Columns

The column is essentially a compression member, but the manner in which it tends to fail and the
amount of load which causes failure depend on:

• The material of which the column is made.

• The shape of cross section of the column.
• The end conditions of the column.

The first point is obvious - a steel column can carry a greater load than timber column of similar
size.

Columns having a large cross-section area compared to the height are likely to fail by crushing.
These "short columns" have been dealt with earlier.

Buckling of Slender Columns

If a long, thin, flexible rod is loaded axially in compression, it will deflect a noticeable amount.
This phenomenon is called buckling and occurs when the stresses in the rod are still well below
those required to cause a compression/ shearing-type failure. Buckling is dangerous in that it is
sudden and once started is progressive.

Although the buckling of a column can be compared with the bending of a beam, there is an
important difference in that the designer can choose the axis about which a beam bends, but
normally the column will take the line of least resistance and buckle in the direction where the
column has the least lateral unsupported dimension.

Since the loads on columns are never perfectly axial and the columns are not perfectly straight,
there will always be small bending moments induced in the column when it is compressed.

There may be parts of the cross section area where the sum of the compressive stresses caused by
the load on the column could reach values larger than the allowable or even the ultimate strength
of the material.

Therefore the allowable compressive strength  cw is reduced by a factor k , which depends on

the slenderness ratio and the material used.

PbW = k x  cw x A Where:

Pbw = allowable load with respect to buckling

k = reduction factor, which depends on the slenderness ratio

 cw = allowable compressive stress

A = cross-section area of the column

When the load on a column is not axial but eccentric, a bending stress is induced in the column
as well as a direct compressive stress. This bending stress will have to be considered when
designing the column with respect to buckling.

Slenderness Ratio

As stated earlier, the relationship between the length of the column, its lateral dimensions and the
end fixity conditions will strongly affect the resistance of the column to buckling. An expression
called slenderness ratio has been developed to describe this relationship:

λ = KL / r = l / r where:

λ = slenderness ratio

K = effective length factor, whose value depends on how the ends of the column are fixed

L = length of the column

r = radius of gyration (r = I / A)

I = effective length of the column (K x L)

There are four types of end conditions for a column or strut:

1 Total freedom of rotation and side movement - like the top of a flagpole. This is the weakest
end condition.

The consideration of the two end conditions together results in the following theoretical values
for the effective length factor. (Kp = factor usually used in practice).

Types of end conditions

Columns and struts with both ends fixed in position and effectively restrained in direction would
theoretically have an effective length of half the actual length. However, in practice this type of
end condition is almost never perfect and therefore somewhat higher values for K are used and
can be found in building codes. In fact, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, the ends are often
considered pinned (Kp = 1.0) even if the ends in reality are restrained or partially restrained in
direction.

Types of end conditions II

The effective length can be different with respect to the different cross-sectional axes:
1. A timber strut which is restrained at the centre has only half. The effective length when
buckling about the y-y axis, as when buckling about the x-x axis. Such a strut can therefore have
a thickness less than its width.

2. In the structural framework, the braces will reduce the effective length to 1 when the column
A-B is buckling sideways, but since there is no bracing restricting buckling forwards and
backwards, the effective length for buckling in these directions is 3L. Similarly, the bracing
struts have effective lengths of l/2 d and d respectively.

3. The leg of a frame, which is pinned to the foundation has the effective length l = 2 L, but if
the top is effectively secured for sideways movement, the effective length is reduced to l = L.

4. In a system of post and lintel where the bottom of the post is effectively held in position and
secured in direction by being cast in concrete, the effective length l = 2 L.

Axially Loaded Timber Columns

Timber columns are designed with the following formulae:

λ =KL / r and Pbw = kλ x δ cw x A

Note that in some building codes a value of slenderness ratio in the case of sawn timber is taken
as the ratio between the effective length and the least lateral width of the column l / b
Example 18

Design a timber column which is 3 metres long, supported as shown in the figure and loaded
with a compressive load of 15kN. Allowable compressive stress ( cw) for the timber is
5.2N/mm²

Table 4.5 Reduction Factor, (k), for Stresses with Respect to the Slenderness Ratio for Wood
Columns

Slend- l / b 2.9 5.8 8.7 11.5 14.4 17.3 20.2 23.0 26.0 28.8 34.6 40.6 46.2 52.0
erness
Ratio
l / r 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 140 160 180
k 1.0 1.00 0.91 0.81 0.72 0.63 0.53 0.44 0.35 0.28 0.20 0.14 0.11 0.40

b = least dimension of cross section, r = radius of gyration

1 In this case the end conditions for buckling about the x-x axis are not the same as about the y-y
axis. Therefore both directions must be designed for buckling. (Where the end conditions are the
same, it is sufficient to check for buckling in the direction which has the least radius of gyration).

