Assignment # Columns and Struts

1. Compare the ratio of the strength of solid steel column to that of the hollow steel column of the
same cross-sectional area. The internal diameter of the hollow column is 3/4th of the external
diameter. The columns have the same length and are pinned at both ends. Use Euler's theory.
2. A solid round bar of 60 mm diameter and 2.5 m long is used as a strut. Find the safe compressive
load for the strut using Euler's formula if (a) both ends are hinged (b) both ends are fixed. Take
E = 2 × 105 N/mm² and factor of safety = 3.
3. What is the ratio of the strength of a solid steel column of 150 mm diameter to that of a hollow
circular steel column of the same cross-sectional area and a wall thickness of 15 mm? The two
columns have the same length and similar end conditions.
4. Find the Euler's crushing load for a hollow cylindrical cast iron column 120 mm external
diameter and 20 mm thick, if it is 4.2 m long and is hinged at both ends. Take E = 80 kN/mm².
Compare this load with the crushing load as given by Rankine's formula using constants f = 550
N/mm² and a = 1/1600. For what length of strut does the Euler's formula cease to apply?
5. An ISLB 300 section is provided with a flange plate 200 mm x 12 mm for each flange. The
composite member is used as a column with one end fixed and the other end hinged. Calculate
the length of the column for which, crippling loads given by Rankine's formula and Euler's
formula will be the same. Take E = 210 kN/mm², f = 330 N/mm², a = 1/7500
Properties of ISLB 300 section are:
Overall width = 150 mm, Overall depth = 300 mm,
Thickness of flange = 9.4 mm, Thickness of web = 6.7 mm
Ixx = 73.329 x 106 mm4 Iyy = 3.762 x 106 mm4
A = 4808 mm²
6. A column having a T section with a flange 120 mm x 16 mm and web 150 mm x 16 mm is 3m
long. Assuming the column to be hinged at both ends, find the crippling load by using Euler's
Formula. Take E =2 x106 Kg/cm2.
7. Determine Euler’s crippling load for an I-section joist 40 cm X 20 cm X 1 cm and 5 m long
which is used as a strut with both ends fixed. Take E = 2.1 X 105 N/mm2 .
8. Determine Euler's crippling load for an I - section joist 30 cm X 15 cm X 2 cm and 5 m long
which is used as a strut with both ends fixed. Take E = 2 X 105 N/mm2.
9. Determine the crippling load for a T - section of dimensions 12 cm X 12 cm X 2 cm and of
length 6 cm when it is used as a strut with both of its ends hinged. Take E = 2 X 105 N/mm2.
10. Determine the ratio of buckling strengths of two columns one hollow and the other solid. Both
are made of the same material and have the same length, cross sectional area and end
conditions. The internal diameter of hollow column is 2/3rd of its external diameter.
11. A hollow mild steel tube 5 m long, 4 cm internal diameter and 5 mm thick is used as a strut
with both ends hinged. Determine the crippling load and safe load taking factor of safety as 3.0.
Take E = 2 X 105 N/mm2.