COMPRESSION

MEMBERS
Compression Members
Compression members are structural elements that are
subjected only to axial compressive forces.
Examples:
- Truss members
- Steel columns
Compression Members
The stress in an axially loaded compression member is
given by
𝑷
𝒇=
𝑨
P = magnitude of load
A = cross sectional area

- The stress is considered to be uniform over the cross section.

- Eccentricity of the load is inevitable and thus pure
compression is never achieved.
- AISC specification equations for compression member
strength account for this accidental eccentricity.
Column Theory
Buckling load is the critical load causing the
member to become unstable and have
buckled.

If the member stress just before buckling is

below the proportionality limit (elastic
member), then the critical buckling load is
given by
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 2
𝐿
Column Theory
Consider a member with its longitudinal axis along the x-axis
of the coordinate system.
The bending moment at any section
in the beam is
𝑀
𝑦” =
𝐸𝐼
The value of the moment at any
section in the beam is 𝑃𝑐𝑟 𝑦
𝑃𝑐𝑟
𝑦” + 𝑦=0
𝐸𝐼
Solution of this ordinary differential equation with constant coefficients is
𝑦 = 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑥 + 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑐𝑥)
where
𝑃𝑐𝑟
𝑐=
𝐸𝐼
Column Theory
At 𝑥 = 0, y = 0:
0 = 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 0 + 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(0)
𝐴=0
At 𝑥 = 𝐿, y = 0
0 = 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑐𝐿)
For 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝐿 = 0, 𝑐𝐿 = 𝑛𝜋
𝑃𝑐𝑟
But 𝑐 =
𝐸𝐼

𝑃𝑐𝑟
𝐿 = 𝑛𝜋
𝐸𝐼
𝑛2 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿2
𝑛 is the buckling modes
Column Theory
- Values of n greater than 1 is not possible unless the compression
member is physically restrained from points of reversal of curvature.
- For the usual case of compression member, 𝑛 = 1
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 2
𝐿
Equivalently,
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐴𝑟 2
𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿2
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐴
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 2
𝐿
𝑟
- The ratio L/r is the slenderness ratio and is the measure of the ember’s
slenderness.
- Buckling usually take place in the axis of smaller moment of inertia and
radius of gyration.
Example
A W12x50 is used as a column to support an axial compressive
load of 645 kN. The length is 6m, and the ends are pinned.
Without regard to load or resistance factors, investigate this
member for stability.
Solution
- For W12x50
𝐴 = 9484 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑟𝑦 = 49.78 𝑚𝑚
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐴 𝜋 2 (200000)(9484)
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 2 =
𝐿 6000 2
𝑟 49.78
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 1288.644 𝑘𝑁 > 𝑃 = 645 𝑘𝑁

The column remains stable and has an overall factor of safety against
buckling of 2.0.
Effective Length Factor
- If the stress at which buckling occurs is greater than the proportionality
limit of the material, the relation between stress and strain is not linear,
and the modulus of elasticity E can no longer be used.
- The use of variable tangent modulus 𝐸𝑡 is necessary to calculate the
critical load.

𝜋 2 𝐸𝑡 𝐼
𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿2

Stress-strain curve
Effective Length Factor
- For any material, the critical buckling stress can be plotted as a function
of slenderness.
- The tangent modulus curve is tangent to the Euler curve at the point of the
proportionality limit of the material and the composite curve is called
the column strength curve.

Column strength curve

Effective Length Factor
Both the Euler and the tangent modulus curves are based on the following
assumptions:
1. The column is perfectly straight, with no initial crookedness
2. The load is axial with no eccentricity
3. The column is pinned at both ends.
If the member is pinned at one end and fixed at the other end, the overall
procedure in calculating the critical load will be the same but with different
boundary conditions. It can be shown that for such support conditions

2.05𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿2
Equivalently,
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐴
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 2
0.70𝐿
𝑟
Effective Length Factor
In general, the critical buckling load equation can be written as

𝜋 2 𝐸𝐴
𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 2
𝐾𝐿
𝑟

where:
𝐾𝐿 = effective length
𝐾 = effective length factor
AISC Requirements
The following are basic requirements for compression
members:
Nominal compressive strength
𝑷𝒏 = 𝑭𝒄𝒓 𝑨𝒈
For LRFD,

𝑷𝒖 ≤ 𝝓𝒄 𝑷𝒏
For ASD
𝑷𝒏
𝑷𝒂 ≤
𝜴𝒄
AISC Requirements
Within the elastic range
Elastic critical buckling stress (𝐹𝑒 )
𝜋 2𝐸
𝐹𝑒 =
𝐾𝐿 2
𝑟
To consider the effect of initial crookedness
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.877𝐹𝑒

Within the inelastic range

The tangent modulus equation is replaced by
𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
AISC Requirements
At the boundary between inelastic and elastic columns,
𝐾𝐿
the values of 𝐹𝑐𝑟 are the same and this occurs when is
𝑟
approximately

𝐸
4.71
𝐹𝑦
AISC Requirements
In summary
𝐾𝐿 𝐸
When ≤ 4.71
𝑟 𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
When > 4.71
𝑟 𝐹𝑦

𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.877𝐹𝑒

Although AISC does not require an upper limit on slenderness

𝐾𝐿
ratio , an upper limit of 200 is recommended.
𝑟
Example 1
A W14 x 74 of A992 steel (Fy= 345 MPa) has a length of 6.10 m (20
ft.) and pinned ends. Compute the design compressive strength
for LRFD and the allowable compressive strength for ASD.

W14 x 74
𝐴 = 14064 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑟𝑦 = 62.99 𝑚𝑚
Solution
Nominal strength, Pn
W14 x 74
𝐴 = 14064 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑟𝑦 = 62.99 𝑚𝑚

𝐾𝐿 1.0 (6100)
= = 96.841
𝑟 62.99
𝐸 200000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
≤ 4.71
𝑟 𝐹𝑦

𝐹𝑦
∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
Solution
Nominal strength, Pn
𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = =
𝐾𝐿 2 96.841 2
𝑟
𝐹𝑒 = 210.48 𝑀𝑃𝑎
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658210.48 345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 173.729 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔
𝑃𝑛 = (173.729)(14064)/1000
𝑃𝑛 = 2443.325 𝑘𝑁
Solution
Design strength for LRFD
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.90(2443.325)
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 2198.993 𝑘𝑁

Design strength for ASD

𝑃𝑛 2443.325
=
Ω 1.67
𝑃𝑛
= 1463.069 𝑘𝑁
Ω
AISC
Manual
W14x74
𝑃𝑢 = 2198.993 𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑢 = 494.33 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

𝑃𝑎 = 1463.069 𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑎 = 328.898 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
Example 2
Determine the available axial compressive strength of the given
column by each of the following methods.
a. ASD
b. LRFD

W14 x 82
𝐴992 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙
𝐹𝑦 = 345 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐹𝑢 = 450 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴 = 15548 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑟𝑦 = 62.99 𝑚𝑚
𝐾 = 0.80
𝐿 = 4.0 𝑚
Solution
Nominal strength, Pn
W14 x 82
𝐴 = 15548 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑟𝑦 = 62.99 𝑚𝑚
𝐾 = 0.80
𝐾𝐿 0.80 (4000)
= = 50.802
𝑟 62.99
𝐸 200000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345

𝐾𝐿 𝐸
≤ 4.71
𝑟 𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑦
∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
Solution
Nominal strength, Pn
𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200000)
𝐹𝑒 = =
𝐾𝐿 2 50.802 2
𝑟
𝐹𝑒 = 764.839 𝑀𝑃𝑎
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658764.839 345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 285.644 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔
𝑃𝑛 = (285.644)(15548)/1000
𝑃𝑛 = 4441.193 𝑘𝑁
Solution
Design strength for LRFD
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.90(4441.193)

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 3997.074 𝑘𝑁

Design strength for ASD

𝑃𝑛 4441.193
=
Ω 1.67
𝑃𝑛
= 2659.397 𝑘𝑁
Ω
LOCAL STABILITY
- Local instability is a localized buckling or wrinkling at an
isolated section. This occurs when the elements of the cross
section are so thin that local buckling occurs.
- The measure of the susceptibility is the width-to-thickness ratio
of each cross sectional element.
LOCAL STABILITY
- Two types must be considered:
a. Unstiffened elements – unsupported along one edge
parallel to the direction of the load.

b. Stiffened elements – supported along both edges.

Classification of Compression Members
Compression members are classified according to the following:
a. Slender members
𝜆 > 𝜆𝑟
b. Non-slender members
𝜆 ≤ 𝜆𝑟
where
𝜆 = width-to-thickness ratio
𝜆 = AISC upper limit for non-slender elements
Classification of Compression Members
For I-shapes, the projecting flange is considered to be an
unstiffened element and its width can be taken as half of the full
nominal width.
𝑏 𝑏𝑓 Τ2 𝑏𝑓
𝜆= = =
𝑡 𝑡𝑓 2𝑡𝑓
𝐸
𝜆𝑟 = 0.56
𝐹𝑦

For stiffened element

ℎ
𝜆=
𝑡𝑤
𝐸
𝜆𝑟 = 1.49
𝐹𝑦
Classification of Compression Members
Example
Investigate the column for local stability.

W14 x 74
𝐹𝑦 = 345 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐹𝑢 = 450 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑏𝑓 = 255.78 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑓 = 19.94 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑤 = 11.43 𝑚𝑚
𝑑 = 359 𝑚𝑚
𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 35.052 𝑚𝑚 from AISC
Solution
For flange
𝑏𝑓
𝜆=
2𝑡𝑓 W14 x 74
225.78
𝜆= = 6.414 𝐹𝑦 = 345 𝑀𝑃𝑎
2(19.94)
𝐹𝑢 = 450 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐸 𝑏𝑓 = 255.78 𝑚𝑚
𝜆𝑟 = 0.56
𝐹𝑦 𝑡𝑓 = 19.94 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑤 = 11.43 𝑚𝑚
200000
𝜆𝑟 = 0.56 𝑑 = 359 𝑚𝑚
345
𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 35.052 𝑚𝑚 from AISC
𝜆𝑟 = 13.483 > 6.414 OK
Solution
For web
ℎ
𝜆=
𝑡𝑤
W14 x 74
𝑑 − 2𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠
𝜆= 𝐹𝑦 = 345 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑡𝑤
359 − 2(35.052) 𝐹𝑢 = 450 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜆= = 25.275 𝑏𝑓 = 255.78 𝑚𝑚
11.43
𝐸 𝑡𝑓 = 19.94 𝑚𝑚
𝜆𝑟 = 1.49 𝑡𝑤 = 11.43 𝑚𝑚
𝐹𝑦
𝑑 = 359 𝑚𝑚
200000 𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 35.052 𝑚𝑚 from AISC
𝜆𝑟 = 1.49
345
𝜆𝑟 = 35.875 > 25.275 OK

Local stability is not a problem

REDUCTION
FACTOR FOR
LOCAL BUCKLING
NSCP 2015 505.7 Members with Slender Element.
This section applies to compression members with slender sections, as defined
in Section 502.4 for uniformly compressed elements.

The nominal compressive strength, 𝑷𝒏 , shall be determined based on the limit state
of flexural, torsional, and flexural-torsional buckling.
𝑷𝒏 = 𝑭𝒄𝒓 𝑨𝒈 (505.7-1)

𝑲𝑳 𝑬
1. When ≤ 𝟒. 𝟕𝟏 (𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒆 ≥ 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝑸𝑭𝒚)
𝒓 𝑸𝑭𝒚

𝑸𝑭𝒚
𝑭𝒄𝒓 = 𝑸 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖 𝑭𝒆 𝑭𝒚 (505.7-2)

𝑲𝑳 𝑬
2. When > 𝟒. 𝟕𝟏 (𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒆 < 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝑸𝑭𝒚)
𝒓 𝑸𝑭𝒚

𝑭𝒄𝒓 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟕𝟕𝑭𝒆 (503.3-3)

NSCP 2015, Chapter 5 –Structural Steel pages 5-59
where

𝑭𝒆 = elastic critical bulking stress

𝑸 = 1.0 for members with compact and noncompact section, as defined as in Section
502.4, for uniformly compressed elements.
𝑸 = 𝑸𝒔 𝑸𝒂 for members with slender-element sections, as defined as in Section 502.4,
for uniformly compressed elements.

Note: For cross section composed of only unstiffened slender element, 𝑸𝒂 = 𝟏 then
𝐐=𝑸𝒔 . For cross section composed of only stiffened slender element, 𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏 and 𝐐 =
𝑸𝒂 . For cross section composed of both stiffened and unstiffened slender element,
𝐐 = 𝑸𝒔 𝑸𝒂
NSCP 2015 505.7.1 Slender Unstiffened Elements, 𝑸𝒔

The reduction factor 𝑸𝒔 for slender unstiffened element is defined as

follows:
1. For flange, angles and plates projecting from rolled column or
other compression members:
𝒃 𝑬
a. When ≤ 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟎
𝑬 𝒃 𝑬
b. When 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 ≤ 𝒕 ≤ 𝟏. 𝟎𝟑
𝑭𝒚 𝑭𝒚

𝒃 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟏𝟓 − 𝟎. 𝟕𝟒
𝒕 𝑬
𝒃 𝑬
c. When ≥ 𝟏. 𝟎𝟑
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝑬
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟐
𝒃
𝑭𝒚 𝒕
2. For flange, angles and plates projecting from built-up columns or
other compression members:
𝒃 𝑬𝒌𝒄
a. When ≤ 𝟎. 𝟔𝟒
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟎
𝑬𝒌𝒄 𝒃 𝑬𝒌𝒄
b. When 𝟎. 𝟔𝟒 ≤ ≤ 𝟏. 𝟏𝟕
𝑭𝒚 𝒕 𝑭𝒚

