Column H Sizing

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

SN012a-EN-EU
NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H

sections)
This NCCI provides design graphs to help the designer in the selection of H-profile rolled
sections for non-composite columns in multi-storey buildings. Graphs are provided for
Euronorm HD and HE sections.
Contents
1. General 2
2. Main assumptions 2
3. Key to design graphs 2
4. Worked example 6
5. Case 1: Column subject to compression only 8
6. Case 2: Column subject to compression and bending moment, 1 storey 11

This material is copyright - all rights reserved. Use of this document is subject to the terms and conditions of the Access Steel Licence Agreement
7. Case 3: Column subject to compression and bending moment, 3 storeys 14
8. Case 4: Column subject to compression and bending moment, 10 storeys 17

Created on Saturday, November 17, 2007
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1. General
This NCCI provides design graphs for the selection of Euronorm H-profiles to be used as
columns in simple construction. The document may be used to make an initial selection of
column sizes for internal and external columns over the full height of a building. The
selection is based on estimated axial forces in the columns, the storey height and the chosen
steel grade (S235, S275 or S355).
2. Main assumptions
The assumptions made in preparing these graphs are:
The columns are part of a braced frame in ‘simple construction’. For a description of
simple construction, see SN020.
The buckling length, Lcr, and the effective length for lateral torsional buckling Lc are
taken as the storey height.
Beams are connected only to flanges of columns, thus any moments are applied only
about the major axis (y-y) of the columns.

Beam end reactions act 100 mm off the face of the column (see SN005).
Values of λ LT have been taken from Table 1.1. of SN002
The method given in EN1993-1-1 §6.3.2.2 – lateral torsional buckling curves – general
case has been used.
Each floor (including the roof) imposes an equal reaction onto the column.
Partial factors on resistance are: γM0 = 1,0 and γM1 = 1,0.
3. Key to design graphs

Four sets of design graphs are presented, showing, the maximum axial design force Nmax
against buckling length, Lcr for a range of sections. This maximum design force is the largest
value of the ULS design force that the length of column can sustain. Where there is no
coexistent bending moment, Nmax is the same as Nb,Rd. Where there is coexistent bending
moment Nmax is less than Nb,Rd.
The graphs may be used to size the columns over the full height of the building; the ULS
design force varies over the height and different sections may be chosen according to the level
being considered. It is usual to splice columns in lengths of two or three storey heights and a
different section size can be chosen for each length.
Graphs are presented for four different design cases, depending on whether there is a
coexistent bending moment and, where there is a bending moment, its magnitude in relation
to the magnitude of the axial force.
The graphs show curves mainly for HEB, sections which are the most applicable sections for
multi-storey buildings. Curves for HD and HEM sections are given for very heavy multi-
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SN012a-EN-EU
storey frames. Curves are not shown for HEA sections; those sections are lighter (thinner web
and flanges) than HEB sections and thus, for a given capacity, would be larger. They are not
commonly used in multi-storey buildings.
3.1 Case 1
This is the case of a column subject to reactions from two equal bays; there is therefore zero
net bending moment on the column. It is therefore applicable to internal columns in a
building with equal bays and to intermediate columns on the faces of the building that are
parallel to the direction of the floor beams.
3.2 Case 2, 3 and 4

These cases apply to columns where the reactions are only on one face of the column. They
are therefore applicable to corner columns and to edge columns on the faces of the building
that are orthogonal to the direction of the floor beams.
The design force for a particular length of column depends on the number of storeys above it.
The reaction that causes the eccentric bending moment is due only to one floor. The relative
magnitude of axial force and bending moment thus varies over the height of the building. For
this reason, three sets of graphs are provided, referred to as Case 2, Case 3 and Case 4.
In Case 2, the design axial force is that due to one floor only.
In Case 3, the design axial force is that due to three floors.
In Case 4, the design axial force is due to 10 floors.
For other numbers of floors interpolation between cases may be used – see Section 3.3.
As for Case 1, different column sizes can be selected over the height of the building, choosing
the size appropriate to the number of floors above the level being considered.
3.3 Interpolation between design cases

For initial design purposes, it is adequate to interpolate linearly between the results given by
the graphs for cases 2, 3 and 4 when the number of storeys is not that for one of those cases.
Thus, for two storeys, Nmax is the mean of that given by Cases 2 and 3. For four to nine
storeys, Nmax may be linearly interpolated between the results for Case 3 and Case 4.
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3.4 List of design graphs

Table 3.1 gives a summary of the design graphs available in this document.
Table 3.1 The design graphs
Steel Grade
S235 S275 S355
Case 1. Figure 5.1 Figure 5.2 Figure 5.3

