DESIGN OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Compression members
• Two design checks for a compression member:
– Cross-section resistance - checking at the cross-
section where the member is subjected to the
highest forces and/or moment
– Buckling resistance – checking for the whole
length of the member
 Cross-section resistance
The design value of the compression force NEd at
each cross section should satisfy:

NEd ≤ Nc,Rd Cross-section check

 Cross-section resistance

• Cross-section resistance in compression Nc,Rd

depends on cross-section classification:

Afy
Nc ,Rd = for Class 1, 2 or 3 sections
γ M0

A eff fy
Nc ,Rd = for Class 4 sections
γ M0

γM0 is specified as 1.0 in EN 1993

 Elastic buckling theory
• Consider a pin-ended straight column. The
critical value of axial load P is found by
equating disturbing and restoring moments
when the strut has been given a small
deflection z. The equilibrium equation is

• This is solved to give the Euler or lowest critical

load:
π EI
2
Ncr =
L2

• Or in terms of stress: π 2E
σ =
cr
λ2
 Imperfections
In general, practical struts are not straight and the load is
not applied concentrically. In addition, rolled and
welded strut sections have residual stresses, which are
locked in when the section cools. These factors are
called imperfections.
Forms of imperfection:
• Geometric imperfections (initial bow)
• Eccentricity of loading
• Residual stresses
• Non-homogeneity of material properties
• End restraint
• etc
Residual stresses

Welding

Hot-rolling
 Behaviour of imperfect columns

• The deflection under compression:

𝑒𝑒𝑜𝑜
𝛿𝛿𝑁𝑁 = 𝑁𝑁
1−𝑁𝑁
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
• The elastic limit is reached at an extreme fibre when
the sum of the axial stress and the bending stress
reaches yield:
𝑁𝑁 𝑁𝑁𝛿𝛿𝑁𝑁
+ = 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦
𝐴𝐴 𝑊𝑊
 Behaviour of imperfect columns
• The relationship between deflection and stress
can be expressed as the well-known Perry-
Robertson formula:
𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎 − 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎 − 𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝜂𝜂𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎 𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
• σa=N/A and σcr=Ncr/A
• This quadratic equation can be re-expressed by
making the stress terms ‘non-dimensional’, by
dividing them by the yield stress, fy thus:
𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎 𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎 𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎 𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
−1 − = 𝜂𝜂 .
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦
 Behaviour of imperfect columns
𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎
• The ratio of may be expressed as a
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦
reduction factor, χ
𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
• The ratio may be expressed in terms of a
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦
‘non-dimensional slenderness’,λ such that:
𝜎𝜎𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 1
= �2
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝜆𝜆
 Behaviour of imperfect columns
• The solution of the quadratic equation can then
be expressed, after some algebraic manipulation
as:
1
𝜒𝜒 =
𝜙𝜙 + 𝜙𝜙 2 − 𝜆𝜆2̅
• In which 𝜙𝜙 = 0.5 1 + 𝜂𝜂 + 𝜆𝜆2̅
• The Perry factor, 𝜂𝜂 = 𝛼𝛼 𝜆𝜆2̅ − 0.2
• Imperfection factor, α is a parameter that has
been determined by test.
 Perry-Robertson concept
Eurocode 3 uses the Perry-Robertson concept for determining the
buckling resistance.

Five different imperfection amplitudes are included (through the

imperfection factor α), giving five buckling curves.

Perry observed:
• All columns contain imperfections and will deflect laterally from
the onset of loading
• The maximum stress along the column length will occur at mid-
height and on the inner surface
• The maximum stress will comprise 2 components – axial stress
and bending stress
• Failure may be assumed when the maximum stress reaches yield
Perry-Robertson concept
Robertson contribution:

• The bending stress component is a function of the lateral

deflection, which is, in turn, an amplification of the initial
imperfection e0,d

• Robertson determined suitable values for these initial

imperfections for a range of structural cross-sections
 Buckling curves
1.2

1.0
Reduction factor χ Curve a0
Curve a
0.8 Curve b
Curve c
0.6 Curve d

0.4

0.2

0.0
0 0.5
Non-dimensional slenderness
1 1.5 2 λ 2.5
Member Buckling Resistance
Eurocode 3 states that member resistance
must be verified:

NEd ≤ Nb ,Rd Member buckling check

 Column buckling
Compression buckling resistance Nb,Rd:

χ A fy
Nb,Rd = for Class 1, 2 and 3
γ M1
Reduction factor

χ A eff fy
Nb,Rd = for (symmetric) Class 4
γ M1
 Member buckling
Calculate non-dimensional slenderness λ

