Structural Design (II) Spring 2010 Building Engineering Program

LECTURE (5): DESIGN OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS

5.1 Introduction:

Compression members are those members in a structure, which are subjected to axial forces
tending to decrease their length. Examples of compression members are: truss members, posts,
axially loaded columns, bracing members, etc...

5.2 Common Cross Sections Used for compression Members:

Members used in trusses

Members used in Columns

Built-up Compression Members For

columns and Truss Bridges

Fig. (5.1) Examples of Cross Sections Used in Compression Members

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5.3 Euler Load and Critical Buckling Stress:

Column buckling theory originated with Leonhard Euler (1757) who developed a
column formula to calculate the critical buckling load (PE) of pinned-pinned column. An
initially straight concentrically loaded member, in which all fibers remain elastic until buckling
occurs, is slightly bent as shown in figure (5.2). The elastic critical load of this column, known
as Euler load, is given by:

π 2 EI
PE = ........................................................................(5.1)
L2
Where L, is the length of the element between restrained points, I is the moment of inertia in
the buckling direction, and E is the modulus of elasticity (for steel=2100 t/cm2).

Pcr = PEuler

Pcr
Fig. (5.2): Buckling mode of Pin-Ended Column

In terms of critical buckling stress, and using I = Ag r2:

P π 2E π 2E
Fcr = E = = ................................................(5.2)
Ag (L / r )2 (λ )2

The factor λ introduced in the above equation is equal to (L/r) and is known as the slenderness
ratio of the compression member. The above equation is applicable only for pin-ended columns.
For different end conditions, the effective buckling length concept is introduced. The slenderness
ratio is redefined as follows:

Lb k * L
λ= = ...................................................................(5.3)
r r
where k, is the buckling factor and r, is the appropriate radius of gyration of the element cross-
section.

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5.4 Buckling Lengths of Compression Members:

Members of steel structures have two possible buckling failure modes under the effect of axial
loads. The first failure mode is in-plane buckling, and the second is the out-of-plane buckling. The
allowable compressive stress of a member is determined based on the greater value of the
slenderness ratio ( λ ) in-plane and out-of-plane.
The determination of the buckling factor requires the evaluation of the critical buckling load of the
member either in-plane or out-of-plane. The buckling factor (k) of any column can be determined
as:

PE
k= ..................................................................................................................(5.3)
Pcr
For ideal columns with well defined boundary conditions, the k factor is given in Table (5.1).

Table (5.1) Buckling Length Factor “K” for Members with Well Defined End-Conditions.

Tables (5.2) and (5.3) show the buckling lengths in most of the familiar compression members
in trusses of buildings.

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Special cases for Buckling Lengths of different Compression Members in trusses

Tables (5.2) and (5.3) show the buckling lengths in most of the familiar compression members in
truss buildings. The following are special cases of them:

Case (1): Buckling lengths of lower chord

member of a cantilever truss and one of its 2
vertical members. (-) (-) (-) (-)
Member (1) 1
a
Note that there is a longitudinal bracing at
the cantilever edge: L
Lb in= a (length of member)
Lb out = L = 4*a
(Distance between braced points laterally,
or distance between longitudinal bracings)

Member (2)
Lb in= h2 (length of member)
Lb out = 1.2 * h2 (Lower joint is un-braced laterally)

To reduce buckling length outside plane (Lb out) of the lower chord member, additional
longitudinal bracing may be used or a system of lower horizontal bracing as follows:

Case (2): Buckling lengths of lower chord

member of a cantilever truss and one of its
vertical members. 2

Member (1) (-) (-) (-) (-)

1
Note that there is a longitudinal bracing a
each two panels:
Lb in= a (length of member)
L2 L1
Lb out = L1 = 2*a
(Distance between braced points laterally, or
distance between longitudinal bracings)
Member (2)
Lb in= h2 (length of member)
Lb out = h2 (Lower joint is braced laterally)

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Case (3): Buckling lengths of lower chord

member of a cantilever truss and two of its 3 2

vertical members. (-) (-) (-) (+)

1

Member (1) a

Note that there is a lower horizontal L2 L1

bracing system:
Lb in= a (length of member)
1
Lb out = L1 = 2*a
(Distance between braced points)

Member (2)
Lb in= h2 (length of member)
Lb out = 1.2* h2 (Lower joint is un-braced
laterally) Lower Horizontal Bracing

Member (3)
Lb in= h3 (length of member)
Lb out = h3 (Lower joint is braced laterally)

5.5 Maximum Slenderness Ratios for Compression Members (Stiffness Limits)

The slenderness ratio of a compression member shall not exceed λ max given in the next table:

Table (5.4) Maximum Allowable Slenderness Ratios of Compression Members in buildings:

Member λ max
Compression members 180
Bracing systems and secondary members 200

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5.6 Allowable stress in axially loaded compression members

The allowable stress in axially loaded compression members depends on the slenderness
ratio, λ, which is defined as the ratio between the buckling length of the member to its radius of
gyration. For long members, elastic buckling governs the behavior of the member, where in shorter
members, elastic-plastic buckling takes the initiative. The allowable stresses for symmetrical
sections are defined by:

(0.58Fy − 0.75)
For λ <100 Fc= 0.58Fy − 4
λ2
10
7500
For λ ≥100 Fc = [For all steel grades]
λ2
Considering the different values of yield stress previously mentioned in lecture (1), the allowable
stresses for symmetrical and unsymmetrical sections (for different steel grades) are given in the
following table:

Table (5.5) Allowable Compressive Stress in Steel Structures (Thickness t ≤ 40 mm)

Grade of Compression and Buckling Fc (t/cm2)

Type of Section
Steel If λ < 100 If λ ≥ 100

St. 37 Fc = 1.40 - 6.5x10-5*λ2

For all grades:
[I] symmetrical sections
St. 44 Fc = 1.60 - 8.5x10-5*λ2 7500
Fc =
λ2
St. 52 Fc = 2.10 -13.5x10 *λ
-5 2

[II] Un-symmetrical Allowable stress for unsymmetrical sections is limited to

sections 60% of the allowable stress of symmetrical sections.

5.7 Design Concept:

The choice of a section for compression member should satisfy the following checks:
1) Check of Stress:
fact. = Force/A gross ≤ Fc For Symmetrical Sections
≤ 0.60 Fc For Unsymmetrical Sections

2) Check of Stiffness: (Maximum slenderness ratio of the member)

λin = Lbin/rin =…<180
λout= Lbout/rout =…<180

Note: For compact and non-compact sections, the gross area of the cross-section shall be used,
while in slender sections, the effective area shall be used.

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5.8 Applications
[I] Design of Symmetrical Sections: t g.pl.

Symmetrical sections are defined as the sections where

their center of gravity coincides with the center of gravity of
the gusset plates connecting them.

A) Choice of section composed of two angles back to back:

From stresses: From buckling:

Assume Fc=0.75 t/cm2 Assume λ=100
2
Ag2L = Force/ 0.75 =…cm λin=100 = Lbin/rx(2L) = Lbin / 0.3 a2 ⇒ Get a2 =…..cm
Ag1L = Ag2L / 2 λout=100=Lbout/ry(2L)=Lbout/0.45a3 ⇒ Get a3 =…..cm
From table: Choose a1 x a1 x t

Choose the average angle between the angle from stresses and that from buckling as follows:
aav = [a1+(max of a2 and a3)]/2 =…cm
From table: Choose two angles aav. x aav. x t
Minimum angle for construction (a-t)min = 3φ For bolted connection
OR 45 x 45 x 5 For welded connection

Checks:

λin = Lin/rx (2L) =…<180 [rx1L=rx2L]

λout = Lout/ry (2L) =…<180 [ry2L = (r y −1L ) 2 + (e + t G.PL / 2) 2 ]

Using λmax (max. of λin and λout), calculate the allowable compressive stress (Fc) from table
(5.5).

fact. = Force/2A1L =…< Fc

If fact /Fc = (0.85→1) Safe & economic

< 0.85 Safe but waste [try to get small angle]
> 1.0 Unsafe [Increase dimension of the choosing angle]

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B) Choice of section composed of two angles star-shaped: t g.pl.

Star-Shaped angles are generally used for long compression

members and for vertical truss members at the position of
longitudinal bracings.

From stresses: From buckling:

Assume Fc=0.75 t/cm2 Assume λ=100
2
Ag2L = Force/ 0.75 =…cm λmax = 100 = λu
Ag1L = Ag2L / 2 100 = Lb-u/ru = Lb-u/0.38 a2 ⇒ Get a2=…..cm
From table: Choose a1 x a1 x t Where Lb-u = the greater from (Lbin and Lbout)

Choose the average angle between the angle from stresses and that from buckling as follows:
a1 + a 2
aav.=
2
From table: Choose two angles star-shaped aav. x aav. x t

Minimum angle for construction (a-t)min = 3φ For bolted connection

OR 45 x 45 x 5 For welded connection

Checks:

λu = Lb-u/ru2L = <180 (where ru2L= ru1L)

Using λu, calculate the allowable compressive stress (Fc):

(0.58Fy − 0.75)
For λ <100 Fc= 0.58Fy − 4
λ2
10
7500
For λ ≥100 Fc = [For all steel grades]
λ2

fact. = Force/2A1L =…< Fc

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Design of tie plates (for members composed of two angles):

