---
title: "Sketch of column gusseted base"
subject: "Design of Steel and Timber Structure"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_6/design_of_steel_and_timber_structure:gusseted-base-sketch"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/design_of_steel_and_timber_structure/gusseted-base-sketch
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Sketch of column gusseted base

Design of Steel and Timber Structure · Chapter 6: Compression Members

- Asked in: 2079 Chaitra, 3 marks
- Video: [Design of Column Bases | Slab Base | Gusseted Base | Design of Steel Structures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWSEpByZkE8) — Ganesh Shegar
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/design_of_steel_and_timber_structure/gusseted-base-sketch
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/design_of_steel_and_timber_structure/chapter-6

## Question

Draw neat sketch of column gusseted base.

## Short answer

A gusseted base comprises a column, gusset plates, cleat angles, base plate, and anchor bolts. Gussets spread load and stiffen the base plate. Anchor bolts fix the assembly to the concrete pedestal.

## Answer

A **gusseted base** is used for heavy column loads (sometimes with moment), where a plain slab base would need a very thick plate. The column is connected through **gusset plates and angle cleats (or channels) to the base plate**, so the load spreads over a larger area of concrete and the base plate is stiffened.

```text
elevation (looking at the face of a gusset plate)

              |  column  |
              |          |
        +-----+          +-----+   <- gusset plate
       /      |          |      \
      /       |          |       \
     +--------+----------+--------+
     |__ cleat angle along gusset _|
  ====================================  base plate
  |         concrete pedestal        |
       o anchor bolt          o

plan

  +--------------------------------+
  |  o   =====================   o |  <- gusset plate + cleat
  |        +---------------+       |
  |        |    column     |       |
  |        +---------------+       |
  |  o   =====================   o |  <- gusset plate + cleat
  +--------------------------------+      base plate
```

Main parts:
- **Column** (rolled section, usually with flange cover plates) carrying the load.
- **Gusset plates** welded or bolted to the column flanges and connected to the base plate; they spread the load.
- **Gusset angles / cleats** (two per gusset) connecting the gusset plate or column flange to the base plate by bolts or welds.
- **Base plate** resting on the concrete pedestal; its thickness is found from the bending of the plate beyond (and between) the gussets and cleats.
- **Anchor bolts** fixing the base to the foundation.
- **Grout** between the base plate and the concrete.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A gusseted base is used for
   A. light columns with machined ends
   B. pinned timber posts
   C. beams
   D. heavy columns whose end is not machined
   Answer: D. Where the end is not machined, load goes through gussets and cleats to the base plate. (Key point: When used)

2. The column load passes to the base plate through
   A. gusset plates and angle cleats
   B. direct contact only
   C. anchor bolts only
   D. grout only
   Answer: A. Gussets welded to the column connect via angle cleats to the base plate. (Key point: Load path)

3. The gusset plates and cleats mainly
   A. increase fy
   B. spread the load over a larger area of concrete
   C. resist torsion of anchor bolts
   D. replace the pedestal
   Answer: B. They distribute the load so the base plate bears over a larger area. (Key point: Purpose of gussets)

## Related in Design of Steel and Timber Structure

- [Gusseted base for ISHB 350, 2000 kN](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Agusseted-base-ishb350-2000kn) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 6
- [Column slab base: sketch and design steps](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Aslab-base-procedure-sketch) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 6, asked 3×
- [Foundation base for ISHB 350 column](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Afoundation-base-ishb350-120kn) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 6
- [Slab base for ISHB 350@710.2, 1000 kN](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Aslab-base-ishb350-1000kn) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Base plate for ISHB 350, 1200 kN](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Abase-plate-ishb350-1200kn) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Base plate for ISHB 450, 1400 kN](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Abase-plate-ishb450-1400kn) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 6, asked 2×