Axially loaded Compression

Members
CE 322 – Principles of Steel Design

Prepared by:
Engr. Dafne Kaye M. Lauronal
Compression Members

Columns are vertical members used to carry axial compression loads. Due to the slender nature, columns are prone to
buckling.
Long, Short, and Intermediate Columns
Short Columns
Short Columns fail by crushing at very high stress levels
that are above the elastic limit of the column material. For
very short columns, the failure stress will equal the yield
stress and no buckling will occur.

Long Columns
Long columns fail by buckling at stress levels that are
below the elastic limit of the column material. The Euler
formula predicts very well the strength of long columns
where the axial buckling stress remains below the
proportional limit. Such columns will buckle elastically.

Intermediate Columns
For Intermediate columns, some of the fibers will reach
the yield stress and some will not. The members will fail
by both yielding and buckling and their behaviors is said
to be inelastic. Most columns fall into this range.
Euler’s Column Buckling Theory
Column design and analysis are based on the Euler buckling load theory (Leonard
Euler, 1757). His analysis is based on the differential equation of the elastic curve.
However, specific factors of safety and slenderness ratio limitations are applied from
purely theoretical concepts.
When a column is loaded to the buckling load or Euler load, a column will fail by
sudden buckling or bending.
If column is hinged at both ends, the Euler critical load is given as: (Ideal)
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐 = 2
𝐿
And the Euler Critical Stress is:
𝜋 2𝐸
𝐹𝑐 =
𝐿 2
( )
𝑟
Where: E = modulus of elasticity , L = length of the column, I = moment of inertia
𝐿 𝐼
= slenderness ratio , r = radius of gyration = , A = cross sectional area
𝑟 𝐴
Situation 1 - Determine the Euler bucking load for an axially loaded W360 x
32.9 shown in the figure. the column has pinned ends. Assume A36 steel with a
proportional limit of 248 MPa. The column length is (a) 3.6 m, (b) 2.7m

Properties of W 360 x 32.9

A = 4190 mm2
ry=31mm
Iy= 6.37 x 106 mm4
Effective Length
Real columns do not have pin-connected ends. The restraints placed on a
columns ends greatly affect its stability. To counter these effects, an effective
length factor, K, is used to modify the unbraced length. The product KL is called
the effective length of the column. The length approximates the length over
which the column actually buckles and this may be shorter or longer that the
actual unbraced length
𝜋2𝐸
𝐹𝑐 =
𝐾𝐿 2
( )
𝑟
Euler Critical Stress
At the inflection points, the bending
moment is zero, meaning the column
transitions from one curvature to another.
The presence of inflection points means
that the effective length of the column is
reduced.
This reduces the effective length, making
the column stronger against buckling
compared to a pinned-pinned or fixed-free
column
1. Major Axis Buckling (Strong Axis Buckling)
This occurs about the axis with the larger
moment of inertia. Since the moment of
inertia is high, the column has more resistance
to buckling in this direction.

2. Minor Axis Buckling (Weak Axis Buckling)

This occurs about the axis with the smaller
moment of inertia Since the moment of inertia
is low, the column is more likely to buckle in
this direction.
ASDS Allowable Stresses for Compression Members
(NSCP 2001)
Limiting Slenderness Ratio, 𝐶𝑐 (against Lateral Buckling)
2𝜋2 𝐸
𝐶𝑐 =
𝐹𝑦
Allowable Stresses
𝐾𝐿
If ≤ 𝐶𝑐 (Short Column)
𝑟
𝐾𝐿 2
1 𝑟
1− 𝐹𝑦
2 𝐶𝑐
𝐹𝑎 = 3
𝐾𝐿 𝐾𝐿
5 3 𝑟 1 𝑟
+ −
3 8 𝐶𝑐 8 𝐶𝑐

Factor of Safety, FS
3
𝐾𝐿 𝐾𝐿
5 3 𝑟 1 𝑟
𝐹𝑆 = + −
3 8 𝐶𝑐 8 𝐶𝑐
ASDS Allowable Stresses for Compression Members
𝐾𝐿
If > 𝐶𝑐 (Long Column)
𝑟
12𝜋 2 𝐸
𝐹𝑎 = 2
𝐾𝐿
23
𝑟

Radius of Gyration, r
𝐼
𝑟=
𝐴
Effective Slenderness Ratio, SR

𝐾𝑥 𝐿𝑥 𝐾𝑦 𝐿𝑦
𝑆𝑅𝑥 = 𝑆𝑅𝑦 =
𝑟𝑥 𝑟𝑦
Situation 2 - A compression member 10’ long consist of pair of angles long legs back to back
and straddling a single 3/8’’ gusset plate @ each end. It is to be designed for an axial
compression of 115 kips to comply with AISC Specs for A36 steel. Assume K = 1.0
Situation 3 - A top chord member consisting of two angles and a 300 mm x 18
mm cover plate placed as shown has an unsupported length of 5.4 m. An axial
load of 890kN (comp.) is applied at the center of the gravity of the section .
Determine the adequacy of the section if Fy= 275 MPa. Use AISC Specs.

Properties of L – 150 mm x 100 mm x 13mm

A = 3080 mm2
x = 25 mm
y = 50 mm
Ix = 7.03 x 106 mm4
Iy= 2.53x106 mm4
Situation 4 – A steel column 10 m long is
composed of two C310 x 37 channels
laced together with the flanges
outstanding. How much should the
channels be placed back to back if the
section must be equally strong in both
axes. How much load can it carry? Fy=
275 MPa.

Properties of C 310 x 37
A = 4,720 mm2
X = 17.10 mm
Ix = 59.9 x 106 mm4
Iy = 1.85 x 106 mm4
Situation 5 – Determine the safe load of the section shown. Fy = 250 Mpa, k =
1.0, L = 6.0 m

Properties of C 310 x 31
A = 3,920 mm2
d = 305 mm
tf = 12.7 mm
tw = 7.2 mm
Ix = 53.5 x 106 mm4
Iy = 1.59 x 106 mm4
x = 17.5 mm

Properties of W 460 x 74
A = 9,450 mm2
d = 457 mm
Ix = 333 x 106 mm4
Iy = 16.6 x 106 mm4