Lecture 11

COLUMN BASES
Types and loads
Column bases transmit axial load, horizontal load and moment
from the steel column to the concrete foundation. The main
function of the base is to distribute the loads safely to the weaker
material.

The main types of bases used are shown in Figure below. These
are:
(1) slab base;
(2) gusseted base; and
(3) pocket base.
Plain or slab base
In general a plain or slab base is used for pinned conditions or when
there is very little tension between the plate and the concrete
Gusseted base

A gusseted base is used occasionally to spread very heavy loads

but more generally for conditions of large moment in relation to
the vertical applied loads, the principal function of the gusset
being to allow the holding-down bolt lever arm to be increased to
give maximum efficiency while keeping the baseplate thickness
to an acceptable minimum. Gusseted or built-up bases give an
ideal solution for compound or twin crane stanchions in industrial
shed buildings.
Fixed bases are used primarily in low-rise construction either in
portal buildings specifically designed as ‘fixed base’ or in industrial
sheds in which the main columns cantilever from the foundations.
They are also used, though less frequently, in multi-storey rigid-
frame construction. In each of these cases it is assumed by
definition that no angular rotation takes place, and although this is
unlikely to be achieved it is generally accepted that sufficient
rigidity can be obtained to justify the assumption.
Pinned bases are those in which it is assumed that there is no
restraint against angular rotation. Although this is also difficult to
achieve it is accepted that sufficient flexibility can be introduced by
minimizing the size of the foundation and similarly reducing the
anchorage system. Pinned bases are used in portal and in multi-
storey construction.
Fig. 11.1(a) Main types of bases
Fig. 11.1 (b)
Main types of bases
With respect to slab and gusseted bases, depending on the
values of axial load and moment, there may be compression over
the whole base or compression over part of the base and tension
in the holding-down bolts.
Bases subjected to moments about the major axis only are
considered here. Horizontal loads are resisted by shear in the
weld between column and base plates, shear in the holding-down
bolts and friction and bond between the base and the concrete.
Design strengths
(1) Base plates
The design strength of the plate, pyp is given in Section 4.13.2.2 of BS 5950: Part 1.
This is to be taken from Table 9 but is not to exceed 275 N/mm2.

(2) Holding-down bolts

Holding-down bolts should be checked for tension due to moments applied to the
base by the column, using the tension capacity, Pt given in 6.6.
The strengths of bolts are given in Table 34 of the code. The tensile stress area
should be used in the design check for bolts in tension.

(3) Concrete
The column base is set on steel packing plates and grouted in. Mortar cube
strengths vary from 25 to 40 N/mm2. The bearing strength is given in Section 4.13.1
of the code as 0.4fcu, where fcu, is the cube strength at 28 days.
For design of pocket bases, the compressive strength of the structural concrete is
taken from BS 8110: Part 1.
(4) Stiffeners
In a stiffened base, the moment in a stiffener due to the bearing
pressure on the effective area used in the design of the baseplate
should not exceed pysZs, where pys is the design strength of the stiffener
and Zs is its section modulus.

When the effective area of the baseplate is less than its gross area, the
connections of the stiffeners should also be checked separately for the
effects of a linear distribution of bearing pressure on the gross area as
well as for the effects of the distribution used in the design of the
baseplate and the stiffeners.

(5) Connection of baseplates

Welds or bolts should be provided to transmit any shear or tension
developed at the connection due to all realistic combinations of factored
loads, see 2.2.1.
Axially loaded slab base
(1) Code requirements and theory
This type of base is used extensively with thick steel slabs being
required for heavily loaded columns. The slab base is free from pockets
where corrosion may start and maintenance is simpler than with
gusseted bases.
The design of slab bases with concentric loads is given in Section
4.13.2.2 of BS 5950: Part 1. This states that where the rectangular plate
is loaded by an I, H, channel, box or rectangular hollow section its
minimum thickness should be:
but not less than the flange thickness of the column supported, where k
is the largest perpendicular distance from the edge of the effective
portion of the base plate to the face of the column cross-section, T the
flange thickness of the column, w the pressure on the underside of the
base assuming uniform distribution and pyp the design strength of the
base plate.

Fig.11.2 Column base plate moments

 (2) Weld: column to slab
The code states in Section 4.13.3 that where the slab and column
end are in tight contact the load is transmitted in direct bearing. The
surfaces in contact would be machined in this case. The weld only
holds the base slab in position.
Where the surfaces are not suitable to transmit the load in direct
bearing the weld must be designed to transmit the load.

3) Minimum depth of mass concrete

The minimum value for D for a mass
concrete foundation is established by 45°
dispersal from the edge of the baseplate
Fig.11.3 Foundation depth shown in Fig. 11.3. Shallower foundations
can be used if they are suitably reinforced.
Baseplate design
The effective area method
The effective area method for baseplate design approach is much more
reliable and can be used for all column sections.

H and I column bases

Fig.11.4 (a) (b) (c)

(1) Calculate required area, A = Axial Load/0.6 fcu.
where:
fcu is the cube strength of either the concrete or the grout,
whichever is weaker.

