COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CE71 PRINCIPLE OF STEEL DESIGN

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MODULE 3: COMPRESSION MEMBER

CHAPTER B E2. EFFECTIVE LENGTH

B.4 MEMBER PROPERTIES 𝑳𝒄 = 𝑲𝑳
𝐾 = Effective length factor
1. Classification of Sections for Local Buckling 𝐿 = laterally unbraced length of the member (mm)
𝑟 = radius of gyration (mm)
For members subject to axial compression, sections are
classified as nonslender-element or slender-element Critical Slenderness Ratio, 𝐿𝑐 /𝑟
sections. For a nonslender-element section, the width-to- 𝐿𝑐 𝐸
thickness ratios of its compression elements shall not = 𝐶𝑐 = 4.71√
exceed 𝜆𝑟 from Table B4.1a. If the width-to-thickness 𝑟 𝐹𝑦
ratio of any compression element exceeds 𝜆𝑟, the section AISCM User Note: For members designed on the basis of
is a slender-element section. compression, the effective Slenderness ratio, 𝐿𝑐 /𝑟, preferably
should not exceed 200.
1a. Unstiffened Elements AISCM User Note: The effective length, 𝐿𝑐 , can be determined
through methods other than those using the effective length
For unstiffened elements supported along only one edge
factor, K.
parallel to the direction of the compression force, the
width shall be taken as follows: TABLE C-A-7.1 Approximate Values of Effective Length
 For flanges of I-shaped members and tees, the width, Factor, K
b, is one-half the full-flange width , 𝑏𝑓 .
 For legs of angles and flanges of channels and zees,
the width, b, is the full leg or flange width.
 For plates, the width, b, is the distance from the free
edge to the first row of fasteners or line of welds.
 For stems of tees, d is the full depth of the section.
1b. Stiffened Elements
For stiffened elements supported along two edges parallel
to the direction of the compression force, the width shall
be taken as follows:
 For webs of rolled sections, h is the clear distance
between flanges less the fillet at each flange; hc is
twice the distance from the centroid to the inside face
of the compression flange less the fillet or corner
radius.
 For webs of built-up sections, h is the distance
between adjacent lines of fasteners or the clear
distance between flanges when welds are used, and
ℎ𝑐 is twice the distance from the centroid to the
nearest line of fasteners at the compression flange or
the inside face of the compression flange when welds Effective length and slenderness ratio
are used; ℎ𝑝 is twice the distance from the plastic
neutral axis to the nearest line of fasteners at the
compression flange or the inside face of the
compression flange when welds are used.

Summary of Classification
See Table B4.1a
𝝀 > 𝝀𝒑 Section is Compact
𝝀 ≥ 𝝀𝒓 Nonslender/Slender Section

CHAPTER E: COMPRESSION MEMBERS

The design compressive strength

𝜙𝑐 𝑃𝑛 = 𝜙𝑐 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴g (𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷)
𝜙𝑐 = 0.9

Allowable compressive strength,

𝑃𝑛 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴g
= (𝐴𝑆𝐷)
Ω𝑐 Ω𝑐

Ω𝑐 = 1.67

Nominal Axial Strength

𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴g

𝐴g = Gross cross-sectional area (mm)

𝐹𝑐𝑟 = Critical stress (MPa)

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E3. FLEXURAL BUCKLING OF MEMBERS WITHOUT

SLENDER ELEMENTS 𝑃𝑒
(√ ) 𝐿 = 𝑐𝐿 = 𝑛𝜋
𝐸𝐼
Critical Stress 𝑭𝒄𝒓
𝐿𝑐 𝐸 𝐹𝑦 𝑃𝑒 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2
(𝑎) ≤ 4.71 √ (𝑜𝑟 ≤ 2.25) √ = → 𝑃𝑒 = ( ) 𝐸𝐼
𝑟 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑒 𝐸𝐼 𝐿 𝐿
𝐹𝑦
⁄𝐹
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = ( 0.658 𝑒) 𝐹𝑦 Euler Buckling Load
For n = 1
𝐿𝑐 𝐸 𝐹𝑦 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
(𝑏) > 4.71√ (𝑜𝑟 > 2.25) 𝑃𝑒 = , 𝐼 = 𝐴𝑟 2
𝑟 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑒 𝐿2
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.877𝐹𝑒
Euler stress
𝑃𝑐𝑟 𝜋 2𝐸
𝐸 = Modulus of Elasticity 𝐹𝑒 = =
𝐸 = 200,000𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 29,000𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝐴 (𝐿/𝑟) 2

𝐹𝑒 = Elastic buckling stress 𝐿𝑏 = 𝐿 = Length between points that are either braced
𝜋 2𝐸 against lateral displacement of the compression flange
𝐹𝑒 = or braced against twist of the cross section, in. (mm).
(𝐿𝑐 /𝑟)2

Values of n larger than 1 are not possible unless the

𝐹𝑦 = Specified minimum yield stress of the type of steel
compression member is physically restrained from
deflecting at the points where the reversal of curvature
would occur.
COLUMN THEORY
The load at which buckling occurs is a function of
slenderness, and for every member this load could be
quite small.

