Some vital thumb rules for placing column layout

While making design of any column, the architects should focus on the following thumb rules so that no mistake occurs for the selection of exact place for columns.

The following thumb rules are most common :-

• Size of the columns
• Distance among columns
• Alignment of columns

Distance among the columns

• Equivalent distance among the centers of two columns should be retained. A column layout should be arranged on a grid.
• The distance among two columns of size 9 inches x 9 inches should not be in excess of 4m center to center of column.
• In case of maintaining greater barrier free distances, then desired column size should be bigger.

The size of the columns is raised due to the following factors :-

• Expand the distance among two columns (it raises the dimensions of the columns along with the depth of the beam).
• The height of the building (rise in the numbers of floor is directly proportionate to the dimensions of the columns).

Alignment of columns

• There should be a rectangular grid for setting the columns. It facilitates preventing errors and the column placement becomes perfect.

The columns are normally arranged in the following ways :-

• In a straight line through a grid.
• In a circular direction for circular buildings.

Zigzag arrangement of columns is completely inaccurate process for preparing structural design. It should be noted that while constructing the columns, the beams are placed attaching the columns.

Zigzag arrangement of columns leads to the following issues :-

• Unbalanced transmission of load
• Complication in wall construction
• Complication in placing beams