Three thumb rules to be followed are as follows:

1. Size of the Columns

2. Distance between 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 9x9.
9x9 columns are to be used for a single storey structure with M15 grade of concrete.
In case, 9x9 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 12x9 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 9x9 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.





A lesson for all the Civil Engineers and Designers to learn
I got a project of designing (Architectural Design) a Hostel in Lucknow, India. The Structural
design that is, column positions and wall construction was already done. The client wanted
me to design a Hostel keeping the column positions and exterior wall construction intact. I
have written this article to address all the Civil engineering students as well as Civil
Engineers to avoid making such blunders while they design. Please do read this article
because understanding the intensity of the job of a Civil Engineer is must for every student
and professional. I guess this realization has been washed away and forgotten in the wave
of commercialism.
Hostel Design, Lucknow, India
The client mailed me the layout of the existing construction. After I studied the layout, I
figured out that the Column layout was pathetic. I wonder what kind of Civil Engineer must
have made the layout or if at all any Civil Engineer has done it.
Errors in Construction
Wrong size of the Columns
The size of the columns was 9x9 and the building is supposed to be constructed upto
G+2 floors which is really disastrous for the structure.
It could lead to structural failure and ultimately structural collapse.
(The duty of the Civil Engineer is to understand and not make such dramatic
blunders. The consequences of this kind of structural design could be
disastrous.)
(cement:stone:sand)
M20 1:2:4
m25 - 1:1:3
m30 - 1:1:2

Column layout and Exterior wall Construction
9x9 size columns are only preferred if you were to construct only a ground floor structure
using M15 grade concrete. If you are to construct another floor that is (G+1), the minimum
size of the column should not be less than 9x12 using M15 grade concrete.
If the client insists on using smaller columns (9x9); in that case, use of M20 grade
concrete should be done mandatorily and the construction should not be initiated before
the client agrees to do so.
Wrong alignment of the columns
None of the columns are aligned in a straight line. If we are to construct a wall connecting
the columns, it is not possible to get a straight wall. It is so incorrect. I wonder how the
beams are going to rest on the columns.
(It is my request to all the Engineering students and Civil Engineers to avoid
making such terrible mistakes or rather I should firmly say that do not make
such blunders. It is an insult to the field of Civil Engineering. Your mistakes will
cost you as well as others. The collapse of one structure designed by you can
ruin your entire career. Your own life and others lives are also in your hands. So
please be careful.)
Wrong wall construction
The exterior wall construction has also been done incorrectly. The walls just dont merge at
a particular corner. Do remember that when you dont have a column construction in a
corner, two beams come together and rest on each other which supports your structure.


Thumb rules for Structural Design | RCC Structures
Design of RCC Structural Components
In this article, we are going to discuss the minimum standards that are to be followed for
the design of Structural components of a building such as Columns, beams, slab and
foundation. We will also discuss the minimum safe standards for the reinforcing bars that
are to be used for the design of the above mentioned Structural Components.
Minimum cross-sectional dimension for a Column: is 9x9. But to avoid slenderness ratio
problems in multistorey buildings, we prefer a rectangular column design of 9x12 which
is safer.
Also check out:
Thumb rules for making a Column Layout

Construction on Site | Design of RCC Structures
Minimum RCC beam size: is 9x9. But generally, to maintain uniformity and speed of
construction, we design all beams of the same size 9x12. But 9x9 can also be used
safely, according to design.
Minimum thickness of RCC slab is 4.5 because a slab may contain electrical pipes
embedded into them which could be 0.5 or even fatter for internal wiring, which
effectively reduces slab depths at certain places, causing cracking, weakening and water
leakage during rains. So, a minimum thickness of 4.5 should be maintained.
Minimum size of foundation for a single storey of G+1 building, where soil safe bearing
capacity is 30 tonnes per square meter, and the oncoming load on the column does not
exceed 30 tonnes, a size of 1m x 1m or 3 x 3 should be used. Even if the load is less (for
example only 20 tonnes) then also the minimum is 3x3 and depth of footing should be
atleast 4 below ground level if not more

Reinforcing bar details (minimum)
1. Columns: 4 bars of 12mm steel rods FE 415
2. Beams: 2 bars of 12 mm in the bottom and 2 bars of 10 mm on the top.
3. Slab
a) One Way Slab: Main Steel 8 mm bars @ 6 C/C and Distribution Steel of 6 mm bars @ 6
C/C
b) Two Way Slab: Main Steel 8 mm bars @ 6 C/C and Distribution Steel of 8 mm bars @ 9
C/C
4. Foundation: 6 of PCC layer comes first. Over than, a tapered or rectangular footing of
12 thickness is minimum. Steel mesh of 8 mm bars @ 6 C/C should be laid. In a 3 x 3
footing, this would consist of 6 bars of 8 mm on both portions of the steel mesh.