QM Aligned Course Design Template

Course Name: CE 3130: Steel Structures Design

Module 10: Title (Beams-columns; Definition, Interaction Formulas, Moment Amplification,
Braced vs. Unbraced Frames, Members in Braced Frames)
Module Overview / Introduction (ST. 1 - 8)
Almost all members in a structure are subjected to
both bending and axial load-in either tension or
compression. When the axial load in a member causes
compression and the amounts of compression and
bending are both significant, we usually classify such a
member as a beam-column. Beam-column behavior can
be caused by an axial load acting simultaneously with end
moments, by transverse loading, or simply because the
load though parallel to the column axis, is acting Figure 1 (Salmon-2009)
eccentrically. (Kuzmanovic-1977) – See Figure 1.

Module Learning Objectives (ST. 2 & 8)

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understanding the basic concepts associated to design under bending & axial forces.
2. Selection of the materials, shape dimensions to prevent excessive deflections.
3. Design of beams, elastic members with or without lateral bracing elements.

DEFINITION:

The members subjected to axial compression and

bending is known as a beam-column. The bending
moments is beams-columns may result from (Vinnakota-
2006):

 Transverse loads acting between the ends of a

compression member, as show in Figure 2a.
 Eccentricity of the longitudinal force at one or both ends,
as shown in Figure 2b.
 Flexure of the connecting members, as shown in Figure
Figure 2 (Vinnakota-2006)
2c.
INTERACTION FORMULAS

The relationship between required and available strengths may be expressed as:
required strength
≤ 1.0 (𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟏)
available strength

For compression members, the strengths are axial forces. For example, for LRFD:
𝑃𝑢
≤ 1.0
∅𝑐 𝑃𝑛

and for ASD:

𝑃𝑎
≤ 1.0
𝑃𝑛 ⁄Ω𝑐
These expressions can be written in the general form:

𝑃𝑟
≤ 1.0
𝑃𝑐
Where:
𝑃𝑟 = required axial strength.
𝑃𝑐 = available axial strength.

If more than one type of resistance is involved, (𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟏). can be used to form the
basis of an interaction formula. As we discussed in Module 7 in conjunction with biaxial bending,
the sum of the load-to-resistance ratios must be limited to unity. For example, if both bending and
axial compression are acting, the interaction formula would be:
𝑃𝑟 𝑀𝑟
+ ≤ 1.0
𝑃𝑐 𝑀𝑐
Where:
𝑀𝑟 = required moment strength.
= 𝑀𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷.
= 𝑀𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑆𝐷.
𝑀𝑐 = available moment strength.
= ∅𝑐 𝑃𝑛 for LRFD.
𝑀
= 𝑛 for ASD.
Ω𝑐
For biaxial bending, there will be two moments ratios.
𝑃𝑟 𝑀𝑟𝑥 𝑀𝑟𝑦
+( + ) ≤ 1.0 (𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟐)
𝑃𝑐 𝑀𝑐𝑥 𝑀𝑐𝑦

where the x and y subscripts refer to bending about the x and y axes.
 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟐. is the basis for the AISC formulas for members subject to bending plus
axial compressive load. Two formulas are given in the Specification: one for small axial load and
one for large axial load. If the axial load is small, the axial load term is reduced. For large axial load,
the bending term is slightly reduced.

The AISC requirements are given in Chapter H, “Design of Members for Combined Forces
and Torsion” and are summarized as follows:
𝑃𝑟
𝐹𝑜𝑟 ≥ 0.20,
𝑃𝑐

𝑃𝑟 8 𝑀𝑟𝑥 𝑀𝑟𝑦
+ ( + ) ≤ 1.0 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝟏 − 𝟏𝒂)
𝑃𝑐 9 𝑀𝑐𝑥 𝑀𝑐𝑦
𝑃𝑟
𝐹𝑜𝑟 < 0.20,
𝑃𝑐
𝑃𝑟 𝑀𝑟𝑥 𝑀𝑟𝑦
+( + ) ≤ 1.0 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝟏 − 𝟏𝒃)
2𝑃𝑐 𝑀𝑐𝑥 𝑀𝑐𝑦

These requirements may be expressed in either LRFD and ASD form.

LRFD Interaction Equations: ASD Interaction

Equations:

𝑃𝑢 𝑃𝑎
𝐹𝑜𝑟 ≥ 0.20, 𝐹𝑜𝑟 ≥ 0.20,
∅𝑐 𝑃𝑛 𝑃𝑛 ⁄∅𝑐

𝑃𝑢 8 𝑀𝑢𝑥 𝑀𝑢𝑦 𝑃𝑎 8 𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑀𝑎𝑦

+ ( + ) ≤ 1.0 + ( + ) ≤ 1.0
∅𝑐 𝑃𝑛 9 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑥 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑦 𝑃𝑛 ⁄∅𝑐 9 𝑀𝑛𝑥 ⁄Ω𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑦 ⁄Ω𝑏

𝑃𝑢 𝑃𝑎
𝐹𝑜𝑟 ≥ 0.20, 𝐹𝑜𝑟 < 0.2,
∅𝑐 𝑃𝑛 𝑃𝑛 ⁄Ω𝑐
𝑃𝑎 8 𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑀𝑎𝑦
𝑃𝑢 𝑀𝑢𝑥 𝑀𝑢𝑦 + ( + ) ≤ 1.0
+( + ) ≤ 1.0 2𝑃𝑛 ⁄Ω𝑐 9 𝑀𝑛𝑥 ⁄Ω𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑦 ⁄Ω𝑏
2∅𝑐 𝑃𝑛 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑥 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛𝑦

Example 1.

A 50 ksi W12 x 40 tension member with no holes is subjected to the axial loads 𝑃𝐷 = 25 𝑘.
and 𝑃𝐿 = 30 𝑘., as well as the bending moments 𝑀𝐷𝑦 = 10 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. and 𝑀𝐿𝑦 = 25 𝑓𝑡 −
𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. Is the members satisfactory if 𝐿𝑏 < 𝐿𝑝 ?.
Solution:
Using a W12 x 40 (A=11.7 in2)

LRFD
𝑃𝑟 = 𝑃𝑢 = (1.2)(25 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. ) + (1.6)(30 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠) = 78 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
𝑀𝑟𝑦 = 𝑀𝑢𝑦 = (1.2)(10 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠) + (25 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. )
= 52 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
𝑃𝑐 = ∅𝑃𝑛 = ∅𝑡 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = (0.9)(50 𝑘𝑠𝑖. )(11.7 𝑖𝑛2 ) = 526,5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
𝑀𝑐𝑦 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑦 = 63.0 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. (𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 3 − 4)
𝑃𝑟 78 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
= = 0.148 < 0.2 ∴ 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝟏 − 𝟏𝒃.
𝑃𝑐 526.5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

𝑃𝑟 𝑀𝑟𝑥 𝑀𝑟𝑦
+ ( + ) ≤ 1.0
2𝑃𝑐 𝑀𝑐𝑥 𝑀𝑐𝑦
78 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 52
+ (0 + ) = 0.899 < 1.0 𝑶𝑲
(2)(526.5 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠) 63

ASD
𝑃𝑟 = 𝑃𝑎 = 25 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 + 30 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = 55 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑡
𝑀𝑟𝑦 = 𝑀𝑎𝑦 = 10 + 25 = 35
𝑘𝑖𝑝 𝑘𝑖𝑝 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
𝑃𝑛 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔
𝑃𝑐 = =
Ω𝑐 Ω𝑐
(50 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(11.7 𝑖𝑛2 )
= = 350,3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
1.67

𝑀𝑐𝑦 𝑓𝑡
𝑀𝑐𝑦 = = 41.9 (𝐴𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 3 − 4)
Ω𝑏 𝑘𝑖𝑝

𝑃𝑟 55 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
= = 0.157 < 0.2
𝑃𝑐 350,3 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
 ∴ 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝟏 − 𝟏𝒃.

𝑃𝑟 𝑀𝑟𝑥 𝑀𝑟𝑦
+ ( + ) ≤ 1.0
2𝑃𝑐 𝑀𝑐𝑥 𝑀𝑐𝑦

55 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 35
+ (0 + ) = 0.914 < 1.0 𝑶𝑲
(2)(350 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠) 41.9

MOMENT AMPLIFICATION

The presence of the axial load produces secondary moments,

and unless the axial load is relatively small, these additional moments
must be accounted for. For an explanation, refer to Figure 3, which
shows a beam–column with an axial load and a transverse uniform
load. At an arbitrary point O, there is a bending moment caused by the
uniform load and an additional moment 𝑃𝑦 , caused by the axial load
acting at an eccentricity from the longitudinal axis of the member.
Figure 3 Axial Load (Segui-2013)
This secondary moment is largest where the deflection is largest—in
𝑤𝑙 2
this case, at the centerline, where the total moment is + 𝑃𝛿.
8

Of course, the additional moment causes an additional deflection over and above that
resulting from the transverse load. Because the total deflection cannot be found directly, this
problem is nonlinear, and without knowing the deflection, we cannot compute the moment. (Segui-
2013)
Ordinary structural analysis methods that do not take the displaced geometry into account
are called first-order methods. Iterative analyses that account for these effects are referred to as
second-order methods.

AISC Specification Chapter C, “Design for Stability,” provides three approaches for
determining the required flexural and axial compressive strength: the direct analysis method, the
effective length method, and the first-order analysis method.

1. The direct analysis method is a second-order analysis that considers both 𝑃 − 𝛿 and 𝑃 − 𝛥
effects. As an alternative, an approximate second-order analysis, as given in Appendix 8, can be
used. This approach uses amplified first-order moments and axial loads. Both the second-order
analysis and the approximate second-order analysis are considered direct analysis methods. In the
direct analysis method, member stiffnesses are reduced, and an effective length factor of K = l is
used both in the analysis and in computing the available strength from AISC Chapter 4.
2. The effective length method of analysis is covered in Appendix 7. It also requires a second-order
or approximate second-order analysis. Computation of the corresponding available strength has
been discussed in Chapter 4, “Compression Members.” As the name implies, an effective length
factor, K,
must be determined. Member stiffnesses are not reduced.

3. The first-order analysis method is a simplified version of the direct analysis method that can be
used when certain conditions are satisfied. It is covered in Appendix 7. For the available strength,
an effective length factor of K = 1 is used. Member stiffnesses are not reduced.

The direct analysis method is the preferred method. If the appropriate software is available,
a second-order analysis is the method of choice. If a second-order analysis is not available, the
moment amplification method, which is an acceptable direct analysis approach, can be used. In
this book, the results of structural analyses will be given in all examples and problems.

THE MOMENT AMPLIFICATION METHOD

The moment amplification method entails

computing the maximum bending moment resulting
from flexural loading (transverse loads or member
end moments) by a first order analysis, then
multiplying by a moment amplification factor to
account for the secondary moment. An expression
for this factor will now be developed. Figure 4
shows a simply supported member with an axial
load and an initial out-of-straightness.
Figure 4 (Segui-2013)

This initial crookedness can be approximated by:

𝜋𝑥
𝑦𝑜 = 𝑒 sin
𝐿

Where e is the maximum initial displacement, occurring at midspan. For the coordinate
system shown, the moment-curvature relationship can be written as:

𝑑2𝑦 𝑀
= −
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼

The bending moment, M, is caused by the eccentricity of the axial load, P, with respect to
the axis of the member. This eccentricity consists of the initial crookedness, 𝑦𝑜 ,plus additional
deflection, y, resulting from bending. At any location, the moment is:
 𝑀 = 𝑃(𝑦𝑜 + 𝑦)

Substituting this equation into the differential equation, we obtain

𝑑2𝑦 𝑃 𝜋𝑥
= − (𝑒 sin + 𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼 𝐿

Rearranging gives:

𝑑2𝑦 𝑃 𝑃𝑒 𝜋𝑥
+ 𝑦 = − sin
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐿

which is an ordinary, nonhomogeneous differential equation. Because it is a secondorder equation,

there are two boundary conditions. For the support conditions shown, the boundary conditions are

At x = 0, y = 0, and at x = L, y = 0.

That is, the displacement is zero at each end. A function that satisfies both the differential
equation and the boundary conditions is:
𝜋𝑥
𝑦 = 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿

where B is a constant. Substituting into the differential equation, we get:

𝜋2 𝜋𝑥 𝑃 𝜋𝑥 𝑃𝑒 𝜋𝑥
− 2 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = − sin
𝐿 𝐿 𝐸𝐼 𝐿 𝐸𝐼 𝐿

Solving for the constant gives:

𝑃𝑒
− −𝑒 𝑒
𝐵= 𝐸𝐼 = =
𝑃 𝜋 2 2
𝜋 𝐸𝐼 𝑃𝑒
− 2 1− −1
𝐸𝐼 𝐿 𝑃𝐿2 𝑃

where:
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑒 = = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑃𝐿2
 𝜋𝑥 𝑒 𝜋𝑥
∴ 𝑦 = 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 [ ] 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿 (𝑃𝑒 ⁄𝑃) − 1 𝐿

