Title : Design of Compression Members

Intended Learning Outcomes :

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to :
1. Identify a doubly symmetric, singly symmetric, or asymmetric section.
2. Enumerate the modes of failure in compression members(yielding, buckling, etc.)
3. Calculate the nominal compressive strength Pn of a member based from different cases.

Discussions :
Steel compression members can be found on trusses, towers, and structural frames. Section
505 of the NSCP can be used as reference for designing compression members. Load and Resistance
Factor Design(LRFD) and Allowable Strength Design(ASD) are both allowed in the NSCP Code.

Section 505 Design of Members for Compression

505.1 General Provision
Φc Pn (LRFD), Pn/Ωc (ASD)
Φc = 0.90, Ωc = 1.67

Doubly Symmetric
and Singly Symmetric = Flexural Buckling

Singly Symmetric,

Unsymmetric and
Some Doubly Symmetric(Cruciform) = Torsional Buckling, Flexural-Torsional Buckling

505.2 Slenderness Limitations and Effective Length preferably KL/r ≤ 200

502.4.1 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

λ = b/t or λ = D/t (depends on the section considered)
Compact : λ < λp
Non-Compact : λp < λ < λr
Slender : λr < λ

Stiffened Elements in a Section

*shaded elements are stiffened members

505.4 Compressive Strength for Torsional and Flexural-Torsional Buckling of Members
without Slender Members

Pn = Fcr Ag (505.4-1)
where
Example 3.1 Compact Section/Non Compact Section

Given : A W200x86 compression member is axially loaded and pin-supported at its ends
Properties : A = 11000 mm2, b/tf = bf/2tf = 5.07, h/tw =12.4 , rx = 92.7, ry = 53.3

Fy = 250 MPa, Fu = 400 MPa, K = 1.0, L = 5.5 m

Required : a.) Φc Pn (LRFD) b.) Pn/Ωc (ASD)

Solution :

1. Check for slender elements

Unstiffened element :
0.56× (
√ E
Fy
)=0.56× (
√
200000
250
)=15.839
Table 502.4.1 case 3
bf/2tf = 5.07 < 15.839 not a slender element!

Stiffened element :
1.49× (
√ E
Fy
)=1.49× (
√
200000
250
)=42.144
Table 502.4.2 case 10

h T des
= =12.4<42.144
tw tw not a slender element!

2. Calculate Pn

KL/rx = 1.0(5500)/92.7 = 59.33118

KL/ry = 1.0(5500)/53.3 = 103.18949

Max KL/r = 103.18949

π 2×E π 2×200000
Fe= = =185.37826 MPa
(KL/ r )2 (103.18949)2

Fy 250
( ) ( )
Fe
Fcr=0.658 ×Fy=0.658 185.37826 ×250=142.1675727 MPa

Pn = Fcr Ag = 142.1675727(11000)/1000= 1563.843299 KN

3. Calculate Φc Pn & Pn/Ωc

Φc Pn = 0.90 (1563.843299) = 1407.45 KN

Pn/Ωc = 1563.843299/1.67 = 936.43 KN

Self-Learning Assessment(Problem Set)
1.) Compact Section/Non Compact Section

Given : A W200x86 compression member is axially loaded and pin-supported at its ends
Properties : A = 11000 mm2, b/tf = bf/2tf = 5.07, h/tw =12.4 , rx = 92.7, ry = 53.3

Fy = 250 MPa, Fu = 400 MPa, K = 1.0, L = 6.1 m

Required : a.) Φc Pn (LRFD) b.) Pn/Ωc (ASD)

2.) HSS -Section

3.) What is the difference between a compact section from a non-compact section?

4.) What is Lateral Torsional Buckling? How will it deform a cross-section?

5.) Differentiate yielding failure from buckling failure in a compression member.

References :
1. ASEP, Inc. (2015), National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) 2015
2. Segui, W.T. (2007), Structural Steel Design fourth edition, Nelson Thompson Canada Ltd.
3. American Institute of Steel Construction (2019), COMPANION TO THE AISC STEEL
CONSTRUCTION MANUAL Volume 1: Design Examples Version 15.1, AISC USA