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Case 2, 3, 4 Case 1 Case 1

(Load from one bay) (Load from two equal bays)
N Ed MEd V V V N Ed MEd
V V. x V V V 2V 0
Case 2 →
(mean Cases 2 & 3) 2V V. x V V V 4V 0
Case 3 → 3V V. x V V V 6V 0
4V V. x V V V 8V 0
5V V. x V V V 10V 0
← Case 1
6V V. x V V V 12V 0
Interpolate between
case 3 and 4 7V V. x V V V 14V 0
8V V. x V V V 16V 0
9V V. x V V V 18V 0
Case 4 → 10V V. x 20V 0

x x x h
h
x = (0,1 + )
2
Case Case Case
2, 3, 4 1 2, 3, 4
3
Ex. 1. Ex. 2.
2
1
A B C
Figure 3.1 Application of design graphs

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4. Worked example
The following example illustrates the choice of column section for the columns of a multi-
storey building. The key parameters are:
• Seven storey building (s = 7)
• Steel grade S 275
• Column buckling length LCR= storey height L = 3,5 m
• Column grid 6 m × 9 m (beams span 9 m)
• ULS design load per floor (gγG + qγQ) = 4 × 1,35 + 4 × 1,5 = 11,4 kN/m2
Section size for column B2 (see Figure 3.1)
1. Area contributing reaction to primary beam A = 6 × 4,5 = 27 m2
2. Beam end reaction V = A × (gγG + qγQ) = 27 × 11,4 = 307,8 kN

3. Reaction from each floor = 2V = 2 × 307,8 = 615,6 kN
4. Design axial load at bottom level NEd = s × 2V = 7 × 615,6 = 4309 kN
5. Using Case 1, from Figure 5.2 with LCR= 3,5 m:
A value of Nmax ≈ 4700 kN is provided by an HE 400B profile - OK.
Section size for column C2 (see Figure 3.1)
1. Area contributing reaction to primary beam A = 6 × 4.5 = 27 m2
2. Beam end reaction V = A × (gγG + qγQ) = 27 × 11,4 = 307,8 kN
3. Reaction from each floor = V = 307,8 kN
4. Design axial load at
• level supporting 3 storeys: NE3d = s × V = 3 × 307,8 = 923 kN
• bottom level: NEd = s × V = 7 × 307,8 = 2155 kN
5. For the first three stories from the top,use Case 3, from Figure 7.2 with LCR= 3,5 m
A value of Nmax ≈ 1050 kN is provided by an HE 220B profile - OK.
6. For the column at the lowest level of the 7 stories interpolate between Case 3 (3
stories) and Case 4 (10 stories), using LCR=3.5 m.
a) Try HE300B profile:
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Using Case 3 (Figure 7.2). Nmax ≈ 2000 kN is provided by HE 300B profile
Using Case 4 (Figure 8.2):Nmax ≈ 2800 kN is provided by HE 300B profile
Interpolation:
7 storeys is 4 storeys more then 3 storeys →
- proportion of N (3 storeys) = (1-4/7) = 3/7
7 storeys is 3 storeys less then 10 storeys →

- proportion of N (10 storeys) = (1-3/7) = 4/7
Nmax for HE 320B for 7 storeys ≈ 4/7 × 2800 + 3/7 × 2000 = 2457 kN - OK
b) Try HE260B profile:
Using Case 3 (Figure 7.2). Nmax ≈ 1550 kN is provided by HE 260B profile
Using Case 4 (Figure 8.2):Nmax ≈ 2100 kN is provided by HE 260B profile
Nmax for HE 300B for 7 storeys ≈ 4/7 × 2100 + 3/7 × 1550 = 1864 kN -INADEQUATE
7. Therefore select HE 300B

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5. Case 1: Column subject to compression only
10000
9500
9000
8500
8000
HD 400 x 287
7500
7000
HE 340 M
6500
6000 HE 300 M
5500
HE 550 B
Nb,z,Rd (kN)
5000 HE 500 B
HE 280 M
HE 450 B
4500
HE 400 B HD 360 x 162

4000
HE 360 B
HE 240 M
3500 HE 340 B
HE 320 B
3000 HE 300 B
2500
HE 260 B
2000
HE 220 B
1500
HE 180 B
1000
HE 140 B
500
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
Figure 5.1 Column (compression only) – profiles for steel grade S 235
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10000
9500
9000
HD 400 x 287
8500
8000
7500
HE 340 M
7000
HE 300 M
6500
HE 550 B
6000
HE 500 B
5500
HE 280 M
HE 450 B
Nb,z,Rd (kN)
5000
HE 400 B HD 360 x 162
4500
HE 360 B
HE 240 M
HE 340 B
4000
HE 320 B
3500 HE 300 B
3000
HE 260 B
2500
2000 HE 220 B
1500
HE 180 B
1000
HE 140 B
500
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
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10000
HD 400 x 287
9500
9000
HE 340 M
8500 HE 300 M
8000
HE 550 B
7500
HE 500 B
7000
HE 450 B
6500 HE 280 M
6000 HE 400 B
HD 360 x 162
5500
HE 360 B
Nb,z,Rd (kN)
5000 HE 340 B HE 240 M
HE 320 B
4500
HE 300 B
4000
3500
HE 260 B
3000
2500
HE 220 B
2000
1500 HE 180 B
1000
HE 140 B
500
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
L CR (m )
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6. Case 2: Column subject to compression and

