CHAPTER 3 – ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF COMPRESSION

MEMBERS

In this part of Chapter 3, we will discuss first about the analysis and design of compression
members prone to flexural buckling. Flexural buckling is the buckling of the entire member
and is governed by the Euler’s Formula.

On the second part of this chapter, we will consider local buckling, which is the buckling of
the part of a member which precipitate the failure of the entire member.

PART A: Compression Members Prone to Flexural Buckling

Axial Compressive Stress

P
σ=
A

Failure of short compression members

When steel is used as material for compression member, the section required is usually small
resulting to a slender member. This makes the steel compression member susceptible to
“flexural buckling”.

Euler Buckling Formula

Critical Axial Compression
π EI
P =
(kL)

Critical Compressive Stress:

π E
F =
kL
r

Where:
k = effective length factor
kL = L = effective length

1
r= = radius of gyration

= largest slenderness ratio

The slenderness ratio. kL/r, of a compression member shall not exceed 200. The graph below
show the strength of a compression member as a function of its slenderness .

Graph 3.1 – Strength of a compression member

There are 2 modes of failure for a steel compression member: Yielding or Buckling. Short or
intermediate compression members fail due to yielding while slender or long compression
members fail due to buckling. When the failure is yielding, the strength of the member is based
on the yield strength 𝐹 of the material. However, if the member is slender (failure is buckling),
then the strength 𝐹 of the member is already useless because its axial capacity is now governed
by the Euler’s formula. We can notice based on the Euler’s formula that the strength of a slender
compression member is now governed by its slenderness (kL/r) and the type of material (E).
Thus, for a slender steel compression member, a Grade 60 (414 MPa) steel will buckle at the
same load as that of an A36 (248 MPa) steel because they have the same E = 200 GPa.

2
Table 3.1 – TYPICAL VALUES FOR k

Buckled shape of
column is shown by
dashed line

Theoretical k value 0.50 0.70 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0

Recommended design
value for k when ideal 0.65 0.80 1.0 1.2 2.0 2.0
conditions are
approximated
Rotation fixed ; Translation fixed
End Condition Rotation free ; Translation fixed
Rotation fixed ; Translation free
Rotation free ; Translation free

NSCP Code Provisions for Axially Loaded Compression Member

2001 NSCP (Allowable Stress Design)

The allowable compressive strength, P :

P =F A

2π E
C =
F

Intermediate Column:
kL
when ≤C
r
1 kL/r F
F = 1−
2 C F. S.
where:
5 3 kL/r 1 kL/r
FS = + −
3 8 C 8 C

Long Column:
when >C

3
 π E
F = /FS
(kL/r)
where:
23
FS = (this is the max. value of F. S. )
12
Thus, for a long column

12π E
F =
23(kL/r)

Graph 3.2 – Strength of a compression member based on NSCP 2001 with Cc = 126.17

4
 ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

PROBLEM 1: A rectangular steel column is 50mm x 100mm in cross section. Use F =

248 MPa, E = 200,000 MPa and k = 1.0
a. Determine the mode of failure of the compression member if it is 2 m long.
b. Determine the mode of failure of the compression member it it is 0.5 m long.
c. Determine the allowable axial load for a factor of safety of 2.0 if the column is 2 m long.
d. Determine the allowable axial load for a factor of safety of 2.0 if the column is 0.5 m long.

Solution:
a. Mode of failure of the compression member if it is 2 m long or 2000 mm.
50(100)
I = = 4,166,666.67 mm
12
I 4,166,666.67
r = = = 28.87 mm
A 50(100)
While,
100(50)
I = = 1,041,666.67 mm
12
I 1,041,666.67
r = = = 14.43 mm
A 50(100)

Let us check the governing slenderness ratio for the compression member.
kL 1.0(2000)
S. R. = = = 69.28
r 28.87
kL 1.0(2000)
S. R. = = = 138.6
r 14.43

Thus, the governing slenderness ratio, kL/r is 138.60 (largest slenderness ratio). This is the
value that we shall use in the formula

