masonry column depth

huangyhg

masonry column depth
is the depth of a masonry column parallel to the member being supported?  or is the depth simply the longer dimension, if rectangular?  does it matter?
thank you!
it matters and it is the parallel to the beam, yes. columns need be checked for the solicitations present and these depend on geometry, so if the results of the checks are acceptable or not.
it matters when you are designing the masonry column as the column dimensions will determine the slenderness ratios.
design codes put limitations on slenderness ratio's and have different prescribed design parameter's for columns which fall below a certain limit vs. those that exceed this limit.
when considering the depth of a masonry column, i would consider it to be parrellel to the   
the column depth, designed as an axial member, will be which ever dimension is smaller and therefore gives the smallest radius of gyration.  if the column also experiences bending moments, then the depth is that which is in the direction of the moment for bending stresses and reinforcement, but is still the smaller dimension when you check axial capacity.