Compression

Members of Steel
Structures
Prepared and Submitted by Su Thiri Lwin

Date: 23.12.2024

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1. Introduction
 Compression members are structural elements that are subjected only to axial
compressive forces; that is, the loads are applied along a longitudinal axis
through the centroid of the member cross section, and the stress can be taken
as f = P/A, where f is considered to be uniform over the entire cross section.
 The most common type of compression member occurring in buildings and
bridges is the column.
 Smaller compression members not classified as columns are sometimes
referred to as struts.
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2. Column Theory
 Consider the long, slender compression
member shown in Figure 4.1a. If the axial load
P is slowly applied, it will ultimately become
large enough to cause the member to become
unstable and assume the shape indicated by
the dashed line. The member is said to have
buckled, and the corresponding load is called
the critical buckling load.
 If the member is stockier, as shown in Figure
4.1b, a larger load will be required to bring the
member to the point of instability.
 , where different values of n correspond to
different buckling modes as per figure 4.4.

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Example 4.1
 A W12 × 50 is used as a column to support an axial compressive load of 145
kips. The length is 20 feet, and the ends are pinned. Without regard to load or
resistance factors, investigate this member for stability. (The grade of steel
need not be known. The critical buckling load is a function of the modulus of
elasticity, not the yield stress or ultimate tensile strength.)

 Because the applied load of 145 kips is less than Pcr, the column remains
stable and has an overall factor of safety against buckling of 278.9/145 = 1.92
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2. Column Theory: Effective Length

 Both the 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.
 The Euler equation for case shown in fig 4.7 is
 For convenience, the equations for critical buckling
load will be written as
where KL is the effective length, and K is the effective
length factor
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3. AISC Requirements
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Example 4.2
 A W14 × 74 of A992 steel has a length of 20 feet and pinned ends. Compute
the design compressive strength for LRFD and the allowable compressive
strength for ASD.
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4. Local Stability
 For compression members, shapes are
classified as slender or nonslender. If a
shape is slender, its strength limit state is
local buckling, and the corresponding
reduced strength must be computed.
 The width-to-thickness ratio is . Depending
on the particular cross-sectional element, 
for I shapes is either the ratio b/t or h/t w. If 
is greater than the specified limit (denoted
r), the shape is slender. If  ≤ r, the shape
is nonslender.
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Example 4.3
 Investigate the column of Example 4.2 for local stability.
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4. Local Stability (cont.)

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4. Local Stability (cont.)

 The reduction factor Q is the product of two factors—Q s for unstiffened
elements and Qa for stiffened elements. If the shape has no slender unstiffened
elements, Qs = 1.0.
 If the shape has no slender stiffened elements, Q a = 1.0.
 If the shape is slender stiffened elements, Q a = Ae/Ag
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Example 4.4
 Determine the axial compressive strength of an HSS 8 × 4 × 1⁄8 with an
effective length of 15 feet with respect to each principal axis. Use Fy = 46 ksi..

Therefore, the larger dimension element is

slender and the local
buckling strength must be computed.
This cross-sectional element is a stiffened
element, Qs = 1.0
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Example 4.4 (cont.)

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Example 4.4 (cont.)

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Example 4.4 (cont.)

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Example 4.4 (cont.)

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Example 4.4 (cont.)

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5. Tables for Compression Members

