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Analysis of a Braced Steel Beam-Column

Subjected to Axial and Bending Loads
 January 20, 2017  Abdul Siraj, P.E.

In this post, I will discuss the second example in our steel design course covering the analysis and
design of beam-columns. The goal of this steel design example is to analyze a braced steel beam-
column subjected to both axial and bending load. We are using the 13th edition of the AISC Steel
Construction Manual, and we will focus on the LRFD approach
(https://sso.teachable.com/secure/45863/users/sign_up?reset_purchase_session=1).

The problem statement states,

The W12x65 beam-column member shown in the gure below is a part of a braced system. It is
subjected to the given axial and bending loads, and bending is about the strong axis.  Check if this
member is adequate if the material is A572 Grade 50 steel using LRFD and ASD.  KxL = KyL = 14′

Axial Dead Load = 70 kips

Axial Live Load = 200 kips

Dead Moment on Top End = 10 kips-ft

Live Moment on Top End = 40 kips-ft

Dead Moment on Bottom End = 15 kips-ft

Live Moment on Bottom End = 45 kips-ft

 
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07:09

04:07

The rst step is to calculate the factored axial load, Pu, factored moment on top end, Mu-top, and
factored moment on bottom end, Mu-bottom. These loads are based on the loading combinations from
ASCE 7.

 
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The second step is to calculate the Euler buckling load, Pe1, about the strong axis per AISC Equation C2-
5.

The third step is to compute “Cm” which is a coe cient based on the assumption that lateral translation
of the frame does not occur. This assumption is valid because our problem statement mentions that
the beam-column is part of a braced system. Since our beam-column does not experience transverse
loading between supports in the plane of bending, we will use AISC Equation C2-4. Within this equation,
M1/M2 represents the ratio of the factored bending moments at each end of the member. M1 is the
smaller end moment value in absolute terms, and M2 is the larger end moment value in absolute terms.
The ratio of M1/M2 will be positive if the beam-column bends in reverse curvature and negative if the
beam-column bends in single curvature.

 
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The fourth step is to compute the moment ampli cation factor for members braced against sidesway,
B1, per AISC Equation C2-2.

The fth step is to get the design moment strength of the beam-column from Table 3-10 in the AISC
Steel Manual. The strengths in Table 3-10 are based on the lateral torsional buckling modi cation factor,
Cb, being equal to 1.

The sixth step is to determine the lateral torsional buckling modi cation, Cb, per AISC Equation F1-1.
Next, calculate the updated design moment strength by multiplying the design moment strength from
the previous step by the lateral torsional buckling modi cation factor.

 
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The seventh step is to  nd the design plastic moment strength from Table 3-2 in the manual and
compare it to the updated design moment strength. The smaller of the 2 values will serve as the
governing exural strength for the beam-column.

 
 
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The eighth step is nd the required second-order exural strength, Mr, per AISC Equation C2-1a. The
beam-column we are analyzing bends only about the strong axis, so the second term in the equation
will be equal to zero.

The ninth step is to obtain the the design axial compressive strength for our shape from Table 4-1 in
the AISC Steel Manual and compute the ratio of the factored axial load divided by the axial compressive
strength.

 
The last step is to perform the nal check on the beam-column through the use of the interaction
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formulas in Chapter H of the AISC Speci cation. If the ratio of the factored axial load divided by the axial
compressive strength is greater than or equal to 0.2, use AISC Equation H1-1a. If the ratio of the
factored axial load divided by the axial compressive strength is less than 0.2, use AISC Equation H1-1b. If
nal value obtained from the interaction formulas is less than or equal to one, the beam-column is
adequate. If the nal value obtained from the interaction formulas is greater than one, the beam-
column is inadequate.

Abdul Siraj

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