arranged in a circle, round ties may be placed around them and the bars do not have to

be individually tied or restrained otherwise (7.10.5.3). The ACI also states (7.10.3) that
the requirements for lateral ties may be waived if tests and structural analysis show that
the columns are sufficiently strong without them and that such construction is feasible.
There is little evidence available concerning the behavior of spliced bars and bundled
bars. For this reason, Section R7.10.5 of the commentary states that it is advisable
to provide ties at each end of lap spliced bars and presents recommendations concerning
the placing of ties in the region of end-bearing splices and offset bent bars.
Ties should not be placed more than one-half a spacing above the top of a footing
or slab and not more than one-half a spacing below the lowest reinforcing in a slab or
drop panel (to see a drop panel, refer to Figure 16.1 in Chapter 16). Where beams frame
into a column from all four directions, the last tie may be below the lowest reinforcing
in any of the beams.
6. The code (7.10.4) states that spirals may not have diameters less than 38
in.[5] and that
the clear spacing between them may not be less than 1 in. or greater than 3 in. [6]
Should splices be necessary in spirals, they are to be provided by welding or by lapping
deformed uncoated spiral bars or wires by the larger of 48 diameters or 12 in. [7] Other
4 150 mm in SI.
5 10 mm in SI.
6 25 mm and 75 mm in SI.
7 300 mm in SI.
9.6 Safety Provisions for Columns 271
6 in. max
6 in. max 6 in. max 6 in. max
6 in. max
> 6 in.
> 6 in.
> 6 in.
> 6 in.
> 6 in.
> 6 in.
6 in. max
6 in. max
> 6 in. > 6 in. > 6 in. > 6 in. > 6 in. > 6 in.
FIGURE 9.4 Typical tie arrangements.
lap splice lengths are also given in ACI Section 7.10.4 for plain uncoated bars and
wires, for epoxy-coated deformed bars and wires, and so on. Special spacer bars may
be used to hold the spirals in place and at the desired pitch until the concrete hardens.
These spacers consist of vertical bars with small hooks. Spirals are supported by the
spacers, not by the longitudinal bars. Section R7.10.4 of the ACI Commentary provides
suggested numbers of spacers required for different-size columns.
7. The ACI 318 Code (Section 7.10.5.4) states that where longitudinal bars are located
around the perimeter of a circle, a complete circular tie is permitted. The ends of the
circular tie must overlap by not less than 6 in. and terminate with standard hooks that
engage a longitudinal column bar. Overlaps at ends of adjacent circular ties shall be staggered
around the perimeter enclosing the longitudinal bars. The code commentary for
this provision warns that vertical splitting and loss of tie restraint are possible where the
overlapped ends of adjacent circular ties are anchored at a single longitudinal bar. Adjacent
circular ties should not engage the same longitudinal bar with end hook anchorages.
While the transverse reinforcement in members with longitudinal bars located around
the periphery of a circle can be either spirals or circular ties, spirals are usually more
effective.
9.6 Safety Provisions for Columns
The values of φ to be used for columns as specified in Section 9.3.2 of the code are well below
those used for flexure and shear (0.90 and 0.75, respectively). A value of 0.65 is specified for
tied columns and 0.75 for spiral columns. A slightly larger φ is specified for spiral columns
because of their greater toughness.
272 CHAPTER 9 Introduction to Columns
The failure of a column is generally a more severe matter than is the failure of a