Column Buckling Notes

BUCKLING OF COLUMNS
[Reading CIVIL210 lecture notes; Megson I, Ch 18; Megson II, Ch 21]

EQUILIBRIUM
AND
STABILITY
not in equilibrium
unstable equilibrium
stable equilibrium
neutral or critical
equilibrium
The concept of equilibrium has been explored and applied to a range of structural problems and should be
reasonably familiar. There are a number of equilibrium criteria including those based on Newtons laws,
and a range of others based on virtual work and energy principles.
Stability of equilibrium is a concept about which we have intuitive notions as illustrated by the figure
above showing a ball rolling over a curved surface. As with equilibrium, there are a number of criteria that
can be used to verify the stability of an equilibrium state. For example:
Energy criterion:
If the rolling ball settles in a position at which its energy is a minimum then it will be in stable equilibrium.
Dynamic criterion
If, following a small disturbance from an equilibrium position, the ball executes dynamic oscillations (of
decreasing magnitude) about the equilibrium position, then equilibrium is stable.
Adjacent equilibrium state criterion
This criterion depends on the argument that the borderline between stable and unstable equilibrium is
characterised by a state of neutral (or critical) equilibrium, as illustrated by the middle case in the
figure. If equilibrium is neutral the ball can be given a small displacement either way and remain in
equilibrium in the adjacent position.
Of these criteria the dynamic one is the most robust but also the most difficult to apply. We will continue
to use the adjacent equilibrium state criterion which is the easiest to apply.
PCR
P > P CR
P
STABLE - equilibrium unconditionally

stable (deflections dont result in extra
bm)
Column_Buckling_Notes.doc
CRITICAL - equilibrium also

possibe in adjacent position
p1
UNSTABLE - vertical position

now unstable.
New stable positions appear
at large deflection
Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005
PIN-ENDED COLUMN, AXIAL LOAD

This case, often referred to as Euler buckling, (after Leonhard Euler who first derived it) is presented in
Megson (Megson I, 18.1; Megson II, 21.1). Edition II uses a different coordinate system from Edition I,
and the derivation below is in the coordinate system of Edition I (the difference is slight - a nuisance
that we will have to live with).
Consider a light, straight, slender, uniform, pin-ended column of length L, with a cross-section property I
and elastic modulus E. An axial load P is gradually increased until the column is on the point of buckling.
We argue that the column, in its critical equilibrium state can be in equilbrium in an adjacent (slightly
displaced) state.
P
z
v
L
y
P
z
v
BM at z
M(z)
M(z) = Pv
Substituting in the moment-curvature relationship, M(z) = EIv :

Pv = EIv
EIv + Pv = 0
Divide through by EI and let
(governing equation)
P
= 2 :
EI
v + 2 v = 0
This differential equation (linear, 2nd order, homogeneous, constant coefficients) has the solution (can
check by differentiating)
v(z) = A sin z + B cos z
The solution is completed by imposing the boundary conditions:

v(0) = 0
B=0
Thus
v(z) = A sin z ,
showing that the deflected shape (buckling mode) is a sine curve.

v(L) = 0
A sin L = 0
Either A = 0 v(z) = 0 -i.e. the column remains straight (but OK, this is a possible solution),
Or sin L = 0 , meaning that L = 0, ,2,3, etc .
Thus
L = n, n = 0, 1, 2, 3L
=
and since
n
L
2 =
P=
P
,
EI
n 2 2 EI
L2
p2
defining the critical or buckling loads of the column.

The least value of P (>0) corresponds to n=1 giving the lowest critical load as
PCR =
2 EI
, the critical or Euler load.
L2
The associated buckled shape or mode will be