Euler Load / Euler Critical Buckling Load

Valid for elastic member only, and its end must be free to
rotate but not translate laterally. End conditions is
satisfied by hinges or pins.

AXIAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF

COLUMNS

Example: Determine the adequacy of W10x49, A992

𝐸𝐼𝑦” = −𝑀 steel Column, and 5m length, pin-supported at both ends
𝑀 and no lateral bracing. The section is subjected to 400kN
𝑦′′ = −
𝐸𝐼 axial dead load and 780 kN axial live load.
𝑃𝑒 Solution:
𝑦′′ = − ( ) 𝑦
𝐸𝐼 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝐴992 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙, 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝑃𝑒
𝑦 ′′ + ( ) 𝑣 = 0 Shape properties:
𝐸𝐼 W10 x 49
Solution for 2nd order DE
𝐴g = 14.40 𝑖𝑛 2 𝑟𝑥 = 4.35𝑖𝑛
𝑦 = 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝜆𝑥) + 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝜆𝑥)
𝑏𝑓 = 10 𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑦 = 2.54
Where
𝑡𝑓 = 0.56 𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑒 ℎ = 7.88 𝑖𝑛
𝜆= √
𝐸𝐼 𝑡𝑤 = 0.34 𝑖𝑛
By boundary conditions:
1) 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 0, 𝑣 = 0 Check Slenderness ratio: See Table B4.1a
Flange Web
0 = 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 (0) + 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛 (0) , 𝐴= 0
𝑏𝑓 ℎ
2) 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 𝐿, 𝑣 = 0 𝜆= 𝜆=
2𝑡𝑓 𝑡𝑤
0 = 0 cos (𝑐𝐿 ) + 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑐𝐿 )
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐵 ≠ 0, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑃 = 0 𝐸 𝐸
𝜆 𝑟 = 0.56 √ 𝜆 𝑟 = 1.49 √
𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑐𝐿 ) = 0 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑦
𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑐𝐿 ) = 0, (Recall: sine curve coordinates, at
w/c 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑐𝐿) = 0)
𝝀 < 𝝀𝒓 Non-slender / Compact Section
𝑐𝐿 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋, 3𝜋, . . . 𝑛𝜋 , 𝑛 = 0, 1, 2, 3 . . .

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Solve For Fcr
For both end pin supported k = 1.0 The alignment chart for sidesway inhibited frames
𝐺𝐴𝐺𝐵 𝐺 + 𝐺𝐵 𝜋/𝐾 2tan (𝜋/2𝐾)
𝐿𝑐 𝑘𝐿 𝑘𝐿 (𝜋/𝐾)2 + 𝐴 [1 − ]+ −1=0
4 2 tan (𝜋/𝐾) 𝜋/𝐾
= 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡 [( ) , ( ) ] = 77.500
𝑟 𝑟 𝑥 𝑟 𝑦

𝐸
4.71 √ = 113.432
𝐹𝑦

𝐿𝑐 𝐸 𝐹𝑦
⁄𝐹
< 4.71 √ → 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = (0.658 𝑒) 𝐹𝑦
𝑟 𝐹𝑦

Euler Buckling Stress

𝜋 2𝐸
𝐹𝑒 = = 47.653 𝑘𝑠𝑖
(𝐿𝑐 /𝑟) 2

Critical Stress
𝐹𝑦
⁄𝐹
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = ( 0.658 𝑒) 𝐹𝑦 = 32.229 𝑘𝑠𝑖

Design Compressive Strength

𝜙𝑐 𝑃𝑛 = 𝜙𝑐 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴g

𝜙𝑐 𝑃𝑛 = 417.687 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = 𝟏𝟖𝟓𝟕. 𝟗𝟔𝟒 𝒌𝑵

Alignment chart-sidesway inhibited (braced frame)
Factored Loads:
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝑃𝐷 + 1.6𝑃𝐿 = 1728 𝑘𝑁
The alignment chart for sidesway uninhibited frames
𝑮𝑨𝑮𝑩 (𝝅/𝑲)𝟐 − 𝟑𝟔 𝝅/𝑲
Interaction Value − =𝟎
𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑢 𝟔(𝑮𝑨 + 𝑮𝑩 ) 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝝅/𝑲)
= = 0.93
𝑃𝑐 𝜙𝑐 𝑃𝑛

ALIGNMENT CHARTS OR NOMOGRAPHS

These charts are based on assumptions of idealized
conditions, which seldom exist in real structures, as
follows:

