Slender columns

Dr. Ansam Qsymah

Slender columns
• In short column, the strength is governed entirely by the strength of the materials and the
geometry of the cross section.
• The extra length will cause a reduction in the column strength that varies with the column
effective height, width of the column, the slenderness ratio and the column end conditions.
• A column is said to be slender if its cross-sectional dimensions are small compared with its
length.
• The degree of slenderness is expressed in terms of slender ratio:
𝑘𝑙
𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = , where k𝑙 is the effective length of the members and 𝑟 = 𝐼Τ𝐴 is the radius
𝑟
of gyration of its cross section. 𝐼 is the moment of inertia of the section and 𝐴 the sectional area.
• For a rectangular section of width b and depth h, 𝐼𝑥 = 𝑏ℎ 3ൗand A= 𝑏ℎ. 𝑟𝑥 = 𝐼Τ𝐴= 0.288h (or
12
approximately 𝑟𝑥 =0.3h). Similarly 𝑟𝑦 = 0.288b (or approximately 𝑟𝑦 =0.3b). For a circular
column with diameter D, 𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑦 = 𝜋𝐷 4 Τ64 and A=𝜋𝐷 2 Τ4; therefore 𝑟𝑥 =𝑟𝑦 =0.25D
Concentrically loaded slender columns
(hinge-ended column)
• According to Euler formula, a member will fail by buckling at the
𝜋2 𝐸𝑡 𝐼
critical load 𝑃𝑐 =  buckling load decreases rapidly with
𝑘𝑙 2
increasing slenderness ratio 𝑘𝑙 Τ𝑟.
• For a column hinged at both ends and made of elastic materials,
𝐸𝑡 =Young’s modulus and 𝒌𝒍 = the actual length 𝒍 of the column. At
the load 𝑃𝑐 given by Euler formula, the column buckles into a half
sine wave. Bending moment 𝑃𝑦 act at any section; 𝑦 is the
deflection at that section. These deflections continue to increase
until the bending stress caused by the increasing moment + the
original compression stress fails the member.
Effect of slenderness on strength of axially
loaded columns
• Buckling stress Pc/A is below the
proportional limit 𝑓𝑝  𝐸𝑡 =Young’s
modulus
• If the strain is larger than 𝑓𝑝 , buckling
occurs in the inelastic range and 𝐸𝑡 is the
tangent modulus. As the stress increases,
𝐸𝑡 decreases.
• Column curve shows the relation between
buckling load vs. the slenderness ratio 
shows reduction in buckling strength with
increasing slenderness.
• For non-slender columns (stocky column), the value of the buckling load exceeds the direct crushing
strength of the column 𝑃𝑛 .
• If slenderness ratio < 𝑘𝑙 Τ𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑚  failure occur by crushing.
• If slenderness ratio > 𝑘𝑙 Τ𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑚  failure occurs by buckling. The buckling load decreasing for greater
slenderness.
 Concentrically loaded slender columns
(fixed-fixed column)
• If a member is fixed against rotation at both ends, it buckles
with inflection points (IPs) as shown.
• The portion between the inflection points is in the same
situation as the hinge – ended column.
• The effective length of fixed-fixed column=the distance
𝑙
between inflection points  𝑘𝑙 = .
2
𝜋2 𝐸𝑡 𝐼
• 𝑃𝑐 = this equation shows that an elastic column
𝑘𝑙 2
fixed at both ends will carry 4 times as much load as when
hinged
Concentrically loaded slender columns
(partially restrained against rotation)
• Columns in real structures have ends partially
restrained against rotation by abutting members. The
effective length (the distance between inflection
𝑙
points) has a value 2 < 𝑘𝑙 < 𝑙. The precise value
depends on the degree of end restraint the ratio of
the stiffness EI/𝑙 of the column to the sum of
stiffnesses EI/𝑙 of the restraining members at both
ends.
• When one end of the column is prevented from
moving laterally relative to the other end, by
horizontal bracing or otherwise, effective length k𝑙
≤𝑙
Concentrically loaded slender columns
(cantilever column)

• If a column is fixed at one end and entirely free at the

other, it buckles as shown the upper end moves laterally
with respect to the lower (sidesway).
• Cantilever column buckles into a quarter of a sine wave.
The inflection points; one at the end of the actual column
and the other at the imaginary extension of the sine
wave 𝑘𝑙 = 2𝑙
Concentrically loaded slender columns

• If a column is fixed at both ends but one end can move

laterally with respect to the other, it buckles as shown with
an effective length 𝑘𝑙 = 𝑙.
• Compared with fixed-fixed column, the effective length of
this column is twice that of fixed-fixed column that is
braced against sidesway. this means the buckling
strength of this column (shown in the figure) is only ¼ that
of the same column when braced against sidesway.
• In general: compression members free to buckle in a
sidesway more are always considerably weaker than when
braced against sidesway.
Concentrically loaded slender columns
(partially restrained against rotation)
• If sidesway in actual structures is not prevented,
the effective length depends on the degree of
restraint.
• If the cross beams are very rigid compared to
the column the case e is approached and 𝑘𝑙 is
only slightly larger than 𝑙.
• If the restraining members are extremely
flexible  hinged conditions is approached at
both end.
• A column hinged at both ends and free to
sidesway is unstable.
Buckling in frames with loads applied
concentrically to the columns
Sidesway is prevented
Buckling shape corresponds to Fig 9.1
c except that the lower end is hinged.
Kl<l
Sidesway is not prevented
Buckling shape corresponds to Fig 9.1 d
upside down, except that the upper end is
partially restrained by the girder.
Kl exceeds 2l by an amount depending on
the degree of restraint.
General notes:
• The strength of concentrically loaded columns decreases with increasing slenderness ratio
kl/r
• In columns that are braced against sidesway or that are parts of frames braced against
sidesway, the effective length kl (the distance between inflection points) falls between l/2
and l depending on the degree of end restraint.
• The effective lengths of columns that are not braced against sidesway or that are part of
frames not so braced are always larger than l. In consequence, the buckling load of a
frame not braced against sidesway is always substantially smaller than that of the same
frame when braced.
Slender columns loaded with compression and bending
• Columns are subjected to flexure caused by transverse loads or by
end moments owing to continuity.
• If no axial load were present, the moment M0 in the member would
be constant throughout and equal to the end moments Me (dashed
curve, y0 is the deflection at any point due to Me).
• When P is applied, the moment at any point increases by an amount
equal to P*lever arm. This increased moments cause additional
deflections (solid curve).  Total moment M=M0+P*y
• The total moment consists of the moment M0 that acts in the
presence of P and the additional moment cause by P
Member under pure bending

y0 Δ0
Slender columns loaded with compression and
bending
• When bending is caused by the transverse load H (P is absent), the
moment at any point x is M0=Hx/2, with a maximum value at mid
span equal to Hl/4.
• When P is applied, addition moments Py (or what so called P-Δ
effect) are caused and the total moment at any point consists of
M=M0+P*y
Member under transverse load

y0 Δ0

Mo
Moment magnification factor
• The deflections y can be calculated from the deflections y0 (from the
deflections of the corresponding beam without axial load) using:
• If Δ is the deflection at the point of maximum moment

where 𝜓 is a coefficient that depends on the type of loading and varies between ±0.20 for most
practical cases.  Neglect the second term in the numerator

• 1Τ 1 − 𝑃Τ𝑃𝑐 is known as the moment magnification factor, which reflects the amount by which
the moment M0 is magnified by the presence of a simultaneous axial force P.
• Since 𝑃𝑐 decreases with increasing slenderness ratio,
it is seen that the moment M increases with the
slenderness ratio kl/r (Fig 9.5)
 Effect of axial load on column moments
• In summary, the largest moment caused by P, namely PΔ, adds directly to the maximum value of
M0. As P increases, Mmax at midspan increases at a rate faster than that of P (Fig 9.6).
• The member will fail when the simultaneous
values of P and M become equal to Pn
and Mn, the nominal strength of the cross
section at the location of maximum moment.
• The direct addition of the maximum moment
caused by P to the maximum moment caused
by the transverse load, does not result for
all types of deformations (Fig 9.7)
 Member bent in
double curvature
• When a member is subjected to
equal and opposite end moments
the deflections caused by M0 alone
are again magnified when an axial
load P is applied.

