Types of loads on column
1. Self weight of the column x Number of floors
2. Self weight of beams per running meter
3. Load of walls per running meter
4. Total Load of slab (Dead load + Live load + Self weight)
The columns are also subjected to bending moments which have to be considered in the final
design. The best way to design a good structure is to use advanced structural design software like
ETABS or STAAD Pro. These tools are leagues ahead of manual methodology for structural
design, and highly recommended.
In professional practice, there are some basic assumptions we use for structural loading
calculations.
For Columns
Self weight of Concrete is around 2400 kg per cubic meter, which is equivalent to 240 kN. Self
weight of Steel is around 8000 kg per cubic meter. Even if we assume a large column size of 230
mm x 600 mm with 1% steel and 3 meters standard height, the self weight of column is around
1000 kg per floor, which is equivalent to 10 kN. So, in my calculations, I assume self weight of
column to be between 10 to 15 kN per floor.
For Beams
Similar calculations as above. I assume each meter of beam has dimensions of 230 mm x 450
mm excluding slab thickness. So, the self weight can be around 2.5 kN per running meter.
For Walls
Density of bricks varies between 1500 to 2000 kg per cubic meter. For a 6 thick wall of 3 meter
height and a length of 1 meter, we can calculate the load per running meter to be equal to 0.150 x
1 x 3 x 2000 = 900 kg which is equivalent to 9 kN/meter. You can calculate load per running
meter for any brick type using this technique.
For autoclaved, aerated concrete blocks like Aerocon or Siporex, the weight per cubic meter is
between 550 to 700 kg per cubic meter. By using these blocks for construction, the wall loads
per running meter can be as low as 4 kN/meter, which can result in a significant reduction in the
cost of construction.
For Slab
Assume the slab has a thickness of 125 mm. Now each square meter of slab would have a self
weight of 0.125 x 1 x 2400 = 300 kg which is equivalent to 3 kN. Now, assume Finishing load to
be 1 kN per meter and superimposed live load to be 2 kN per meter. So, we can calculate slab
load to be around 6 to 7 kN per square meter.
Factor of Safety
In the end, after calculating the entire load on a column, please do not forget to add in the factor
of safety. For IS 456:2000, the factor of safety is 1.5.
Load Calculations | Design of Buildings
Now we will move on with our further discussion on the following points:
Design principle assumption and notation assumed
Design Constant
Assumptions regarding Design
Loads on Beams
Loads on slabs
Design principle assumption and notation assumed:
The notations adopted throughout are same as given in IS:456:2000
Density of material used in accordance with reference to IS:857-1987s
[Link] Material Density
1 Plain concrete 24 KN/m3
2 Reinforced cement concrete 25 KN/m3
3 Flooring material (cement 1.00 KN/m3
mortar)
4 Brick masonry 19 KN/m3
Design constant
Using M20 and Fe415 grade of concrete and steel respectively for columns and footings
Therefore:
Fck i. e. Characteristic strength for M15 15 N/mm2
Fck i. e. Characteristic strength for M15 15 N/mm2
Fck i. e. Characteristic strength for M20 20 N/mm2
Fy i. e. Characteristic strength for steel 415 N/mm2
Assumption regarding Design
1. Slab is assumed to be continuous over interior support and partial fixed on the edge, due to
monolithic construction of walls over it.
2. Beams are assumed to be continuous over interior support and they frame in to the column
at the ends.
Load on Beams
Description of load of slab on beam
The load of slab is dispersed on to the supporting beams in accordance with clause 23.5 of IS:456-
1978, which states that the load on beams supporting solid spans, spacing in two directions at right
angles and supporting uniformly distributed loads.
Self weight of beams
This load acts on the beams as a UDL, this is calculated after assuming the suitable cross section
(by stiffness/deflection consideration) of the beam.
Load due to brick masonry wall
In a framed structure, brick masonry are used to construct curtain walls. They do not carry or
transfer any load. Hence, the masonry walls do not have to thick.
Point load from intersecting beam
If there is any beam meeting the beam then the load of that beam is considered as point load.
Loads on slabs
Three types of loads are to be considered for the design of slabs:
1. Dead load of the slab
2. Live load of the slab
3. Floor finish load
Dead load of the slab
Self weight of slab acts:
This load acts as UDL, this is calculated after assuming the 1m wide square strip and suitable
thickness consideration.
Floor finish load
This load also acts as UDL and this is calculated after assuming suitable intensity over 1m wide
strip.
Live load on the slab
This is the temporary load on its intensity depends on type and occupancy of building.
The intensity can vary with the type of building.
