Steel Column Construction Standards as per IS Code | Ferrite
                     Steel Column 
Construction: IS Code 
Guidelines
Steel columns provide essential vertical support and bear heavy 
loads in building structures. The Indian Standards (IS Code) 
establishes comprehensive guidelines to ensure safety, durability, 
and structural integrity in steel column construction.
Key IS Codes for Steel Column Construction
IS 800:2007 IS 808:1989
General Construction in Steel – Code of Practice Dimensions for Hot Rolled Steel Beam, Column, 
Channel, and Angle Sections
IS 875 (Parts 1-5) IS 2062:2011
Code for Design Loads (Dead Loads, Live Loads, Specifications for steel used in fabrication
Wind Loads, etc.)
Following these standards ensures structural safety, compliance with legal regulations, and long-term durability.
Common Types of Steel Columns
I-Section Columns
Suitable for heavy load-bearing applications
Box or Hollow Columns
Used for aesthetic appeal and lighter structures
Built-Up Columns
Formed by welding or bolting plates together for large 
loads
Composite Columns
Made using steel and concrete for enhanced strength
Slenderness Ratio 
Requirements
The slenderness ratio (λ) is a critical design parameter that 
prevents columns from buckling under load.
Maximum Slenderness Ratio Limits (IS 
800:2007)
180 for compression members not carrying loads other 
than their own weight
250 for tension members acting as ties
Effective Length of Columns
Both Ends Fixed One End Fixed, Other Hinged
0.65 × actual length 0.80 × actual length
Both Ends Hinged One End Fixed, Other Free
Actual length 2.0 × actual length
The effective length depends on the end conditions and directly impacts the column's buckling resistance.
Load Considerations for Steel Columns
Steel columns must be designed to handle multiple types of loads as 
specified in IS 875:
Dead Load (IS 875 Part 1)
Weight of structural components
Live Load (IS 875 Part 2)
Occupancy loads
Wind Load (IS 875 Part 3)
Based on building height and location
Seismic Load (IS 1893)
For earthquake-prone regions
Material Standards as per IS 2062
The steel used for columns must comply with IS 2062, which specifies mild steel and high-strength structural steel grades.
E250 E300 E350
Basic Grade Medium Grade High Grade
Standard structural steel with 250 Enhanced structural steel with 300 High-strength structural steel with 
MPa yield strength MPa yield strength 350 MPa yield strength
These grades ensure high yield strength, good weldability, and corrosion resistance when combined with protective 
coatings.
Fabrication and Erection Guidelines
Welding and bolting must follow IS 816 and IS 4000 for proper joint design
Columns should be erected vertically, with alignment tolerance as per 
IS 7215
Protective coatings like galvanization or painting are required for 
corrosion resistance
Safety Implications of IS 
Code Compliance
Structural Stability Disaster Resistance
Prevents collapse under Withstands earthquakes and 
design loads strong winds
Durability
Ensures long service life with minimal maintenance
Failure to comply with IS codes can lead to structural instability, 
increased risk during natural disasters, and higher maintenance 
costs over time.
lFerrite Structural Steel - Your  Trusted 
Steel supplier in India 
Products Offered:
• Mild Steel Columns
• ISMB and ISHB Sections
• Custom Fabricated Built-Up Columns
Why Choose Ferrite:
IS-certified steel sections for guaranteed safety
• Wide range of column sizes for all applications
• Nationwide delivery and competitive pricing
For reliable steel columns that comply with all relevant IS codes, choose Ferrite Structural Steels Pvt. Ltd.