STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

In this article, I will discuss the minimum standards that can be followed for the design of RCC
structural components of a structure, 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 9″x 12″ (225 MM x 300 MM) which is the
minimum recommended size. I have designed hundreds of buildings, and never had the
misfortune of any structural component ever failing due to loads. I always use M20 grade
concrete for construction, as it is the minimum recommended grade of concrete is IS 456:2000.
Please don’t skimp on the quality of concrete. The minimum steel in a 9″ x 9″ column is 4 bars
of 12 MM with stirrups of 8 MM steel rings at a distance of 150 MM centre to centre. In a 9″ x
12″ column, I add two more bars, to take the total to 6 bars of 12 MM diameter. This design can
be safe for up to G+1 floors. But there are a lot of other factors involved.
Minimum RCC beam size should not be less than 9″x 9″ (225MM X 225MM), with an additional
slab thickness of 125 MM. I generally use a minimum of 4 bars, with 2 bars of 12 MM thickness
in the bottom of the beam, and 2 bars of 10 MM at the top of the beam. I maintain a concrete
cover of 40 MM. I recommend use of M20 grade of concrete (1 part cement : 1.5 parts sand : 3
parts aggregate : 0.5 parts water).
Minimum thickness of RCC slab I recommend is 5″ (125MM) because a slab may contain
electrical pipes embedded into them which could be 0.5″ or more for internal wiring, which
effectively reduces slab depths at certain places, causing cracking, weakening and water
leakage during rains. So, a minimum thickness of 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 should be used. Minimum depth of footing should be atleast 4′
below ground level. It is recommended to go to depths up to had strata.
Reinforcing bar details (minimum)

1. Columns: 4 bars of 12mm steel rods FE 500

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 @ 5″ C/C and Distribution Steel of 8 mm bars @ 7″ 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 1m X 1m footing,
this would consist of 6 bars of 8 mm on both portions of the steel mesh.