(2) Calculate outstand c (see Fig. 11.4(a)) by equating required

area to actual area expressed as a function of c. The
expression for the actual effective area of an I or H section may
be approximated to:

A = 4c2 + [(column perimeter) x c] + column area.

Aeff = (D + 2c)(B + 2c) − (D − 2c − 2T )[2(c + B/2 − t/2 - c)]

= (D + 2c)(B + 2c) − (D − 2c − 2T )(B − t)

= (DB + 2Bc + 2Dc + 4c2)− (DB − 2Bc − 2BT − DT − Dt + 2tc + 2Tt)

= 4c2 + (2D + 4B − 2t)c + (2BT + Dt − 2Tt)

where D and B are the depth and width of the universal steel column used,
T and t are the flange and web thicknesses of the UC and c is the
perpendicular spread distance as defined in Clause 4.13.2.2 of BS 5950.
The effective area is approximately equal to:
Aeff = 4c2 + c(sectional perimeter) + sectional area = Areq.

Check to ensure no overlapping occur:

D + 2c ≤ Dp
B +2c ≤ Bp
(3) Check that there is no overlap of effective area between
flanges (see Fig.11.4(b)).

This will occur if 2c > the distance between the inner faces
of the flanges. If an overlap exists, modify the expression for
effective area and recalculate c.

(4) Check the effective area fits on the size of baseplate selected
(see Fig. 11.4 (c)).

If the effective area does not fit on the baseplate, modify the
expression for effective area to allow for the limitations of the
plate size and recalculate c, or
 select a larger base plate. For the case shown in Figure
11.4(c), the modified expression for the effective area will be:

4c2 + (column perimeter) x c + column area - 2 x (B + 2c) x (c - a).

(5) If c has been recalculated step 3 will need to be repeated.

(6) Calculate required plate thickness t using expression below

p

(given in clause 4.13.2.2):

0.5 where:
3𝑤
𝑡𝑝 = 𝑐
𝑝𝑦𝑝 w = 0.6fcu
pyp is the plate design strength
The expression for the plate thickness can be derived from equating
the moment produced by the uniform load w to the elastic moment
capacity of the baseplate (both per unit length).

Moment from uniform load on cantilever = Elastic moment capacity of

plate
𝑤𝑐2
= 𝑝𝑦𝑝𝑍 (per unit length)
2

𝑤𝑐2 𝑡𝑝2
= 𝑝𝑦𝑝
2 6
Rearranging gives
0.5
3𝑤
𝑡𝑝 = 𝑐
𝑝𝑦𝑝
Tubular column bases

Area of shaded annulus:

𝑨𝒆 = (𝟐𝒄 + 𝒕)(𝑫 – 𝒕)𝝅

From which c can be obtained,

and finally;
0.5
3𝑤
𝑡𝑝 = 𝑐
𝑝𝑦𝑝

Fig.11.5 Tubular column bases

NOTE:
In bases for column carrying axial loads (P) only, anchor bolts only
hold the column in position and do not take up any loads.
Bases subjected to combined Axial Loads and Moments

Fig.11.6 components decomposition

 If the columns carry axial loads and bending
moments (M), the anchor bolts are sometimes
required to take up tensions.

P, H and M are factored as appropriate while W,

the foundation mass, is factored by 1.0, being a
restoring moment.

Fig.11.7 Moments about A for ensuring stability give

Stability of foundation
𝒘𝑳
𝑴 + 𝑯𝑫 − 𝑷𝑲 − ≤𝟎
𝟐
From this a minimum value of W for stability is
produced.
 Assessment of pressure distribution under the foundation
𝑃+𝑤 𝑀 + 𝐷𝐻 6
Case 1: 𝑓𝑔 = ±
𝐵𝐿 𝐵𝐿2

It is necessary fgmin to be less than

ground bearing capacity for the
foundation to be satisfactory.

For fg to be zero;

𝑃+𝑤 𝑀 + 𝐷𝐻 6
− 2
=0
𝐵𝐿 𝐵𝐿

Fig.11.6 Compression over entire area

Replacing the forces by the resultant acting at eccentricity x:
𝑅 6𝑅𝑥
− 2 =0
𝐵𝐿 𝐵𝐿
𝐿
From which 𝑥=
6

And that x should not exceed L/6

This is the limiting condition for the application of Case 1
Case 2:Tension over an area of less than 1/3 of the base area

In this case, L/6 < x < L/3

This occurs when fgmin is negative such
that;
𝑃+𝑤 𝑀 + 𝐷𝐻 6
<
𝐵𝐿 𝐵𝐿2

Fig.11.6 Tension over an area of less than 1/3 of the base area
The theory proposes that 3(L/2 - x) is the length of surface contact
between the foundation and the ground.

From dimension of column the width of

base plate (B) may be assumed.

The length of the base plate (L) is then

given by the formula
Case 3:Tension over an area of more than 1/3 of the base area