MODULE 3

DESIGN OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS

SECTION 505 NSCP 2015

OVERVIEW
This chapter covers the design philosophies to be used in the design of steel structures.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to
1. Design a steel column for a given loading.
2. Describe local buckling and calculate local buckling capacity of a column
3. Determine the design strength of columns in braced and unbraced frames.

LEARNING FOCUS

Introduction
Compression Members
Structural elements that are subjected to axial compressive forces only are called columns. Columns are subjected to axial loads
through the centroid.
P
• Stress: The stress in the column cross-section can be calculated as f = where f is assumed to be uniform over the entire
A
cross-section.
• This ideal state is never reached. The stress-state will be non-uniform due to:
- Accidental eccentricity of loading with respect to the centroid
- Member out of straightness (crookedness), or
- Residual stresses in the member cross-section due to fabrication processes.
• Accidental eccentricity and member out-of-straightness can cause bending moments in the member. However, these are
secondary and are usually ignored.
• Bending moments cannot be neglected if they are acting on the member. Members with axial compression and bending moment
are called beam-columns.
• The strength of a column depends on the following parameters:
- Material of the column
- Cross-sectional configuration
- Length of the column
- Support conditions at the ends (called restraint conditions)
- Residual stresses
- Imperfections (e.g. The material not being isotropic and homogenous, Geometric variations of columns, Eccentricity of load)

Buckling
• Consider a long slender compression member. If an axial load P is applied and increased slowly, it will ultimately reach a value P cr
that will cause buckling of the column (Figure 1). Pcr is called the critical buckling load of the column.

What is buckling?
Buckling occurs when a straight column subjected to axial compression suddenly undergoes bending as
shown in the Figure 1(b). Buckling is identified as a failure limit-state for columns.

Figure 1. Buckling of axially loaded compression members

• The critical buckling load Pcr for columns is theoretically given by Equation (4.1)
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑷𝒄𝒓 = (1)
(𝐾𝐿)2
where, I = moment of inertia about axis of buckling
K = effective length factor based on end boundary conditions
• Effective length factors are given on page 16.1-511(Table C-A-7.1) of the AISC manual.
• For members designed on the basis of compression, the effective slenderness ratio KL/r preferably
should not exceed 200.

Figure 1. Buckling of
axially loaded
compression members

1 |DESIGN 1 | Principles of Steel Design

• If the critical load is divided by the cross-sectional area, the elastic critical buckling stress is obtained:
𝑷𝒄𝒓 𝝅𝟐 𝑬
𝑭𝒆 = = 𝑲𝑳 𝟐
(2)
𝑨 ( )
𝒓
INELASTIC COLUMN BUCKLING
• Equation (1) is valid only when the material everywhere in the cross-section is in the elastic region. If the material goes inelastic
then Equation (1) becomes useless and cannot be used.
• What happens in the inelastic range?
Several other problems appear in the inelastic range.
- The member out-of-straightness has a significant influence on the buckling strength in the inelastic region. It must be
accounted for.
- The residual stresses in the member due to the fabrication process causes yielding in the cross-section much before the
uniform stress f reaches the yield stress F y.
- The shape of the cross-section (W, C, etc.) also influences the buckling strength.
- In the inelastic range, the steel material can undergo strain hardening.

NSCP REQUIREMENTS
• The nominal compressive strength shall be determined based on the limit state of flexural buckling.
𝑷𝒏 = 𝑭𝒄𝒓 𝑨𝒈 (3)
The design strength of columns for the flexural buckling limit state is equal to ∅𝒄 𝑷𝒏, and the allowable compressive strength, 𝑷𝒏 /𝜴𝒄,
are determined as follows:
1. For doubly symmetric and singly symmetric members the limit state of flexural buckling is applicable.
2. For singly symmetric and unsymmetric members, and certain doubly symmetric members, such as cruciform or built-up
columns, the limit states of torsional or flexural-torsional buckling are also applicable.
∅𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎 (𝑳𝑹𝑭𝑫) 𝛺𝒄 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟕 (𝑨𝑺𝑫)
The flexural buckling stress, 𝑭𝒄𝒓 is determined as follows:

KL E
1. When  4.71 (or 𝐹𝑒 ≥ 0.44𝐹𝑦 ) (short column)
r Fy
𝑭𝒚
𝑭𝒄𝒓 = (𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ) 𝑭𝒚 (4)

KL E
2. When  4.71 (or 𝐹𝑒 < 0.44𝐹𝑦 ) (long column)
r Fy
𝑭𝒄𝒓 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟕𝟕𝑭𝒆 (5)
Ag = gross member area; K = effective length factor
L = unbraced length of the member; r = corresponding radius of gyration
 1.0
Fcr =  
Fy

0.658 Fe F
  y
Fcr/F y  

0.39 F cr = 0.877Fe 

E KL
4.71
Fy r

Figure (a) Major axis buckling; (b) minor axis buckling

EXAMPLE 3.1
A W14 × 74 of A992 steel has a length of 6 meters and pinned ends. Compute the design compressive strength for LRFD and the
allowable compressive strength for ASD.
SOLUTION
Step I. Visualize the problem
• For pin-pin end conditions K=1.0
• For the W14 x 74 (or any wide flange section), x is the major axis and y is the minor axis. Major axis means axis about which it has
greater moment of inertia (Ix>Iy)
• For W14 x 74: elastic modulus = E = 200 GPa (constant for all steels)
• For A992 steel (Fy = 345 MPa)
• For W14 × 74 from AISC Shapes Database A = 14100 mm2, rx = 153 mm, ry = 63 mm
Step II. Calculate the effective length and slenderness ratio for the problem.
• According to the problem statement, the unsupported length for buckling about the major (x) axis and minor (y) axis = Lx = Ly = 6
m.
• Effective length for major (x) axis buckling = Kx Lx = 1.0 x 6 = 6 m. = 6000 mm.
• Effective length for minor (y) axis buckling = Ky Ly = 1.0 x 6 = 6 m. = 6000 mm.
• Major axis slenderness ratio = KxLx/rx = 6000/153 = 39.22
• Minor axis slenderness ratio = KyLy/r y = 6000/63 = 95.24
Step IV. Calculate the elastic critical buckling stress.
The governing slenderness ratio is the larger of (KxLx/rx, KyLy/ry) use 95.24
𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = = = 217.6 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 2 (95.24)2
( )
𝑟
Check the limits
𝐸 200000
4.71√ = 4.71√ = 113.40
𝐹𝑦 345
𝐹𝑦
𝐾𝐿 𝐸
Since 𝑟 ≤ 4.71√𝐹 ; Therefore, 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 𝐹𝑒 ) 𝐹𝑦
𝑦
345
Therefore, 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 217.6 ) (345) = 177.67 𝑀𝑃𝑎

3 |DESIGN 1 | Principles of Steel Design

 Nominal strength = Pn = Ag Fcr = 14100 mm2 x 177.67 MPa / 1000 = 2505.15 kN
Design column strength = ∅𝒄 Pn = 0.9Pn = 0.9(2505.15) = 2254.6 kN
Design strength of column = 2254.6 kN

Allowable strength of column = Pn / 𝛺𝑐 = 2505.15 / 1.67 = 1500 kN

• 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. For some cross-sectional configurations, the member will fail by twisting (torsional buckling) or by a
combination of twisting and bending (flexural-torsional buckling).

LOCAL BUCKLING LIMIT STATE

• The specifications for column strength assume that column buckling is the governing limit state. However, if the column section is
made of thin (slender) plate elements, then failure can occur due to local buckling of the flanges or the web.

Figure 4. Local buckling of columns

• If local buckling of the individual plate elements occurs, then the column may not be able to develop its buckling strength.
• Therefore, the local buckling limit state must be prevented from controlling the column strength.
• Local buckling depends on the slenderness (width-to-thickness b/t ratio) of the plate element and the yield stress (Fy) of the
material.
• Each plate element must be stocky enough, i.e., have a b/t ratio that prevents local buckling from governing the column strength.
• The NSCP specification 502.4.1 (Table 502.4.1 and 502.4.2) provides the slenderness (b/t) and (h/t) limit that the individual plate
elements must satisfy so that local buckling does not control.
• For compression, the NSCP specification provides slenderness limit ( λr ) for the local buckling of plate elements.

Figure 5. Local buckling behavior and classification of plate elements

- If the slenderness ratio (b/t) of the plate element is greater than λr then it is slender. It will locally buckle in the elastic range
before reaching Fy.
- If the slenderness ratio (b/t) of the plate element is less than λr but greater than λp, then it is non-compact. It will locally buckle
immediately after reaching Fy.
- If the slenderness ratio (b/t) of the plate element is less than λ p, then the element is compact. It will locally buckle much after
reaching Fy
• If all the plate elements of a cross-section are compact, then the section is compact.
- If any one plate element is non-compact, then the cross-section is non-compact
- If any one plate element is slender, then the cross-section is slender.
• The slenderness limit λp and λr for various plate elements with different boundary conditions are given in Table 502.4.1-2 of the
NSCP.
• Note that the slenderness limit (λp and λr) and the definition of plate slenderness (b/t) ratio depend upon the boundary conditions
for the plate.
- If the plate is supported along two edges parallel to the direction of compression force, then it is a stiffened element. For
example, the webs of W shapes
- If the plate is supported along only one edge parallel to the direction of the compression force, then it is an unstiffened element,
e.g., the flanges of W shapes.

• The local buckling limit state can be prevented from controlling the column strength by using sections that are non-compact.
- If all the elements of the cross-section have calculated slenderness (b/t) ratio less than λr, then the local buckling limit state will
not control.
- For the definitions of b/t and λp, λr for various situations see Table 502.4.1 and Table 502.4.2.

EXAMPLE 3.2
Determine the local buckling slenderness limit and evaluate the W14 x 74 section used with length of 6 m and pinned ends. A36 steel
is used. Does local buckling limit the column strength?

Solution
• Step I. Calculate the slenderness limits
See AISC Shapes Database excel file.
- For the flanges of I-shape sections in pure compression
𝐸 200000
𝜆𝑟 = 0.56√ = 0.56√ = 15.90
𝐹𝑦 248
- For the webs of I-shapes section in pure compression
𝐸 200000
𝜆𝑟 = 1.49√ = 1.49√ = 42.31
𝐹𝑦 248
• Step II. Calculate the slenderness ratios for the flanges and webs of W14 x 74
5 |DESIGN 1 | Principles of Steel Design
 For the flanges of I-shape member, b = bf/2 = flange width / 2
For W 14 x 74, bf/2tf = 6.41
- For the webs of I shaped member, b = h
h is the clear distance between flanges less the fillet / corner radius of each flange
For W14 x 74, h/tw = 25.4
• Step III. Make the comparisons and comment
For the flanges, b/t < 𝜆𝑟 . Therefore, the flange is non-slender.
For the webs, h/tw <𝜆𝑟 . Therefore, the web is non-slender.
Therefore, the section is non-slender.
Therefore, local buckling will not limit the column strength.

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. In other words, the strength could be
reduced because of local buckling. The overall procedure for making this investigation is as follows.
• If the width-to-thickness ratio 𝜆 is greater than 𝜆𝑟 , use the provisions of Section 505.7 and compute a reduction factor Q.

COLUMN DESIGN
EXAMPLE 3.3
Determine the design strength of an ASTM A992 W14 x 132 that is part of a braced frame. Assume that the physical length L = 9 m.,
the ends are pinned and the column is braced at the ends only for the X-X axis and braced at the ends and mid-height for the Y-Y axis.
Solution
• Step I. Calculate the effective lengths.
For W14 x 132: rx = 160 mm; ry = 95.5 mm; Ag =25000 mm2
Kx = 1.0 and Ky = 1.0
Lx = 9 m = 9000 mm. and Ly = 4.5 m = 4500 mm
KxLx = 9000 mm and KyLy = 4500 mm
• Step II. Determine the governing slenderness ratio
KxLx/rx = 9000 mm / 160 mm = 56.25
KyLy/r y = 4500 mm / 95.5 mm = 47.12
The larger slenderness ratio, therefore, buckling about the major axis will govern the column strength.
• Step III. Calculate the column strength
𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = = = 623.86 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 2 (56.25)2
( )
𝑟
Check the limits
𝐸 200000
4.71√ = 4.71√ = 113.40
𝐹𝑦 345
𝐹𝑦
𝐾𝐿 𝐸
Since ≤ 4.71√ ; Therefore, 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 𝐹𝑒 ) 𝐹𝑦
𝑟 𝐹𝑦
345
Therefore, 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 623.86 ) (345) = 273.71 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Nominal strength = Pn = Ag Fcr = 25,000 mm2 x 273.71 MPa / 1000 = 6842.75 kN
Design column strength = ∅𝒄 Pn = 0.9Pn = 0.9(6842.75) = 6158.48 kN
• Step IV. Check the local buckling limits
𝐸 200000
For the flanges, bf/2tf = 7.15 < 𝜆𝑟 = 0.56√ = 0.56√ = 15.90
𝐹𝑦 248

𝐸 200000
For the web, h/tw = 17.7 < 𝜆𝑟 = 1.49√𝐹 = 1.49√ 248
= 42.31
𝑦

Therefore, the section is nonslender. OK.

Example 3.4
A compression member is subjected to service loads of 734 kN dead load and 2380 kN of live load. The member is 8 m long and
pinned at each end. Use A992 (345 MPa) steel and select a W shape.
Solution
• Calculate the factored design load Pu
Pu = 1.2 PD + 1.6 PL = 1.2 x 734 + 1.6 x 2380 = 4688.8 kN
• Determine the slenderness ratio for both axis as a main compression member.
Kx = 1.0 and Ky = 1.0
Maximum slenderness ratio KL/r = 200
𝐾𝐿 𝐸 200000
= 4.71√ = 4.71√ = 113.40
𝑟 𝐹𝑦 345
• Calculate the required cross-sectional area.
𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = = = 153.50 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 2 (113.40)2
( )
𝑟
𝐹𝑦
𝐾𝐿 𝐸
Since = 4.71√ ; Therefore, 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 𝐹𝑒 ) 𝐹𝑦
𝑟 𝐹𝑦
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658153.5 ) (345) = 134.67 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑢 = ø𝑐 𝑃𝑛 = ø𝑐 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔
𝑃𝑢 4688800 𝑁
𝐴𝑔 = ø = 0.9(134.67) = 38,686 𝑚𝑚 2
𝑐 𝐹𝑐𝑟
• Select W10, W12, or W14 lightest section from database
- Try W12 x 210 is the lightest having: r y = 83.3 mm Ag = 39,900 mm2
• Check the column strength and compare with Pu
𝐾𝐿 8000 𝐸
= = 96.04 ≤ 4.71√
𝑟 83.3 𝐹𝑦
𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = = = 214 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 2 (96.04)2
( )
𝑟
𝐹𝑦 345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 𝐹𝑒 ) 𝐹𝑦 = (0.658214 ) (345) = 175.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
ø𝑐 𝑃𝑛 = ø𝑐 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9(175.7)(39900)/1000 = 6309.4 𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑢 < ø𝑐 𝑃𝑛 but ø𝑐 𝑃𝑛 is too high, select lighter section.

- Try W12 x 170, A = 32,300 mm2, r y = 81.8 mm

𝐾𝐿 8000 𝐸
= = 97.8 ≤ 4.71√
𝑟 81.8 𝐹𝑦
𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = = = 206.37 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 2 (97.8)2
( )
𝑟
𝐹𝑦 345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 𝐹𝑒 ) 𝐹𝑦 = (0.658206.37 ) (345) = 171.37 𝑀𝑃𝑎
ø𝑐 𝑃𝑛 = ø𝑐 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 0.9(171.37)(32300)/1000 = 4981.7 𝑘𝑁
ADAPT: W12 x 170
• Note that column sections are usually W12 or W14. Usually sections bigger than W14 are usually not used as columns.

7 |DESIGN 1 | Principles of Steel Design

LEARNING ACTIVITY
1. Determine the nominal axial compressive strength for the following cases:
a. L = 5 m
b. L = 6.5 m

2. Determine whether the compression member shown is adequate to support the given service loads.
a. Use LRFD.
b. Use ASD.

Design
3. Select a W18 of A992 steel. Use the trial-and-error approach.
a. Use LRFD.
b. Use ASD.