APPROXIMATE MOMENT-CURVATURE

RELATIONSHIPS FOR SLENDER COLUMNS

By Anibal A. Manzelli 1 and Issam E. Harik, z Member, ASCE

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the derivation of an approximate second-order

method for the analysis and design of slender cantilever compression members.
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The method is based on the generation of equivalent linear representations for the
nonlinear moment-curvature (M-q~)relationships for the columncross section. The
linear M-~ equations are derived in such a way that they closelypredict the nominal
strength of the slender column for a prescribed axial load. The derivation is based
on the guidelines of the German Code and Heft220--which, unlike the moment
magnifier method, takes into account the influence of the axial load on the stiffness
of the column. The results of the proposed method are in excellent agreement with
experimental data and predictions from sophisticated computer programs.

INTRODUCTION

The use of sophisticated computer programs (e.g. Poston et al. 1985a,

1985b, 1986; Huang 1990; EI-Metwally and Chen 1989; W o o d et al. 1976)
involving iterative methods like the Engesser-Vianello (Leonhardt and Mon-
nig 1985) or the Vianello-Newmark ( G o o d e n 1965) techniques, is required
for designs based on the analysis procedure of A C I section 10.10.1 (Building
1989). If such procedures are not used, the A C I (Building 1989) and A A S H T O
(Standard 1989) codes provide the approximate moment magnifier method
for determining slenderness effects. In addition, each recognizes the stability
index procedure. When applied to bridge piers, improvements were sug-
gested by Poston et al. (1986) to both the moment magnifier method and
the stability-index procedure. The main advantage of these methods is that
they are hand-calculation techniques. Their disadvantage lies in the inde-
pendence of the flexural stiffness E1 of the level of axial load.
This paper presents the derivation and implementation of an approximate
second-order method of analysis and design for compression members. For
illustrative purposes, the derivation herein is limited to cantilever columns.
In the derivation of this method, the first step is to generate reduced
nonlinear moment-curvature (~bM-dp) relationships for prescribed cross-sec-
tion and material properties, and axial loading. A linear approximation of
the nonlinear +M-q~ relationship is then derived for prescribed reinforce-
ment ratio and axial loading. The approximation is based on the guidelines
of the German code and Heft 220 ("Bemessung" 1979), which, unlike the
moment magnifier method, takes into account the influence of the axial
load on the stiffness of the column. The final step involves the generation
of design tables based on the linear +M-qb approximation. A n upper case
greek letter phi (qb) is adopted in the present paper to denote curvature.

1Asst. Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Buenos Aires, Argentina; formerly
Visiting Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0046.
2Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-
0046.
Note. Discussion open until September 1, 1993. Separate discussions should be
submitted for the individual papers in this symposium. To extend the closing date
one month, a written request must be filed with the ASCE Manager of Journals.
The manuscript for this paper was submitted for review and possible publication on
January 15, 1992. This paper is part of the Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol.
119, No. 4, April, 1993. 9 ISSN 0733-9445/93/0004-1114/$1.00 + $.15 per
page. Paper No. 3260.
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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 The lower case phi (qb) is the reduction factor defined in section 9.3.2.2 of
the ACI code (Building 1989).

AXIAL LOAD-MOMENT-CURVATURE RELATIONSHIPS (P.M.ap)

In reinforced concrete members, the modulus of elasticity Ec varies due

to the nonlinear relationship between stresses and strains, and the moment
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of inertia I varies due to cracking. Consequently, a rational analysis of

concrete columns should include realistic moment-curvature relationships.
The derivation of such relationships is not based solely on the ultimate
strength condition of the maximum compressive strain in concrete ec, =
0.003 (ACI: Building 1989). Consequently, a uniaxial stress-strain definition
is required for the concrete and the steel. Any such relationships can be
accommodated by the proposed method. For illustrative purposes, the elas-
tic-plastic models shown in Fig. 1 are employed for the concrete and the
steel. The modulus of elasticity is taken as Ec = 0.9f'c/0.0015 psi (1 psi =

Ic
!
_ ~__~ j- actual
fc
0.9 f~/ I
"/"~assum e'd'"""\\"
:'/'I I
l I . Ec
0.0015 0.003

(a)

f$

fy (

ssumed
E,y
m ES
Ey

/
f fv

(b)
FIG. 1. Stress-Strain Curve: (a) Concrete; (b) Steel

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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 6.9 kPa) for concrete and Es = 29,000,000 psi (200,100,000 kPa) for steel
for all theoretical calculations in the linear range in Fig. 1.

Derivation of P-M-~ Diagrams

Each P-M diagram is generated by varying the strain level in such a way
that the difference between the strains el and e2 remained constant, i.e. el
- ez = Oh = constant; in which e] and e2 are the strains in the outermost
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fibers parallel to the bending axis, and h is the dimension of the cross section
normal to the bending axis. The ACI limitation of 0.003 in./in, for maximum
compressive strain at ultimate was adopted in the present study. The com-
pressive strain in concrete was varied from 0.00025 in./in, to 0.003 in./in.
The curvature d9 was varied from O.O/h to 0.007/h. This leads to a maximum
tensile strain in the steel of 0.00675 in./in. The ACI code does not provide
any limit on the maximum tensile steel strain, while the German code
("Beton" 1978) and the European code ("Model" 1978) limit its value to
0.005 in./in, and 0.010 in./in., respectively. Although the difference between
the German and European codes limit on the strain is quite pronounced,
its influence on the nominal strength is negligible.

M-~ Diagrams
The moment curvature graphs are each derived for a prescribed axial
load, and they are generated from the P-M diagram or from similar rela-
tionships (Park and Paulay 1975). Fig. 2 shows a set of moment-curvature
graphs that are typical for rectangular cross sections that contain one bar
in each corner (Chang and Ferguson 1963).

STIFFNESS
The dotted line marked C in Fig. 2 represents the analytically determined
flexural stiffness E1 of the transformed area of the uncracked section. This

t ~.=.*o,.8oo\
I,ooo\\ p*, b~

600 , 2.ooo, '--/ @

_ / LI .-
4 0 0 I - 2~I
I ~ ~,# / ~ / / / / / ~ / S ~ ' - - - / / M~r t. . . . f . . . . d . . . . . f
Crocked section with P~= 0

I':/ f /
2O0 oo

~ _ \ o fy= . o . o o o p . i
~'~. ~ 3,000 7" = 0.80
I ~-73.5oo , p =o.o, I .
0 2 6 I0

r h X I000 = cT~(in/in)
FIG. 2. Moment-Curvature Curves for Different Levels of Axial Load (Chang and
Ferguson 1963; Furlong 1976) (1 psi = 6,9 kPa)

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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 line provides a fairly good estimate of stiffness for instantaneous bending
of uncracked columns with axial loads less than approximately two-thirds
of pure axial capacity (Furlong 1976). The dotted line marked B represents
the product of Ec and the moment of inertia of the cracked cross section
with P -- 0. Line B represents a reasonable lower bound estimate of in-
stantaneous bending stiffness of cracked beams (P = 0). The actual in-
stantaneous stiffness of the column cross sections varies between the lower
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and upper limits indicated by lines B and C, respectively.

When the axial load and/or the moment becomes high enough either to
yield steel or to cause extensive microcracking in compressed concrete, the
slope of the lines (effective stiffness) will be less than that of line B. At the
maximum moment point (K in Fig. 3),the effective stiffness is zero.
Fig. 2 shows that there is no all-encompassing value of E1 for slender
columns. Consequently, due to cracked and uncracked regions, an accurate
analysis should consider the variation of the stiffness along the column's
length. Such methods are available and they require the use of sophisticated
computer programs (e.g. Poston et al. 1985a, Huang 1990).
For hand calculation, empirical stiffnesses are presented in Equations 10-
10 and 10-11 of the ACI code (Building 1989) and in other national and
international codes. These expressions approximate the lower limit of E1
at the most highly loaded section, and consider it tO be constant along the
length of the column. They were derived for small e/h values and high Pn/
P0 values, where the effect of axial load is most pronounced; in which Pn
is the nominal axial load strength at given eccentricity e, and/9o is the nominal
axial load strength at zero eccentricity. The main disadvantage of these
equations is their independence of the leval of axial loading which, as il-
lustrated in Fig. 2, greatly influences the magnitude of the stiffness. In the

Pn < Pnb ""Q

- L

Pnb=Pn at balonced
conditions

/ P> Pnb
IP

0
FIG. 3. M-~ Curves Showing Points of Yielding of Tension Steel I, Yielding of
Compression Steel ], Maximum Moment K, Failure Point L, and Cracking Mo-
ment H
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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 present paper, the flexural stiffness is dependent on the magnitude of the
axial load.

STABILITY AND FAILURE

For the ascending portion of the M-~ curve between the zero moment
point and the maximum moment point K (Fig. 3), point I represents yielding
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of steel in tension, and point J indicates yielding of steel in compression.

The compression steel may not yield when P, <- P,b; in which Pnb is the
nominal axial strength at balanced conditions. The stiffness along the in-
creasing loading portion O-K of the curve (Fig. 3) is positive.
Along the decreasing unloading portion K-L (dashed line in Fig. 3), the
tangent stiffness is negative and the system is unstable.
In most practical applications, the maximum moment point K is consid-
ered to be the failure load (or nominal strength), and the descending portion
of the curve K-L is neglected. These considerations are adopted in this
study.

