CENG417

Chapter-4
Design of column
(Clause 4.7 in BS5950:2000)

4.1 Uses, types and design considerations

4.1.1 Types of column
Members subject to compression, referred to as either ‘columns’ or ‘struts’, form one of the basic
types of load-carrying component. They may be found, for example, as vertical columns in building
frames, in the compression chords of a bridge truss or in any position in a space frame.

Generally, columns are vertical members supporting floors, roofs and cranes in buildings (see
figure 4.1). Though internal columns in buildings are essentially axially loaded and are designed as
such, most columns are subjected to axial load and moment. Typical column sections are shown in
Figures 4.2 to 4.3.
.

Column

Column

Column

Figure 4.1 Column in structure

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 Fig. 4.2 Typical column sections (3 D)

Universal beam Universal column Circular hollow Rectangular hollow

(UB) (UC) section section
(CHS) (RHS)
Fig. 4.3 Typical column sections (2-D)

The compression resistance of column is determined by three properties:

(i) Material strength
(ii) Section classification
(iii) Member slenderness
In the Code BS5950 (clause 4.7), the compression resistance is expressed in terms of a compressive
strength, which takes account of both material strength and member slenderness, and a cross-
sectional area that depends on the cross-section classification.

4.1.2 Failure modes of compression member due to load

The response of a compression member to a nominally axially applied load depends upon a number
of factors, the most important of which are its length and cross-sectional shape, the characteristics
of the material from which it is made, the conditions of support provided at its ends and the method
used for its manufacture. Table 3.1 (Chapter-3) lists the major forms of response.

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Local buckling Overall buckling

4.2 local buckling and section classification

The criteria of local buckling is discussed in Chapter 3.

When local buckling occurs it limits the load carrying capability of the section and therefore local
buckling must be considered in the design.

Figure 4.3 Typical pattern of local buckling in a thin flange

Local buckling depend upon a number of parameters.

1) Width to thickness ratio of the element. This is often termed the aspect ratio. Wide, thin
elements are more prone to buckling.
2) Support condition. This is dependent upon the edge restraint to the element.

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 3) Yield strength of the material. The higher the yield strength of the material the greater is the
likelihood of local buckling before yield is reached.
4) Residual stresses in rolled or welded sections.

The classification of cross-sections is carried out according to the limiting values provided in
Tables 11 and 12 of BS 5950-1:2000. If the b/t or the d/t limit for a Class 3 semi-compact element
is exceeded, then the element is Class 4 (slender).

[Table 11 in BS5950; page 32]

275 Fc
 ; r2 = ;
py A p 
g yw

Where pyw = yield strength of web, Fc = is the axial compression (negative for tension);

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4.3 Compressive resistance

The axial load-carrying capacity for a single compression member is a function of its slenderness,
its material strength, cross-sectional shape and method of manufacture. Using BS 5950: Part 1, the
compression resistance, Pc, is given by clause 4.7.4 (BS 5950) as following

Pc = Ag pc

in which Ag is the gross area and pc is the compressive strength.

Values of pc in terms of slenderness  and material design strength py are given in Table 24.

(Details of column buckling is discussed in Chapter 3).

Fig. 4.5 Column design curves of BS 5950: Part 1, py=275 N/mm2.

4.4 Slenderness ration & effective length of column

As mentioned in section 3.3, the compressive strength of compressive member is primarily related
to their slenderness ratio. The slenderness ratio, λ, is given by

LE

r
Where, LE effective length of the member = k L
r radius of gyration can be obtained from steel section properties tables
k is a factor. It’s value depends on the end constraint (end support condition)

The effective length is simply a function of the actual length of the member and the restraint at the
member ends. In reality each end of the strut may be free, pinned, partially fixed, or fully fixed.

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 Figure 4.6 effective lengths for different end conditions (theoretical) (from chapter 3)

Figure 4.6 summarizes the restraints (end conditions), and Table 22 of BS 5950 stipulates
conservative assumptions of effective length LE from which the slenderness λ can be calculated.

Note that the design effective lengths are greater than the theoretical effective length where one or
both ends of the member are partially or wholly restrained. This is because, in practice, it is
difficult if not impossible to guarantee that some rotation of the member will not take place.
Furthermore, the effective lengths are always less than the actual length of the compression
member except when the structure is unbraced.

Effective lengths for I, H and hollow sections under compression are set out in Section 4.7.3 of the
code (Table 22).

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 0.7L 0.85L 0.85L 1.0L

(a) Non sway

1.2L 1.5L 2.0L

(b) Sway

Fig. 4.7 Pictorial explanation of Table 22 (BS 5950)

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4.5 Design of I, H, RHS and CHS sections under compressive force (Cl. 4.7)

 Determine the effective length (LE) of the member (Clause 4.7.3)

For continuous columns in multi-story buildings of simple design, and for members in
trusses, lattice girders and bracing systems, use Table 22.
For columns in single storey buildings of simple design, see Annex D.
For columns forming part of a continuous structure, see Annex E.

 Select a trial section and steel grade. Determine design strength py from Table 9.
For welded I, H or box sections, py has to be reduced by 20 N/mm2 from the value obtained
from Table 9.

 Calculate slenderness λx = LEx/rx, λy = LEy/ry for major (x-x) & minor (y-y) axis
buckling. (Clause 4.7.2)

 Determine the appropriate strut curve from Table 23 based on the axis of buckling
and the maximum thickness of the section.

 Go to the correct strut curve (Table 24 ‘a’ to ‘d’) and using appropriate values of λ and py,
determine the critical compressive strength pc.

 Calculate the compression resistance using the equation from Cl. 4.7.4.
Pc=Ag pc

 Check for local buckling for the applied ultimate load or compressive resistance (Table 11)

 Check against applied ultimate load.

Note: If design load is given then local buckling can be checked at first.

Extracted from Table 11

Compression Ratio Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

element
For rolled I and H Flange b/T 9 10 15
section under axial Web d/t Not applicable 120
compression but  40
1  2r2

275 Fc
 ; r2 = ;
py A p 
g yw

Where pyw = yield strength of web, Fc = is the axial compression (negative for tension);

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Example 4.1: Determine the compression resistance of a 5m pin ended column using
35617145 UB, in S275 steel.

Solution:
Properties of UB from steel section table

Gross cross-sectional area, Ag = 57.3 cm2, web thickness, t = 7 mm and flange thickness, T =9.7
mm; b/T =8.82; d/t =44.5
rx = 14.5 cm =145 mm; ry = 3.76 cm =37.6 mm

For both end pin connected, the effective length, LE= 1.0 L = 5 m (Table 22)

Determination of design strength py

As t= 7 mm <16 mm, web strength, py = 275 N/mm2 ( Table 9)
T=9.7 mm <16 mm, flange strength, py =275 N/mm2

Therefore, the design strength of the column is py =275 N/mm2

Slenderness ratio () : (Clause 4.7.2)

About x-x axis: λx = LEx/rx = 5000/145 = 34.5
About y-y axis: λy = LEy/ry = 5000/37.6 = 132.98

Maximum,  = 132.98 (about y-y axis, minor axis)

Determination of compressive strength, pc : (Clause 4.7.5 )

UB is a rolled I-section and since maximum thickness < 40 mm, from table 23
we refer to strut curve ‘a’ for x-x buckling and strut curve ‘b’ for y-y buckling. (Table 23)

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x-x buckling: pc = 264.3 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (a)
y-y buckling: pc = 91.424 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (b)

Critical compressive strength pc = 91.43 N/mm2

Compression resistance Pc= Ag pc Clause 4.7.4 (a)

= 5730*91.43*10-3 kN
= 523.9 kN

Check for local buckling

(This should be done by section classification)
275 275
 = =1
py 275

For, flange, b/T =8.82 <9 =9

Flange is class 1 (plastic)

For, web, d/t =44.5 (from properties table)

r2= Fc /(Agpyw ) =523.9*1000/(5730*275)
120/(1+2r2)=120/(1+2*0.3325 )=72.072 >40 =40 =0.3325
d/t < 72.072, web is class 3 (not slender) Here, Fc=Pc = 523.9 kN

Therefore, there no local buckling occur before failure by axial compressive load.

Example 4.2: Determine the compression resistance of a 5m pin fixed column using
35617145 UB, in S275 steel.

Solution:
Properties of UB from steel section table

Gross cross-sectional area, Ag = 57.3 cm2, web thickness, t = 7 mm and

flange thickness, T =9.7 mm; b/T =8.82; d/t =44.5
rx = 14.5 cm =145 mm; ry = 3.76 cm =37.6 mm

For pin-fixed ends, the effective length, LE = 0.85 L = 0.855 = 4.25 m (Table 22)

Determination of design strength py

As t= 7 mm <16 mm, web strength, py = 275 N/mm2 ( Table 9)
T=9.7 mm <16 mm, flange strength, py =275 N/mm2

Therefore, the design strength of the column is py =275 N/mm2

Slenderness ratio () : (Clause 4.7.2)

