Columns and Other

Compression Member
• Compression members are structural elements that
are subjected only to axial compressive forces; the
loads are applied along a longitudinal axis through
the centroid of the member cross section, and the
stress can be taken as f = P/A, where f is considered
to be uniform over the entire cross section.
Columns Other Compression
Members
• Structural Members subjected • Chords in Trusses
to axial compressive loads • Bracing Members in Frames
 For Building Columns
• Commonly used W shape – nominal
depths: 350mm or less
• These sections, being rather square in
shape, are more efficient than others for
carrying compressive loads.
• Deeper Sections are more efficient as
beams
• Built – up Sections are needed in large
structures for very heavy loads that
cannot be supported by individual rolled
shapes.
For bracing and compression members
• Single – angle members are suitable for light
trusses.
• Equal Leg angle may be more economical than
unequal leg angles , because their least radius
of gyration are greater for the same steel area.
For Top Chord members
• In Bolted or welded roof trusses, a pair of angles (usually unequal,
with long legs back to back) are used with and without gusset plates.
• Structural Tees may be also used as top chord members for welded
roof trusses.
Determine the Three General Modes by which axially loaded columns can fail
 Three General Modes by which axially loaded columns can fail.

1. Flexural Buckling (also Called

Euler Buckling) is the primary types
of buckling. Members are subject to
flexure or bending, when they
become unstable.
What is the Formula for the Euler
Buckling Load
What is the Formula for the Euler
Buckling Stress
 Euler’s Column Buckling Theory
 The critical load, Pcr, required to buckle the pinned-pinned column is given by
the EULER BUCKLING FORMULA. Consider a column of length, L, cross-
sectional Moment of Inertia, I, having Young's Modulus, E.
Both ends are pinned, meaning they can freely rotate and can not resist a
moment.
The critical compression force at which the column buckles is given by

The Buckling Strength, Fe is the

Euler Buckling Load divided by the
columns cross-sectional area:
Effective Length
• Real columns do not have pin – connected ends.
The restraints placed on a column’s end greatly affect its stability.
To counter these effects, an effective length factor, K, is used to modify
the unbraced length.

Effective length = KL
 Slenderness Ratio
• Steel columns are usually
subdivided into two groups:
Long and Intermediate columns
(depending on their slenderness
ratio:

Larger ratio would be used for the determination of the

axial compressive strength.
Determine the Limiting Slenderness Ratio
 NSCP 2001
Limiting Slenderness Ratio
• Whose design is based on Compressive Force

(KL/r )< 200

• Whose design is based on Tensile Force

(KL/r )< 300

NSCP 2010/2015
• If a compression member is supported
differently with respect to each of its principal
axes, the effective length will be different for the
two directions.
In the figure, a W-shape is used as a column and
is braced by horizontal members in two
perpendicular directions at the top. These
members prevent translation of the column in all
directions, but the connections, the details of
which are not shown, permit small rotations to
take place.
This brace prevents translation perpendicular to
the weak axis of the cross section but provides no
restraint perpendicular to the strong axis
NOTE: larger ratio would be used for the determination of the axial compressive
strength.
• A W12 × 58, 24 feet long, is
pinned at both ends and braced
in the weak direction at the third
points. Determine the governing
Slenderness ratio
 Three General Modes by which axially loaded columns can fail.

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 of buckling can occur.
The susceptibility of a column to local buckling
is measured by the width – thickness ratios of
the parts of its cross section
localized buckling or wrinkling at an isolated location
 Three General Modes by which axially loaded columns can fail.

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.
How to determine if the cross section is
compact, non – compact and slender?
• Two Limits exist
 
𝜆and
𝑝
 
𝜆𝑟
 
𝜆𝑝represents the upper limit for compact
sections
 
𝜆𝑟 represents the upper limit for non
-compact sections

 
𝜆 ≤ 𝜆 𝑝 . .. . .𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡

{ 𝜆 𝑝 < 𝜆 ≤ 𝜆 𝑟 . . . . 𝑁𝑜𝑛 − 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡

𝜆> 𝜆 𝑟 .. . . 𝑆𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟
Compact Cross Section- When the slenderness ratios are sufficiently
small, the beam can attain its full plastic moment . It does not exhibit
any buckling behaviour. Their compressive strength is limit by the
material compressive strength.