Find the effective length for buckling about both axis. Buckling about the x-x axis, both ends
pinned:

lx = 1.0 x 3000 = 3000mm

Buckling about the y-y axis, both ends fixed:

Iy = 0.65 x 3000 = 1950mm

2 Choose a trial cross section, which should have its largest lateral dimension resisting the
buckling about the axis with the largest effective length. Try 50 x 125mm. The section properties
are:

A = b x d = 50 x 125 = 6250mm²

3 Find the allowable load with regard to buckling on the column for buckling in both directions.

 x = lx / rx = 3000 / 36.1 = 83 :. k x = 0.41 (from table 4.5)

 y = ly / ry = 1950 / 14.4 = 135 :. k x = 0.16 (from table 4.5)

Pw=k x  c x A

Pwx = 0.41 x 5.2 x 6250mm² = 13325N

Pwy = 0.16 x 5.2 x 6250mm² = 5200N

4 The allowable load with respect to buckling is smaller than the actual load. Therefore a bigger
cross section has to be chosen. Try 75 x 125 mm and repeat steps 2 and 3.

Section properties:

A = 75 x 125 = 9375mm²
Find the allowable buckling load for the new cross section:

 x =lx/rx =3000/36.1 = 83 gives k x = 0.41

 y =ly/ry =1950 / 21.7 = 90 gives k y = 0.35

Pwx = 0.41 x 5.2 x 9375 = 19988N say 20kN

Pwy = 0.35 x 5.2 x 9375 = 17063N say 17kN

The allowable load with respect to buckling on the column with cross section 75 x 125mm is
therefore 17kN. This is bigger than the actual load, but further iterations to find exactly the
section to carry the 15kN are not necessary.

The compressive stress in the chosen cross section will be:

 c = F / A = 9375 = 1.6N/mm²

This is much less than the allowable compressive stress which made no allowance for
slenderness.

Axially Loaded Steel Columns

The allowable loads for steel columns with respect to buckling can be calculated in the same
manner as for timber. However, the relation between the slenderness ratio and the reduction
factor (k') is slightly different as seen in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6 Reduction factor (k ) for Stresses with Respect to the Slenderness Ratio for Steel
Columns

 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

k 0.97 0.95 0.92 0.90 0.86 0.81 0.74 0.67 0.59 0.51 0.45 0.39 0.34 0.30
 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 300 350
k 0.26 0.23 0.21 0.19 0.17 0.15 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.05

Example 19
Calculate the safe load on a hollow square steel stanchion, whose external dimensions are 120 x
120mm. The walls of the column are 6mm thick and the allowable compressive stress ace =
150N/mm². The column is 4 metres high and both ends are held effectively in position, but one is
also restrained in direction.

The effective length of the column l = 0.85L = 0.85 x 4000 = 3400mm.

 =l / r =3400 / 46.6 = 73 gives K = 0.72

Pw = k x  cw x A = 0.72 x 150 (1202 - 1082) = 295kN.

Axially Loaded Concrete Columns

Most building codes permit the use of plain concrete only in short columns, i.e., columns where
the ratio of the effective length to least lateral dimension does not exceed 15, i.e. l/r C 15. If the
slenderness ratio is between 10 and 15, the allowable compressive strength must be reduced. The
tables of figures relating to l/ b in place of a true slenderness ratio are only approximate, since radii
of gyration depend on both b and d values in the cross section, and must be used with caution. In
the case of a circular column:

b = D / 4 x (12)1/2 0.87D, where

D = the diameter of the column.

Table 4.7 Permissible Compressive Stress (Pcc ) in concrete for Columns (N/mm²)

Concrete Slenderness ratio, 1/b

Mix
 10 11 12 13 14 15
Prescribed
C10 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7
C15 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.4
C20 4.8 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.1
Nominal
1:3:5 3.1 30 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6
1:2:4 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.4 3.3
1:1.5:3 4.7 4.5 4.4 4.2 4.1 40
Higher values of stress may be permitted, depending on levels of supervision of work.

Example 20

A concrete column, with an effective length of 4 metres has a cross section of 300 x 400mm.
Calculate the allowable axial load, if a nominal concrete mix 1:2:4 is to be used.

Slenderness ratio l/b = 400 / 300 = 13.3

Hence table gives Pcc = 3.47 N/mm² by interpolation.

Pw = Pcc x A = 3.47 x 300 x 400 = 416.4 kN.

Eccentrically Loaded Timber and Steel Columns

Where a column is eccentrically loaded, two load effects have to be considered:

The axial compressive stress caused by the load. The bending stresses caused by the eccentricity
of the load.

Obviously, by the law of superposition, the added stresses of the two load affects must be below
the allowable stress.

Therefore  /Pcw + f / fw  1 i.e.

(axial comp. stress) / (allowable comp. stress) + (bending stress) / (allowable bending stress)  1

 c / (k x  cw) + f / fw  1 which can be transferred to

P1 / (K x A) + ( cw / fw) x M / Z   cw

Example 2.1 Determine within 25mm the required diameter of a timber post loaded as shown in
the figure. The bottom of the post is fixed in both position and direction by being cast in a
concrete foundation. Allowable stresses for the timber used are  cw = 9 N/mm² and fw =
10N/mm².

