COLUMN DESIGN

Introduction
■ Columns are vertical members used to carry axial compression load and due to their
slenderness nature, they are prone to buckling
■ The behaviour of column will depend on its slenderness as

High Medium
slenderness slenderness
Sensitive
Prone to to effects
of

Buckling Imperfection

■ Columns are not affected by buckling and the strength is related to the material yield
stress fy
Nmax=Npl = Aefffy
■ A short steel column is one whose slenderness ratio does not exceed 50;
■ An intermediate length steel column has a slenderness ratio ranging from about 50
to 200, and its behavior is dominated by the strength limit of the material,
■ A long steel column may be assumed to have a slenderness ratio greater than 200
𝐿
l= 𝑖
Where i is the smallest of radius of gyration

Stocky Slender
Intermediate
column columns
columns
Sensitive
Depend to
on effects
of
Depends on
both
Material Euler stress,
strength,fy σcr
■ Buckling
– Bend about it axis
– Slender column
– Likely bend about the weak axis of cross section (lowest Moment of inertia)

Flexural buckling Torsional buckling Flexural-torsional buckling

■ Common type of member

Figure 1 : Typical column cross-sections

■ Typical section choices for a range of applications:
1. Light trusses and bracing
■ Angles (including compound angles back to back)
2. Larger trusses
■ Circular hollow section, rectangular hollow section, compound sections
and universal columns
3. Frames
■ Universal Column (UC) fabricated sections e.g. reinforced UCs
4. Bridges
■ Box columns
5. Power stations
■ Stiffened box column
■ Loads on Column
Cross sectional resistance
■ Cross section resistance in compression is covered in Clause 6.2.4 in EN 1993-
1-1.
■ Only be applied as the sole check to members of low slenderness ( l ≤ 0.2)
■ For all other cases, check also need to be made for member buckling as defined
in Clause 6.3 (EC3).
■ The design compression force is donated by design normal force NEd .
■ the design resistance of a cross section under uniform compression Nc,Rd is
determined in similar manner to BS 5950:Part 1.
■ The EC3 design expression for cross-section resistance under uniform
compression
Af y
N c , Rd = For Class 1,2 and 3 cross-sections
M0
Aeff f y For Class 4 cross-sections
N c , Rd =
M0
 Example 1
Question
A 254 x 254 x 73 UC is to be used as a short ( ≤ 0.2) compression member. Calculate
the resistance of the cross-section in compression,lassuming grade S355 steel.

Answer

1. Section properties ( P363)

h = 254.1 mm
b = 254.6 mm
tw = 8.6 mm
tt = 14.2 mm
r = 12.7 mm
A = 9310 mm2
Yield strength, fy = 355 N/mm2 (Table 3.1 of
EC3)
2. Cross-section classification (Clause 5.5.2)

 = 235 / f y = 235 / 355 = 0.81

Outstand flanges (Table 5.2, Sheet 2)
c = (b − t w − 2r ) / 2 = 110.3mm
c / t f = 110.3 / 14.2 = 7.77
Limit for class 2 flange = 10ε = 8.14
8.14>7.77 flanges are class 2

Web internal compression part (Table 5.2,Sheet 1)

c = h − 2t f − 2r = 200.3mm
c / t w = 200.3 / 8.6 = 23.29
 Limit for Class 1 web = 33ε = 26.85
26.85 > 23.29 web is Class 1
Overall cross-section classification is therefore Class 2.
3. Cross-section compression resistance (Clause 6.2.4).

Af y
N c , Rd = for Class 1,2 or 3 cross-sections
M0

EC3 recommend  M 0 = 1.0

9310  355
N c , Rd = = 3305kN
1.0
■ EC3 provides guidance for
– Flexural buckling mode(Clause 6.3.1.3)
■ Standard hot-rolled and welded structural cross-section and it is
predominant buckling mode and hence governs design in vast majority
cases.
– Torsional buckling mode(Clause 6.3.1.4)
■ Generally limited to cold-formed members
– Flexural-torsional buckling mode(Clause 6.3.1.4)
Flexural buckling
■ Calculation of the non-dimensional slenderness for flexural buckling is given by

Af y Lcr 1 For class 1, 2 and 3 cross section

l= =
N cr i l1

Aeff f y L Aeff / A For class 4 cross section

l= = cr
N cr i l1

■ Where
Lcr is the buckling length of the compression member and is equivalent to the effective length
LE in BS 5950
i is the radius of gyration about the relevant axis, determined using the gross properties of
cross section (rx,ry in BS 5950)
E 235
l1 =  = 93.9 and = ( f y in N / mm 2 )
fy fy
Table 2: Nominal buckling lengths Lcr for compression members (Table 24 BS 5950)
End Restraint ( in the plane under consideration) Buckling length, Lcr
Effectively held in Effectively retrained in direction at both 0.7L
position at both ends ends
Partially retrained in direction at both 0.85L
ends
Restrained in direction at one end 0.85L
Not restrained in direction at either end 1.0L

One end Other end Buckling length, Lcr

Effectively held Not held in Effectively retrained in 0.7L
in position at position direction
and restrained Partially retrained in direction 0.85L
in direction
Not restrained in direction 1.0L
Nominal buckling lengths Lcr for compression members
Design members in compression
■ Design members in compression for slender column , there are two types of verification is
required:
– Cross sectional resistance
– Buckling resistance
■ Eurocode 3 (EC3) approach to determining the buckling resistance of compression
member is based on same principles as that of BS 5950.
■ Buckling resistance of members is covers in Clause 6.3(EC3)
■ Guidance is provided for :
– Uniform compression members
– Uniform bending members
– Uniform members subjected to a combination of bending and axial compression
■ No design expression for non-uniform member for calculating buckling resistance.
However, noted that second-order analysis using the imperfections according to Clause
5.3.4 maybe used
■ Design compression force is denoted by NEd (design normal force) and must be shown to
be less than or equal to the design buckling resistance of the compression member,
Nb,Rd ( axial buckling resistance)

N Ed
N Ed  N b , Rd or  1.0
N b , Rd

■ Compression members with class 4 cross sections follows the provision of Clause 6.3.1
and the design buckling resistance should be taken as
Af y
N b , Rd = For Class 1,2 and 3 cross-sections
 M1
Aeff f y For (symmetric) Class 4 cross-
N b , Rd =
 M1 sections

Where χ is the reduction factor for the relevant buckling mode

■ The buckling curve defined by EN1993-1-1 are equivalent to those set out in
BS5950:Part 1 (Table 24-with exception of buckling curve a0)
■ The basic formulations for the buckling curves are as given as below:
1
= 2
But χ ≤ 1.0
 + 2 − l
■ Where
2
 = 0.5[1 +  (l − 0.2) + l ]

■ α is a constant ( imperfection factor) which shifts the resistance curve

■ l is non dimensional slenderness
■ In EC3 (Clause 6.3.1), member slenderness or non-dimensional slenderness l is
defined as:

Af y For class 1, 2 and 3 cross section

l=
N cr

Aeff f y
l= For symmetric class 4 cross
N cr section

■ Ncr is the elastic critical buckling force for the relevant buckling mode based on gross
properties of the cross section
 2 EI
N cr = 2
Lcr
■ The buckling mode that governs design will be that with the lowest critical buckling force
Ncr.
■ EN1993-1-1 defines five buckling curves, labelled ao,a,b,c and d as shown in
Figure 2 (Figure 6.4 of EC3)

Figure 2 : EN 1993-1-1 Buckling Curves

■ The shapes of these buckling curves are altered through the imperfection factor α and
the five values of imperfection for each of these curve are given in Table 1 (Table 6.1 of
EC3)
Imperfection factors for buckling curves (Extract from Table 6.1 of EC3)

Buckling Curve a0 a b c d

Imperfection factor α 0.13 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

■ To choice as to which buckling curve (imperfection factor) to adopt is dependent upon

the geometry and material properties of the cross section an upon the axis buckling as
shown in Table 2 (Table 6.2 of EC3).
■ For compression members of stocky proportion l≤2.0 or NEd/Ncr ≤0.04, (overall
buckling effect may be ignored).
Selection of Buckling curve for a cross-section (Extract from Table 6.2 of EC3)
Example 2: Compression members (Rolled Universal
Column design)
Problem:
Check the ability of a 203 x 203 x 52 UC in grade S275 steel to withstand a design
axial compressive load of 1150kN over an unsupported height of 3.6m assuming
that both ends of the member are pinned. Design to BS EN 1993-1-1. The problem is
as shown in sketch below:
Partial factors:
 M 0 = 1.0;  M 1 = 1.0 UK NA to EC3

Geometric properties: P363 (Steel building

A =66.3 cm2=6630mm2 design: Design data)
i= 5.18cm = 51.8mm
tf = 12.5mm
cf/tf = 7.04
cw/tw = 20.4

Material properties;

Yield strength fy = 275N/mm2 since tf ≤40mm EN 10025-2 ( Table 3.1

EC3)
Check cross section classification under pure compression:
Need only check that section is not class 4 (slender)

For outstand flange cf/tf ε ε ≤ 14 Table 5.2 EC3

For web cw/tw ε ≤ 42

235 235
= = = 0.92
fy 275

Actual cf/tf ε ε = 7.04/0.92 = 7.62; within limit

For web cw/tw ε = 20.4/0.92 = 20.2; within limit

❖ Section is not class 4

Cross- section compression resistance:

Af y 6630  275 Clause 6.2.4
N c , Rd = = 10 −3 = 1823kN  1150kN = N Ed ok
M0 1.0
Member buckling resistance :
Take effective length Lcr = 1.0L = 1.0 X 3600 = 3600 mm
On the assumption that minor axis flexural buckling will govern, use Table 6.2
buckling curve ‘c’

l1 = 
E
=
210000
= 86.8 Clause 6.3.1.3
fy 275
Lcr 1 Lcr / i 3600 / 51.8
lz = = = = 0.8
i l1 l1 86.8
 = 0.5[1 +  (l z − 0.2) + l z ] = 0.5[1 + 0.49(0.80 − 0.2) + 0.80 2 = 0.97
2
Clause 6.3.1.2
1 1
z = = = 0.66  1.0
 + 2 − l
2
0.97 + 0.97 − 0.80
2 2

 z Af y 0.66  6630  275 Clause 6.3.1.1

N b , Rd = = 10 −3 = 1207kN  1150kN = N Ed ok
 M1 1.0
❖Use 203 x 203 x 52 UC in grade S275 steel
Example 3 : Pinned column with intermediate lateral
restraints
A 254 x 254 x 89 UC in grade S 275 steel is to be used as a 12.0m column with pin ends
and intermediate lateral braces provided restraint against minor axis buckling at third
points along the column length. Check the adequacy of the column, according to BS EN
1993-1-1, to carry a design axial compressive load of 1250kN.
Partial factors:
 M 0 = 1.0;  M 1 = 1.0 UK NA to EC3

Geometric properties: P363 (Steel building

A = 113 cm2=11300mm2 design: Design data)
iy= 11.2cm = 112mm
iz= 6.55 cm = 165.5mm
tf = 17.3mm
cf/tf = 6.38
cw/tw = 19.4

Material properties; EN 10025-2 ( able 3.1 EC3)

Yield strength fy = 275N/mm2 since tf ≥ 40mm

Check cross section classification under pure compression:
Need only check that section is not class 4 (slender)

For outstand flange cf/tf ε ε ≤ 14 Table 5.2 EC3

For web cw/tw ε ≤ 42

235 235
= = = 0.85
fy 275

Actual cf/tf ε ε = 7.04/0.85 = 8.28; within limit

For web cw/tw ε = 20.4/0.85 = 24; within limit

❖ Section is not class 4

Cross- section compression resistance:

Af y 11300  275
N c , Rd = = 10 −3 = 3108kN  1250kN = N Ed ok
M0 1.0 Clause 6.2.4
Member buckling resistance :

effective length
Lcr,y = 1.0L = 1.0 X 12000 = 12000mm for buckling about the y-y axis
Lcr,z= 1.0L = 1.0 X 4000 = 4000mm for buckling about z-z axis.

Non-Dimension slendernesses: Clause 6.3.1.3

E 210000
l1 =  = = 88.4
fy 265
l y Lcr , y / i y 12000 / 112
ly = = = = 1.21
l1 l1 88.4
lz Lcr , z / iz 4000 / 65.5
lz = = = = 0.69
l1 l1 88.4
Buckling curves; Table 6.2

For major axis buckling, use buckling curve ‘b’

For minor axis buckling, use buckling curve ‘c’
Buckling reduction χ ;
Clause 6.3.1.2
2
 y = 0.5[1 +  (l y − 0.2) + l y ] = 0.5[1 + 0.34(1.21 − 0.2) + 1.212 = 1.40
1 1
y = = = 0.47  1.0
 + 2 − l
2
y
1.40 + 1.40 − 1.21 2 2

2
 z = 0.5[1 +  (l z − 0.2) + l z ] = 0.5[1 + 0.49(0.69 − 0.2) + 0.69 2 = 0.86

1 1
z = = = 0.73  1.0
 + 2 − l
2
z
0.86 + 0.86 − 0.69 2 2

 y Af y 0.47 11300  265

N b , y , Rd = = 10 −3 = 1461kN  1250kN = N Ed ok Clause 6.3.1.1
 M1 1.0
 z Af y 0.73 11300  265
N b , z , Rd = = 10 −3 = 2268kN  1250kN = N Ed ok
 M1 1.0

❖Use 254 x 254 x 89 UC in grade S275 steel

Exercise 1
Question
Column of pinned based is to resist
combined action from the reaction of
beams R1 and R2.

