Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
(OP)
I've always wondered why when I see a new building under construction (usually a prefabricated type building) the columns are wider at the top than at the base.
Just curious.
Thanks.
Just curious.
Thanks.






RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
The buildings you're seeing are likely a kit, pre-fab or mass produced metal shed "standard" design.
Regards,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
StructuralEIT, interesting to know that they are pinned at mid-span of the beam also, I'll have to take a closer look next time I pass one up.
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
Under "up to date" analysis, the peak moment at the apex is typically less than the knee moment. That means that you can use a smaller section, or taper your rafters similarly to your columns.
Tapering has more to do with providing required strength independant of your structural assumption.
Cheers,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
Cheers,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
RE: Building Columns Wider At The Top Than The Bottom?
Although useless now in that I have not designed one since leaving school almost 40 years ago, the principle is still the same. These structures are very simple and can be solved graphically if so desired, similar to using a Maxwell diagram to solve determinate trusses.
I guess times change with nomenclature, but some things remain the same. Thanks for the input. I'll update my terminology. Cheers.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering