Lesson 4: Analysis and Design for Axial Compression

Lesson 4B: NSCP 2015 Design Requirements on Compression Members

NSCP 2015 – 505 Design of Members for Compressive Strength

Three Types of Buckling

When an axially loaded compression member becomes unstable overall (that is, not locally unstable), it can buckle in
one of three ways, as shown in Figure.

1. Flexural buckling. We have considered this type of buckling up to now. It is a deflection caused by bending, or flexure,
about the axis corresponding to the largest slenderness ratio. This is usually the minor principal axis— the one with the
smallest radius of gyration. Compression members with any type of cross-sectional configuration can fail in this way.

2. 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, but members built up from thin plate elements may be and should be investigated.
The cruciform shape shown is particularly vulnerable to this type of buckling. This shape can be fabricated from plates as
shown in the figure, or built up from four angles placed back to back.

3. 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 type of failure can occur only with unsymmetrical cross sections,
both those with one axis of symmetry—such as channels, structural tees, double-angle shapes, and equal-leg single
angles— and those with no axis of symmetry, such as unequal-leg single angles.
NSCP 2015 505.2 Slenderness Limitations and Effective Length

NSCP 2015 505.3 Compressive Strength for Flexural Buckling of Members Without Slender Elements
NSCP 2001 (ASD) Code Provisions for Compressive Strength for Flexural Buckling