Slender Columns

Slender Columns
Slenderness ratio = klu
r
Long with a relatively high slenderness ratio
where lateral or shear walls are required
Long with a medium slenderness ratio that
will cause a reduction in strength
Short where the slenderness ratio is small

1
“Slender or Long” Columns
Slender = Column with a significant reduction in
Column axial load capacity due to moments
resulting from lateral deflections of the
column (ACI Code: significant
reduction  5%)
Less than 10 % of columns in “braced” or “non-sway”
frames and less than half of columns in “unbraced” or
“sway” frames would be classified as “slender”
following ACI Code Procedure.

Effective Length
The effective length - klu
lu - It measures the clear distance between floors.
k - a factor, which represents the ratio of the distance
between points of zero moments in the columns

2
Effective lengths of columns and length
factor K

Effective lengths of columns and length

factor K for braced frames

3
Effective lengths of columns and length
factor K for unbraced frames

Effective Length Factor K


EI / lu of columns

 EI / l u of beams

YA and YB are the end restraint factors at the top

and bottom of the column. For a hinged end Y is
infinite (may be assumed as 10) and for a fixed end
Y is zero (may be assumed as 1)

4
Effective Length Factor K
The general assumptions are
- Structure consists of symmetric rectangular frames
- The girder moment at a joint is distributed to columns
according to their relative stiffness
- All columns reach their critical loads at the same time

Effective Length Factor K

5
Effective Length Factor K

Member Stiffness
Modulus of Elasticity
Ec  33w1.5 f c

 57000 f c
Reinforced Moment (ACI 10.11.1)
I  0.35I g for a beam
I  0.70I g for a column

6
Member Stiffness
Area
A  Ag
Moment of inertia shall be divided by (1 + bd)
with sustained lateral loads

Max. factored sustained axial load

bd =
Max. factored axial load

Limitations of Slenderness
ratio (Nonsway frames)
The slenderness effects may be neglected and
column may be designed as short column if

M 
 34  12 1 
kLu
 
r
  2
M
slenderness ratio

The term (34 -12× M1/M2)  40

7
Limitations of Slenderness
ratio
lu = Unsupported height of column from top of
floor to bottom of beams or slab in floor

I
r = Radius of gyration 
A
= 0.3 × overall depth of rectangular columns
= 0.25 × overall depth of circular columns

Limitations of Slenderness
ratio
M1/M2 = Ratio of moments at two column ends, where
M2 > M1 (-1 to 1  range)

M1 M1
0 0
M2 M2

singular curvature double curvature

8
Limitations of Slenderness
ratio
If the factored column moments are zero or
𝑀𝑢
𝑒= < 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 ,
𝑃𝑢

then the value of M2 is calculated using the minimum

eccentricity
𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.6 + 0.03ℎ 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ

M 2,min  Pu  0.6  0.03h 

Limitations of Slenderness
ratio (Sway frames)
The slenderness effects may be neglected and
column may be designed as short column if
klu
< 22
r

9
High Slenderness ratio
When an individual compression member in a
frame has a slenderness ratio Klu /r > 100, the
moment magnifier method of the ACI code
cannot be used, and a rigorous second-order
analysis is needed. However, the section may
be increased to reduce the slenderness ratio.

Moment Magnifier Method

A story within a structure is braced if
σ 𝑃𝑢 ∆𝑜
𝑄= ≤ 0.05
𝑉𝑢𝑠 𝑙𝑐

where,
σ 𝑃𝑢 and 𝑉𝑢𝑠 are the total story vertical load and total
story shear respectively
∆𝑜 is the first order relative deflection between the top
and bottom of the story due to 𝑉𝑢𝑠
𝑙𝑐 is the centre to centre length of the compression
member in a frame.

10
 Moment Magnifier Method
Slender compression members are subjected to lateral
deflections that cause secondary moments. If the
secondary moment 𝑀′ is added to the applied moment
𝑀𝑎 , the final design moment is
𝑀𝑐 = 𝑀𝑎 + 𝑀′
An approximate method to estimate the final design
moment 𝑀𝑐 is to multiply the applied moment 𝑀𝑎 by a
moment magnifying factor , such that   1.0. The
applied moment is obtained from the elastic structural
analysis using factored loads.

