in steel price.

Source: The U.S. Steel Industry Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going-Keith Busse (President and CEO, Steel Dynamics,
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Inc. National Association of Pipe Distributors) Las Vegas, February 26, 2005.
From above figure, it is very clear that the price of steel fluctuate vary randomly. In 2012 the price of 60 grade steel is 60000-62000
BDT per ton. Again the price of concrete changes but not like steel. Price of concrete for different strengths is below (Table 2.7):
Terms and Conditions:
The rate below are excluding VAT & IT 0019
Strength (Psi) at 28 days Performance Materials Combination Price (BDT) per cft of RMC Average Price (BDT) per cft of
Including pump RMC Including pump
2000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 185-205 195.00
2500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 183-213 198.00
3000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 186-216 201.00
3500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 185-225 205.00
4000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 180-240 210.00
4500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 200-230 215.00
5000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 200-240 220.00
5500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushed stone 200-246 223.00

Table 2.7: Price of concrete for different strengths.

Source: Various Construction Firm, Bangladesh, August 2011.

From the above analysis it is clear that the price of concrete and steel changes. So the selection of percentage of reinforcement in
designing a column should not be done abruptly neglecting the price of steel and concrete.
As the cost of concrete and reinforcement may increase or decrease independently, the economic section is not fixed for 2-5%
reinforcement only. This is dependent on a factor called price ratio X.
X=Price of 1 cft reinforcement (490lb)/Price of 1 cft concrete.
Or
X=[price of rod (ton)/price of concrete (cft)]x223x10-3

Comparison of the cost of column for various strengths of concrete (f c)

In designing a column, it is common practice to design a column with a concrete having a strength of 3000 psi - 4000 psi and But now
a days concrete with higher strength is very available throughout the world. South Wacker Drive, Chicago one of the tallest Building of
the world is the example where high strength concrete (12000psi) was used (courtesy of Portland cement association). Considering the
availability of higher strength concrete in Bangladesh, we used concrete up to 5500 psi only.

Comparison of the cost of circular column with rectangular column for similar loading condition
In designing a building, we often provide circular column. We provide a circular section as per architectural design, we dont think of
the cost. We must have knowledge between the cost of a circular column and rectangular column. However first of all we need to develop
a relation between a circular column and a rectangular one to compare them.

Summary
As price of concrete and reinforcement is not fixed, so design of section of column should not be fixed for a certain percentage of
reinforcement. So we should find an optimized percentage of reinforcement considering existing price of concrete and reinforcement.
At the same time we will compare the cost of column for various strengths of concrete (fc). As we know with the increasing concrete
strength the required percentage of reinforcement decreases. Here we will try to find the decrease in amount reinforcement or the cost
of reinforcement due to increase in the strength of concrete or cost in concrete. Then we will analyze the increase or decrease in total
cost. Finally we will compare the required cost of circular column with rectangular column for similar loading condition to select an
economical section.

An Optimized Percentage of Reinforcement Considering Existing Cost

General
We know that the coming axial load and moment to the column is resisted by concrete and reinforcement simultaneously. For a
specific loading condition, if we increase the gross section of column then the required percentage of reinforcement will decrease. This
will decrease until a certain section and after it the required amount of reinforcement will increase. Here we design a column for various
sections and percentage of reinforcement for a specific loading condition. We analyze the column for various price ratios and found the
optimized percentage of reinforcement for different price ratio. To design the column, here we use ETABS 9.7 and PCA COL and to select
an optimized section, we use Programming Language c++.

Analysis of cost
Here we analyzed the required cost for a 10 ft column (Ground floor) for different price ratio.
Here for simplification we only use 60 grade reinforcement and 4000 psi concrete.
Cost of 60 grade reinforcement=600000 BDT /ton;
Cost of 4000 psi concrete (RMC)=210 BDT/cft

Selection of a structure
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Different building was chosen where the arrangement of column was not symmetrical. As the arrangement was not symmetrical so
the coming moment and axial load on column was different .Here selections of column was done for reinforcement 1 to 8 percent of gross
area. Here wind load, dead load, live load and earthquake load was chosen as per BNBC 1993.
Selection of a 6 story structure: A 6 story building like below was chosen, it is shown in [Figures 3.3.1 (a) and 3.3.1 (b) and Tables
3.3.1 (a) and 3.3.1 (b)].
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 Figure 3.3.1 (a): 3-D view of structure.

