I have some interior gravity-only concrete columns that keep getting the error that they don't meet the dimension requirements of ACI 21.6.1. But why would gravity columns need to meet those seismic requirements in the first place? How can i fix this?
Thank You
I did some further review and here's what I observed. The gravity columns are getting checked for Section 21.6.1.1 only when Pu > Ag*f'c / 10. We get here via 21.13 -> 21.13.4.3. 21.13.4.3 references section 21.6.3, 21.6.4, 21.6.5 and 21.7.3.1 but NOT 21.6.1. I will file a defect to have 21.6.1 and 21.6.2 exempted for gravity columns. In the meantime, if this is the only failure or warning on your small columns it should be fine to use them.
I am getting a similar problem with my concrete gravity columns when running the analysis with ACI 318-14. My columns are concrete, gravity only, the project is SDC D and the shear walls take all the lateral load.
When I run the column analysis I am getting the following warning: Column section dimensions are not acceptable per ACI 318-14 Sec. 18.7.2
Per the ACI 318-14 code section 18.7.2 (as noted below) is for columns of special moment frames. So its unclear why the columns (gravity only) are being required to meet a standard they are not part of?
ACI 318-14 REFERENCED SECTION
18.7—Columns of special moment frames18.7.1 Scope18.7.1.1 This section shall apply to columns of special moment frames that form part of the seismic-force-resisting system and are proportioned primarily to resist flexure, shear, and axial forces.
18.7.2 Dimensional limits18.7.2.1 Columns shall satisfy (a) and (b):(a) The shortest cross-sectional dimension, measured on a straight line passing through the geometric centroid, shall be at least 12" (b) The ratio of the shortest cross-sectional dimension to the perpendicular dimension shall be at least 0.4.
What version are you using? What size column and bar pattern? (or send the file using Secure File Upload)