DESIGN OF

COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
FRANCISCO, ROMMEL
4BSCV
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1

A COMPRESSION MEMBER IS SUBJECTED TO SERVICE LOADS OF 165 KIPS DEAD LOAD AND 535 KIPS
LIVE LOAD. THE MEMBER IS 26FT LONG AND PINNED AT EACH END. USE A913 GRADE 65 STEEL AND
SELECT A W14 SHAPE

USING LRFD

COMPUTE FOR THE FACTORED LOAD

PU=1.2D + 1.6L
PU=1.2 (165) + 1.6 (535)
PU=1054 KIPS
According to Table 4-1b, column load table for F y= 65ksi. Sice K=1.0, KL = 1.0(26) = 26ft.
We can see that a W14x120, with ØcPn=1070 KIPS will work
SINCE 1070 > 1054
THE ANSWER IS TO USE A W14X120
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1

A COMPRESSION MEMBER IS SUBJECTED TO SERVICE LOADS OF 165 KIPS DEAD LOAD AND 535 KIPS
LIVE LOAD. THE MEMBER IS 26FT LONG AND PINNED AT EACH END. USE A913 GRADE 65 STEEL AND
SELECT A W14 SHAPE

USING ASD

COMPUTE FOR THE APPLIED LOAD

Pa=D + L
Pa=165 + 535
Pa=700 KIPS
According to Table 4-1b, with Lc= KL = 1.0(26) = 26ft, a W14x120 has an allowable strength of 709kips

SINCE 709 > 700

THE ANSWER IS TO USE A W14X120
SAMPLE PROBLEM 2

SELECT THE LIGHTEST W-SHAPE THAT CAN RESIST A SERVICE DEAD LOAD OF 62.5 KIPS AND A SERVICE
LIVE LOAD OF 125 KIPS. EFFECTIVE LENGTH = 24FT. USE ASTIM A992 STEEL

From the column load tables (Table 4-1a, for Fy=50ksi)

USING LRFD the choices are:
W8 There are no W8s with ØcPn 275kips
COMPUTE FOR THE FACTORED LOAD
PU= 1.2D + 1.6L W10 W10 X 54 ØcPn =282kips
PU=1.2(62.5) + 1.6 (125) W12 W12 X 58 ØcPn =292kips
PU=275 KIPS W14 W14 X 61 ØcPn =293kips

ANSWER: Use W10 X 54

SAMPLE PROBLEM 2

SELECT THE LIGHTEST W-SHAPE THAT CAN RESIST A SERVICE DEAD LOAD OF 62.5 KIPS AND A SERVICE
LIVE LOAD OF 125 KIPS. EFFECTIVE LENGTH = 24FT. USE ASTIM A992 STEEL

From the column load tables the choices are:

USING ASD
W8 There are no W8s with 188kips
COMPUTE FOR THE APPLIED LOAD
W10 W10 X 54 =188kips
Pa= D + L
W12 W12 X 58 =194kips
Pa=62.5 + 125
W14 W14 X 61 =195kips
Pa=188 KIPS

ANSWER: Use W10 X 54

IN SOME CASES THE USE OF TABLES ARE NOT
APPLICABLE. FOR EXAMPLE, TABLE 4-1 CANNOT BE
USED FOR A W18 SHAPE. JUST LIKE WHEN THE YIELD
STRENGTH FOR THIS SHAPE IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN
50KSI, TABLE 6-2 WILL NOT BE OF USE.

IN THAT CASE, TRIAL-AND-ERROR APPROACH CAN BE

USED
The general procedure is to assume a shape and then compute its
strength. If the strength is too small (unsafe) or too large
(uneconomical), another trial must be made.

A systematic approach to making the trial selection is as follows:

1. Assume a value for the critical buckling stress Fcr. Examination of AISC
equations E3-2 and E3-3 shows that the theoretically maximum value of Fcr=Fy

2. Determine the required area

For LRFD, For ASD,

ØcFcrAg 0.6Fcr

Ag Ag
3. Select the shape that satisfies the area requirement

4. Compute the Fcr and the strength of the trial shape

5. Revise if necessary, repeat the procedure if the available strength is very close to
the required value

6. Check local stability (width-to-thickness ratio). Revise if necessary

Sample Problem 1
SELECT A W18 SHAPE WITH Fy= 70 KSI THAT CAN RESIST THE SERVICE DEADLOAD OF
100KIPS, AND SERVICE LIVELOAD OF 300KIPS. THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH Lc= 26FT.

LRFD SOLUTION Try a W18 x 50 Since 189.1 > 95.87, AISC eq. E3-3 applies
Pu= 1.2 (100) + 1.6 (300) Ag=14.7in > 14.2in² ok Fcr=0.877Fe
² Fcr=0.877 (8.004)
Pu= 600kips = = 189.1
Fcr= 7.020ksi
Try the arbitrary
Fe =
choice of Fcr=2/3Fy
ØcPn = ØcFcrAg
Fcr = 47 ksi =
ØcPn = 0.9(7.020)(14.7)
Required Ag= = 8.004ksi ØcPn = 92.9kips < 600kips
4.71 = 4.71 Not good
=
Since assumed Fcr was so far off, assume much lower
Required Ag=14.2 in² value. Increase the derived value of 7.020 ksi by one-third
= 95.87
of the difference between initial estimate and 7.020
Try Fcr= 7.020 +
Fcr=20.3 ksi

Required Ag= Since 116 > 95.87, AISC eq. E3-3 applies Try W18 X 130
Fcr=0.877Fe Ag=38.3in²
=
Fcr=0.877 (21.27) = = 115.6
Ag=32.8in² Fcr= 18.65ksi Fe =

Try W18 x 119: ØcPn = ØcFcrAg =

Ag=35.1in >32.8in² ok ØcPn = 0.9(18.65)(35.1)
= 21.42ksi Use W18x30
² ØcPn = 589 kips < 600kips Not good
= = 116 Fcr=0.877Fe
This is very close. Must try next larger size
Fcr=0.877 (21.42)
Fe = Fcr= 18.79 ksi
= ØcPn = 0.9(18.79)(38.3)
ØcPn = 648kips > 600kips OK
= 21.27 ksi
ASD SOLUTION Try a W18 x 50
Ag=14.7in > 14.2in² ok
Pa= D + L
=² = 189.1
Pa= 100 + 300
Pa= 400 KIPS
Fe =
Try the arbitrary = 0.6FcrAg
choice of Fcr=2/3Fy =
Fcr = 47 ksi = 0.6(7.020)(14.7)
= 8.004ksi
Ag 4.71 = 4.71
= 61.9 < 400kips Not Good

Ag
= 95.87
Ag = 14.2 in²
Fcr=0.877Fe
Fcr=0.877 (8.004)
Fcr= 7.020ksi
Try W18 X 130
Ag=38.3in²
= = 115.6
= 0.6FcrAg
Fe =
= 0.6(18.79)(38.3)
=
= 432 > 400kips Good
= 21.42ksi
Fcr=0.877Fe
Fcr=0.877 (21.42) Use W18x30
Fcr= 18.79 ksi
MORE ON EFFECTIVE LENGTH
If a compression member is supported differently with respect to each of its principal axes,
the effective length will be different for the two direction.

Figure 4.10 is a W-shape that is used as a column and is braced

horizontal members in two perpendicular directions at the top

- This members prevent translation of column in all direction yet there

are still small rotations that will take place.

- Even If the connection prevents translation, there is no restraint

against rotation

Note
- Strength decreases with increasing Lc/r hence the column will buckle
in the direction with the largest slenderness ratio.
Lcx/rx must be compared to Lcy/ry and the larger ration would be used for the determination of
axial compressive strength
Sample Problem 1
A W12 X 58, 24FT LONG, IS PINNED AT BOTH ENDS AND BRACED IN THE WEAK
DIRECTION AT THE THIRD POINTS, AS SHOWN BELOW. A992 STEEL IS SUED.
DETERMINE THE AVAILABLE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH.
GIVEN: ØcFcr = 36.24 ksi, Fcr/ = 24.09 ksi; rx = 5.28, ry = 2.51, Ag=17.0

LRFD SOLUTION:
=

=
𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑠
= ØcPn = ØcFcrAg
ØcPn = 36.24(17.0)
=38.25 ØcPn = 616 kips = Design Strength
Sample Problem 1
A W12 X 58, 24FT LONG, IS PINNED AT BOTH ENDS AND BRACED IN THE WEAK
DIRECTION AT THE THIRD POINTS, AS SHOWN BELOW. A992 STEEL IS SUED.
DETERMINE THE AVAILABLE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH.
GIVEN: ØcFcr = 36.24 ksi , Fcr/ = 24.09 ksi; rx = 5.28, ry = 2.51, Ag=17.0

ASD SOLUTION:
=

= 𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑠
= Fcr/ = 24.09 ksi
Pn/ = 24.09 (17.0)
=38.25 Pn/ = 410 kips = allowable strength
Sample Problem 2
THE COMPRESSION MEMBER SHOWN BELOW IS PINNED AT BOTH ENDS AND SUPPORTED IN THE
WEAK DIRECTION AT MIDHEIGHT. 200kips DL AND 200kips LL MUST BE SUPPORTED. Fy= 50ksi .
SELECT THE LIGHTEST W-SHAPE. AMONG W8 X 58, W10X49, W10X54, W12X53 WITH rx/ry = 1.74,
1.71 for W8x58 and W10x49 respectively and 2.11 for W12x53 . Use LRFD

LRFD SOLUTION:
Pu= 1.2 (200) + 1.6 (200)
Pu= 560 kips

Assume the weak direction controls. Then Locate to the

column load table for Fy=50ksi, Lc = 9ft. Start with the
smallest shape
Smallest shape = W8 X 58
Design strength = 634 kips
Sample Problem 2 CONTN..
THE COMPRESSION MEMBER SHOWN BELOW IS PINNED AT BOTH ENDS AND SUPPORTED IN THE
WEAK DIRECTION AT MIDHEIGHT. 200kips DL AND 200kips LL MUST BE SUPPORTED. Fy= 50ksi .
SELECT THE LIGHTEST W-SHAPE. AMONG W8 X 58, W10X49, W10X54, W12X53 WITH rx/ry = 1.74,
1.71 for W8x58 and W10x49 respectively and 2.11 for W12x53 Use LRFD Use LRFD

CHECK THE STRONG AXIS

= ¿ 9 𝑓𝑡
. ’ . Lcx controls for this shape

FIND Lc=10.34 on the table of W8 X 58

ØcPn= 596 kips ¿ 560 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑂𝐾
Sample Problem 2 CONTN..
THE COMPRESSION MEMBER SHOWN BELOW IS PINNED AT BOTH ENDS AND SUPPORTED IN THE
WEAK DIRECTION AT MIDHEIGHT. 200kips DL AND 200kips LL MUST BE SUPPORTED. Fy= 50ksi .
SELECT THE LIGHTEST W-SHAPE. AMONG W8 X 58, W10X49, W10X54, W12X53 WITH rx/ry = 1.74,
1.71 for W8x58 and W10x49 respectively and 2.11 for W12x53 Use LRFD

INVESTIGATE W10 SHAPES; TRY W10

X49
=

= ¿ 9 𝑓𝑡
. ’ . Lcx controls for this shape

FIND Lc=10.53 on the table.

