Above all column Like Planted Column, Floating Column, Hanging Column, and Stub Column are different name but all column is the same work The floating column (Planted Column, Hanging Column, and Stub Column) is nothing but a vertical member or element that rests on a beam but does not transfer the load directly to the foundation.
Generally, the columns rest on the foundation to transfer loads coming from slabs and beams, floating column acts as a point load on the beam and this beam transfers the load to the column below it, that beam is called a transfer beam.
The use of floating columns (Planted Column, Hanging Column, and Stub Column) is intended for an architectural view, site conditions and as much as possible area on a plot within, permissible bye-laws.
Earthquake is a natural phenomenon in which disasters are mainly caused by damage to the building or the loss of other man-made structures. Generally, the failure of the structures begins at the point of weakness. This weakness arises because of discontinuity in mass, discontinuity in load transferring path, Stiffness and irregular geometry.
What Is Planted Column?
A planted column is a vertical compression member that is supported on a non-axial bearing member such as slabs or beams to be able to answer the structural requirements without sacrificing interior and architectural needs. Unfortunately, there are not many studies about the behaviour of planted columns and the supported beam.
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What Is Floating Column?
The floating column is a vertical member which rest on a beam but does not transfer the load directly to the foundation. The floating column acts as a point load on the beam and this beam transfers the load to the columns below it.
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What Is Hanging Column?
The Hanging column is a vertical member which rest on a beam but does not transfer the load directly to the foundation. The Hanging column acts as a point load on the beam and this beam transfers the load to the columns below it.
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What Is Stub Column?
A stub is a short element meant to be a connection to another structural element. It is either vertical or horizontal. A column supports to beams/girders that support slabs/flooring.
Why Need of Floating Column?
A column is a vertical member which transfers the loads from beam to foundation whereas a floating column ( Planted Column, Floating Column, Hanging Column, and Stub Column) is a vertical member which transfers the load from beam to another beam.
But a floating column ( Planted Column, Floating Column, Hanging Column, and Stub Column), instead of transferring the load to foundation transfers the load on to the beam.
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Why Need of Planted Column?
A planted column is a vertical compression member that is supported on a non-axial bearing member such as slabs or beams to be able to answer the structural requirements without sacrificing interior and architectural needs.
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Why Need of Hanging Column?
This is widely used in high storied buildings for both commercial and residential purpose. This helps to alter the plan of the top floors to our convenience. The transfer beam which supports the Hanging column transfers the loads up to the foundation.
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Why Need of Stub Column?
A stub column is a column whose length is sufficiently small to prevent failure as a column, but long enough to contain the same residual stress pattern that exists in the column itself. Hence, a stub column test is an important tool in the investigation of the strength of columns.
How are Floating Columns Incorporated in the structure?
Like in any structure, the load from the floors above is transferred to the column. The entire load is then transferred to the beam on which the floating column is going to rest. The floating column is designed as a regular column.
Floating Column and Earthquake
As per IS:1893-2002 earthquake code India is classified into a different zone for which it specifies the seismic zone factor and it is very important to analyze & design the building for a seismic force to prevent damages occur due to earthquake.
The code of earthquake engineering has been designed with the aim that people get enough time to escape from the building, the building is less damaged and the building comes in faster use.
When earthquakes take place, the building passes at dynamic motion. The reason is that the building subjected to the inertial forces operating in the opposite direction of the acceleration of earthquake stimulation.
These inertia forces, called seismic loads, are usually handled as assuming forces are external Since the motion of earthquake varies with time and inertia forces vary with time & direction. Seismic loads are not stable in terms of time and space.
FAQs on Floating Columns in Building Structures
What Is a Floating Column?
A floating column is a vertical member that rests on a beam but does not transfer the load directly to the foundation. It acts as a point load on the beam, which then transfers the load to the columns below it.
Are Floating Columns the Same as Planted, Hanging, and Stub Columns?
Yes, floating columns, planted columns, hanging columns, and stub columns essentially serve the same function. They all rest on beams and transfer loads through the beams to other structural elements, rather than directly to the foundation.
Why Are Floating Columns Used in Construction?
Floating columns are used primarily for architectural purposes and site conditions. They help maximize the usable area on a plot while adhering to building bye-laws. They also allow for flexible interior layouts without compromising structural integrity.
What Is a Planted Column?
A planted column is a vertical compression member supported on non-axial bearing members such as slabs or beams. It meets structural requirements without sacrificing interior and architectural needs.
What Is a Hanging Column?
A hanging column is a vertical member that rests on a beam and does not transfer the load directly to the foundation. It acts as a point load on the beam, which then transfers the load to the columns below it.
What Is a Stub Column?
A stub column is a short vertical or horizontal element meant to connect to another structural element. It supports beams or girders that, in turn, support slabs or flooring.
How Are Floating Columns Incorporated into a Structure?
Floating columns are designed as regular columns. The load from the floors above is transferred to the column, which then transfers the entire load to the beam it rests on. This beam, known as the transfer beam, supports the floating column.
What Role Do Floating Columns Play During an Earthquake?
During an earthquake, buildings experience dynamic motion, and the inertial forces act in the opposite direction of the earthquake’s acceleration. Floating columns, like other structural elements, need to be designed to handle these seismic loads, which are variable in time and space.
What Are the Seismic Considerations for Buildings with Floating Columns?
According to IS:1893-2002, India is classified into different seismic zones, each with specific seismic zone factors. It’s crucial to analyze and design buildings with floating columns to withstand seismic forces to minimize damage and ensure safety.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Floating Columns?
While floating columns provide architectural flexibility and help maximize plot usage, they can introduce discontinuities in the load transfer path, stiffness, and mass distribution. These discontinuities can be points of weakness, especially during seismic events. Therefore, careful design and analysis are required.
