www.gradeup.

co

1
www.gradeup.co

DESIGN OF STEEL STRUCTURES

4 COMPRESSION MEMBERS

1. INTRODUCTION

There are various members which are under compression. Vertical compression numbers in
building are called column. Compression members in trusses are called strut. The jib of crane
which carries compression is called boom. As the axial load increases, the lateral deflection
increases resulting into additional bending stress. A stage of instability is reached at a load
much below crushing strength of the compression members. This phenomenon is called
buckling of columns. Because of buckling, tendency, the load carrying capacity of column is
reduced considerably.

2. EFFECTIVE LENGTH

The effective length (KL) is calculated from the actual length L, (it is the center to center
distance compression member between the restrained ends) of the member considering the
rotational and relative translational boundary condition. Effective length for various cases is
mentioned below.
(a) If end conditions can be assessed:
Where the boundary conditions in plane of buckling can be assessed the effective length (KL)
can be calculated as follows.

2
www.gradeup.co

Boundary Condition
Diagram Effective Length
At one end At another end
Translation Rotation Translation Rotation

2.0 L
Restrained Restrained Free Free

Restrained Free Free Restrained L

Restrained Free Restrained Free L

Restrained Restrained Free Restrained 1.2 L

Restrained Restrained Restrained Free 0.8 L

Restrained Restrained Restrained Restrained 0.65 L

3
www.gradeup.co

(b) Compression member in truss

• In case of bolted, riveted or welded trusses and braced frames, the effective length, KL,
shall be taken as 0.7 to 1.0 times the actual length, depending upon the degree of end
restraints provided.
• For buckling in the plane perpendicular to the plane of truss, the effective length may be
taken as actual length.
(c) In frames
In frame analyses, if deformed shape is not considered the effective length depends upon
stiffness of the members meeting at the joint.

3. RADIUS OF GYRATION

It is the distance at which entire area must be kept as a strip, so that it will give same moment
of inertia as that of original area. It is a measure of resistance to rotation or buckling. If the
radius of gyration is more, then it means that it is difficult to rotate or buckle the member.
The maximum slenderness ratio governs the design strength. If the length of the column to be
considered is the same for buckling about any axis naturally the governing slenderness ratio is
KL Le
=
rmin rmin
Here, Le = effective length
rmin = radius of gyration

Column and struts always tends to buckle about weaker axis. Weaker axis is about which
moment of inertia and radius of gyration are minimum. The most efficient cross section is
resisting compression is thin hollow circular section because for a given cross sectional area.
Imin is maximum for this hollow circular section.

4. EULER’S COLUMN FORMULA

Euler’s column formula is derived based on neutral equilibrium of the column. According to
Euler
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝐶𝑟 =
𝐿2
Here, PCr = crushing load
L = effective length
Imin = minimum moment of inertia
2
Also, Imin = A rmin

rmin = minimum radius of gyration.

2
𝜋2 𝐸𝐴𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
Therefore, 𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿2

4
www.gradeup.co

𝜋2 𝐴𝐸
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 𝐿
2
( )
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛

L
Here, = slenderness ratio
rmin

Euler’s critical stress can be expressed as follows.

PCr 2 AE 2E
fec = = 2
= 2
= fec
A  L   L 
   
 rmin   rmin 
A
Because of the assumptions involved in the derivation of Euler’s critical stress, we get a higher
value of stress. But columns actually buckle at less than ‘fec’. So IS 800 – 2007 modified the
Euler’s critical stress and given design compressive stress ‘f cd’. As per IS 800: 2007. The
factored compressive load carrying capacity of the column is given by
Pc = fcd × Ag
Here, PC = factored compressive load carrying capacity of the column.
fcd = design compressive stress.
Ag = gross cross sectional area of the column.