About x-x axis: λx = LEx/rx = 4250/145 = 29.31
About y-y axis: λy = LEy/ry = 4250/37.6 = 113.032

Maximum,  = 113.032 (about y-y axis, minor axis)

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Determination of compressive strength, pc : (Clause 4.7.5 )

UB is a rolled I-section and since maximum thickness < 40 mm, from table 23
we refer to strut curve ‘a’ for x-x buckling and strut curve ‘b’ for y-y buckling. (Table 23)

x-x buckling: pc = 267.414 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (a)

y-y buckling: pc = 118.452 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (b)

Critical compressive strength pc = 118.452 N/mm2

Compression resistance Pc= Ag pc Clause 4.7.4 (a)

= 5730*118.452*10-3 kN
= 678.73 kN

Check for local buckling

(This should be done by section classification)
275 275
 = =1
py 275

For, flange, b/T =8.82 <9 =9

Flange is class 1 (plastic)

For, web, d/t =44.5 (from properties table) r2= Fc /(Agpyw ) =678.73*1000/(5730*275)
=0.73073
120/(1+2r2)=120/(1+2*0.43073 )=64.47 >40 =40 Here, Fc =Pc=678.73 kN
d/t < 64.47, web is class 3 (not slender)

Therefore, there no local buckling occur before failure by axial compressive load.

Example 4.3: Determine the compression resistance of a 5m fixed- fixed column using
35617145 UB, in S275 steel.

Solution: do by yourself.

[Hints: LE = 0.7 L =0.75 =3.5 m ]

Answer: Compressive capacity, Pc = 881.44 kN.

** Now you can compare the results (Compressive capacity)

for different end conditions.

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Example 4.4: Determine the compression resistance of a 5m pin ended column using
356x171x45 UB, in S275 steel. A lateral restraint is provided at mid-length about minor axis.

Solution:
Due to lateral restraint against y-y buckling at mid depth, the buckling of the column about major
axis and minor axis will be different as shown in the following figure.

Major Axis Buckling (x-x) Minor Axis Buckling (y-y)

L/2 = 2.5 m

L=5m
Intermediate
lateral restraint
at half-length
L/2 = 2.5 m

The actual length of buckling for x-x axis is 5 m and for y-y axis is 2.5 m.
 Effective length for x-x buckling, LEx = 1.0 5 m=5 m Table 22
 Effective length for y-y buckling, LEy =1.0 2.5m = 2.5 m

Properties of UB from steel section table

Gross cross-sectional area, Ag = 57.3 cm2, web thickness, t = 7 mm and flange thickness, T =9.7
mm; b/T =8.82; d/t =44.5
rx = 14.5 cm =145 mm; ry = 3.76 cm =37.6 mm

Determination of design strength py

As t= 7 mm <16 mm, web strength, py = 275 N/mm2 ( Table 9)
T=9.7 mm <16 mm, flange strength, py =275 N/mm2

Therefore, the design strength of the column is py =275 N/mm2

Slenderness ratio () : (Clause 4.7.2)

About x-x axis: λx = LEx/rx = 5000/145 = 34.5
About y-y axis: λy = LEy/ry = 2500/37.6 = 66.45

Maximum,  = 66.45 (about y-y axis, minor axis)

Determination of compressive strength, pc : (Clause 4.7.5 )

UB is a rolled I-section and since maximum thickness < 40 mm, from table 23
we refer to strut curve ‘a’ for x-x buckling and strut curve ‘b’ for y-y buckling. (Table 23)

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x-x buckling: pc = 264.3 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (a)
y-y buckling: pc = 209.55 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (b)

Critical compressive strength pc = 209.55 N/mm2

Compression resistance Pc= Ag pc Clause 4.7.4 (a)

= 5730*209.55*10-3 kN
= 1200.7 kN

Check for local buckling

(This should be done by section classification)
275 275
 = =1
py 275

For, flange, b/T =8.82 <9 =9

Flange is class 1 (plastic)

For, web, d/t =44.5 (from properties table)

r2= Fc /(Agpyw ) =1200.7*1000/(5730*275)
120/(1+2r2)=120/(1+2*0.3325 )=47.54 >40 =40 =0.762
d/t < 47.54, web is class 3 (not slender) Here, Fc=Pc = 1200.7 kN

Therefore, there no local buckling occur before failure by axial compressive load.

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Example 4.5: Check the column 356 x 368 x 129 UC, Grade S275 steel selected for carrying 2500
kN. It is pin-ended about both x-x and y-y axes and the load is factored and includes self-weight.
Length of the column is 6 m.

Solution:

356 x 368 x 129 UC, Grade S275

Flange thickness, T = 17.5 mm, web thickness, t= 10.4 mm
Gross cross sectional area, Ag = 164 cm2,
b/T =10.5 and d/t=27.9
rx = 15.6 cm, ry = 9.43 cm (from properties table)

Determination of design strength py

As t= 10.4 mm <16 mm, web strength, py = 275 N/mm2 ( Table 9)
T=17.5 mm >16 mm, flange strength, py =265 N/mm2

Therefore, the design strength of the column is py =265 N/mm2

Section classification: 2500 kN

275 275
 = =1.0187
py 265

For, flange, b/T =10.5 <15 =15.2805

Flange is class 3 (semi compact)

For, web, d/t =27.9

r2= Fc /(Agpyw ) =2500*1000/(16400*265)
120/(1+2r2)=120/(1+2*0.575 )=55.80 >40 =40.75 =0.575
d/t=27.9 < 55.80, web is class 3 (not slender) Here, Fc= 2500 kN

Therefore, there is no local buckling occur before failure by axial compressive load.

Slenderness ratio () : (Clause 4.7.2)

About x-x axis: λx = LEx/rx = 6000/156 = 38.46
About y-y axis: λy = LEy/ry = 6000/94.3 = 63.63

Maximum,  = 63.63 (about y-y axis, minor axis)

Determination of compressive strength, pc : (Clause 4.7.5 )

UC is a rolled H-section and since maximum thickness < 40 mm,

For buckling about the x-x axis, use strut curve (b) Table 23
For buckling about the y-y axis, use strut curve (c) Table 23

x-x buckling: for x=38.46, pc = 242.85 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (b)

y-y buckling: for y=63.63, pc = 188.56 N/mm2 (interpolation) Table 24 (c)

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Critical compressive strength pc = 188.56 N/mm2

Compression resistance Pc= Ag pc Clause 4.7.4 (a)

= 16400*188.56*10-3 kN
= 3092.38 kN
Since, Pc >Fc
i.e 3092.38 kN > 2500 kN

Therefore, the column section is satisfactory for the applied ultimate load.

Example 4.6 : The column shown in Figure has length 6 m and axial force 2500 kN as in Example
4.5 with the addition of a tie at mid-height providing restraint about the y-y axis. Design the column
in S275 steel.

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 16 

 
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Example 4.7. Calculate the safe load of a 2 m long pin-jointed hollow circular strut, in grade S 275
steel, having 75 mm outside diameter (D) and 66 mm inside diameter (d).

Solution:

Thickness, t =(D-d)/2 =4.5 mm

<16 mm
Therefore, py =275 N/mm2 (Table 9)

 =(275/275)0.5 = 1

Check for local buckling

D/t = 75/4.5 =16.67 < 80=80 Table 12
The section is class 3
Therefore, there is no local buckling occur before failure by axial compressive load.

 2 
The gross cross-sectional area, Ag 
4
 D  d 2  =  752  662   996.67 mm2
4

Capacity or compression resistance, Pc= Ag pc = 996.67 203 N =202.32103 N

= 202.32 kN

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Problem 4.8 : Check the ability of a 960 mm square box column fabricated from 30 mm thick S355
plate to withstand an axial compressive load of 22000 kN over an unsupported height of 15m
assuming that both ends are held in position but are provided with no restraint in direction. Design
to BS5950.

Solution:

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4.6 Column base
The function of a column baseplate is to distribute the column forces (axial load, horizontal load
and moment) to the concrete foundation. The main function of the base is to distribute the loads
safely to the weaker material.

Typical column bases as shown in Figure 4.8 consist of a single plate fillet welded to the end of
the column and attached to the foundation with four holding down bolts. The bolts are cast into
the concrete base in location tubes or cones and are fitted with anchor plates to prevent pullout.
Bedding material is inserted in the space below the plate (see Figure 4.9).

Figure 4.8 Typical column bases

The base plate should be of sufficient size, stiffness and strength to transmit the axial
compressive force from the column to the foundation through the bedding material, without
exceeding the local bearing capacity of the foundation.

Figure 4.9 Column base holding down bolts

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4.6.2 Design of Column Baseplates
Clause 4.13 gives guidance on the design of concentrically loaded column slab baseplates, which
covers most practical design situations. The plan area of the baseplate is calculated by assuming

a) the nominal bearing pressure between the baseplate and support is uniform and
b) the applied load acts over a portion of the baseplate known as the effective area, the
extent of which for UB and UCs is as indicated on Fig. 4.10.

