STRUCTURAL STEEL IN COMPRESSION

When a load tends to squeeze or shortened a member the stress produced are to be compressive stresses
and the member is called a compression member.

Types: column , top chord of trusses , bracing , compression flanges of rolled beams, built up section, etc.

Strut (compression member) – is a short vertical member subjected to compressive loads.

pedestal is a base or foundation that supports something like a statue or work of art

Slenderness ratio - is a measurement of tendency of the member to buckle.

The tendency to buckle is also affected other factors such

1.types of end connection
2. eccentricity of load application
3. imperfection of column material
4. initial crookedness
5. and residual stresses from manufacturer.

Axial or concentrated load – loads that are exactly centered over a column.

Residual Stresses - is the result of uneven cooling of shape after hot rolling.
The quicker cooling parts of the sections when solidifies resist further shortening while those parts that are
still hot tend to shorten further as they cool.
The areas which cooled more quickly have residual compressive stresses while the slower cooling areas
have residual tensile stresses.

The most efficient compression member is one that has a constant radius of gyration about its centroid, a property
available in round tubing and square tubing.
Built –up is used as compression member when the member is long and support very heavy load or when there
is connection disadvantage.

EULER FORMULA: ( 1757 - Leonhard euler , a Swiss mathematecian)

is the most famous of all column expression

P π2E
=
A ( )
l 2
r
effective length ( l ) – is the distance between of zero moment..

P 16 E
=
( )
; by Thomas H. Johnson formula for pin connected compression
A l 2
r
members and,
P 25 E
=
( )
- for flat or nearly fixed end
A l 2
r

Euler’s formula is fairly well accepted in the elastic range but in inelastic range it was necessary to use
certain empirical formula.

Inelastic buckling – buckling at stress above a proportional limit

elastic buckling – buckling at stress below proportional limit

Known formulae for compression members

1. Straight line formula ( first proposed by WH. Burr in 1882 then by T.H. Johnson
1886, and was use by AREA 1920 )

P l
= 15,000 − 50
A r
2. Parabolic Formula ( proposed by J.B. Johnson the taken by AASHTO Spec.)

2
P l
Fa = = 16,000 − 0.3 0   ( riveted ends)
A r 

2
P l
Fa = = 16,000 − 0.3 8   (pinned ends)
A r 

3. Gordon- Rankine Formula

P 18,000
=
A 1+  l
 r
( )
2 
18,000

4. The Secant Formula (ASCE 1923)

P Fy
=
A ec  P l 
1+ sec 

r2  AE 2r 

5. The AISC formulae (found NSCP 2001)

The AISC expression were developed to incorporate the research information available
concerning the behavior of steel columns. It takes into account the effect of residual stresses, the
actual end restraint conditions of the column and varying strengths of different steel. It is consider
economical and logical design of structural steel column.
It assume that because of residual stresses the upper limit of the elastic buckling is defined by an
average stress equal to one-half of yield point (1/2 Fy). Then using the Euler formula

π 2E
( )
½ Fy =
l 2
r
π 2E 2π 2E
= ; Cc =
2 Fy
Cc
From steel Manual Cc = 126.1 for A 36 steel
Cc = 116.7 for 42,000 yield point steels, etc.

For slenderness ratio less than Cc a parabolic formula (AISC Formula 1.5-1) is used.

 Kl
1 − r
( ) 2
 Fy
 2C 2 
 c 
( ) ( )
Fa = (AISC formula 1.5-1)
Kl Kl 3
5 3
+ r − r
3 8Cc 8Cc3

For values of Kl/r greater than Cc The Euler formula is used with a safety factor of 1.92 (or 23/12)
12π 2 E
( r)
Fa = ( AISC formula 1.5-2)
Kl 2
23

For Axially loaded bracing and secondary members when l/r exceed 120.
 Fa (by formula 1.5 − 1 or 1.5 − 2)
Fas = (AISC formula 1.5-3)
1.6 − l
200r
6. AASHTO Formula (1977)
  Kl 2 
Fy   r  Fy 
For inelastic range : Fa =
1 −   
F.S.  4π E 
2
 
 
For elastic range ( where Kl/r> Cc )

π 2E
( )2
Fa =
F.S. Kl
r
EFFECTIVE COLUMN LENGTH

The Kl used in AISC and AASHTO specifications is the effective length of the column. It is defined as the distance
between the inflection points of the column. This distance will vary depending upon the types of ends restraint.

EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF MAIN MEMBERS ONLY

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Buckled shape of
column is shown by
dashed line

Theoretical K value 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0

Recommended
design value when
ideal conditions are 0.65 0.80 1.2 1.0 2.10 2.0
approximated
Rotation fixed and translation fixed

End condition code Rotation free and translation fixed

Rotation fixed and translation free

Rotation free and translation free

When translation of the tops of the columns is clearly prevented as by diagonal bracing, shear walls , attachment to
adjacent building , etc. , symmetrical buckling will occurs and the structure is referred as a braced frame.
But for building without a positive system of lateral bracings, sidesway is appreciable, and such frame is referred
as unbraced frames

Maximum slenderness ratios:

AISC Specification 1.8.4 Kl/r of all compression members may not exceed 200.
AASHTO Specifications 1 . 7 . 5 , for main members: not to exceed 120
For secondary structures whose purpose is to brace the structure for lateral or longitudinal forces or to
reduce the unbraced length of the other members : not to exceed 140.
The slenderness ratio for average column 10-15 ft. lengths range from 40 to 60. If load is not more than 500
kips.(2224 KN)

Step Analysis ( NSCP 2015)

1.) List the properties. NSCP 2015 provision:
𝐾𝐿 𝐸
L , Fy , Section properties Ag , Ix , Iy , rx , ry ≤ 4 .71√𝐹𝑦 ( or Fe ≥ 0.44Fy)
𝑟
2.) Determine the effective length = KL
𝑘𝐿 𝐹𝑦
3.) Solve the slenderness ratio, Then Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy (505.3-2)
𝑟
𝜋2 𝐸
4.) Determine the elastic critical stress. Fe =
𝑘𝐿 2 𝐾𝐿 𝐸
(𝑟) But if > 4 .71√ ( or Fe ≥ 0.44Fy)
𝑟 𝐹𝑦
5.) Flexural buckling stress ; Fcr
6.) Solve the nominal strength , Pn = Ag Fcr use Fcr = 0877 Fe (505.3-3)
𝑃𝑛
7.) Pu= ФPn or Pa= 𝜋2 𝐸
𝛺 Fe = 𝑘𝐿 2
(505.3-3)
LRFD: Ф = 0.90 , ASD: 𝛺 = 1.67 (
𝑟
)

1. Determine the safe load of the column composed of C310 x 30.8 and W460 x 74 built as
shown, if it has a yield strength of 250 MPa. E = 200 GPa
Assumed K=1.
When the height a.) 6 m. , b.) 10m.

Properties:
C310 x 30.8 W460 x 74
A = 3929 mm2 A = 9450 mm2
d= 305 mm d= 457 mm
tf = 12.7 mm bf = 190 mm
tw = 7.2 mm tf = 14.5 mm
Ix = 53.7 x 106 mm4 tw = 9.0 mm
Iy = 1.61 x 106 mm4 Ix = 333 x 106 mm4
rx =117 mm Iy = 16.6 x 106 mm4
ry = 20.3 mm rx =188 mm
x = 17.7 mm ry =41.9 mm
a.) When the height is 6 mtrs. L=6 m.

A1 = 3929 mm2
A2 = 9450 mm2
At = 13379 mm2

Aty = A1y1 + A2y2

13379y =3929 (17.7) + 9450 (235.7)
y = 171.68 mm
Ix = [ 1.61 x 106 + 3929 (153.98)2 ] +
[ 333 x 106 + 9450 (64.02)2 ]
Ix = 466.5 x 106 mm4
,
Iy = 53.7 x 106 + 16.6 x 106
Iy = 70.3 x 106 mm4
Use the least moment of Inertia I; Iy = 70.3 x 106 mm4

𝐼 70.3×106
r = √𝐴 = √ 13379
r= 72.488 mm

𝐾𝐿 (1)6000
= = 82.77
𝑟 72.488

Solving using AISC Provision 2001 or (NSCP 2001)