The load of 5kN on the cantilever causes a bending moment of M = F x e = 5kN x 0.5m =
2.5kNm in the post below the cantilever.

The effective length of the post = L x K = 3000 x 2.1 = 6300mm. Try with a post having the
diameter 200mm.

The cross sectional properties are:

A = ( D2) / 4 = ( x 2002) / 4 = 31400mm²

A = ( D3) / 32 = ( x 2003) / 32 = 785400mm²

r = D / 4 = 200 / 4 = 50mm

The slenderness ratio =l / r= 6300 / 50 = 126

interpolation in Table 4.5 gives k = 0.18

P / (K x A) + ( cw / fw) x M / Z   cw

30000 / (0.18 x 31400) +(9 / 10) x 2.5 x 106 / 167480 = 8.17N/mm2  9N/mm2

If the post has a diameter of 200mm, it will be able to carry the loads, but the task was to
determine the diameter within 25mm. Therefore a diameter of 175mm must also be tried.

 = 43 75 = 144 k = 0.13

30000 / (0.18 x 24050) +(9 / 10) x 2.5 x 106 / 167480 = 23 N/mm2  9N/mm2

This diameter is too small, so a diameter of 200mm should be chosen. It will be appreciated that
the choice of effective length based on end fixity has a great effect on the solution.

Plain and Centrally Reinforced Concrete Walls

Basically walls are designed in the same manner as columns, but there are a few differences. A
wall is distinguished from a column by having a length which is more than five times the
thickness.

Plain concrete walls should have a minimum thickness of 100mm.

Where the load on the wall is eccentric, the wall must have centrally placed reinforcement of at
least 0.2% of the cross section area if the eccentricity ratio e/ b exceeds 0.20. This reinforcement
may not be included in the load carrying capacity of the wall.

Many agricultural buildings have walls built of blocks or bricks. The same design approach as
that shown for plain concrete with axial loading can be used. The maximum allowable
compressive stresses must be ascertained, but the reduction ratios can be used as before.

Example 22 Determine the maximum allowable load per metre of a 120mm thick wall, with an
effective height of 2.8 metres and made from concrete grade C 15, a) when the load is central, b)
when the load is eccentric by 20mm.

Slenderness ratio l / b = 2800 /120 = 23.3

• a Interpolation gives:
Pcw = 2.8 - 3.3/5 (2.8 - 2.0) = 2.27N/mm² = 2.27MN/m²

Allowable load Pw = A x Pcw = 1.0 x 0.12 x (1.06 x 106) / 1000 = 272.4kN/m wall

• b Ratio of eccentricity e / b = 20 / 120 = 0.167

A double interpolation gives:

Pcw = 1 .06N/mm² = 1 .06MN/ m²

Allowable load Pw= 1.0 x 0.12 x (1.06 x 106) / 1000 = 127.2kN/m wall

Central reinforcement is not required since e / b < 0.20

Table 4.8 Allowable Compressive Stress, Pcw for Concrete Used in Walls (N/mm²)

Concrete Slenderness Ratio of Eccentricity of the load e/ b

Grade or Ratio l/b Plain Concrete Walls Centrally Reinforced
Mix Concrete Walls
0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50
C20 25 2.4 1.7 0.9 - - -
20 3.3 2.3 1.4 0.8 0.4 0.3
15 4.1 3.0 2.0 0.8 0.4 0.3
 10 4.8 3.7 2.7 0.8 0.4 0.3
C15 25 2.0 1.3 0.7 - - -
20 2.8 1.9 1.1 0.7 0.35 0.25
15 3.4 2.4 1.7 0.7 0.35 0.25
 10 3.9 3.0 2.2 0.7 0.35 0.25
C10 20 2.3 1.6 1.0 0.5 0.3 0.2
15 2.7 2.0 1.4 0.5 0.3 0.2
 10 3.2 2.5 1.8 0.5 0.3 0.2
1:1:3 25 2.3 1.6 0.8 - - -
20 3.2 2.2 1.3 0.8 0.4 0.3
1:1:2
15 4.1 2.9 1.9 0.8 0.4 0.3
 10 4.7 3.6 2.6 0.8 0.4 0.3
1:2:3 20 3.0 2.1 1.3 0.7 0.35 0.25
15 3.7 2.7 1.9 0.7 0.35 0.25
  10 4.3 3.4 2.5 0.7 0.35 0.25
1:2:4 20 2.7 1.8 1.0 0.6 0.3 0.2
15 3.3 2.3 1.6 0.6 0.3 0.2
 10 3.8 2.9 2.1 0.6 0.3 0.2

Higher values of stress may be permitted, depending on levels of supervision work.

Contents - Previous - Next