Methods of Solution
It is common to approach the stability problem from the standpoint of
deflection (e.g. McGregor 1988) or curvature (e.g. Arenas DePablo 1980;
Huber 1983; Quast 1980, 1985). This involves solving the problem by de-
termining the load-deflection or moment-curvature behavior throughout the
entire range of loading.
For deflection-based designs, a deflected shape is generally assumed for
the slender column, and the analysis employs the classical elastic theory
(McGregor 1988). A curvature distribution along the column length is usu-
ally assumed in the form of a portion of a sine wave. Consequently, a portion
of a sine wave is derived for the deflection h following the relationship d2~/
dx 2= M/EI = qb. Generally, in reinforced concrete columns, it is easier to
determine the second-order moments from a curvature-based approach
(Arenas DePablo 1980; Huber 1983; Quast 1980, 1985).
For designs based on curvature, and in addition to the classical elastic
theory, Quast (1980, 1985) employs a parabolic distribution for the curvature
along the column length. When compared with those of a sine curvature
approximation, the results of the parabolic curvature approach were in closer
agreement with the values derived by the numerical integration of the actual
moment curvature curves (Quast 1980, 1985).

Mr RELATION DUE TO APPLIED FACTORED LOADS

As a curvature-based design, the analysis in the present study employs

the classical elastic theory. In addition, both a parabolic and a uniform
distribution of the curvature along the length of the column will be treated.
The parabolic distribution is used mainly for the analysis of a column. The
uniform distribution is employed for stepped columns, and in the design
and initial cross-section selection.
The cantilever column in Fig. 4 is subjected to a factored lateral force
Hu, bending moment M, and axial load P,. The diagrams for the first-order
moment M~(x) and curvature qb~(x), resulting from the action of 1-1, and
M,, are presented in Fig. 4(a). The second-order P-2X effects, and the com-
bined effect of all three loads are presented in Figs. 4(b) and 4(c), respec-
tively. The total deflection Ac at x = I, resulting from the combined loading
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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 Hu /'-~Mu

(a)
~ ~(x (x)

I--M~uo
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,Ar
i Pu

cxI ~,t,p=j,
9 - 7
.L J,
PuZ~c Puo

Hu "~M u

Pu( x)
(c)
~c,;'\ \
_1_ J
Duo
Mc ,'t ~c .4

~ c
Actual ~u(x)
IHu , ~ M u Area)
x)

(d)

I
J.
I
J I_ _L J

Mc

load Moment Curvature

FIG. 4. Moment and Curvature Diagrams due to Applied Factored Loads on Can-
tilever Column: (a) First-Order Effects due to /-/= and M,; (b) Second-Order pA
Effects; (c) Combined Effects; (d) Combined Effects with Uniform Curvature Ap-
proximation

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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 condition [Fig. 4(c)], can be determined by applying the moment-area theo-
rems

a~ = Jo
( ' m(x)[M~,(x) +
eI
P.3(x)] dx = fl m ( x ) , ~ . ( x ) ax ............. (1)

in which Ac = second-order relative displacement between the top (x = I)

and the base (x = 0) of the column; g ( x ) = A~ - A(x), where 2x(x) =
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second-order relative displacement at a distance x from the base [Fig. 4(b)];

dG(x ) = qsZ,(x) + qb~(x) = total curvature at a distance x from the base
of the column resulting from the combined loading case in Fig. 4(c); at the
base, the total curvature is ~c; MX,(x) and qs~,(x) = first-order m o m e n t and
curvature at a distance x from the column base due to the lateral force and
end moment [Figs. 4(a), 4(c)]; qb/~u(X) = increase in curvature at a distance
x from the base due to the applied axial load Pu and the second-order
deflection A [Fig. 4(b)]; re(x) = m o m e n t resulting from a unit lateral load
at the top of the column.

Moment-Curvature Relationships
For a quadratic or uniform distribution of the curvature along the column's
length [Figs. 4(c), 4(d)], the value of the integral in (1) becomes

561[2 .i. ~212 (2qbM. - @x.o) (2)

a c - i ~ tOc + / ~ ...............................

in which, for quadratic curvature distribution

61 = l ; ~2 = 1 ........................................... (3)

and for uniform curvature distribution

6
~a 5' ~2 0.0 ......................................... (4)

in which ~c = total curvature at the column base resulting from the com-
bined loading case shown in Figs. 4(c), 4(d); ~/0 = first-order curvature
at the column base resulting from the lateral factored f o r c e / 4 , and bend-
ing moment M,; and @M, = curvature resulting from the end m o m e n t
Mu.
The factored second-order m o m e n t at the base of column (M~) may now
be presented as follows:

M~Xo = P,,A c = 5f;1pul2

1 ~ ~bc + ~~2P,[ 2 (2qbM" -- qb/~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5)

The total factored m o m e n t at the base Mc is the sum of the first-order

and second-order moments
5~IPu[ z
Mc = MZ.o + M.% = M~ + 12 ~ ........................... (6)

in which
62Pu12
Mo = M'.o + - - / y - (2~M. - ~'.o) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7)

in which
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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 M'.o = M . + H.1 ............................................ (8)
M, is a factored moment that is dependent on quantities derived from the
first-order analysis. Referring to Fig. 4(a), the first-order moment M~,0 is
the moment at the base due to the applied factored moment M, and lateral
force H, at the top of the column, and dP,~0is the resulting curvature at the
base.
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Eq. (6) presents a linear relationship between the total factored moment
Mc and the total curvature ~c. The slope of the line is proportional to P,l 2.
This equation clearly shows the influence of the P-A effects and the column's
length on the total moment.
Relationships similar to the one in (6) can be derived for other loading
and end conditions.

Stability
The linear moment-curvature relationship (Me - dpc) in (6), which is
derived from the factored applied loads on a column of length l, is plotted
in Fig. 5. The reduced nonlinear moment-curvature relationship (qbM-q~)
for the column's cross section is also plotted in Fig. 5 for a prescribed and
reduced nominal axial strength qbP,. The reduction factor ~b complies with
the requirements of section 9.3.2.2. of the ACI code (Building 1989). The
~bM-4~ curve is chosen in such a way that +Pn = P,, where P, is the applied
factored axial load.
Three possibilities exist. In Fig. 5(a), (6) intersects ascending portion of
the ~bM-qbcurve at point S, which represents a stable equilibrium condition.
This is illustrated by the ball in the state of equilibrium analogy. At point
S, the applied factored total moment Mc at the base of the column is equal
to that of the cross section for a curvature of qb~. It should be noted that
the descending portion of the qbM-qb curve is neglected in this study, as
shown by the dashed lines.
In Fig. 5(b), (6) intersects the +M-qb curve at points S and U. A state of
stable equilibrium exist at S while at U the equilibrium is unstable. In the
case when (6) and the qbM-4~ curve do not intersect [Fig. 5(c)], the column
is unstable at any level of curvature.

Maximum Factored Load Moment

In ultimate strength design (USD), the stable equilibrium point S [Fig.
5(a and b)] is not of practical interest. In USD, for a prescribed axial load,
the interest lies in the maximum factored total load moment (Memo) that
can be applied on a slender column of length l, and prescribed cross section
and material properties.
For a prescribed length l and cross section, the slope of the line in (6) is
constant and is proportional to Pul2. Thus, M . . . . can be determined from
the intersection of a line that is parallel to (6) and tangent to the ~bM-~
curve [point N in Fig. 6(a)]. Mcmax can be defined as the reduced nominal
strength ~bM,~ of a slender column of length l > 0, hereinafter the reduced
slender nominal strength. The difference AM between dpM n and cbMns [Fig.
6(a)] resulted from the slenderness of the column. For l ~- 0 (i.e. nonslender
column), AM ~ 0. The stable equilibrium point S, and the reduced nominal
strength points N and K for slender and nonslender columns, respectively,
are also presented on the P-M diagram in Fig. 6(b).
1121

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 (")

/I///7-I-///Z/Z/A,,;',t
/ / I l l / I l l / / I l i A 9 9 I

l
4~M.
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Me

Me
M.
t
l 0
b

~c ~.

(c)

0 ~.
FIG. 5. Stability of Column When Factored Load Equation and Ascending Portion
of ~bM-~ Curve, (a) Intersect at One Point; (b) Intersect at Two Points; (c) Do not
Intersect

APPROXIMATE M-~ RELATIONSHIP FOR COLUMN CROSS SECTION

Even for columns with prescribed lengths, end conditions, and loading
conditions, the precise determination of +M,, for different cross sections,
material properties, reinforcement ratios, and reinforcement layout is math-
ematically formidable and not suited for design practice. In curvature-based
designs, the complexity is due mainly to the nonlinearity of the +M-d~
relationship. Consequently, in order to render a mathematically complex
method into a simple, dear, and consistent design approach, some simpli-
fying assumptions and approximations are necessary. This can be achieved
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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 P ~ (b)

(a) t_. : o

K
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ff0r dO., frO. 0 Mc ~M., ~M.

FIG. 6. Slender Column: (a) Reduced Slender Nominal Strength ~bM,~ for Slendel
Column; (b) P-M Diagrams for Slender and Nonslender Columns (Me = Total Fac.
tored Moment, ~ M ~ = Reduced Slender Nominal Strength, ~bM, = Reduced Cross.
Section Strength)

(a)

qbMn . K (b)
~M.sl
~M.sz ~M. . __ . K

Mns2

FIG. 7. Intersection of Reduced Slender Nominal Strength Lines with 4~M-@ Curve
when: (a) s163-< d~P.b; (b) d~P. > 4~P.b

by deriving a mathematical expression for the reduced moment +M in terms

of the curvature qb. The simplest form would be that of a linear or a piecewise
linear relationship.

Search for Linear +M-~ Relationship

If a series of ~bM,~ lines similar to the one in Fig. 6(a) is plotted for
different column lengths and for ~bP, <_ ~bP,b, the lines would intersect the
+M-alp curve at points near that of the yield of tension steel (point I). Two
such lines are presented in Fig. 7(a). Consequently, the search for a linear
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J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 substitute to the nonlinear qbM-qb curve should yield a line that intersects
the qbM,~ lines at points near L
For nominal axial loads +P,, > ~bP,b, the ~bM,~ lines intersect the +M-qb
curve near point J [Fig. 7(b)]. Thus, the linear replacement of the +M-d~
curve should intersect the qbM,~ lines at points near J.
For conservative designs, the use of the linear substitute should produce
curvatures that are higher than the actual ones. This would lead to larger
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second-order deformations, and in turn to larger p-A effects. In the sections

to follow, it will be shown that the +M-~ line will lead to curvatures that
are smaller than the actual ones in the vicinity of the origin of the nonlinear
qbM-~ curve (i.e. small curvatures and moments). However, these small
curvatures are present in sections, along the column, that have little or no
influence on the column deformation. The advantage of the linear +M-d~
relationship lies in the ability of the proposed method to make use of the
classical theory of elasticity in the analysis and design process.

Linear ~M-~ Relationship

The criteria proposed in Heft 220 ("Bemessung" 1979) for linear ~M-~
relationships is adopted in the present study. Only grade 60 steel is consid-
ered. For grade 40 steel, a bilinear approximation is required. Grade 40
steel is available mainly in sizes No. 3 through No. 6. These bars are rarely
used as main reinforcement in columns.
For P~ -< Pnb, the line is defined by points I and A [Fig. 8(a)]. At I, the
tension steel yields; while at A, the moment strength is half that at nominal.
The line is bounded by points D(0, ~M~) and K'(@,, ~M~). ~M~ is deter-
mined from the intersection of the line with the ordinate axis. The assumed
maximum moment point K' predicts the reduced nominal moment strength
of the actual ~M-dp curve but at a curvature level that is lower than the
actual one.
For Pn > P,b, the line is defined by points A and K' [Fig. 8(b)]. Point A
is as previously defined, while K' is the intersection between a horizontal
line drawn from point K and a line extending from the origin O and inter-
secting the ~M-~P curve at point J. At J, the compression steel yields. The
line is bounded by points D(0, ~M~) and K' (~n, ~M~). ~Pn is the nominal

/
K' K
~M. ' ' ~ ---.,4D

K' K

/ .."
..."

I
iI
~M,,.~.n

~.~-
2
D
f
/:
/.:
/ ."

/
0 o r
(a) (b)
FIG. 8, Linear ~bM-~ Relationship when: (a) ~bP,, <-- ~bP,,b; (b) ~P,, > ~P,,b

1124

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 curvature at a section. The assumed nominal curvature is lower than the
actual one [Fig. 8(b)], while the nominal moment strengths are the same.
The equation of the linear d~M-@ relationship can be presented in the
following form:

+M = 6M~ + +M,, ~- qbMg @ = 4~M~ + ElVb 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9)

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in which EI = slope of the line or the assumed flexural stiffness when the
slender column reaches its reduced nominal strength (4~Mn, in Fig. 6).
A computer program, developed by the writers, was used to generate the
coordinates of points D(0, qbM~) and K'(dP,, dpM,), and the stiffness EI in
terms of the cross-section dimensions. Design tables are presented elsewhere
(Manzelli and Harik 1993) for different concrete strengths f ' , reinforcement
ratios pg, and distance between the steel layers yh.