A fy
λ= for Class 1, 2 and 3
N cr

A eff fy
λ= for Class 4
Ncr

Ncr is the elastic critical buckling load for

the relevant buckling mode based on the
gross properties of the cross-section
Non-dimensional slenderness
π 2EI
Ncr =
L2
π 2EI π 2E π 2E
fcr = = =
AL2 (L / i)2 λ2

where λ = L / i and i is radius of gyration

The theoretical slenderness boundary λ1

between material yielding and elastic member
buckling may be found by setting fcr = fy:
π 2E E
fy = ⇒ λ1 = π = 93.9ε ε=
235
λ12 fy fy
 Column buckling
• Calculate reduction factor, χ

1
χ= ≤ 1
ϕ + (ϕ 2 − λ 2 )

ϕ = 0,5 (1 + α( λ − 0.2) + λ ) 2

Imperfection Plateau length

factor α
 Imperfection factor α

Imperfection factors α for 5 buckling curves:

Buckling curve a0 a b c d

Imperfection
0.13 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76
factor α
 Buckling curve selection
Buckling
curve
Buckling
Cross-section Limits about S235
axis S275
S460
S355
S420
y–y a a0
b tf ≤ 40 mm
z-z b a0
z
h/b > 1.2
40 mm < tf y–y b a
tw ≤ 100 mm z-z c a
Rolled I-
sections h y y
y–y b a
tf ≤ 100 mm
z-z c a
r h/b ≤ 1.2
tf
y–y d c
tf > 100 mm
z z-z d c

z z
y–y b b
Welded tf ≤ 40 mm
z-z c c
I- y y y y

sections tf tf y–y c c
z
tf > 40 mm
z z-z d d
Buckling curve selection
hot finished any a a0
Hollow
sections
cold formed any c c

z generally (except as
tf
below)
any b b
Welded box h y y
sections tw thick welds: a > 0.5tf
b z b/tf < 30 any c c
h/tw < 30

U-, T- and
solid any c c
sections

L-sections any b b
Effective (buckling) lengths Lcr
End restraint (in the plane under consideration) Buckling length Lcr

Effectively restrained in direction at

0.7 L
both ends
Partially restrained in direction at
Effectively held 0.85 L
both ends
in position at
both ends Restrained in direction at one end 0.85 L

Not restrained in direction at either

1.0 L
end

One end Other end

Effectively restrained in
1.2 L
Effectively held direction
in position and Not held Partially restrained in
1.5 L
restrained in in position direction
direction
Not restrained in
2.0 L
direction
Effective (buckling) lengths Lcr

Non-sway Sway
Column buckling design procedure

Design procedure for column buckling:

1. Determine design axial load NEd

2. Select section and determine geometry

3. Classify cross-section (if Class 1-3, no

account need be made for local buckling)

4. Determine effective (buckling) length Lcr

5. Calculate Ncr and Afy

Column buckling design procedure
A fy
6. Non-dimensional slenderness λ =
Ncr
7. Determine imperfection factor α

8. Calculate buckling reduction factor χ

χ A fy
9. Design buckling resistance Nb,Rd =
γ M1
NEd
10. Check ≤ 1 .0
Nb,Rd
Member buckling resistance example
A circular hollow section member is to be used
as an internal column in a multi-storey building.
The column has pinned boundary conditions at
each end, and the inter-storey height is 4 m.

NEd = 2110 kN

The critical combination of

actions results in a design
4.0 m
axial force of 2110 kN.
Member buckling resistance example

Assess the suitability of a hot-rolled 244.5×10 CHS in

grade S 355 steel for this application.

d = 244.5 mm
t t = 10.0 mm
A = 7370 mm2
Wel,y = 415000 mm3
Wpl,y = 550000 mm3
d
I = 50730000 mm4
Member buckling resistance example

For a nominal material thickness (t = 10.0 mm)

of less than or equal to 16 mm the nominal
values of yield strength fy for grade S 355 steel
is 355 N/mm2 (from EN 10210-1).

From clause 3.2.6: E = 210000 N/mm2

Member buckling resistance example
Cross-section classification (clause 5.5.2):

ε = 235 / fy = 235 / 355 = 0.81

Tubular sections (Table 5.2, sheet 3)

d/t = 244.5/10.0 = 24.5

Limit for Class 1 section = 50 ε2 = 40.7 > 24.5

∴ Cross-section is Class 1
Member buckling resistance example

Cross-section compression resistance

(clause 6.2.4):

Afy
Nc ,Rd = for Class 1, 2 or 3 cross - sections
γ M0

7370 × 355
∴ Nc ,Rd = = 2616 × 10 3 N = 2616 kN
1.00

2616 > 2110 kN ∴ Cross − section resistance is OK.

