Compression members

structural elements subjected only to axial compressive forces,

i.e. loads are applied along a longitudinal axis through the
centroid of the member cross section
some (accidental) eccentricity of the load may occur, bending
is only secondary
column - most common type of compression member, if it is
subjected to bending, it is called beam-column (to be
discussed later)
occurs in buildings, bridges, trusses and bracing system
components
strut - smaller compression member not classified as column
Column Theory
Consider the long, slender compression member
shown.
If the axial load P is slowly applied, at
large value it will cause the member to
become unstable and assume the shape
(dashed line). The member is said to have
buckled, and the corresponding load is
called critical buckling load.
For stocky member, a larger load is needed
for instability. For extremely stocky
member, failure by compressive yielding will
occur not buckling.
Column Theory
Prior to failure, the compressive stress P/A is uniform over the
cross section at any point along the length.
The load at which buckling occurs is a function of slenderness.
If the member is so slender that the stress before buckling is
below the proportional limit (still elastic), the critical buckling
load1 is given by

Euler load or Euler buckling load

π 2 EI
Pcr = (1)
L2
1
studied by Leonhard Euler - a Swiss mathematician, published it in 1759
Slenderness ratio, L/r
Let the radius of gyration r as
I
r2 = or I = Ar2
A
Rewriting the Euler buckling load (eqn. 1)

π 2 EI π 2 EAr2 π 2 EA
Pcr = = = (2)
L2 L2 (L/r)2

The ratio L/r is the slenderness ratio and is the measure of a

member’s slenderness, with large values corresponding to slender
members.
Moment of Inertia, I
 Example
A W12 × 50 is used as a column to
support an axial compressive load of
145 kips. The length is 20 feet, and
the ends are pinned. Without regard
to load or resistance factors,
investigate this member for stability.

(The grade of steel need not be

known: The critical buckling load is a
function of the modulus of elasticity,
not the yield stress or ultimate tensile
strength.)
Solution
For a W12 × 50,

Minimum r = ry = 1.96 in.

L 20(12)
Maximum = = 122.4
r 1.96
π 2 EA π 2 (29, 000)(14.6)
Pcr = = = 278.9 kips
(L/r)2 (122.4)2
Because the applied load of 145 kips is less than Pcr , the column
remains stable and has an overall factor of safety against buckling
of 278.9/145 = 1.92.
Stocky members/less slender
Euler’s equation did not give reliable results
small slenderness causes a large buckling
stress
buckling occurs beyond the proportional
limit, stress and strain relation is not linear
E is no longer acceptable
In 1889, Friedrich Engesser proposed the
use of variable tangent modulus, Et , for
values of f between Fpl and Fy .

π 2 Et I
Pcr = (3)
L2
Column strength curve

Critical buckling stress,

Fcr = Pcr /A
The column strength curve
completely describes the
strength of any column of a
given material.
Other than Fy , E, and Et ,
the strength is a function
only of the slenderness ratio.
In general, the critical buckling load is

π 2 EA π 2 Et A
Pcr = or Pcr = (4)
(KL/r)2 (KL/r)2
where
KL is the effective length
K is the effective length factor
L is laterally unbraced length of the member
r is the radius of gyration
User Note: see NSCP 505.2
For members designed on the basis of compression, the effective
slenderness ratio KL/r preferably should not exceed 200.
AISC 2010 - Table C-A-7.1
Approximate values of effective length factor, K
NSCP 2015 Requirements
Section 505 - Design of members for compression

LRFD ASD

Pn
Pu ≤ φ c Pn (5) Pa ≤ (6)
Ωc
where where
Pu = sum of the factored Pa = sum of the service
loads loads
φc = resistance factor for Ωc = safety factor for
compression = 0.90 compression = 1.67
φc Pn = design compressive Pn /Ωc = allowable
strength compressive strength
Nominal compressive strength, Pn

NSCP 505.1 - “Pn shall be the lowest value obtained according to

the limit states of flexural buckling, torsional buckling and
flexural-torsional buckling.”
LRFD ASD

φc = 0.90 Ωc = 1.67

where the design compressive strength is φc Pn and allowable

compressive strength is Pn /Ωc .
Compressive strength for flexural
buckling of members without slender
elements

According to NSCP 505.3, the nominal compressive strength, Pn ,

shall be determined based on the limit state of flexural buckling.
Using NSCP Eqn. 505.3-1

Pn = Fcr Ag (7)

where Fcr is the flexural buckling stress determined as follows:

Elastic columns (Euler Stress, Fe)
The critical buckling load according to Euler

π 2 EA
Pe = (8)
KL 2


r

and the Euler stress, Fe is the elastic critical buckling stress

NSCP Eqn 505.3-4/AISC Eqn E3-4

Pe π2E
Fe = = (9)
A KL 2


r
Elastic columns

NSCP Eqn 505.3-4/AISC Eqn E3-4 is slightly modified for the

critical stress in the elastic range, accounting for the effects of
initial crookedness
With effects of initial crookedness

Fcr = 0.877Fe (10)

Inelastic columns

For inelastic columns, the tangent modulus equation is replaced by

the exponential equation

h Fy
i
Fcr = 0.658 Fe Fy (11)