Tie plates are used to connect the cross sections composed of two components or more, such as
two angles back to back or star-shaped, to prevent the occurrence of local buckling of one
angle. A plate is added between the two angles, as shown in figure, avoiding any of the two
angles' buckling locally about its minor axis (rv). The distance between these tie plates (Lo) is
determined as follows:
L = Length of member

Lo = Distance between tie plates

(80-100) mm

F/2 F/2

λv = Lo/rv ≤ λmax

The slenderness ratio of one angle [λv] should be less or equal the maximum slenderness ratio
of the designed member [λmax], in order not to reduce the allowable compressive stress value
(Fc) of the member.
To get (Lo) ⇒ λv = (Lo, max. / rv) = λmax ,
So that Lo, max = rv x λmax
If Lo, max > L/2 use one tie plate at the middle of the member
If Lo, max ≤ L/2 use two tie plates at one third of the member length

At least one tie plate should be used for any member composed of two angles whether it is tension
or compression member.

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[II] Design of unsymmetrical section:

Choice of section composed of one angle:

One angle is generally used for diagonal compression members

which have small value of force.

From stresses: From buckling:

Assume Fc=0.6x0.75=0.45 t/cm2 Assume λmax = 100 = λv
Ag1L = Force/ 0.45 =…cm2 100 = Lb-v/rv = Lb-v/0.2 a2 ⇒ Get a2=…..cm
From table: Choose a1 x a1 x t Where Lb-v = the greater from (Lbin and Lbout)

Choose the average angle between the angle from stresses and that from buckling as follows:
a1 + a 2
aav.=
2

From table: Choose one angles aav. x aav. x t

Minimum angle for construction (a-t)min = 3φ For bolted connection

OR 45 x 45 x 5 For welded connection

Checks:

λv = Lb-v /rv1L = <180

Using λv, calculate the allowable compressive stress (Fc) as before.

fact. = Force/A1L =…< 0.60 x Fc

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General Notes:
[1] Design of zero members:
Zero members should satisfies the slenderness condition for compression members and the
depth condition for tension members
Choice of section:
A. Minimum angle for construction: (a-t)min = 3*φ For bolted connection
45 x 45 x 5 For welded connection
B. λmax=L/rmin.=……<180

For 2 angles back to back λx=Lbx/rx =180 rx2L=… get a=…

For 2 angles star-shaped λu=Lbu/ru =180 ru2L =… get a=…
For 1 angle section λv=Lbv/rv =180 rv1L=… get a=…

C. d min= L/60= get a=

From A, B and C choose the bigger angle.

[2] Design according to case (II):

Case (II) means that the force calculated in the member includes the secondary load effect such
as wind load. In this case the allowable stress should be increased by 20%.
− For tension members, the allowable tensile stresses = Ft x 1.2
− For compression members, the allowable compressive stresses = Fc x 1.2

[3] Choice of unequal angles in compression members: t g.pl.

It is recommended to use unequal angles when Lbout > 2 Lbin

rx2L ≈ 0.28a1
ry2L ≈ 0.48a2

Choice of section:

From stresses: From buckling:

Assume Fc=0.75 t/cm2 Assume λmax =100
Ag2L = Force/ 0.75 =…cm2 λin=100 = λx= Lbin / 0.28 a11 ⇒ Get a11 =…..cm
Ag1L = Ag2L / 2 λout=100= λy =Lbout/0.48 a22 ⇒ Get a22 =…..cm
From table: Choose a1 x a2 x t

a1 av.=(a1+a11)/2
a2 av.=(a2+a22)/2
From table: Choose two angles a1 av x a2 av x t

Checks: As before.

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Example (1):
For the shown truss, design the three marked members. The members are bolted to the gusset
plates at the truss joints using φ=16mm. The upper chord members are braced laterally by
horizontal bracing systems and purlin at each joint. Steel used is steel 37. Knowing that:
• For upper chord member (1): F1 = -15.0 t (Case I)
• For diagonal member (2): F2 = -1.80 t (Case II)
• For vertical member (3): F3 = Zero

20 : 1 1

2
1.25 m 3

L = 10 x 1.8 = 18.0 m

1) Design of upper chord Member (1): -15.0 t (Case I)

Choice of section using two angles back to back:

Lbx = Lby = 1.80 ms

From stresses: From buckling:

Assume Fc=0.75 t/cm2 Assume λx=100
Ag2L = 15/ 0.75 = 20 cm2 100 = Lbin/rx(2L) = 180 / 0.3 a2
Ag1L = 20 / 2 = 10 cm2 ⇒ Get a2 = 6.0 cm
From table: Choose 75 x 75 x 7

aav = (7.5+6)/2 = 6.75 m

From table: Choose two angles 2Ls 70x70x7

Min angle for construction (a-t)min = 3*φ = 3*16 = 48 mm [L 55x55x5]

