COLUMNS BY STEEL

Definition
Steel columns are vertical structural elements that transfer compressive loads from upper floors, roofs, or beams to the foundation or other supporting members below.
They are made from steel, a strong and ductile material, providing excellent load-bearing capacity and resistance to dynamic forces like earthquakes. Steel columns come
in various shapes, such as wide flange, HSS, or channels, offering design flexibility to suit specific requirements.
History
The use of steel columns has evolved alongside advancements in engineering and construction. In the late 19th century, the Bessemer process transformed steel
production, allowing for the construction of remarkable structures such as the Eiffel Tower. The early 20th century saw steel columns being used extensively in
skyscrapers, bridges, and industrial facilities, shaping modern architecture.

With the introduction of various steel shapes and grades, like wide flange and HSS, design options expanded. Technological innovations, such as high-strength steels and
advanced fabrication methods, have continued to push the limits of steel column applications, fostering more efficient and sustainable construction practices in
contemporary design.
Future
Steel columns, long favored for their strength, are being innovatively used in modern architecture. Advancements in treatments are making them more rust-resistant,
ensuring longevity. In cities like New York and Tokyo, steel columns with sleek, artistic finishes are becoming focal points in building designs. Additionally, with urban
vertical expansion, these columns are essential in skyscrapers, supporting immense weight while minimizing space usage. Their adaptability and resilience ensure they'll
remain central in future constructions.
Common Questions
What are the advantages of steel columns compared to other column types?

Steel columns offer advantages over concrete or timber columns due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for efficient load-bearing capacity. They enable faster
construction through prefabrication and easy assembly. With various shapes and sizes available, steel columns provide design flexibility. They also exhibit better ductility,
ensuring improved earthquake resistance and structural integrity. As a recyclable material, steel contributes to sustainable construction practices.

What is the rule of thumb for sizing a steel column?

When sizing a steel column, a rule of thumb is to consider the column's purpose, loads, and material properties. Estimate the total load by summing dead, live, wind, and
seismic forces, then choose a steel grade and shape. As a starting point, select a column with a width-to-thickness ratio of about 12 and a height-to-width ratio of 3 to 5.
For preliminary design, use an axial load capacity of 5% of the steel's yield strength multiplied by the column's cross-sectional area. Always consult a licensed engineer
for a detailed analysis and final design.

How do beams connect to steel columns?

Beams attach to steel columns using various connection methods, depending on the design requirements and load transfer mechanisms. The most common types are bolted
and welded connections. Bolted connections use high-strength bolts to secure beams to column flanges or web plates, while welded connections utilize fillet or full-
penetration welds to join beams directly to columns. Both connection types can accommodate different load transfer needs, such as shear, moment, or axial forces.

Types of Cross-sections
HSS Tube, Rectangle
Description
A rectangular HSS steel tube column is a hollow structural section made of steel that is typically used in construction. It is characterized by its rectangular cross-section
and its hollow interior. HSS columns are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and they can be made from a variety of steel grades. They are typically used in
load-bearing applications, such as supporting roofs and floors. HSS columns offer several advantages over other types of columns, including their strength, durability, and
resistance to corrosion. They are also relatively lightweight and easy to install.
Dimensions & Sizes
Rectangular HSS Tube Steel Columns are available in a range of sizes with widths between 3”-8” (7.6-20.3 cm), depths of 6”-16” (15.2-40.6 cm), typical heights from
8’-20’ (2.44-6.1 m), and a maximum height of 40’ (12.2 m). The steel has a typical thickness range between .25”-.79” (6.5-20 mm).
HSS Tube, Square
Description
A square HSS steel tube column is a hollow structural section made of steel that is square in shape. It is made by welding two pieces of flat steel together along their
edges. HSS steel tube columns are typically used in structural applications, such as supporting buildings and other structures. They are also used to make fences, railings,
and other metalworks.
Dimensions & Sizes
Square HSS Tube Steel Columns are available in a range of sizes with widths between 3”-16” (7.6-40.6 cm), typical heights from 8’-20’ (2.44-6.1 m), and a maximum
height of 40’ (12.2 m). The steel has a typical thickness range between .25”-.79” (6.5-20 mm).
HSS Tube, Circular
Description
A circular HSS tube steel column is a hollow structural section that is made of steel and has a circular cross-section. It is typically used in construction as a support
column and can be made in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to meet the specific needs of a project. Circular HSS tube steel columns are strong and durable and can
withstand a significant amount of weight and stress. They are also relatively lightweight, making them easy to transport and install.
Dimensions & Sizes
Circular HSS Tube Steel Columns are available in a range of sizes with diameters between 3”-12” (7.6-30.5 cm), typical heights from 8’-20’ (2.44-6.1 m), and a
maximum height of 40’ (12.2 m). The steel has a typical thickness range between .3”-.51” (7.5-13 mm).
Universal Columns
Description
Universal Columns are also known as UC’s or H beams due to their shape. UC’s have a width similar to their depth which makes them suitable for column applications
where strength needs to be similar in both directions.
Dimensions & Sizes