With this equation, a direct solution for inelastic columns can be

obtained, avoiding the trial-and-error approach (usual in tangent
modulus equation).
Elastic and Inelastic boundary

At the boundary between inelastic and elastic columns, this two

equations of Fcr give the same value of Fcr . This occurs when
KL/r is approximately
A function of KL/r
s
E
4.71 (12)
Fy
Elastic and Inelastic boundary

A function of Fy /Fe
s
KL E
For ≤ 4.71
π2E r Fy
Fe = s s
KL 2


π2E E
sr ≤ 4.71
Fe Fy
KL π2E
= Fy
r Fe ≤ 2.25
Fe
or Fe ≥ 0.44Fy
Flexural buckling stress, Fcr
Inelastic columns
q
KL
when r ≤ 4.71 FEy or (Fe ≥ 0.44Fy )

h Fy
i
Fcr = 0.658 Fe Fy NSCP Eqn 505.3-2/AISC Eqn E3-2

Elastic columns
q
KL
when r > 4.71 FEy or (Fe < 0.44Fy )

Fcr = 0.877Fe NSCP Eqn 505.3-3/AISC Eqn E3-3

where Fe is the elastic critical buckling stress determined according
to NSCP Eqn 505.3-4, Section 505.4, or the provisions of Section
503.2, as applicable, MPa.

Pe π2E
Fe = = NSCP Eqn 505.3-4
A KL 2


r

User Note: The two equations for calculating the limits and
applicability of Sections 505.3(a) and 505.3(b), one based on
KL/r and one based on Fe , provide the same result.
Fcr vs KL/r
Note on KL/r

AISC does not require an upper limit on the slenderness ratio

KL/r, but an upper limit of 200 is recommended. This is a
practical upper limit, because compression members that are any
more slender will have little strength and will not be economical.
Example 4.2 of Segui (2013)
A W14 × 74 of A992 steel has a length of 20 feet and pinned ends.
Compute the design compressive strength for LRFD and the
allowable compressive strength for ASD.
Solution: Slenderness ratio:
KL KL 1.0(20 × 12)
Maximum = = = 96.77 < 200 (OK)
r ry 2.48
s r
E 29, 000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113
Fy 50
 q
KL
when r ≤ 4.71 FEy or (Fe ≥ 0.44Fy )

h Fy
i
Fcr = 0.658 Fe Fy NSCP Eqn 505.3-2/AISC Eqn E3-2

π2E π 2 (29, 000)

Fe = = 2 = 30.56 ksi
KL 2


(96.77)
h r Fy i h 50
i
Fcr = 0.658 e Fy = 0.658
F 30.56 50 = 25.21 ksi
The nominal strength is

Pn = Fcr Ag = 25.21(21.8) = 549.6 kips

LRFD Solution: The design compressive strength is

φc Pn = 0.90(549.6) = 495 kips

ASD Soln: The allowable compressive strength is

Fa = 0.6Fcr = 0.6(25.21) = 15.13 ksi

Fa Ag = 15.13(21.8) = 330 kips
Notes

in the previous example, ry < rx , and there is excess strength

in the x-direction
square structural tubes (HSS) are efficient shapes for
compression members because ry = rx and the strength is the
same for both axes
hollow circular shapes are sometimes used as compression
members for the same reason above
the mode of failure considered so far is only flexural buckling,
as the member is subjected to flexure or bending, when it
becomes unstable.
Local Stability

for elements with thin cross section local buckling occurs (a

localized buckling or wrinkling at an isolated location)
if instability occurs, the cross-section is no longer fully effective
and the member has failed
I–shaped cross sections with thin flanges or webs are
susceptible (the use of this should be avoided if possible or the
compressive strength must be reduced)
the measure of this susceptibility is the width–to–thickness
ratio of cross-sectional element
Two types of elements

1 unstiffened elements – unsupported along one edge parallel to

the direction of load
2 stiffened elements – supported along both edges

For compression members, shapes are classified as

Slender – its strength limit state is local buckling and the
corresponding reduced strength must be computed
Nonslender
Width-to-thickness ratio, λ = b/t or h/tw
Width-to-thickness ratio, λ

a generic symbol λ is used for width-to-thickness ratio

For I shapes, λ is either the ratio b/t or h/tw (depending on
cross-sectional element)
Other shapes used λ either hc /tw , d/t, and D/t

Slender shape Non-slender shape

λ > λr λ ≤ λr
NSCP 502.4/AISC B4.1
“Classification of Sections for Local Buckling”

Compact for a section to qualify as compact its flanges must be

continuously connected to the web(s) and the
width-thickness ratios of its compression elements must
not exceed the limiting width-thickness ratios λp from
Table 502.4.1.
Noncompact if the width-thickness ratio of one or more
compression elements exceeds λp , but does not exceed
λr from Table 502.4.1, the section is noncompact.
Slender-element if the width-thickness ratio of any element
exceeds λr , the section is referred to as a
slender-element section.
Width-to-thickness, λ, limiting values
NSCP 502.4/AISC B4.1 “Classification of Sections for Local Buckling”