𝒃 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟏𝟓 − 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓
𝒕 𝑬𝒌𝒄
𝒃 𝑬𝒌𝒄
c. When ≥ 𝟏. 𝟏𝟕
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝟎. 𝟗𝟎𝑬𝒌𝒄
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟐
𝒃
𝑭𝒚 𝒕
where:
𝟒
𝒌𝒄 = and shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater
𝒉Τ𝒕𝒘
than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
3. For single angles
𝒃 𝑬
a. When ≤ 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟎
𝑬 𝒃 𝑬
b. When 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓 ≤ 𝒕 ≤ 𝟎. 𝟗𝟏
𝑭𝒚 𝑭𝒚

𝒃 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟒 − 𝟎. 𝟕𝟔
𝒕 𝑬
𝒃 𝑬
c. When ≥ 𝟎. 𝟗𝟏
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝟎. 𝟓𝟑𝑬
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟐
𝒃
𝑭𝒚 𝒕
where:
𝒃 = full width of longest angle leg, mm
4. For stem of tees.
𝒅 𝑬
a. When ≤ 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟎
𝑬 𝒅 𝑬
b. When 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 ≤ ≤ 𝟏. 𝟎𝟑
𝑭𝒚 𝒕 𝑭𝒚

𝒃 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟎𝟖 − 𝟏. 𝟐𝟐
𝒕 𝑬
𝒅 𝑬
c. When ≥ 𝟏. 𝟎𝟑
𝒕 𝑭𝒚
𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝑬
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟐
𝒅
𝑭𝒚 𝒕
where:
𝒃 = width of unstiffened compression element, as defined in
Section502.4, mm
𝒅 = full nominal depth of tee, mm
𝒕 = thickness of element, mm
NSCP 2015 505.7.2 Slender Stiffened Elements, 𝑸𝒂
The reduction factor 𝑸𝒂 for slender stiffened element is defined as
follows:
𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇
𝑸𝒂 =
𝑨
where:
𝑨 = total cross-sectional area of member, 𝑚𝑚2
𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇 = summation of the effective areas of the cross section based on
the reduced effective width 𝒃𝒆 , 𝑚𝑚2

The reduced effective width, 𝒃𝒆 , is determined as follows:

𝒃 𝑬
1. For uniformly compressed slender element with ≥ 𝟏. 𝟒𝟗 ,except
𝒕 𝒇
flanges of square and rectangular section of uniform thickness:
𝑬 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒 𝑬
𝒃𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐𝒕 𝟏− ≤𝒃
𝒇 𝒃Τ𝒕 𝒇
where 𝒇 is taken as 𝑭𝒄𝒓 with 𝑭𝒄𝒓 calculated based on 𝑸 = 𝟏. 𝟎
2. For flanges of square and rectangular slender-element section of
𝒃 𝑬
uniform thickness with ≥ 𝟏. 𝟒𝟎 :
𝒕 𝒇

𝑬 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖 𝑬
𝒃𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐𝒕 𝟏− ≤𝒃
𝒇 𝒃Τ𝒕 𝒇
where
𝑷𝒏
𝒇=
𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇

𝑷𝒏
User Note: In lieu of calculating 𝒇 = which requires iteration,
𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇
𝒇 may be taken equal to 𝑭𝒚 .
This will result in a slightly conservative estimate of column
capacity.
Example 1
A HP 14 x 73 steel column having a height of “L” meter carry an axial
load P as shown in the figure. Use Fy = 345 MPa.
Support Condition : Pin and fixed
Properties of HP.
𝐴𝑔 = 13,800 𝑚𝑚2
𝑑 = 345.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑏𝑓 = 371.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑓 = 12.8 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑤 = 12.8 𝑚𝑚
𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 36.51 𝑚𝑚
𝑟𝑥 = 148.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑟𝑦 = 88.60 𝑚𝑚
Compute Design Strength (LRFD) and the Allowable Strength (ASD) if L
= 3.5m
Solution:
Limiting Width-Thickness ratios:
Flange:
𝐸 200,000
𝜆𝑟𝑓 = 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.48
𝐹𝑦 345

Web:
𝐸 200,000
𝜆𝑟𝑤 = 1.49 = 1.49 = 35.87
𝐹𝑦 345

Width-Thickness ratio of HP
Flange:
NSCP 2015, Chapter 2 –Structural Steel pages 5-44 𝑏𝑓 371 Flange is a
= = 14.49 > 𝜆𝑟𝑓 slender element
2𝑡𝑓 2(12.8)
Web:
ℎ 𝑑 − 2𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 345 − 2(36.51)
= = = 21.248 < 𝜆𝑟𝑤
𝑡𝑤 𝑡𝑤 12.8
NSCP 2015, Chapter 2 –Structural Steel pages 5-45 Web is not a slender
element
Reduction factor 𝑸𝒔 for slender unstiffened elements.