• The deflection magnification here is

much smaller.
• M0 are largest at the ends while Py
are largest at some distance from Distribution
of additional
ends.
moment Py
• The total moment (M=M0+Py) are
distributed as shown in d or e
 Member bent in
double curvature
• In Fig 9.7d, M max continues to act at the end and to be equal to Me 
the presence of the axial fore does not result in any increase in the
maximum moment.
• In Fig 9.7e, M max is located at some distance from the end, at that
location M0 is significantly smaller than its maximum value Me and for
this reason the added moment Py increases M max the to a value only
moderately greater than Me.
 Comparing Fig 9.4 and 9.7
• Fig 9.4 The moment M0 will be magnified most strongly when the location where M0 is largest
coincides with that where the deflection y0 is largest.  this occurs in members bent in single
curvature by symmetrical loads or equal end moments. If the two end moments are unequal but of
the same sign (single curvature) M0 will still strongly magnified, though not quite so much as for
equal end moments.
• Fig 9.7 there will be little or no magnification if the end moments are of opposite sign and
produce an inflection point along the member.
• The way in which moment magnification depends on the relative magnitude of the two end
moments can be expressed by  This equation (9.9)
applies only to
members braced
against sidesway
• M1 is the numerically smaller and M2 the numerically larger of the two end moments M0=M2.
• M1/M2 is positive if the end moments produce single curvature and negative if they produce
double curvature. If M1 =M2 , 𝐶𝑚 =1.
• In non-braced members  𝐶𝑚 =1 (maximum moment magnification usually occurs).
 Non-braced frame
• Members that are not braced against sidesway, sidesway can occur for the entire frame not for
individual columns in the frame.
• The combined effect of bending and axial load is somewhat different from that in braced columns.
• The maximum value of M0, both positive and negative, and the maximum value of the additional
moments MP of the same sign occur at the same locations (at the ends of the columns). They are
therefore fully additive leading to a large moment magnification.
 Braced frame
• If the frame is laterally braced and vertically loaded, the maximum values of the two different
moments occur in different locations The moment magnification is therefore much smaller as
correctly expressed by Cm.
• Sideway displacements may occur due to non symmetrical frame configuration or vertical loading or
both.
General notes:
• In flexural members, the presence of axial compression causes additional deflections and
additional moments Py. Other things being equal, the additional moment increases with
increasing slenderness ratio kl/r.
• In members braced against sidesway and bent in single curvature, the maxima of both types of
moments (M0 and Py) occur at the same locations and are fully additive this leads to large
moment magnifications. If M0 moments result in double curvature (i.e., in the occurrence of an
inflection point), the opposite is true and less (or no) moment magnification occurs.
• In members in frames not braced against sidesway, the maximum moments of both kinds (M 0
and Py) almost always occur at the same locations, the end of the columns  they are fully
additive regardless of the presence or absence of an inflection point. Here, the additional
deflections and the corresponding moments increase with increasing kl/r.
 ACI code provisions regarding slender columns
• ACI code provisions regarding slender columns are based on the
behavior and the corresponding equations that have been presented.
Also they take into account the additional complexities that arise from:
1) the fact that concrete is not an elastic material, 2) the tension
cracking changes the amount of inertia of a member, 3) under
sustained load, creep increases the short term deflections and thereby
the moment caused by these deflections.
 Columns may be considered as follows:
• Long with relatively high slenderness ratio, where lateral bracing or
shear walls are required.
• Long with a medium slenderness ratio that causes a reduction in the
column strength. Lateral bracing may not be required, but strength
reduction must be considered.
• Short where the slenderness ratio is relatively small, causing a slight
reduction in strength. This reduction may be neglected.
Member stiffness 𝐸𝐼
• The elastic modulus of concrete is estimated using : 𝐸𝑐 = 4700 𝑓𝑐′ for normal weight
concrete. The modulus of elasticity of steel is 200GPa.
• 𝐼 for reinforced concrete members varies along the member depending on the degree of
cracking and the percentage of reinforcement.
• 𝐼 can be estimated as follows (ACI 10.4.4.1):

where 𝐼𝑔 and 𝐴𝑔 are based on the gross

concrete cross section neglecting
reinforcement.
• 𝐼𝑔 for T-beam can be approximated as 2*𝐼𝑔 for
𝑏𝑤 ℎ3
the web𝐼𝑔 = 2 12
.

• The reduced value of I take into account the effect on nonlinear material behavior on the
effective stiffness of the material.
Member stiffness 𝐸𝐼
• Moment of inertia can be computed using alternative expressions:
• For compression members:
𝐴𝑠𝑡 = total area of longitudinal reinforcement
𝑃0 = nominal axial strength at zero eccentricity
𝑃𝑢 = factored axial force (positive for compression)
𝑀𝑢 = factored moment at section
h= thickness of member

where 𝑃𝑢 and 𝑀𝑢 are based on the load combination under consideration, or the combination
of 𝑃𝑢 and 𝑀𝑢 resulting in the smallest value of I.
• I need not be taken less than 0.35𝐼𝑔
Member stiffness 𝐸𝐼
• For flexural members:
• I need not be taken less than 0.25𝐼𝑔
• For continuous flexural members, I may be taken as the average value of I calculated at
critical positive and negative moment locations along the length of the beam.
• ACI code requires that the member dimensions and reinforcement ratios used in these
equations be within 10 percent of the dimensions and reinforcement ratio shown on the
design drawing or the stiffness evaluation shall be repeated.
• The values of EI for individual members must be accurate and reasonably conservative to
account for the greater variability inherent in the properties of individual columns, as
compared to the properties of the reinforced concrete frame as a whole.
• The previous equations
2
for EI are adequate for general frame analysis but not for
𝜋 𝐸𝐼
establishing 𝑃𝑐 = for individual columns.
𝑘𝑙 2
𝑢
• Concrete is not elastic material and subjected to creep and cracking if tension occurs on the
convex side of the column. All these factors affect the effective value of EI for a reinforced
concrete member.
 Member stiffness 𝐸𝐼
0.2𝐸𝑐 𝐼𝑔 +𝐸𝑠 𝐼𝑠𝑒
• ACI code requires that EI be determined by either: 𝐸𝐼 = 𝐼𝑠𝑒 =moment of inertia of the
1+𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠
reinforcement about centroidal axis of member cross section mm4.
or the more simplified approximate equation:
0.4𝐸𝑐 𝐼𝑔
𝐸𝐼 = 1+𝛽
𝑑𝑛𝑠
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 1.2𝐷𝐿 (𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑)
where 𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 = = ≤ 1.0
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 1.2𝐷𝐿+1.6𝐿𝐿
𝐸𝐼 = 0.25𝐸𝑐 𝐼𝑔 (for 𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 = 0.6)
• 𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 accounts for the creep effect. That is the larger the sustained loads, the larger are the creep
deformations and the corresponding curvature. Consequently, the larger the sustained loads relative to
the temporary loads, the smaller the effective rigidity.
• The simpler formula for EI is reasonable for lightly reinforced members, but it underestimate the effects
of reinforcement for more heavily reinforced members.
• The first equation is more reliable for the entire range of ρ and definitely preferable for medium and high
ρ values.
Effective column length (𝑘𝑙𝑢 )
• The effective length is a function of:
• The unsupported length 𝑙𝑢 , represents the unsupported height
of the column between two floors. It is measured as the clear
distance between slabs, beams, or any structural member
providing lateral support to the column.
• The effective length factor 𝑘, represents the ratio of the
distance between points of zero moment (inflection points) in
the column and the unsupported height of the column in one
direction.
• It was shown above that, for braced frames 𝑘 varies
between ½ and 1, whereas for unbraced frames it
varies from 1 to ∞ depending on the degree of
rotational restraint at both end.
• In frames braced against sideway 𝑘 ≤ 1.0 (ACI-10.10 recommends the use of 𝑘=1.
• When frames are unbraced (sidesway is not prevented) 𝑘 depends on the stiffness of
the beams and columns
• An approximate way of determining 𝑘 is by means of alignment charts based on isolating
the given column plus all members framing into it at top and bottom.
Effective length factor 𝑘
• The degree of end restraint factors 𝜓𝐴 and 𝜓𝐵 at the top and bottom of the column in plane
of bending:
𝐸𝐼
σ 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛𝑠
𝑙𝑐
𝜓=
𝐸𝐼
σ 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑠
𝑙
where 𝑙𝑐 length center to center of joints in a frame and 𝑙 =span length, center to center of
joints.
• The 𝜓 factor at one end shall include all columns and beams meeting at the joint.
• For a hinged end, 𝜓 =∞ and may be assumed to be 10.
• For a fixed end, 𝜓 =0 and may be assumed to be 1.
• Those assumed values may be used because neither a prefect frictionless hinge nor
perfectly fixed ends can exist in RC frames.
• Plot 𝜓Aand 𝜓B on the alignment chart and connect the two points to intersect the middle
line, which indicates the 𝑘 value.
Effective
length
factor 𝑘
Limitation of the slenderness ratio (𝒌𝒍𝒖 /𝐫)-
braced (Nonsway) frames
ACI code, section 10.10.1 recommends the following limitations between short and long
columns in braced frames:
𝑘𝑙𝑢 12𝑀1
1- The column may be designed as a short column when: ≤ 34 − where 34 −
𝑟 𝑀2
12𝑀1
is not taken greater than 40.
𝑀2
𝑀1 and 𝑀2 are the factored end moments of the column and 𝑀2 is greater than 𝑀1 . 𝑀0 =𝑀2 .
2- The ratio 𝑀1 /𝑀2 is considered positive if the member is bent in single curvature and
negative for double curvature.
3- For axially (or nearly axially) loaded columns, increasing slenderness also reduces the
column strength. For this situation, ACI code 10.10.6.5 provides that the factored
moment 𝑀2 not taken less than  𝑀2,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑃𝑢 15 + 0.03ℎ about each axis separately,
where h is in mm.
Limitation of the slenderness ratio (𝒌𝒍𝒖 /𝐫)-
4- It shall be permitted to consider compression members braced against sidesway
when bracing elements have a total stiffness, resisting lateral movement of that
story, of at least 12 times the gross stiffness of the columns within the story.
Unbraced (Sway) frames
In compression members not braced against sidesway, the effect of the slenderness
𝑘𝑙𝑢
ratio may be neglected when 𝑟 ≤ 22  ACI 10.10.1
Methods of design of slender columns
• If slenderness effects must be considered, ACI code 10.10.2 requires that the
design of columns, beams restraining those columns, and other supporting
members in the structure be based on a second-order analysis. This is normally
performed using computer programs.
• The analysis may be nonlinear (ACI Code 10.10.3) or linear (ACI Code 10.10.4)
or may be in accordance with the ACI moment magnifier procedure (ACI Code
10.10.5).
• The ACI Code moment magnifier design method is a simplified approach for
calculating the moment-magnifier factor in both braced and unbraced frames.
Moment magnification design method
• The first step in determining the design moments in a long column is to determine whether
the frame is braced or unbraced against sidesway. It can be assumed that a story within a
structure is nonsway if the stability index:
σ 𝑃𝑢 ∆0
𝑄= ≤ 0.05
𝑉𝑢𝑠 𝑙𝑐
where σ 𝑃𝑢 =the story total vertical load
𝑉𝑢𝑠 = story shear
∆0 = first order relative deflection between top and bottom of the story due to 𝑉𝑢𝑠
𝑙𝑐 =the length of the compression member in a frame , measured from center to center of the
joints in the frame.
• To account for the effects of creep on ∆0 when sustained lateral loads act, the moment of
inertia for compression members must be divided by 1 + 𝛽𝑑𝑠 , where 𝛽𝑑𝑠 is the

𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦

𝛽𝑑𝑠 = ≤ 1.0
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Effect of slenderness on carrying capacity
• A slender column reaches the limit of its strength when the
combination of 𝑃 and 𝑀 at the most highly stresses
section causes that section to fail. 𝑃 is constant along the
member So, column approaches failure when 𝑃
combines with 𝑀 = 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 (as given in this equation
𝐶𝑚
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑀0 1−𝑃Τ𝑃 ) so that this combination becomes
𝑐
equal to 𝑃𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 . Suppose the column is bent in single
curvature with equal eccentricities at both ends (Cm=1).
• In Fig 9.10 point A represents the member strength of
under 𝑀𝑛,𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑦 = 𝑒0 𝑃𝑛,𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑦
• If the column is slender, a significant moment
magnification will occur with increasing P.  the moment
at the most highly stress section is 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 .
• Point B defines the member strength 𝑃𝑛,𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 combined
with the applied end moments 𝑀0 = 𝑒0 𝑃𝑛,𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟
Dimensioning process of slender column

• It is seen that k must be known before a column in a frame can be dimensioned.

Yet, k depends on the stiffness EI of the member to be dimensioned, as well as on
that of the abutting members.
• Thus, dimensioning process necessarily involves iteration.
• First assume member sizes
• Calculate member stiffnesses and corresponding k values
• Then calculate the critical buckling load 𝑃𝑐
• Calculate member sizes on the bases of these k values until assumed and final
member sizes coincide or are satisfactorily close.
ACI moment magnifier method for nonsway frames
• The ACI Code equation for magnified moment, acting with
the factored axial load 𝑃𝑢 is written as: 𝑀𝑐 =𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀2 , where
the moment magnification factor is:
𝐶𝑚
𝛿𝑛𝑠 = ≥1
1 − 𝑃𝑢 Τ0.75𝑃𝑐
0.75 is the a stiffness reduction factor designed to
provide a conservative estimate of 𝑃𝑐
The subscript 𝑛𝑠 denotes a nonsway frame.
𝑃𝑢 =The applied factored load.

