Classification of Columns

A columns are classified based on different criteria such as:

1. Shapes of Cross-Section

2. Material of Construction

3. Types of Loading

4. Slenderness Ratio

5.  Types of Lateral Reinforcement

Shapes of Cross-Section

1. Square 

2. Rectangular

3. Circular

4. Pentagonal

5. Hexagonal

6. Octagonal

7. T-Shape or L-Shape etc.

Material of Construction

1. Timber Column

2. Masonry Column

3. R.C.C Column

4. Steel Column

5. Composite Column

Types of Loading

1. Axially Loaded Column

2. Eccentrically Loaded Column

Slenderness Ratio

1. Long Column

2. Short Column

3. Intermediate Column
What Is Short Column? 

When this ratio of effective length to the least lateral dimensions of this

column is less than 12, then it is knowns a short column.

When this ratio of effective length to the least radius of gyration is less than
45, then it is called a short column.When the length of the column is less
as compared to its c/s dimension, it is called the Short column.

Short Column

A short column is the one whose ratio of effective length to its least lateral
dimension is less than or equal to 12. Then it is termed as a short column.

 lef / b ≤ 12

lef = effective length

b = least lateral dimension of column

What Is Intermediate Column? | Intermediate

Column

Column is Intermediate

30d > L > 4d

and

100 > Le / r min > 30or Critical slenderness ratio.

What Is Long Column?

A long or slender column is the one whose ratio of effective length to its
least lateral dimension is not less than 12. Then it is termed as a long
column.

 lef / b ≤ 12

lef = effective length

b = least lateral dimension of column

Long Column

When this ratio of effective length to the least radius of gyration is

greater than 45, then it is called a long column.
A long column is subjected to a bending moment in addition to direct
compressive stress. The load-carrying capacity of a long column is less
than a short column.

The load-carrying capacity of a long column depends upon slenderness

ratio (slenderness ratio increases then the capacity of the column
decreases)

Difference Between Short Column and Long Column

Sr.No. Long Column Short Column

Long column is considered to be long if the ratio Short column is considered to be short if the
1 of effective length of column to its least lateral ratio of effective length to its least lateral
dimension is greater than 12. dimension is less than or equal to 12.

Long column is weaker than a short column and The short column is stronger than a long
2
generally, it is not preferred. column and it is highly preferable.

 Long column, whose lateral dimension is very Short column, whose lateral dimension is very
3 small when compared to its length (or height), large when compared to its length (or height), is
is called as long column. called a short column.

4 It is generally fails by buckling. It generally fails by crushing.

5 The slenderness ratio is greater than 45. The slenderness ratio is less than 45.

As the height of column increases the load As the height of the column decreases the load-
6
carrying capacity is less. carrying capacity is more.

7 Long Column Radius of gyration is less. Short column radius of gyration is more.
8 Load carrying capacity is less. Load-carrying capacity is more.

The short column is subjected to compressive

9 Long column is subjected to buckling stress
stress.

10 Long and slender columns buckle easily. The buckling tendency is very low.

The ratio of the effective length of a short

The ratio of effective length of a long column to
11 column to its least radius of gyration is less than
its least radius of gyration is greater than 40.
or equal to 40.

12 The failure of the short column is by crushing. The column generally fails in buckling.

Types of Lateral Reinforcement 

 A column with Lateral Ties.

 A column with Helical Ties.

Failure Mode of Column

 A column can fail in one of three conditions.

 Compression failure of concrete or steel reinforcement.

 Buckling.

 Combination of compression and buckling failure.

 Compression failure is likely to occur with columns that are short and
stocky.

 Buckling is probable with a column which is long and slender.

Euler's Theory of Columns: Limitations of Euler's Theory

Euler's Theory of Columns states that a column behaves to resist buckling.

He stated that the end condition of the columns and flexural rigidity
influence buckling. Therefore, Euler's Theory of Columns can be used to
calculate the buckling load of the column (critical after which the column
buckles). There is also a condition that the column is elastic and stress
remains constant.

Euler's Theory of Columns plays a significant role while preparing for GATE
ME 2023 Exam. Below we have given comprehensive Euler's Theory of
Columns Study Notes for Mechanical Engineering. Let's take a look and
understand the Theory deeply.

Table of Content

 1. Euler's Theory of Columns

 2. Columns and Struts
 3. Assumptions of Euler’s Column Theory
 4. Limitation of Euler’s Formula
 5. Effective Length for Different End Conditions
 6. Modes of Failure of Columns

Euler's Theory of Columns

Euler's theory of columns relates the buckling strength of a column to

different types of column supports. According to Euler's theory of column,
failure of a column occurs either due to the buckling load or due to the
buckling criteria.
Euler's theory of columns is a very important concept for the designing of
the column type member and also for the designing of the struts. This
theorem is used to calculate the critical buckling load on the column.

Columns and Struts

Columns and struts are structural members used to resist compressive

loads. Struts are only designed to resist the compressive load, but the
column is designed to take a minimum of the compressive strength and
buckling load.

 A structural member subjected to an axial compressive force is called

a strut. Per definition, struts may be horizontal, inclined, or even
vertical.
 The vertical strut is called a column.

Students can also Check this BYJUS Exam Prep Video Regarding Euler's
theory of Columns and Buckingham Theorem to better understand
concepts.