𝐸 200,000
0.56 = 0.56 = 13.48
𝐹𝑦 345
𝑏
= 14.49
𝑡
𝐸 200,000
1.03 = 1.03 = 24.80
𝐹𝑦 345

𝐸 𝑏 𝐸
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 ; 0.56 < < 1.03
𝐹𝑦 𝑡 𝐹𝑦
𝒃 𝑭𝒚
𝑸𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟏𝟓 − 𝟎. 𝟕𝟒
𝒕 𝑬
345
𝑄𝑠 = 1.415 − 0.74 14.49
200,000
𝑄𝑠 = 0.979
Reduction factor 𝑸𝒂 for slender stiffened elements.
𝑄𝑎 = 1.0 Web is not a slender element

Effective Reduction Factor 𝑸 = 𝑸𝒂 𝑸𝒔

𝑄 = 0.979

𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 114.613 Inelastic Buckling
𝑄𝐹𝑦 0.979(345)
𝑘. 𝐿 0.70(3500)
= = 27.65 < 114.613
𝑟 88.60

Elastic critical buckling stress

𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 2581.9 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (27.65)2
𝑟
𝑄𝐹𝑦 0.979(345)
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 𝑄 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦 = 0.979 0.658 2581.9 345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 319.759 MPa
Nominal Strength 𝑷𝒏

319.759(13,800)
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 =
1000
𝑃𝑛 = 4412.674 𝑘𝑁

∅𝑃𝑛 = 0.90 4412.674

∅𝑃𝑛 = 3971.406 𝑘𝑁 Design Strength (LRFD)

𝑃𝑛 4412.674
= = 2642.320 𝑘𝑁 Allowable Strength (ASD)
Ω𝑐 1.67
Example 2
A W 360 x 57 steel column having a height of “L” meter carry an axial load
P as shown in the figure. Use Fy = 345 MPa.
Support Condition : Pin and fixed
Properties of W 360 x 57
𝐴𝑔 = 7,200 𝑚𝑚2
𝑑 = 358.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑏𝑓 = 172.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑓 = 13.1 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑤 = 7.20 𝑚𝑚
𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 27.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑟𝑥 = 149.0 𝑚𝑚
𝑟𝑦 = 39.30 𝑚𝑚
Compute Design Strength (LRFD) and the Allowable Strength (ASD) if L =
3.5m
Solution:
Limiting Width-Thickness ratios:
Flange:
𝐸 200,000
𝜆𝑟𝑓 = 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.483
𝐹𝑦 345

Web:
𝐸 200,000
𝜆𝑟𝑤 = 1.49 = 1.49 = 35.875
𝐹𝑦 345

Width-Thickness ratio
Flange:
𝑏𝑓 172 Flange is not a
NSCP 2015, Chapter 2 –Structural Steel pages 5-44 = = 6.565 < 𝜆𝑟𝑓 slender element
2𝑡𝑓 2(13.1)
Web:
ℎ 𝑑 − 2𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 358 − 2(27.0)
= = = 42.222 > 𝜆𝑟𝑤
𝑡𝑤 𝑡𝑤 7.20
Web is a slender
NSCP 2015, Chapter 2 –Structural Steel pages 5-45 element
NSCP 2015 505.7.2 Slender Stiffened Elements, 𝑸𝒂
The reduction factor 𝑸𝒂 for slender stiffened element is defined as follows:
𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇
𝑸𝒂 =
𝑨
where:
𝑨 = total cross-sectional area of member, 𝑚𝑚2
𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇 = summation of the effective areas of the cross section based on the reduced
effective width 𝒃𝒆 , 𝑚𝑚2
The reduced effective width, 𝒃𝒆 , is determined as follows:
𝒃 𝑬
1. For uniformly compressed slender element with 𝒕 ≥ 𝟏. 𝟒𝟗 𝒇
,except flanges
of square and rectangular section of uniform thickness:

𝑬 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒 𝑬
𝒃𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐𝒕 𝟏− ≤𝒃
𝒇 𝒃Τ𝒕 𝒇

where 𝒇 is taken as 𝑭𝒄𝒓 with 𝑭𝒄𝒓 calculated based on 𝑸 = 𝟏. 𝟎

Reduction factor 𝑸𝒔 for slender unstiffened elements.
𝑄𝑠 = 1.0 Flange is not a slender element

Reduction factor 𝑸𝒂 for slender unstiffened elements.