v(z) = A sin z = A sin
z
- i.e. a half sine wave, similar to the sketch on previous page.
L
Note that although we know the shape is a half sine wave, we have no information about the amplitude. A
bit like the ball on the level surface, we have merely established that we can displace it from its original
equilibrium position and it will still be in equilibrium.
Higher Modes
For other values of n we obtain increasing values of PCR and the associated (higher) mode.
Mode
v(z)
PCR
indeterminate
v(z) = 0
2 EI / L2
v(z) = A sin z / L
4 2 EI / L2
v(z) = A sin 2z / L
9 2 EI / L2
v(z) = A3 sin z / L
However, buckling loads > 1st critical load, 2 EI / L2 , can not be achieved unless the column is physically
restrained against lateral displacement at the necessary number of places. Otherwise the column simply
buckles at its first opportunity the lowest critical load.
Thus a column that was restrained at its mid-point would not buckle until the load reached 4 2 EI / L2 .
L/2
L/2
From the sketch it can be seen that there is an inflexion point (zero BM) at mid-span, so that the column
behaves in a similar way to two pin-ended columns of length L/2.
The buckling load of a pin-ended column of length L/2 is
PCR =
2 EI
4 2 EI
=
2
(L / 2)
L2
and the original column (length L, with mid-span restraint) is said to have an effective length of L/2.
Other support conditions
By applying a similar analysis to that on p.2 to columns with other end support conditions, it is possible to
derive their buckling loads. Details can be found in Megson. The table below summarises the more common
cases.
p3
PCR
2 EI
L2
2 EI
4L2
2.046 2 EI
L2
4 2 EI
L2
2 EI
L2
Effective
Length
2L
0.7L
0.5L
Effective length
For any column, the effective length is defined as the length of a pin-ended column with the same critical
load (and same EI).
For example, in the case of a propped cantilever of length L:
Critical load of actual column:
PCR
same
2.046 2 EI
=
L2
PCR
PCR
EI
L2eff
Critical load of pin-ended column:
PCR =
Equating:
2 EI 2.046 2 EI
=
L2eff
L2
And so
Leff = 0.7 L
Leff
The concept of effective length is widely used in design as it allows formulas,

etc, developed for the standard pin-ended case to be applied to a wide range
of other cases.
e.g. (somewhat trivial) to calculate the critical load of a propped cantilever:
Standard formula:
PCR =
2 EI
(i.e. the formula for the pin-ended case)
L2eff
Subst. Leff = 0.7L:
PCR =
2 EI
2.04 2 EI
=
(0.7 L) 2
L2
Hence only one formula to remember (but still need to know effective length for other cases).
p4
BEHAVIOUR OF IMPERFECT COLUMNS

So far the cases we have considered have been rather idealised, overlooking a number of important
features or imperfections that will be present in most practical columns, such as
initial lack of straightness
material that is not perfectly linearly elastic
non-slender cases (i.e. short, thick columns)
INITIALLY
CURVED COLUMN
natural shape
before loading
vo
v
after loading
Note that the initial deflection (vo) and associated curvature corresponds to zero bm throughout - it is
only the extra deflection (v) and associated curvature that causes bm.
For equilibrium:
EIv + Pv = Pv0
To proceed we need to know (or assume) v 0 (z) . Could assume a Fourier series, v 0 (z) =
sin
nz
, (as
L
z
(the natural buckled shape
Megson does) and get a more general result, but here we assume v 0 = a sin
L
of a pin-ended column). By doing this we make life as tough as possible for the column.
hence
subst.
P
= 2
EI
EIv + Pv = Pa sin
z
L
v + 2 v = 2 a sin
z
L
CF:
v = A sin z + B cos z
PI: try
v = b sin
This leads to
b=
(1)
z
and substitute in equation (1)
L
2a
2
2

L
, and the complete solution,
CF + PI is thus
v(z) = A sin z + B cos z +
Applying boundary conditions:
v(0) = 0 B = 0
2 a sin
2
z
L
2

L

v(L) = 0 0 = A sin L
p5
If A 0, L = n , giving solutions at a set of discrete P values only (the critical loads of the straight
column), Pcr =
2 EI 4 2 EI
,
, etc.
L2
L2
However, our interest is in what happens for values of P <

let A = 0 , so that the solution becomes
v(z) =
2 a sin
2
z
L =
2

L
v0
=
Pcr
1
P
v0
or total deflection,
v0 + v =
A plot of mid-span deflection
= v(L / 2) =
P
Pcr
2 EI
, so we choose the other possibility and
L2
a sin
1
2
z
L
1
L
Pcr
1
P
shows deflection increasing steadily with P and then increasing rapidly as
P Pcr . The initial mid-span deflection, a, is magnified by the factor
Pcr
1
P
Pcr
SOUTHWELL PLOT
Rewriting =
a
as
Pcr
1
P
finally
Pcr
= a,
P
a
1
+
=
P
P Pcr
cr
/P
slope=1/Pcr
giving a linear relationship between (/P) and .
Known as the Southwell Plot, it permits the experimental determination of

