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COMPRESSION MEMBERS
 Structural element that are subjected only to axial compressive force.
 Critical buckling load – the axial load that makes the member unstable and said to be
buckled.

𝑃 = or 𝑃 =
( ⁄ )

Where:
E modulus of elasticity of steel
I moment of inertia of the cross-section with respect to minor principal axis
L the length of the member between points of support
A cross-sectional area
r radius of gyration with respect to the axis of buckling
L/r slenderness ratio and is measure of a member’s slenderness

 For the above equation to be valid, the member must be elastic, and its ends must be
free to rotate but will not translate laterally.

 If the critical load is divided by the cross-sectional area, the critical buckling stress is
obtained

𝑃 𝜋 𝐸
𝐹 = =
𝐴 (𝐿 𝑟 )

Example

A W12x50 is used as a column to support an axial compressive strength load of 645 kN. The
length is 6.0 m, and the ends are pinned. Without regard to load or resistance factors,
investigate this member for stability.

Solution

For W12x50,

Minimum r = ry = 49.8 mm
Iy = 23.4x106 mm4

Maximum = = 122.5
.

( )( )
𝑃 = = = 1425.6 kN > 645 kN
( )

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Because the applied load of 645 kN is less than Pcr, the column remains stable and has an
overall factor of safety against buckling of 1425/645 = 2.2.

Effective Length

Euler and tangent modulus equations are based on the following assumptions:
1. The column is perfectly straight, with no initial crookedness.
2. The load is axial, with no eccentricity.
3. The column is pinned at both ends.

For convenience, the equations for critical buckling load will be written as

𝑃 = ⁄ )
or 𝑃 = ⁄ )
( (

where KL is the effective length, and K is the effective length factor. The effective length factor for
the fixed-pinned compression member is 0.70. For the most favorable condition of both ends
fixed against rotation and translation, K = 0.5

Code Requirements

The basic requirements for compression members are covered in Chapter E of the AISC
Specification. The nominal compressive strength is

𝑃 = 𝐹 𝐴

LRFD ASD
(Load and Resistance Factor Design) (Allowable Strength Design)

Compressive
strength 𝑃𝑢 = ∅ 𝑃 𝑃
𝑃 ≤
Ω
Where:
𝑃 = sum of the factored load 𝑃 = sum of the factored load
∅ = resistance factor for compression Ω = safety factor for compression
= 0.9 = 1.67
∅ 𝑃 = design compressive strength 𝑃
Ω = allowable compressive strength

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If an allowable stress formulation is used

𝑓 ≤ 𝐹
Where
𝑃
𝑓 = computed axial compressive stress = 𝐴
𝐹 = allowable axial compressive stress

= = = 0.6 Fcr
Ω .

 The Euler stress is

𝐹 = =
( ⁄ )

With slight modification, the above equation will be used for the critical stress in the elastic range. To
obtain the critical stress for elastic columns, the Euler stress is reduced as follows to account for the
effects of initial crookedness.

Fcr = 0.877Fe

For inelastic columns, the tangent modulus equation is replaced by exponential equation

Fcr = 0.658 𝐹

To summarize,

When ≤ 4.71

Fcr = 0.658 𝐹 (AISC Equation E3-2)

When > 4.71

Fcr = 0.877𝐹 (AISC Equation E3-3)

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Example
A W14x74 of A992 steel has a length of 6.0 m and pinned ends. Compute the design
compressive strength for LRFD and the allowable compressive strength for ASD.

Solution
Beam Properties: Fy = 345 MPa
rx = 153 mm
ry = 63mm
Ag = 14100 mm2

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Slenderness ratio:

. ( )
Maximum = = = 95.2 < 200 (ok)

4.71 = 4.71 = 113.4

Since 95.2 < 113.4, use NSCP Equation 505.3-2.

𝜋2 𝐸 ( )
𝐹 = 2 = = 217.8 MPa
(𝐾𝐿⁄𝑟) ( . )

Fcr = 0.658 𝐹 = 0.658 . 345 = 177.8 MPa

The nominal strength is

𝑃 = 𝐹 𝐴 = 177.8(14100) = 2507.0 kN

 LRFD
The design strength is

𝑃𝑢 = ∅ 𝑃 = 0.90(2507) = 2256.3 kN

 ASD
The allowable stress is

Fa = 0.6 Fcr = 0.6(177.8) = 106.7 MPa

The allowable strength is

Fa Ag= 106.7(14100) = 1504 kN

LOCAL STABILITY
The strength corresponding to any overall buckling mode cannot be developed if the elements of
the cross section are so thin that local buckling occurs. This type of instability is a localized
buckling or wrinkling at an isolated location. If it occurs, the cross section is no longer fully
effective and the member has failed. The compressive strength given by AISC EquationsE3-2
and E3-3 must be reduced.

Two types of elements must be considered:

 Unstiffened elements – unsupported along one edge parallel to the direction of load, and
 Stiffened elements – supported along both edges.

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CLASSIFICATION OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS:
 Slender – strength limit state is local buckling, the corresponding reduced strength must
be computed (𝜆 > 𝜆 )
 Non-slender – strength is dictated by flexural buckling, strength is given by AISC
EquationsE3-2 and E3-3 (𝜆 ≤ 𝜆 )

Note:
𝜆 – generic width-to-thickness ratio (slenderness parameter)
𝜆 – upper limit of width-to-thickness ratio of non-compact element

AISC Table B4.1a shows the upper limit, 𝜆 , for nonslender members of various cross-sectional
shapes. The table is divided into two parts: unstiffened elements and stiffened elements.

For I shapes, the projecting flange is considered to be unstiffened element, and its width can be
taken as half of the full nominal width.

𝜆= = 𝜆 = 0.56 (upper limit) Case 3

Where bf and tf are the width and thickness of the flange.

The webs of I shapes are stiffened element. Stiffened width is the distance between the roots of
the flanges, and tw is the web thickness. The width-to-thickness parameter is

𝜆= 𝜆 = 1.49 (upper limit) Case 10

Example
Investigate the column of previous sample for local stability.

Solution

For a W14x74, bf = 257 mm, tf = 19.9 mm, d = 361 mm, kdes = 35.1 mm, tw = 11.4 mm and

= = 6.46
( . )

0.56 = 0.56 = 13.5 > 6.46 (OK)

( . )
= = = 25.5
.

1.49 = 1.49 = 35.9 > 25.5 (OK)

THEREFORE, local instability is not a problem.

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Note:
In the previous example, the width-to-thickness ratios bf/2tf and h/tw were computed.
This is not necessary because these ratios are tabulated in the dimensions and
properties table of AISC. Shapes that are slender for compression are indicated with
a footnote (footnote c).

It is permissible to use a cross-sectional shape that does not satisfy the width-to-thickness ratio
requirements, but such member may not be permitted to carry as large load as one that does
satisfy the requirements. Thus, the strength could be reduced because of local buckling. The
following is the overall procedure for making this investigation.

 If the width-to-thickness ratio 𝜆 is greater than 𝜆 use the provision of NSCP Sect 505.7
and compute a reduction factor Q.
 Compute KL/r and Fe as usual.

 If ≤ 4.71 or ≤ 2.25,

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Fcr = 𝑄 0.658 𝐹

If > 4.71 or > 2.25,

Fcr = 0.877Fe

 The nominal strength is Pn = FcrAg

The Reduction Factor Q

The reduction factor Q is the product of two factors – Qs for unstiffened

elements and Qa for stiffened elements:
Qs = 1.0 if the shape has no slender unstiffened elements
Qa = 1.0 if the shape has no slender stiffened elements

General Procedure in Computing Qa:

 Compute an effective area of the cross section. This requires knowledge of
the stress in the effective area, so iteration is required. The Specification
allows a simplifying assumption so iterations can be avoided.
 Compute Qa = Ae/Ag where Ae is the effective area and Ag is the gross or
unreduced area.

Note:
See Section 505.7.1 for procedure in calculating Qs for unstiffened
elements

See Section 505.7.2 for Qa computation

Example
Determine the axial compressive strength of an HSS8x4x1/8 (HSS203.2x101.6x3.2) with an
effective length of 4.6 m with respect to each principal axis. Use Fy = 320 MPa.

Solution

 Beam Properties
Ag = 1740 mm2 h/t = 65.9 tdes = 2.95 mm
rx = 74.2 mm b/t = 31.5
ry = 43.4 mm

 Compute the overall, or flexural, buckling strength.

Maximum = = = 106.0 < 200 (OK)

.

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4.71 = 4.71 = 117.8

Since 106 < 117.8, use NSCP Eq. 505.3-2.

( )
Fe = = = 175.7 MPa
( / ) ( )

𝟑𝟐𝟎
Fcr = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖 𝟏𝟕𝟓.𝟕 (320) = 149.3 MPa

The nominal strength is

Pn = FcrAg = 149.3(1740) = 259.8 kN

 Check width-to-thickness ratios:

From the dimensions and properties in table in the Manual, the width-to-thickness ratio for the
larger overall dimension

= 65.9

The ratio for smaller dimension is

= 31.5

From NSCP Table 502.4.1, Case 12, the upper limit for non-slender element is

1.4 = 1.4 = 35.0

Since h/t > 1.4 𝐸 ⁄𝐹 , the larger dimension element is slender and the local buckling strength
must be computed.

Because this cross-sectional element is stiffened element, Qs = 1.0, and Qa must be

computed from NSCP Sec 505.7-1. The shape is a rectangular section of uniform thickness,
with

So NSCP Eq. 505-7-18 applies, where

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𝑓=

and Aeff is the reduced effective area. The Specification user note for square and rectangular
sections permits a value of f = Fy to be used in lieu of determining f by iteration. From NSCP
Eq. 505.7-18, the effective width of the slender element is

For the 8-inch (203.2 mm) side, using f = Fy and the design thickness from the dimensions
and properties table,

.
𝑏 = 1.92 (2.95) 1− = 121.2
.

The unreduced length of the 8-inch (203.2 mm) side between the corner radii can be taken as

b = h – 3t = 203.2 – 3(2.95) = 194.4 mm

where the corner radius is taken as 1.5 times the design thickness.

The total loss in area is therefore

2(b – be)t =2(194.4 – 121.1)(2.96) = 431.9 mm2

and the reduced area is

Ae = 1740 – 431.9 = 1308.1 mm.2

The reduction factor is

.
Qa = = = 0.752

Q = QsQa = 1.0(0.752) = 0.752

 Compute the local buckling strength

4.71 = 4.71 = 135.8

. ( )

= 105.3 < 135.8 ∴ Use NSCP Eq. 505.7-2

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0.752(320)
Fcr = 0.752 0.658 175.8 (320) = 135.70 MPa

Pn = FcrAg = 135.70(1740) = 236.1 kN

Since this is less than the flexural buckling strength of 260.0 kN, local buckling controls.

LRFD SOLUTION

Design strength = ϕcPn = 0.90(236.1) = 212.5 kN

ASD SOLUTION

.
Allowable strength = = = 141.4 kN
Ω .

ALTERNATE SOLUTION WITH f DETERMINED BY ITERATION

For initial value, assume

f = Fcr = 135.70 MPa (the value obtained above using an initial value of f = Fy)

.
𝑏 = 1.92 (2.95) 1− = 169.3 mm
. . .

The total loss in area is

2(b – be)t =2(194.4 – 169.3)(2.95) = 148.1 mm2

and the reduced area is

Ae =2740 – 148.1 = 1591.9 mm2

The reduction factor is

.
Qa = = = 0.915

Q = QsQa = 1.0(0.915) = 0.915

Compute the local buckling strength

4.71 = 4.71 = 123.1

. ( )

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= 106 < 123.1 ∴ Use NSCP Eq. 505.7-2

0.915(320)
Fcr = 0.915 0.658 145.8 (320) = 145.8 MPa ≠ 135.70 MPa

Try f = 145.8 MPa:

.
𝑏 = 1.92 (2.95) 1− = 165.0 mm
. . .

The total loss in area is

2(b – be)t =2(194.4 – 165.0)(2.95) = 173.5 mm2

and the reduced area is

Ae =1740 – 173.5 = 1566.5 mm2

The reduction factor is

.
Qa = = = 0.90

Q = QsQa = 1.0(0.90) = 0.90

Compute the local buckling strength

4.71 = 4.71 = 124.1

. ( )

= 105.3 < 124.1 ∴ Use NSCP Eq. 505.7-2

0.90(320)
Fcr = 0.90 0.658 175.8 (320) = 145.1 MPa ≠ 145.8 MPa

Try f = 145.1 MPa:

.
𝑏 = 1.92 (2.95) 1− = 165.3 mm
. . .

The total loss in area is

2(b – be)t =2(194.4 – 165.3)(2.95) = 171.7 in.2

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and the reduced area is

Ae =1740 – 171.7= 1568.3 mm2

The reduction factor is

.
Qa = = = 0.901

Q = QsQa = 1.0(0.90) = 0.90

Compute the local buckling strength

4.71 = 4.71 = 124.1

. ( )

= 105.3 < 124.1 ∴ Use NSCP 505.7-2

0901(320)
Fcr = 0.901 0.658 175.8 (320) = 145.1 ksi = 145.1 ksi OK

Recall that NSCP Eq. 505.7-18 for be applies when

In the present case

1.4 = 1.4 = 52.0

.

Since 65.9 > 52.0, NSCP Eq. 505.7-18 apply.

Pn = FcrAg = 145.1(1740) = 252.5 kN ∴ Local buckling controls

LRFD SOLUTION

Design strength = ϕcPn = 0.90(252.1) = 227.3 kN

ASD SOLUTION

.
Allowable strength = = = 151.2 kN
Ω .

(Allowable stress = 0.6Fcr = 0.6(145.1) = 87.1 MPa)

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