MODULE 1: COMPRESSION MEMBERS

o LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
 To define compression member.
 To understand column theory.
 To identify the effective length of the compression member.
 To know the AISC requirements for compression member.
 To be able to design for the compression member.

INTRODUCTION
Compression members are structural elements that are subjected only to axial com- pressive
forces; that is, the loads are applied along a longitudinal axis through the centroid of the
member cross section, and the stress can be taken as f = P/A, where f is considered to be
uniform over the entire cross section. The most common type of compression member
occurring in buildings and bridges is the column, a vertical member whose primary function is to
support vertical loads. In many small structures, column axial forces can be easily computed
from the reactions of the beams that they support or computed directly from floor or roof
loads. The AISC Specification provides for three methods of analysis to obtain the axial forces
and bending moments in members of a rigid frame, Direct analysis method, Effective length
method and first-order analysis method.

COMLUMN THEORY

This theory has the following assumptions.

 Perfectly straight column and the axial load applied.

 Uniform cross-section of the column throughout its length.
 Perfectly elastic, homogeneous and isotropic material.
 The length of the column is large as compared to its cross-sectional dimensions.
 The shortening of the column due to direct compression is neglected.
 The failure of the column occurs due to buckling alone.

Limitation of Euler’s Formula

 There is always crookedness in the column and the load may not be exactly axial.
 This formula does not take into account the axial stress and the buckling load is given by
this formula may be much more than the actual buckling load.

Euler’s Buckling (or crippling load)

 The maximum load at which the column tends to have lateral displacement or tends to
buckle is known as buckling or crippling load. Load columns can be analyzed with the
π 2 EI
Euler’s column formulas can be given as   Pcr = 2 where, E = Modulus of elasticity, l =
L
Effective Length of column, and I = Moment of inertia of column section.
1. For both ends are hinged:

n=1
2. For both

1
n=
2
L=2 L

π 2 EI
Pcr =
4 L2
ends fixed and other free:

3. For both ends fixed:

4. For
n=2
L
L= n=√ 2
2
L
4 π 2 EI L=
Pcr = √2
EI
2 π 2 EI
Pcr =
L2

one end fixed and other hinged:

 EXAMPLE 1
A W12 × 50 is used as a column to support an axial compressive load of 145 kips. The
length is 20 feet, and the ends are pinned. Without regard to load or resistance factors,
investigate this member for stability. (The grade of steel need not be known: The critical
buckling load is a function of the modulus of elasticity, not the yield stress or ultimate
tensile strength.)
SOLUTION: For a W12 × 50,
Minimum r =r y =1.96∈.
L 20(12)
Maximum = =122.4
r 1.96
2
2 π 2 EI π ( 29,000)(14.6)
Pcr = = =278.9 kips
( L/r )2 (122.4)2

ANSWER: Because the applied load of 145 kips is less than Pcr, the column
remains stable and has an overall factor of safety against buckling of 278.9145 =
1.92.

EFFECTIVE LENGTH
End Condition Both ends One end fixed Both ends fixed One end fixed
hinged other free
Effective Length L 2L L/2 L/√ 2

AISC REQUIREMENTS
• The AISC specifications for column design are based on several years of research.
• These specifications account for the elastic and inelastic buckling of columns including all
issues (member crookedness, residual stresses, accidental eccentricity etc.) mentioned above.
• The specification presented here (AISC Spec E2) will work for all doubly symmetric cross-
sections and channel sections.
• The design strength of columns for the flexural buckling limit state is equal to φcPn
Where, φc = 0.85 - Resistance factor for compression members
Pn= A g Fcr

-For λc ≤ 1.5 F cr =(o .658¿ ¿ λ2c ) F y ¿

0.877
-For λc > 1.5 F cr =[ ]Fy
λ2c

Fy
Where, λc= KL
rπ √ E
Ag = gross member area; K = effective length factor
L = unbraced length of the member; r = governing radius of gyration
 π 2 EI
• Note that the original Euler buckling equation is Pcr =
L2
π2
∗I
Pcr ( KL)2 π2E 2 π2
∴F cr = = = 2
∗r =
Ag Ag ( KL) KL 2
( )
r

π2 E I
F cr = 2
=¿¿
∴ KL
( ) ∗y
r
F y∗1
∴ F cr =
λ2c
0.877
 Note that the AISC equation for λc ≤ 1.5 is F cr =[ ]Fy
λ2c

-The 0.877 factor tries to account for initial crookedness

 For a given column section

-Calculate I, Ag, r
-Determine effective length K L based on end boundary conditions.
-Calculate λc
0.877
-If λc is greater than 1.5, elastic buckling occurs and use F cr =[ 2 ] F y
λc
 -If λc is less than or equal to 1.5, inelastic buckling occurs and use F cr =(o .658¿ ¿ λ2c ) F y ¿

 Note that the column can develop its yield strength Fy as λc approaches zero

EXAMPLE 2
A W14 x 74 of A992 steel has a length of 20ft and pinned ends. Compute the design
compressive strength for LRFD and allowable compressive strength for ASD.

