Design of compression members
(Column)
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Compression Members
Structural elements that are subjected to axial
compressive forces only are called columns.
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Critical buckling
Column Buckling
If an axial load (P) is applied and increased slowly, it will ultimately
reach a value (Pcr) that will cause buckling of the column. Pcr is called
the critical buckling load of the column.
Figure: Buckling of axially loaded compression members 3
The critical buckling load Pcr for columns
where,
I = moment of inertia about axis of buckling
K = effective length factor based on end boundary conditions
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Effective length factors
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EXAMPLE 1
Determine the buckling strength of a W 12 x 50 column. Its length
is 20 ft. For minor axis buckling, it is pinned at both ends. For
major buckling, is it pinned at one end and fixed at the other end.
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Solution
Step I. Visualize the problem
Figure: (a) Cross-section; (b) major-axis buckling; (c) minor-axis buckling
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For the W12 x 50 (or any wide flange section), x is the major axis
and y is the minor axis. Major axis means axis about which it has
greater moment of inertia (Ix > Iy)
Figure: (a) Major axis buckling; (b) minor axis buckling
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Step II. Determine the effective lengths
According to Table C-C2.1 of the AISC Manual:
For pin-pin end conditions about the minor axis Ky = 1.0
(theoretical value); and Ky = 1.0 (recommended design value)
For pin-fix end conditions about the major axis Kx = 0.7 (theoretical
value); and Kx = 0.8 (recommended design value)
unsupported length for buckling about the major (x) axis = Lx = 20
ft.
unsupported length for buckling about the minor (y) axis = Ly = 20
ft.
Effective length for major (x) axis buckling = Kx Lx = 0.8 x 20 = 16
ft. = 192 in.
Effective length for minor (y) axis buckling = Ky Ly = 1.0 x 20 = 20
ft. = 240 in. 9
Step III. Determine the relevant section properties
For W12 x 50: elastic modulus = E = 29000 ksi
For W12 x 50: Ix = 391 in4. Iy = 56.3 in4
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Step IV. Calculate the buckling strength
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AISC SPECIFICATIONS FOR COLUMN STRENGTH
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EXAMPLE 2
Calculate the design strength of W14 x 74 with length of 20 ft. and
pinned ends. A36 steel is used.
Step I. Calculate the effective length and slenderness ratio
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Step II. Calculate the buckling strength for governing
slenderness ratio
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LOCAL BUCKLING LIMIT STATE
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EXAMPLE 3
Determine the local buckling slenderness limits and evaluate the
W14 x 74 section used in Example 2. Does local buckling limit the
column strength?
Step I. Calculate the slenderness limits
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Step II. Calculate the slenderness ratios for the flanges and
webs of W14 x 74
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Step III. Make the comparisons and comment
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EXAMPLE 4
Determine the design strength of an ASTM A992 W14 x 132 that is
part of a braced frame. Assume that the physical length L = 30 ft.,
the ends are pinned and the column is braced at the ends only for
the X-X axis and braced at the ends and mid-height for the Y-Y
axis.
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EXAMPLE 5
A compression member is subjected to service loads of 165 kips
dead load and 535 kips of live load. The member is 26 ft. long and
pinned at each end. Use A992 (50 ksi) steel and select a W shape.
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EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF COLUMNS IN FRAMES
when these individual columns are part of a frame, their ends are
connected to other members (beams etc.).
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effective length factor for columns in frames must be
calculated as follows:
determine whether the column is part of a braced frame or an
unbraced (moment resisting) frame.
determine the relative rigidity factor G for both ends of the column
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determine the effective length factor K for the column using the
calculated value of G at both ends, and the appropriate alignment
chart.
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EXAMPLE 6
Calculate the effective length factor for the W12 x 53 column AB of
the frame shown below. Assume that the column is oriented in
such a way that major axis bending occurs in the plane of the
frame. Assume that the columns are braced at each story level for
out-of-plane buckling. Assume that the same column section is
used for the stories above and below.
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Inelastic Stiffness Reduction Factor – Modification
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EXAMPLE 7
Calculate the effective length factor for a W10 x 60 column AB
made from 50 ksi steel in the unbraced frame shown below.
Column AB has a design factor load Pu = 450 kips. The columns
are oriented such that major axis bending occurs in the plane of
the frame. The columns are braced continuously along the length
for out-of-plane buckling. Assume that the same column section is
used for the story above.
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EXAMPLE 8
Design Column AB of the frame shown below for a design load of
500 kips. Assume that the column is oriented in such a way that
major axis bending occurs in the plane of the frame. Assume that
the columns are braced at each story level for out-of-plane
buckling. Assume that the same column section is used for the
stories above and below.
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DESIGN OF SINGLY SYMMETRIC CROSS-
SECTIONS
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EXAMPLE 10
Calculate the design compressive strength of a WT10.5 x 66. The
effective length with respect to x-axis is 25ft. 6in. The effective
length with respect to the y-axis is 20 ft. and the effective length
with respect to z-axis is 20ft. A992 steel is used.
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EXAMPLE 11
Calculate the design strength of the compression member shown
in the figure. Two angles, 5 x 3 x ½ are oriented with the long legs
back-to-back and separated by 3/8 in. The effective length KL is 16
ft. A36 steel is used. Assume three welded intermediate
connectors
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