Introduction to Axially

Loaded Compression
Members

1
The Euler Formula

Buckling load can be computed by Euler formula as follows:

2
 Example 5-1

a) A W10 x22 is used as a 15-ft long pin-connected column. Using the Euler
expression, determine the column’s critical load. Assume that the steel has
proportional limit of 36 ksi.
b) Repeat part (a) if the length is changed to 8 ft.

3
Example 5-1, cont.

4
Example 5-1, cont.

5
Example 5-1, cont.

6
End Restraint and Effective Length of Columns

Effective length is the distance between zero moments.

Effective length referred to as Kl, where K is the effective length factor.

K is depend on rotational restraint and resistance to lateral movement.

7
Figure 5.4 Effective length (KL) for Columns
in braced frames (Sidesway prevented).

8
Figure 5.5

9
End Restraint and Effective Length of Columns,
cont.

K  1 for braced frames.

1 K  2 for unbraced frames.

See Table C-C2.2 of the AISC commentary for effective length factors.

For continuous frames use alignment charts in Chapter 7.

10
Table 5.1 Approximate Values of Effective
Length Factor, K

11
TABLE 5.2: Width-to-Thickness Ratios: Compression Elements in
Members Subject to Axial Compression

12
TABLE 5.2: Width-to-Thickness Ratios: Compression Elements in Members
Subject to Axial Compression, cont.

13
TABLE 5.2: Width-to-Thickness Ratios: Compression Elements in Members
Subject to Axial Compression, cont.

14
TABLE 5.2: Width-to-Thickness Ratios: Compression Elements in Members
Subject to Axial Compression, cont.

15
Column Formulas

16
Column Formulas, cont.

17
Column Formulas, cont.

For practical reasons choose KL/r  200

18
 Example 5.2

a) Using the Column critical stress value in Table 4-22 of the manual,

determine the LRFD design strength cPn and the ASD allowable strength

Pn/c for the Column shown in Fig. 5.8, if a 50-ksi steel is used.

b) Repeat the problem, using Table 4-1 of the Manual.

c) Calculate using the equations of AISC Section E3.

19
Figure 5.8

20
21
Example 5.2, cont.

22
Example 5.2, cont.

23
Example 5.2, cont.

24
Example 5.2, cont.

25
Example 5.2, cont.

26
Example 5.2, cont.

27
Example 5.2, cont.

28
 Example 5.3

An HSS 16 x 16 x ½ with Fy = 46 ksi is used for an 18-ft Column with simple

end supports.

a) Determine cPn and Pn/c with the appropriate AISC equations.

b) Repeat part (a), using Table 4.4 in the Manual.

29
Example 5.3, cont.

30
Example 5.3, cont.

31
Example 5.3, cont.

32
Example 5.3, cont.

33
Example 5.3, cont.

34
Example 5.3, cont.

35
 Example 5.4

Determine the LRFD design strength cPn and the ASD allowable strength Pn/c

for the axially loaded Column shown in Fig. 5.9 if KL = 19 ft and 50 –ksi

Steel is used.

36
Figure 5.9

37
38
Example 5.4, cont.

39
Example 5.4, cont.

40
Example 5.4, cont.

41
 Example 5.5

a) Determine the LRFD design strength cPn and the ASD allowable strength
Pn/c for 50 ksi axially loaded W14 x 90 shown in Fig. 5.10.

Because of its considerable length, this Column is braced perpendicular to its

weak, or y, axis at the points shown in the figure. These connections are
assumed to permit rotation of the member in a plane parallel to the plane of
the flanges. At the same time, however, they are assumed to prevent
translation or sidesway and twisting of the cross section about a
longitudinal axis passing through the shear centre of the cross section.

42
 Example 5.5, cont.

The Shear centre is the point in the cross section of a member through which
the resultant of the transverse loads must pass so that no torsion will occur.
See Ch.10.

b) Repeat part (a), using the Column Table of Part 4 of the Manual.

43
Example 5.5, cont.

44
Example 5.5, cont.

45
Example 5.5, cont.

46
Example 5.5, cont.

47
Example 5.5, cont.

48
Example 5.5, cont.

49
Example 5.5, cont.

50
Example 5.5, cont.

51
Design of Axially Loaded
Compression Members

52
 Example 6.1
Using Fy = 50 ksi, select the lightest W14 available for the service column

loads, PD = 130 k and PL = 210 k and KL = 10 ft.

53
54
55
56
 Example 6.2

Use the AISC column tables (both LRFD and ASD) for the designs to follow.
(a) Select the lightest W section available for the loads, steel, and KL of
Example 6-1. Fy = 50 ksi.
(b) Select the lightest satisfactory rectangular or square HSS sections for
the situation in part (a). Fy = 46 ksi.
(c) Select the lightest satisfactory round HSS section for the situation in
part (a). Fy = 42 ksi.
(d) Select the lightest satisfactory pipe section for the situation in part (a).
Fy = 35 ksi.

57
Solution

58
59
60
61
 Columns Laterally Restrained in their Weaker Direction.

Assume K is the same in both directions.

If Ly(rx/ry)  Lx, then Lx controls if  then Ly.

62
Figure 6.1 A column
laterally restrained at
mid-depth in its
weaker direction.

63
 Example 6.3
Select the lightest available W12 section, using both LRFD and ASD methods
for the following conditions: Fy = 50 ksi, PD = 250 k, PL = 400 k. KXLX = 26

ft and Ky Ly = 13 ft.

(a) By trial and error.

(b) Using AISC tables.

64
Example 6.3, solution

65
66
67
Example 6.3, solution, cont.

68
69
Example 6.3, solution, cont.

Note: Table 4.1 does

not indicate that
W12 x 96 is a
slender member for
compression.

70
Build-up Columns with Components in Contact
with Each Other

71
72
Figure 6.3 Column consisting
of two plates not connected to
each other.

73
Figure 6.4
Column
consisting
of two
plates fully
connected
to each
other.

74
Figure 6.5
Column
consisting of two
plates connected
at its ends only.

75
Figure 6.6

76
 Example 6.4

You are to design a column for PD = 750 k and PL = 1000 k, using Fy = 50 ksi
and KL = 14 ft. A W12 x 120 (for which cPn = 1290 k and Pn/c = 856 k
from AISC manual, Table 4-1) is on hand. Design cover plates to be snug-
tight bolted at 6-in spacing to the W section, as shown in Fig. 6.7, to
enable the column to support the required load.

77
Figure 6.7 W section used as column with
cover plates.

78
Example 6.4, solution

79
Example 6.4, solution, cont.

80
Example 6.4, solution, cont.

81
Example 6.4, solution, cont.

82
Example 6.4, solution, cont.

83
Example 6.4, solution, cont.

84
Example 6.4, solution, cont.

85
86
 Example 6.5

Select a pair of 12-in standard channels for the column shown in Fig. 6.8,
using Fy = 50 ksi. For connection purposes, the back-to-back distance of
the channels is to be 12 in. PD = 100 k and PL = 300 k. Consider both LRFD
and ASD procedures.

87
Figure 6.8
Column built up
from two
channels.

88
Example 6.5, solution

89
Example 6.5, solution, cont.

90
Example 6.5, solution, cont.

91
Example 6.5, solution, cont.

92
Example 6.5, solution, cont.

93
94
Example 6.5, solution, cont.

95
 Single Angle Compression Members

To be used in 2D and the ends of the member are connected on the same side of
the gusset plates.

96
Example 6-7

Determine the Pn and the Pn/c values for a 10-ft long A36 angle 8 x 8 x
¾ with simple end connections, used in a planar truss. The other web
members meeting at the ends of this member are connected on the same
side of the gusset plates.

97
Example 6-7, solution

98
Example 6-7, solution, cont.

99
Base Plate for Concentrically
Loaded Columns
Plate Area

A1 is the plate area and A2 is the footing area. 101

102
103
104
 Example 7-5, base plate supported by larger
concrete footing

Design a base plate of A36 steel (Fy = 36 ksi) for a W12 x 65 column (Fy =

50 ksi) that supports the loads PD = 200 k and PL = 300 k. The

concrete has compressive strength f’c = 3 ksi, and the footing has the
dimensions 9 ft x 9 ft.

105
Example 7-5, solution

106
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

107
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

108
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

109
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

110
Fig. 7.15 simplifying the plate by making
it 16” x 16”

111
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

112
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

113
Example 7-5, solution, cont.

114
 Example 7-6, base plate covers the entire footing

A base plate is to be designed for a W12 x 152 column (F y = 50 ksi) that

supports the loads PD = 200 k and PL = 450 k. Select an A36 plate (Fy =
36 ksi) to cover the entire area of the 3 ksi concrete pedestal
underneath.

115
Example 7-6, solution

116
Example 7-6, solution, cont.

117
Example 7-6, solution, cont.

118
Example 7-6, solution, cont.

119
Example 7-6, solution, cont.

120
Example 7-6, solution, cont.

121
 Example 7-7, base plate smaller than the footing
with a specific amount.

Repeat Example 7-6 if the column is to be supported by concrete pedestal 2

in wider on each side than the base plate.

122
Example 7-7, solution

123
Example 7-7, solution, cont.

124
125
Example 7-7, solution, cont.

126
Example 7-7, solution, cont.

127
Example 7-7, solution, cont.

128
 Example 7-8, base plate for HSS column

A HSS 10 x 10 x 5/16 with Fy = 46 ksi is used to support the service loads P D

= 100 k and PL = 150 k. A spread footing underneath is 9 ft - 0 in x 9 ft -

0 in and consist of reinforced concrete with f’c = 4000 psi. Design a base

plate for this column with A36 steel (F y = 36 ksi and Fu = 58 ksi).

129
Example 7-8, solution

130
Example 7-8, solution

131
Example 7-8, solution, cont.

132
Example 7-8, solution, cont.

133
Example 7-8, solution, cont.

134