Compression Test of Steel

Columns
MECH 237 – 103
Strength of Materials
Lab #2

Borys Kobzei: _______________________________________

Jose M. Sanchez-Palma: _______________________________________

Mark Bevacqua: _______________________________________

Spencer Uzoma: _______________________________________

Experiment Date: October 13, 2016

Submission Date: October 27, 2016
Compression Test of Steel Columns 2
Abstract

In this experiment, a study of structural members that have the capability to withstand

certain loads will be undergone. Steel members with diameters of half an inch and quarter of an

inch, with lengths of exactly six inches, twelve inches, and twenty-four inches will serve as the

test specimens that will undergo the load until they buckle. In the experiment, it will be noted

that the steel column with a half inch diameter and six inch length will withstand the most load.

Then the steel column with a half inch yet twelve inch length will follow which consequently

will be shadowed by the half inch diameter yet twenty four inch length steel column. Moreover,

the quarter inch diameter column with a six inch length will come next with last but not least, the

quarter inch diameter steel column with a twelve inch length. It is through these results that our

experiment will prove the Swiss mathematician’s Leonard Euler’s equation which provides a

π 2 EI
means for calculating the ultimate load (Pcr) a column can take. That equation is Pcr = .
( KL)2
 Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………1

Theory……………………………………………………………………………2

Experimental Procedure………………………………………………………….4

Results…………...……………………………………………………….………5

Discussion & Conclusion………………………………………………………...8

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………….16
Introduction

For this experiment, three points are to be examined. One, examine which parameters

will affect column buckling, such as slenderness ratio and least radius of gyration. This ratio can

be used as a means of classifying columns. The slenderness ratio is the ratio of the length if the

column over the radius of gyration. The radius of gyration is known as the square-root of the

Inertia divided by the cross-sectional area for the given material. Two, note how critical stress

and the slenderness ratio are related when dealing with steel columns. Lastly, to verify the

following: Euler’s analysis of Pcr, the critical buckling load, and the relationship of Pcr to column

slenderness.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 1

Theory

For a given structural member, which is usually vertical in position, takes a compressive
load are called columns. When there is a load applied vertically in a compressive from, the
column will probably fail under the load which is called buckling. Such a load will physically
bend the member out of shape. Determining the limiting load a column can withstand before it
buckles is necessary. The critical load can be found using:
2
π EI
Pcr = Where:
( KL)2

Pcr = critical or buckling load, is that value of axial force that is just sufficient to keep the bar in a
slightly deflected shape.
E = modulus of elasticity describes tensile elasticity, or the tendency of an object to deform along
an axis when opposing forces are applied along that axis.
I = moment of inertia about the weak axis, a body's tendency to resist angular acceleration.
L = length of the column.
K = effective length factor, the distance between successive inflection points or points of zero
moment. K=1 for pinned-ended column.
rg = radius of gyration (usually written without the subscript). This refers to distribution of the
components of an object around an axis. In terms of mass moment of inertia, it is the
perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to a point mass (of mass, m) that gives an
equivalent inertia to the original object(s) (of mass, m).
Once Pcr is calculated, the critical stress can be determined using the following equation:
2
Pcr π E
Critical Stress = σcr= =
Area K∗L/rg
 This is the point at which the material buckles.
The slenderness ratio the length of the column L divided by the radius of gyration rg.

Slenderness Ratio =
L
rg
=
√
π2 E
σ pl
where: L/rg = slenderness ratio, I = moment of inertia, = Ar2, E = modulus of elasticity

Compression Test of Steel Columns 2

Notice on the following graph the critical stress is the y-axis and the slenderness ratio is the
x-axis.

Figure 1.

 Once the data is computed, it will be compared to the following equation:

Euler’s Equation
2
π E
K∗L/rg

Compression Test of Steel Columns 3

Experimental Procedure
1. Five test material made of steel are prepared and ready to be tested; as listed below.
 Three (3) steel rods of ½ inch diameter with lengths of approximately 6 in, 12in. and 24in
 Two (2) steel rods of ¼ inch diameter with lengths of approximately 6 in. and 12 in.

2. Measure and record data onto a table that have columns labeled Diameter, Length, Load at
Failure, Stress at Failure, and Slenderness Ratio

3. Carefully load each steel rod into the compression machine which is set up for a pin to pin
compression.

4. Once the steel rod begins to buckle stop the experiment and record the output into each
respective column.

Results

Sample Loads

Diameter (in) Length (in) Pcr

0.50 24 2025.46474

0.50 12 7074.2231

0.50 6 10784.41074

0.25 12 513.32335

0.25 6 1541.82017

Compression Test of Steel Columns 4

 Modulus Radius
Slenderness
Diameter Length of of Stress at Failure
Ratio
(in) (in) Elasticit Gyration (psi)
(L/ rg)
y (E) psi (rg) in

Compression Test of Steel Columns 5

 2900000
0.50 24.000 0.125 192 10315.60721
0
2900000
0.50 12.000 0.125 96 36028.7224
0
2900000
0.50 6.000 0.125 48 54924.55288
0
2900000
0.25 12.000 0.063 192 10457.33742
0
2900000
0.25 6.000 0.063 96 31409.70258
0
2900000
3.00 0.750 0.188 16 67941
0
2900000
2.96 0.500 0.125 24 56051
0
2900000
2.98 0.500 0.125 24 42889
0
2900000
3.09 0.500 0.125 25 52484
0
2900000
4.00 0.500 0.125 32 46227
0
2900000
6.00 0.500 0.125 48 46624
0
2900000
6.95 0.500 0.125 56 41590
0
2900000
8.00 0.500 0.125 64 45707
0

Actual vs Theoretical
Slenderness Ratio
140000.00

120000.00

100000.00

80000.00 Euler's Curve

Experimental
Critical Stres σcr
60000.00 Linear (Experimental)

40000.00
f(x) = - 90.65x + 41267.24
20000.00

0.00
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900

Slenderness Ratio L/rg

Compression Test of Steel Columns 6

Calculations
Compression Test of Steel Columns 7
Modulus of Elasticity
E = 29,000,000 psi

Slenderness Ratio
L 24
= =192
rg .125

Critical Stress
Pcr π2 E
σcr= Area
=
K∗L/rg

Euler’s Equation
π2 E π 2 (29000000)
= = 10315.60721
K∗L/rg (1)∗24 /.125

Radius of Gyration
diameter 0.5
rg = 4
= 4
= .125

L = Length of the column

K = Length factor
 K = 0.5; Fixed position
 K = 0.7; Pinned-Fixed position
 K = 1.0; Roller-Fixed position
 K = 1.0; Pinned-Pinned position
 K = 2.0; Free-Fixed position
 K = 2.0; Rolled-Pinned position

Compression Test of Steel Columns 8

Individual Discussion & Conclusion

Borys Kobzei
Discussion
In this lab, compression tests were completed on five steel specimens. There were

a few objectives in this lab, and the first one was to study important criteria that go into

column buckling, such as the slenderness ratio and the radius of gyration. The

slenderness ratio is found by dividing the length of the column by the radius of gyration.

From two sets of data the graph was made: the experimental critical stress on the y­axis

versus the slenderness ratio on the x­axis; and the theoretical critical stress on the y­axis

versus the slenderness ratio on the x­axis. From the Graph, it could be observed that the

experimental data matches with theoretical only on the right side of the graph. That is the

region where the columns are considered “long” based on their slenderness ratio. Also,

the length of the column affects what property of the material will be its weak point that

will cause buckling. It is emphasized, that the critical load and the slenderness ratio are

very important. Intermediate column, for example, would probably be dominated by its

strength limit.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 9

Borys Kobzei
Conclusion

In conclusion, compression tests were conducted on 5 steel specimens. The critical loads

for each sample were observed. And when the compression loads exceed critical loads, buckling

occurs. During this lab, it was demonstrated that the relationship between critical buckling stress

and the slenderness ratio is an inverse relationship. As the slenderness increases, the maximum

critical load that the column can handle decreases. Critical load correctly predicted by the Euler’s

equation is the greatest load that will not cause the lateral deflection. Intermediate columns have

slenderness ratio between 50 and 200 and is dominated by the strength limit of the material. For

intermediate slenderness columns, the data follows a linear trend. In most part, Euler’s analysis

of columns is validated; however, it is hard to do so because it gives some amount of errors.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 10

Jose M. Sanchez-Palma
Discussion
In the column buckling experiment, many concepts were explored. The trial objectified

the study of things like the slenderness ratio, the radius of gyration, critical loads, critical

stresses, and moments of inertias. The main objective of the project was to manually provide an

opportunity for us to solidify Leonard Euler’s column buckling equation. After putting under

compression five different test specimens, with different diameters and lengths, it was easy to

prove Euler’s equation when it came to the steel columns that were considered part of the “long”

part on the graph, the graph which theoretically portrays Euler’s curve. Furthermore, it is also

important to magnify the importance of the inverse relationship seen in our experimental values

between the critical stresses and the slenderness rations. This was vital because it was through

our experiment that we were able to coagulate the theoretical relationship between the latter

spoken of in books. After the experiment of column buckling was over and all graphs and results

were analyzed, it was easy to see that through our procedures we were able to provide proof for

the theoretical concepts learned in class.

Jose M. Sanchez-Palma
Conclusion
After looking at our results, the first obvious thing to consider was whether Euler’s

equation made sense or not. Immediately, it was visible that whenever the slenderness ratio was

around 200 or greater that was when the critical load calculated was the most accurate. For

Compression Test of Steel Columns 11

example, you could see this in the specimen with a half inch diameter and a length of twenty four

inches, providing a slenderness ratio of one hundred and ninety two. Once we came back to the

intermediary region and furthermore into the short column region, it became apparent that the

accurateness of the equation only flailed. Moreover, you can kind of see this also in the

mathematical analysis of the equation. Seeing as how the slenderness ration is on the

denominator of the equation, it makes sense that as the ratio gets closer and closer to zero it is

approaching its limit, thus limiting the efficiency of the equation.

Consequently, it was interesting to also see the theoretical relationship between the

slenderness ratio and the critical load proven to be inversely related in our experimental values.

For example, the steel test specimen with a half inch diameter and twenty four inch length had an

experimental value slenderness ration of one hundred and ninety two, which is very high for the

value we obtained. Yet, its critical load was that of two thousand twenty five, one of our acquired

lowest. On the other hand, we also had a steel test specimen measuring half an inch in its

diameter and six inched in length with a very low slenderness ratio of forty eight yet and

impressively high critical load value of ten thousand seven hundred eighty four.

Moreover, when the intermediary region was examined, we could note that the

slenderness ration of that region was one from fifty to a little bit less of two hundred. This was

almost precisely correlated to the theoretical values which meant we were on the right track. It

was also interesting to note a linear trend in this region. This meant that most of our experimental

values were somewhat off from Euler’s linear curve yet one might say that they were a close

approximation. Finally, our experimental values did prove that Euler’s equation when it comes to

column buckling is correct. Yet in my opinion, I find that way too many conditions need to be

met which leads me to believe that this might be difficult to implement in real life.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 12

Mark Bevacqua
Discussion:
In this lab, Pcr was calculated and used to find the critical stress. This was compared to

the slenderness ratio on a graph. With critical stress being the y-axis and slenderness ratio

being the x-axis. The slenderness ratio is a ratio of the length of the specimen divided by

the radius of gyration. This ratio varied per specimen being that it was length dependent.

For the intermediate columns, the slenderness ratio increased with a ranged from 16 – 64

as the diameter increased. The Pcr varied in relation to the slenderness ratio. For a few of

the specimens, the slenderness ratio increased accordingly with P cr . However, the

diameter played a roll in the determination of the P cr . With a larger diameter, the P cr

increased with a shorter length. The data of Euler's curve was then compared to the

experimental data on a graph. The critical stress being the y-axis and the slenderness ratio

being the x-axis. Both data showed to be decreasing in critical stress as slenderness ratio

increased. Euler's data seemed to follow a specific and defined path while the

experimental data seemed to be a little scattered along the path. In short, the experimental

data did line up the Euler's curve which validates Euler's equation.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 13

Mark Bevacqua
Conclusion:
The objective was to determine the critical stress and slenderness ratio for a set of data.

Using the equations given, they were calculated. Critical stress has a inverse relationship with

slenderness ratio. As well as to confirm whether the experimental data followed Euler's analysis.

Based on the results this hold true.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 14

Spencer Uzoma
Discussion:

Given the critical load in pounds that was required to buckle the given the steel rod; we

calculated the maximum stress by dividing by the cross sectional area. Euler’s equation only

shows the effects of buckling over a long column. I using Euler’s equation we choose 1 for the

value of K because it was a pin to pin relationship while each steel rod was being tested. Given

the fact that Euler’s equation is only used to test the buckling effects of long rod the experiment

can only prove if Euler’s equation predicted the effects on the long rods. As a result, since the

graph lines up with the graph of the calculated values of the longer steel rods, it can be

determined that Euler’s equation correctly predicted what the critical stress would be. This tells

me that the relationship between the critical load and slenderness is that that even the slenderness

ratio may be the same the load is not dependent o the slenderness ratio. It is the stress that is

dependent of the slenderness ratio. In the experiment it was determined that the lower the

slenderness ratio was the higher the load would be. For example, the sample steel rods of the

same diameter (0.50 inches) had a critical load that continued to decrease as the length got

greater. The same effect can be seen in the diameter of the steel rods 0.25 inches in diameter.

Moreover, using the Y-intercept and slope we are able to see a mathematical equation that depicts

the steady decline of the intermediate column can be seen on a steady slope downward as the

slenderness ratio increase with a range from (72, 38482) to (160, 11720)

Compression Test of Steel Columns 15

Spencer Uzoma
Conclusion:
In this experiment we tested 5 steel rods of different lengths and found that

the slenderness ratio and not the actual length or diameter is the determining factor

of how much stress the rod can take. Given this information we were able to

calculate the actual amount of stress needed to cause the rods to bend and compare

it to Euler’s Curve which is based on only long rods. It was determined that Euler’s

Curve correctly estimated what the critical stress points would be given the

slenderness ratio of each steel rod.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 16

Bibliography
Figure 1.
Hsu, Cheng-Tzu T., and Allyn C. Luke. Strength of Materials Laboratory Manual. 1st ed.
Newark: NJIT, 2016. Print.

Compression Test of Steel Columns 17