bending moment, 1 storey
5000
4800
4600
4400
HD 400 x 509
4200
4000
3800
3600
3400
3200
3000
2800
HD 400 x 287
Nmax (kN)
2600
2400
2200 HE 300 M
HE 550 B HE 340 M
2000
HE 500 B
1800
HE 450 B
HE 280 M
1600
HE 400 B
HD 360 x 162
1400 HE 360 B
HE 340 B HE 240 M
1200
HE 320 B
1000 HE 300 B
800 HE 260 B
600
HE 220 B
400
HE 180 B
200 HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
Figure 6.1 Columns (compression + bending moment), 1-storey – profiles for steel grade S 235
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SN012a-EN-EU
5000
4800
4600
4400
4200
4000
3800
3600
3400
3200 HD 400 x 287
3000
2800
Nmax (kN)
2600
HE 300 M
2400
HE 550 B HE 340 M
2200 HE 500 B
2000
HE 450 B
HE 280 M
1800
HE 400 B
HD 360 x 162
1600 HE 360 B
HE 340 B HE 240 M
1400
HE 320 B
1200
HE 300 B
1000
HE 260 B
800
HE 220 B
600
400 HE 180 B
200 HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
L CR (m )
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SN012a-EN-EU
5000
4800
4600
4400
4200
HD 400 x 287
4000
3800
3600
3400
3200
HE 300 M
3000 HE 550 B HE 340 M

2800 HE 500 B
Nmax (kN)
2600
HE 450 B
2400
HE 280 M
2200 HE 400 B
HD 360 x 162
2000 HE 360 B
HE 340 B
1800
HE 240 M
HE 320 B
1600
HE 300 B
1400
1200
HE 260 B
1000
800 HE 220 B
600
HE 180 B
400
HE 140 B
200
0
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
LCR (m )
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bending moment, 3 storeys
8000
HD 400 x 509
7500
7000
6500
6000
5500
5000
HD 400 x 287
4500
Nmax (kN)
4000
HE 340 M
HE 300 M
3500 HE 550 B
HE 500 B
3000 HE 450 B
HE 280 M
HE 400 B HD 360 x 162

2500
HE 360 B
HE 340 B HE 240 M
2000 HE 320 B
HE 300 B
1500
HE 260 B
1000 HE 220 B
HE 180 B
500
HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
Figure 7.1 Columns (compression + bending moment), 3-storeys – profiles for steel grade S 235
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SN012a-EN-EU
8000
7500
7000
6500
6000
HD 400 x 287
5500
5000
4500
HE 300 M
HE 340 M
Nmax (kN)
4000 HE 550 B
HE 500 B
3500
HE 450 B
HE 280 M
HE 400 B
3000 HD 360 x 162
HE 360 B
HE 340 B HE 240 M
2500
HE 320 B
HE 300 B
2000
HE 260 B
1500
HE 220 B
1000
HE 180 B
500
HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
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SN012a-EN-EU
8000
7500
7000 HD 400 x 287
6500
6000
5500
HE 300 M
HE 340 M
HE 550 B
5000
HE 500 B
4500
HE 450 B
Nmax (kN)
HE 280 M
4000
HE 400 B
HD 360 x 162
3500
HE 360 B
HE 340 B HE 240 M
HE 320 B
3000
HE 320 B
HE 300 B
2500
2000 HE 260 B
1500
HE 220 B
1000
HE 180 B
500
HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m )
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bending moment, 10 storeys
10000
9500
9000
8500
8000
7500
7000
6500 HD 400 x 287

6000
5500 HE 340 M
Nmax (kN)
HE 300 M
5000
HE 550 B
4500
HE 500 B
4000 HE 280 M
HE 450 B
HE 400 B HD 360 x 162

3500
HE 360 B
HE 240 M
3000 HE 340 B
HE 320 B
2500 HE 300 B
2000 HE 260 B
1500
HE 220 B
1000
HE 180 B
500 HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
Figure 8.1 Columns (compression + bending moment) - 10-storeys – profiles for steel grade S 235
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SN012a-EN-EU
10000
9500
9000
8500
8000
7500 HD 400 x 287
7000
6500
HE 340 M
6000
HE 300 M
5500
HE 550 B
Nmax (kN)
5000 HE 500 B
HE 280 M
4500 HE 450 B
HE 400 B
4000 HD 360 x 162
HE 360 B
3500 HE 240 M
HE 340 B
HE 320 B
3000
HE 300 B
2500
HE 260 B
2000
HE 220 B
1500
1000 HE 180 B
500 HE 140 B
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
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SN012a-EN-EU
10000
9500
HD 400 x 287
9000
8500
8000
7500 HE 340 M
HE 300 M
7000
HE 550 B
6500
HE 500 B
6000
HE 450 B HE 280 M
5500
Nmax (kN)
HE 400 B
5000 HD 360 x 162
4500 HE 360 B
HE 240 M
HE 340 B
4000
HE 320 B
HE 300 B
3500
3000
HE 260 B
2500
2000 HE 220 B
1500
HE 180 B
1000
HE 140 B
500
0
3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0 5,5 6,0
LCR (m)
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SN012a-EN-EU
Quality Record
RESOURCE TITLE NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns
Reference(s)
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT
Name Company Date
Created by Alena Ticha SCI
Technical content checked by Charles King SCI
Editorial content checked by
Technical content endorsed by the

following STEEL Partners:
1. UK G W Owens SCI 2/3/06
2. France A Bureau CTICM 2/3/06
3. Sweden B Upfeldt SBI 2/3/06
4. Germany C Müller RWTH 2/3/06

5. Spain J Chica Labein 2/3/06
Resource approved by Technical

Coordinator
TRANSLATED DOCUMENT
This Translation made and checked by:
Translated resource approved by:

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NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H

3. Key to design graphs 2

5. Case 1: Column subject to compression only 8

6. Case 2: Column subject to compression and bending moment, 1 storey 11

7. Case 3: Column subject to compression and bending moment, 3 storeys 14

8. Case 4: Column subject to compression and bending moment, 10 storeys 17

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

about the major axis (y-y) of the columns.

3. Key to design graphs

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

3.2 Case 2, 3 and 4

In Case 3, the design axial force is that due to three floors.

In Case 4, the design axial force is due to 10 floors.

3.3 Interpolation between design cases

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

3.4 List of design graphs

Table 3.1 The design graphs

Case 1. Figure 5.1 Figure 5.2 Figure 5.3

Case 2. Figure 6.1 Figure 6.2 Figure 6.3

Case 3. Figure 7.1 Figure 7.2 Figure 7.3

Case 4. Figure 8.1 Figure 8.2 Figure 8.3

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

Case 2, 3, 4 Case 1 Case 1

Case 4 → 10V V. x 20V 0

Case Case Case

Figure 3.1 Application of design graphs

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

• Seven storey building (s = 7)

• Steel grade S 275

• Column buckling length LCR= storey height L = 3,5 m

• Column grid 6 m × 9 m (beams span 9 m)

Section size for column B2 (see Figure 3.1)

1. Area contributing reaction to primary beam A = 6 × 4,5 = 27 m2

2. Beam end reaction V = A × (gγG + qγQ) = 27 × 11,4 = 307,8 kN

3. Reaction from each floor = 2V = 2 × 307,8 = 615,6 kN

4. Design axial load at bottom level NEd = s × 2V = 7 × 615,6 = 4309 kN

5. Using Case 1, from Figure 5.2 with LCR= 3,5 m:

A value of Nmax ≈ 4700 kN is provided by an HE 400B profile - OK.

Section size for column C2 (see Figure 3.1)

1. Area contributing reaction to primary beam A = 6 × 4.5 = 27 m2

2. Beam end reaction V = A × (gγG + qγQ) = 27 × 11,4 = 307,8 kN

3. Reaction from each floor = V = 307,8 kN

4. Design axial load at

• level supporting 3 storeys: NE3d = s × V = 3 × 307,8 = 923 kN

• bottom level: NEd = s × V = 7 × 307,8 = 2155 kN

A value of Nmax ≈ 1050 kN is provided by an HE 220B profile - OK.

a) Try HE300B profile:

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

Using Case 3 (Figure 7.2). Nmax ≈ 2000 kN is provided by HE 300B profile

Using Case 4 (Figure 8.2):Nmax ≈ 2800 kN is provided by HE 300B profile

7 storeys is 3 storeys less then 10 storeys →

b) Try HE260B profile:

Using Case 3 (Figure 7.2). Nmax ≈ 1550 kN is provided by HE 260B profile

Using Case 4 (Figure 8.2):Nmax ≈ 2100 kN is provided by HE 260B profile

7. Therefore select HE 300B

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

5. Case 1: Column subject to compression only

HE 400 B HD 360 x 162

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)

5000 HE 340 B HE 240 M

NCCI: Sizing guidance - non-composite columns (H sections)