W10 X 54
ØcPn= 594 kips for 10.53ft Might still be heaavy
Sample Problem 2 CONTN..
THE COMPRESSION MEMBER SHOWN BELOW IS PINNED AT BOTH ENDS AND SUPPORTED IN THE
WEAK DIRECTION AT MIDHEIGHT. 200kips DL AND 200kips LL MUST BE SUPPORTED. Fy= 50ksi .
SELECT THE LIGHTEST W-SHAPE. AMONG W8 X 58, W10X49, W10X54, W12X53 WITH rx/ry = 1.74,
1.71 for W8x58 and W10x49 respectively and 2.11 for W12x53 Use LRFD

INVESTIGATE W12x53 ØcPn= 611kips for Lc=9ft

= ¿ 9 𝑓𝑡
. ’ . Lcy controls for this shape

The lightest one is W12x53

Use W12X53
TORSIONAL AND FLEXURAL-TORSIONAL
BUCKLING
FLEXURAL BUCKLING
It is a deflection caused by bending, or flexure, about the axis corresponding to the
largest slenderness ratio which is usually the minor principal axis. The one with
smallest radius of gyration. Compression members with any type of cross-sectional
configuration can fail in this way.

TORSIONAL BUCKLING
This type of failure is caused by twisting about the longitudinal axis of the
member. It can occur only with doubly symmetrical cross sections with very
slender cross-sectional elements. Standard hot-rolled shapes are not susceptible to
torsional buckling. However, built up from thin plate elements must be
investigated.
FLEXURAL - TORSIONAL
BUCKLING
This type of failure is caused by a combination of flexural buckling and torsional
buckling. The member bends and twists simultaneously. This can occur only with
unsymmetrical cross sections, both those with one axis of symmetry.
FORMULAS

Fe= + GJ ] + AISC Eq. 4-2 doubly symmetric (torsional

buckling)
Fe= [ 1- ]
AISC Eq. 4-3 singly symmetric where y is the
axis of symmetry (flexural torsional buckling)

(Fe – Fex)(Fe-Fey)(Fe-Fez) – Fe²(Fe-Fey)( – Fe²(Fe-Fex)( = 0

AISC Eq. 4-4 shapes with no axis of

symmetry (flexural torsional buckling)
Cw = warping constant ()
Lcz=KzL = effective length of torsional buckling based on the amount of end restraint against twisting
about longitudinal axis
G = shear modulus (ksi) =11, 200 ksi for structural steel
J = torsional constant (equal to the polar moment of inertia only for circular sections) (

Fex = AISC Eq. E4-5 When y is the axis of symmetry for singly
symmetrical shapes
Fey = AISC Eq. E4-6

When z is the longitudinal axis and and coordinates of the shear

Fez = [ ] AISC Eq. E4-7 center of the cross section with respect to the centroid in inches

H=1 AISC Eq. E4-8

=+
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1
COMPUTE THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF A WT12 X 81 OF A992 STEEL. THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH
WITH RESPECT TO THE X AXIS IS 25FT 6IN, THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH WITH RESPECT TO THE Y-AXIS IS
20FT, AND THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH FOR Z-AXIS IS 20FT. rx = 1.71, ry=3.05, Fy = 50ksi, A g=23.9in², tf=1.22in
y=2.70, Ix=293, Iy=221,G=11200, J=9.22,
SOLUTION:
Flexural-Torsional buckling strength (y-axis / axis of
Compute the flexural buckling strength for the x-axis
symmetry)
= = Fcr=(Fy)
= =
Fcr=(50)
Fex = Fcr= Fey =
Nominal flexural buckling strength
= Fey =
Pn= FcrAg
=37.44 Pn= (28.59)(23.9) Fey = 46.22 ksi
4.71 = 4.71 Pn= 683.3 kips