2𝜋2𝐸 2𝜋2 (200×103
Cc= √ √ = 125.66 > 82.77
𝐹𝑦 250
2
𝐹𝑦 (𝑘𝐿⁄𝑟)
Fa =
𝐹.𝑆
[1 − ( )2 ]
2 𝐶𝑐
3
5 3(𝐿⁄𝑟) (𝐾𝐿⁄𝑟 )
F.S. = + − (Factor of safety)
3 8𝑐𝑐 8𝐶𝑐 3

5 3(82.77) (82.77)3
F.S. = + 8(125.66) − 8(125.66)3 = 1.88
3

250 (82.77)2
Fa = 1.88 [1 − 2(125.66)2] = 104 MPa

P = Fa A
P= 104 ( 13,379) = 1391.4 KN

b.) When L = 10 m.
𝐾𝐿 10000
= = 138
𝑟 72.488

2𝜋2𝐸
Cc= √ = 125.66 < 138
𝐹𝑦
Therefore use;
12𝜋2 𝐸
Fa =
23(𝐾𝐿/𝑟 )2

12𝜋2𝑥 200×103
Fa = = 54.1 MPa
23(138)2
P = Fa A
P= 54.1 ( 13,379) = 723.8 KN

Using NSCP 2015:

𝑘𝐿
1.. when ≤ Cc (or Fe ≥ 0.44Fy)
𝑟
𝐸 200,000
Cc=4.71√𝐹 = 4.71√ 250
=133.76>82.77
𝑦
 𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200000)
Fe = 𝑘𝐿 2
= = 288.13> 0.44Fy
(82.77)2
(𝑟)

𝐹𝑦 248
Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy = [0.658288.13 ](250) = 172.98 MPa
Pn = Fcr Ag ( NSCP 2015 : 505.3.1)
Pn = 172.98 (13,379) = 2,314.30 KN

Pu = 0.90 (2314.30) = 2,082.87 KN (LRFD)

𝑃𝑛 2314.30
Pa= = =1,385.81 KN (ASD)
𝛺 1.67

b.) When L = 10 m.
𝐾𝐿 10000
= = 138 > 133.76
𝑟 72.488

𝑘𝐿 𝐸
. when > 4.71√ (or Fe < 0.44Fy)
𝑟 𝐹𝑦

Fcr = 0.877Fe ( 505.3.3)

𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200000)
Fe = 𝑘𝐿 2
= = 103.65< 0.44Fy (0.44x248=109.12)
(138)2
(𝑟)
Fcr = 0.877Fe = 0.877(109.12) = 95.70 MPa

Pn = Fcr Ag ( NSCP 2015 : 505.3.1)

Pn = 95.70 (13,379) = 1280.37 KN
Pu = 0.90 (1280.37) = 1,152.33 KN (LRFD)

𝑃𝑛 1280.37
Pa= = =766.69 KN (ASD)
𝛺 1.67

Problem 2)
Determine design strength and the allowable strength of the column shown.
Length is 3.5 m pinned at one end and fixed at the other end in both axes.
W 12 x 50 A992 steel.
1.). List the properties.
L= 3.5 m , Fy= 50 ksi x 6.895 = 345 MPa
**Section properties **
Ag=14.6 in2 = 9419.336 mm2 ,
rx=5.18 in = 131.572 mm
ry=1.96 in = 49.784 mm
2.) Determine the effective length; KL = 0.80(3500) = 2800 mm
𝑘𝐿 2800
3.). Solve the slenderness ratio, = = 21.281 ( with respect to x -axis)
𝑟 131.572
𝑘𝐿 2800
= = 56.247 ( with respect y -axis)
𝑟 49.784
𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200,000 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
4.). Determine the elastic critical stress. Fe =
𝑘𝐿 2
= (56.247)2
= 623.923 MPa
(𝑟)
5.). Solving Flexural buckling stress ; Fcr
 NSCP 2015 provision:

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
≤ .71√𝐹𝑦
𝑟
𝐹𝑦
Then Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy (505.3-2)

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
But if > .71√𝐹𝑦
𝑟

use Fcr = 0877 Fe (505.3-3)