 Behavior is purely elastic

 All members have constant cross section.
 All joints are rigid.
 For columns in frames with sidesway inhibited,
rotations at opposite ends of the restraining beams are
equal in magnitude and opposite in direction,
producing single curvature bending.
 For columns in frames with sidesway uninhibited,
rotations at opposite ends of the restraining beams are
equal in magnitude and direction, producing reverse
curvature bending.
 The stiffness parameter 𝐿 √𝑃/𝐸𝐼 of all columns is
equal.
 Joint restraint is distributed to the column above and Alignment chart—sidesway uninhibited (moment frame )
below the joint in proportion to 𝐸𝐼/𝐿 for the two
columns.
 All columns buckle simultaneously. Joint Stiffness ratio
 No significant axial compression force exists in the ∑( 𝝉𝒃 𝑬𝑰/𝑳) 𝒄𝒐𝒍
𝑮=
girders. ∑ (𝝉𝐠 𝑬𝑰/𝑳) 𝐠
 Shear deformations are neglected.

It is important to remember that the alignment charts are

based on the assumptions of idealized conditions
previously discussed—and that these conditions seldom
exist in real structures. Therefore, adjustments are often
required.

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Adjustments for Columns with Differing End Conditions . Note: Where a girder is pinned at the joint under
For column ends supported by, but not rigidly connected consideration (i.e., connected to the column with a
to, a footing or foundation, G is theoretically infinity but simple shear connection at the near joint), that girder
unless designed as a true friction-free pin, may be taken stiffness (i.e., EI/L of the girder) will be taken as zero
as 10 for practical designs. If the column end is rigidly in calculating the relative stiffness factor, G, at that
attached to a properly designed footing, G may be taken joint.
as 1.0. Smaller values may be used if justified by analysis. 3. Where necessary, modify the column stiffness by the
inelasticity reduction factor, 𝜏g , using the equations
Adjustments for Girders with Differing End Conditions. For previously presented or using AISCM Table 4-13.
sidesway inhibited frames, these adjustments for different 4. Calculate the G factors at both ends of the column.
girder end conditions may be made: Assume that GA is the G factor calculated at the
bottom of the column and GB is the G factor
Girder Stiffness Modification Factors,𝜏g calculated at the top of the column.
Girder stiffness 5. For a pinned-column base, use GA = 10; for a fixed-
Girder far-end modification column base, use GA = 1.0.
Condition
factor, 𝝉 𝐠 6. Plot the GA and GB factors on the corresponding
Far end rotation of vertical axes of the applicable alignment chart. For
Sidesw ay uninhibited girder is fully 2/3 unbraced or moment frames.
(Unbraced or moment restrained
frames) Far end of girder is 7. Join the two plotted points (i.e., G A and GB) with a
1/2 straight line, and the point at which the vertical K-axis
pinned
Far end rotation of on the alignment chart is intercepted by the straight
girder is fully 2.0 line gives the value of the column effective length
Sidesw ay inhibited restrained
(Braced frames)
Far end of girder is factor, K.
1.5
pinned
Effective Length Factor of Columns Using Alignment
Only FR connections can be used directly in the Charts (LRFD method)
determination of G. For the two-story moment frame shown in Figure, the
preliminary column and girder sizes have been
determined as shown. Assume in-plane bending about
the strong axes for the columns and girders, and assume
the columns are supported by spread footings. The
Stiffness reduction factor to account for inelasticity factored axial loads on columns BF and FJ are 590 kip
in the columns; and 140 kip, respectively, and 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖. Assume the
girder stiffness reduction factor, 𝜏g = 1.0
.

In lieu of using the above equations, the values of 𝜏𝑏 are

also tabulated in AISCM Table 4-13 for various values of
𝐹𝑦 and 𝑃𝑢 /𝐴g for the LRFD method, (Ps/Ag values for the
ASD method).
Assuming all required conditions are met. And columns
𝑃𝑢 = Factored load behaves elastic. 𝜏b = 1.0
𝑃𝑠 = Service load Assuming all ends of the girder are fully restrained
For non-slender element sections moment connections . 𝜏g = 1.0
𝑃𝑛𝑠 = 𝐹𝑦 𝐴g = Axial strength of section
For slender element sections The moments of inertia for the given column and girder
𝑃𝑛𝑠 = 𝐹𝑦 𝐴e sections are tabulated as follows:

PROCEDURES
The procedure for using the alignment charts to
determine the effective length factor, K, for a column is as
follows:
1. Calculate the factored axial load, 𝑃𝑢 , or the total For elastic behavior in the column
service load, Ps, on the column. It is assumed that at Joint B, 𝐺𝐴 = 10
this stage that the girder and beam sizes, and the Joint F, 𝐺𝐵 = 1.14
preliminary column sizes, have already been
Joint J, 𝐺𝐵 = 0.43
determined.
2. Calculate the stiffness of the girders and columns and For inelastic behavior in the column
where necessary, modify the girder stiffness using the Joint B, 𝐺𝐴 = 10
adjustment factors, 𝜏g , based on the support Joint F, 𝐺𝐵 = 1.13
conditions at the far ends of the girders.

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