buckling loads from a series of load and corresponding deflection
measurements at loads less than the buckling load. Thus the buckling load can
be determined without actually buckling the column (and probably damaging
it).
Pcr
The Southwell plot can be used for a wide range of buckling problems, not just columns. The main
requirement is that the measured quantity, , should exhibit a first order (major) change with the
primary buckling mode.
p6
ECCENTRICALLY LOADED COLUMN
The behaviour of an eccentrically loaded column is similar to that of an initially curved

column.
e
P
For equilibrium in a slightly displaced position

EIv = M(z) = P(e + v)
leading to
v + 2 v = 2 e .
Solving,
v = e(cos z +
Mid-span deflection,
= e(cos
1 cos L
sin z 1)
sin L
L 1 cos L
L
+
sin
1) ,
2
sin L
2
Pcr
L
1)
2
simplifying to
= e(sec
or
P
= e sec
1 .
2 Pcr
In both cases deflection starts to increase immediately any load is applied.
Consequently there is no distinct instant of buckling, merely a rapid increase in

rate of deflection as Pcr is approached. Simultaneously the bm at mid-height will be increasing
proportionately with a likelihood that the material at that location will yield or fail in some way, initiating
complete failure of the column.
MATERIAL STRENGTH LIMITATIONS
area A
Considering the case of a pin-ended column again, the critical load is given by
Pcr =
2 EI
L2
Mean stress at Pcr,
cr =
Pcr
2 E(I / A)
.
=
A
L2
But
I
= r 2 , the radius of gyration.
A
So
cr =
cr
2E
.
(L / r) 2
L/r
L/r is known as the slenderness ratio and a plot of cr against L/r will appear as
shown. This suggests that as L/r gets smaller the critical (buckling) stress
increases without limit. However, all real materials will yield or fail as their stress
increases.
For a simple elasto-plastic material (such as mild steel) the stress-strain behaviour
is approximately as shown to the right.
Hence, in our diagram showing buckling stress we should place a cut-off at a stress
of y:
p7
strain,
cr
material failure
y
unstable
stable
long
columns
short
columns
L/r
yielding
Columns with a sufficiently small slenderness ratio (L/r) will fail by squashing (yielding), whereas more
slender columns will fail (at least initially) by elastic buckling.
The dividing line between short and long columns depends on yield stress and elastic modulus. For
example, if y = 300MPa and E = 200,000MPa,
cr = y =
L/r =
2E
(L / r) 2
2E
y
= 81
The transition from short (yielding) columns to long (buckling) ones is not sharply defined in practice.
There is a transition zone in which failure involves a mix of buckling and yielding. For example, a slight
tendency to buckle may cause yielding and further deflection. Similarly buckling may be precipitated by
the first hint of yielding on one side of a column.
Actual failure loads (or the corresponding stresses) if plotted will follow a pattern as shown in the next
figure.
The curve followed will depend on factors such as initial imperfection (lack of straightness), residual
stresses resulting from manufacture and construction processes, etc.
Different curves are used for different classes of column and a considerable variety of these column
design curves have evolved. We will look at just a few of these.
p8
fail
Euler
y
locus of actual failure stress
short
columns
L/r
long
columns
transition
RANKINE FORMULA
One of the oldest and simplest column design curves is the interaction formula of Rankine:
1
1
1
=
+
e y
where
is the mean stress at failure

e
e is the Euler critical stress, 2 EI / L2
y is the yield stress.

Rankines curve is asymptotic to the Euler and yield stress
lines at L / r and 0 . It can also be written in terms of
1
1
1
=
+
P Pe Py
loads:
Rearranging the stress version

y
2E
(Rankine)
L/r
y
1 + ( y / 2E)(L / r) 2
is replaced by a constant a which is adjusted to take account of imperfections, giving

y
failure stress
and failure load,
P = A
1 + a(L / r) 2
By using Leff in place of L, the formula is applicable to columns with any type of end restraints:
=
y
1 + a(Leff / r) 2
EXAMPLES
FAILURE LOAD OF A PROPPED CANTILEVER COLUMN

