6 - 186 FRAMES AND OTHER STRUCTURES [Comm.

method for determining adequate K values. However, it should be noted that this
alignment chart is based upon assumptions of idealized conditions which seldom
exist in real structures (Galambos, 1988). These assumptions are as follows:
(1) Behavior is purely elastic.
(2) All members have constant cross section.
(3) All joints are rigid.
(4) For braced frames, rotations at opposite ends of beams are equal in magni-
tude, producing single-curvature bending.

GA K GB GA K GB
50.0 1.0 50.0 20.0
10.0 10.0 100.0 10.0 100.0
5.0 5.0 50.0 50.0
30.0 5.0 30.0
0.9
3.0 3.0
20.0 4.0 20.0
2.0 2.0

10.0 3.0 10.0

0.8 9.0 9.0
8.0 8.0
1.0 1.0 7.0 7.0
0.8 0.8 6.0 6.0
0.7 0.7 5.0 5.0
0.6 0.6
0.7 4.0 4.0
2.0
0.5 0.5
3.0 3.0
0.4 0.4

0.3 0.3 2.0 2.0

0.6 1.5
0.2 0.2

1.0 1.0
0.1 0.1

0 0.5 0 0 1.0 0

SIDESWAY INHIBITED SIDESWAY UNINHIBITED

The subscripts A and B refer to the joints at the two ends of the column section being
considered. G is defined as
Σ(Ic / Lc)
G=
Σ(Ig / Lg)
in which Σ indicates a summation of all members rigidly connected to that joint and lying on
the plane in which buckling of the column is being considered. I c is the moment of inertia and
Lc the unsupported length of a column section, and I g is the moment of inertia and Lg the
unsupported length of a girder or other restraining member. I c and Ig are taken about axes
perpendicular to the plane of buckling being considered.
For column ends supported by but not rigidly connected to a footing or foundation, G is
theoretically infinity, but, unless actually designed as a true friction-free pin, may be taken as
“10” for practical designs. If the column end is rigidly attached to a properly designed footing,
G may be taken as 1.0. Smaller values may be used if justified by analysis.

Fig. C-C2.2. Alignment chart for effective length of columns in continuous frames.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION