Column Grid Spacing Tool

Plan structural grids, calculate tributary areas, column loads and get preliminary column sizing.

Building Use

Grid Dimensions

X Direction

Bays

Bay width (mm)

Y Direction

Bays

Bay width (mm)

Floor-to-floor height (mm)

Number of floors

Results

Footprint

—

m²

Total GIA

—

m²

Columns

—

Tributary Area

—

m² (internal)

Load/floor

—

Base Column Load

—

kN (cumulative)

Suggested preliminary column —

Typical Span Ranges

Steel frame 6–15 m

RC frame 5–10 m

Post-tensioned 8–12 m

Timber frame 3–6 m

Composite steel 9–18 m

Imposed Loads

Office 2.5 + 1.0 kN/m²

Retail 4.0 + 1.0 kN/m²

Residential 1.5 + 1.0 kN/m²

Warehouse 7.5 + 1.0 kN/m²

Car park 2.5 + 1.0 kN/m²

Imposed + partition allowance per BS EN 1991

Preliminary Sizing

RC columns: 300×300 up to ~2000 kN, 400×400 up to ~4000 kN, 500×500 up to ~7000 kN. Steel UC: check with manufacturer tables. Always verify with a structural engineer.