5. ANALYSIS OF STRUT

If a strut is spanning between two gusset plates only, then it is called discontinuous strut. If it
spans over more than two gusset plate then it is called continuous strut.
To prevent the buckling of strut component between tack bolt, the following condition must
also be satisfied.

 t 
   40
 rmin comp

6. PRODUCT OF INERTIA

For an object rotating about the axis, the resistance of a body to accelerate is called inertia of
mass. It is the product of rotating object’s mass and square of the span between axis of rotation
and mass centre (m R2)
Product of inertia is only a mathematical term of I xx, Iyy are known, then we can find moment
of inertia of the area about any inclined axis.
Product of inertia can be positive, negative or zero, depending upon the orientation of the area
with respect to x and y axis. But moment of inertia is always positive.

5
www.gradeup.co

Here, y.dA = first moment of area

y2dA = second moment of area or moment of inertia.
x.y.dA = product of inertia
Product of inertia with respect to a symmetric axis and any other perpendicular axis is always
zero. If the two axis are passing through centre of gravity of the area then they are called
principal axis.
Example: Calculate the least radius of gyration for a compound column of ISHB 250 @ 536.6
N/m with one cover plate 300 × 20 mm on each flange.
Solution:
For ISHB 250, Iz = 7983.9 × 104 mm4, A = 6971 mm2, tf = 9.7 mm
300×203
Moment of inertia for plates = 2 [ + 300 × 20 × (125 + 10)2 ] = 21910 × 104 𝑚𝑚4
12

Total Iz = 7983.9 × 104 + 21910 × 104 = 29893.9 × 104 mm4

Area of built up section = 6971 + 2×300×20 = 18971 mm 2
So,

𝐼𝑧 29893.9 × 104
𝑟𝑧 = √ =√ = 125.52 𝑚𝑚
𝐴 18971

Iy for ISHB 250@ 536.6 N/m = 2011.7 × 10 4 mm4

20×3003
Iy for plates = 2 × = 9000 × 104 𝑚𝑚4
12

Total Iy = 2011.7× 104 + 9000 × 104 = 11011.7 × 104 mm4

𝐼𝑦 11011.7 × 104
𝑟𝑦 = √ =√ = 76.187 𝑚𝑚
𝐴 18971

Example: Design a column to support a factored load of 1050 kN. The effective length of the
column is 7m in z-z direction and 5 m in y-y direction. Use steel of grade Fe 410.
Solution.
Assuming effective slenderness ratio 100.
The design compressive stress corresponding to effective slenderness ratio 100 is 118 N/mm 2.
1050×103
Area required = = 8893.3 𝑚𝑚2
118

6
www.gradeup.co

Choosing ISHB 350@ 661.2 N/m. The relevant properties of cross section are
A = 8591 mm2, rz = 149.3 mm, ry = 53.4 mm
7000
Effective slenderness ratio about z axis = = 46.885 < 180 (Safe)
149.3
5000
about y axis = = 93.63 < 180 (Safe)
53.4
𝐼𝑧
For = 46.855, fy = 250 N/mm2 and buckling curve a, the design compressive stress is 207.49
𝑟𝑧

N/mm2.
The design compressive load = 8591 × 207.49 × 10-3 = 1782.54 kN > 1050 kN
𝐼𝑧
For = 93.63, fy = 250 N/mm2 and buckling curve b, the design compressive stress is 128.19
𝑟𝑧

N/mm2.
The design compressive load = 8591 × 128.19 × 10-3 = 1101.28 kN > 1050 kN

7. DESIGN OF LACING

To achieve maximum value for minimum radius of gyration without increasing the area of the
section, a number of elements are placed away from the principal axis using suitable lateral
system.
Rolled steel flats and angles are used for lacing. We can also use single lacing or double lacing
system. Lacing makes the component of a column act as a single unit.

Lacing members are designed as truss elements i.e. they are subjected to tension and
compression only. Bending moment is zero in lacing members.
If lacing members are used, then effective length of the column is increased by 5% in the
calculations. It is to take of longitudinal shear force and shear deformation effects produced by
the truss on the column. By increasing effective length of the column by 5%, ‘fcd’ decreases.
So gross area will be more.
The maximum slenderness ratio for lacing member is 145.

7
www.gradeup.co

Angle of lacing with respect to vertical should be

 40
 should not be less than 40° and more then 70°
 70 

If   70, force in the lacing member will be very high and it may buckle. If   40, length

of lacing member will be more and it may buckle.

To prevent buckling of the column component between lacing connection, following conditions
must be satisfied.

 C 
    50
 rmin 
 70  slenderness ratio
C = overlap length  4t

rmin = minimum radius of gyration

If above condition is not satisfied, then
(i) Increase value of  upto 70°.
(ii) Provide double lacing, so that ‘C’ value will be less.
According to IS 800 – 2007, the dimensions of the lacing bar are specified as follows
(i) Length of lacing bar (l1):
It is taken as the distance between inner welds or bolts.
(ii) Effective length of lacing bar (leff):
leff = l1 , for single lacing (with one or two bolts)

leff = 0.7l1 , for double lacing.

leff = 0.7l1 , for welded lacing.

(iii) Minimum thickness (tmin):

leff
tmin  , for single lacing.
40
leff
tmin  , for double lacing.
60
(iv) Minimum width (bmin):
bmin  3

here,  = nominal diameter of bolt.

At the top and bottom, tie plates or batten plates are provided. They prevent distortion of built
up column cross section due to twisting moment at the connection of the base plate with the
column.

8
www.gradeup.co

Force in the lacing system:

- The lacing shall be designed to resist transverse shear force, V = 2.5 % of column load (to
take care of the eccentricity of axial loads and moments arising due to accidental lateral loads).
- The shear force, V is shared by parallel planes of lacing system equally. So transverse shear
V
force on each lacing system is . where, n is the number of parallel planes of lacing.
n
- If the column is subjected to bending also, Vt = bending shear + 2.5% column force.
- Laced members should not be subjected to eccentric loading because additional transverse
shear force is developed in lacing system due to moment.
Example: Design a laced column with two channels back to back of length 10 m to carry an
axial factored load of 1400 kN. The column may be assumed to have restrained in position but
not in direction at both ends.
Solution:
Assuming, fcd = 135 N/mm2
1400  1000
Therefore, required area = = 10370 mm2
135
Try 2 ISMC 350 @ 413 N/m
Area provided = 2 × 5366 = 10732 mm 2.
rzz = 136.6 mm

Distance will be maintained so as to get ryy > rzz

le 10000
Actual slenderness ratio = = = 73.206
r 136.6
Since it is a laced column
leff
= 1.05  73.206 = 76.87
r
According to IS 800 – 2007
6.87
fcd = 152 − (152 − 136)
10
fcd = 141.0 N / mm2
Load carrying capacity = 10732 × 141 = 1513.297 × 103
= 1513.297 kN > 1400 kN
Spacing between the channels:
Let it be a clear distance ‘d’.
Now Ixx = 2 × 10008 × 104 = 20016 × 104 mm4

 d  
2

Iyy = 2 430.6  104 + 5633  + 24.4  

 2  

9
www.gradeup.co

Equating Iyy to Ixx, we get

 4 d  
2

2 430.6  10 + 5633  + 24.4   = 20016  104

 2  
2
d 
i.e.,  + 24.4  = 17848.3
2 
 d = 218.4 mm.
Provide, d = 220 mm.

Let the lacing be provided at 45° to horizontal.

Horizontal spacing of lacing = 220 + 60 + 60 = 340 mm
Therefore, Vertical spacing = 340 tan 45° × 2 = 680 mm.

Least radius of gyration, r of one channel = ryy = 28.3

680
 Slenderness ratio of channel between lacing = = 24.03  50
28.3
2.5
Transverse shear to be resisted by lacing systems =  1400  103 = 35000 N
100
35000
Shear to be resisted by each lacing system = = 17500 N
2

10
www.gradeup.co

1
Length of lacing = (220 + 60 + 60) = 480.83 mm
cos 45
1
Minimum thickness of lacing =  480.83 = 12.02 mm
40
So, use 14 mm flats.
Minimum width of lacing, if 20 mm bolts are used = 3 × 20 = 60 mm
Use 60 ISF 14
Sectional area = 60 × 14 = 840 mm2

1
 60  143
rmin = 12 = 4.041 mm
60  14
KL 480.83
 = = 118.97  145
r 4.041
Strength of 20 mm shop bolt:
 400
(a) In single shear = 0.78   202  = 45272 N
4 3  1.25
60
Edge distance = = 30
2
30
Therefore Kb = = 0.4545
3  22
2.5kbd t fu
(b) Strength in bearing = = 101808 N
1.25
 Bolt value = 45272 N
17500
Number of bolts required = = 0.387
45272
Therefore, provide one bolt.
Check for strength of lacing:
KL
= 118.97
r
A flat belongs to buckling class c
8.97
 fcd = 94.6 −
10
(94.6 − 83.7)
fcd = 84.82 N/mm2
Load carrying capacity is compression = 84.82 × 60 × 14 = 71251 N
17500
Force in lacing = = 24749 N  T1251 N
sin 45
Therefore, it is safe.
Hence provide 60 ISF 14 flats at 45° and connected them to centre of gravity of channels with
on bolt of 20 mm nominal diameter.

11
www.gradeup.co

8. DESIGN OF BATTENED COLUMN

IS 800 – 2007 specifies the following rules for the design of battened column.
(i) Batten plates should be placed symmetrically.
(ii) At both ends batten plates should be provided. They should be provided at point where the
member is stayed in its length.
(iii) The number of battens should be such that the member is divided into less than three
bays. As far as possible, they should be spaced and proportioned uniformly through out.

(iv) Battens shall be of plates, angles, channels, or I-sections and at their ends shall be riveted,
bolted or welded.
(v) By providing battens distance between the members of columns is so maintained that radius
of gyration about the axis perpendicular to the plane of battens is not less than the radius of
gyration about the axis parallel to the plane of the batten.
(vi) The effective slenderness ratio of battened columns shall be taken as 1.1 times the
maximum actual slenderness ratio of the column, to account for shear deformation.
(vii) The vertical spacing of battens, measured as centre to centre of its end fastening, shall be
such that the slenderness ratio of any component of column over that distance shall be neither
greater than 50 nor greater than 0.7 times the slenderness ratio of the member as a whole
about its axis.
(viii) Battens shall be designed to carry the bending moment and shear forces arising from
transverse shear force Vt equal to 2.5% of the total axial force.
(ix) In case columns are subjected to moment also, the resulting shear force should be found
and then the design shear is sum of this shear and 2.5% of axial load.
(x) The design shear and moments for battens plates is given by
VtC VC
Vb = and M = t at each connection here, Vt = transverse shear force as defined in 8
NS 2N
and 9.

12
www.gradeup.co

Here,
C = distance between centre to centre of battens longitudinally.
N = Number of parallel planes.
S = minimum transverse distance between the centroid of the fasteners connecting batten to
main
(xi) The effective depth of end battens (longitudinally), shall not be less than the distance
between the centroids of main members.
3
(xii) The effective depth of intermediate battens shall not be less than th of above distance.
4
(xiii) In no case the width of battens shall be less than twice the width of one member in the
plane of the batten. It is to be noted that the effective depth of a batten shall be taken as the
longitudinal distance between the outermost fasteners.
1 th
(xiv) The thickness of battens shall not be less than of the distance between the inner
50
most connecting lines of rivets, bolts or welds.
(xv) The length of the weld connecting batten plate to the member shall not be less than half
the depth of batten plate. At least one third of the weld shall be placed at each end of this
edge.

9. PROBLEMS

Problem 1: A single angle section ISA 60×60×8 mm, 3 m long is used as a strut. The ends
are welded to the gusset plate. Determine the design compressive strength of the section.
Ans. 58.61 kN
Problem 2: Design a single angle discontinuous strut to carry a factored load of 180 kN. The
effective length of strut can be assumed as 3.40 m.
Problem 3: Design a built-up column with four angle laced together. The effective length of
the column is 7 m and it supports a factored load of 1500 kN.
Problem 4: A strut consists of a double angle section ISA 70×70×8mm and 3.2 m long is
connected to gusset plate by 3, 20 mm diameter ordinary bolts. Calculate the design
compressive strength of the member when the angles are placed on the opposite sides of 12
mm thick gusset plate.
Ans. 160.4 kN.

****

13
www.gradeup.co

14