Designation kg/m h (mm) b (mm) tf (mm) tw (mm) r (mm)

UC10014 14.8 97 99 7 5 10

UC15023 23.4 152 152 6.8 6.1 8.9

UC15030 30 158 153 9.4 6.6 8.9

UC15037 37.2 162 154 11.5 8.1 8.9

UC20046 46.2 203 203 11 7.3 11.4

UC20052 52.2 206 204 12.5 8 11.4

UC20059 59.5 210 205 14.2 9.3 11.4

UC25072 72.9 254 254 14.2 8.6 14

UC25089 89.5 260 256 17.3 10.5 14

UC31096 96.8 308 305 15.4 9.9 16.5

UC310118 118 315 307 18.7 11.9 16.5

UC310137 137 321 309 21.7 13.8 16.5

UC310158 158 327 311 25 15.7 16.5

Designation kg/m h (mm) b (mm) tf (mm) tw (mm) r (mm)

UC10014 14.8 97 99 7 5 10

UC15023 23.4 152 152 6.8 6.1 8.9

UC15030 30 158 153 9.4 6.6 8.9

UC15037 37.2 162 154 11.5 8.1 8.9

UC20046 46.2 203 203 11 7.3 11.4

UC20052 52.2 206 204 12.5 8 11.4

UC20059 59.5 210 205 14.2 9.3 11.4

UC25072 72.9 254 254 14.2 8.6 14

UC25089 89.5 260 256 17.3 10.5 14
 Designation kg/m h (mm) b (mm) tf (mm) tw (mm) r (mm)

UC31096 96.8 308 305 15.4 9.9 16.5

UC310118 118 315 307 18.7 11.9 16.5

UC310137 137 321 309 21.7 13.8 16.5

UC310158 158 327 311 25 15.7 16.5

Universal Column Cross-section
UC10014

------------------ Dimensions Sizes Unit

Weight per length - - kg/m

Section depth h - mm

Flange width b - mm

Flange thickness tf - mm

Web thickness tw - mm

Fillet radius r - mm

The equation for gross-section area (Ag) is given as:

Ag = 2 x (tf x b) + (h - 2tf) x tw + (4 - π) x r2 (Equation 1)

The equation for yielding compression is as follows:

Py = Ag x fy (Equation 2)

Comparison of Yielding Compression Capacity

The range of yielding stress is from 250 to 400 MPa. The App User can select one of the yield stress provided in the “Single Select” to observe the changes in the yielding
compression capacity.
Yielding Stress
fy = 250 MPa fy = 300 MPa fy = 320 MPa fy = 350 MPa fy = 400 MPa
The output of gross-section area and the calculated yielding strength in compression of each section is presented as per the following Table Data:

Designation Ag (mm2) Py (kN)

UC10014 1886.840735 603789.04

UC15023 2979.434446 953419.02

UC15030 3863.114446 1236196.62

UC15037 4735.894446 1515486.22

UC20046 5898.858619 1887634.76

UC20052 6659.558619 2131058.76

 Designation Ag (mm2) Py (kN)

UC20059 7622.438619 2439180.36

UC25072 9322.00784 2983042.51

UC25089 11392.54784 3645615.31

UC31096 12371.9814 3959034.05

UC310118 15018.9414 4806061.25

UC310137 17475.1814 5592058.05

UC310158 20132.6014 6442432.45

The output of Py can be illustrated by a Line Chart below: