This document provides three thumb rules for column placement in building design: 1. The minimum column size should be 9"x9" for a single-story structure and 12"x9" for a 1.5-story structure, using appropriate concrete grades. Larger column sizes are needed for greater distances between columns or additional floors. 2. The distance between column centers should not exceed 4m for 9"x9" columns, and larger column sizes are needed to allow for greater distances. 3. Columns should be arranged in a rectangular grid or circular pattern, not zigzag, to avoid structural issues in load transfer, wall construction, and beam placement. Following these thumb rules can help prevent mistakes in structural

1. Thumb rules for
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For an idea

2. Ofcourse, RCC columns have to be designed in
accordance to the total load on the columns but
apart from that it is essential for every Architect to
remember a few thumb rules so that they are
prevented from making mistakes while deciding
the approximate place for columns.
Three thumb rules to be followed are as follows:
-Size of the Columns
-Distance between Columns
-Alignment of columns

3. 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.

4. 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:
Increase in the distance between two columns (This increases
the dimensions of the columns as well the depth of the beam.)
Height of the building (Increase in the number of floors is
directly proportional to the dimensions of the columns.

5. 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:
In a straight line with the help of a grid
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.

6. The Zigzag column placement causes three major
issues:
-Unbalanced load transfer
-Problems in wall construction
-Problems in laying beams
If these three thumb rules are followed by
Architecture students, implementation of wrong
Structural design can be prevented.

7. THANK YOU