Figure 3.3.1 (b): Plan view of structure.

L (in) B (in) Acon (in2) Ast(in2) Percentage Total cost Total Total cost Total cost Total cost Total cost Total cost Total Total
of steel (BDT) for cost (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for cost cost
x=1 (BDT) for x=10 x=15 x=20 x=25 x=30 (BDT) for (BDT)
x=5 x=50 for x=64
22 18 396 3.96 1.00 5833 6064 6353 6641 6930 7719 7508 8663 9471
22 16 352 6.5 1.85 5228 5607 6081 6555 7029 7503 7977 9873 11200
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20 16 320 7.9 2.47 4782 5243 5819 6395 6971 7547 8123 10427 12040
18 16 288 9.04 3.14 4332 4859 5518 6178 6837 7496 8155 10792 12637
16 16 256 10.6 4.14 3888 4506 5279 6052 6825 7598 8371 11463 13627
18 14 252 11.9 4.72 3849 4543 5410 6278 7146 8014 8881 12352 14782
15 15 225 15.2 6.76 3503 4390 5498 6606 7715 8823 9931 14365 17468
Table 3.3.1 (a): For column F-2, F-3, A-2, A-3.
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 Figure 3.3.1 (b): Graphical analysis of cost for various price ratios.

Selection of a 20 story structure: Shown in [Figures 3.3.2 (a), 3.3.2 (b), 3.3.2 (c) and 3.3.2 (d) and Tables 3.3.2 (a) and 3.3.2 (b)].

Figure 3.3.2 (a): 3-D view of structure.

L (in) B (in) Acon (in2) Ast(in2) Percentage Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total
of steel cost cost cost cost cost cost cost cost cost
(BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for
x=1 x=5 x=10 x=15 x=20 x=25 x=30 x=50 x=64
30 22 660 6.6 1.00 9721 10106 10588 11069 11550 12031 12513 14438 15785
30 20 600 9.24 1.54 8885 9424 10098 10771 11445 12119 12793 15488 17374
30 18 540 12.2 2.26 8053 8765 9654 10544 11433 12323 13213 16771 19262
28 18 504 13.9 2.76 7553 8364 9377 10391 11404 12418 13431 17485 20323
18 25 450 16.8 3.73 6808 7788 9013 10238 11463 12688 13913 18813 22243
18 22 396 19.9 5.03 6065 7226 8677 10128 11579 13030 14481 20285 24348
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18 21 378 20.8 5.50 5816 7029 8546 10063 11579 13096 14613 20679 24926
17 20 340 22 6.47 5279 6563 8167 9771 11375 12979 14583 21000 25492
Table 3.3.2 (a): For column A-3.

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 Figure 3.3.2 (b): Plan view of structure.

Figure 3.3.2 (b): Graphical analysis of cost for various price ratios.