R1 = 225 kN, R2=155 kN

Check the adequacy of column

203x203x52UC of grade S275

Solution
1) Total axial load
2) Classification of cross section
3) Verification
a) Compression resistance
b) Buckling resistance
 Design of members in bending and axial
compression
■ Theoretically, all structural members be regarded as beam-columns, since the commons
classifications of tension members, compression members and beams are merely
limiting examples of beam-columns
■ Members which subjected to combined bending and axial compression should satisfy
(Clause 6.3.3 EC3-1-1):
– For Class 1, 2 , 3 cross section

N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ k yy + k yz 1
 y N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ k zy + k zz 1
 z N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
 – For Class 4 cross section:

N Ed M y , Ed + M y , Ed M z , E d + M z , E d
+ k yy + k yz 1
 y N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
N Ed M y , Ed + M y , Ed M z , E d + M z , Ed
+ k zy + k zz 1
 z N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
Where:
NEd, My,Ed and Mz,Ed are design values of the compression force and the maximum
moments about the y-y and z-z axis along the member, respectively
My,Ed, Mz,Ed are the moments due to the shift of the centroidal axis according to
clause 6.2.9.3 and Table 6.7 of EC3
χy and χz are the reduction factors due to flexural buckling
χLT is the reduction factors due to lateral torsional buckling
kyy,kyz,kzy,kzz are the interaction factors (Annex A and Annex B of EC3-1-1
Table 4.5 :values for NRk=fyAi, Mi,Rk=fyWi and Mi,Ed (Extract form Table 6.7 of EN1993-1-1)

Class 1 2 3 4
Ai A A A Aeff
Wy W pl,y W pl,y W el,y W eff,y
Wz W pl,z W pl,z W el,z W eff,z
My,Ed 0 0 0 eN,y NEd
Mz,Ed 0 0 0 eN,z NEd
Example 5: Member resistance under combined bi-
axial bending and axial compression
An H section member of length 4.2m is to be designed as a ground floor column in a multi
storey building. The frame is moment resisting in plane and pinned out-of-plane with
diagonal bracing provided in both directions. The column is subjected to major axis
bending due to horizontal forces and minor axis bending due to eccentric loading from the
floor beams. From the structural analysis, the design action effects of Figure below arise in
the column.

Assess the suitability of a hot-rolled 305x305x240H section in grade S275 steel for this
application

For this example, the interaction factors kij (for member checks under combined bending
and axial compression) will be determined using alternative method 2(Annex B)
 My.Ed=420 kN Mz.Ed=110 kN

Ned=3440 kN My.Ed=-420 kN Mz,Ed=0

Clause
6.2.9.1(4)
MN,y,Rd > My,Ed

MN,z,Rd > Mz,Ed

Refer to design
action effects
diagram and refer
to chapter 1
Exercise
Consider column A-B that’s support a steel Cantilever B-C represented in Figure. The
column is fixed at station A, while the top section (B) is free to rotate, but restrained
from horizontal displacements in both directions.
Design of column in simple construction
■ For a simple construction the effect of loading pattern need not to be considered. For
design purpose, a beams supported by column at any one level are assumed to be
fully loaded i.e. 1.35Gk+1.5Qk
■ The bending moment in the column can be assume due to beam reaction acted at a
distance of 100mm from the face of the column
■ Eccentricity (based upon Uks)

*A load pattern is the spatial distribution of a specific set of forces,

displacements, temperatures, and other effects which act on a structure.
■ For multistory column, net moment at any one level should be distributed between
upper column and lower column of that level in proportion of their bending stiffness
I/L

■ For column in simple construction, the following relationship by “Acess-steel

document SN048 need to be satisfied
N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ + 1.5 1
N b , z , Rd M b , Rd M z , Rd
■ When certain criteria are meet :

i) Hot rolled I,H or RHS

ii) Section class 1,2 or are under compression
iii) BMD about each axis are linear
iv) The column is restrained laterally in both the y and z directions at each
floor level but is unrestrained between floor
Example 4 : Simple Design Construction
■ Consider a 203 x 203 x 52 UC grade S275 column in simple design that subjected to
the ultimate loads from beams A and B shown in Fig. 4.29. Assume the column is 7
m long and is effectively held in position at both ends but only restrained in direction
at the bottom.
F

Effectively held in
position but not
restrained in
direction, i.e pinned
Ultimate
Ultimate reaction
load due
from Beam A – LE = 0.85L
7m to self-
200 kN
weight 5
kN
Ultimate
reaction from Effectively held
Beam B – 75 kN in position and
direction, i.e
fixed
Ultimate reaction from beam A, RA = 200 kN
Ultimate reaction from beam B, RB = 75 kN
Self-weight of column = 5 kN
Thus the ultimate axial load, NEd = RA + RB +s/weight = 200 +75 +5 = 280 kN

Load eccentricity for beam A

ℎ 206.2
𝑒𝑦 = + 100 = + 100 = 203.1 𝑚𝑚
2 2

Load eccentricity for beam B

𝑡𝑤 8
𝑒𝑧 = + 100 = + 100 = 104 𝑚𝑚
2 2

Moment due to beam A,

𝑀𝑦 = 𝑅𝐴 𝑒𝑦 = 200 × 0.203 = 40.6 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Moment due to beam B,

𝑀𝑧 = 𝑅𝐵 𝑒𝑧 = 75 × 0.104 = 7.8 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Axial buckling resistance
By inspection, buckling about z-z will determine the compression strength of the column
tf = 12.5→ fy = 275 N/mm2.

235 235
𝜀= = = 0.924
𝑓𝑦 275

𝐸
𝜆1 = 𝜋 = 93.9𝜀 = 93.9 × 0.924 = 86.8
𝑓𝑦

𝐿𝑐𝑟,𝑦 = 0.85𝐿 = 0.85 × 7000 = 5950 mm

𝐿𝑐𝑟 5950
𝜆𝑧 = = = 115.3
𝑖 51.6

𝜆𝑧 115.3
𝜆ҧ𝑧 = = = 1.33
𝜆1 86.8
 ℎ 206.2
= = 1.01 < 2
𝑏 203.9

ɸ = 0.5 1 + 𝛼 𝜆ҧ − 0.2 + 𝜆2ҧ = 0.5 1 + 0.49 1.33 − 0.2 + 1.332 = 1.66

χ𝑧 Afy 0.38 × 66.4 × 102 × 275

Nb,z,Rd = = × 10−3 = 693.9 kN
γM1 1.0

𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑍 𝐼𝑊 𝐿 2 𝐺𝐼𝑡
Mcr = + 2
𝐿2 𝐼𝑍 𝜋 𝐸𝐼𝑍

𝜋 2 × 210 × 103 × 1770 × 104 166 × 109 5950 2 × 81000 × 320 × 103
Mcr = +
59502 1770 × 104 𝜋 2 × 210 × 103 × 1770 × 104
= 192 × 106 Nmm
For Class 1 and 2 Wy = Wpl = 569 × 103 mm3

𝑊𝑦 𝑓𝑦 569 × 103 × 275

𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 = = = 0.90
𝑀𝑐𝑟 192 × 107
ℎ
= 1.01 < 2, buckling curve b → 𝛼𝐿𝑇 = 0.34
𝑏
2
ɸ𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 1 + 𝛼𝐿𝑇 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 − 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇,0 + 𝛽 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 × 1 + 0.34 0.9 − 0.4 + 0.75 × 0.92 = 0.89

1 1 1 1
𝜒𝐿𝑇 = = = 0.76 < 1.0 < 2 = = 1.2 OK
2 0.89 + 0.892 − 0.75 × 0.92 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 0.92
ɸ𝐿𝑇 + ɸ𝐿𝑇 2 − 𝛽 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇

𝜒𝐿𝑇 𝑊𝑦 𝑓𝑦 0.76 × 568 × 103 × 275

𝑀𝑏,𝑅𝑑 = = × 10−6 = 118.7 kNm
𝛾𝑀1 1.0

𝑓𝑦 𝑊𝑝𝑙 𝑓𝑦 𝑊𝑝𝑙,𝑧 275×103 ×264

𝑀𝑧,𝑐𝑏,𝑅𝑑 = = = × 10−6 = 72.6 kNm
𝛾𝑀1 𝛾𝑀1 1.0

𝑁𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑧,𝐸𝑑 280 40.4 7.8

+ + 1.5 = + + 1.5 = 0.91 ≤ 1.0 𝑂𝐾
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛,𝑏,𝑅𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝑏,𝑅𝑑 𝑀𝑧,𝑐𝑏,𝑅𝑑 693.9 118.7 72.6
 Example 4.5
Half of the storey building floor plan is shown in Figure Design B/1 column. Given:
Roof :
Permanent load = 5.0 kN/m2
Live load = 1.5 kN/m2
Floor:
Permanent action = 6.0 kN/m2
Live action = 3.0 kN/m2
Brickwall = 6.0kN/m
Column Self weight = 1.5 kN/m
 A B C Level 3
1
R23 R13
3m 6m

