Architectural post

[m1208]

This question is about an architectural (20' tall) post at the front of the building. Generally, if the post is a structural component of the building, then we design the post to support the gravity load plus any lateral load. In case, if the post is only for architectural reason and does not support any vertical roof load, is there any code criteria that we need to design the post and its connections for? What will happen if a person is leaning against the post?

 

[MotorCity]

Are you sure its not load bearing? Sometimes there is a load bearing column that is wrapped in some sort of architectural cladding. What does the connection at the top of the post look like?

In any case, you would have the self weight of the column, wind load on the column, and possibly a human lateral load as you suggest. I don't know of any minimum lateral load required by code for this type of element but you could apply a notional type of load (similar to steel design) of say 2% or 5% of the gravity load (column weight). I would expect the wind load will control the lateral loading condition.