Example 4.5 19
 Compute the available strength of the compression member of Example 4.2
with the aid of (a) Table 4-22 from Part 4 of the Manual and (b) the column load
tables. (A W14 × 74 of A992 steel)
Example 4.5 (cont.) (ASD solution) 20
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6. Design
 The selection of an economical rolled shape to resist a given compressive load
is simple with the aid of the column load tables.
 In some cases, you must continue the search to be certain that you have found
the lightest shape.
 Usually the category of shape (W, WT, etc.) will have been decided upon in
advance.
 Often the overall nominal dimensions will also be known because of
architectural or other requirements.
Example 4.6 22
 A compression member is subjected to service loads of 165 kips dead load and
535 kips live load. The member is 26 feet long and pinned at each end. Use
A992 steel and select a W14 shape.
Example 4.7 23
 Select the lightest W-shape that can resist a service dead load of 62.5 kips and
a service live load of 125 kips. The effective length is 24 feet. Use ASTM A992
steel.
 LRFD solution:
Example 4.7 (cont.) (ASD solution) 24
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6. Design (cont.)
 For shapes not in the
column load tables, a trial-
and-error approach must
be used.
 A systematic approach to
making the trial selection is
as follows:
Example 4.8 26
 Select a W18 shape of A992 steel that can resist a service dead load of 100
kips and a service live load of 300 kips. The effective length KL is 26 feet.
Example 4.8 (cont.) 27
Example 4.8 (cont.) (ASD solution) 28
Example 4.8 (cont.) (ASD solution) 29
Example 4.8 (cont.) (ASD solution) 30
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7. More on Effective Length

 If a compression member is
supported differently with respect to
each of its principal axes, the
effective length will be different for
the two directions.
 In Figure 4.10, a W-shape is used as a
column and is braced by horizontal
members in two perpendicular
directions at the top. These members
prevent translation of the column in
all directions, but the connections,
the details of which are not shown,
permit small rotations to take place.
Example 4.9 32
 A W12 × 58, 24 feet long, is pinned at both ends and braced in the weak
direction at the third points, as shown in Figure 4.11. A992 steel is used.
Determine the available compressive strength.
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7. More on Effective Length (cont.)

Example 4.10 34
 The compression member shown in Figure 4.12 is pinned at both ends and
supported in the weak direction at midheight. A service load of 400 kips, with
equal parts of dead and live load, must be supported. Use Fy = 50 ksi and
select the lightest W-shape.
Example 4.10 35
Example 4.10 36
Example 4.11 37
 The column shown in Figure 4.13 is subjected to a service dead load of 140
kips and a service live load of 420 kips. Use A992 steel and select a W-shape.
Example 4.11 38
Example 4.11 39
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7. More on Effective Length (cont.)

 For isolated columns that are not part of a
continuous frame, Table C-A-7.1 in the
Commentary to Specification Appendix 7
will usually suffice. Consider, however, the
rigid frame in Figure 4.14. The columns in
this frame are not independent members
but part of a continuous structure.
 If Table C-A-7.1 is used for this frame, the
lower story columns are best approximated
by condition (f), and a value of K = 2 might
be used. For a column such as AB, a value
of K = 1.2, corresponding to condition (c),
could be selected. A more rational
procedure, however, will account for the
degree of restraint provided by connecting
members.
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7. More on Effective Length (cont.)

Example 4.12 42
 The rigid frame shown in Figure 4.15 is unbraced. Each member is oriented so
that its web is in the plane of the frame. Determine the effective length factor
Kx for columns AB and BC.
Example 4.12 43
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7. More on Effective Length (cont.)

 Unbraced frames are able to support
lateral loads because of their moment
resisting joints. Often the frame is
augmented by a bracing system of some
sort; such frames are called braced
frames. The additional resistance to
lateral loads can take the form of
diagonal bracing or rigid shear walls, as
illustrated in Figure 4.16.
 If the slenderness ratio KL/r is less than
the column will buckle inelastically, and
the effective length factor obtained from
the alignment chart will be overly
conservative. A large number of
columns are in this category.
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7. More on Effective Length (cont.)

Example 4.13 46

 A W10 × 54 of A992 steel is used as a column. It is subjected to a service dead

load of 100 kips and a service live load of 200 kips. If the slenderness ratio
makes this member an inelastic column, what is the stiffness reduction factor,
b?
Example 4.14 47

 A rigid unbraced frame is shown in Figure 4.17. All members are oriented so
that bending is about the strong axis. Lateral support is provided at each joint
by simply connected bracing in the direction perpendicular to the frame.
Determine the effective length factors with respect to each axis for member
AB. The service dead load is 35.5 kips, and the service live load is 142 kips.
A992 steel is used.
Example 4.14 48
Example 4.14 49
Example 4.14 50
8. Torsional and Flexural-Torsional 51

Buckling
 Flexural buckling. We have considered
this type of buckling up to now. It is a
deflection caused by bending, or flexure,
about the axis corresponding to the
largest slenderness ratio.
 Torsional buckling. This type of failure is
caused by twisting about the longitudinal
axis of the member. It can 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
8. Torsional and Flexural-Torsional 52

Buckling (cont.)
8. Torsional and Flexural-Torsional 53

Buckling (cont.)
8. Torsional and Flexural-Torsional 54

Buckling (cont.)
Example 4.15 55

 Compute the compressive strength of a WT12 × 81 of A992 steel. The

effective length with respect to the x-axis is 25 feet 6 inches, the effective
length with respect to the y-axis is 20 feet, and the effective length with
respect to the z-axis is 20 feet.
Example 4.15 56
Example 4.15 57
Example 4.16 58

 Compute the compressive strength of a C15 × 50 of A36 steel. The effective

lengths with respect to the x, y, and z axes are each 13 feet.
Example 4.16 59
Example 4.16 60
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9.Build-up Members
 If the cross-sectional properties of a built-up compression member are known,
its analysis is the same as for any other compression member, provided the
component parts of the cross section are properly connected.
 The design strength of a built-up compression member is a function of the
slenderness ratio KL/r. Hence the principal axes and the corresponding radii of
gyration about these axes must be determined. For homogeneous cross
sections, the principal axes coincide with the centroidal axes.
 The components of the cross section are assumed to be properly connected.
Example 4.17 62

 The column shown in Figure 4.19 is fabricated by welding a 3⁄8-inch by 4-inch

cover plate to the flange of a W18 × 65. Steel with Fy = 50 ksi is used for both
components. The effective length is 15 feet with respect to both axes. Assume
that the components are connected in such a way that the member is fully
effective and compute the strength based on flexural buckling.
Example 4.17 63
Example 4.17 64
Example 4.17 65
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9.Build-up Members (cont.)

Connection Requirements for Built-Up Members Composed of
Rolled Shapes
 The most common built-up shape is one that is composed of rolled shapes,
namely, the double-angle shape.
 To maintain the back-to-back separation of the angles along the length, fillers
(spacers) of the same thickness as the gusset plate are placed between the
angles at equal intervals.
 To ensure that the built-up member acts as a unit, AISC E6.2 requires that the
slenderness of an individual component be no greater than three-fourths of the
slenderness of the built-up member; that is,
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9.Build-up Members (cont.)

 AISC E6 considers two categories of intermediate connectors: (1) snug-tight
bolts and (2) welds or fully-tensioned bolts. When the connectors are snug-
tight bolts, the modified slenderness ratio is

 When the connectors are fully-tensioned bolts or welds,

the modified slenderness ratio depends on the value of a/r i:
 When a/ri ≤ 40, the slenderness ratio is not modified; that is,
Example 4.18 68

 Compute the available strength of the compression member shown in Figure

4.22. Two angles, 5 × 3 × 1⁄2, are oriented with the long legs back-to-back
(2L5 × 3 × 1⁄2 LLBB) and separated by 3⁄8 inch. The effective length KL is 16
feet, and there are three fully tightened intermediate connectors. A36 steel is
used.
Example 4.18 69
Example 4.18 70
Example 4.18 71
Example 4.18 72
Example 4.19 73

 Design a 14-foot-long compression member to resist a service dead load of 12

kips and a service live load of 23 kips. Use a double-angle shape with the short
legs back-to-back, separated by 3⁄8-inch. The member will be braced at mid-
length against buckling about the x-axis (the axis parallel to the long legs).
Specify the number of intermediate connectors needed (the midlength brace
will provide one such connector). Use A36 steel.
Example 4.19 74
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Thank you.