4.

10 DESIGN OF DOUBLE ANGLE SECTIONS

Double-angle sections are very popular as compression members in trusses and bracing

members in frames.

- These sections consist of two angles placed back-to-back and connected together using

bolts or welds.

- You have to make sure that the two single angle sections are connected such that they do

not buckle (individually) between the connections along the length.

- The AISC specification E6.2 requires that Ka/ri of the individual single angles < of the

governing KL/r of the double angle.

- where, a is the distance between connections and ri is the smallest radius of gyration

of the single angle (see dimensions in Table 1-7 of the AISC Specs.)

Double-angle sections can fail by flexural buckling about the x-axis or flexural torsional

buckling about the y and z axes.

- For flexural buckling about the x-axis, the moment of inertia Ix-2L of the double angle will

be equal to two times the moment of inertia Ix-L of each single angle.

- For flexural torsional buckling, there is a slight problem. The double angle section will

have some additional flexibility due to the intermittent connectors. This added flexibility

will depend on the connection parameters.

According to AISC Specification E6.1, a modified (KL/r)m must be calculated for the double

angle section for buckling about the y-axis to account for this added flexibility
2
KL
2
KL
- Intermediate connectors that are snug-tight bolted r = r + r
m o i

- Intermediate connectors that are welded or fully tensioned bolted:

1
 a) when /ri 40

KL KL
=
r m r o

b) when /ri > 40

2
KL K i a
2
KL
= +
r m r o ri

where,

ri = minimum radius of gyration of individual angle, in.

= distance between connectors, in.

Ki= 0.5 for angles back-to-back

KL
= slenderness ratio of built-up member acting as a unit
r o

2
EXAMPLE 4.11 Calculate the design strength of the compression 3/8

member shown in the figure. Two angles, 5 x 3 x are oriented with the

long legs back-to-back and separated by 3/8 in. The effective length KL is 5 x 3 x_

16 ft. A36 steel is used. Assume three welded intermediate connectors

Solution

Step I. Determine the relevant properties from the AISC manual

Property Single angle Double angle

Ag 3.75 in2 7.5 in2

rx 1.58 in. 1.58 in.

ry 0.824 in. 1.24 in.

rz 0.642 in. -----

J 0.322 in4 0.644 in4

ro 2.51 in.

H 0.646

AISC Manual --- Table 1-15 on pages 1-104 and 1-105

Step II. Calculate the x-axis buckling strength

3
 KL/rx = 16 x 12 /1.58 = 121.5
K x L 16 12
= = 121.5
rx 1.58
2E 2 29000
Fe = = = 19.39ksi
( KL / r ) 2 (121.5) 2
E 29000
4.71 = 4.71 = 133.7
Fy 36
SinceKL / r < 4.71 E Fy
EquationE 3 2applies
Fcr = 0.658 Fy = 0.658(36 / 19.39 )36 = 16.55ksi
( Fy / Fe )

cPn = 0.90 x 16.55 x (2 x 3.75) = 111.71 kips

Step III. Calculate (KL/r)m for y-axis buckling

(KL/r)0 = KL/ry = 16 x 12/1.24 = 154.8

Connector spacing = = 16 x 12 / 4 spaces = 48 in.

/ri = 48/0.642 = 74.77>40, hence

2
24
= (154.8) +
2
=159.25
0.642

Step IV. Calculate flexural torsional buckling strength.

4
 Compute Fcry u sin g AISC E 3.Use AISC E 3 4
2E 2 29000
Fe = = = 11.29ksi
(KL / r )2 (159.25)2
SinceK y L y / ry > 4.71 E Fy = 134
Fcry = 0.877 Fe = 9.9ksi
GJ 11200 2 0.322
Fcrz = = = 152.6ksi
Ag r
2
o 7.5 2.512

Fcr = Fcry + Fcrz 1 1 4 Fcry Fcrz H = 9.9 + 152.6 1 1 4 9.9 152.6 0.2646

(Fcry + Fcrz ) 2 0.646 (9.9 + 152.6)
2
2H

Fcr = 9.67 ksi

cPn = 0.90 x Fcr x Ag = 0.90 x 9.67 x 7.50 = 65.27 kips

Flexural torsional buckling strength controls. The design strength of the double angle member is

65.27 kips.

Step V. Compare with design strengths in Table 4-9 (page 4-138) of the AISC manual

cPn for x-axis buckling with unsupported length = 16 ft. = 112 kips

cPn for y-z axis buckling with unsupported length = 16 ft. = 62.6 kips

These results indicate excellent correlation between the calculations in steps II to IV and the

tabulated values.

5
Design tables for double angle compression members are given in the AISC manual. See

Tables 4-8, 4-9 and 4-10 on pages 4-122 to 4-160

- In these Tables Fy = 36 ksi

- Back to back distance = 3/8 in.

- Design strength for buckling about x axis

- Design strength for flexural torsional buckling accounting for the modified slenderness ratio

depending on the number of intermediate connectors.

- These design Tables can be used to design compression members as double angle sections.

NOTE: For Torsional and Flexural-Torsional Buckling of members other than double-angle or

tee-shaped member, refer section E-4 (Page 16.1-34).