STEEL STRUCTURES

Lecture 3: Design of Compression Members

Mahmoud Nawar, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor – Structural Engineering Department
Zagazig University
 Outline
•Definition
•Application
•Types of Compression Members
•Column Behavior
•Column Buckling
•AISC Column Design Rules for Lateral (Flexural) Buckling
•Local Buckling
•Effective Length
•Column Design
 Compression members are those structural elements that are
subjected mainly to a compression axial concentric force- No
moments.
 They usually found in pin ended steel trusses or frames
 According to the basics of mechanics of material, these
members are usually failed either by:
- compressive yielding (case of short columns)
- buckling (case of most medium and long columns) and the
corresponding load is called the critical buckling load.
 Applications
Compression members used in various types of structures such as:

 Truss members.

 Bracing for buildings and bridges.

 Columns.

 Struts
Trusses
Stadium Covering
Transmition Towers
1. Controlling Limit States:
 Local buckling.
 Yielding: will control for short columns only
 Lateral (Flexural) inelastic or elastic buckling will control for most
slender columns
 Torsional or flexural-torsional-buckling will control for slender columns
with non-symmetric cross-sections

Local Buckling
First studied by the Swiss mathematician “Euler”:

12
 Euler’s formulation was based on a perfectly straight, elastic, and
concentrically loaded member, commonly referred to as the ideal column.

(Timoshenko, 1953).
The differential equation giving the deflected shape of an elastic member subjected to bending is
Buckling will take place as soon as the load reaches the value given by Equation
Notes:
The critical buckling load is independent of material yield stress For the usual case
of a compression member with no supports between its ends, n = 1; Euler
Equation is: 2
 EI 2
 EAr
2 2
 EA
Pcr   
L2 L2  L / r 2
The critical buckling load can be expressed in terms of stress as

Pcr  2 EI  2 EI  2E
Fcr      Fy  yield stress 
A AL 2 2
I r L 2

L / r  2

The term L/r is called the slenderness ratio

Early researchers soon found that Euler’s equation did not give reliable results for
stocky, or less slender, compression members.

Euler’s approach was ignored for many years because it was found that columns,
of lengths normally used in buildings, were tested and exhibited strengths smaller
than predicted values. It was found later that the reason for this was inelastic
buckling (buckling stress is greater than the proportional limit of the material) ,
which can be due to:
 Residual stress
 Out-of-straightness
 Load eccentricity
These stresses can be due to rolling, differential cooling, straightening, and/or welding of
steel members

Experimental Display of the Effect of Residual Stress

Yielding starts to occur when P/A + σrc = σy
 Initial out-of-straightness changes the behavior of a compression member

AISC assumes an initial

out of straightness

yo= L/1500
Euler’s equation did not give reliable results for stocky, or less slender, compression
members.
Friedrich Engesser proposed the use of a variable tangent modulus, Et

This curve is typical of a compression test of a short length of W-shape called

a stub column, rather than the result of a tensile test.
For any material, the critical buckling stress can be plotted as a function of
slenderness

Most design specifications, including the AISC Specification, contain empirical

formulas for inelastic columns.
The Euler and tangent modulus equation 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

2.05 2 EA  2 EA
Pcr  2

(L / r) (0.70 L / r ) 2
 2 EA  2 Et A
Pcr  2
or Pcr 
( KL / r ) ( KL / r ) 2
 Column Slenderness

Reference: AISCS2010 Section E2

The AISC specification does not require any limitation on column slenderness
ratio. However, the AISC Commentary (E2) does indicate that if KL/r is greater
than 200, the critical stress Fcr will be less than 6.3 ksi. Also, it is noted that
columns that exceed this slenderness ratio are not economical and may be
susceptible to damage during transportation and erection if no special handling
provisions are planned for.

This is a practical upper limit, because compression members that are any more
slender will have little strength and will not be economical
 Un-braced Length
Note that columns may have different unbraced lengths with respect to the strong
and weak axes

Ly = Lx Ly = ½ Lx
Un-braced Length
We have generally two global
buckling modes:
1. Buckling in plane (𝒍𝒃𝒙 )
(which depends on column
boundary conditions)
2. Buckling out of plane (𝒍𝒃𝒚 )
(which depends on bracing system
connecting compression members)
 Effective Length
Longitudinal Bracing
Effective Length
Buckling in plane (𝒍𝒃𝒙 )

𝒍𝒃𝒙 =Distance between joints

 Effective Length
Buckling in plane 𝑙𝑏𝑥 =Distance between joints)

Why we don't remove the zero force members from a truss??

It helps in reducing the effective length of another member to which it
connects. Also, it adds to the stiffness of the Truss.

So it is not safe
to get rid of
him!!!
 Effective Length
Buckling out of plane (𝑙𝑏𝑦 )
Upper chord

Lower chord
 Effective Length

Euler’s formula is based on a pinned-pinned boundary conditions, however,

columns have different boundary conditions in reality, where moment restraint at
the ends does exist.
The effective length concept is used to convert columns with various boundary
conditions to effective pinned-pinned end columns
 Effective Length

Effective Length - No Joint Translation

 Effective Length

Effective Length KL- Joint Translation Possible

 Braced Vs. Unbraced Frames

Braced Frame: One in which “lateral stability is provided by diagonal bracing,

shear walls or equivalent means.”
A vertical column in a braced frame would have no sideways movement of its top
relative to its bottom.

Unbraced Frame: One in which “lateral stability depends upon the bending
stiffness of rigidly connected beams and columns.” The buckling of an unbraced
frame is one of sidesway, where the top of a column moves to the side relative to
the bottom.
Effective length KL for frames.
Braced Vs. Unbraced Frames

Braced Frame

Unbraced Frame
 Effective Length KL For Frames.

Columns that are members of braced rigid frames are prevented from sidesway and
have some degree of rotational restraint at their ends.
AISCS Appendix 7 (7.2.3(a)) states that a value of K=1 for members of braced
frames unless an analysis is made.
Such an analysis can be made with the alignment chart for both unbraced and
braced frames (Figures C-A-7.1 and C-A-7.2 in the Appendix to the commentary of
the AISCS Manual).
 Alignment Charts for Effective Length of Columns
in Continuous Frames

For a Pinned Base:

G= 10
For a Fixed Base:
G= 1.0

AISC Manual pp. [16.1-512, 513]

 Example:- Buckling out of plan

1:10 4

1.5m 1 0.7I 0.7I

2.5m
I 0.23I
4m

Vertical wind bracing

24m

Lby=4m
Alignment Chart
 Alignment Charts For Portal Frames
the alignment chart is used to determine the buckling
coefficient factor k based on the following assumptions:-

 All behavior is elastic.

 The members are prismatic.
 All columns reach their respective buckling loads simultaneously.
 For braced frames (no side sway), the girders are assumed to be in single
curvature while for un-braced frames (side sway is permitted), the girders
are assumed to be in double curvature.
 At a joint, the restraining moment provided by the girders is distributed
among the columns in proportion to their stiffness.
 The girders are elastically restrained at their ends by the columns, and at
the onset of buckling the rotations of the girders at its ends are equal and
opposite.
 The girders carry no axial loads.
 Determine the factor G expressing the relative stiffness at
the two ends of the columns as follows:
Ec I c
 L
G c
Eg I g
 Lg

 Where EcIc, EgIg are flexural stiffness of the column and

girder meeting at a joint while Lc, Lg are the column and
girder lengths
 It is to be noted based on ECP and AISC recommendations
that:
 When the col. End is hinged G=10
 When the col. End is fixed G=1.0
 Example 2
 Given: The shown two story building frame, knowing that end G and
H of the girders is fixed to the adjacent R.C. shear wall.
 Required: Calculate the columns buckling length in plane of the
frame if end A is fixed and end D is hinged.
 Solution For Column AB:
 GA = 1.0 (end A is fixed)
 GB = (4I/4+2I/3)/(2I/6)=5.0
 From the alignment chart for side sway prevented K=0.85
 Lbx = 0.85 x 4 = 3.4m
C I F I H

3m 2I 2I

B 2I E 2I G Shear Wall

4I 3I
4m

A D
6m 7m
 For Column DE
 GD = 10 (end D is hinged)
 GE = (3I/4+2I/3)/(2I/6+2x2I/7) = 1.57
 From the alignment chart for side sway prevented
K=0.89
 Lbx = 0.89 x 4 = 3.56m
C I F I H

3m 2I 2I

B 2I E 2I G Shear Wall

4I 3I
4m

A D
6m 7m
 Basic AISCS2010 Column Design Rules for
Lateral (Flexural) Buckling - Continued
Reference: AISCS Chapter E

Inelastic Buckling

Elastic Buckling
 Basic AISCS2005 Column Design Rules for
Lateral (Flexural) Buckling - Continued

With:
Fy = yield stress
E = elastic modulus
K = effective length factor
L = unbraced length
r = radius of gyration
(KL/r) = maximum slenderness ratio
 Basic AISCS2010 Column Design Rules for
Lateral (Flexural) Buckling - Continued
Adopted Column Critical Stress Curve

0.877)

Fy/Fe ≤ 2.25 Fy/Fe > 2.25

Basic AISCS2005 Column Design Rules for
Lateral (Flexural) Buckling - Continued
 Compression members are
usually composed of
several plates connected
together to form the
column cross section.
 Buckling of one or more of
these plates at a local
region is called local
buckling
 It depends on the width/
thickness ratio of each
compressed plate
 Compression Members
Local Buckling
A flange or web under compression may buckle independently of the lateral
buckling of the whole member
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.
 A cross-section is composed of
different plate elements, such as
web and flanges; most of these
elements, if in compression, can
be separated into two categories:
 internal or stiffened elements:
these elements are considered to
be simply supported along two
edges parallel to the direction of
compressive stress.
 outstand or un-stiffened elements;
these elements are considered to
be simply supported along one
edge and free on the other edge
parallel to the direction of
compressive stress.
 Class 1: Compact sections which achieve full plastic
moment capacity without local buckling
 Class 2: Non-compact sections which achieve yield
moment capacity without local buckling
 Class 3: Slender sections which cannot achieve
yield moment capacity without local buckling
 Unstiffened Element

Stiffened Element

Compact Section: b/t ≤ λp

Non-Compact Section λp < b/t ≤ λr
Slender Section b/t > λr
 Compression Members
Local Buckling
AISC’s Approach:
limit the width/thickness ratio (b/t) such that:
Fcr (component plate buckling) > Fcr (column lateral buckling)

Definitions:
Unstiffened compression element:
One edge parallel to stress is unsupported.

Stiffened compression element:

Both edges parallel to stress are supported.
 AISC Local Buckling Criteria Continued

Values of λp and λr are given in AISCS Table B4.1b

For Compression members, sections are classified as Slender or Non-Slender

Therefore

Only λr is relevant for compression members

 AISC Local Buckling Criteria Continued

For Unstiffened Elements:

 AISC Local Buckling Criteria Continued
For Stiffened Elements:

where h is the distance between the roots of the flanges, and tw is the web thickness
AISC Local Buckling Criteria Continued
 AISC Local Buckling Criteria Continued

Note:
AISCS Equations E3-2 and E3-3 are only valid when the column is classified as
non-slender member, i.e. The equations do not apply when the section is slender

If local buckling provisions are not satisfied (i.e. the member is classified as a
slender element) then the provisions under AISCS2010 Section E7 must be referred
to. (Most hot-rolled H-shapes satisfy local buckling requirements for Fy = 50 ksi).
 AISC Local Buckling Criteria Continued
It is permissible to use a cross-sectional shape that does not satisfy the width to-thickness
ratio requirements, but such a member may not be permitted to carry as large a load as one
that does satisfy the requirements.