For concrete foundations the bearing strength may be taken as 0.6 times the characteristic cube
strength of the concrete base or the bedding material (i.e. 0.6fcu), whichever is the lesser. The
required effective area of the baseplate, Abe, is then obtained from

axial load Fc
Abe   (clause 4.13.2.1)
bearing strength 0.6 f cu

In determining the overall plan area of the plate allowance should be made for the presence of
holding bolts.
c

Effective bearing area

Effective bearing area

Figure 4.10 Effective area of a baseplate

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The required minimum baseplate thickness, tp, is given by

0.5
 3 
tp  c   (clause 4.13.2.2)
 p yp 
Where,

c is the largest perpendicular distance from the edge of the effective portion of the baseplate to
the face of the column cross-section (Fig. 4.10)
ω pressure on the underside of the plate assuming a uniform distribution throughout the
effective portion, but ≤ 0.6fcu
pyp design strength of the baseplate which may be taken from Table 11 (BS5950).

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Example 4.9:
Design a baseplate for the axially loaded column shown below assuming it is supported on
concrete of compression characteristic strength 30 N/mm2.

Solution:
Axial load, Fc = 3000 kN
Properties of column 305305118
D=314.5 mm, T =18.5, t=12 and B = 307.4 mm (from section properties table)

Effective area of the base plate,

axial load Fc
Abe  
bearing strength 0.6 f cu
(clause 4.13.2.1)
3000 103
  166.67  103 mm 2
0.6  30

Provide 500 500 mm2 square base plate

The area provided, Aprovide = 250103 mm2 > Abe.

From the figure, the actual effective area,

Abe =(D+2c)(B+2c)  (D2c2T)(B+2ct2c)
166.67103 = (314.5+2c)(307.4+2c)  (314.5 2c  218.5)(307.4  12)
 c = 71.64 mm

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Minimum length of baseplate = D + 2c = 314.5 + 2 × 71.64 = 457.78 mm < 500 mm OK
Minimum width of baseplate = B + 2c = 307.4 + 2 × 71.64 = 450.68 mm < 500 mm OK
Provide 500 × 500 mm baseplate in grade S275 steel

Baseplate Thickness
Assuming a baseplate thickness is greater than 16 mm and less than 40 mm.
Therefore the design strength pyp = 265 N/mm2 Table 9

 = 0.6*30 =18 N/mm2

The actual baseplate thickness, tp, is
0.5
 3  0.5
tp  c   =71.64[3*18/265] = 32.34 mm (clause 4.13.2.2)
 p yp 

Hence, a 500 mm × 500 mm × 35 mm thick baseplate in grade S275 steel should be suitable.

Example 4.10 : A column consisting of a 305 × 305 UC 198 carries an axial dead load of 1600
kN and an imposed load of 800 kN. Adopting a square slab, determine the size and thickness
required. The cube strength of the concrete grout is 25 N/mm2. Use Grade S275 steel.

Solution:
Design load, Fc = (1.4 × 1600) + (1.6 × 800) = 3520 kN.
Properties of column 305305198
D=339.9 mm, B = 314.5 mm, t=19.1 mm, T =31.4 (from section properties table)

Effective area of the base plate,

axial load Fc
Abe  
bearing strength 0.6 f cu
(clause 4.13.2.1)
3520  103
  234.67  103 mm 2
0.6  25

Provide 550 550 mm2 square base plate

The area provided, Aprovide = 302.5103 mm2 > Abe.

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From the figure, the actual effective area,

Abe =(D+2c)(B+2c)  (D2c2T)(B+2ct2c)

234.67103 = (339.9+2c)(314.5+2c) (339.92c231.4)(314.5 19.1)
 c = 92.382 mm

Minimum length of baseplate = D + 2c = 339.9 + 2 × 92.38 = 524.66 mm < 550 mm, OK

Minimum width of baseplate = B + 2c = 314.5 + 2 × 92.38 = 499.26 mm < 550 mm, OK
Provide 550 × 550 mm baseplate in grade S275 steel

Baseplate Thickness
Assuming a baseplate thickness is greater than 16 mm and less than 40 mm.
Therefore the design strength pyp = 265 N/mm2 Table 9

 = 0.6*25 =15 N/mm2

The actual baseplate thickness, tp, is
0.5
 3  0.5
tp  c   =92.38[3*15/265] = 38.07 mm (clause 4.13.2.2)
p
 yp 

Hence, a 550 mm × 550 mm × 40 mm thick baseplate in grade S275 steel should be suitable.

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