STEEL DESIGN

106
COLUMN AND OTHER COMPRESSION
MEMBERS

Ronel E. Romero, RCE, MCE

Instructor
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
Introduction
Structural members subjected to axial compressive loads are often
called by names identifying their functions. Of these, the best-
known are columns, the main vertical compression members in a
building frame.

Other compression members include chords in trusses and bracing

members in frames.
Introduction
For building columns,
W shape having nominal depths of 350mm or less are commonly
used.
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 in light trusses,

Single-angle members are suitable.
However, equal-leg angles maybe more economical than unequal-
leg angles.
Introduction
For top chord members,
A pair of angles (usually unequal, with long legs back to back) are
used with or without gusset plates.
Euler’s column buckling theory
Formlated by Leonard Euler, 1757
His analysis is based on the differential equation of the elastic
curve.

When column is loaded to the buckling load or Euler load, a

column will fail by sudden buckling or bending.

If the column is hinged at both ends, the Euler critical load is given
as: For fixed-ended columns

Pc= Fe= Pc= Fe=

Euler critical stress
Euler’s column buckling theory
L/r = slenderness ratio
As slender ratio increases, the buckling stress decreases

As column becomes longer and more slender, the load that cause
buckling becomes smaller.
Effective length
Effective length factor
Is used to modify the
unbraced length.

KL is called the effective

length of the column.
 Long columns Depending on their
COLUMNS slenderness ratio
Intermediate columns

Slenderness ratio
SR=

Critical slenderness ratio, Cc

Cc=
NSCP Allowable Compressive Stress
SR ≤ Cc Inelastic buckling occurs SR ˃ Cc Elastic buckling occurs

Long Columns

Intermediate Columns
Example 1

Fe=
Example 2

SR=
Local Buckling

To prevent local buckling,

≤
 Stiffened elements

Unstiffened elements
Unstiffened elements
𝑏 𝑏
𝑡 𝑡

For single-angles For angles or plates projecting from columns

or other compression members, and for
projecting elements of compression flanges of
beams and girders