L (in) B (in) Acon (in2) Ast(in2) Percentage Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total
of steel cost cost cost cost cost cost cost cost cost
(BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for (BDT) for
x=1 x=5 x=10 x=15 x=20 x=25 x=30 x=50 x=64
32 22 704 7.1 1.01 10370 10784 11302 11820 12855 12855 13373 15444 16893
30 22 660 7.77 1.18 9738 10192 10758 11325 11891 12458 13024 15291 16877
30 20 600 10.5 1.75 8903 9516 10281 11047 11813 12578 13344 16406 18550
30 18 540 13.5 2.50 8072 8859 9844 10828 11813 12797 13781 17719 20475
28 18 504 15.03 2.98 7569 8446 9542 10638 11734 12830 12926 18309 21378
25 18 450 17.6 3.91 6819 7846 9129 10413 11696 12979 14263 19396 22989
22 18 396 20.1 5.08 6068 7241 8706 10172 11638 13103 14569 20431 24535
21 18 378 20.83 5.51 5816 7031 8550 10069 11588 13107 14626 20701 24954
20 17 340 21.7 6.38 5275 6541 8123 9705 11288 12870 14452 20781 25212
Table 3.3.2 (b): For column 1-B.
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Figure 3.3.2 (c): Graphical analysis of cost for various price ratios.
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Result and discussion
Data tables and graphs of analysis are shown below. For current price of reinforcement (60000 BDT/ton) and concrete (210 BDT/cft)
price ratio is 64. It is seen at [Table 3.1 (a)] that using 1 percent of reinforcement for a price ratio 64 the cost for 10 feet column section
(Ground floor) is 9471 BDT. Using 2.47 percent of reinforcement for same price ratio it costs 12040 BDT. The difference in cost 2569
BDT may seems very small. But this is only for a column section of 10 feet. When we will estimate it for 20 columns and 6 stories it will
be no smaller. Here increase in the cost is 27.12 percent. It can be said that using 2.47 percent of reinforcement instead of 1 percent of
reinforcement increases the column cost 27.12 percent. Again it is seen that using a section 22x18 instead of 20x16 i.e., 23.75 percent
increase in gross area reduces the cost 21.34 percent. In [Table 3.3.1 (b)] it is seen that using 2.76 percent of reinforcement instead of 1
percent causes 28.75 percent increase in column cost. In [Table 3.3.2 (b)] it is seen that using 2.98 percent of reinforcement instead of
1.01 percent causes 26.55 percent increase in column cost. If we provide, it is seen that using 6.5 percent reinforcement costs almost 2
times of the cost of using 1percent reinforcement at a price ratio 64. Using 3-3.5 percent reinforcement costs about 1.5 times of 1 percent
reinforcement at a price ratio 64.
In [Figure 3.4 (a)] we can see how the reinforcement percentage changes with the changes of cost. When the price ratio (price of
1cft reinforcement/price of 1 cft concrete) is one, then we can use 8 percent reinforcement or even more if we can avoid the difficulty
owing to congestion of the reinforcement, particularly where the steel must be spliced. To avoid difficulty 8 percent reinforcement is
chosen. But when the price ratio increases, then percent of reinforcement also changes and after a certain price ratio the economical
percentage of reinforcement becomes 1 percent. For example we can see the graph and table below; for a price ratio 1-100, the percentage
of reinforcement changes. It can be said that generally when X (price ratio) is 1-15 it is 6.5 percent reinforcement, at X=15-18 it is 3 to
6 percent, at X=18-20 it is 2 to 3 percent, at X=20-22 it is 1 to 2 percent and after X=22 it is only percent [Table 3.4 (a)]. This is true for
every column that after a certain price ratio it is optimized only at percent reinforcement on that loading and moment condition. We cant
avoid percent of reinforcement to make it more economical as the lower limit is necessary to ensure resistance to bending moment not
accounted for the analysis and to reduce effects of creep and shrinkage of concrete under sustained compression. Without this concrete
have only 1/10 tensile strength of its compressive strength and zero tensile strength after crack.

Figure 3.4 (a): Price Ratio VS Percentage of Reinforcement Graph.

X=[(price of rod (ton)/price of concrete (cft)]x223x10-3

Price ratio X Optimized percentage of reinforcement
1 to 15 Greater than 6
15 to 18 3 to 6
18 to 20 2 to 3
20 to 22 1 to 2
Greater than 22 1
Table 3.4 (a): Optimized percentage of reinforcement for various price ratios X.

Summary
Analyzing the present cost of reinforcement and concrete, it is seen that a column section is optimized at 1-1.2 percent of reinforcement.
This is true for every column, that after a certain price ratio (generally 22) the column section is optimized at 1percent of reinforcement
on that loading and moment condition. For present price ratio 40-70, it is seen that with same axial load capacity a column of larger
section with reinforcement around 1-1.2 percent is more economical than a column of smaller section with a reinforcement of 2-5. To
optimize the section we should select a column with 1-1.2 percent reinforcement, when the price ratio is greater than 22. When the price
ratio decreases, selection of percentage of reinforcement may increases up to 7 or 8 percent gradually as seen in Table 3.4 (a). However
we should remember that this Table 3.4 (a) does not give any direction to design a column or to select width and length of column. It just
gives us a direction to select a percentage of reinforcement considering existing price of reinforcement and concrete. Again this direction
can be omitted for some practical purpose like reduction in column section for parking, free space or some other practical purposes. But
we should remember that the increase in the cost of the column section is proportional to the deviation from the above direction.

Comparison of the Cost of Column for Various Strength of Concrete (F C)

General
Generally we design our structure by 3000 to 4000 psi concrete. Now a days high strength is very available throughout the world.
Even in Bangladesh high strength concrete is very common. We will analyze the required reinforcement for a column of fixed section for
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different strength of concrete. Then we will analyze its cost for different strength.

Analysis of cost
Here we will analyze the required cost for a 10 ft column for different price and strength of concrete
Here for simplification we only use 60 grade reinforcement only.
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Cost of 60 grade reinforcement=600000 BDT /ton;
 Price of concrete for different strengths is given below in (Table 4.2)
Terms and Conditions:
The above rate are excluding VAT & IT
Strength Performance Materials Combination Average Price (BDT) per cft of RMC
Including pump
(Psi) at 28 days
2000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 195.00
2500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 198.00
3000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 201.00
3500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 205.00
4000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 210.00
4500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 215.00
5000 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 220.00
5500 PSI Normal Strength 100% crushedstone 223.00
Table 4.2: Price of concrete for different strengths.

Source: Various Construction Firm, Bangladesh, August 2011.

Selection of a structure
4.3a. Selection of a 10 story structure: Shown in [Figures 4.3.1 (a), 4.3.2 (a), 4.3.3 (a), 4.3.4 (a), 4.3.5 (a), 4.3.6 (a), 4.3.7 (a), 4.3.8 (a),
4.3.9 (a) and 4.3.10 (a) and Tables 4.3.1 (a), 4.3.2 (a), 4.3.3 (a), 4.3.4 (a), 4.3.5 (a) and 4.3.6 (a)].

Figure 4.3.1 (a): 3-D view of structure.

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Figure 4.3.2 (a): Plan view of structure.

0025
 Figure 4.3.3 (a): Section A-A.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 12X20 12X20 12X20 12X20 12X20 12X20 12X20 12X20
Required reinforcement (in2) 14.22 12.63 10.7 9.04 7.17 5.61 3.94 2.4
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 13197 11721 9930 8389 6654 5206 3656 2227
Cost of concrete (BDT) 3250 3300 3350 3417 3500 3583 3667 3717
Total cost (BDT) 16447 15021 13280 11806 10154 8790 7323 5944
Table 4.3.1 (a): For column A-1 (38-37).

Figure 4.3.4 (a): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Concrete strength (psi) 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20
Required reinforcement (in2) 16.37 14.15 11.98 9.69 7.45 5.15 3.1
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 15192 13132 11118 8993 6914 4779 2877
Cost of concrete (BDT) 4125 4188 4271 4375 4479 4583 4646
Total cost (BDT) 19317 17319 15389 13368 11393 9363 7523

Table 4.3.2 (a): For column A-2 (40-39).

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0026
Figure 4.3.5 (a): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.
 Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 12x30 12X30 12X30 12X30 12X30 12X30 12X30 12X30
Required reinforcement (in2) 19.97 17.4 14.73 12.04 9.37 8.42 4.24 3.6
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 18533 16148 13670 11173 8696 7814 3935 3341
Cost of concrete (BDT) 4875 4950 5025 5125 5250 5375 5500 5575
Total cost (BDT) 23408 21098 18695 16298 13946 13189 9435 8916
Table 4.3.3 (a): For column A-5 (45-15).

Figure 4.3.6 (a): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Figure 4.3.7 (a): For section B-B.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 15x20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20
Required reinforcement (in2) 17.4 15.4 13.03 10.96 8.7 6.76 4.74 3
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 16148 14292 12092 10171 8074 6273 4399 2784
Cost of concrete (BDT) 4063 4125 4188 4271 4375 4479 4583 4646
Total cost (BDT) 20210 18417 16280 14442 12449 10753 8982 7430
Table 4.3.4 (a): For column B-2 (51-50).
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Figure 4.3.8 (a): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths. 0027
 Concrete strength (psi) 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20
Required reinforcement (in2) 17.93 15.97 13.67 11.61 9.44 7.54 5.48
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 16640 14821 12686 10774 8761 6997 5086
Cost of concrete (BDT) 4125 4188 4271 4375 4479 4583 4646
Total cost (BDT) 20765 19008 16957 15149 13240 13240 9731
Table 4.3.5 (a): For column B-4 (20-9).

Figure 4.3.9 (a): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 15x20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20 15X20
Required reinforcement (in2) 20.93 17.93 15.18 12.76 10.08 7.91 5.42 3.36
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 19424 16640 14087 11842 9355 7341 5030 3118
Cost of concrete (BDT) 8342 8470 8598 8769 8983 9197 9411 9539
Total cost (BDT) 27765 25110 22686 20611 18338 16538 14441 12658
Table 4.3.6 (a): For column B-6 (5-2).

Figure 4.3.10 (a): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

4.3b. Selection of a 6 story structure: Shown in [Figures 4.3.1 (b), 4.3.2 (b), 4.3.3 (b) and 4.3.4 (b) and Tables 4.3.1 (b) and 4.3.2 (b)]. OMICS Group eBooks

Figure 4.3.1 (b): 3-D view of structure.

0028
 Figure 4.3.2 (b): Plan view of structure.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18
Required reinforcement (in2) 30.5 26.4 21.8 17.4 13.15 9.5 5.61 5.2
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 28305 24500 20231 16148 12204 8816 5206 4826
Cost of concrete (BDT) 5850 5940 6030 6150 6300 6450 6600 6690
Total cost (BDT) 34155 26261 26261 22298 18504 15266 11806 11516
Table 4.3.1 (b): For column B-1.

Figure 4.3.3 (b): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18 24x18
Required reinforcement (in2) 29.7 25.1 20.82 16.1 12.2 8.2 5.4 5.4
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 27562 23294 19322 14941 11322 7610 5011 5011
Cost of concrete (BDT) 5850 5940 6030 6150 6300 6450 6600 6690
Total cost (BDT) 33412 29234 25352 21091 17622 14060 11611 11701
Table 4.3.2 (b): For column A-2.
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Figure 4.3.4 (b): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

4.3c. Selection of a 10 story structure: Shown in [Figures 4.3.1 (c), 4.3.2 (c), 4.3.3 (c), 4.3.4 (c), 4.3.5 (c), 4.3.6 (c), 4.3.7 (c) and 4.3.8
(c)] and [Tables 4.3.1 (c), 4.3.2 (c), 4.3.3 (c) and 4.3.4 (c)].

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Figure 4.3.1 (c): 3-D view of structure.

Figure 4.3.2 (c): Plan view of structure.

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Figure 4.3.3 (c): For section A-A. 0030

 Concrete strength (psi) 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15
Required reinforcement (in2) 22.15 20.42 18.6 16.57 15.3 14.02 12.76
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 20556 18950 17261 15377 14199 13011 11842
Cost of concrete (BDT) 5156 5234 5339 5469 5599 5729 5807
Total cost (BDT) 25712 24185 22600 20846 19798 18740 17649
Table 4.3.1 (c): For column A-5 (45-21).

Figure 4.3.4 (c): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 15x20 15x20 15x20 15x20 15x20 15x20 15x20 15x20
Required reinforcement (in2) 15.7 13.8 12.18 10.53 8.75 7.34 4.57 3.71
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 14570 12805 11303 9772 8120 6812 4241 3443
Cost of concrete (BDT) 4063 4125 4188 4271 8120 4479 4583 4646
Total cost (BDT) 18633 16932 15491 14043 8120 11291 8824 8089
Table 4.3.2 (c): For column A-6 (44-19).

Figure 4.3.5 (c): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.
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Figure 4.3.6 (c): For section B-B.
 Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15
Required reinforcement (in2) 13.56 11.97 10.47 8.89 7.77 6.68 5.56 4.82
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 12584 11109 9716 8250 7211 6199 5160 4473
Cost of concrete (BDT) 5078 5156 5234 5339 5469 5599 5729 5807
Total cost (BDT) 17662 16265 14951 13589 12680 11798 10889 10280
Table 4.3.3 (c): For column B-3 (55-27).

Figure 4.3.7 (c): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Concrete strength (psi) 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
Column size (inxin) 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15 25x15
Required reinforcement (in2) 13.38 10.73 8.3 5.79 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.75
Cost of reinforcement (BDT) 12417 9958 7703 5373 3480 3480 3480 3480
Cost of concrete (BDT) 5078 5156 5234 5339 5469 5599 5729 5807
Total cost (BDT) 17495 15114 12937 10712 8949 9079 9209 9287
Table 4.3.4 (c): For column B-4 (54-26).

Figure 4.3.8 (c): Graphical analysis of cost for various concrete strengths.

Result and Discussion

Form the above graph, it is seen that the required amount of reinforcement decreases with the increasing of concrete strength
for a specific loading condition. As we know that the moment and axial load on a column is resisted by reinforcement and concrete
combinedly. As for the above condition the section of the column is fixed and the coming axial load and moment is fixed, so with the
increasing of the strength of concrete the required reinforcement decreases. From the graph it is also seen that the increase in the cost of
concrete is very small compared to the decrease of cost of reinforcement. Here the total cost for the column also decreases. It is seen that
using 5000 psi concrete instead of 3000 psi concrete reduces 20-50 percent of the total cost of a column section. Here it is also seen that
using 5000 psi concrete instead of 4000 psi concrete reduces 10-30 percent of the total cost of a column section.

Summary
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On the basis of existing cost of concrete and reinforcement, it can be said that using of 5000 psi concrete can reduces the total column
cost at a large amount. So if proper high strength of concrete can be attained in field condition. It can be used to minimize the total cost
of column.

Comparison of the Cost of Circular Column with Rectangular Column for

Similar Loading Condition 0032
General
Generally we design our structure according to architectural design. We randomly use circular column. But rare we compare the
required cost for a circular column instead of using a square column. Here we will analyze the cost of circular column and then we will
compare the cost of square column and circular column.

Design method
To design a column we used PCA COL software. Here the code ACI 318-89 used to design the column section.

Selection of column
We selected here 8 column samples. For a specific loading condition we designed a square column. For the same loading condition
we designed a circular column:
keeping the gross area same but changing the required reinforcement
keeping the reinforcement same but changing the required gross area

Analysis of cost
Here we analyzed the required cost for a 10 ft column (Ground floor) for different condition.
Here for simplification we only use 60 grade reinforcement and 4000 psi concrete.
Cost of 60 grade reinforcement=600000 BDT /ton
Cost of concrete (4000 psi)=210 BDT/cft
Analyzing the cost changing the concrete area: We selected 8 sample of column and the obtained result is shown below in (Table
5.4.1 and Figure 5.4.1):
sample L (in) B (in) Acon No of Ast Percentage Axial load Moment Moment Cost of Cost of Total
(in2) Bar (in2) of steel capacity capacity Mx capacity My concrete reinforcement cost
(kip) (kip-ft) (kip-ft) (BDT) (BDT)
(BDT)
A 12 12 144 8#6 3.52 2.44 128 73 73 2100 3267 5367
Dia 16.75 220.5 8#6 3.52 1.60 128 74 74 74 3216 6482
B 15 15 225 8#8 6.32 2.81 220 164 164 3281 5865 9146
Dia 21.25 355 8#8 6.32 1.78 220 166 166 5177 5865 11042
C 16 16 256 8#8 6.32 2.47 252 190 190 3733 5865 9598
Dia 22.75 406.5 8#8 6.32 1.55 252 194 194 5928 5865 11793
D 19 19 361 8#9 8 2.22 369 312 312 5233 7424 12689
Dia 27 572.5 8#9 8 1.40 366 316 316 8349 7424 15773
E 20 20 400 8#9 8 2 413 350 350 5833 7424 13258
Dia 28.5 638 8#9 8 2.01 413 359 359 9304 7424 16487
F 22 22 484 8#10 10.16 2.1 505 481 481 7058 9429 16487
Dia 31.25 767 8#10 10.16 2.07 499 488 488 11185 9429 20614
G 24 24 576 8#10 10.16 1.76 611 585 585 8400 9429 17829
Dia 34 908 8#10 10.16 1.77 602 595 595 13242 9429 22670
H 25 25 625 8#10 10.16 1.63 657 643 643 9115 9429 18543
Dia 35.5 990 8#10 10.16 1.65 648 657 657 14438 9429 23866
Table 5.4.1: Cost changing the concrete area.
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Figure 5.4.1: Difference in cost for same axial and bending capacity. 0033
 Considering the change in gross concrete are only, it is seen that for a same loading condition a circular cilumn required more
concrete area than a square column. It means for a same axial load and moment resisting capacity a circular column costs more than a
square column, about 20-30 percent more.
Analyzing the cost changing the reinforcement: Shown below in [Table 5.4.2 and Figures 5.4.2 (a), 5.4.2 (b) and 5.4.2 (c)]:
sample L (in) B (in) Acon No of Bar Ast Percentage Axial load Moment Moment Cost of Cost of Total cost
(in2) (in2) of steel capacity capacity Mx capacity My concrete reinforcement(BDT) (BDT)
(kip) (kip-ft) (kip-ft) (BDT)
A 12 12 144 8#6 3.52 2.44 128 73 73 2100 3267 5367
Dia 13.5 143.14 8#10 10.16 7.10 132 74 74 2087 9429 11516
B 15 15 225 8#8 6.32 2.81 220 164 164 3281 5865 9146
Dia 17 226.98 8#14 18 7.93 231 170 170 3310 16705 20015
C 16 16 256 8#8 6.32 2.47 252 190 190 3733 5865 9598
Dia 18 254.47 11#11 17.16 6.74 258 193 193 3711 15925 19636
D 19 19 361 8#9 8 2.22 369 312 312 5233 7424 12689
Dia 21.5 363.055 15#10 19.05 5.25 372 310 310 5295 17679 22974
E 20 20 400 8#9 8 2 413 350 350 5833 7424 13258
Dia 22.5 397.61 16#10 20.32 5.11 420 352 352 5798 18858 24656
F 22 22 484 8#10 10.16 2.1 505 481 481 7058 9429 16487
Dia 25 490.87 11#14 24.75 5.04 504 481 481 7159 22969 30127
G 24 24 576 8#10 10.16 1.76 611 585 585 8400 9429 17829
Dia 27 572.56 12#14 27 4.72 613 587 587 8350 25057 33407
H 25 25 625 8#10 10.16 1.63 657 643 643 9115 9429 18543
Dia 28 615.75 13#14 29.25 4.75 671 664 664 8980 27145 36125
Table 5.4.2: Cost changing the reinforcement.

Figure 5.4.2 (a): Difference in cost for same axial and bending capacity.

Considering the change in reinforcement only, it is seen that for a same loading condition a circular column required more concrete
area than a square column. It means for a same axial load and moment resisting capacity a circular column costs more than a square
column, about 80-130 percent more. From the above analysis a graph like below is obtained.
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Figure 5.4.2 (b): Diffrence in cost for various sample.

0034
 From the above graph a simple graph to compare the cost of circular column to square column can be obtained like below:

Figure 5.4.2 (c): Diffrence in cost between circular and rectangular column.

Result and discussion

Form the above graph it is seen that the required amount of reinforcement and concrete area increases for a circular column for a
specific loading condition. The required cost for a circular column is 20-60 percent more than a square column having same axial load
and moment resisting capacity. From the Fig: 5.4.2 (c), it is visualized that the cost difference between a circular column and a rectangular
column increases with the increase of gross area of concrete. It is also seen that the cost increases with the increasing of resisting moment
and axial load capacity. Here we neglect the cost of ties in both cases as the difference in cost of ties is very little.

