Question

Most non-architects would understand if you said a particular architect was a great designer but an eccentric individual. They might not understand if you said the loading on a column was eccentric. How is an eccentric column load defined?

Answer

An eccentric column load is an applied load that is offset from the column's neutral axis. Eccentricity is the perpendicular distance from the neutral axis to the "Line of Action" (L.O.A.) of the applied load. On a steel column, the eccentricity can be about the x-x or y-y axis. Eccentricity will cause a moment in the steel column, so its design needs to account for both the axial and bending loads.