0.4𝑀1
• 𝐶𝑚 is given by: 𝐶𝑚 = 0.6 + ≥ 0.4 for braced members without transverse loads.
𝑀2
• For unbraced members 𝐶𝑚 =1 (maximum moment magnification)
• 𝑀1 =𝑀2  𝐶𝑚 =1(Fig 9.4a).
• When the value of 𝛿𝑛𝑠 is smaller than 1 𝑀2 is the largest moment in the column (Fig 9.7d).
• 𝑀2 is not less than : 𝑀2,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑃𝑢 15 + 0.03ℎ
The procedure for determining the magnification factor 𝛿𝑛𝑠
in a nonsway frames (ACI code-10.10.6):
1. Determine if the frame is braced against sidesway and find the unsupported length 𝑙𝑢
and the effective length factor 𝑘. (𝑘 is assumed to be 1.0 unless calculated using the
values of 𝐸𝑐 and 𝐼)
2. Calculate the member stiffness EI using:
0.2𝐸𝑐 𝐼𝑔 +𝐸𝑠 𝐼𝑠𝑒
𝐸𝐼 = , 𝐼𝑠𝑒 =moment of inertia of the reinforcing steel.
1+𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠
or the more simplified approximate equation:
0.4𝐸𝑐 𝐼𝑔
𝐸𝐼 = 1+𝛽
𝑑𝑛𝑠
𝐸𝐼 = 0.25𝐸𝑐 𝐼𝑔 (for 𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 = 0.6)
3. Determine the Euler buckling load, 𝑃𝑐
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐 =
𝑘𝑙𝑢 2
Use the values of 𝐸𝐼, 𝑘 and 𝑙𝑢 as calculated from steps 1 and 2.
The procedure for determining the magnification factor 𝛿𝑛𝑠
in a nonsway frames (ACI code-10.10.6):
4. Calculate the value of the factor 𝐶𝑚 using:
0.4𝑀1
𝐶𝑚 = 0.6 + ≥ 0.4
𝑀2
For members braced against sidesway and without transverse loads between
supports.
5. Calculate the moment magnifier factor 𝛿𝑛𝑠
6. Design the compression member using the axial factored load, 𝑃𝑢 , from the
conventional frame analysis and a magnified moment 𝑀𝑐 , computed as follows:
𝑀𝑐 =𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀2
where 𝑀2 is the larger factored end moment due to loads that result in no sidesway
and should be ≥ 𝑃𝑢 15 + 0.03ℎ .
In nonsway frames, the lateral deflection ≤ H/1500, where H is the total height of
the frame.
Steps of analysis and design (braced frames) ACI code-10.10.6:
1. Select a trail column section to carry the factored axial load 𝑃𝑢 and moment 𝑀𝑢 = 𝑀2 from the
elastic first-order frame analysis, assuming short column behavior.
2. Determine if the frame should be considered as nonsway or sway.
3. Find the unsupported length 𝑙𝑢
4. For the trail column, check for consideration of slenderness effects, use k=1.
5. If slenderness is tentatively found to be important, refine the calculation of k based on the
alignment chart with member stiffnesses EI/l and rotational restraint factor 𝜓 based on trail
member sizes. Recheck against the slenderness criteria.
6. If moments from the frame analysis are small, check to determine if the minimum moment
controls.
7. Calculate the equivalent uniform moment factor Cm
8. Calculate 𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 , EI and Pc for the trail column
9. Calculate the moment magnification factor and magnified moment Mc.
10. check the adequacy of the column to resist axial load and magnified moment using the column
design charts in usual way. Revise the column section and reinforcement if necessary.
11. If column dimensions are altered, repeat the calculations for k, 𝜓 and Pc based on the new cross
section. Determine the revised moment magnification factor and check the adequacy of the new
design.
Solution: The column will first be designed as a short
column, assuming no slenderness effect.
Calculate the factored loads:

Find 𝛾 assume clear cover=40mm, using No. 10 for ties

and No. 32 for longitudinal reinforcement

𝜌𝑔 = 0.02

Check slenderness assume k=1:

𝑘𝑙𝑢
> 23.3
𝑟
𝑘𝑙𝑢
𝑟
> 23.3slenderness most be considered in design
A more refined calculation of k is required.
Since 𝐸𝑐 is the same for columns and beams, it will be
cancelled in the stiffness calculations.
𝑙𝑐 =3950+150+150=
Column moment of inertia =0.7 ∗ 𝐼𝑔
450∗4503 9 4 𝐼 2.39∗109
= 0.7 =2.39*10 𝑚𝑚  = = 5.62
12 𝑙𝑐 4250
∗ 105 𝑚𝑚3
For beams, the moment of inertia =0.35 ∗ 𝐼𝑔 where 𝐼𝑔 is
taken as 2*𝐼𝑔(𝑤𝑒𝑏)
2∗1200∗3003
0.35 ∗ 𝐼𝑔 = 0.35 12
= 1.89 ∗ 109 𝑚𝑚4
𝐼 1.89∗10 9
 = = 2.59 ∗ 105 𝑚𝑚3
𝑙𝑐 7300
K=0.87 rather than 1

Still above the limit value of 23.3

A check will now be made of minimum moment.
𝑀2,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑃𝑢 15 + 0.03ℎ
𝑀2,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2380 15 + 0.03 ∗ 450 ∗ 10−3 = 67.8𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 this does not
control
𝑀1 = 1.2 ∗ −3 + 1.6 ∗ 135 = 212𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 and 𝑀2 = 1.2 ∗ 3 + 1.6 ∗ 146 =
0.4𝑀1 212
237kN.m 𝐶𝑚 = 0.6 + 𝑀 = 0.6 + 0.4 237 = 0.96
2
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 1.2𝐷𝐿 (𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑) 1.2∗990
𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 = = = = 0.5
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 1.2𝐷𝐿+1.6𝐿𝐿 1.2∗990+1.6∗745
For low reinforcement ratio (0.02-0.03) the EI will be computed using:
• The critical buckling load is:

• The moment magnification factor is:

• The required axial strength of column is 𝑃𝑢 = 2380𝑘𝑁

(as before), while the magnified design moment is
𝑀𝑐 = 𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀2 =1.15*237=273kN.m

𝜌𝑔 = 0.027

• The required reinforcement ratio is increased from

0.02 to 0.027
• Use 4No. 32 and 4 No.29 bars 
Ast=2580+3276=5856mm2

For ties: select No.10 for trail.

Maximum spacing =48×9.5 =456mm,
= 16×28.7=459mm
= 450mm
Use single ties No. 10 @450mm as
shown
• The column slenderness in this
example is barely above the upper
limit for short column behavior and
the moment magnification is not
great.
ACI moment magnifier method for sway frames
• Unbraced columns will buckle at a much smaller load than will a braced column that is
otherwise identical.
• All columns at a given level must be considered together in evaluating slenderness effects
relating to sidesway.
• It is necessary to separate the loads acting on a structure into two categories, So two separate
frame analyses are required; one for each category:
• Loads that result in no appreciable sidesway, such as: Gravity loads acting on reasonably
symmetrical frames produce little sway.
• Loads that result in appreciable sidesway
• The maximum magnified moments caused by sway loading occur at the ends of the column, but
those due to gravity loads may occur somewhere in the midheight of the column, the exact
location of the latter varying depending on the end moments.
• Because magnified gravity moments and magnified sway moments do not occur at the same
location, no magnification should be applied to the nonsway moments when sway moments are
considered.
ACI moment magnifier method for sway frames
Moment magnification factor for sway frames
• ACI code 10.10.7 provides two alternate methods for calculating the
moment magnification factor sway frames:
1
1. 𝛿𝑠 = 1−𝑄
≥ 1where 𝑄 is the stability index. 𝛿𝑠 ≤ 1.5. For higher values
of 𝛿𝑠 use the second alternative or use an elastic second order analysis as
described in ACI code 10.10.4.
1
2. 𝛿𝑠 = σ Τ
1− 𝑃𝑢 0.75 σ 𝑃𝑐
≥ 1 where σ 𝑃𝑢 is the total axial load on all
columns and σ 𝑃𝑐 is the total critical buckling load for all columns in
the
story under consideration. The 0.75 factor is a stiffness reduction factor
to provide a conservative estimate of the 𝑃𝑐 .
• The choice of which of the methods to be use, depends upon the desired
level of accuracy and the available analytical tools.
ACI moment magnifier method for sway frames

• The sequence of design steps for columns in sway frames is similar to

that for nonsway frames, except for the requirement that loads be
separated into gravity loads (which are assumed to produce no sway)
and horizontal loads producing sway.
• Separate frame analyses are required and different equivalent length
factors 𝑘 and creep factors 𝛽𝑑𝑛𝑠 and 𝛽𝑑𝑠 must be applied.
• Solve example 9.2.
Thank you