#83 Column Layout design for residence and simple Structures - A little guide

Column Layout for a Residence | Civil Engineering

Column Layout for a residence using the Thumb rules|

In my earlier article, we discussed three important thumb rules that are to be followed while making a column layout for any building. They are as follows:

1. Size of the Columns
2. Distance between the columns
3. Alignment of Columns

Thumb rule no.1

Size of the columns

The size of the columns depends on the total load on the columns.

Minimum size of the column should not be less than 9”x9”.

9”x9” columns are to be used for a single storey structure with M15 grade of concrete.

In case, 9”x9” column size is to be used for 1 and half storey structure, then it is advised to use M20 grade concrete.

A safe and structurally sound column size for a 1 and half storey structure should not be less than 12”x9” using M15 grade concrete. This should be in your most preferred and practical options list.

 Thumb rule no.2

Distance between the columns

Try to maintain equal distance between the centres of two columns. Always plan a column layout on a grid.

The distance between two columns of size 9”x9” should not be more than 4m centre to centre of column.

If larger barrier free distances are required then going for larger column size is to be used.

The size of the columns increase because of two factors:

1. Increase in the distance between two columns (This increases the dimensions of the columns as well the depth of the beam.)
2. Height of the building (Increase in the number of floors is directly proportional to the dimensions of the columns.

 Thumb rule no.3

Alignment of Columns

A rectangular grid is to be made for placing the columns. This helps in avoiding mistakes and placing in columns can be done in the right way.

The columns can preferably be arranged in two different fashions:

1. In a straight line with the help of a grid
2. In a circular fashion for circular buildings.

Zigzag arrangement of columns is an absolutely wrong way of working out Structural design. It should be remembered that when columns are erected, beams are laid connecting the columns.

The Zigzag column placement causes three major issues:

1. Unbalanced load transfer
2. Problems in wall construction
3. Problems in laying beams

If these three thumb rules are followed by Civil Engineering and Architecture students, implementation of wrong Structural design can be prevented.

In this article, we will see an example of a residence of which column layout is done keeping the above three thumb rules in mind.

Column Layout for a residence

The residential villa comprises of 1 and half floors. Initially, the column size 9″x12″ had been used with the use of M15 grade of concrete. The builder wanted to save on his budget by making the columns smaller in size. That is why, the columns in the Floor plans below are 9″x9″ in size but the Engineer made sure that M20 grade of concrete would be used for Columns.

Column Layout for a Ground Floor (figure above)

Column Layout for First Floor (figure Above)

Thumb rule no1:

Size of the Columns

The size of the columns are 9″x9″ with the use of M20 grade of concrete.

Thumb rule no.2:

Distance between the columns:

The distance between the columns does not exceed 4.5m.

Thumb rule no.3:

Alignment of Columns

The Columns have been arranged on a iron grid pattern. So there is absolutely no question of zigzag walls and zigzag beams which reducing complications in the structure.

Regards

RCC Construction Services

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