2.1.

DESIGN OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Struts and columns are examples of compression
members. For design purposes BS 5268 divides
compression members into two categories:
(1) members subject to axial compression only and
(2) members subject to combined bending and axial
compression.

The principal considerations in the design of compression

members are:
• Slenderness ratio
• Axial compressive stress
• Permissible compression stress
2.1.1 SLENDERNESS RATIO
The load-carrying capacity of compression members is a
function of the slenderness ratio, λ, which is given by:
2.1.1 SLENDERNESS RATIO
According to clause 2.11.4 of BS 5268, the slenderness
ratio should not exceed 180 for compression members
carrying dead and imposed loads other than loads
resulting from wind in which case a slenderness ratio of
250 may be acceptable.

The radius of gyration, i is given by;

For rectangular sections

Where b is the least

lateral dimension
2.1.1 SLENDERNESS RATIO
The effective length, Le, of a column is obtained by
multiplying the actual length, L, by a coefficient taken
from Table 21 of BS 5268 which is a function of the fixity
at the column ends. be acceptable.
2.1.2 AXIAL COMPRESSIVE STRESS
The axial compressive stress is given by

2.1.3 PERMISSIBLE COMPRESSIVE STRESS

a) Slenderness Ratio
According to clause 2.11.5 of BS 5268, for compression
members with slenderness ratios of less than 5, the
permissible compressive stress should be taken as the
grade compression stress parallel to the grain, σc,g,||,
modified as appropriate for moisture content, duration of
loading and load sharing:
2.1.3 PERMISSIBLE COMPRESSIVE STRESS
b) Slenderness Ratio
For compression members with slenderness ratios equal to
or greater than 5, the permissible compressive stress is
obtained in the same way but should additionally be
modified by the factor K12
2.2 MEMBER DESIGN
Having discussed these common aspects it is now possible
to describe in detail the design of compression members.
As pointed out earlier, BS 5268 distinguishes between two
categories of members; that is, those subject to
(a) axial compression only, and
(b) axial compression and bending.
2.2.1 Members subjected to axial Compression Only
This category of compression member is designed so that
the applied compressive stress, σc,a,||, does not exceed
the permissible compressive stress parallel to the grain,
σc,adm,||.
2.2.1 Members subjected to axial Compression Only
The applied compressive stress is calculated using:

The permissible compressive stress is given by equations

below depending upon the slenderness ratio.

Or
2.2.2 Members subjected to axial Compression and bending
This category includes compression members subject to
eccentric loading which can be equated to an axial
compression force and bending moment.

According to clause 2.11.6 of BS 5268, members which

are restrained at both ends in position but not direction,
which covers most real situations, should be so
proportioned that The applied compressive stress is
calculated using:
2.2.2 Members subjected to axial Compression and bending

Equation above is the normal interaction formula used to

ensure that lateral instability does not arise in
compression members subject to axial force and bending.

Thus if the column was subject to compressive loading only,

i.e. M = 0 and σm,a,||=0, the designer would simply have
to ensure that σc,a,||/σ c,adm,|| ≤ 1.
2.2.2 Members subjected to axial Compression and bending
Alternatively, if the column was subject to bending only,
i.e. F = σc,a,|| = 0, the designer should ensure that
σ m,a,||/σm,adm,|| ≤ 1.

However, if the column was subject to combined bending and axial

compression, then the deflection as a result of the moment M would
lead to additional bending due to the eccentricity of the force, F as
illustrated in figure below. This is allowed by factor
in the above expression.

Fig: Bending in timber columns

Worked Example 1
A timber column of strength class C16 consists of a 100
mm square section which is restrained at both ends in
position but not in direction. Assuming that the actual
height of the column is 3.75 m, calculate the maximum
axial long-term load that the column can support.

Solution
SLENDERNESS RATIO
Worked Example 1
GRADE STRESSES AND MODULUS OF ELASTICITY
Since timber section belongs to strength class C16, from Table 8 of
BS 5268) the grade stresses and Moduli of Elasticity are as follows
(Value are in N/mm2):

Table 8 (BS 5268)

MODIFICATION FACTOR
Duration of loading factor, K3 is 1.0 [Long-Term]

Compression member stress factor, K12

Worked Example 1
From Table 22 of BS 5268, K12 can be determined by interpolation.

[Therefore, K12 = 0.261]

AXIAL LOAD CAPACITY