Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

___________________________________________________________________________ 
 

LECTURE 9: COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Analyze compression members using LRFD and ASD methods.
2. determine the desired economical section through analytical approach.
3. develop familiarity to the use of Steel Manual and NSCP.

COVERAGE:
1. Analysis of compression members

OBJECTIVES:
1. To analyze structurally compression members using LRFD and ASD methods

COMPRESSION MEMBERS
COMPRESSION MEMBERS are structural elements that are pushed together or carry a load, more
technically they are subjected only to axial compressive forces. Compression members are commonly used as
columns in building structures, chords or webs in trusses, bridge piers or braces in framed structures. Compressive
members are opposite of tension members.

From the excerpt taken from page 5-55 of NSCP 2015, the following will be the formulas used in the
analysis of compression members:
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

P = ϕc Pn ϕc = 0.90 LRFD
𝑷𝒏
P = Ωc = 1.67 ASD
𝜴𝒄

Pn = Fcr Ag

𝑭𝒚
𝑲𝑳 𝑬
When 4.71 Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy
𝒓 𝑭𝒚

𝑲𝑳 𝑬
When 4.71 Fcr = 0.877 Fe
𝒓 𝑭𝒚

𝝅𝟐 𝑬
Fe = 𝑲𝑳 𝟐 where k = 1
𝒓

DESIGN LIMITATION
𝑷
1) Tentative Ag = 𝟐𝑭𝒚 LRFD
𝝓𝒄
𝟑

𝑷𝜴𝒄
Ag = 𝟐𝑭𝒚 ASD
𝟑

2) From user’s mote, according from the excerpt above: For members designed for the basis of
𝑲𝑳
compression, the slenderness ratio preferably should not exceed 200.
𝒓

𝑲𝑳
200 where K = 1
𝒓

𝑳
Therefore: rmin =
𝟐𝟎𝟎
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

DESIGN PROBLEM:

PROBLEM 1. Design a W-section compression member carrying a dead load of 442 kN and live
load of 1333 kN. The length of the member is 7.30 m. Use A36 steel and LRFD.

STEP 1. Loadings

P = 1.2 D + 1.6 L from LRFD formula

P = 1.2 (442) + 1.6 (1333)

P = 2663.20 kN

STEP 2. Tentative Ag
𝑷
Ag = 𝟐𝑭𝒚 from formula tentative Ag
𝝓𝒄
𝟑

,
Ag = . substituting values

Ag = 17 897.85 mm2

STEP 3. Minimum radius of gyration

rmin = from limitation formula

.
rmin =

rmin = 36.50 mm

STEP 4. Section Selection

In this step you need your ASEP Steel Handbook 2004 to select the most economical size of the W-section.
You must turn your handbook from pages 84 – 105. Starting from page 84, go to the second column with heading
AREA. Select an area which is more than but nearest to the value of your computed required gross area Ag =
17897.85 mm2 (step 2). You must also select the nearest value of area to other pages on the column AREA. Check
if it is more than the value and not less than. The nearest value to Ag is 18194 mm2 found at page 100, the first trial
size is W 12 x 96 (refer to attached excerpt).
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

Try W 12 x 96 from the tabulation above

Ag = 18 194 mm2

rx = 138.18 mm

ry = 78.49 mm

TAKE NOTE: Check the following:

1) Actual Gross area Ag = 18194 mm2 must be greater than or equal to the required gross area
Ag = 17897.85 mm2 (step 2). In this case it is safe.
2) The values of the radii of gyration rx = 138.18 mm and ry = 78.49 must be greater than the
minimum rmin = 36.50 mm (step 3). In this case it is safe.
3) If all items are safe, then proceed to step 5.
4) If one of the items is not safe or inadequate, change your trial section, go to the next bigger Ag.
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

STEP 5. Checking

.
𝑥 = = 52.83 slenderness ratio @ x-axis, K = 1,
.
L = 7.30 m, rx = 138.18 mm
.
𝑦 = = 93.00 slenderness ratio @ y-axis, K = 1,
.
L = 7.30 m, ry = 78.49 mm

ADOPT: = 93.00 the larger value prevails

𝑬 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
4.71 = 4.71 = 133.76 E = 200 000 MPa constant value
𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖

                Fy = 248 MPa constant value 
𝑭𝒚
𝑲𝑳 𝑬
Therefore: 4.71 use Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy
𝒓 𝑭𝒚

𝝅𝟐 𝑬 𝝅𝟐 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
Fe = 𝑲𝑳 𝟐 = = 228.23 MPa from NSCP formula
𝟗𝟑 𝟐
𝒓

𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖
Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝟐𝟐𝟖.𝟐𝟑 ] (248)

Fcr = 157.37 MPa

Pn = Fcr Ag from NSCP 2015 formula

.
Pn = actual Ag = 18194 mm2

Pn = 2863.19 kN

P = ϕc Pn from NSCP 2015 formula

P = 0.90 (2863.19)

P = 2576.87 kN 2663.20 kN INADEQUATE

NOTE: If the actual load P is less than the required P (step 1), then it is not safe or inadequate, repeat or go back
again to step 4 and revise your trial section. If it is the other way around, then that is the size we are designing for.
Since our answer is inadequate, we go back again to step 4.

STEP 4. Section Selection

We are now on the second trial section. Again using ASEP Handbook 2004, find for the heading AREA
(second column). Find for the nearest but larger area than the first trial Ag = 18 194 mm2 (W 12 x 96). We then find
Ag = 18 387 mm2 that correspond to W 18 x 97 page 96 ASEP Handbook 2004 but
It will also be inadequate.

The following sizes will also be inadequate in trying this sections.

W 30 x 99 Ag = 18 774 mm2 inadequate

W 16 x 100 Ag = 18 968 mm2 inadequate

Now let us try W 12 x 106 with Ag = 20 129 mm2 page 100 ASEP Handbook 2004
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

Try W 12 x 106 from the tabulation above

Ag = 20 129 mm2

rx = 138.94 mm

ry = 78.99 mm

TAKE NOTE: Check the following:

1) Actual Gross area Ag = 20 129 mm2 must be greater than or equal to the required gross area
Ag = 17897.85 mm2 (step 2). In this case it is safe.
2) The values of the radii of gyration rx = 138.94 mm and ry = 78.99 must be greater than the
minimum rmin = 36.50 mm (step 3). In this case it is safe.
3) If all items are safe, then proceed to step 5..
4) If one of the items is not safe or inadequate, change your trial section, go to the next bigger Ag.
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

STEP 5. Checking

.
𝑥 = = 52.54 slenderness ratio @ x-axis, K = 1,
.
L = 7.30 m, rx = 138.94 mm
.
𝑦 = = 92.42 slenderness ratio @ y-axis, K = 1,
.
L = 7.30 m, ry = 78.99 mm

ADOPT: = 92.42 the larger value prevails

𝑬 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
4.71 = 4.71 = 133.76 E = 200 000 MPa constant value
𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖

                Fy = 248 MPa constant value 
𝑭𝒚
𝑲𝑳 𝑬
Therefore: 4.71 use Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy
𝒓 𝑭𝒚

𝝅𝟐 𝑬 𝝅𝟐 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
Fe = 𝑲𝑳 𝟐 = = 231.10 MPa from NSCP formula
𝟗𝟐.𝟒𝟐 𝟐
𝒓

𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖
Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝟐𝟑𝟏.𝟏𝟎 ] (248)

Fcr = 158.26 MPa

Pn = Fcr Ag from NSCP 2015 formula

.
Pn = actual Ag = 20 129 mm2

Pn = 3185.62 kN

P = ϕc Pn from NSCP 2015 formula

P = 0.90 (3185.62)

P = 2867.06 kN 2663.20 kN SAFE

USE W 12 x 106 compression member

 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

INVESTIGATION PROBLEM

PROBLEM 2. Determine the load capacity of W 30 x 581 column with height of

5.50 m. Use A36 steel.
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

W 30 x 581

Ag = 109 677 mm2 from table above

rx = 353.06 mm

ry = 98.04 mm

.
x = = 15.58 slenderness ratio formula
.

.
y = = 56.10
.

ADOPT: = 56.10 adopt the bigger value

𝑬 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
4.71 = 4.71 = 133.76 E = 200 000 MPa constant value
𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖

                Fy = 248 MPa constant value 
 
𝑭𝒚
𝑲𝑳 𝑬
Therefore: 4.71 use Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy
𝒓 𝑭𝒚

 
𝝅𝟐 𝑬 𝝅𝟐 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
Fe = 𝑲𝑳 𝟐 = = 627.20 MPa from NSCP formula
𝟓𝟔.𝟏𝟎 𝟐
𝒓

𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖
Fcr = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] Fy = [ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝟔𝟐𝟕.𝟐𝟎 ](248)

Fcr = 210.17 MPa

Pn = Fcr Ag from NSCP 2015 formula

.
Pn = actual Ag = 109 677 mm2

Pn = 23 050.82 kN

LRFD

P = ϕc Pn from NSCP 2015 formula

P = 0.90 (23 050.82)

P = 20745.74 kN ANSWER

ASD

P =

.
P =
.

P = 13 802.89 kN ANSWER
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 
 

INVESTIGATION PROBLEM 3 
 
Determine the load capacity of 2L 8 x 6 x ¾ compression member, long legs back to back separated by 100 mm 
thick gusset plate. Use A – 36 steel. The length of the member is 10 m. 
 
                     

       
 
 
       
 

L 8 x 6 x ¾ 
  Ag    = 6413 mm2 
  IX     = 26.39 x 106 mm4 
  IY     = 12.78 x 106 mm4 
  X     = 39.62 mm 
  Y     = 65.02 mm 

     
 
 
                  Y 

2L  8 x 6 x ¾ 
        Ag = 2 (6413) 
X               = 12 826 mm2 

         
 
 
 
 
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

     
 
 
 
  By Transfer Formula 
 

    I = 𝐈̅ + Ad2
IX = 2 [ (26.39 x 106) + 6413 (0)2 ] = 52 780 000 mm4
𝟏𝟎𝟎 2
IY = 2 [ (12.78 x 106) + 6413 ( 39.62 + ) ] = 128 575 153.70 mm4
𝟐

𝐈
r= radius of gyration
𝑨

𝐈𝐗 𝟓𝟐 𝟕𝟖𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
rx = = = 64.15 mm
𝑨 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝟐𝟔

𝐈𝐘 𝟏𝟐𝟖 𝟓𝟕𝟓 𝟏𝟓𝟑

rY = = = 100.12 mm
𝑨 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝟐𝟔

x = = 155.88
.

y = = 99.88
.

ADOPT: = 155.88

𝑬 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
4.71 = 4.71 = 133.76
𝑭𝒚 𝟐𝟒𝟖

                 
𝑲𝑳 𝑬
Therefore: 4.71 use Fcr = 0.877 Fe
𝒓 𝑭𝒚

𝝅𝟐 𝑬 𝝅𝟐 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
Fe = 𝑲𝑳 𝟐 = = 81.24 MPa
𝟏𝟓𝟓.𝟖𝟖 𝟐
𝒓

Fcr = 0.877 Fe = 0.877 (81.24)

 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________ 

Fcr = 71.25 MPa

Pn = Fcr Ag
. .
Pn =

Pn = 913.85 kN

LRFD

P = ϕc Pn

P = 0.90 (913.85)

P = 822.97 kN ANSWER

ASD

P =

.
P =
.

P = 1547.22 kN ANSWER

 
 
 Far Eastern University 2nd SEMESTER 2022-2023
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________