A 200mm x 200mm x 5mm hollow box section column is 5m long, fixed at
one end and propped at the other. y = 300MPa. What axial load will
cause failure if Rankines a = 0.9( y / 2E) ?
Effective length:
Leff = 0.7L = 3.5m
Section properties:
A = 3.9x10 3 m2
p9
5mm
5m
200mm
I = 24.73x10 6 m 4
r = I / A = 0.0796m
Slenderness ratio
Leff / r = 43.95
Rankine a
a = 0.9( y / 2E) = 136.78x10 6
Failure stress
Failure load
P = A = 237.3 3.9x10 3 = 925kN
Note:
Py = A y = 1170kN (squash load)
300
= 237.3MPa
1 + 136.78x10 6 43.952
2EI
= 3984kN (Euler load)
L2eff
PE =
STRESS IN AN INITIALLY CURVED TUBULAR COLUMN

A pin-ended steel tube 1.5m long, 25mm outside diameter, 2mm wall thickness, has initial curvature
v 0 = a sin( z / L) , where a = 5mm. What is the maximum stress due to an axial load of 3.5kN?
I = r 3 t = 11.5 3 2 = 9556mm 4
Section properties:
A = 2rt = 144.5mm2
v0
P
1
Pcr
We had (on p.6)
v=
or
v + v0 =
Need Pcr:
Pcr =
At mid-height, total deflection
v + v0 =
Bending moment
M = P( v + v0 ) = 3500 .00858 = 30Nm
Stress:
v0
1
P
Pcr
2EI
= 8.38kN
L2
5
= 8.58mm
3.5
1
8.38
P My 3500 30 12.5 1000

+
=
+
= 63.5MPa
A
I
144.5
9556
BUCKLING LOAD FROM SOUTHWELL PLOT

A strut is subjected to axial force in a testing machine and the resulting increments in mid-span lateral
deflection measured as follows:
v(mm)
0.23
0.38
0.55
0.75
0.96
1.27
P(kN)
6.85
8.90
9.80
10.54
11.20
11.75
What is the predicted buckling load?

The Southwell plot (p.6) is a plot of
against . We have and P so just need to calculate :

P
P
(mm)
0.23
0.38
0.55
0.75
0.96
1.27
P(kN)
6.85
8.90
9.80
10.54
11.20
11.75
.0336
.0427 .0561
.0712
.0857 .1081
p10
0.12
0.1
/P
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.2
1.4
Using the two points indicated calculate the inverse of the slope:
Pcr =
(Alternatively one could plot against

NONLINEAR
ELASTIC MATERIALS
1.27 .55
= 13.85kN
.1081 .0561
and calculate the slope)

P
TANGENT MODULUS THEORY
Many materials exhibit nonlinear elastic behaviour but with no clear yield point.
Engesser showed that for such materials buckling occurs (theoretically) when
Pcr =
2 Et I
L2eff
, or cr =
2 Et
(Leff / r) 2
where Et is the tangent modulus at the critical stress (i.e. the slope of the tangent to the stress-strain
curve).
However, experiments generally revealed a higher buckling load than that given by the tangent modulus
theory.
Shanley, using a more accurate theoretical model showed that a better prediction is given by the reduced
modulus or double modulus load:
PR =
where ER =
4EEt
( E+
Et
2 ER I
L2eff
is the reduced modulus (for a rectangular cross-section).
The reason for the different result is that as buckling commences, strain on the concave side of the
column increases, with a corresponding stress change dictated by Et, whereas on the convex side strain
decreases slightly and stress follows the unloading curve governed by E. Hence the need to use both
moduli.
Measured buckling loads tend to lie between a lower bound given by the tangent modulus load and an upper
bound given by the reduced modulus load. (The simple Euler buckling load will of course be higher than
both.) Since the reduced modulus load errs on the unsafe side it is more common to use the tangent
modulus load which is also simpler to calculate.
p11
PERRY-ROBERTSON
FORMULA (BASIS OF COLUMN DESIGN TO
NZ STEEL DESIGN STANDARD)
The formula underlying the NZ Steel Structures Standard is based on the Perry Robertson formula which
in turn is derived from the expression for the maximum stress in an axially loaded initially curved column.
natural shape
before loading
vo
v
after loading
z
,
L
For an initially curved shape
v 0 = a sin
we had on p.6, max. deflection,
= v0 + v =
Hence max. bending moment
M = P =
Stress at mid-span
=
=
subst. r 2 =
P
I
,= ,
A
A
v0
1
P
Pcr
Pa
P
1
PE
P My max
+
A
I
Paymax
P
+
A
1 P I
PE
= +
aymax
1 P
PE
2
r
Column assumed to be at its limit when this maximum stress reaches y i.e.
y = +
Putting =
ay max
r2
aymax
1 r 2
in the previous equation gives a quadratic in :