Non – compact – when the Slenderness ratios are larger , the

compression flange or the web may buckle locally before the a full
plastic moment is attained. It exhibit both plastic and elastic buckling
behaviour. The compressive strength is limited by inelastic buckling.

Slender – when the slenderness ratios are sufficiently large, local

buckling will occur before the yield stress of the material Is reached. It
exhibit elastic buckling behaviour. The compressive strength is limited
by its elastic buckling.
How to determine if the cross section is
slender or non slender?
SLENDER VS. NON - SLENDER
• If a shape is slender, its strength limit state is local buckling, and the
corresponding reduced strength must be computed.
• The width-to-thickness ratio is given the generic symbol λ. Depending
on the particular cross-sectional element, λ for I shapes is either the
ratio b/t or h/tw, both of which are defined presently.

𝜆> 𝜆 𝑟 . .. . the  shape   is   slender  

 

{ 𝜆 ≤ 𝜆 𝑟 . .. . the  shape   is   non   slender  

NON SLENDER ELEMENTS
• If λ is less than the specified limit (denoted λr), the shape is non
slender
What is the allowable column stress if the SR <
Cc for Non Slender Elements? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 2001 2010/2015
• The allowable column stress varies with slenderness
ratio
Inelastic Buckling (SR < Cc) For Intermediate Columns,

Fe = Euler critical Buckling Stress

Fcr = Flexural Buckling Stress (2010/2015)
Fa = Allowable Compressive stress (2001)
What is the allowable column stress if the SR >
Cc for Non Slender Elements? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 2001 2010/2015
• The allowable column stress varies with slenderness
ratio
Elastic Buckling occurs (SR > Cc) For Long Columns,
Two types of Plate
elements in a Cross Section
(SLENDER Elements)
UNSTIFFENED VS. STIFFENED
Unstiffened element is a projecting piece with one free
edge parallel to the direction of the compression force
UNSTIFFENED VS. STIFFENED
Stiffened element is supported along the two edges in
that direction.
 UNSTIFFENED VS. STIFFENED
• Unstiffened Elements
Section 502.6.2.2, the allowable stress of unstiffened compression elements
whose thickness ratio exceeds the applicable non- compact limit. Shall be
subject to a reduction factor Qs.

• Stiffened Elements
Section 502.6.2.2 , when the width – thickness ratio of uniformly
compressed stiffened elements (except perforated cover plates) exceeds the
non – compact limit, a reduced effective width be, shall be used in computing
he design properties of the section containing the element, except that be/t
need not to be taken as less than the applicable value given in the section.
NSCP 2001
  𝑏 𝐻
≤
𝑡 √𝐹 𝑦
  𝑏 𝐻
≤
𝑡 √𝐹 𝑦
 𝑏 𝐻
 

≤
𝑡 √𝐹 𝑦
SUMMAR
Y
 (2010/2015 NSCP) (2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in Flanges of rolled other compression members
I- shaped sections
Unstiffened Compression Unstiffened Compression
Element Element

Uniform Compression in Webs of doubly All other uniformly compressed stiffened

symmetric I – shaped sections elements, i.e., supported along two edges
Stiffened Compression Stiffened Compression
Element Element
• https://
www.engineersedge.com/materials/aisc_structural_shapes/aisc_struc
tural_shapes_viewer.htm
Uniform Compression in flanges of
plates projecting from rolled I – shapes
sections
Unstiffened Compression
Element
(2010/2015 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in flanges
of outstanding legs of pairs of
angles in continuous contact
Unstiffened Compression
Element
(2010/2015 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in flanges of
channels
Unstiffened Compression
Element
(2010/2015 NSCP)

Uniform Compression in Webs of doubly

symmetric I – shaped sections
Stiffened Compression
Element
(2010/2015 NSCP)
 (2010/2015 NSCP) (2001 NSCP)

Uniform Compression in flanges of

built – up I – shaped sections Built – up columns

Unstiffened Compression Unstiffened Compression

Element Element

All other uniformly compressed

stiffened elements, i.e., supported
Stiffened Compression along two edges
Element
Stiffened Compression
Element
Uniform Compression in flanges of
plates or angle legs projecting from
built – up I –shaped sections
Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Angles or plates projecting from

girders, compression flanges of plate
girders

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in legs of single
angles

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Unstiffened elements simply supported

along one edge, such as legs of single
angle struts
Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in legs of double
angles with separators

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Unstiffened elements simply supported

along one edge, such as legs of double
– angle struts with separators

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in all other
unstiffened elements

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Unstiffened elements simply supported

along one edge, such as cross or star –
shaped cross sections

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in flanges of
outstanding legs of pairs of angles in
continuous contact
Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Uniform compression in stem of tees

Stiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform compression in stem of tees

Unstiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in flanges of
rectangular box and hollow structural
sections of uniform thickness subject to
compression or flexure
Stiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Flanges of square and rectangular box and

hollow structural sections of uniform
thickness subject to bending or compression
Stiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in flange cover
plates and diaphragm plates between
lines of fasteners or welds.

Stiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

Flanges cover plates and diaphragm

plates between lines of fasteners or
welds

Stiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in Circular hollow
sections

Stiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in all other stiffened
elements
Stiffened Compression
Element

(2010/2015 NSCP)

All other uniformly compressed stiffened

elements, i.e., supported along two edges
Stiffened Compression
Element

(2001 NSCP)
2001 2010/2015
NON SLENDER ELEMENTS
Sample Problems
Sample 1.
•  A steel column has the following properties: Modulus of elasticity E =
200000 MPa, yield strength Fy = 200 MPa, Length L = 15m, moment of
inertia I = 37.7 x and Area = 8000 . Determine the allowable
compressive stress if the column is fixed at both ends. 2001 NSCP
• Compute the design compressive strength for LRFD and the allowable
compressive strength for ASD. (2010 and 2015 NSCP)
 Sample 2.
••  TheA 36 steel W 6 x 20 column in the
figure is pin connected at its ends and is
subjected to the axial load P. The column
is laterally supported about its weak
axis. Determine the maximum value of P.
A = 3790
Ix = 17,231,980
rx = 67.4 mm
ry = 38 mm
d = 157 mm
Effects of Lateral Bracing on Column
Buckling
• Bracing a column changes its effective length and consequently its
buckling mode. The more a column is braced, the shorter
its effectively length becomes and the greater the load
that is required to cause buckling. If bracing is used, it
is usually more effective when placed symmetrically.
Sample 3
• A column that is 9m long is to carry a load of 890 kN. The member will
be braced about both principal axis at top and bottom and in addition
will be braced about its minor axis at mid – height. Using Fy= 345.5
MPa, design a section to carry the loads safely. Kx = Ky= 1.0

FOLLOW – UP Questions
A. Which of the sections gives the largest allowable compressive stress?
B. Which of the sections gives the smallest allowable compressive stress?
C. Which of the sections gives the most economical (lightest) section for the
given load?
 Sample 4.
A built up section consists of two miscellaneous channels MC 18 x
42.7 and one cover plate 12mm x 500mm. The channels are placed t
300mm back to back with the flanges outstanding. This section is used
as a column having a height of 6m. Assume K = 1.0
1.Compute the minimum
radius of gyration.
2. Compute the allowable
compressive stress
3. Compute the allowable
load that the built up
section could carry as a
column.
• https://
www.engineersedge.com/materials/aisc_structural_shapes/aisc_struc
tural_shapes_viewer.htm
 (2010/2015 NSCP) (2001 NSCP)
Uniform Compression in Flanges of rolled other compression members
I- shaped sections
Unstiffened Compression Unstiffened Compression
Element Element

Uniform Compression in Webs of doubly All other uniformly compressed stiffened

symmetric I – shaped sections elements, i.e., supported along two edges
Stiffened Compression Stiffened Compression
Element Element
Uniform Compression in flanges of
channels
Unstiffened Compression
Element
(2010/2015 NSCP)

Uniform Compression in Webs of doubly

symmetric I – shaped sections
Stiffened Compression
Element
(2010/2015 NSCP)
  
(OK)

  450 − 2 (15.88 )
=𝟑𝟔 . 𝟓𝟗𝟏𝟒 < 𝟒𝟐 . 𝟑𝟏𝟑𝟐 (𝑶𝑲 )
11.43
Therefore Local Instability is not a problem – Use Flexural Buckling Stress
 
𝜆 ≤ 𝜆𝑟 . .. . the  shape   is   non   slender  −  unstiffened
Sample 5 (SEATWORK)
In the Figure shown, a truss is subjected to P1 = P2 = P3 = 14kN at C, D,
and E respectively.
1. What is the reaction at A.
2. What is the stress (kN) in member DI?
3. Calculate the allowable load (kN) in member DI
Sample 6 (ASSIGNMENT)
A water tank with a gross weight of 400 kN when
empty is supported by five 100 mm x 100 mm x
10mm steel angle columns (battered 1 horizontal
to 4 vertical) equally distant from each other
supported on concrete footings on a base of 4.8m
in diameter. The tank is subjected to a wind
pressure of 54 kN and is acting at a vertical
distance of 6m above the ground.
Determine the maximum height of water that the
tank could support neglecting wind pressure on
the columns and bracings considering only 2.4m as
the unsupported length of column. Diameter of
the tank is 2meters and its height is 4m. Use NSCP
Specifications: Fy = 450 MPa.
Determine the resistance factor and the safety
factor for the compression members.
SLENDER ELEMENTS
• If λ is greater than the specified limit (denoted λr), the shape is
slender
What is the allowable column stress if the SR
< Cc for Slender Elements? (2001 and 2010/2015)
2001 2010/2015
What is the allowable column stress if the SR
> Cc for Slender Elements? (2001 and 2010/2015)
2001 2010/2015
 SLENDER ELEMENTS
• If λ is greater than the specified limit (denoted λr), the shape is
slender

Stiffened Elements Unstiffened Elements

 Unstiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
UNSTIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
 Unstiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
UNSTIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
For angles or plates projecting from columns or other
compression members, and for the projecting elements
of compression flanges of beams and girders:
 Unstiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
UNSTIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
For angles or plates projecting from columns or other
compression members, and for the projecting elements
of compression flanges of beams and girders:
How to determine the reduction factor for unstiffened slender
column for stem of tees? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 Unstiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
UNSTIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
For stem of tees:
How to determine the reduction factor for stiffened slender
column? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
 8 (assume)

Ae = At – total loss in area

How to determine the reduction factor for stiffened slender column for flanges of
square and rectangular sections of uniform thickness? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
STIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
• For flanges of square and rectangular sections of
uniform thickness:
How to determine the reduction factor for stiffened slender column for flanges of
square and rectangular sections of uniform thickness? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
STIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
For other uniformly compressed elements:
How to determine the reduction factor for stiffened slender column
for axially loaded circular column? (2001 and 2010/2015)
 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
Sample 7
• A built up compression section is shown in
the Figure. This forms a non standard wide
flange section. Assume KL = 2.4m. Use A
36 steel with Fy = 248 MPa. E = 200000
MPa
1. Compute the reduction factor Qs for
unstiffened elements.
2. Compute the reduction factor Qa for the
stiffened elements
3. Compute the safe axial capacity.
 (2010/2015 NSCP) (2001 NSCP)

Uniform Compression in flanges of

built – up I – shaped sections Built – up columns

Unstiffened Compression Unstiffened Compression

Element Element

All other uniformly compressed

stiffened elements, i.e., supported
Stiffened Compression along two edges
Element
Stiffened Compression
Element
 Unstiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
UNSTIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
For angles or plates projecting from columns or other
compression members, and for the projecting elements
of compression flanges of beams and girders:
 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
STIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
• For flanges of square and rectangular sections of
uniform thickness:
Sample 8
• A built up compression section is shown in
the Figure. This forms a non standard wide
flange section. Assume KL = 3.5m. Use A
36 steel with Fy = 248 MPa. E = 200000
MPa
1. Compute the reduction factor Qs for
unstiffened elements.
2. Compute the reduction factor Qa for the
stiffened elements
3. Compute the safe axial capacity.

8mm
 8 (assume)

Ae = At – total loss in area

 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
STIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
For other uniformly compressed elements:
 Stiffened Compression Elements
2001 2010/2015
STIFFENED COMPRESSION ELEMENTS
• For flanges of square and rectangular sections of
uniform thickness: