Experiment -4

To determine elastic
critical load of metal
columns with different
end conditions
DR. QASIM SHAUKAT KHAN
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
CIVIL ENGG. DEPT. UET LAHORE
Objective
To make comparison between experimental and theoretical elastic critical loads for columns with
different end conditions.

Apparatus
▪Steel Columns with different end conditions

▪Steel Tape

▪Vernier Caliper

▪Weights
Apparatus
Related Theory
Columns
It is a vertical structural component/member subjected to axial compressive loads.

Strut
A short column having its cross-sectional dimensions comparable with its unsupported length.

Ideal Column
An ideal column is assumed to be a homogenous member of constant cross-section which is initially
straight and is subjected to axial compressive loads passing through centroidal axis.

Real Column
Real Columns have small imperfections of material and fabrication as well as unavoidable accidental
eccentricities of load which produce buckling effect.
Related Theory
Classification of Columns

Based on Slenderness Ratio

Short Column
These are also called struts. Columns having slenderness ratio less than or equal to 30 then column
is called as short column.
𝑘𝑙
≤ 30
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
Intermediate Column
Columns having slenderness ratio greater than 30 and less than Rc then column is called as
intermediate column
𝑘𝑙
30 ≥ ≤ 𝑅𝑐
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝐸
R𝑐 = 4.71
𝐹𝑦
Related Theory
Long Column
Columns having slenderness ratio greater than Rc and failure of the column is due to the buckling.
𝑘𝑙
≥ 𝑅𝑐
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
Related Theory
Based on Failure Pattern

There are 2 types of failure pattern observed in columns

Crushing
Columns fail by crushing after the yield stress is attained. Crushing failure is usually exhibited in short columns.

Buckling
Columns fail by buckling before the yield stress in compression is reached. Buckling failure is exhibited in long
columns.

Crushing/Buckling
In intermediate columns combined (crushing + buckling) failure is exhibited.
Related Theory
Based on Eccentricity

Concentric Column
If the load on a column is applied through centroidal axis, it is called concentric load and column is
called concentrically loaded column.

Eccentric Column
When the load acting on the column is offset from the centroid of the column, then it establishes the
bending of column along with the axial stress. This offset loading of the column is referred as
eccentric loading and column is called eccentrically loaded column.

In general, concrete columns are eccentrically loaded columns due to initial imperfections in
fabrication. Moreover, concrete columns are eccentric due to heterogenous nature of concrete.
Related Theory
Conditions of Equilibrium
Stable Equilibrium
If system of force is applied owing to small displacements after removing the
loads/forces if body will come to its original position. The body is said to have a stable
equilibrium. Centre of gravity of body is raised.
MR > MD

Neutral Equilibrium
When the position of its center of gravity does not change, the body is said to be in a
state of neutral equilibrium.
MR = MD

Un-stable Equilibrium
When the force is withdrawn, the body will not be able to regain its original position
and is thus said to be in an unstable equilibrium. Center of gravity of body is lowered.
Related Theory
Related Theory
Critical Buckling Load (Pcr)
Load which is at border line between stable and unstable equilibrium is called Critical
Buckling Load.

The maximum axial compressive load to which a column can be subjected, and it remains
straight, although in such an unstable condition, the slight side sway thrust will cause it
to bend.

𝜋2𝐸𝐼𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿𝑒2
Imin is used for critical buckling load because if minimum section is satisfying then
maximum section will satisfy.
Related Theory
Procedure
Took the column specimen and note down its dimensions of length, width and thickness. Also
determined its weight.
Fix the specimen in the critical load testing apparatus in the different settings of end conditions one
by one.
Place known weights gradually on the top of the column with a certain increments until the point is
reached when a very slight deflection is produced and a small curvature in the column is observed.
Note this value of the load and remove the column from the apparatus in this setting of end
condition.
Proceed to the next setting of a different end condition and
repeat the whole procedure to determine the critical load experimentally.
Euler’s formula is then used to determine the critical load theoretically and percentage difference is
determined by the equation.
Observations and Calculations