𝑀 = 𝑃(𝑦𝑜 + 𝑦)

𝜋𝑥 𝑒 𝜋𝑥
𝑃 𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + [ ] 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝐿 (𝑃𝑒 ⁄𝑃) − 1 𝐿

The maximum moment occurs at 𝑥 = 𝐿⁄2:

𝑒
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑃 [𝑒 + ]
(𝑃𝑒 ⁄𝑃) − 1

(𝑃𝑒 ⁄𝑃) − 1 + 1
= 𝑃𝑒 [ ]
(𝑃𝑒 ⁄𝑃) − 1

1
= 𝑀𝑜 [ ]
1 − (𝑃⁄𝑃𝑒 )

where 𝑀𝑜 is the unamplified maximum moment. In this case, it results from initial crookedness, but
in general, it can be the result of transverse loads or end moments.

The moment amplification factor is therefore:

1
1 − (𝑃⁄𝑃𝑒 )

Because the member deflection corresponds to a buckled shape, the axial load corresponds to a
failure load—that is, a load corresponding to an LRFD formulation.

Therefore, the amplification factor should be written as:

1
(Equation 6.7)
1−(𝑃𝑢 ⁄𝑃𝑒 )

where 𝑃𝑢 is the factored axial load. The form shown in Expression 6.7 is appropriate for LRFD.
For ASD, a different form, to be explained later, will be used.

As we describe later, the exact form of the AISC moment amplification factor can be
slightly different from that shown in Equation 6.7.
BRACED VS. UNBRACED FRAMES

There are two types of secondary moments: both 𝑃 − 𝛿

(caused by member deflection) and 𝑃 − 𝛥 (caused by the effect of
sway when the member is part of an unbraced frame moment frame).
Because of this, two amplification factors must be used. The
AISC Specification covers this in Appendix 8, “Approximate Second-
Order Analysis. “The approach is the same as the one used in the ACI
Building Code for reinforced concrete (ACI, 2008). Figure 5 illustrates
these two components of deflection. In Figure 5a, the member is
restrained against sidesway, and the maximum secondary moment is
𝑃𝛿, which is added to the maximum moment within the member. If the
frame is actually

unbraced, there is an additional component of the secondary Figure 5 (Segui-2013)

moment, shown in Figure 5b, that is caused by sidesway. This
secondary moment has a maximum value of 𝑃 − 𝛥, which represents
an amplification of the end moment.

To approximate these two effects, two amplification factors, B1 and B2, are used for the two
types of moments. The amplified moment to be used in design is computed from the loads and
moments as follows (x and y subscripts are not used here; amplified moments must be computed
in the following manner for each axis about which there are moments):

𝑀𝑟 = 𝐵1 𝑀𝑛𝑡 + 𝐵2 𝑀ℓ𝑡 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑨 − 𝟖 − 𝟏)

Where:
𝑀𝑟 = 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ
= 𝑀𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷
= 𝑀𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑆𝐷

𝑴𝒏𝒕 = maximum moment assuming that no sidesway occurs, whether the frame is actually braced
or not (the subscript 𝑛𝑡 is for “no translation”). 𝑀𝑛𝑡 will be a factored load moment for LRFD and
a service load moment for ASD.

𝑴𝓵𝒕 = maximum moment caused by sidesway (the subscript ℓ𝑡 t is for “lateral translation”). This
moment can be caused by lateral loads or by unbalanced gravity loads. Gravity load can produce
sidesway if the frame is unsymmetrical or if the gravity loads are unsymmetrically placed. 𝑀ℓ𝑡 will
be zero if the frame is actually braced. For LRFD, 𝑀ℓ𝑡 will be a factored load moment, and for ASD,
it will be a service load moment.
𝑩𝟏 = amplification factor for the moments occurring in the member when it is braced against
sidesway (𝑃 − 𝛿 moments)

𝑩𝟐 = amplification factor for the moments resulting from sidesway (𝑃 − 𝛥 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠)

In addition to the required moment strength, the required axial strength must account for
second-order effects. The required axial strength is affected by the displaced geometry of the
structure during loading. This is not an issue with member displacement (𝛿), but it is with joint
displacement (𝛥). The required axial compressive strength is given by:

𝑃𝑟 = 𝑃𝑛𝑡 + 𝐵2 𝑃ℓ𝑡 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑨 − 𝟖 − 𝟐)

Where:

𝑃𝑛𝑡 = axial load corresponding to the braced condition.

