Reinforcing bar details (minimum)

1. Columns: 4 bars of 12mm steel rods FE 415

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 @ 6 C/C and Distribution Steel of 8 mm bars @ 9
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 3 x 3
footing, this would consist of 6 bars of 8 mm on both portions of the steel mesh.
Those looking for more information

Thumb rules for designing a Column layout | Civil Engineering

Guidelines to be followed for making a column layout | Building Construction

Today, we will discuss something very general. Inspite of knowing these general thumb
rules, Civil Engineers still end up making disastrous mistakes which would not only cost
them but also cost the people living in the building designed by these engineers.

Earlier, I wrote an article describing one of my projects where structural designing was
executed on site (which was extremely pathetic) even before Architectural design was done.
(Check out: Consequences of Wrong Structural Design | Live Project example)
In this article, we will go through the essential thumb rules to be followed for giving a
column layout. 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 Civil engineer and Architect to
remember a few thumb rules so that they are prevented from making mistakes.

Three thumb rules to be followed are as follows:

1. Size of the Columns
2. Distance between Columns
3. Alignment of columns

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 9x9.

9x9 columns are to be used for a single storey structure with M15 grade of concrete.

In case, 9x9 column size is to be used for 1 and half storey structure, then it is advised to
use M20 grade concrete.