Introduction to Axially Loaded Compression Members

There are several types of compression members, the column being the best known. Among the other
types are the top chords of trusses and various bracing members

Short vertical members subjected to compressive loads are often called struts, or simply, compression members or
columns

SECTIONS USED FOR COLUMNS

Theoretically, an endless number of shapes can be selected to safely resist a compressive load in a given
structure. And The sections used for compression members usually are similar to those used for tension member

. Single-angle members (a) are satisfactory for use as bracing and compression members in light trusses.
Equal-leg angles may be more economical than unequal-leg angles, because their least r values are
greater for the same area of steel.

members of bolted roof trusses might consist of a pair of angles back to back. There will often be a space
between them for the insertion of a gusset or connection plate at the joints necessary for connections to other
members.
 Failure mode of compression members
There are three general modes by which axially loaded columns can fail. These are flexural buckling, local
buckling, and torsional buckling. These modes of buckling are briefly defined as follows:
1. Flexural buckling (also called Euler buckling) Members are subject to flexure, or bending, when they
become unstable.

2. Local buckling occurs when some part or parts of the cross section of a column are so thin that they
buckle locally in compression before the other modes can occur

3. Flexural torsional buckling may occur in columns that have certain cross sectional configurations.
These columns fail by twisting (torsion) or by a combination of torsional and flexural buckling
 The Euler Formula
in 1757, Euler, a Swiss mathematician, wrote a paper of great value concerning the buckling of columns. He
was probably the first person to realize the significance of buckling. The Euler formula, the most famous of
all column expressions,. This formula marked the real beginning of theoretical and experimental
investigation of columns.
For a column to buckle elastically, it will have to be long and slender. Its buckling load P can be
computed with the Euler formula that follow

P = (π2EI) / (L2)
2
r = 𝐼𝐼/𝐴𝐴

I = r2 A

Then P = (π 2 E r 2A) / (L2) by dividing by r2

Euler buckling Stress (Fe) = P/A = ( π2E) / (L/r)2

(L/r) the slenderness ratio of a column

Example

A W10x22 is used as a15-ft long pin –connected column. using the Euler expression, determine the critical or
buckling load. assume that the steel has yield stress of 36ksi.Repeat the solution with length =8 ft.
Solution

W10X22 ( A=6.49 in2, rx=4.27 in , ry=1.33 in )

Initial buckling ultimately happens around a weak axis y

L/ ry=15x12/1.33=135.34

Fe= π2E/(L/r)2 = π2X29000/(135.34)2= 15.63 ksi < 36 ksi

Repeating the solution with length =8 ft.

L/ ry=8x12/1.33=72.18

Fe= π2E/(L/r)2= π2X29000/(72.18)2=54.94 ksi > 36 ksi

Column is inelastic range and Euler equation is not applicable
 The Euler Formula
in 1757, Euler, a Swiss mathematician, wrote a paper of great value concerning the buckling of columns. He
was probably the first person to realize the significance of buckling. The Euler formula, the most famous of
all column expressions,. This formula marked the real beginning of theoretical and experimental
investigation of columns.
For a column to buckle elastically, it will have to be long and slender. Its buckling load P can be
computed with the Euler formula that follow

P = (π2EI) / (L2)
2
r = 𝐼𝐼/𝐴𝐴

I = r2 A

Then P = (π 2 E r 2A) / (L2) by dividing by r2

elastic Euler buckling Stress (Fe) = P/A = ( π2E) / (L/r)2

(L/r) the slenderness ratio of a column

Example /A W10x22 is used as a15-ft long pin –connected column. using the Euler expression, determine the
critical or buckling load. assume that the steel has yield stress of 36ksi.Repeat the solution with length =8 ft.

Solution

W10X22 ( A=6.49 in2, rx=4.27 in , ry=1.33 in )

Initial buckling ultimately happens around a weak axis y

L/ ry=15x12/1.33=135.34

Fe= π2E/(L/r)2 = π2X29000/(135.34)2= 15.63 ksi < 36 ksi

Elastic buckling load = 6.49x15.64= 101.5 k

Repeating the solution with length =8 ft.

L/ ry=8x12/1.33=72.18

Fe= π2E/(L/r)2= π2X29000/(72.18)2=54.94 ksi > 36 ksi

Column is inelastic range and Euler equation is not applicable
 End restraint and effective lengths of columns
The results obtained by application of the formula to specific examples compare very well with test results for
concentrically loaded, long, slender columns with pinned ends. Whoever, the practical columns we encounter have
different end conditions varying from slight restraint to almost fixed conditions.

The effective length of a column is defined

as the distance between
points of zero moment in the column, that is,
the distance between its inflection points.
In steel specifications, the effective length
of a column is referred to as KL,
where K is the effective length factor.
K is the number that must be multiplied
by the length of the column to find its effective
length.
For braced frames, K values
can never be greater than
1.0, but for unbraced
frames, the K values will
always be greater than 1.0
because of sidesway
 stiffened and unstiffened elements
Each member consists of many elements connecting together to form the final shape of a section, for
example ,

I shaped section consists of three elements ,two flange and one web.
L section consist of two elements and etc.
If one of these elements of a section was thin, it would susceptible to buck locally
The AISC Specification (Section B4) provides limiting values for the width to thickness ratios of the
individual parts of compression members.
If, however, one of these elements is folded or restrained, its stiffness is appreciably increased. For
this reason, two categories are listed in the AISC Manual: stiffened elements and unstiffened
elements.
An unstiffened element is a projecting piece with one free edge parallel to the direction of the
compression force, while a stiffened element is supported along the two edges in that direction. These two
types of elements are illustrated below. In each case, the width, b, and the thickness, t, of the elements in
question are shown.
 nonslender element or slender element.
Compression sections are classified as either a nonslender element or a slender element. A nonslender
element is one where the width-to-thickness of its compression elements does not exceed any value of λ𝑟𝑟
from Table B4.la of the AISC Specification.
The limiting values for λ𝑟𝑟 , are given in Table B4.1a of the AISC Specification.

If the member is defined as a nonslender element compression member, we should refer to Section E3 of
the AISC Specification. The nominal compressive strength is then determined based only on the limit
state of flexural buckling.

When the member is defined as a slender element compression member, the nominal compressive strength shall
be taken as the lowest value based on the limit states of flexural buckling, torsional buckling, and flexural-
torsional buckling. We should refer to Section E7 of the AISC Specification for this condition.
NOTE: if all elements of a section were nonsleder except one element was slender then the section is called
nonslender section
 Column formulas

The AISC Specification provides one equation (the Euler equation) for long columns with elastic
buckling and an empirical parabolic equation for short and intermediate columns. With these equations, a
flexural buckling stress, Fen is determined for a compression member. Once this stress is computed for a
particular member, it is multiplied by the cross-sectional area of the member to obtain its nominal strength
P n- The LRFD design strength of a column may be determined as follows:
elastic Euler buckling Stress (Fe) = P/A = ( π2E) / (L/r)2

End restraint and effective lengths of columns

After using k the elastic Euler buckling Stress (Fe) = P/A = ( π2E) / (KL/r)2
stiffened and unstiffened elements
 nonslender element or slender element.

For each element of a section check using B4.la

b/t or h/tw ≤ λ𝑟𝑟 element is nonslender
b/t or h/tw λ𝑟𝑟 > λ𝑟𝑟 element is slender

If all element of a section are nonslender the section is nonslender then go to …. E3

IF all elements of a section are slender the section is slender then go to ….. E7
IF all elements of a section are non slender except one slender element
the section is slender then go to ….. E7
 E3- Flexural buckling of a member without slender element
The AISC Specification provides one equation (the Euler equation) for long columns with elastic buckling and
an empirical parabolic equation for short and intermediate columns.
The normail compressive strength shall be determined based on limit state of flexural buckling

𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 ------------------------ (AISC Equation E3-1)

Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 ---------------------- Ø𝑐𝑐 = 0.9

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐸𝐸
a) If ≤ 4.71
𝑟𝑟 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
Then 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = [0.658 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 ] 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 (AISC Equation E3-2)

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐸𝐸
a) If >4.71
𝑟𝑟 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦

Then 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 0.877𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒

Fe, Elastic critical stress of Euler Stress

Fe = π2E / (k L/r)2 (AISC Equation E3-4)
Example

Determine the LRFD strength, Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 , for the W12 x 72 column shown below, if a 50-ksi is used

Solution
Proprieties of the W12 x 72 section from table 1-1 are ( A=21.1 in2,𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥 = 5.31 in, 𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦 =3.04, d=12.3 in, 𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 = 12 in, 𝑡𝑡𝑓𝑓 =
0.67 in, k=1.27 in ,𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 =0.43 in ).
First of all, we must determine stiffened and unstiffened elements
So, web is stiffened element, from table B4.1a , case 5
𝑑𝑑−2𝑘𝑘 12.3−2𝑥𝑥 1.27
h/𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 = = = 22.7
𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 0.43

𝐸𝐸 29000
ʎr= 1.49 =1.49 = 35.88
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50
22.7<35.88, the element is non-slender

While flange is unstiffened element, from case3

12/2
b/t= = 8.96
0.67

𝐸𝐸 29000
ʎr= 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.49
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50
8.96< 13.49 the element is non-slender.
As being all elements in this section are non-slender, the section is non-slender
Then the flexural buckling can be calculating using column formula.
K= 0.8, fixed and pinned ends.
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 0.8 𝑥𝑥 15 𝑥𝑥12
= = 47.37 -------- control
𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦 3.04
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 0.8 𝑥𝑥 15 𝑥𝑥12
= = 27.11
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 5.31

𝐸𝐸 29000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.43
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐸𝐸
Then If ≤ 4.71
𝑟𝑟 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = [0.658 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 ] 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
Fe = π2E / (k L/r)2 = π2x29000/ (0.8x15x12/3.04) =127.55 ksi
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = [0.658 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 ] 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 =[0.658 127.55 ] 50 = 42.43 ksi
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 = 0.9x 42.43x21.1= 805.74 k
Example 5-4
Determine the strength capacity of an HSS 16X 16 X1/2 with Fy =46 ksi is used for an 18-ft-long column with
simple end support.

Solution
Properties (A=28.3 in2, twall=0.465 in, rx=ry=6.31in)
For tube the plane length = total length -3t = b
b= 16-3x 0.465= 14.6 in
From case 6
29000
b/t = (16-3x0.465)/0.465=31.4 < 1.4 = 35.13, element is non-slender
46

section is non-slender

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1𝑥𝑥 18𝑥𝑥12 29000

= = 34.23 < 4.71 = 118.26 then use equation E3-2
𝑟𝑟 6.31 46
 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = [0.658 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 ] 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
Fe = π2E / (k L/r)2 = π2x29000/ (1x18x12/6.31)2 =244.25 ksi
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 46
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = [0.658 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 ] 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 =[0.658 244.25 ] 46 = 42.15 ksi
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 =0.9X 42.15X28.3= 1074 K

Helpful tables

The AISC provides helpful tables for all nonslender sections. It is table 4-22 in which
a few steps are required To find the strength design of a section(Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 ).
Tables 4-1 to 4-11
Are provided also to calculate the compressive strength capacity for all nonslender and slender sections
Repeated previous Example using tables
Determine the strength capacity of an HSS 16X 16 X1/2 using helpful tables with Fy =46 ksi is used for an 18-ft-
long column with simple end support.
1- using table 4-22
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1𝑥𝑥 18𝑥𝑥12
= = 34.23 use =35
𝑟𝑟 6.31
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
From table 4-22 , Fy =46 , =35
𝑟𝑟
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =38.1 ksi
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 = 28.3 x 38.1= 1078 k
2- use table 4-4
KL= 18 ft, Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 = 1080 k
 Bracing of weak axis of a column

Increasing the strength capacity of a column is applicable by bracing the weak axis of the column laterally
Example

Determine the LRFD strength Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 for the 50 ksi axially loaded W14x90 in figure below. This column is
braced perpendicular to its weak axis

Solution
Properties of the member ( A=26.5 in2, rx=6.14 in , ry=3.7 in )
Now and after looking to the column, we Can see that there are to
points to brace the column perpendicular to its weak axis Y-Y and
no any bracing about the strong X-X
𝑑𝑑−2𝑘𝑘 14−2𝑥𝑥 1.31
h/𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 = = = 25.8
𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 0.44

𝐸𝐸 29000
ʎr= 1.49 =1.49 = 35.88
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50

25.8<35.88, the element is non-slender

While web is unstiffened element, from case 1
 14.5/2
b/t= = 10.8
0.67

𝐸𝐸 29000
ʎr= 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.49
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50

10.8<13.49
Section is non-slender
For weak Axis
L1= 10 ft, L2=10ft, L3= 12ft
Ky1 L1=1x10 = 10 -------- K=1 control for weak axis
Ky2 L2=1X10= 10 -------- K=1
Ky3 L1=0.8X12 =9.6 --------- K=0.8
KX L = 0.8 X 32= 25.6 ------- K=0.8 control for strong axis
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 25.6𝑥𝑥12
= = 50.03 --------- control
𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥 6.14
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 10𝑥𝑥12
= = 32.43
𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦 3.7
From table 4-22
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
≈ 51
𝑟𝑟
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =37.3 ksi

Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 =37.3x 26.5=994 k

Question for all

Can we use tables 4-1 to 4-11 to solve the question? .

The answer will be NO because these tables are limited only when the weak axis of a column is the
control axis

But we can use these table if we make a legitimate ploy ‫ﺣﯿﻠﺔ ﺷﺮﻋﯿﺔ‬
 legitimate ploy ‫ﺣﯿﻠﺔ ﺷﺮﻋﯿﺔ‬

Assume the slenderness ratio in Y direction = the slenderness ratio in X direction

𝑘𝑘𝑦𝑦 𝐿𝐿𝑦𝑦 𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝑥𝑥

=
𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦 𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥
𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝑥𝑥 𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦
Ky Ly =
𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥

Now calculate real Ky Ly

𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝑥𝑥 𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦
1- if real Ky Ly was equal or larger than this theoretical Ky Ly = Then enter it to the table and find Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛
𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥
𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝑥𝑥 𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦
2- if real Ky Ly was less ,then you can use the equivalent slenderness ratio value which is Ky Ly equivalent =
𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥
Repeated Example

Determine the LRFD strength Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 for the 50 ksi axially loaded W14x90 in figure below. This column is braced
perpendicular to its weak axis. Use table 4-1 , ( A=26.5 in2, rx=6.14 in , ry=3.7 in )

Ky1 L1=1x10 = 10 -------- K=1 control for weak axis

Ky2 L2=1X10= 10 -------- K=1
Ky3 L1=0.8X12 =9.6 --------- K=0.8
KX L = 0.8 X 32= 25.6 ------- K=0.8 control for strong axis

𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝑥𝑥 𝑟𝑟𝑦𝑦 0.8 𝑥𝑥32 𝑥𝑥3.7

Ky Ly equivalent = = =15.42 > 10
𝑟𝑟𝑥𝑥 6.14
then = 𝑘𝑘𝑦𝑦 𝐿𝐿𝑦𝑦 =15.42 , from table 4-1 Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =991 k.
 Design of Axially Loaded Compression Members

The design of columns is a trial-and-error process. The LRFD design stress Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 are not known until a
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
column size is selected, and vice versa. To select a column size first assume that the = 50 and the
𝑟𝑟
column is nonslender and continue using formula tell getting adequate section.
Example
Using Fy = 50 ksi, select the lightest W14 available for the service column loads PD= 130k and PL =
210k, KL = l0ft.
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
Pu= ( 1.2)(130k) + ( 1.6)(210k) = 492k , Assume = 50, From table 4-22, Fy = 50 ksi
𝑟𝑟
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =37.5
𝑃𝑃 492
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 =Ø 𝐹𝐹𝑢𝑢 = = 13.12 in2
𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 37.5

From manual table 1-1

Try W14x48 , A=14.1, rx=5.85 in, ry=1.91in

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 10 𝑥𝑥12
= =62.83 ≈63 , From table 4-22 , Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =33.7 ksi
𝑟𝑟 1.91

Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 =33.7x14.1=475 < 492k not o.k , So try larger section
ChooseW14 X53 , A= 15.6 in2 rx=5.89 in, ry=1.92in
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 10 𝑥𝑥12
= =62.5 ≈63
𝑟𝑟 1.92

From table 4-22 , Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =33.7 ksi

Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 = 33.7 x 15.6= 525 > 492k

525−492
The increasing ratio= ≈ 7% 0.k
492
Example
Select a pair of 12-in standard channels for the column shown in Fig. 6.8, using Fy = 50 ksi. For connection
purposes, the back-to-back distance of the channels is to be 12 in. PD = 100 k and PL = 300 k.

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
Pu= ( 1.2)(100k) + ( 1.6)(300k) = 600k , Assume =50,
𝑟𝑟
From table 4-22, Fy = 50 ksi
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =37.5
600
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 =Ø𝑐𝑐𝑃𝑃𝐹𝐹𝑢𝑢𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐= = 16 in2
37.5

Try 2CI2 X 30s. (For each channel, A = 8.81 in2 , Ix , = 162 in4 , I y = 5.12 in4)
For total section
Ix= (2)( 162) = 324 in4
l y = (2)(5.12) + (2)(8.81)(6-0.674)2 = 510 in4

rx=
2 𝐼𝐼𝑥𝑥
=
2 324 I=I +Ad2
= 4.28 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖.
𝐴𝐴 17.62
 2 510
r y= 2 𝐼𝐼𝑦𝑦
= =5.37 in
17.62
𝐴𝐴

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 12 𝑥𝑥20
= = 55.94
𝑟𝑟 4.29
Check if the section is non or slender
For flange go to case 3
3.17 𝐸𝐸 29000
b/t= = 6.32 < ʎr = 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.49
0.501 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50

For flange go to case.14

𝑑𝑑−2𝑘𝑘 12.−2𝑥𝑥 1.12 5 𝐸𝐸 29000

h/𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 = = = 19.4 < ʎr= 1.49 =1.49 = 35.88
𝑡𝑡𝑤𝑤 0.501 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 50

The section is nonslender , from table 4-22

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
=56 Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =35.8 ksi
𝑟𝑟
Ø𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =Ø𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 =35.8x 8.81x2=631 k.
 E7-Members with slender element

This section applies to compression members with slender section as defined in section B4 for uniformly
compressed elements

The normal compressive strength shall be determined based on limit state of flexural , torsional and flexural –torsional
buckling
𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 =𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 x𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 ------------------------ (AISC Equation E7-1)

Q=1.0 for member with non slender elements

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐸𝐸 𝑄𝑄𝑆𝑆= calculate for unstiffened element
a) If ≤ 4.71
𝑟𝑟 𝑄𝑄𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝑄𝑄𝑎𝑎= calculate for stiffened elements
𝑄𝑄𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
Then 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =Q [0.658 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 ] 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐸𝐸
a) If >4.71
𝑟𝑟 𝑄𝑄𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦

Then 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 0.877𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒

For cross section composed only stiffened slender elements Q= 𝑄𝑄𝑎𝑎
For cross section composed only unstiffened slender elements Q= 𝑄𝑄𝑠𝑠
For cross section composed both stiffened and unstiffened slender elements Q= 𝑄𝑄𝑎𝑎 x 𝑄𝑄𝑠𝑠
Slender stiffened element 𝑄𝑄𝑎𝑎 go to page (16.1-42)
 Effective length factor of practical columns

The effective length factors values were developed for columns with certain idealized conditions of end
restraint, which may be very different from practical design conditions. The table values are usually quite
satisfactory for preliminary designs

In statically indeterminate structures, sidesway occurs where the frames deflect laterally due to the presence of
lateral loads or unsymmetrical vertical loads, or where the frames themselves are unsymmetrical. Sidesway
Should frames with diagonal bracing or rigid shear walls be used, the columns will be prevented from
sidesway and provided with some rotational restraint at their ends.

The true effective length of a column is a property of the whole structure, of which the column is a part. In
many existing buildings, it is probable that the masonry walls provide sufficient lateral support to prevent
sidesway.
 When light curtain walls are used, however, as they often are in modern buildings, there is probably little
resistance to sidesway. Sidesway is also present in tall buildings in appreciable amounts, unless a definite
diagonal bracing system or shear walls are used. For these cases, it seems logical to assume that resistance
to sidesway is primarily provided by the lateral stiffness of the frame alone.