Moment Magnifier Method

In general, the final design moments at the ends of a
compression member can be written as
𝑀1𝑐 = 𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀1𝑛𝑠 + 𝛿𝑠 𝑀1𝑠
𝑀2𝑐 = 𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀2𝑛𝑠 + 𝛿𝑠 𝑀2𝑠
Where,
𝛿𝑛𝑠 is the moment magnification factor for non-sway
moments 𝑀𝑛𝑠 , and
𝛿𝑠 is the moment magnification factor for sway
moments 𝑀𝑠

11
Moment Magnification in
Non-sway Frames
If the slenderness effects need to be considered. The
non-sway magnification factor, ns, will cause an
increase in the magnitude of the design moment.
𝑀𝑐 = 𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀2𝑛𝑠
where
Cm
 ns   1.0
 Pu 
1  
 0.75 Pc 

Moment Magnification in
Non-sway Frames
Euler bucking load , 𝑃𝑐 , for pin-ended column is
calculated as
 2 EI
Pc 
 klu 
2

and the stiffness, EI is taken as

0.2 Ec I g  Es I se 0.4 Ec I g
EI   EI 
1  bd conservatively 1  bd

12
Moment Magnification in
Non-sway Frames
𝐶𝑚 is a factor that relates the actual moment diagram
to the equivalent uniform moment diagram.
For members without transverse loads
M 
Cm  0.6  0.4  1   0.4
 M2 
For other conditions, such as members with transverse
loads between supports, Cm = 1.0

Moment Magnification in
Sway Frames
If the slenderness effects need to be considered. The
sway magnification factors, 𝛿𝑛𝑠 and s, will cause an
increase in the magnitude of the design moment.
𝑀𝑐 = 𝛿𝑛𝑠 𝑀2𝑛𝑠 + 𝛿𝑠 𝑀2𝑠
where

𝑙𝑢 35
𝛿𝑛𝑠 is taken as 1.0 if <
𝑟 𝑃𝑢
′
𝑓𝑐 𝐴𝑔

13
Moment Magnification in
Non-sway Frames
The sway magnification factor s is calculated as
1
𝛿𝑠 = ≥ 1.0 ≤ 2.5
σ 𝑃𝑢
1−
0.75 σ 𝑃𝑐
where,

σ 𝑃𝑢 is the summation for all vertical loads in a story

and
σ 𝑃𝑐 is the summation of Euler buckling loads for all
sway resisting columns in a story.

Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

14
Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

15
Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

16
Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

Examples (Nadim Hassoun)

17
LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION
When a normal force is applied on a short reinforced
concrete column, the following cases may arise,
according to the location of the normal force with
respect to the plastic centroid.
1. Axial compression (𝑷𝒐 ) :
This is a theoretical case
assuming that a large axial load
is acting at the plastic centroid;
𝑒 = 0 and 𝑀𝑛 = 0. Failure of
the column occurs by crushing
of the concrete and yielding of
steel bars.

LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION
2. Maximum nominal axial load
𝑷𝒏,𝒎𝒂𝒙 :
This is the case of a normal force
acting on the section with
minimum eccentricity. According
to the ACI Code, 𝑃𝑛,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.80
𝑃𝑜 for tied columns and 0.85 𝑃𝑜
for spirally reinforced columns.
In this case, failure occurs by
crushing of the concrete and the
yielding of steel bars.

18
LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION
3. Compression failure:
This is the case of a large axial load
acting at a small eccentricity. The
range of this case varies from a
maximum value of 𝑃𝑛 = 𝑃𝑛,𝑚𝑎𝑥 to a
minimum value of 𝑃𝑛 = 𝑃𝑏
(balanced load). Failure occurs by
crushing of the concrete on the
compression side with a strain of
0.003, whereas the stress in the steel
bars (on the tension side) is less than
the yield strength, 𝑓𝑦 (𝑓𝑠 < 𝑓𝑦 ). In
this case 𝑃𝑛 > 𝑃𝑏 and e < 𝑒𝑏 .

LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION
4. Balanced condition (𝑃𝑏 ):
A balanced condition is reached
when the compression strain in
the concrete reaches 0.003 and
the strain in the tensile
reinforcement reaches 𝜀𝑦 =
𝑓𝑦 /𝐸𝑠 simultaneously; failure of
concrete occurs at the same time
as the steel yields. The moment
that accompanies this load is
called the balanced moment, 𝑀𝑏 ,
and the relevant balanced
eccentricity is 𝑒𝑏 = 𝑀𝑏 /𝑃𝑏 .

19
LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION
5. Tension failure:
This is the case of a small axial
load with large eccentricity,
that is, a large moment. At
failure, the strain in the tension
steel is greater than the yield
strain, 𝜀𝑦 whereas the strain in
the concrete reaches 0.003.
The range of this case extends
from the balanced to the case
of pure flexure. When tension
controls, 𝑃𝑛 < 𝑃𝑏 and e > 𝑒𝑏 .

LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION
6. Pure flexure:
The section in this case is
subjected to a bending
moment, 𝑀𝑛 whereas the
axial load is 𝑃𝑛 = 0.
Failure occurs as in a
beam subjected to
bending moment only.

20
LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION DIAGRAM

Interaction Diagrams
Pn

Mn
P0 e
Pn
s   y 0.003
e=0

Compression controlled
Balanced strain
condition 0.003
Pb
Transition zone s   y
Tension controlled
0.003
e
M0 Mb Mn s   y

21
Typical Interaction Diagram

Using Interaction Diagrams

Determine eccentricity.
Estimate column size based on axial load
requirements.
Determine e/h and required fPn/ 𝑓𝑐′ Ag, fMn/(𝑓𝑐′ Agh)
/
Determine which chart to use from 𝑓𝑐 , fy and g.
Determine r from the chart.
Select steel sizes.
Check values.
Design ties by ACI code
Design sketch

22
 Design of Long Columns-
Example
A rectangular braced column of a multistory frame
building has floor height lu =25 ft. It is subjected to
service dead-load moments M2= 3500 k-in. on top and
M1=2500 k-in. at the bottom. The service live load
moments are 80% of the dead-load moments. The
column carries a service axial dead-load PD = 200 k
and a service axial live-load PL = 350 k. Design the
cross section size and reinforcement for this column.
Given YA = 1.3 and YB = 0.9. Use a d/=2.5 in. cover
with a sustained load = 50 % and 𝑓𝑐′ = 7 ksi and fy =
60 ksi.

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Compute the factored loads and moments, live load
moments are 80% of the dead load moments
Pu  1.2 PD  1.6 PL  1.2  200 k   1.6  350 k 
 800 k
M 1u  1.2M D  1.6M L  1.2  2500 k-in   1.6  0.8  2500 k-in 
 6200 k-in.
M 2u  1.2M D  1.6M L  1.2  3500 k-in   1.6  0.8  3500 k-in 
 8680 k-in.

23
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Compute the k value for the braced compression
members
k  0.7  0.05  Y A  Y B   0.7  0.05 1.3  0.9 
 0.81  1.0
k  0.85  0.05Y min  0.85  0.05  0.9 
 0.895  1.0

Therefore, use k = 0.81

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Check to see if slenderness is going to matter. An
initial estimate of the size of the column will be an
inch for every foot of height. So h = 25 in.

kln 0.81 25 ft 12 in./ft 

  32.4
r 0.3  25 in.
 6200 k-in. 
32.4  34  12    25.43
 8680 k-in. 

24
Design of Long Columns-
Example
So slenderness must be considered. Since frame has
no side sway, M2 = M2ns, s = 0, Minimum M2

M 2,min  Pu  0.6  0.03h   800 k  0.6  0.03  25 in. 

 1080 k-in.  M 2  8680 k-in.

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Compute components of concrete
Ec  33w1.5 f c  33 150 
1.5
7000
 5.07x106 psi  5.07x103 ksi
The moment of inertia is

bh3  25 in. 25 in.

3

Ig  
12 12
 32552 in 4

25
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Compute the stiffness

0.4 Ec I g 0.4  5.07x103 ksi  32552 in 4 

EI  
1  bd 1  0.5
 4.4x107 k-in 2

Design of Long Columns-

Example
The critical load is

 2 EI  2  4.4x107 k-in 2 
Pc  
 klu 
2 2
  12 in.  
 0.81  25 ft   
  ft  
 7354.3 k

26
Design of Long Columns- Example
Compute the coefficient

M 
Cm  0.6  0.4  1 
 M2 
 6200 k-in. 
 0.6  0.4    0.89  0.4
 8680 k-in. 

Design of Long Columns- Example

The magnification factor

Cm 0.89
 ns  
 Pu   800 k 
1   1  
 0.75Pc   0.75  7354.3 k  
 1.04  1.0

27
Design of Long Columns-
Example
The design moment is

M c   ns M 2  1.04 8680 k-in.  9027.2 k-in.

Therefore the design conditions are

Pc  800 k & M c  9027.2 k-in.

9027.2 k-in.
e   11.28 in.
800 k

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Assume that the r = 2.0 % or 0.020

As  0.02  25 in.  12.5 in 2

2

Use 14 # 9 bars or 14 in2

As  7.0 in 2
Acs  7.0 in 2

28
Design of Long Columns-
Example
The column is compression controlled so c/d > 0.6.
Check the values for c/d = 0.6

c  0.6d  0.6  22.5 in.  13.5 in.

a  b1c  0.7 13.5 in.  9.45 in.