2 R33
Level 2

3m
R22 R12
3 4m

R32 Level 1

8m 6m

Floor Plan Column B/1

Assume the structure is simple construction, moment is nominal moment and
the column is pinned at foundation

Load at 3rd floor

Beam Unfactored Total Load Unfactored Reaction Unfactored Total Load Unfactored Reaction
Gk force, Gk at B/1 Qk force , Qk at B/1

1/A-B (R23) 5×(1.5×8) = 60 kN 60Τ2 = 30 𝑘𝑁 1.5 ×(1.5×8) = 18 kN 18Τ2 = 9 𝑘𝑁

1/B-C (R13) 5×(1.5×6) = 45 kN 45Τ2 = 22.5 𝑘𝑁 1.5 ×(1.5×6) = 13.5 kN 13.5Τ2 = 6.75 𝑘𝑁
2/A-B 5×(3×8) = 120 kN 1.5 ×(3×8) = 36 kN
2/B-C 5×(3×6) = 90 1.5 ×(3×6) = 27 kN

B/1-3 (R33) 120 + 90 Τ2 105Τ2 = 52.5 𝑘𝑁 36 + 27 Τ2 = 31.5 kN 31.5Τ2 = 15.75 𝑘𝑁

= 105 kN
Load at 2rd floor

Beam Unfactored Total Unfactored Reaction Unfactored Total Load Unfactored

Load Gk force, Gk at B/1 Qk Reaction force , Qk
at B/1
1/A-B (R22) 6×(1.5×8 ) + (6×8) 120Τ2 = 60 𝑘𝑁 3×1.5×8 = 36 kN 36Τ2 = 18 𝑘𝑁
= 120 kN
1/B-C (R12) 6×(1.5×6) + (6×6) 90Τ2 = 45 𝑘𝑁 3×1.5×6 = 27 kN 27Τ2 = 13.5 𝑘𝑁
= 90 kN
2/A-B 6×(3×8) = 144 kN 3×(3×8) = 72 kN
2/B-C 6×(3×6) = 108 kN 3×(3×6) = 54 kN
B/1-3(R32) 144 + 108 Τ2 126Τ2 = 63 𝑘𝑁 72 + 54 Τ2 = 63kN 63Τ2 = 31.5 𝑘𝑁
= 126kN
 Reaction of the beam and column self weight

Permanent Action(kN) Variable Action (kN)

Unfactored Factored x 1.35 Unfactored Factored x 1.5
3rd floor
R13 22.5 30.38 6.75 10.13
R23 30.0 40.5 9.0 13.5
R33 52.5 71 15.75 23.63
Column weight 1.5×6 = 9.0 12.15 - -
Axial load between 3 rd floor 154 47.26
and 2nd floor
2rd floor
R12 45.0 60.75 13.5 20.25
R22 60.0 81.0 18.0 27.0
R32 63.0 85.05 31.5 47.25
Column weight 1.5×4 = 6.0 8.1 - -
Axial load 234.90 94.5
Total axial load between 2 nd 388.9 141.76
floor and 1st floor
The design should satisfy:

N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ + 1.5 1
N min,b, Rd M y ,b, Rd M z ,b, Rd

Axial Load NED = 389.13 + 138.01 = 527.14 kN

Nominal moment My,Ed

Eccentricity :
h 209.6
ey = + 100 = + 100 = 205mm
2 2

Total moment at 2nd floor :

M2 = (85.05+ 47.25) x 205 x 10-3 = 27.12 kNm
Notes:
For multi-storey building the bending moment are distributed in proportion to
bending stiffness I/L of the upper and lower column. If the stiffness proportion
between upper and lower column not more than 1.5, therefore moment is distribute
equally.

Assume column have equal size between upper floor and lower floor
L2
M upper = M 2 
L1 + L2

L1
M lower = M 2 
L1 + L2

Notes:
size can be difference at each floor but will involve more work. The used of similar size for
multi storey building is more practical.
However the stiffness of upper column = 1/6 and stiffness of lower column = 1/4.
Since the stiffness proportion is less than 1.5, moment can be distributed equally
between upper column and lower column.

27.12
My = = 13.56
2
Nominal moment Mz,Ed
b 205.8
ez = + 100 = + 100 = 202.9mm
2 2

Total moment at 2nd floor for axis-z

M2 = [(81 + 27) – (60.75 + 20.25)] x 202.9 x 10-3 = 5.71 kNm
5.71
Mz = = 2.86
2

Critical length = Lcr,y = Lcr,z = 0.85L = 0.85 x 4000 = 3400 mm

Torsional and flexural torsional buckling
■ To check possibility that the torsional or torsional flexural buckling resistance of a
member maybe less than the flexural buckling resistance.
■ Torsional buckling is pure twisting of a cross section and only occurs in centrally
loaded struts which are point symmetric and have low torsional stiffness
– e.g cruciform section
■ Torsional – flexural buckling is a more general response that occurs for centrally
loaded struts with cross-sections that are singly symmetric and where the
centroid and the shear center do not coincide
– E.g a channel section
■ Whatever the mode of buckling of a member, the generic buckling curve
formulation and the method for determining member resistance are common.
■ Calculation of the non-dimensional slenderness lT for torsional and torsional
flexural buckling resistance
Table 3: Buckling curve selection table (Table 6.3 of EN1993-1-3)
 Af y For class 1, 2 and 3 cross section
lT =
N cr
Aeff f y
lT = For class 4 cross section
N cr

■ Where
Ncr=Ncr,TF but Ncr ≤ Ncr,T
Ncr,TF is the elastic critical torsional-flexural buckling force
Ncr,T is the elastic critical torsional buckling force

■ The elastic critical buckling forces for torsional and torsional-flexural buckling for cross-
sections that are symmetrical about(y-y) axis (i.e. where z=0) are given by
 1   2
EIW 
N cr ,T = 2  GI t + 2

 (equation 6.33a(clause 6.2.3) of EC3-1-3)
i0  lT 

where
i02=iy2+iz2+y02+z02
G is the shear modulus
It is the torsional constant of the gross-section
Iw is the warping constant if the gross-section
iy is the radius of gyration of the gross-section about y-y axis
iz is the radius of gyration of the gross-section about x-x axis
lT is the buckling length of the member for torsional buckling
y0 is the distance from the shear centre to the centroid of the gross cross section
along the y axis
z0 is the distance form the shear centre to the centroid of the gross cross section
along z axis
   N cr ,T 
2 2 
N cr , y  N cr ,T   N 
N cr ,TF =  1+ − 1 −  + 4 y0  cr ,T  (Clause 6.35 of EC3-1-3)
2  N cr , y  N  i  N
 cr , y   0  cr , y 
 

where
2
 y0 
 = 1 −  
 i0 

Ncr,y is the critical force for flexural buckling about the y-y axis
■ Guidance is provided in EN 1993-1-3 on buckling lengths for components with different
degrees of torsional and warping restraint
■ It is stated that for practical connections at each end lT/LT ( the effective buckling length
divided by the system length) should be taken as
1.0 for connections that provide partial restraint against torsion and warping (Figure 4a)
0.7 for connections that provide significant restraint against torsion and warping (Figure
4b)
Figure 4 : a) Partial b) significant torsional and warping restraint
from practical connections (Figure 6.13 of EN 1993-1-3)
 Example 4: Member resistance in compression
(checking flexural, torsional and torsional-flexural
buckling)
■ Calculate the member resistance for a 100 x 50 x 3 plain channel section column
subjected to compression. The column length is 1.5 m, with pinned end conditions, so
the effective length is assumed to equal to the system length. The steel has a yield
strength fy of 280N/mm2 a Young modulus of 210 000N/mm2 and a shear modulus of
81 000N/mm2. No allowance will be made for coatings in this example.