𝑃ℓ𝑡 = axial load corresponding to the sidesway.

We cover the evaluation of 𝐵1 and 𝐵2 int the following sections.

MEMBER IN BRACED FRAMES

The amplification factor given by Expression 6.7 was derived for a

member braced against sidesway—that is, one whose ends cannot
translate with respect to each other. Figure 6 shows a member of this type
subjected to equal end moments producing single-curvature bending
(bending that produces tension or compression on one side throughout the
length of the member). Maximum moment amplification occurs at the
center, where the deflection is largest. For equal end moments, the
moment is constant throughout the length of the member, so the maximum
primary moment also occurs at the center. Thus the maximum secondary
moment and maximum
primary moment are additive. Even if the end moments are not equal, as
long as one is clockwise and the other is counterclockwise there will be Figure 6 (Segui-2013)
single curvature bending, and the maximum primary and secondary
moments will occur near each other.

That is not the case if applied end moments produce reverse-curvature bending as shown
in Figure 7.
 Here the maximum primary moment is at one of the ends, and
maximum moment amplification occurs between the ends. Depending on
the value of the axial load P, the amplified moment can be either larger or
smaller than the end moment.

The maximum moment in a beam–column therefore depends on the

distribution of bending moment within the member. This distribution is
accounted for by a factor, Cm, applied to the amplification factor given by
Equation 6.7.

The amplification factor given by Expression 6.7 was derived for the
worst case, so Cm will never be greater than 1.0. The final form of the
amplification factor is:
Figure 7 (Segui-2013)
𝐶𝑚
𝐵1 = ≥1 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑨 − 𝟖 − 𝟑)
1 − (𝛼𝑃𝑟 ⁄𝑃𝑒1 )

Where:

𝑃𝑟 = 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑃𝑛𝑡 + 𝑃ℓ𝑡 )

= 𝑃𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷
= 𝑃𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑆𝐷

𝛼 = 1.00 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝐹𝑅𝐷

= 1.60 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑆𝐷
𝜋2 𝐸𝐼 ∗
𝑃𝑒1 = (𝐾1 𝐿)2
(𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐂 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀 − 𝟖 − 𝟓)

𝐸𝐼 ∗ = 𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑦.

In the direct analysis method, 𝐸𝐼 ∗ is a reduced stiffness obtained as:

𝐸𝐼 ∗ = 0.85𝜏𝑏 𝐸𝐼
𝜏𝑏 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟
𝛼𝑃𝑟
= 1.0 when ≤ 0.5 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝟐 − 𝟐𝒂)
𝑃𝑦

𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟 𝛼𝑃𝑟
= 4 (𝛼 ) (1 − 𝛼 ) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 > 0.5 (𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑪 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝟐 − 𝟐𝒃)
𝑃𝑦 𝑃𝑦 𝑃𝑦
Example 2

A W14 x 109 of A992 is used as a beam-column. The member is part of a braced frame in
both xx and yy planes. The 12-ft-long member is subjected to an axial load of 610 kips. It is bent in
single curvature with equal and opposite and moments of 360 ft-kips about its major axis and is not
subjected to any intermediate transverse loads. These forces are obtained from a first-order
analysis of the structure under factored loads. Assume 𝐾𝑥 = 𝐾𝑦 = 1.0, and check the adequacy
of the member.

Solution
Section: W14 x 109; 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖
Factored axial load, 𝑃𝑢 = 610 𝑘𝑠𝑖
Factored maximum first-order moment, 𝑀𝑢𝑥 = 360 𝑘𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑠𝑖

Member length, 𝐿 = 12 𝑓𝑡.

𝐾𝑥 = 1.0; 𝐾𝑥 𝐿𝑥 = 1.0(12) = 12.0 ft.
𝐾𝑦 = 1.0; 𝐾𝑦 𝐿𝑦 = 1.0(12) = 12.0 ft. ← 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑠
From LRFDM Table 4-2, for a W14x109, 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖 steel column with
𝐾𝐿 = 𝐾𝑦 𝐿𝑦 = 12 𝑓𝑡, the design axial compressive strength is 𝑃𝑑 = 1220 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

𝑃𝑢 610
Axial load ratio, = = 0.500 > 0.2
𝑃𝑑 1220

So, LRFD Equation H1-1a governs. As bending is about the major axis only (𝑀𝑢𝑦
∗
= 0), this
equation becomes:

∗
𝑃𝑢 8 𝑀𝑢𝑥
+ ≤ 1.0
𝑃𝑑 9 𝑀𝑑𝑥

From LRFDM Table 5-3, from a W14 x 109, 𝐿𝑝 = 13.2 𝑓𝑡, and ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 720 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 − 𝑝𝑖𝑒.
As 𝐿𝑏 < 𝐿𝑝 , the design bending strength, 𝑀𝑑 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 720 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 − 𝑝𝑖𝑒.
As the column is part of a braced frame, there are not 𝑀𝑡𝑙 moments. So:
∗
𝑀𝑢𝑥 = 𝐵1𝑥 𝑀𝑢𝑥
From LRFDM Table 4-2, corresponding to a W14 x 109, we obtain 𝑃𝑒𝑥 (𝐾𝐿)2 = 35,500 𝑥 104 .
So:
 35500 𝑥 104
𝑃𝑒1𝑥 = = 17100 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
[12.0(12)]2
As the member is subjected to uniform moment, 𝐶𝑚𝑥 = 1.0 and:
1 1
𝐵1𝑥 = = = 1.04
𝑃𝑢 610
1−( 1−(
𝑃𝑒1𝑥 ) 17100)
∗
𝑀𝑢𝑥 = 1.04(360) = 374 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 − 𝑝𝑖𝑒
Substitution of these values in the interaction equation results in:
8 374
𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 0.500 + = 0.962 < 1.0 𝑶𝑲.
9 720
So, the W14 x 109 section is adequate.

CONCLUSION:

1. The design of members subject to compression and bending when these loadings act in
isolation. However, in practice a combination of the two effects is frequently present.
(Davidson-2009)

2. The balance between compression and bending, which may be induced about one or both
principal axes, depends on a number of factors, the most important ones being the type of
structure, the form of the applied loading, the member’s location in the structure and the way
in which the connections between the members function. (Davidson-2009)

3. Axial tension and bending; Failure usually by yielding. (Salmon-2009)

4. Axial compression and bending about one axis: Failure by instability in the plane of bending,
without twisting. (Salmon-2009)

5. Axial compression and bending about the strong axis: failure by lateral-torsional buckling.
(Salmon-2009)

6. Axial compression and biaxial bending – torsionally stiff section: Failure by instability in one of
the principal directions. (W shapes are usually in this category). (Salmon-2009)
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.1 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is for calculation.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform

Question:
A W14 x 109 of A992 is used as a beam-column. The member is part of a braced frame in both the
xx and yy planes. The 12 ft-long member is subjected to an axial load of 610 kips. It is bent in single
curvature with equal and opposite end moments of 360 ft-kips about its major axis and is not
subjected to any intermediate transverse loads. These forces are obtained from a first-order
analysis of the structure under factored load. Assume 𝐾𝑥 y 𝐾𝑦 = 1.0 and check the adequacy of
the member.
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.2 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is for calculation.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform

Question:
A W12x79 shape of A992 steel is used as a column in
a braced frame (Figure 8). Under factored loads, the
21-ft-long ping-ended column is subjected to an axial
load of 419 kips. In addition, moments of 200 ft-kips
about the strong axis and 20 ft-kips about the weak
axis are applied at the top end only. The member is
braced at the ends about both axes. Additionally,
lateral support occurs in the weak direction at
midheight. Check the beam-column for compliance
with the LRFD specification.

Figure 8 (Vinnakota-2006)
References (ST. 4 & 8)

Required Resources:

Steel Design, 5TH. Ed.; William T. Segui – The University of Memphis, USA 2013.

Additional Resources:
Steel Structures Design, 5th. Ed. Mc Cormac, Prentice Hall, 2012.
Steel Structures, Behavior and LRFD. 1st. Ed., S. Vinnakota, McGraw-Hill. USA 2006.
Steel Structures, Design and Behavior. 5th. Ed., C. Salmon, Pearson-Prentice Hall. USA 2009.
Steel Designer´s Manual, Buick Davison, Graham W. Owens. - 7th ed.
Steel Design for Structural Engineers, Prentice Hall, Inc. First Edition, B Kuzmanovic – N. Willems.
1977.