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Check:
rx2L = rx1L= 2.12 cm

ry2L = (r y −1L ) 2 + (e + t G.PL / 2) 2 = (2.12) 2 + (1.97 + 1.0 / 2) 2 =3.26 cm

λx = Lin/rx (2L) = 180/2.12 = 84.91 < 180

λy = Lout/ry (2L) = 180/2.12 = 55.3 <180

Fc = 1.40 - 6.5x10-5*(84.91)2 = 0.93 t/cm2

fact. = Force/2A1L =15/(2*9.4) = 0.8 t/cm2…< Fc = 0.93 t/cm2

fact /Fc = 0.80/0.93 = 0.86 Safe & economic

Design of tie plates:

λv ≤ λmax
Lo/rv ≤ λmax ⇒ Lo, max = rv x λmax= 1.37x84.91 = 116.33 cm > L/2

Use one tie plate at the middle of the member (Lo, act. = 90.0 cm < Lo, max).

2) Design of Diagonal Member (2): F = -1.80 t (Case II)

L= (1.8) 2 + (1.25 + 0.36) 2 = 2.415m

Choice of section as one angle:

From stresses: From buckling:
Assume Fc=0.6x0.75x1.2=0.54 t/cm2 Assume λmax = 100 = λv
Ag1L = 1.80/ 0.54 = 3.333 cm2 100 = Lb-v/rv = 241.5/0.2 a2
From table: Choose 45 x 45 x 5 ⇒ a2= 12.075.cm

aav = (4.5+12.075)/2 = 8.2 m

From table: Choose one angle 1L 80 x80 x8
Check:
λv = Lb-v /rv1L =214.5/1.55 = 155.8 <180
⎡ 7500 ⎤ ⎡ 7500 ⎤
Fc = 0.6 * ⎢ * 1.2 = 0.6 * ⎢ * 1.2 = 0.22 t/cm
2
2 ⎥ 2⎥
⎣ λ ⎦ ⎣155.8 ⎦
fact. = Force/A1L =1.8/12.3 = 0.15 t/cm2…< Fc = 0.22 t/cm2

fact /Fc = 0.15/0.22 = 0.67 Safe but waste

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Try one angle 1L 75 x75 x7

λv = 241.5/1.45 = 166.6 <180
⎡ 7500 ⎤ ⎡ 7500 ⎤
Fc = 0.6 * ⎢ * 1.2 = 0.6 * ⎢ * 1.2 = 0.195 t/cm
2
2 ⎥ 2⎥
⎣ λ ⎦ ⎣166.6 ⎦
fact. = Force/A1L =1.8/10.1 = 0.178 t/cm2…< Fc = 0.195 t/cm2
fact /Fc = 0.178/0.195 = 0.91 Safe & economic

∴ Finally choose one angle 75 x75 x7

3) Design of Vertical Member (3): Zero member and L= 1.61 ms

Min angle for construction (a-t)min = 3*φ = 3*16 = 48 mm L 55x55x5

t g.pl.= 1.0cm
Due to the member is located at the position of longitudinal bracing,
Choose two angles star-shaped 2Ls 55x55x5

Check:

λmax = λu = Lb-u /ru-2L =161/2.09 = 86.12 <180 Safe

L 55x55x5

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Example (2):
Design a column of 6.0 m height subjected to compression force of 100 tons using a suitable
hot-rolled section. The column is restrained at both ends and braced laterally, out-side plane
only, at mid height of column by longitudinal strut as shown in figure. Steel used is steel 37.

P = 100 t P = 100 t

L/2

Lateral Support
L/2

x
x x y y

Out-Side Plane In-Side Plane

Column subjected to compression force

Choice of section using HEB:

Lbx = L = 6.0 ms Lby = L /2 = 3.0 ms

From stresses: From buckling:

Assume Fc=0.75 t/cm2 Assume λx=100
Ag = 100/ 0.75 = 133.33 cm2 100 = Lbx/rx = 600 / rx
From table: Choose HEB 280 ⇒ Get rx = 6.0 cm
From table: Choose HEB 140
(280+140)/2 = 210
From table: Choose HEB 220
Check:
λx = Lin/rx = 600/9.43 = 63.63 < 180
λy = Lout/ry = 300/5.59 = 53.67 <180

Fc = 1.40 - 6.5x10-5*(63.63)2 = 1.14 t/cm2

fact. = Force/2A1L =100/91.0 = 1.1 t/cm2…< Fc = 1.14 t/cm2

fact /Fc = 1.10/1.14 = 0.96 < 1 Safe & economic

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