π E π (200,000)
σ = = = 102.76 MPa
kL (138.6)
r

Since σ < F , buckling occurs first before yielding. It implies that the member will fail in
buckling. The member is slender or long and the mode of failure is buckling.

b. Determine the mode of failure of the compression member if it is 0.5 m long or 500 mm.
Let us check the governing slenderness ratio for the compression member.
kL 1.0(500)
S. R. = = = 17.32
r 28.87

5
 kL 1.0(500)
S. R. = = = 34.65
r 14.43

Thus, the governing slenderness ratio, kL/r is 34.65 (largest slenderness ratio). This is the value
that we shall use in the formula

π E π (200,000)
σ = = = 1644.08 MPa
kL (34.65)
r

Since σ > F , yielding occurs first before buckling. It implies that the member will fail in
yielding and the result of Euler’s formula is no longer true because the formula is only true if
the stresses are within the elastic range. This is because of the presence of E in the formula.
Remember that E is the Young’s Modulus of Elasticity which is the slope of the stress-strain
diagram in the elastic region. The member is short and the mode of failure is yielding.

c. Determine the allowable axial load for a factor of safety of 2.0 if the column is 2 m long.
σ σ 102.76
σ = = = = 51.38 MPa
F. S. F. S. 2.0
P =σ A = 51.38(50)(100) = 𝟐𝟓𝟔. 𝟗𝟎 𝐤𝐍

d. Determine the allowable axial load for a factor of safety of 2.0 if the column is 0.5 m long.
σ F 248
σ = = = = 124 MPa
F. S. F. S. 2.0
P =σ A = 124(50)(100) = 𝟔𝟐𝟎 𝐤𝐍

Concept to ponder from the code:

The compression index C is also called limiting slenderness ratio because C is also actually a
slenderness ratio when the Euler stress is equal to F .
1 π E
σ = F =
2 (C )

2π E
C =
F

From this value of 𝐶 , long compression members were separated from intermediate
compression members. For intermediate members, notice that the allowable stress is dependent
on 𝐹 and is divided by its corresponding factor of safety. However, notice that when the
compression member is long, 𝐹 is already useless because the strength is already a function of
the Euler’s buckling stress formula which is dependent on E and the slenderness ratio of the
member divided by the maximum value of the Factor of safety.

6
PROBLEM 2: A wide flange section for a 4.5 m long column (hinged at both ends) has the
following properties:
A = 13500 mm2 E = 200 GPa
6 4
Ix = 1200 x 10 mm Iy = 150 x 106 mm4
Determine the Euler critical load of the column.

Solution: k = 1.0 (hinged at both ends)

If there are no bracings in the column, we can notice that buckling is critical about the y-axis.

π EI π (200,000)(150 x 10 ) 1
P = = = 𝟏𝟒, 𝟔𝟐𝟏. 𝟔𝟒 𝐤𝐍
(kL) [1.0(4500)] 1000

PROBLEM 3: Two C310 x 45 channels are used as column. The column is 12 m high, latticed
together so they have equal moments of inertia about the principal axes. Assumed both ends
are pinned and proportional limit is 240 MPa and the modulus of elasticity of steel is 200GPa.

Properties of C310 X 45
A = 5690 mm2 x = 17mm
6 4
Ix = 67.3 x 10 mm Iy = 2.12 x 106 mm4

a. Compute the distance back to back of channels.

b. Compute the minimum length of a column having this section.
c. What safe load will the column carry with a factor of safety 2.5?

Solution:
a. Compute the distance back to back of channels.
I =I
b
2(67.3 x 10 ) = 2 2.12 x 10 + 5690 17 +
2
𝐛 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎. 𝟎𝟔 𝐦𝐦

b. Compute the minimum length of a column having this section.

2(67.3 x 10 )
r =r = = 108.76 mm
2(5690)

To get the minimum length

σ =f

7
 π (200,000)
= 240 MPa
1.0(L)
108.76

L = 9863.44 mm

c. What safe load will the column carry with a factor of safety 2.5?
π E π (200,000)
σ = = = 162.15 MPa
kL 1.0(12,000)
r 108.76

Since σ > F , yielding occurs first before buckling.

σ σ 162.15
σ = = = = 64.86 MPa
F. S. F. S. 2.5
P =σ A = 64.86(5,690)(2) = 𝟕𝟑𝟖. 𝟏𝟏 𝐤𝐍

PROBLEM 4: A W8x35 steel column has an unsupported height of 8 m. Using A 36 steel

with F = 248 MPa and E = 200,000 MPa. Compute the allowable axial load that the
column could carry:
a. if both ends are fixed.
b. if both ends are pinned.
c. if one end is fixed and the other end is pinned.

Properties of W8x35:
A = 6645.15 mm
I = 52.45 x 10 mm
I = 17.69 x 10 mm
r = 88.9 mm
r = 51.56 mm

Solution:
a. if both ends are fixed (k = 0.50)
kL 0.50(8000)
= = 44.99
r 88.9
kL 0.50(8000)
= = 77.58
r 51.56

Use kL/r = 77.58 (largest slenderness ratio)

2π (200,000)
C = = 126.17
248
Intermediate Column (kL/r < Cc)

8
 5 3 77.58 1 77.58
F. S. = + − = 1.868
3 8 126.17 8 126.17

1 77.58 248
F = 1− = 107.65 MPa
2 126.17 1.868
1 kN
P =F A = 107.65(6,645.15) = 𝟕𝟏𝟓. 𝟑𝟖 𝐤𝐍
1000 N

b. if both ends are pinned (k = 1.0)

kL 1.0(8000)
= = 89.99
r 88.9
kL 1.0(8000)
= = 155.16
r 51.56

Use kL/r = 155.16 (largest slenderness ratio)

2π (200,000)
C = = 126.17
248
Long Column (kL/r > Cc)
12π E 12π (200,000)
F = = = 42.78 MPa
kL 23(155.16)
23
r
1 kN
P =F A = 42.78(6,645.15) = 𝟐𝟖𝟒. 𝟐𝟖 𝐤𝐍
1000 N

c. if one end is fixed and the other end is pinned (k = 0.70)

kL 0.70(8000)
= = 62.99
r 88.9
kL 0.70(8000)
= = 108.61
r 51.56

Use kL/r = 108.61 (largest slenderness ratio)

2π (200,000)
C = = 126.17
248
Intermediate Column (kL/r < Cc)
5 3 108.61 1 108.61
F. S. = + − = 1.9097
3 8 126.17 8 126.17

1 108.61 248
F = 1− = 81.75 MPa
2 126.17 1.9097
1 kN
P =F A = 81.75(6,645.15) = 𝟓𝟒𝟑. 𝟐𝟐 𝐤𝐍
1000 N

9
PROBLEM 5: May 2015 CE Board Examination. Built-up column 10-m long consists of
W350x90 with two 12x350 plates welded to form a box section. With respect to x-axis
column is fixed and with respect to y-axis, column is braced at mid-height.

Properties of WF section:
A = 11,540 mm
I = 2.66x10 mm
I = 0.44x10 mm
b = 250 mm
t = 16 mm
t = 10 mm
F = 248 MPa
a. Compute the effective slenderness ratio with respect to x-axis.
b. Compute the effective slenderness ratio with respect to y-axis.
c. Compute the axial load capacity.

Solution:
a. Compute the effective slenderness ratio with respect to x-axis.

The section property of the built up section is,

A = 11,540 + 2(12)(350) = 19,940 mm
12(350)
I = 2.66 x 10 + 2 = 351.75 x 10 mm
12
350(12)
I = 0.44 x 10 + 2 + 12(350)(131) = 188.25 x 10 mm
12
Thus,

I I
r = = 132.82 mm ; r = = 97.16 mm
A A
kL 0.50(10,000)
S. R. = = = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟔𝟒
r 132.82

10
b. Compute the effective slenderness ratio with respect to y-axis.

kL 0.70(5,000)
S. R. = = = 𝟑𝟔. 𝟎𝟐
r 97.16

c. Compute the axial load capacity.

2π (200,000)
C = = 126.17
248
Use kL/r = 37.64 (largest)

Intermediate Column (kL/r < Cc)

5 3 37.64 1 37.64
F. S. = + − = 1.7752
3 8 126.17 8 126.17

1 37.64 248
F = 1− = 133.48 MPa
2 126.17 1.7752
1 kN
P =F A = 133.48(19,940) = 𝟐, 𝟔𝟔𝟏. 𝟔𝟖 𝐤𝐍
1000 N

PROBLEM 6: A W 14 x 142 is used as a column having length of 9 m long. It is hinged at

the upper end and fixed at the lower end but there is a lateral bracing perpendicular to the minor
axis of the W section at the 5.4 m above the bottom support. It is assumed to be pinned
connected at the bracing point. Using A-36 steel, the yield strength is 248 MPa and the NSCP
specifications, elastic modulus of steel is 200 GPa. The recommended k values are used.

Properties of W14 x 142

A=26967.69 mm2
d=374.65 mm bf=393.70 mm
tf=27.00 mm tw= 17.27 mm
Ix= 695.11 x 106 mm4 Sx=3719.18 x 103 mm3
rx=160.53 mm ry= 100.84 mm
Iy= 274.71 x 106 mm4 Sy= 1396.18 x 103 mm3

a. Compute the slenderness ratio.

b. Compute the allowable axial stress.
c. Compute the capacity of the column section.

Solution:

11
a. Compute the slenderness ratio.
Check governing effective length about y-axis:
L = 1.0(3600) = 3600 mm
L = 0.80(5400) = 4320 mm → governing

kL 4320
S. R. = = = 42.84
r 100.84
kL 0.80(9000)
S. R. = = = 44.85
r 160.53
𝐤𝐋
Thus, the governing slenderness ratio is, = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟖𝟓
𝐫

b. Compute the allowable axial stress.

2π (200,000)
C = = 126.17
248
< C (Intermediate),

5 3 44.85 1 44.85
F. S. = + − = 1.794
3 8 126.17 8 126.17

1 44.85 248
F = 1− = 𝟏𝟐𝟗. 𝟒𝟖 𝐌𝐏𝐚
2 126.17 1.794

c. Compute the capacity of the column section.

P =F A = 129.48(26,967.69)

𝐏𝐚 = 𝟐, 𝟒𝟗𝟏. 𝟕𝟓 𝐤𝐍

PROBLEM 7: The Z-section shown is used as a

compression member. It has an unsupported height
of 3m. Determine the axial load capacity of the
section. 𝐹 = 400 𝑀𝑃𝑎. Use k = 1.0.

Properties of the Z-section:

A = 2832 mm
I = 3.25 x 10 m
I = 4.18 x 10 m
I = 2.87 x 10 m

12
SOLUTION:
For unsymmetrical sections, buckling does not occur on the x-axis neither y-axis. Buckling
occurs on the axis where it is weakest. We use Mohr’s circle to calculate for the minimum
moment of inertia of the section.

. .
Center, C = = 3.715

x = 3.715 − 3.25 = 0.465

R= 0.465 + 2.87 = 2.907

Therefore,

I = C − R = 3.715 − 2.907

I = 0.808 x 10 m
= 0.808 x 10 mm

The minimum radius of gyration,

0.808 x 10
r = = 16.89 mm
2832

. ( , )
Thus, = = 177.62
.

( , )
Compare to C = = 99.35

The compression member is long (kL/r > Cc)

12π (200,000)
F = = 32.64 MPa
23(177.62)

P = F A = 32.64(2,832) = 𝟗𝟐, 𝟒𝟒𝟔. 𝟗𝟕 𝐍

13
PROBLEM 8: Two C8x11.5 and a W8x13 are welded together to form a box section as shown.
The built-up section is used to support a cantilever beam at its free end. The cantilever beam is
6m long. Use A50 steel (𝐹 = 345 𝑀𝑃𝑎). Determine the allowable total uniformly distributed
load from the beam so as not to exceed the capacity of the built-up column.

Properties of a C8x11.5:
𝐴 = 2181 𝑚𝑚
𝐼 = 13.57 𝑥 10 𝑚𝑚
𝐼 = 0.55 𝑥 10 𝑚𝑚
𝑥 = 14.5 𝑚𝑚
𝑏 = 57 𝑚𝑚

Properties of a W8x13:
𝐴 = 2477 𝑚𝑚
𝐼 = 16.1 𝑥 10 𝑚𝑚
𝐼 = 1.05 𝑥 10 𝑚𝑚
𝑏 = 100 𝑚𝑚

SOLUTION:
A = 2(2181) + 2477 = 6,839 mm

b( ) 100
d= +b( ) −x= + 57 − 14.5 = 92.5 mm
2 2

I = 1.05 x 10 + 2[0.55 x 10 + 2181(92.5) ] = 39,472,362.5 mm

39,472,362.5
r = = 75.97 mm
6,839

I = (16.1 x 10 ) + 2(13.57 x 10 ) = 43,240,000.00 mm

43,240,000
r = = 79.51 mm
6,839

. ( )
Slenderness Ratio, = = 157.96
.

2π E 2π (200,000)
C = = = 106.97
F 345

kL/r > Cc (Long or Slender Column)

12π (200,000)
F = = 41.275 MPa
23(157.96)
P = F A = 41.275(6,839) = 282.28 kN

14
From the structural analysis of the propped beam, the reaction at the propped end is 3wL/8.
Therefore,
3(w)(6)
R = 282.28 kN =
8

𝐰𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 = 𝟏𝟐𝟓. 𝟒𝟔 𝐤𝐍/𝐦

COMBINED AXIAL AND BENDING

NSCP Provisions:
When ≤ 0.15
f f f
+ + ≤ 1.0
F F F

When > 0.15

f C f C f
+ +⎛ ⎞ ≤ 1.0 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧
F f F f F
1− 1−
F ′ ⎝ F ′⎠

f f f
+ + ≤ 1.0 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧
0.6F F F

where:
12π E
F =
kL
23
r
where:
M = smaller end moment
M = larger end moment
L = unsupported length of member about the axis of bending
r = radius of gyration about the axis of bending
P
f = = actual axial stress
A
Mc M
f = = = actual bending stress
I S
f
1− = amplification factor
F
C
= magnification factor
f
1−
F

15
NOTE: Magnification factor should not be less than 1.0

Equivalent Moment Factor, C :

a. For compression members in frames subject to joint translation.

C = 0.85

b. For rotationally restrained compression members in frames braced against joint translation
and not subject to transverse loading between their supports in the plane of bending:
M
C = 0.6 − 0.4
M
where M /M is the ratio of the smaller to larger moments at the ends of the portion of the
member unbraced in the plane of bending under consideration. M /M is positive when the
member is bent in reverse curvature, negative when bent in single curvature.

c. For compression members in frames braced against joint translation in the plane of loading
and subjected to transverse loading between their supports, the value of C may be determined
by an analysis. However, in lieu of such analysis, the following values may be permitted:

i. For members whose ends are restrained against rotation in the plane of bending.
C = 0.85

ii. For members whose ends are unrestrained against rotation in the plane of bending.
C = 1.0

PROBLEM 1: A steel column is 3.6 m. long is pin connected at both ends. It is part of a
frame subjected to buckling and sides way. It carries an axial load of 750 KN and a
moment of 70 kN-m at the top and a moment of 60 kN-m at the bottom.
The steel section has the following properties:
A = 13000 mm2 r = 94 mm
Sx = 1200 x 10 mm
3 3 Fy = 248 MPa

The axial compressive stress that would be permitted if axial force alone existed, is 115
MPa. The compressive bending stress that would be permitted if bending moment alone
existed, is 148 MPa.

a. Determine the axial compressive stress if axial load only existed.