NSCP Table 502.4.1 - “Limiting width-thickness ratios for

compression elements
Two types of elements:
unstiffened (cases 1-6)
stiffened (cases 7-15)
Limiting width-thickness ratios are either compact (λp ) and
noncompact (λr )
Note: See AISC Table B4.1a (Width-to-thickness ratios:
Compression elements members subjected to axial compression) for
more details. This table has elaborate example classified as
unstiffened (cases 1-4, 10-14) and stiffened (cases 5-9,15-20)
NSCP 502.4.1/AISC B4.1a - Unstiffened
Elements
“For unstiffened elements supported along only one edge parallel to
the direction of the compression force, the width shall be taken as
follows:”
1 For flanges of I-shaped members and tees, the width b is
one-half the full-flange width, bf .
2 For legs of angles and flanges of channels and zees, the width
b is the full nominal dimension.
3 For plates, the width b is the distance from the free edge to
the first row of fasteners or line of welds.
4 For stems of tees, d is taken as the full nominal depth of the
section.
See NSCP 502.4.2/AISC B4.1b for
Stiffened Elements

User Note:
Refer to Table 502.4.1
(pp. 5-36 to 38) for the
graphic representation
of both unstiffened and
stiffened element
dimensions.
Cases 3 and 10: I shapes
For I shapes, the projecting flange is considered to be an
unstiffened element, and its width can be taken as half of the full
nominal width, thus, using AISC notation gives
b bf /2 bf
λ= = =
t tf 2tf
where bf and tf are the width and thickness of the flange. The
upper limit is
Case 3: Unstiffened element
s
E
λr = 0.56
Fy
Cases 3 and 10: I shapes
The webs of I shapes are stiffened elements, and the stiffened width
is the distance between the roots of the flanges. Thus,
h
λ=
tw
where h is the distance between the roots of the flanges, and tw is
the web thickness. The upper limit is
Case 10: Stiffened element
s
E
λr = 1.49
Fy
Stiffened and unstiffened elements
Example 4.3 of Segui (2013)
Investigate the column of Example 4.2 for local stability.

Solution: For a W14 × 74, bf = 10.1 in., tf = 0.785 in., and

bf 10.1
= = 6.43
2tf 2(0.785)
s r
E 29, 000
0.56 = 0.56 = 13.5 > 6.43 (OK)
Fy 50
h d − 2kdes 14.2 − 2(1.38)
= = = 25.4
tw tw 0.450
Example 4.3 of Segui (2013)
where kdes is the design value of k. Different manufacturers has
different values of k. The design value is the smallest of these
values. The detailing value is the largest.
s r
E 29, 000
1.49 = 1.49 = 35.9 > 25.4 (OK)
Fy 50

Thus, local instability is not a problem.

Note:
The computation of bf /2tf and h/tw is not necessary. These ratios
are tabulated in the dimensions and properties table. In addition,
slender shapes (for compression) are indicated with a footnote (c).
Members with slender elements
For sections that do not satisfy the width-to-thickness ratio requirements

It is permissible to use a cross-sectional shape that does not

satisfy the width-to-thickness ratio requirements, but it is not
permitted to carry a load as large as the one that satisfy the
requirements.
In other words, the strength could be reduced because of local
buckling.
Design of Compression Members
Using Tables of AISC Manual 13th Ed Part 4

AISC Manual contains many useful tables for analysis and

design
Table 4-22 is used for members whose strength is governed by
flexural buckling (not local buckling). It gives values of φc Fcr
(for LRFD) and Fcr /Ωc (for ASD) as a function of KL/r up
to 200 for various values of Fy .
The available strength tables (or “column load tables”) are the
most useful. It gives the available strengths of selected shapes,
both fc Pn for LRFD and Pn Ωc for ASD, as a function of the
effective length KL.
Example 4.5 of Segui (2013) using Tables

Compute the available strength of the compression member of

Example 4.2 with the aid of
Table 4-22 from Part 4 of the Manual
the column load tables
LRFD Solution: (a) Using Table 4-22
From Example 4.2, KL/r = 96.77 and Fy = 50 ksi. KL/r may be
rounded up or linear interpolation can be used.
LRFD Solution: (a) Using Table 4-22

Using linear interpolation,

φc Fcr − 22.9 22.6 − 22.9
=
96.77 − 96 97 − 96
φc Fcr = 22.669 ksi
φc Pn = φc Fcr A = 22.669(21.8) = 494.18 kips
LRFD Solution: (b) Using Column Load
Table
The column load tables in Part 4 of the Manual give the
available strength for selected W-, HP-, single-angle, WT-,
HSS, pipe, double-angle, and composite shapes.
The tabular values for the symmetrical shapes (W, HP, HSS
and pipe) were calculated by using the minimum radius of
gyration for each shape.
Solution: See Table in the next page
From Example 4.2, K = 1.0, so KL = 1.0(20) = 20 ft. For a W14
× 74, Fy = 50 ksi, and KL = 20 ft,
φc Pn = 494 kips
LRFD Solution: (b) Using Table 4-1

Exercise: Compute the corresponding values using ASD Solution.