Structural Design

1
Design/Analysis of Steel
Columns

2
 Learning Outcomes for this Module

• Outline key features of the

behaviour of a column under
axial force
• Explain ultimate limit states
for steel beam-columns
• Use interaction equations to
analyze and design beam-
columns

3
 Topics for this Module

• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Design of Compression-Only Members
• 7.3 Buckling in Steel Columns
• 7.4 Beam-Columns
• 7.5 Examples and Similar Past PEO Exam Problems

Parts 1 and 4 – Handbook

of steel construction
4
Module 7 - Section 1

Introduction

5
Compression Members

6
Compression Members (cont’d)
• Compression members are those members in a structure
that are subjected to loads tending to decrease their
lengths.

7
Maximum Load-Carrying Capacity
• The attainment of the maximum load-carrying capacity can
be the result of:
– Local failure in the plates making up the cross-section (e.g., the
flange or web pates in a wide-flange section)
– Overall failure of the column
• To ensure that this will always be the case, the width-to-
thickness ratios of the plate elements of the cross-section
must be imitated so that the plates will not buckle locally
before the column fails as a unit.

8
Strength of Steel Columns
• The maximum strength of a steel column depends to a large
degree on the member length.
– Short column, is a member that can resist a load equal to the yield
load, 𝐶𝐶𝑦𝑦 . The maximum strength of the member is independent of its
length and governed only by the yield strength of the steel and the
cross-sectional area.
– For slender column, the maximum load is not a function of the
material strength, but depends on the bending stiffness of the
member and its length.
– Columns falling into the intermediate range are more complex to
analyze but they are also the most common category in steel
structures.

9
Strength of Steel Columns (cont’d)

10
 Module 7 - Section 2

Design of Compression-Only
Members

11
Design of Compression-Only Members
• The factored compressive resistance, 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 , is given by:
1
2𝑛𝑛 −𝑛𝑛
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = ∅𝐴𝐴𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 1 +λ (Clause 13.3.1)

• The parameter n is used to fit the general curve to two

different groups of members.
• 𝑛𝑛 = 1.34: For W shapes of Groups 1, 2 and 3, fabricated I-
shapes, fabricated box shapes, and hollow structural
sections of Class C
• 𝑛𝑛 = 2.24: For welded three-plate members with flange
edges oxy-flame-cut and for Class H hollow structural
sections

12
Design of Compression-Only Members (cont’d)

13
Resistance Factor for Columns
• The resistance factor, ∅, is used to reduce the nominal
value of the compressive resistance in order to account for:
• The possibility of under-strength material
• Under-run in the cross-sectional dimensions
• Variations in workmanship
• The design has been adjusted to reflect the increased
uncertainty in the prediction of the ultimate strength of
intermediate columns.
• For this reason, the resistance factor, ∅, can be held
constant at 0.90 over the entire range of slenderness ratio.

14
 Module 7 - Section 3

Buckling in Steel Columns

15
Flexural Buckling Strength
• While the strength of the cross-section is dependent on the
yield stress level of the material, the strength of a column is,
to some extent, independent of the material strength.

𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸/ 𝐿𝐿 2

16
Non-dimensional Slenderness Ratio
• In order to reflect the influences described before and to
provide a convenient tool for design, a non-dimensional
slenderness parameter is used in the design equation for
the compressive strength of columns to account for the
column slenderness:

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦

λ= 2
= (Clause 13.3.1)
𝑟𝑟 𝜋𝜋 𝐸𝐸 𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒

• where, 𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒 , also accounts for possible torsional or torsional-

flexural buckling.

17
Non-dimensional Slenderness Ratio (cont’d)
• For values of λ less than approximately 0.25 (corresponding
to KL/r = 19 for a steel with 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 350 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀) the predicted
compressive resistance, excluding the performance factor
will be within 2% of the load given by 𝐶𝐶𝑦𝑦 .
• For commonly used steel, slender members can be thought
of as those having slenderness parameters greater than 2.0
although there is no definite dividing line between slender
and intermediate members.

18
Non-dimensional Slenderness Ratio (cont’d)
• For extremely slender members, the maximum strength is
highly sensitive to changing in end conditions and to initial
imperfections.
• For this reason, the steel handbook limits the slenderness
ratio for compressive members to KL/r = 200 (which
corresponds to λ = 2.7 with 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 350 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀)

(Clause 10.4.2.1)

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Effective Length Factor

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Effective Length Factor (cont’d)
• In actual buildings, the boundary conditions are more
complicated and the nemograph should be used for
columns in continuous frames.
• Is there any relative translational displacement between the
two ends of the compression member under consideration
(side-sway)?
See Figure F.1 on Page
1-188 of Annex F

21
Reinforced Concrete Columns (Clause 13.3.2)

• For doubly symmetric sections and axisymmetric sections, the least of:

• Flexural buckling about the strong principal axis: 𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸

𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 2
𝐾𝐾𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝑥𝑥
𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥
• Flexural buckling about the weak principal axis:
𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸
𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 2
𝐾𝐾𝑦𝑦 𝐿𝐿𝑦𝑦
𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦
• Torsional buckling (for symmetrical sections):
𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸𝐶𝐶𝑤𝑤 1
𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = + 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧 𝐿𝐿𝑧𝑧 2 Aro2

• If out-of-plane support is provided do not consider torsional buckling.

