Al-Ahliyya Amman University

Faculty of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

A0864502 Design of Steel Structures

Second Semester 2021-2022

Assignment #2

Instructor: Ayah A. Alkhawaldeh

Student Name:

Student Number:
Problem 1

a. What is the meaning of buckling?

Buckling can be defined as the sudden large deformation of the structure due to a slight increase of
an existing load under which the column had exhibited little if any, deformation before the load was
increased so the buckling is a loss of column stability due to a small width/ depth to height.
b. b. Define the factors that affect buckling?
K: the effective length factor
L: the unsupported height of the column
R: The radius of gyration
Pcr: Critical buckling load

c. State the three types of columns and explain how to differentiate between them.
1- Long Columns:
The Euler formula predicts very well the strength of long columns where the axial
buckling stress remains below the proportional limit. Such columns will buckle
elastically.
2- Short Columns:
For short columns, the failure stress will equal the yield stress and no buckling will
occur. (For a column to fall into this class, it would have to be so short as to have no
practical application. Thus, no further reference is made to them here.)

3- Intermediate Columns

For intermediate columns, some of the fibers will reach the yield stress and some will
not. The members will fail by both yielding and buckling, and their behavior is said to
be inelastic. Most columns fall into this range. (For the Euler formula to be applicable
to such columns, it would have to be modified according to the reduced modulus
concept or the tangent modulus concept to account for the presence of residual
stresses.)

Problem 2

Determine the critical stresses for a main member of (𝐾𝐿 = 30) and a secondary member of (𝐾𝐿 = 150),
𝑟 𝑟
using A36 steel. 𝐹𝑦 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖.

Problem 3

Compute the LRFD axial compressive design strength for each of the columns shown below. Use A992
steel, 𝑭𝒚 = 𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝒔𝒊.
Problem 4

Select the lightest W-section for the service loads; 𝑃𝐷 (Dead Load) =150 kips, 𝑃𝐿 (Live Load) =180
kips,
KL=8 ft. Use A36 steel. 𝐹𝑦 = 36 𝑘𝑠𝑖. Consider flexural type buckling
Problem 5

A W12×58, 24 ft long, is pinned at both ends and braced in the weak direction at the third points, as
shown in figure below, A992 steel is used 𝑭𝒚 = 𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝒔𝒊. Determine the available compressive strength.
Problem 6

Determine the effective length factor for each of the columns of the frame shown below if the frame is
not braced against sidesway. Use the alignment charts.