𝐸 200000
4 .71√𝐹𝑦 = 4 .71√ = 113.403
345
𝐾𝐿
= 56.247 < 113.403
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑦
623.923
Therefore use Fcr = [0.658 ]Fy , 𝐹𝑒 Fcr = [0.658 ](345) =273.72 MPa
6.) Solve the nominal strength , Pn = Ag Fcr
Pn= (9419.336)(273.72) = 2578260.65 N = 2,578.26KN
Pu = 0.90 (2,578.26) = 2320.43 KN
2,578.26
Pa = = 1,543.87 KN
1.67

Problem 3 :
W305 x 87, 7.5 m long is pinned at both ends and braced in the weak direction
At the third points. A992 steel is used. Determine the available compressive strength
Properties:
L= 7.5 m
Ix= 197.71 x 106 mm4 tw = 9 mm
Iy= 43.288 x 106 mm4 tf = 16 mm
Ag = 10,965 mm2 rx =134.28 mm
Fy = 318 MPa ry = 62.832 mm

7,5000
𝐾𝐿 (1)( )
3
= = 39.789 (with respect to Y-axis)
𝑟 62.832

𝐾𝐿 (1)(75000)
= = 55.853 (with respect to x-axis)
𝑟 134.28
𝐾𝐿
Choose the the largest =55.853 < 200 ok.
𝑟
𝐸 200000
4.71√𝐹 = 4.71√ = 113.403
𝑦 345

𝑘𝐿 𝐸
< 4.71√𝐹 therefore inelastic buckling
𝑟 𝑦

𝐹𝑦
Fcr = [0.658 ]Fy 𝐹𝑒

𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200000)
Fe = 𝑘𝐿 2
= = 632.76 > 0.44Fy
(55.853)2
(𝑟)

345
Fcr = [0.658632.76 ](345) = 274.606 Mpa

Pn = (274.606)(10,965) = 301.105 KN
4.) Two channels are welded at the top of their flanges to form a box column. The column is 9m
long , fixed at both end and laterally supported at midheight of its weak axis. Use A36 steel.
Property of one channel: Determine the design strength of the built-up column using NSCP
2015.
A= 5,690 mm2 tw= 17 mm tf=11 mm
d= 254 mm bf= 77mm x=16.5 mm
Ix = 42.87 x106 mm4 Iy = 1.64 x 106 mm4
Solution:
A = 2(5690) = 11,360 mm2
Ix = 2(42.87 x106 mm4 ) = 85.74 x106 mm4
Iy = ⟮1.64 x 106 + 5,690(60.5)2 ⟯(2) = 44.934 x106 mm4

𝐼𝑥 85.74×106
rx=√ =√ = 86.8 mm
𝐴 11,360

𝐼𝑦 44.934×106
ry=√ =√ = 62.84 mm
𝐴 11,360
Lx = 9 m. Kx = 0.50
Ly = 4.5 m. Ky = 0.70
𝑘𝑥𝐿𝑥 0.50(9000)
= = 51.84
𝑟𝑥 86.8
𝑘𝑦 𝐿𝑦 0.70(4500)
= = 50.13
𝑟𝑦 62.84

𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200,000 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
Determine the elastic critical stress. Fe =
𝑘𝐿 2
= (51.84)2
= 734.51 MPa
(𝑟)
5.). Solving Flexural buckling stress ; Fcr
𝐸 200000
4 .71√𝐹𝑦 = 4 .71√ 248
= 133.755

𝐾𝐿
= 51.84 < 133.755
𝑟
248
𝐹𝑦
734.51
Therefore use Fcr = [0.658 ]Fy ,
𝐹𝑒 Fcr = [0.658 ](248) =215.317 MPa
Pn = (215.317)(11,360)=2,446 KN

Pu= 0.90(2,446)=2,201.4KN.
Steps of Designing compressive Members:
1.) Determine the load combination.
2.) Assume KL/r (range of assumption: 40 – 60. Usually 50)
Method 1 Method 2
𝐹𝑦
3.). Fcr = [0.658 ]Fy assumed short member
𝐹𝑒 3.) .Solve for r ; r=KL/50
𝑃𝑢 4.) Select trial section
4.). Ag = (LRFD) 5.) analyze
𝜙𝐹𝑐𝑟
𝛺𝑃
Or Ag = (ASD)
𝐹𝑐𝑟
5.). select trial section
6.). Analyze

Select the lightest W14 section available for the service column loads .
DL = 600 KN , LL= 1000KN . Use A992 steel. The 4.5 meter height column is fixed at the
lower end and hinge on the other.
1) Load combination:
Use LRFD : Pu=1.2DL +1.6 LL
Pu=1.2(600) +1.6 (1000) = 2320 KN
2.). Assumed KL/r = 50
** Method 1**
Fy =345 MPa for A992 steel

𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200000)
3.). Fe = 𝑘𝐿 2
= = 789.57 MPa
(50)2
(𝑟)
𝐹𝑦 345
Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy = [0.658789.57 ](345) = 287.34 MPa
𝑃𝑢 2320,000
4.) Ag = = (0.9)(287.34) = 8971.18 mm2
𝜙𝐹𝑐𝑟
5.) Select the section: Try 14 x 48
Important properties: Ag= 9100 mm2, rx=149 mm, ry= 48.5 mm
6.). analyze:
𝑘𝐿 0.8(4500)
3.). Solve the slenderness ratio, = = 74.226
𝑟 48.5
𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200,000 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
4.). Determine the elastic critical stress. Fe =
𝑘𝐿 2
= (74.226)2
= 358.276 MPa
(𝑟)
5.). Solving Flexural buckling stress ; Fcr
NSCP 2015 provision:

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
𝑟
≤ .71√𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑦
Then Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy (505.3-2)

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
But if > .71√𝐹𝑦
𝑟

use Fcr = 0877 Fe (505.3-3)

𝐸 200000
4 .71√𝐹𝑦 = 4 .71√ = 113.403
345

𝐾𝐿
𝑟
= 74.276 < 113.403
345
𝐹𝑦
Therefore use Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy , Fcr = [0.658358.276 ](345) =230.558 MPa
Pn = (230.558)(9100)=2.098.08 KN
Pu= 0.90(2.098.08)=1,888.27KN. < 2320 KN fail. W 14 x 48 is inadequate
Therefore select another section of W14 which has a greater area.
Try W14 x 61 then analyze again.
Ag= 11,548.36 mm2, rx=151.13 mm, ry= 62.23 mm
𝑘𝐿 0.8(4500)
3.). Solve the slenderness ratio, = = 57.85
𝑟 62.23
𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200,000 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
4.). Determine the elastic critical stress. Fe =
𝑘𝐿 2
= (57.85)2
= 589.825 MPa
(𝑟)
5.). Solving Flexural buckling stress ; Fcr
𝐸 200000
4 .71√𝐹𝑦 = 4 .71√ = 113.403
345

𝐾𝐿
= 57.85 < 113.403
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑦
Therefore use Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy , Fcr = [0.658589.825 ](345) =270.082 MPa
Pn = (270.082)(11,548.36)=3,119.006 KN

Pu= 0.90(3,119.006)=2807.105KN. > 2320 KN okey safe

Method 2:
𝐾𝐿 0.8(4500)
3.). Solve for r; 𝑟
=50 ; 𝑟
=60
r= 60 mm
try w14 x 61
Ag= 11,548.36 mm2, ry= 62.43 mm
𝐾𝐿 0.8(4500)
= = 57.665
𝑟 62.43

𝜋2 𝐸 𝜋2 (200,000 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
4.). Determine the elastic critical stress. Fe =
𝑘𝐿 2
= (57.665)2
= 593.615 MPa
(𝑟)
5.). Solving Flexural buckling stress ; Fcr
𝐸 200000
4 .71√𝐹𝑦 = 4 .71√ = 113.403
345

𝐾𝐿
= 57.665 < 113.403
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑦
Therefore use Fcr = [0.658 𝐹𝑒 ]Fy , Fcr = [0.658593.615 ](345) =270.50 MPa
Pn = (270.50)(11,548.36)=3,123.885 KN

Pu= 0.90(3,123.885)=2811.497KN. > 2320 Safe.