Technological Institute of the Philippines

Quezon City
Civil Engineering Department

CE 511
Simulation 3.1
Elastic Column Buckling and the Effect of End Restraint
(adopted with changes from Learning Module 1 by R. Ziemian)

The aim of this simulation activity is to validate the Euler buckling theory by investigating the effects of support configurations on buckling behavior of
elastic columns.

Effective Length Factors for Columns (ASEP, 2016)

Methodology

Prepare six column models with same height and section but with different support configurations as shown in the table above using MASTAN
software. Label each column as (a) to (f), similar with the table above. For uniformity, set column height to 40 feet. Apply an axial compressive load
of 1 kip at the top of each column. For sections, use database from AISC (in) for complete section properties for the selected section.

Perform elastic critical load analysis and calculate the first 10 buckling modes for the columns. Determine the resulting applied load ratio for each
buckling mode. Show the resulting buckling curve for each column at each mode.

For software run, use the following units consistently: kips-inches-ksi. Self-weight of the column may not be included.

MASTAN Software Run Hints

 Subdivide each column into 10 elements.

 The critical buckling load for each column is equal to applied load times the applied load ratio.
 Use the following fixities for each column:
o (a): top & bottom – x-disp, y-disp, z-rot
o (b): top– x-disp, y-disp, z-rot; bottom – x-disp
 o (c): top– x-disp, y-disp, z-rot; bottom – z-rot
o (d): top– x-disp, y-disp; bottom – x-disp
o (e): top– x-disp, y-disp, z-rot; bottom – none
o (f): (d): top– x-disp, y-disp; bottom – z-rot
 Perform critical load analysis with the following settings: planar frame (x-y), maximum of 10 modes

Calculations

A. Applied Load Ratio (example shown)

Mode Applied Load Ratio Critical Column (column that shows most significant buckling)
1 363.3637 (f)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

B. Effective Length Factors

Critical Buckling Load* Effective Length Factor**

Column % Difference*** % Difference***
Theoretical Analysis Theoretical Analysis
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

* Analysis critical buckling load = (1 kip) * (critical applied load ratio for given column). Theoretical critical buckling load can be calculated by using
Euler buckling load formula.

** Analysis effective length factor can be calculated using Euler buckling load formula, given analysis critical buckling load, length of column, E, and I
(use Izz from analysis). Theoretical effective length factor can be seen from ASEP Steel Handbook table for K.

*** % difference = |theoretical – analysis| / theoretical * 100%

References
 Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines. (2004). ASEP Steel Handbook 2004 Volume 1: Dimensions and Properties
(3rd). Quezon City, Philippines: Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
 Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines. (2016). National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015 Volume 1: Buildings,
Towers, and Other Vertical Structures (7th ed.). Quezon City, Philippines: Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
 Salmon, C. et.al. (2009). Steel Structures – Design and Behavior: Emphasizing Load and Resistance Factor Design (5 th ed.). Singapore:
Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd.
 Segui, W. (2018). Steel Design (6th ed.). Connecticut, USA: Cengage Learning
 Ziemian, R. (). Learning Module 1: Elastic Column Buckling and the Effect of End Restraint. Retrieved from
http://www.mastan2.com/stabilityfun.html