Member buckling resistance example

Member buckling resistance in compression

(clause 6.3.1):

χ A fy
Nb ,Rd = for Class 1, 2 and 3 cross sections
γ M1
1
χ= but χ ≤ 1.0
Φ+ Φ −λ 2 2

[
where Φ = 0.5 1 + α(λ - 0.2 ) + λ2 ]
Afy
and λ = for Class 1, 2 and 3 cross - sections
Ncr
Member buckling resistance example

Elastic critical force and non-dimensional

slenderness for flexural buckling Ncr

π 2EI π 2 × 210000 × 50730000

Ncr = 2
= 2
= 6571 kN
L cr 4000

7370 × 355
∴λ = = 0.63
6571× 10 3

From Table 6.2 of EN 1993-1-1:

For a hot-rolled CHS, use buckling curve a
 Buckling curve selection
Buckling
curve
Buckling
Cross-section Limits about S235
axis S275
S460
S355
S420

hot finished any a a0

Hollow
sections
cold formed any c c

Extract from Table 6.2 of EN 1993-1-1:

For a hot-rolled CHS, use buckling curve a
 Graphical approach
1.2

1.0 Curve
Curvea0a0
Reduction factor χ

≈0.88 Curve a
0.8 Curve b
Curve c
0.6 Curve d

0.4

0.2

0.0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
0.63
Non-dimensional slenderness λ
 Member buckling resistance example

From Table 6.1 of EN 1993-1-1, for buckling

curve a, α = 0.21

Φ = 0.5[1 + 0.21(0.63 − 0.2) + 0.632 ] = 0.74

1
χ = = 0.88
0.74 + 0.74 − 0.63
2 2

0.88 × 7370 × 355

∴ Nb ,Rd = = 2297 × 10 3 N = 2297 kN
1 .0

2297 > 2110 kN ∴Buckling resistance is OK.

The chosen cross-section, 244.5x10 CHS, in

grade S 355 steel is acceptable.
Member buckling resistance exercise
A UC section member is to be used as an
internal column in a multi-storey building. The
column has pinned boundary conditions at each
end, and the inter-storey height is 4.5 m.

NEd = 305.6 kN

The critical combination of

actions results in a design
4.5 m
axial force of 305.6 kN.
Member buckling resistance exercise

Try a 152x152x30 UC in grade S 275 steel.

b h = 157.6 mm
z b = 152.9 mm
tw = 6.5 mm
tw
tf = 9.4 mm
h d y y
r = 7.6 mm
r A = 3830 mm2
tf
Iy = 17480000 mm4
z
Iz = 5600000 mm4

Section properties for 152x152x30 UC

Member buckling resistance solution
Cross-section is Class 1 under pure
compression.

Nc,Rd = 1053 kN (Cross-section resistance)

Ncr,z = 573.2 kN (Minor axis elastic critical

buckling force)

Afy
Non-dimensional slenderness λ z = = 1.36
Ncr ,z

For minor axis buckling, use curve c: α = 0.49

 Member buckling resistance solution

Φz = 0.5[1 + 0.49(1.36 − 0.2) + 1.362 ] = 1.70

1
χz = = 0.37
1.70 + 1.70 − 1.36
2 2

0.37 × 3830 × 275

∴ Nb,z ,Rd = = 385.7 × 103 N = 385.7 kN
1 .0

385.7 > 305.6 kN ∴Buckling resistance is OK.

A 152x152x30 UC, in grade S 275 steel is

acceptable.
Beam-columns
 Introduction

Beam-columns:
• Cross-section check
• Member buckling check
 Beam-columns – Cross-section
checks

Cross-section checks similar to BS 5950, including a

simplified linear interaction, as below:

NEd My,Ed Mz,Ed

+ + ≤ 1
NRd My,Rd Mz,Rd

More economic alternative for Class 1 and 2 in

calculating the reduced plastic moment resistance
MN,Rd.
 Beam-columns – Cross-section checks

• For major axis bending, no reduction of plastic

moment resistance if:

Axial force less than ¼ the

N Ed ≤ 0.25 N pl , Rd total axial capacity

and
0.5hw t w f y Axial force less than ½ the
N Ed ≤
γ M0 web capacity

BS 5950 has no such provision

 Beam-columns – Cross-section checks

• For larger NEd values, the reduced major axis

plastic moment resistance:

M N , y , Rd = M pl , y , Rd
(1 − n ) ≤ M pl , y , Rd
1 − 0.5a
where:
N Ed and n=
N Ed
≤
0.5hw t w f y
= 0.5a
n=
N pl , Rd
≤ 0.25 N pl , Rd γ M 0 (Af y / γ M 0 )

hw t w
a= ≤ 0.5
A
 Beam-columns – Cross-section checks

Major (y-y) Axis

N Ed
n=
n 1− n N pl , Rd
my =
1.0 1 − 0.5a
M N , y , Rd
my =
Linear interaction
M pl , y , Rd
n = 0.5a
≤ 0.25
hw t w
my a=
1.0 A
 Beam-columns – Cross-section
checks
• In minor axis bending, no reduction of plastic
moment resistance if:
hwt w f y Axial force less than the web
N Ed ≤
γM0 capacity

or
N Ed hw t w f y
n= ≤ =a
N pl , Rd γ M 0 (Af y / γ M 0 )

where a = hw t w
A
BS 5950 has no such provision
Beam-columns – Cross-section
checks
Minor (z-z) Axis
N Ed
n
n−a
mz = 1 −  
2
n =h t
A N pl , Rd
1.0 a= w w

 1− a 

Linear interaction M N , z , Rd
mz =
M pl , z , Rd

mz
1.0   n − a 2 
M N , z , Rd = M pl , z , Rd 1 −   
n=a   1 − a  
 Beam-columns – Cross-section checks

• For bi-axial bending:

– Use simple linear interaction, or
– Sophisticated convex interaction:

α β
 M y , Ed   M z , Ed 
  +  ≤1
 M N , y , Rd   M N , z , Rd 
For UB and UC,

α = 2, β = 5n ≥ 1
Beam-columns – member checks

Two philosophies:

• Interaction method - Clause 6.3.3

• Interaction ‘k’ factors from
Annex A or B.
• General method - Clause 6.3.4
• Not for hand calculations
(requires FE or similar)
Beam-columns – member checks

In general, both Eqs. 6.61 and 6.62 must be examined and satisfied:

NEd My,Ed Mz ,Ed Eq. 6.61

+ k yy + k yz ≤1
Nb ,y,Rd Mb ,Rd Mc ,z ,Rd

My,Ed Eq. 6.62

NEd Mz ,Ed
+ k zy + k zz ≤1
Nb ,z ,Rd Mb ,Rd Mc ,z ,Rd
 Interaction factors kij
Annex A (Method 1) – French-Belgian

• Derived the necessary coefficients explicitly

- so far as it is possible
• Corrected by calibration for plasticity etc.
- with FE and test results

Annex B (Method 2) – German-Austrian

• Derived all coefficients from FE

- Calibrated with test results

Formulae for determining interaction factors are accurate but lengthy.

 Good news - simple construction

‘Simple construction’ is commonly used for the design of

multi-storey buildings (particularly in the UK).

• Beams are designed as simply supported

• Columns are designed for nominal moments arising from

the eccentricity at the beam-to-column connection.
 Simple construction
Multi-storey frame:

Gkr & Qkr

Wk & NHF

Gkf & Qkf

Wk & NHF

Gkf & Qkf

Wk & NHF

Gkf & Qkf

Wk & NHF
 Simple construction

In general, both Eqs. 6.61 and 6.62 must be examined and satisfied:

NEd My,Ed Mz ,Ed Eq. 6.61

+ k yy + k yz ≤1
Nb ,y,Rd Mb ,Rd Mc ,z ,Rd

My,Ed Eq. 6.62

NEd Mz ,Ed
+ k zy + k zz ≤1
Nb ,z ,Rd Mb ,Rd Mc ,z ,Rd
 NCCI Simplification
For columns in simple construction, the first term (i.e. the axial load)
of both expressions (Eq. 6.61 and 6.62) dominates.
For UC sections, Iy > Iz (usually around 3 times greater), so Nb,y,Rd >
Nb,z,Rd (greater difference for higher slenderness).
Therefore, for practical simple construction situations and UC
sections, Eq. 6.62 will always govern.

NEd My,Ed Mz ,Ed Eq. 6.62

+ k zy + k zz ≤1
Nb ,z ,Rd Mb ,Rd Mc ,z ,Rd
 NCCI Simplification
Given that the moment components are small for simple
construction, the interaction factors can be conservatively
simplified without any significant overall loss of efficiency,
resulting in:

kzy = 1.0 and kzz = 1.5

NEd My,Ed Mz ,Ed Eq. 6.62

+ 1 .0 + 1 .5 ≤1
Nb ,z ,Rd Mb ,Rd Mc ,z ,Rd
 Recommendations

Recommendations:

• For pencil and paper calculations, use:

- Clause 6.3.3 with Annex B
• Use NCCI simplification for columns in simple construction
• Make spreadsheets to check calculations
• Full worked examples in Designers’ Guide and Trahair et al textbook.