The most common method for obtaining effective lengths is to employ the charts shown. They were
developed by 0. G. Julian and L. S. Lawrence, and frequently are referred to as the Jackson and Moreland
charts
To use the alignment charts, it is necessary to have preliminary sizes for the girders and columns framing into
the column in question before the K factor can be determined for that column. In other words, before the
chart can be used, we have to either estimate some member sizes or carry out a preliminary design.
To calculate (G) in charts ,which is the rotational stiffens of both joints of a column
(G) is proportional to the ratio of the sum of the column stiffnesses to the girder stiffnesses meeting at that
join

𝐸𝐸 𝐼𝐼
∑ 𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐 (𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 )
𝐿𝐿𝑐𝑐
G= 𝐸𝐸𝑔𝑔 𝐼𝐼𝑔𝑔
∑ (𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔)
𝐿𝐿𝑔𝑔
 In applying the charts, the G factors at the column bases are quite variable. It is recommended that the
following two rules be applied to obtain their values

1. For pinned columns, G is theoretically infinite, such as when a column is connected to a footing with a
frictionless hinge. Since such a connection is not frictionless, it is recommended that G be made equal to
10 where such nonrigid supports are used.
2. 2. For rigid connections of columns to footings. G theoretically approaches zero, but from a practical
standpoint, a value of 1.0 is recommended, because no connections are perfectly rigid.
 Determine K by chart

1. Select the appropriate chart (sidesway inhibited or

sidesway uninhibited).
2. Compute G at each end of the column and label the
values G A and G 8 , as desired.
3. Draw a straight line on the chart between the G A
and G 8 values, and read K where the line hits the
center K scale.
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
For most buildings, the values of Kx and Ky should be examined separately. The reason for such
individual study lies in the different possible framing conditions in the two directions. Many
multistory frames consist of rigid frames in one direction and conventionally connected frames
with sway bracing in the other. In addition, the points of lateral support may often be entirely
different in the two planes.
 BASE PLATES FOR CONCENTRICALLY LOADED COLUMNS
When a steel column is supported by a footing, it is necessary for the column load to be spread over a
sufficient area to keep the footing from being overstressed. Loads from steel columns are transferred
through a steel base plate to a fairly large area of the footing below.
The base plates for steel columns can be welded directly to the columns, or they can be fastened by means
of some type of bolted or welded lug angles. These connection methods are illustrated below
Behavior if base plate under load
 Plate Area

The design strength of the concrete in bearing beneath the base plate must at least equal the load to be carried.
1- When the base plate covers the entire area of the concrete, the nominal bearing strength of the concrete ( P
p) is

𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 =Ø𝑐𝑐 0.85 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 𝐴𝐴1 -- FD Equation J8-1

𝐴𝐴1 = Area of the base plate, in2 , mm2

2-Should the full area of the concrete support not 𝐴𝐴2 = Area of the concrete footing, in2, mm2
be covered by the plate, the concrete underneath
the plate, surrounded by concrete outside, will be 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 =Specified Compressive Strength of
somewhat stronger. For this situation, the AISC Concrete ksi, Mpa, Ø𝑐𝑐 = 0.65
Specification permits the nominal strength 0.85
𝐴𝐴2
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 𝐴𝐴1 to be increased by multiplying it by
𝐴𝐴1

𝐴𝐴2
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 =Ø𝑐𝑐 0.85 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 𝐴𝐴1 ≤ Ø𝑐𝑐 1.7 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 𝐴𝐴1 -- LRFD Equation J8-2
𝐴𝐴1

𝐴𝐴2
≤2
𝐴𝐴1
 Dimensions of base plate
1- It is desired to round up the plate dimension to nearest 1 or 2 in

2- to make both dimensions of a base plate equal , this procedure to follow must be done

N ≈ 𝐴𝐴1 +Δ

𝐴𝐴1 = B N

Δ= 0.5 (0.95d-0.80𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 )

N= 𝐴𝐴1 + Δ

B = 𝐴𝐴1 /N
 Base plate thickness

2 𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢
𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 =L
0.9 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝐵𝐵 𝑁𝑁

L= Max (m, n, ʎ)

ʎ = 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏𝑓𝑓 /4 , 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = yield stress of a base plate

Go to page 225 0f structure steel design and review some written examples