The procedure for making this investigation is given in AISC E7:

Many of the shapes commonly used as columns are not slender, and the reduction will not
be needed. This includes most (but not all) W-shapes. However, a large number of hollow
structural shapes (HSS), double angles, and tees have slender elements.
Effective Net Area of The Cross Section
 Basic AISCS2010 Column Design Rules
for Lateral (Flexural) Buckling
Reference: AISCS Chapter E
The lateral buckling design compressive strength cPn and allowable compressive
strength Pn/c are determined as follows:
Pn = Ag Fcr c = 0.9 (LRFD)
c = 1.67 (ASD)
where Ag = Area of the cross-section
Fcr = Flexural buckling stress

The mode of failure considered so far is referred to as flexural buckling, as the

member is subjected to flexure, or bending, when it becomes unstable.
 Tables for Analysis and Design
of Compression Members
Table 4-22 in Part 4 of the Manual “Design of compression Members”
Gives values of Fcr (for LRFD) and Fcr/Ω (for ASD)
as a function of KL/r for various values of Fy .
The table stops at an upper limit of KL/r = 200

“Column Load Tables” give the available strengths

of selected shapes, Pn (for LRFD) and Pn/Ω
(for ASD) as a function of the effective length KL.
KL values are given up to those corresponding
to KL/r = 200
 A Procedure For Using
Column Load Tables Using KXL

The available strengths given in the column load tables are based on the effective
length with respect to the y-axis.
If the capacity with respect to x-axis buckling is desired, the table can be entered
with
KxL
KL 
rx / ry
The tabulated load will be based on
KxL
KL (rx / ry ) KxL
 
ry ry rx
 Column Design Procedure In Frames

1. Determine load to be carried by column.

May need to consider a number of load combinations

2. Determine Kx and Lx, and Ky and Ly.

If Kx is to be determined from charts, a value between 0.7 and 1.0 for braced
frames and between 1.3 and 2.0 for unbraced frames, can be assumed to
select a trial column section.
Ky is usually taken as 1.0 unless a lower value can be justified
 Column Design Procedure In Frames

3. Refer to available Column tables (such as Table 4-1 starting on page 4-12 of
AISCM2010) and pick a trial section based on KLy;
or alternatively:
Assume (KL/r) = 40 to 60 (for average column length of 10 to15 feet)
Assume (KL/r) = 75 to 85 (for column length > 15 feet)
Determine required Fcr

(Use Table 4-22, AISCM page 4-32)

Determine required area:
ASD: Ag-req= Pa/(Fcr/Ω)
LRFD: Ag-req= Pu/(Fcr)
Pick a trial section with:
AgAg-req
 Column Design Procedure In Frames

4. Reevaluate Kx if necessary (usually must be done when K is obtained from

alignment charts).

5. Check column strength (must consider (KL/r)x and (KL/r)y)

When (KL)x > (KL)y, strong axis buckling may control

In this case:
Obtain: (KL)y-eq= (KL)x/(rx/ry)
Enter Table 4-1 with max((KL)y, (KL)y-eq) or using Eqs E3-2 and E3-3
6. Pick a new trial section and go back to step 4 if necessary.
 Torsional And Flexural-Torsional Buckling
Torsional buckling.
• This type of failure is caused by twisting about the longitudinal axis of the
member.
• Occur only with doubly symmetrical cross sections with very slender cross-
sectional elements.

Flexural-torsional buckling.
• This type of failure is caused by a combination of flexural buckling and
torsional buckling.
• The member bends and twists simultaneously.
• This type of failure can occur only with unsymmetrical cross sections.
• Such as channels, structural tees, double-angle shapes, and equal-leg single
angles.
To Ensure That the Built-up Member Acts as a Unit
 Homework
1- It is required to solve the following problems:

4-3-2
4-3-7
4-4-2
4-6-2
4-6-7
4-7-2
4-7-10

2- Using excel sheet or matlab, write a code to predict the

Exact value for buckling factor K in the alignment charts for
both side sway permitted and prevented.
Thanks