4.71 = 113
>

AISC eq. E3-2 applies

=0 Fez = Fcr=(Fy)
=y-
Fez = Fcr=(50)
= 2.70 - Fcr= 25.25 ksi
= 2.09 in. Fez =
Pn = FcrAg
=+ Fey + Fez =198.8ksi Pn = (25.25)(23.9)
Pn = 603.5 kips < 683.3
=
Fe= [- ] Flexural torsional
= 25.87 in² buckling strength
controls
H=
Fe= [- ]
LRFD =
0.9(603.5)
LRFD = 543 kips
H=
Fe= 30.63 ksi ASD Fa = 0.6 Fcr
H = 0.8312
= 0.6 (25.25)
= 1.632 = 15.15 ksi
ASD = 15.15 (23.9)
ASD = 362 kips
BUILT-UP MEMBERS
When connectors are snug-tight bolts, the modified slenderness ratio is

( ) √( ) ( )
2 2
𝐿𝑐 𝐿𝑐 𝑎 AISC Eq. E6-1 where is the unmodified slenderness ratio
= +
𝑟 𝑚 𝑟 0 𝑟𝑖

When connectors are welds or fully tensioned bolts, the modified slenderness ratio depends on the value of that
is 40, the slenderness ratio is not modified

( ) ( )
2
𝐿𝑐 𝐿𝑐
=
𝑟 𝑚 𝑟 0

When > 40,

Ki = 0.5 for angles back-to-back

( ) =√ ( ) ( )
2 2 = 0.75 for channels back-to-back
𝐿𝑐 𝐿𝑐 𝐾𝑖𝑎
+ = 0.86 for all other cases
𝑟 𝑚 𝑟 0 𝑟𝑖
SAMPLE PROBLEM
COMPUTE THE AVAILABLE STRENGTH OF COMPRESSION MEMBER SHOWN BELOW. TWO ANGLES, 5 X 3 X
½, ARE ORIENTED WITH THE LONG LEGS BACK-TO-BACK (21.5 X 3 X1/2 LLBB) AND SEPARATED BY 3/8IN.
THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH, Lc = 16FT, FULLY TIGHTENED INTERMEDIARE CONNECTORS. A36 STEEL IS
USED. rx=1.58, ry= 1.24, rz=0.642, fy=36ksi, Ag=7.50in² connector spacing a=48in, Ki=0.5, G=11200, J=2x0.322, ro=2.51,
H=0.646

Flexural buckling on x- Fcr=(Fy)

axis Fcr=(36)
= =
Fcr=
Fex =
Nominal strength

= Pn= FcrAg
=
Pn= 16.55(7.50)
Pn= 124.1 kips
4.71 = 4.71

= > use Eq. E3-2

 For flexural-torsional buckling strength of y-axis use modified slenderness ratio, which is based on
the spacing of the connectors. The unmodified slenderness ratio is

( ) =√ ( ) ( )
= 2 2 Fez = =
𝐿𝑐 𝐿𝑐 𝐾𝑖𝑎
+
= = 154.8 𝑟 𝑚 𝑟 0 𝑟𝑖 Fez = 152.6 ksi

= = 74.77 ( )𝐿𝑐
𝑟 𝑚
=√ ( 154.8 )20+ ( 37.38F)ez2 + Fey= 163.9 ksi

a/rz is < 0.75lc/ry ( )𝐿𝑐

𝑟 𝑚
=159.2
Fe= [ 1- ]
= 116.1 > 74.77 ok
Fey = Fe= [ 1- ]
Compute modified slenderness
ratio considering 74.77 > 40 Fey =
Fe= 10.99 ksi
= = 37.38 Fey =
 = For LRFD

= 3.276 ØcPn = 0.9 (72.29)

ØcPn = 65.1kips
Fcr=0.877Fe
The design strength is 65.1 kips
Fcr=0.877 (10.99)
Fcr= 9.638ksi
For ASD
Fa = 0.6 Fcr
Get nominal strength
Fa = 0.6 (9.638)
Pn=FcrAg
Fa = 5.783 ksi
Pn= (9.638)(7.50)
Pn= 72.29 kips FaAg = 5.783 (7.5)
FaAg = 43.47 kips

The allowable strength is 43.47 kips

THANK YOU