Design of Long Columns-

Example

𝑃𝑛 = 𝐶𝑐 + 𝐶𝑠1 − 𝑇
ℎ 𝑎 ℎ ℎ
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐶𝑐 − + 𝐶𝑠1 − 𝑑/ + 𝑇 𝑑 −
2 2 2 2

29
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Check the strain in the tension steel and compression
steel.

 c  d   13.5 in.  2.5 in. 

 s1     cu    0.003
 c   13.5 in. 
 0.00244
f cs1  Es s1   29000 ksi  0.00244 
 70.76 ksi  f cs1  60 ksi

Design of Long Columns-

Example
The tension steel

 d c  22.5 in.  13.5 in. 

s     cu    0.003  0.002
 c   13.5 in. 
fs  Es s   29000 ksi  0.002 
 58 ksi

30
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Combined forces

Cc  0.85 f cba  0.85  7 ksi  25 in. 9.45 in.

 1405.7 k
Cs1  Acs  f cs  0.85 f c    7 in 2   60 ksi  0.85  7 ksi  
 378.35 k
T  As f s   7 in 2   58 ksi 
 406.0 k

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Combined force

Pn  Cc  Cs1  T
 1405.7 k  378.35 k  406.0 k
 1378.05 k

31
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Moment is
h a h   h
M n  Cc     Cs1   d    T  d  
2 2 2   2
 9.45 in. 
 1405.7 k 12.5 in.  
 2 
378.35 k 12.5 in.  2.5 in.
406.0 k  22.5 in.  12.5 in.
 18773 k-in

Design of Long Columns-

Example
The eccentricity is

M n 18773 k-in
e 
Pn 1378.05 k
 13.62 in.

Since the e = 11.28 in. < 13.62 in. The section is in the
compression controlled region f = 0.65. You will want
to match up the eccentricity with the design.

32
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Check the values for c/d = 0.66

c  0.66d  0.66  22.5 in.  14.85 in.

a  b1c  0.7 14.85 in.  10.395 in.

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Check the strain in the tension steel and compression
steel.
 c  d   14.85 in.  2.5 in. 
 s1    
 cu   0.003
 c   14.85 in. 
 0.00249
f cs1  Es s1   29000 ksi  0.00249 
 72.35 ksi  f cs1  60 ksi

33
Design of Long Columns-
Example
The tension steel

 d c  22.5 in.  14.85 in. 

s     cu    0.003
 c   14.85 in. 
 0.00155
fs  Es s   29000 ksi  0.00155 
 44.82 ksi

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Combined forces

Cc  0.85 f cba  0.85  7 ksi  25 in.10.395 in.

 1545.26 k
Cs1  Acs  f cs  0.85 f c    7 in 2   60 ksi  0.85  7 ksi  
 378.35 k
T  As f s   7 in 2   44.82 ksi 
 313.74 k

34
Design of Long Columns-
Example
Combined force

Pn  Cc  Cs1  T
 1546.26 k  378.35 k  313.74 k
 1610.9 k

Design of Long Columns-

Example
Moment is
h a h   h
M n  Cc     Cs1   d    T  d  
2 2 2   2
 10.395 in. 
 1545.26 k 12.5 in.  
 2 
378.35 k 12.5 in.  2.5 in.
313.74 k  22.5 in.  12.5 in.
 18205.2 k-in

35
Design of Long Columns-
Example
The eccentricity is
M n 18205.2 k-in
e 
Pn 1610.9 k
 11.30 in.

Since the e  11.28 in. The reduction factor is equal to

f = 0.65. Compute the design load and moment.

Design of Long Columns-

Example
The design conditions are
Pu  f Pn  0.65 1610.9 k 
 1047.1 k  800 k OK!
M u  f M n  0.65 18205.2 k-in 
 11833.4 k-in.  9027.2 k-in. OK!

36
 Design of Long Columns-
Example
Design the ties
Provide #3 ties, spacing will be the minimum of:

48dstirrup  48  0.375 in.  18 in.


s  smallest  16d bar  16 1.128 in.  18 in.  controls
 h  25 in.

Therefore, provide #3 ties @ 18 in. spacing.

Example (Nadim Hassoun)

37
Example (Nadim Hassoun)

Example (Nadim Hassoun)

38
Example (Nadim Hassoun)

Example (Nadim Hassoun)

39
Example (Nadim Hassoun)

Example (Nadim Hassoun)

40
 Example (Nadim Hassoun)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

41
Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

42
 Interaction Diagram

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

43
Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

44
Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

45
Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

46
Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

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Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

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Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

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Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

Examples (Nilson 14thEdition)

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