22
Example 1
• A W250×73 section of G40.21 350W steel (Fy = 350 MPa) is used as a
column with a length of 6100 mm. Determine the compressive
resistance. Assume that the local buckling will not govern.
Solution

23
Example 1 (cont’d)

(Table 4.3 on Page 4.8):

𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 145 × 𝐴𝐴 = 1345.6 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

24
Example 1 (cont’d)

25
Example 2 – Built-up Sections
• A W310×283 section of G40.21 350W steel (Fy = 350 MPa) is used as a
main member. The column has a length of 4600 mm and is assumed to
be pin connected at each end. The cross section is built up by welding
two plates 280 mm×20 mm, also of G40.21 350W steel, to the outside
faces of the flanges. The column is braced at mid-height to prevent
movement in x direction only. Determine the compressive resistance.

26
Example 2

27
Example 2 (cont’d)

28
Example 2 (cont’d)

29
Module 7 - Section 4

Beam-Columns

30
Beam-Columns
• Although there are many structural steel members that are
loaded only axially, for example truss members and bracing
members, probably the majority of the elements in a
structure have both axial force and bending moment
present.

• These are termed “beam-columns”.

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Design of Beam-Columns
• Beam-Columns should be designed for ultimate limit states:
– Local buckling
– Strength of the cross-section
– In-plane stability (overall strength)
– Out-of-plane stability (lateral torsional buckling)
– Failure in shear by yielding or buckling
– Crushing under concentrated forces
• Note that the terms in-plane and out-of-plane stability refer
to uniaxial bending only.

32
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

33
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

34
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

35
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

36
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

37
Buckling Failure Modes

Buckling in the Failure by Buckling in the Buckling under

plane of bending flexural torsional plane of bending biaxial bending
(about strong axis) buckling (out-of- (about weak
plane) axis)

38
Design of Beam-Columns
• Local buckling:
– Local buckling must not take place until the member has reached its
capacity as controlled by the strength of the cross-section.

(Table 4.6 on Page 4-102)

39
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)
• Cross-sectional strength
– (Class 1 and Class 2 Sections of I-shaped members)

(Clause 13.8.2)

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 0.85𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

𝑀𝑀𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 1.18 𝑀𝑀𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 1− → + ≤ 1.0
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
40
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)
(Clause 13.8.2 (b))
• Overall member strength – in-plane buckling
• This related to the stability of the member in the plane of bending.
The in-plane stability interaction equation can be expressed as:

– For Class 1 and Class 2 sections of I-shaped members:

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 0.85 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
+ ≤ 1.0
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

– For other sections (Class 3 members):

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
+ ≤ 1.0
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

• 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 is the in-plane buckling factored resistance (K = 1.0, and

𝑟𝑟 = 𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥 ). 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 is equal to φ𝑍𝑍𝑥𝑥 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 for Class 1 and 2 sections and
φ𝑆𝑆𝑥𝑥 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 for Class 3 sections.

41
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d) (Clause 13.8.2 (c))

• Lateral torsional buckling strength (when applicable)

• This related to the stability of the member out of the plane of

bending. The interaction equation can be expressed as:

– For Class 1 and Class 2 sections of I-shaped members:

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 0.85 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
+ ≤ 1.0
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
– For other sections (Class 3 members):
𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
+ ≤ 1.0
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

• 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 is the lateral torsional buckling strength is based on

weak-axis or torsional-flexural buckling properties.
42
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

43
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

44
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)

• U1 shall be taken as 1.0 for members in a non-braced fame,

i.e. sway frame.
45
Design of Beam-Columns (cont’d)
• In-plane buckling factored resistance

46
 Module 7 - Section 5

Examples and Similar Past PEO

Exam Problems

47
Example 3 (from Handbook of Steel Construction)
• Design a steel column in a braced frame for the factored loads shown.
The moments cause bending about the X-X axis of the column. The
steel grade is ASTM A992 (Fy = 345 MPa).

48
Example 3

49
Example 3 (cont’d)

50
Example 4
• A W250x73 member of G40.21 350W steel
(Fy = 350 MPa) is subjected to an axial force
of 900 kN and end moments of 180 kN.m
(strong axis bending) as shown in the figure
below. The moments and forces are those
caused by the factored loading condition. The
member is 3600 mm long and is pinned at
both ends. The moments are applied so as to
bend the member in symmetrical single
curvature. Is the member adequate to resist
the moments and force shown? The member
is know to be braced so that lateral-torsional
buckling cannot occur, and the frame in which
the member is located is also known to be
braced.