Stability Criteria Based on Linear qbM-~

Similar to point S on the actual nonlinear ~M-q~ curve [Figs. 5(a and b)],
the intersection point S' between Eq. (6), which resulted from the factored
applied loads, and the approximate linear 6 M - ~ relationship, (9), represents
the stable equilibrium condition [Fig. 9(a)]. Eq. (6) is bounded by the
coordinates of points D and K', as shown in Fig. 9(a). Since the slopes in
both equations are always positive, the ordinate of point S' will always be
larger than M~. In the special case when l = 0, the ordinate of S' is equal
M~. The case when P, <- +P,~b is used to discuss the stability of the column
in Fig. 9(a-d). The comments to follow will also apply when P, > +P,b-
When M~ > 0oM~, (6) may intersect (9) at point S' along the segment A-
I [Fig. 9(a)], D-A [Fig. 9(b)] or I-K' [Fig. 9(c)]. The two equations may not
intersect [Fig. 9(d)]. When S' falls between points A and I, the moment
and curvature at equilibrium are both larger than the ones that would have
been predicted from the actual nonlinear 6M-~ curve. The opposite is true
when S' is between D and A. When S' lies between points I and K', (6)
would not have intersected the actual +M-~ curve, and the column would
be unstable at any loading level similar to the case in Fig. 5(c). For design
purposes, the aforementioned three cases are acceptable since the differ-
ences between the actual and assumed behavior are minimal and can be
neglected. The case when the lines do not intersect [Fig. 9(d)], the column
is considered unstable at all loading levels.
When M~ --- d~M~ (Fig. 10), (6) may intersect (9) at point S' as shown in
Fig. 10(a). In this case, point S' does not represent an actual state, and the
linear +M-q~ relationship cannot be used. S' may intersect (9) at a point
between D and A when M~ < +M~ [Fig. 10(b)]. If S' is closer to A, then
the solution would be acceptable, however if P,l 2 is very large, then the
intersection is closer to D and the solution would not be acceptable. It is
extremely difficult to set a limit on the P,I 2 coefficient when S' falls between
D and A; consequently, the proposed method is not recommended for use,
and in such cases, the actual nonlinear 6M-qb curve must be used. When
S' is located between points A and K' and following the reasoning in the
previous paragraph, the results are acceptable for design. For the special
case when the two lines [(6) and (9)] overlap, S' should be taken as point
A where the moment strength is +MJ2 and the curvature is determined
from (9) with the help of the design tables (Manzelli and Harik 1993).
The proposed method is acceptable for design when (6) and (9) intersect
and M~ > q~M~, and when M~ --- d)M~ and the ordinate of the intersection
1125

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 K' K K I
,fM. E' ~ j j . - o
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M(:

, ,,
A. $' ,A zEq9 !
Mc~
Ma / / ~ Elq 9
I
:l # Ii
I
I
P"< ~' P,~b
~~ iI
1
Eq. 6

0 4~c
(a) (b)

K I,
S~ K ~
~Mn I"--' S',~-~-'~-~
'''4 K ~Mn --' --OK
Me/ .~'~>[ j

l-
//
!
/

~ M~ ,//

0 ~c ~. 0
(c) (a)
FIG. 9. Stability of Column Based on Linear ~bM-~bRelationship when P. <- ~bP.b,
M~ > ~M~, and: (a) Eq. (6) Intersects Eq. (9) between Points A and/, (b) Eq. (6)
Intersects Eq. (9) between Points D and A, (c) Eq. (6) Intersects Eq. (9) between
Points I and K'; and ( ~ Eq. (6) Does not Intersect Eq. (9)

lies between +Mn/2and qbM, [i.e. S' between points A and K' in Fig. 10(b)].
It should be noted that point S' in Figs. 9(b) and 10(a and b) represent the
ease of an overly designed cross section, and a more economical design is
recommended.

EQUATIONS FOR ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

Point S' [Fig. 9(a-c)], the intersection between the applied factored load
equation, (6), and the approximate moment-curvature equation, (9), can
1126

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 K' K | K'
qbMn I "/i~.ed~.'' e ~M. Eq'
I --l- ' e~'~
E q . ~
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D i/,.),/ k
-f~711
- -

-f ~--~14"----
~li'~f Pu 4:4 Pnb
4M~ Ma~s'w~IS It-
OMB Ma--["~' t 9
(a) (b)

FIG. 10. Stability of Column Based on Linear 6M-q~ Relationship when P. -< 6P~b,
M~ -< 6M~, and: (a) Eq. (6) Does not intersect Eq. (9); (b) Eq. (6) intersects Eq. (9)
Between Points D and A
now be used to express the slope E1 in (9) in terms of the coordinates of
points S'(@c, Mc) and K'(q~n, +M~)
El- d~Mn - M~
9 ~ - ~c " .......................................... (10)

from which
OoM~ - Mc
c#c = ~" EI ...................................... (11)

Upon substitution of (11) into (6), the expression for the total factored
moment Mc becomes
p"12 [
M~o + ~ 2{2dPM, -- {2q)Z,o + 51;1~n -- 5{1 qbM"]
EI ]
M~ = 5f;1 Pul 2 ....... (12)
1
12 E1
For convenience, (12) can be presented in terms of moments instead of
curvatures. When the column is only subjected to M u (i.e. Mc = M, and
~c = q~v.), the slope E1 of the approximate moment-curvature equation,
(9), can be expressed in terms of the coordinates of points S'(q~iu, M,) and
D(0, ,Ms) in Figs. 9(a-c).
EI M , I-~ g uOoMu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (13)

from which
M. - 4,M~ ......................................... (14)
~M,, = E1
1127
J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.
 Eqs. (13) and (14) are only valid when M. > +Mp. When M. <- ~bM~,
its influence on the second-order moment can be neglected by setting qbm.
= 0 in (12).
Similar to the derivation of (14), the first-order curvature d~Lotakes the
following form when M~o > doMe:

r Mro - d~M~
(15)
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E1
When M~o <- +M~, d)~o should be set equal to zero in (12).
The nominal curvature cO. can also be presented in the following form:
qbM. - qbMp
dpn = ......................................... (16)
E1
Substitution of (14)-(16) into (7) and (12) results in the following expres-
sion for the moments M~ and Mc:

M~ = MZ.o + ~ M, ..................................... (17)

{5~xPul2)
Me, - \ l-'i~i-] doMp
Mc = ................................. (18)
2~
1 - \ 12EI /

in which, for quadratic curvature distribution

M+ = 2M. - M~o - ~bMp; when M. > ~bM~ and M,~,o > qbM~ .. (19a)
z + d~M~; when M. <- qbM~ and MZ~o > r
M, = _ M.o ....... (19b)
M, = 0; when M , , -< OM~ and M~o <- OoM~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (19c)
and for uniform curvature
M, = 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (20)
Once the cross-section and material properties are known, then +M~ and
EI are determined from the design tables (Manzelli and Harik 1993), and
(18) can be used to check the adequacy of the column of length t subjected
to the factored loads /4,, M,, and P,. Analysis and design examples for
prismatic and nonprismatic columns are presented elsewhere (Manzelli and
Harik 1993).

COMPARISON OF RESULTS
For verification, the results of the present study are compared with pre-
viously reported experimental results (Breen 1962; Breen and Ferguson
1966; Poston et al. 1985a) and predictions using programs BIMPHI and
PIER (Poston 1980; Poston et al. 1983, 1985a). BIMPHI is a subroutine of
the program PIER (Poston 1980; Poston et al. 1983), and was developed
to calculate the axial-load-moment-curvature relationship (P-M-D).
1128

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 Moment-Curvature Comparison
Experimental studies were conducted by Breen (1962) on a number of
uniaxially bent rectangular columns subjected to a constant axial load. Two
column cross sections and material properties are shown in Figs. ll(a) and
12(a). Column C5 [Fig. ll(a)] has an axial-load level above the balanced
load. For column C7 [Fig. 12(a)], the axial-load level is below that at balance.
A BIMPHI analysis of the two columns was conducted by Poston et al.
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(1985a). Since the columns were cast horizontally, and following the rec-
ommendations by Fowler (1966), Poston et al. (1985a) modified the
Hognestad stress-strain curve by using the maximum compressive stress as
0.95f'. For comparison, the maximum compressive stress was increased to
0.95f" in the stress-strain model in Fig. l(a). Furthermore, the reduction
factor ~ was set equal to 1.0.
Figs. 11(b) and 12(b) compare the results of the present study with the
results from the BIMPHI analysis and a least-squares fit of the test data
obtained by Breen (1962). The agreement is very good.

Axial-Load-Moment Comparison
Breen and Ferguson (1966) reported test data on the slender column
shown in Fig. 13 ( k l / r = 138.6). The column loading, cross-section dimen-
sions, and material properties are also shown in Fig. 13(a). The program
PIER was used by Poston et al. (1985a) to analyze the slender column. A
maximum compressive stress of 0.95f'c was again used in the stress-strain
curve since the column was cast horizontally. The reduction factor was also
set equal to 1.0.
In Fig. 13(b), the results from the present study are compared with those

600

400

ta
M
bh z
(psi)
2oo //~/ P/Po = 0 . 5 Z 4
P > Pb

0 = I l I =
.002 .O04

~,h (rad.)
FIG. 11. Breen (1962) Column C5: (a) C o l u m n Cross-Section Dimensions and
Material Properties; (b) Moment-Curvature Curves (Po = Nominal Load at Zero
Eccentricity) (1 psi = 6.9 kPa, 1 in. = 2.54 cm)

1129

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 600
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400

M
bh 2
(psi)
200
/II ,,-,
P/Po" O. 146
f P <Pb

0 I i | I m I~
0 .002 ,004 .006

C~ xh ( ro d.)

FIG. 12. Breen (1962) Column C7: (a) Column Cross-Section Dimensions and
Material Properties; (b) Moment-Curvature Curves (/'o = Nominal Load at Zero
Eccentricity) (1 psi = 6.9 kPa, 1 in. --- 2.54 cm)

l
I00

80

~. 60
s I

Present Study X
~_ 4o
x \

20

20 40 60
MOMENT(in.- kips }

FIG. 13. Breen and Ferguson (1967) Column G2: (a) Column Dimensions, Load-
ing, and Material Properties; (b) Axial Load-Bending Moment Interaction (1 psi =
6.9 kPa, 1 in. = 2.54 cm)

1130

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.

 of PIER and the test data. The agreement is very good. The proposed
method slightly underestimates the strength of the column as shown in Fig.
13(b). The figure also shows the nominal eccentricity and load of 28 kips
(124.6 kN), which would be expected if there were no p-A effect.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

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The derivation and implementation of a hand-calculation technique is

developed for the analysis and design of slender cantilever columns and
bridge piers. The proposed method is based on a linear approximation of
the actual nonlinear moment-curvature relationship for a prescribed level
of axial loading. For verification, the results of this method were compared
with test data and predictions using sophisticated computer programs. The
method accurately predicted the P-M-oh behavior of reinforced concrete
columns.

APPENDIX. REFERENCES
Arenas DePablo, J. J. (1980). "Design of rectangular reinforced concrete columns
according to second order theory." Editores Tecnicos Asociados S.A., Barcelona,
Spain (in Spanish).
"Bemessung von Beton und Stahlbeton-bauteilen nach DIN-1045." (1979). Heft220.
Schriftenreihe des Deutschen Ausschusses fur Stahlbeton (DAfStb). Wilhelm, Ernst
& Sohn, Berlin, Germany (in German).
"Beton und Stahlbetonbau." (1978). Bemessung undAusfuhrung, DIN 1045. Beuth-
Vertrieb, Berlin, Germany (in German).
Breen, J. E. (1962). "The restrained long concrete column as a part of a rectangular
frame," PhD dissertation, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
Breen, J. E., and Ferguson, P. M. (1966). "The tall bridge pier subject to longitudinal
bridge forces and tilting of the base." Final report to the office of the chief of
engineers, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
Building code requirements for reinforced concrete (ACI 318-89) and Commentary
(ACI 318R-89). (1989). American Concrete Institute, Detroit, Mich.
Chang, W. F., and Ferguson, P. M. (1963). "Long hinged reinforced concrete col-
umns." ACIJ., 60(1), 1-25.
EI-Metwally, S. E., and Chen, W. F. (1989). "Load-deformation relations for rein-
forced concrete sections." ACI Struct. J., 86(2), 163-167.
Fowler, T. J. (1966). "Reinforced concrete columns governed by concrete compres-
sion," PhD dissertation, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
Furlong, R. W. (1976). "Guidelines for analyzing column slenderness by a rational
analysis of an elastic frame." A CI J., 73(3), 138-140.
Gooden, W. G. (1965). Numerical analysis of beam and column structures. Prentice-
Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Huang, C. (1990). "Nonlinear time-dependent finite element analysis of reinforced
concrete space frames containing slender columns and flanged beams," PhD dis-
sertation, Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.
Huber, A. (1983). "Pre-analysis of reinforced concrete structures stability." Jornadas
de Ingenieria Estructural, III, Asociacion de Ingenieros Estructurales, Buenos
Aires, Argentina (in Spanish).
Leonhardt, F., and Monnig, E. (1985). Reinforced concrete structures, Vol. 1, Ed-
itorial E1 Ateneo, Buenos Aires, Argentina (in Spanish).
Manzelli, A. A., and Harik, I. E. (1993). "Prismatic and nonprismatic slender col-
umns and bridge piers." J. Struct. Engrg., ASCE, 119(4), 1133-1149.
McGregor, J. G. (1988). Reinforced concrete--mechanics and design. Prentice-Hall,
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
"Model code for concrete structures." (1978). Bulletin d'Information 124/125E, Com-
ite Euro-Internationale du Beton, Paris, France.
1131

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 Park, R., and Paulay, T. (1975). Reinforced concrete structures. John Wiley & Sons,
New York, N.Y.
Poston, R. W. (1980). "Computer analysis of slender nonprismatic or hollow bridge
piers," MS thesis, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
Poston, R. W., Breen, J, E., and Roesset, J. M. (1985a). "Analysis of nonprismatic
or hollow slender concrete bridge piers." ACI J., 82(5), 731-739.
Poston, R. W., Gilliam, T. E., Yamarnoto, Y., and Breen, J. E. (1985b). "Hollow
concrete bridge piers." ACI J., 82(6), 779-787.
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Poston, R. W., Diaz, M., and Breen, J. E. (1986). "Design trends for concrete
bridge piers." ACI J., 83(1), 14-20.
Poston, R. W., Diaz, M., Breen, J. E., and Roesset, J. M. (1983). "Design of
slender, nonprismatic, and hollow concrete bridge piers." Res. Rep. No. 254-2F,
Center for Transportation Research, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
Quast, U. (1980). Slender concrete columns--conferences 1980. Instituto Nacional
de Tecnologia Industrial, Buenos Aires, Argentina (in Spanish).
Quast, U. (1985). Slender concrete columns--conferences 1985. Instituto Nacional
de Tecnologia Industrial, Buenos Aires, Argentina (in Spanish).
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. (1989). 14th Ed. American Association
ot State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Washington, D.C.
Wood, B. R., Beaulieu, D., and Adams, P. F. (1976). "Column design by P-delta
method." J. Struct. Engrg., ASCE, 102(2), 411-427.

1132

J. Struct. Eng. 1993.119:1114-1132.