A = 5.55 cm2 iy = 3.92 cm IT = 0.1621 cm4

Aeff = 5.49 cm2 iz = 1.57 cm IW = 210 cm6
Iy = 85.41 cm4 Wel,y = 17.09 cm3 y0 = 3.01 cm
Iz = 13.76 cm4 Wel,y = 3.83 cm3
Calculate critical buckling load

Flexural buckling-major (y-y) axis :

 2 EI y  2  210 000  85.4110 4
N cr , y = 2
= = 787 103 N = 787kN
Lcr 15002

Flexural buckling-minor (z-z) axis :

 2 EI z  2  210 000 13.76 10 4

N cr , z = 2
= = 127 103 N = 127kN
Lcr 15002
Torsional buckling:
1   2
EIW  Clause 6.2.3 of
N cr ,T = 2  GI t + 
 2  EC3-1-3
i0  l T 
i0 = i y + iz + y0 + z0 = 39.2 2 + 15.7 2 + 30.12 + 0 = 2689mm 2
2 2 2 2 2

1   2  210 000  210 106 

 N cr ,T =  81 000  0.162110 +
4

2689 2 1500 2

= 121103 N = 121kN
Torsional-flexural buckling:

Clause 6.2.3 of
  N cr ,T 
2 
N cr , y  N cr ,T
1 −
 N
 + 4 y0  cr ,T  EC3-1-3
N cr ,TF =  1 + − i N 
2  N cr , y  N  
 cr , y   0  cr , y
 
2
 30.1 
 = 1−   = 0.66
 51.9 
  121103 
2 
787 103  121103  30.1  12110
2

3
N cr ,TF = 1+ − 1 −  + 4
3   
20.66  787 103  787  10   51.9  787 10
3 
 
= 114 103 N = 114kN

Torsional-flexural buckling is critical ( with Ncr = 114kN)

Non dimension slenderness (for torsional-flexural buckling mode)
Clause 6.3.1.2
Aeff f y 549  280
l = = = 1.16
N cr 114 10 3

Selection of buckling curve and imperfection factor α Table6.3 of EC3-1-3

For cold formed plain channel section, use buckling curve c
For buckling curve c, α = 0.49 Table 6.1 of EC3-1-1
2
 y = 0.5[1 +  (l y − 0.2) + l y ] = 0.5[1 + 0.49  (1.16 − 0.2) + 1.16 2 = 1.41 Clause 6.3.1.2
1 1
= = = 0.45  1.0
 + 2 − l
2
y
1.41 + 1.41 − 1.16
2 2

Aeff f y 0.45  549  280

N b , Rd = = 10 −3 = 69.2 103 N = 69.2kN Clause 6.3.1.2
 M1 1.0
The member resistance of the 100 x 50 x 3 plain channel (govern by
torsional-flexural buckling ) is 69.2 kN
 Buckling Resistance check summary
■ Determine the axial load NED
■ Choose a section and determine the class
■ Calculate the effective length Lcr
■ Calculate Ncr using the effective length Lcr and E and I which are section
properties
■ Calculate l
■ Determine α by first determining the required buckling curve from Table 6.1
(EC3)
■ Calculate Ф by substituting in the values of α and l
■ Calculate χ by substituting in the values of Ф and l
■ Determine the design buckling resistance of the member
Exercise 2
■ Column subjected to axial load and moment (nominal)-simple construction
Solution
Need to satisfy the following relationship,

N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ + 1.5 1
N min,b , Rd M y ,b , Rd M z ,b , Rd

1. Design compression force

NEd = 300 + 230 +180 +170 = 880 kN

If column self load to be considered, add the self load to NEd

2. Cross section classification
fy = 275N/mm2
ε = √(235/275) = 0.92
Flange ;
b − t w − 2r 203.9 − 8 − 2 10.2
cf = = = 87.75mm
2 2
c f / t f = 87.75 / 12.5 = 7.02  9  class 1

cw = 160.8mm
Web;
cw / t w = 160.8 / 7.9 = 20.35
  N    880000 
 = 0.51 +  Ed  = 0.51 +   = 1.76
  y w 
f t d   275  7.9  160.8 
but − 1    1.0
therefore take  = 1
as   0.5
cw / t w  396 /(13 − 1) = 30.36  class1
 h 206.2
Eccentricity: ey = + 100 = + 100 = 203.1mm
2 2
tw 7.9
ez = + 100 = + 100 = 104mm
2 2

Bending moment at concern level :

M 1, y , Ed = (300 − 230)203.1 = 14.22kNm

M 1, z , Ed = (180 − 170)104 = 1.04kNm

Note:
For multi-storey building the bending moment are distributed in proportion to bending stiffness I/L of the upper and lower column
Since the base of column is nominally pinned  = 0
Axial force ratio:
Af y
Ny, b, Rd =
 M1
■ To be continue by student:
– Buckling resistance  Af
=
z y
– Determine N z ,b , Rd
 M1

– Determine  LT W pl , y f y W pl , z f y
M y ,b, Rd = M z ,b, Rd =
 M1  M1

– Verification N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ + 1.5 1
N min,b , Rd M y ,b , Rd M z ,b , Rd