> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://enercalc.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://enercalc.com/docs/user-manual/calculation-modules/column.md). # Columns How to design wood, steel, concrete, or masonry columns for axial and lateral loads. **ENERCALC** has a single basic column design module that supports Wood, Steel, Concrete and Masonry material types. There are some portions of the graphical user interface that remain consistent for all materials, and this topic will focus on those items. For detailed information about each of the material-specific calculation modules, please review the respective topics below. {% hint style="info" %} Note: The Column modules are not intended for the design of tension members. Column modules should not be applied in situations where the member experiences net tension. {% endhint %} ## General The screen capture below shows the portions of the General tab that remain constant for all column material types. Material-specific fields (such as design values and section databases) appear below these common items and are described in each module's topic.
The General tab showing Calculation Name, Notes, Overall Column Height, End Fixities, and Design Method selections common to all column material types

The General tab, common to all materials

You can easily select a different column material by clicking one of the material buttons. When you do, the program will load the user interface that is specific to the chosen material. **Overall Column Height** is the total height of the column and does not have anything to do with slenderness lengths. This length is used for three things: * to describe the overall height of the column for the purpose of calculating self weight (if specified), * to locate the topmost point of load application, and * to perform the bending analysis when lateral loads are applied. **End Fixities** let you specify how the ends of the column are attached to boundary conditions. Each option explicitly describes the translational and rotational conditions at both the top and bottom of the column. ## Column Data This tab varies depending on the selected material type. For detailed information on each material-specific calculation module (e.g., Steel Column, Wood Column), see the corresponding help topic. ## Loads The Loads tab has two sub-tabs: **Axial Loads** and **Lateral Loads**. A badge on each sub-tab shows the number of loads currently defined. **Load Reference Guide:** Clicking this button opens a pop-up window that displays the positive sign conventions used in each module. For module-specific details, such as those for Steel Column, Wood Column, etc., refer to the corresponding help topic for that module. ### Axial Loads Axial loads can be applied at any location along the height of the column. You use this tab to build a table of applied loads with the **Add Load**, **Delete Load**, and copy buttons. **Auto add column weight** tells the module to automatically calculate the weight of the column and add it as an additional dead load. **Load Source** lets you select a source for the load (or leave it as None). **Magnitude** lets you enter the load values for each load type (D, Lr, L, S, W, E, H). **Load Eccentricity** has X-Ecc and Y-Ecc entries so the loads can create Y-Y and X-X axis moments respectively. Checkboxes allow you to specify whether the eccentricity is measured from the column edge. **Location from Base** is where you specify the vertical location of the axial load. You can select **Top of Column** (which displays the current column height) or **Specific Height** to enter a custom location.
The Axial Loads sub-tab showing the load table, Add Load and Delete Load buttons, Auto add column weight checkbox, Magnitude entries for each load type, Load Eccentricity, and Location from Base options

Axial Loads

### Lateral Loads On this tab you can specify loads that will be applied along the X or Y axes of the column (non-axial loads). {% hint style="info" %} Moments applied at fixed ends have no effect on column design, and will be ignored, producing no effect on the column, and will also NOT appear as reactions. {% endhint %} **Load Type** is selected using horizontal buttons: **Point**, **Uniform**, **Partial Uniform**, and **Moment**. **Load Source** lets you select a source for the load (or leave it as None). **Magnitude** lets you enter the load values for each load type (D, Lr, L, S, W, E, H). **Load Acts Parallel to** lets you specify the axis the load acts parallel to, using a **Y-Y** / **X-X** toggle. **Location** is where you specify the vertical location of the lateral load, measured upward from base.
The Lateral Loads sub-tab showing load type buttons (Point, Uniform, Partial Uniform, Moment), Magnitude entries, Load Acts Parallel to toggle, and Location entry

Lateral Loads

## Load Combinations This tab allows you to specify the load combinations to use for the analysis. At the top, you can select the **Load Combination Set** and enter values for **S****DS**, **ρ**, and **Ω****0**. Three sub-tabs are available: **ASD/LRFD Load Combinations**, **Reaction Combinations**, and **Deflection Combinations**. Options include checkboxes for automatically creating combinations using the opposite sign for seismic loads, including combinations for Ω0, automatically creating combinations for H amplifying/resisting effects, and marking H loads as temporary. You can also add new combinations with the **Add New Combination** button. The tabs change appearance slightly between ASD and LRFD selections. There are also optional load duration factor entries for wood design. Please see the screen captures below for variations based on the selected material. ### Steel ASD
The Load Combinations tab as it appears for steel using ASD with ASCE 7-16, showing the load combination table with Run, Load Combination, Code Ref, and load type factor columns

Steel ASD load combinations

### Steel LRFD
The Load Combinations tab as it appears for steel using LRFD with ASCE 7-16

Steel LRFD load combinations

### Wood ASD For wood members you will see entries for load duration factors. When ASD is used, the Load Duration Factor is referred to as CD. When LRFD is used, the Load Duration Factor is referred to as λ.
The Load Combinations tab as it appears for wood using ASD with ASCE 7-22, including the CD load duration factor column

Wood ASD load combinations with CD factors

### Wood LRFD
The Load Combinations tab as it appears for wood using LRFD with ASCE 7-22, including the lambda load duration factor column

Wood LRFD load combinations with λ factors

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