2 [ y + E ( + 1)] + y E = 0
with solution
y + E ( + 1) [ y + E ( + 1)]2 4 y E
2
(1)
This is the Perry formula, giving the axial load capacity, PC = A.

depends on initial imperfections. Test by Robertson were used to get suitable values for . Initially
was taken as 0.003(L/r) to give the Perry-Robertson formula. More recent tests have been used to refine
the value of which varies according to the types of steel column. For example = 0.00003(L / r) 2 .
p12
Noting that
PC
A
=
=
, divide both sides of equation (1) by y to obtain
Py
yA y

PC
=
= 0.51 + E ( + 1) [1 + E ( + 1)]2 4 E
Py y
y
y
y
Using equation (2) we plot
(2)
PC
L
(the load capacity ratio) against slenderness ratio e to obtain the column
Py
r
design curves below.

The curves are plotted for sample values of = 0.00002(L / r) 2 and = 0.00004(L / r) 2 and a yield
stress of 300MPa.
1
Axial Load Capacity Ratio, P C / P y
0.9
0.8
= 0.00002(Le/r)2
0.7
= 0.00004(Le/r)2
0.6
0.5
Column Design Curves

Perry-Robertson
0.4
0.3
0.2
Le/r = 44
0.1
0
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Slenderness Ratio, L e / r
Figure 1 Column design curves based on Perry-Robertson formula

EXAMPLE
FAILURE LOAD OF A PROPPED CANTILEVER COLUMN

A 200mm x 200mm x 5mm hollow box section column is 5m long, fixed at
one end and propped at the other. y = 300MPa. What is the axial load
capacity according to the Perry-Robertson criterion.
5mm
5m
200mm
From the previous example using this column, Leff / r = 44 .

Using the Perry-Robertson curve based on = 0.00004(L / r) 2 , we obtain
PC
= 0.9. And since Py = A y = 1170kN , PC = 0.9 1170 = 1053kN .
Py
In practice a strength reduction factor of = 0.9 would also be applied to obtain a reliable load capacity
of 0.9 1053 = 948kN (not greatly different from Rankines value of 925kN).
p13
STEEL STRUCTURES STANDARD, NZS 3404:1997

The strength limit state design criterion for a steel column requires that it satisfy both
N * NS , and
N * NC
Where
N* is the maximum design axial force in the member due to the action of the factored loads,
NS is the nominal section axial force capacity,
NC is the nominal member axial force capacity, and
is the strength reduction factor (0.9).
NOMINAL SECTION CAPACITY, NS
NS is the axial force capacity of a length of column sufficiently short that overall buckling has no effect
(i.e. it is more or less identical to the squash load Py). It is defined as
NS = kf An y ,
where
kf is a form factor ( 1) that reduces the cross-sectional area of the column if its shape is prone
to local buckling, and
An is the net area of the cross section (gross area minus any holes, etc).
For rolled sections and welded columns kf is usually close to 1.0, but there is a significant range of
columns composed of slender plate elements, and these will buckle locally before the squash load is
reached. This is why the squash load (Any) is modified by the local buckling form factor (kf).
Section capacity will govern the design of very short columns or columns with closely spaced restraints.
NOMINAL MEMBER CAPACITY, NC
For longer columns the tendency to buckle dominates and determines the member capacity, NC.
NZS3404 defines NC/NS, the ratio of member capacity to section capacity, in terms of a modified
member slenderness ratio, and presents the results as a table (see pages 17 and 18). Plotting the table
data gives column design curves which are very similar to the plots of PC/Py based on the Perry-Robertson
relationship, but with the following refinements:
1. Allowance for different types of member
Different column design curves are provided for different types
of column. These recognise the effects of residual stress due to
manufacturing process and geometric imperfections.
2. Varying yield stress
Rather than have different curves for different column yield
stresses, a modified slenderness ratio, n, replaces the simple
Le/r previously used.
n is defined as
n =
Le
r
kf
y
250
(value is dominated by the Le/r component)
The 250 appears because the standard structural steel grade at the time NZS3404 was written was
250MPa. The design curves are tabulated for this value and the correction term is only required for
yield stress values other than 250MPA. The standard grade is now 300MPa and it is probable that the
tabulated values will be changed to reflect this in the next edition of the Standard.
The form factor kf, also appears in the modified slenderness ratio, taking account of reduced
effective area due to local buckling.
MEMBER
SLENDERNESS REDUCTION FACTOR,
c.
This is the name used in NZS3404 for the axial load capacity ratio NC/NS.
p14
i.e.
c =
NC
NS
Figure 2 shows the NZS3404 column design curves (with a couple of Perry-Robertson curves
superimposed for comparison). The similarity between the older Perry-Robertson curves and the more
recent curves can be seen.
1
b = -1.0
0.9
b = -0.5
0.8
Axial Load Capacity Ratio, N C / N S
b = 0.0
0.7
Member section type constant, b

for example:
-1.0: Hot-rolled RHS and CHS
-0.5: Cold-formed RHS and CHS (stress-relieved)
0.0: Hot-rolled UB and UC (flange thickness < 40mm
0.5: T-sections flame cut from universal sections
1.0: Hot-rolled UB and UC (flange thickness > 40mm)
b = 0.5
Perry-Robertson formula
- samples for comparison
b = 1.0
0.6
0.5
Column Design Curves

NZS 3404 Steel Structures Standard
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0
50
100
150
Modified Member Slenderness
200
y
L
n = e k f
r
250
250
300
Figure 2 Column design curves from NZS3404
Table 6.3.3(2) of NZS3404, reproduced on pages 17 and 18, tabulates values of c ( = NC / NS ) for each
of the five member section constants (b = -1, -0.5, 0, 1, 0.5, 1) against a range of modified slenderness
ratios.
COMPRESSION MEMBER SECTION CONSTANT, b.
The value of this constant varies according to the member type as noted in Figure 2. Selecting the
appropriate b selects a column design curve suited to the particular type of column being designed (hot
rolled, cold-formed, welded, etc). Table 6.3.3(1) on p.16 sets out the various member types and the
corresponding section constants.
FURTHER
EXAMPLES OF RESIDUAL STRESS PATTERNS
The figure shows typical patterns of residual stress due to

manufacturing. With hot rolled sections, shrinking of the late-cooling
regions induces residual compressive stress in the early-cooling regions,
and these are balanced by equilibrating tensile stresses in the latecooling regions. In a hot-rolled I-section the flange-web junctions are
the slowest cooling and so acquire residual tensile stress, whilst the the
more exposed flange tips are regions of residual compressive stress. The
presence of residual stress is of most significance in intermediate length
columns (longer columns tend to buckle elastically at low stress, short
columns achieve full plasticity regardless of initial stress).
p15
The compression member section constant b, is used to select the appropriate column design curve
from the five which are tabulated in the table on pages 17 and 18.
p16
The modified member slenderness is defined as n =
p17
Le
r
kf
y
250
The modified member slenderness is defined as n =
p18
Le
r
kf
y
250
STEPS
IN THE DESIGN OF A STEEL COLUMN
1.
Determine the effective length, Le, for each axis of buckling. Typically this can be taken as the
distance between restraints, or based on the standard cases tabulated earlier (see p.4).
2.
Calculate the slenderness ratio, Le/r, for each axis of buckling.
3.
Calculate the effective area, Ae, and form factor, k f = Ae / Ag . [Topic yet to be discussed]
4.
Calculate section capacity, NS = kf An y .
5.
Calculate modified slenderness ratio, n =
6.
Select the member section constant, b, based on the column type (Table 6.3.3(1)).
7.
Obtain the slenderness reduction factor c for each axis of buckling.
8.
Calculate the nominal member axial force capacities, NCX = CX NS and NCY = CY NS (for major and
Le
r
kf
y
250
minor axis buckling).

9.
Check that N * NS , and N * NC (where NC is the minimum of NCX and NCY).
EXAMPLE AXIALLY
LOADED
UB COLUMN
Steel I-section column, 310UB32, fixed base,

restrained by bracing in the (weak) minor y-axis
direction, free to deflect in the major x-axis
direction. What is the axial load capacity?
brace
unrestrained in
y direction, but
propped in x
direction by braces
EULER BUCKLING LOAD

Euler buckling loads are too idealised for practical
use, but are useful benchmarks.
Buckling about the major x-axis
brace
y
Column is a cantilever for buckling in this direction
NCR =
2 EIx
= 1247kN
4 52
x
5m
310UB32
Or, using the effective length of

Le=2L,
NCR =
Ix = 63.2E-6 m
Iy = 4.42E-6 m
rx = 0.124m
ry = 0.0329m
EIx
EIx
=
= 1247kN
2
Le
(2 5) 2
2
Ag = 4080mm
Ae = 3733mm
4
4
2
2
fixed base
y = 320MPa
Buckling about the minor y-axis

Column is a propped cantilever for buckling in this
direction.
NCR =
2.046 2 EIy
52
= 714kN
Or, using the effective length of Le=0.7L,

NCR =
2 EIy
L2e
2 EIy
(0.7 5) 2
= 714kN
Thus buckling occurs about the minor axis, despite the additional restraint.
p19
CAPACITY CHECK TO NZS3404

1.
2.
Lex = 2 x 5m = 10m (cantilever)

Ley = 0.7 x 5m = 3.5m (propped cantilever)
Lex
10
=
= 81
rx
0.124
Ley
ry
3.5
= 106
0.0329
3733
= 0.915
4080
3.
Ag = 4080mm2, Ae = 3733mm2, and so kf =
4.
Assuming no significant holes in the section, take An = Ag, giving section capacity
NS = kf An y = 0.915 4080 320 (N) = 1195kN
5.
nx =
ny =
Lex
rx
Ley
ry
kf
kf
y
250
y
250
= 81 0.915
320
= 88 (for x-axis buckling)
250
= 106 0.915
320
= 115 (y-axis buckling)
250
6.
Column section is a hot-rolled UB with kf < 1, so from Table 6.3.3(1) b = 0
7.
From Table 6.3.3(2):
cx = 0.624 (interpolating between values of nx = 85 and 90), and

cy = 0.448
(The two values are shown on the column design curve plot below)
8.
NCX = CX NS = 0.624 1195 = 746kN

NCy = Cy NS = 0.448 1195 = 535kN
Choosing the minimum, nominal member capacity, NC = 535 kN.

9.
N * NS :
N * 0.9 1195 1075kN
N * NC :
N * 0.9 535 482kN
CONCLUSION: The axial load capacity (reliable ultimate strength) of the column is 482kN - this should
not be exceeded by the axial compressive load resulting from the application of strength
limit state factored loads (such as 1.2G+1.5Q).
1
0.9
NZS 3404 Steel Structures Standard
Column design curve for b=0
0.8
Axial Load Capacity, N c / N s
0.7
88, 0.624136221 (x axis buckling)
0.6
0.5
115, 0.447998089 (y axis buckling)
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0
50
100
150
Modified Member Slenderness
p20
n =
200
y
Le
kf
r
250
250
300
EXAMPLE DESIGN
OF
AXIALLY
LOADED
COLUMN
A grade 300 steel column is 12m long and simply supported about both axes at each end and has a central
brace preventing displacement in the minor axis plane (i.e. Lex = 12.0m, Ley = 6.0m).
Select a suitable UC section to carry a design axial load based on nominal dead and live loads of 150kN
and 250kN respectively.
DESIGN TO NZS3404
1.
Design load, N * = 1.2G + 1.5Q = 1.2 150 + 1.5 250 = 555kN
2.
y = 300, b = 0, and assume kf = 1.0
3.
Get started by guessing n = 100, say.

From Table 6.3.3(2):
4.
Require
c = 0.541
c Ns > N *
0.9 0.541 Ag 300 > 555

Ag >
5.
555 1000
> 3800mm 2
0.9 0.541 300
Try 150UC30: Ag = 3860mm 2 , rx = 67.5mm, ry = 38.1mm.

nx =
12,000
67.5
6,000
38.1
n = 195
ny =
300
= 195
250
300
= 173
250
Hmmm, n is much bigger than our guessed value
6.
Try a new guess halfway between:

100 + 195
n =
= 147
2
c = 0.303
555 1000
Ag >
> 6784mm 2
0.9 0.333 300
7.
Try 200UC59: Ag = 7620mm 2 , rx = 89.7mm, ry = 51.7mm.

nx =
12,000
89.7
6,000
51.7
n = 146.5
ny =
300
= 146.5
250
300
= 127
250
Now n is very close to our guessed value .

8.
Check effective area (note that assuming kf=1 implies fully effective area)
(refer to notes on PLate Buckling for background to this step)
y = 300MPa
For 200UC59: Flange:
T = 14.2mm b1 = 97.85
y = 320MPa
Web:
t = 9.3mm
d1 = 181.6mm
Plate slenderness ratios:
Flange:
ef =
97.85 300
= 7.55 < 16 ( ey from table 6.2.4)
14.2 250
Web:
ew =
181.6 320
= 22.1 < 45 ( ey from table 6.2.4)
9.3 250
p21
Since neither plate slenderness exceeds the yield limit slenderness, local buckling will not occur
before yielding and no reduction in width is required i.e. effective width = actual width so that
kf = 1 and Ae = Ag = 7620mm2.
9.
Section Capacity:
Ns = 0.9 1.0 7620 300N = 2057kN
10.
Member Capacity:
n = 146.5
b = 0
c = 0.311
(146.5 145)
(.311 .293) = 0.306 (interpolating, Table
(150 145)
Nc = c Nc = 0.306 2057 = 629kN ( > 555kN )
The reliable strength of 629kN is significantly higher than the design moment of 555kN. This is
simply a consequence of the available column sizes. The next size down would turn out to be too
weak.
p22

Column Buckling Notes

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Column Buckling Notes

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BUCKLING OF COLUMNS

[Reading CIVIL210 lecture notes; Megson I, Ch 18; Megson II, Ch 21]

STABLE - equilibrium unconditionally

CRITICAL - equilibrium also

UNSTABLE - vertical position

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

PIN-ENDED COLUMN, AXIAL LOAD

Substituting in the moment-curvature relationship, M(z) = EIv :

Divide through by EI and let

The solution is completed by imposing the boundary conditions:

showing that the deflected shape (buckling mode) is a sine curve.

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

defining the critical or buckling loads of the column.

The associated buckled shape or mode will be

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

Critical load of pin-ended column:

The concept of effective length is widely used in design as it allows formulas,

Subst. Leff = 0.7L:

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

BEHAVIOUR OF IMPERFECT COLUMNS

initial lack of straightness

material that is not perfectly linearly elastic

non-slender cases (i.e. short, thick columns)

, and the complete solution,

v(z) = A sin z + B cos z +

Applying boundary conditions:

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

However, our interest is in what happens for values of P <

A plot of mid-span deflection

shows deflection increasing steadily with P and then increasing rapidly as

P Pcr . The initial mid-span deflection, a, is magnified by the factor

giving a linear relationship between (/P) and .

Known as the Southwell Plot, it permits the experimental determination of

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

ECCENTRICALLY LOADED COLUMN

The behaviour of an eccentrically loaded column is similar to that of an initially curved

For equilibrium in a slightly displaced position

In both cases deflection starts to increase immediately any load is applied.

Consequently there is no distinct instant of buckling, merely a rapid increase in

Mean stress at Pcr,

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

is the mean stress at failure

e is the Euler critical stress, 2 EI / L2

y is the yield stress.

Rearranging the stress version

is replaced by a constant a which is adjusted to take account of imperfections, giving

and failure load,

FAILURE LOAD OF A PROPPED CANTILEVER COLUMN

Leff = 0.7L = 3.5m

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

a = 0.9( y / 2E) = 136.78x10 6

P = A = 237.3 3.9x10 3 = 925kN

Py = A y = 1170kN (squash load)

STRESS IN AN INITIALLY CURVED TUBULAR COLUMN

We had (on p.6)

At mid-height, total deflection

M = P( v + v0 ) = 3500 .00858 = 30Nm

P My 3500 30 12.5 1000

BUCKLING LOAD FROM SOUTHWELL PLOT

What is the predicted buckling load?

against . We have and P so just need to calculate :

Copyright J.W. Butterworth August 2005

(Alternatively one could plot against