𝑨𝒆𝒇𝒇
𝑸𝒂 =
𝑨
𝒇 is taken as 𝑭𝒄𝒓 with 𝑭𝒄𝒓 calculated based on 𝑸 = 𝟏. 𝟎
𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.40 Inelastic Buckling
𝑄𝐹𝑦 1(345)
𝑘. 𝐿 0.70(3500)
= = 62.341 < 113.40
𝑟 39.3

𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 507.905 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (62.341)2
𝑟

𝑄𝐹𝑦 1.0(345)
𝑓 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 𝑄 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦 = 1.0 0.658 507.905 345
𝑓 = 259.625 MPa
𝑏 = 𝑑 − 2𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 304.0 𝑚𝑚
𝐸 200,000
1.49 = 1.49 = 41.355
𝑓 259.54
𝑏
= 42.222
𝑡

𝑏 𝐸
> 1.49
𝑡 𝑓
𝑬 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒 𝑬
𝑈𝑠𝑒 𝒃𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐𝒕 𝟏− ≤𝒃
𝒇 𝒃Τ𝒕 𝒇

200,000 0.34 200,000

𝑏𝑒 = 1.92(7.20) 1−
259.54 42.222 259.54

𝑏𝑒 = 297.966 𝑚𝑚 < 304𝑚𝑚

𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝐴𝑔 − ℎ. 𝑡𝑤 + 𝑏𝑒 . 𝑡𝑤
𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 7200 − 304 7.20 + 297.966 7.2
𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 7156.555 𝑚𝑚2

𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 7156.555
𝑄𝑎 = = = 0.994
𝐴𝑔 7200

𝑄 = 𝑄𝑠 𝑄𝑎
𝑄 = 1.0 0.994
𝑄 = 0.994
Effective Reduction Factor 𝑸 = 𝑸𝒂 𝑸𝒔
𝑄 = 0.994

𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.745
𝑄𝐹𝑦 0.994(345)
𝑘. 𝐿 0.70(3500)
= = 62.341 < 132.73 Inelastic Buckling
𝑟 39.30

Elastic critical bulking stress

𝜋 2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 507.905 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (62.341)2
𝑟
𝑄𝐹𝑦 0.994(345)
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 𝑄 0.658 𝐹𝑒𝐹𝑦 = 0.994 0.658 507.905 345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 258.508 MPa
Nominal Strength 𝑷𝒏

258.508(7,200)
𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 =
1000
𝑃𝑛 = 1861.258 𝑀𝑃𝑎

∅𝑃𝑛 = 0.90 1861.258

∅𝑃𝑛 = 1675.132 𝐾𝑁 Design Strength (LRFD)

𝑃𝑛 1861.258
Ω𝑐
= 1.67
= 1114.525 𝐾𝑁 Allowable Strength (ASD)
If a compression member is supported differently with respect to
each of its principal axes, the effective length will be different for
the two directions.

A column will buckle in the direction corresponding to the largest

slenderness ratio.
Example 1
A W12 x 58, 7.35 m long, is pinned at both ends and braced in the weak
direction at the third points, as shown. A 992 steel (Fy= 345 MPa and Fu= 450
MPa) is used Determine the available compressive strength.

W12 x 58
2.45 m
𝐴𝑔 = 10968 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑥 = 134.11 𝑚𝑚
7.35 m 𝑟𝑦 = 63.75 𝑚𝑚 2.45 m

2.45 m
Solution
Nominal compressive strength
𝑘𝐿𝑦 1.0(2450)
= = 38.431
𝑟𝑦 63.75
𝑘𝐿𝑥 1.0(7350)
= = 54.806 Controls!
𝑟𝑥 134.11
𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345
𝑘𝐿𝑥 𝐹𝑦 W12 x 58
< 113.403 ∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑔 = 10968 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑥
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000) 𝑟𝑥 = 134.11 𝑚𝑚
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 657.164 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑟𝑦 = 63.75 𝑚𝑚
𝐾𝐿 (54.806)2
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658657.164 345 = 276.943 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑃𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 276.943 10968 = 3037.511 𝑘𝑁

Solution
LRFD ultimate strength
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.90(3037.511)
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 2733.76 𝑘𝑁

ASD allowable strength

𝑃𝑛 3037.511
= = 1818.869 𝑘𝑁
Ω𝑐 1.67
𝑃𝑛 W12 x 58
= 1818.869 𝑘𝑁
Ω𝑐 𝐴𝑔 = 10968 𝑚𝑚2
𝑟𝑥 = 134.11 𝑚𝑚
𝑟𝑦 = 63.75 𝑚𝑚
Example 2
The compression member shown is pinned at both ends and supported in
the weak direction at mid-height. A service load of 1780 KN, with equal
parts of dead and live load, must be supported. Use Fy= 345 MPa and select
the lightest W-shape. Use LRFD.
P = 1780 kN

2.75

5.5 m

2.75
Solution
1780 1780
𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝑃𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝑃𝐿𝐿 = 1.2 + 1.6 = 2492 𝑘𝑁
2 2
Assume 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.50𝐹𝑦
𝑃𝑢 2492(1000)
𝐴𝑔 = = = 16051.53 𝑚𝑚2
0.90𝐹𝑐𝑟 0.90(0.50)(345)

Possible Choices
Section Mass(kg/m) Aprov.(mm2) ry(mm) rx(mm)

W 12x87 129 16516 77.98 136.65

W 10x77 115 14581 66.04 114.05

W 8x67 100 12710 53.85 94.49

W 12x53 79 10065 62.99 132.84

W 10x49 73 9290 64.52 110.49

Solution
Try W 10x49
𝑘𝐿𝑦 1.0(2750)
= = 42.622
𝑟𝑦 64.52
𝑘𝐿𝑥 1.0(5500)
= = 49.778 Controls!
𝑟𝑥 110.49
𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345
𝐹𝑦
𝑘𝐿𝑥
𝑟𝑥
< 113.403 ∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 796.627 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (49.778)2
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658796.627 345 = 287.804 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 𝜙𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 0.90 287.804 9290 = 2406 𝑘𝑁 < 𝑃𝑢 = 2492 𝑘𝑁 Failed!

Solution
Possible Choices
Section Mass(kg/m) Aprov.(mm2) ry(mm) rx(mm)

W 12x87 129 16516 77.98 136.65

W 10x77 115 14581 66.04 114.05

W 8x67 100 12710 53.85 94.49

W 12x53 79 10065 62.99 132.84

W 10x49 73 9290 64.52 110.49 Failed!

Try W 12x53
Solution
Try W 12x53
𝑘𝐿𝑦 1.0(2750)
= = 43.658 Controls!
𝑟𝑦 62.99
𝑘𝐿𝑥 1.0(5500)
= = 41.403
𝑟𝑥 132.84
𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345
𝑘𝐿𝑦 𝐹𝑦

𝑟𝑦
< 113.403 ∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 1035.624 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (43.658)2
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 1035.624 345 = 300.099 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 𝜙𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 0.90 300.099 10065 = 2718.447 𝑘𝑁 > 𝑃𝑢 = 2492 𝑘𝑁
Adequate!
Use W 12x53
Consider the rigid frame shown

- The rotational restraint provided by the beams at the end of a column is

a function of the rotational stiffnesses of the members intersecting at the
joint.
- The effective length factor K depends on the ratio of column stiffness to
girder stiffness at each end of the member, which can be expressed as
Example
The rigid frame shown is unbraced. Each member is oriented so that its web
is in the plane of the frame. Determine the effective length factor K, for
columns AB and BC.

3.65 m

3.65 m

4.60 m

6.10 m 6.10 m 5.50 m

Solution
For joint A
σ 𝐼𝑐 /𝐿𝑐
𝐺𝐴 =
σ 𝐼𝑔 /𝐿𝑔
347𝑥106 445𝑥106
+
𝐺𝐴 = 3650 3650 = 0.941
562𝑥106 762𝑥106
6100 + 5500

For joint B
Section Ix(mm4)
σ 𝐼𝑐 /𝐿𝑐
𝐺𝐵 = W 12x96 347x106
σ 𝐼𝑔 /𝐿𝑔
W 24x55 562x106
445𝑥106 445𝑥106
+ 4600
𝐺𝐵 = 3650 = 0.948
W 24x68 762x106
562𝑥106 762𝑥106
6100 + 5500
W 12x120 445x106
Solution
𝐺𝐴 = 0.941
𝐺𝐵 = 0.948
𝐾𝐴𝐵 = 1.30
Solution
For joint B
σ 𝐼𝑐 /𝐿𝑐
𝐺𝐵 =
σ 𝐼𝑔 /𝐿𝑔
445𝑥106 445𝑥106
+ 4600
𝐺𝐵 = 3650 = 0.948
562𝑥106 762𝑥106
6100 + 5500
For joint C
Section Ix(mm4)
𝐺𝐶 = 10.0
W 12x96 347x106

W 24x55 562x106

W 24x68 762x106

W 12x120 445x106
Solution
𝐺𝐵 = 0.948
𝐺𝐶 = 10
𝐾𝐵𝐶 = 1.86
Built-up Members
- If the cross sectional properties of a built-up
compression members are known, its analysis is the
same as for any other compression member.
- The strength of the built up compression member is a
function of the slenderness ratio Lc/r
Example 1
The column shown is fabricated by welding 10 mm x 100 mm cover plate to
the flange of a W18 x 65. Steel with Fy= 345 MPa is used for both
components. The effective length is 4.6 m with respect to both axes. Assume
that the components are connected in such a way that the member is fully
effective and compute the strength based on flexural buckling.

10 x 100

W18 x 65
𝐴𝑔 = 12323 𝑚𝑚2
𝑑 = 466.09 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑥 = 455𝑥106 𝑚𝑚4
𝐼𝑦 = 23𝑥106 𝑚𝑚4
Solution
Locate the centroid
Total area = Area of wide flange + area of plate 10 x 100
At = 12323 + 10(100) = 13323 mm2
13323yb = 12323(466.09/2) + 10(100)(466.09+5)
yb = 250.913 mm

Moment of inertia about the x-axis yb

Ix = IWF + IPL

Ix = 445x106 + 12323(250.913 - 466.09/2)2

1
+ 12(100)(10)3 + 100(10)(466.09+10/2-250.913)2

Ix = 4.974x108 mm4
Solution
Moment of inertia about the x-axis
Iy = IWF + IPL 10 x 100

1
Iy = 23x106 + + 12(10)(100)3
Iy = 2.38x107 mm4

Thus, use Imin = Iy = 2.38x107 mm4 yb

𝐼𝑚𝑖𝑛
rmin = ry = 𝐴
2.38𝑥107
ry = = 42.266 𝑚𝑚
13323

𝑘𝐿 4600
= = 108.835
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 42.266

𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345
Solution
𝐹𝑦
𝑘𝐿
< 113.403 ∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 166.645 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (108.835)2
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658166.645 345 = 145.043 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 𝜙𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 0.90 145.043 13323 = 1932.408 𝑘𝑁
Solution
LRFD ultimate strength
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.90(1932.408)
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 1739.167 𝑘𝑁

ASD allowable strength

𝑃𝑛 1932.408
=
Ω𝑐 1.67
𝑃𝑛
= 1157.131 𝑘𝑁
Ω𝑐
Example 2
A column section is built up from 4- L 125 x 125 x 18 as shown. The angles
are held in position by lacing bars, whose primary function is to hold the
angles in position. The lacing is not considered to contribute to the cross-
sectional area, which is why it is shown by dashed lines. The effective length
is 9.15 m with respect to both axes, and A572 steel (Fy= 345 MPa) is used.
Compute the strength based on flexural buckling.

450 x 450

450 x 450 ∠𝟏𝟐𝟓𝒙𝟏𝟐𝟓𝒙𝟏𝟖

𝑥 = 37.54 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑦 = 5981𝑥103 𝑚𝑚4
450 x 450
𝐴𝑔 = 4194 𝑚𝑚2

4 − ∠125𝑥125𝑥18
Solution
Section is symmetrical
Moment of inertia about the centroidal x-axis and y-axis
Ix = Iy = 4(5981x103 + 4194(225-37.54)2
450 x 450
Ix = Iy = 6.135x108 mm4
𝐼𝑚𝑖𝑛
rmin = 𝐴 450 x 450
6.135𝑥108
rmin = = 191.233 𝑚𝑚
4(4194)

𝑘𝐿 9150 4 − ∠125𝑥125𝑥18
= = 47.847
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 191.233

𝐸 200,000
4.71 = 4.71 = 113.403
𝐹𝑦 345
Solution
𝐹𝑦
𝑘𝐿
< 113.403 ∴ 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑦
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝜋2𝐸 𝜋 2 (200,000)
𝐹𝑒 = 2 = = 862.228 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐾𝐿 (47.847)2
𝑟
345
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.658862.228 345 = 291.801 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 𝜙𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝐴𝑔 = 0.90 291.801 4𝑥4194 = 4895.254 𝑘𝑁
Solution
LRFD ultimate strength
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 0.90(4895.254)
𝜙𝑃𝑛 = 4405.729 𝑘𝑁

ASD allowable strength

𝑃𝑛 4895.254
=
Ω𝑐 1.67
𝑃𝑛
= 2931.29 𝑘𝑁
Ω𝑐