16
b. Determine the bending stress if bending stress if bending moment alone existed.
c. Using the interaction formula, what is the interaction value of both axial and bending
stresses?
SOLUTION:
a. Determine the axial compressive stress if axial load only existed.
750,000
f = = 57.69 MPa
13,000

b. Determine the bending stress if bending stress if bending moment alone existed.
M 70(10 )
f = = = 58.33 MPa
S 1200 x 10

c. Using the interaction formula, what is the interaction value of both axial and bending
stresses?
.
Check: = = 0.50 > 0.15 (Check both stability ang strength)

For Stability criterion, C = 0.85 (part of a frame subject to joint translation)

12π E 12π (200,000)
F = = = 702.16 MPa
kL 1.0(3600)
23 23
r 94

The interaction value for stability criterion is

f C f C f
I. V. = + +⎛ ⎞
F f F f F
1− 1−
F ′ ⎝ F ′⎠

However, the quantity shall not be taken greater than 1, so we will check it.

C 0.85
= = 0.926 < 1.0 (Use 1.0)
f 57.69
1− 1−
F ′ 702.16

57.69 58.33
I. V. = + (1.0) = 0.896
115 148

Check also strength criterion,

f f f
I. V. = + +
0.6F F F

17
 57.69 58.33
I. V. = + = 0.78
0.6(248) 148

The governing interaction value is 0.896

PROBLEM 2: A W 250 x 58 column carries an eccentric load of 200 kN with an

eccentricity from y axis is 75mm and eccentricity from x axis is 50mm. The column has
an unsupported length of 6 m. The yield strength is 400 MPa. The allowable bending
strength along strong axis is 0.60Fy; while, the allowable bending strength along weak
axis is 0.75Fy. Assume k = 1.0 and Cm = 0.85
Properties of W 250 x 58
A = 7420 mm2 Sx = 693 x 103 mm3 rx = 108 mm
Ix = 87.3 x 10 mm
6 4 Sy = 186 x 10 mm
3 3 ry = 50.4 mm

a. Determine the actual compressive stress.

b. Determine the allowable compressive stress.
c. Determine the interaction value for both axial and bending.

SOLUTION:
a. Determine the actual compressive stress.
P 200,000 N
f = = = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟗𝟓 𝐌𝐏𝐚
A 7,420 mm

b. Determine the allowable compressive stress.

2π (200,000)
C = = 99.35
400
kL kL 1.0(6000)
= = = 119.05 > C (Long Column)
r r 50.4

12π (200,000)
F = = 𝟕𝟐. 𝟔𝟔 𝐌𝐏𝐚
23(119.05)

c. Determine the interaction value for both axial and bending.

18
 M (200,000)(50)
f = = = 14.43 MPa
S 693 x 10

M (200,000)(75)
f = = = 80.65 MPa
S 186 x 10

.
Check = = 0.37 > 0.15
.

Check both stability and strength criterion for

Interaction value.

For Stability criterion, C = 0.85

12π E 12π (200,000)
F = = = 333.68 MPa
kL 1.0(6000)
23 23
r 108
12π E 12π (200,000)
F = = = 72.67 MPa
kL 1.0(6000)
23 23
r 50.4

However, the quantity shall not be taken greater than 1, so we will check it.

C 0.85
= = 0.925 < 1.0 (Use 1.0)
f 26.95
1− 1−
F ′ 333.68

C 0.85
⎛ ⎞= = 1.35 > 1.0 (OK)
f 26.95
1− 1−
⎝ F ′⎠ 72.67

The interaction value for stability criterion is

f C f C f
I. V. = + +⎛ ⎞
F f F f F
1− 1−
F ′ ⎝ F ′⎠

26.95 14.43 80.65

I. V. = + (1.0) + (1.35) = 0.794
72.66 0.60(400) 0.75(400)

Check also strength criterion,

19
 f f f
I. V. = + +
0.6F F F

26.95 14.43 80.65

I. V. = + + = 0.44
0.6(400) 0.60(400) 0.75(400)

The governing interaction value is 0.794

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Jackson and Moreland Alignment Chart

The alignment chart is used to get the effective length factor k for a column that is part
of a frame. There are two available charts – the first one is for columns in a frame where side
sway is inhibited while the second one is for columns in a frame where side sway is uninhibited.

Joint Rigidity, G:
∑ I/L (of columns)
G=
∑ I/L (of girders)

For pinned connection: G = infinity

For rigid connection: G = 0

Use of Jackson and Moreland Alignment Chart:

1. Select the appropriate chart (with or without sidesway)
2. Compute G on each end of the column and label the values G and G .
3. Draw a straight line of the chart between G and G values and read k where the line hits the
center k-scale.

PROBLEM 1: The given frame is subject to side-sway. The columns are oriented with its
strong axis parallel to the frame. Furthermore, the columns are fully braced in the plane of the
weak axis. Using the Jackson and Moreland Alignment Chart, determine the effective length
for columns EF and CD.

21
SOLUTION:
a. For Column EF.
1800 x 10
∑ I/L (of columns) 3.20
G = = = 0.80
∑ I/L (of girders) 2400 x 10 2400 x 10
+
6.0 8.0

1800 x 10 1800 x 10
∑ I/L (of columns) +
G = = 3.20 3.20 = 1.60
∑ I/L (of girders) 2400 x 10 2400 x 10
+
6.0 8.0

22
From the chart, k = 1.40

Therefore, the effective length for column EF is:

L = kL = 1.40(3200 mm)

𝐋𝐞 = 𝟒, 𝟒𝟖𝟎 𝐦𝐦

b. For Column CD.

1200 x 10 1200 x 10
∑ I/L (of columns) +
G = = 3.20 3.20 = 1.875
∑ I/L (of girders) 2400 x 10
6.0

G = ∞ (pinned)

23
From the chart, k = 2.70

L = 2.70(3200) = 𝟖, 𝟔𝟒𝟎 𝐦𝐦

PROBLEM 2: The frame is fully braced against sidesway. Determine the effective length
factor k of column EF using the alignment chart. I = 2200 x 10 mm ; I =
2800 x 10 mm

SOLUTION: For Column EF.

24
 2800 x 10 2800 x 10
∑ I/L (of columns) +
G = = 3.50 3.00 = 2.15
∑ I/L (of girders) 2200 x 10 2200 x 10
+
6.0 5.0

G = 0 (fixed)

Thus, from the alignment chart

𝐤 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟔

25
PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. Determine the allowable load P that the truss could carry based on the capacity of member
AC. Member AC and BC are composed of 2L100x100x8 whose legs are welded together to
form a T-section as shown in the figure. Use A50 steel with F = 345 MPa. E = 200 GPa.
Properties of an L100x100x8:
Area = 1551 mm
Moment of Inertia, I = I = 1448 x 10 mm
Centroid, x = y = 27.37 mm

Ans. P = 478.74 kN

2. A structural steel angle with unequal legs has a moment of inertia I = 33.6x10 mm ,
I = 16.1x10 mm , product of inertia I = −13.4x10 mm and cross sectional area
A = 2543 mm . If the structural steel angle is used as a compression member having an
effective length of 6000 mm, determine the Euler’s critical buckling stress. Use E =
200,000 MPa.
Ans. 190.74 MPa

3. A column is to be made up of Aluminum and steel as shown in the figure. It is hinged at

both ends of its 10 m height. E = 70 GPa and E = 210 GPa. Determine the Euler’s critical
buckling load.

Ans. 1,036.31 kN

26
4. 2L100x100x8 are welded together to form a box section
as shown. It is used as a compression member to support a
vertical load, P. The column is hinged on its top and fixed
at the bottom (k = 0.70). Determine the largest allowable P
that the column can carry if it has an unsupported length of
4m. Use A36 steel (F = 248 MPa)

Properties of an L100x100x8:
Area = 1551 mm
Moment of Inertia, I = I = 1448 x 10 mm
Centroid, x = y = 27.37 mm

Ans. 343.02 kN

27