51
Example 4 (cont’d)

52
Example 4 (cont’d)

53
Example 4 (cont’d)

54
Example 5 May 2013
• A steel round hollow section, of G40.21 350W grade Class H, 406.4 mm
OD and thickness of 9.53 mm is used as a column. The column is
subjected to a vertical bracket load Pf , applied at an eccentricity of 0.8
m. The column is hinged at the top and rigidly fixed at its base, and 6 m
in height. Calculate the maximum factored load, Pf ,that can be applied.

• Assume that the column is braced. More importantly the column is

hinged at the top so the top moment should be equal to zero. However,
it is assumed that the external moment is applied below the hinge and
that the moment at top and bottom of the column are equal and
opposite.

55
Example 5 (cont’d)
Checking the cross-sectional member strength of the member:
𝐷𝐷 18,000 406.4 18,000
< → < → 42.64 < 51.43
𝑤𝑤 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 9.53 350
The section meets the local buckling requirements for a Class 2 beam-
column.

The cross-sectional properties for the HSS 406 × 9.5 section are listed in the
CISC handbook (Page 6-116):
𝐼𝐼 = 212 × 106 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚4 , 𝑍𝑍 = 1,360 × 103 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚3 , 𝑟𝑟 = 141 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, 𝐴𝐴 = 10,700 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2

The axial force and bending moment caused by the factored loads are:
𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 = 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓 = 0.8 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓
Since in-plane strength behaviour is considered, Mr is calculated as:
𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟 = ∅𝑍𝑍𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0.9 × 1360 × 103 × 350 × 10−6 = 428.4 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘. 𝑚𝑚
𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓 ≤ 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟 → 0.8𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 ≤ 428.4 → 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 ≤ 535.5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 (i)

56
Example 5 (cont’d)
i) Cross-sectional strength

𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟𝑟 = ∅𝐴𝐴𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0.9 × 10,700 × 350 = 3370.5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

The column is hinged at the top and rigidly fixed at its base: K = 0.8
The slenderness ratio of the column:
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 0.8×6000
= = 34.04
𝑟𝑟 141
Assuming, 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 = 1, (Note that although it is Class 2, it is not an I-beam)
𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 1×0.8𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓
+ ≤ 1 → 3370.5 + ≤ 1 → 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 ≤ 462.08 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟 428.4

Now, the assumption for 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 should be checked.

𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓1 = 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓2 and there is a single curvature so 𝜔𝜔1 = 1.0.

𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒
From Table 4-5, Euler buckling load is = 1710:
𝐴𝐴
𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 = 1,710 × 10,700 ≅ 18,297 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

Alternatively, you could calculate it from the Euler buckling strength of the
member is to be calculated using the slenderness ratio.

57
Example 5 (cont’d)
𝜋𝜋2 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝜋𝜋2 ×200,000×212×106
𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 = = = 18,163 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
(𝑘𝑘𝐿𝐿)2 (0.8×6000)2

From Table 4-9 for 𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 /𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 of 535.5/18163 = 0.03: 𝑈𝑈 = 1.03

So, 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 = 𝜔𝜔1 𝑈𝑈 = 1.03 > 1.

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 1.03×0.8𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓

+ ≤1→ + ≤ 1 → 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 ≤ 450.42 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 (ii)
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟 3370.5 428.4

ii) Overall member strength

K=1. The slenderness factor can be calculated as below:

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 1×6000 350
λ= = × = 0.57
𝑟𝑟 𝜋𝜋2 𝐸𝐸 141 𝜋𝜋2 ×200,000
Factored compressive resistance:
1
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = ∅𝐴𝐴𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 1 + λ2𝑛𝑛 −𝑛𝑛

58
Example 5 (cont’d)
Factored compressive resistance:
−1
2×2.24
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 0.9 × 10,700 × 350 × 1 + 0.57 2.24

→ 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 3252.15 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

Note that n is 2.24 for Class H hollow structural sections.

It is a braced frame and 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 = 1.03:

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 1.03×0.8𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓

+ ≤1→ + ≤ 1 → 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 ≤ 448.24 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 (iii)
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟 3252 428.4

iii) Lateral torsional buckling strength

(Page 2-48): 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 = 1.0 and K = 0.8:

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 0.8×6000 350
λ= = × = 0.46
𝑟𝑟 𝜋𝜋2 𝐸𝐸 141 𝜋𝜋2 ×200,000

59
Example 5 (cont’d)
−1
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 0.9 × 10,700 × 350 × 1 + 0.46 2×2.24 2.24

→ 𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 = 3334.92 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓 𝑈𝑈1𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑓𝑓 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 1.0×0.8𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓

+ ≤1→ + ≤ 1 → 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 ≤ 206.05 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 (iv)
𝐶𝐶𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀𝑟𝑟 3334.92 428.4

The maximum factored load Pf that can be applied is:

𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 535.5, 450.42, 448.24, 206.05 = 206.05 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

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