Summary
A square column may be used to reduce the total cost of column of a building. However sometime it is not possible to provide square
column for architectural beauty or some practical purpose. So we have to provide circular column. But when cost is a vital factor, then we
must avoid providing circular column randomly.

Conclusions
General
This book was aimed to study the cost analysis and design of column. In view of these objectives, the required cost to design a column
was analyzed on the basis of existing market price of concrete and reinforcement. After designing column for various price of concrete
and reinforcement we found an optimized percentage of reinforcement for existing market price. Column was also designed for various
concrete strengths from 2500 to 5000 psi strength to compare the price. Finally we compared the cost difference between a circular
column and a square column having similar capacity.

Findings from the analysis

One percent is optimized percentage of reinforcement
When the price ration is more than 30 column, section is optimized at 1 percent of reinforcement.
For present market price of concrete and reinforcement, a column section is optimized at 1 percent of reinforcement.
This percentage of reinforcement is more applicable up to 10 to 12 story where increase in size of column section is very small.
For present price ratio 40-70, it is seen that with same axial load capacity a column of larger section with reinforcement around
1-1.2% is more economical than a column of smaller section with a reinforcement of 3-5. To optimize the section, we should select a
column with 1-1.2% reinforcement when the price ratio is greater than 25. When the price ratio decreases, selection of percentage of
reinforcement may increases up to 7 or 8 percent gradually as seen in Table 3.4(a).
Using 5000 psi or more compressive strength (fc) of concrete reduces the cost of column
Using 5000 psi concrete instead of 3000 psi concrete reduces 20-50 percent of the total cost of a column section.
Here it is also seen that using 5000 psi concrete instead of 4000 psi concrete reduces 10-30 percent of the total cost of a column
section
As we seen that due to use of 1 percent of reinforcement a column section may increase sometime more than acceptable limit.
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High strength concrete may be used to reduce the section and at the same time it is economical too.
So if proper high strength of concrete can be attained in field condition it can be used to minimize the total cost of column.
Square column is more economical than circular column
The required cost for a circular column is 20-60 percent more than a square column having same axial load and moment resisting
capacity.
0035
Having same material property a square column can resist more axial load and biaxial moment.
 A square column may be used to reduce the total cost of column of a building. However sometime it is not possible to provide square
column for architectural beauty or some practical purpose. So we have to provide circular column. But when cost is a vital factor then we
must avoid providing circular column randomly.

Scope of future study

Due to the time limitation and other constraints we were not able to investigate the following criteria
We have done our research work by using 4000 psi concrete and 60 grade reinforcement to find optimized percentage of
reinforcement. We did not use other strength of concrete and other grade of reinforcement. So there is future scope of experiment with
different strength of concrete and reinforcement.
We only analyzed the ground floor to find optimized percentage of reinforcement. The whole structure can be analyzed in future.
Reduction in the size of column section is required sometime which is possible using high strength of concrete. There is a scope
of future analysis to reduce the section of column.

References
1. Nilson AH, Darwin D, Dolan CW (2004) Design of Concrete Structures. (13thedn).
2. Furlong RW (1961) Ultimate strength of square columns under Biaxially Ecentric Loads, JACI 9:1129-1140.
3. Nevil AM (1981) Properties of Concrete. (3rdedn), Pitman Books Ltd., London.
4. ACI Design handbook (1997) SP-17, American Concrete Institute , Farmington Hills, MI.
5. CSI ETABS 9.7 software.
6. PCA COL software.
7. Bresler B (1960) Design Criteria for Reinforced Concrete Columns under Axial load and Biaxial Bending. JACI 10: 481-490.
8. Aziz MA (1991) Engineering Materials. (2ndedn), Dhaka.
9. Mamoun Alqedra, Mohammed Arafa, Mohammed Ismail (2011) Optimum Cost of Prestressed and Reinforced Concrete Beams using
Genetic Algorithms. Journal of Artificial Intelligence 4: 76-88.
10. Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) (1993), Bangladesh.
11. Singh Gurcharan, Singh Jagdish (1998) Building Materials. In: Materials of Construction. (3rdedn), Delhi.

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