Slenderness ratio:
KL KL 1.0 ( 20∗12 )
Maximum = = =96.77 <200(OK )
r ry 2.48
E 29000
4.71
Fy√=4.71
50 √
=113

Since 69.77<113, use AISC Equation E3-2

π2E π 2 (29000)
Fe= = =30.56 ksi
(KL)/r 2 (96.77)2
Fy 50
(
Fe
) ( 30.56 )(
Fcr=0.685 Fy=0.658 50 )=25.21 ksi
The nominal strength is
Pn=FcrAg=25.21 ( 21.8 ) =549.6 kips
The design strength is
φcPn=0.90 (549.6 )=495 kips
The allowable stress is
Fa=0.6 Fcr=0.6 ( 25.21 )=15.13 ksi
The allowable strength is
FaAg=15.13 ( 21.8 )=330 kips

LOCAL STABILITY
AISC Table B4.1a shows the upper limit, lr, for non-slender members of various cross-
sectional shapes. If l ≤ lr, the shape is non-slender. Otherwise, the shape is slender. The
table is divided into two parts: unstiffened elements and stiffened elements. 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. Using AISC notation gives

b b /2 b
λ= = f = f
t tf 2tf
where bf and tf are the width and thickness of the flange. The upper limit is
 E
λr=0.56
√ Fy

The webs of I shapes are stiffened elements, and the stiffened width is the distance
between the roots of the flanges. The width-to-thickness parameter is
h
λ=
tw
where h is the distance between the roots of the flanges, and tw is the web thickness. The
upper limit is
E
λr=1.49
√Fy
Stiffened and unstiffened elements of various cross-sectional shapes are illustrated in Figure
4.9. The appropriate compression member limit, lr, from AISC B4.1 is given for each case.
 .

EXAMPLE 3
Investigate the column of Example 2 for local stability
For a W14 × 74, bf = 10.1 in., tf = 0.785 in., and
bf 10.1
= =6.43
2t f 2(0.785)
E 29000
0.56
√
Fy
=0.56
√ 50
h d−2 k des 14.2−2(1.38)
=13.5 > 6.43 (OK)

= = =25.4
tw tw 0.450
where kdes is the design value of k. (Different manufacturers will produce this shape
with different values of k. The design value is the smallest of these values. The detailing
value is the largest.)
E 29000
1.49
√
Fy
=1.49
√ 50
Local instability is not a problem
=35.9>25.4(OK )

It is permissible to use a cross-sectional shape that does not satisfy the width-to thickness ratio
requirements, but such a member may not be permitted to carry as large a load as one that
does satisfy the requirements. In other words, the strength could be reduced because of local
buckling. The overall procedure for making this investigation is as follows.

 If the width-to-thickness ratio λ is greater than λ r, use the provisions of AISC E7 and
compute a reduction factor Q.
 Compute KLr and Fe as usual.
KL E QFy
 If
r √
≤ 4.71
Fy
∨
QFy
Fe
≤2.25

F cr =Q(0.658 ¿ ¿ ) Fy ( AISC Eq E 7−2)¿

Fe
KL E QFy
 If
r √
>4.71 ∨
Fy Fe
>2.25
F cr =0.877 Fe( AISC Eq E7−3)
 The nominal strength is Pn=FcrAg (AISC Eq E7 - 1)

DESIGN
The section of an economical rolled shape to resist a given compressive load is simple with the
aid of the column load tables. Enter the table with the effective length and move horizontally
until you find the desired available strength (or something slightly larger). In some cases, you
must continue the search to be certain that you have found the lightest shape.
For shapes not in the column load tables, a trial-and-error approach must be used. The general
procedure is to assume a shape and then compute its strength. If the strength is too small
(unsafe) or too large (uneconomical), another trial must be made. A systematic approach to
making the trial selection is as follows:
1. Assume a value for the critical buckling stress Fcr. Examination of AISC Equations
E3-2 and E3-3 shows that the theoretically maximum value of Fcr is the yield
stress Fy.
2. Determine the required area. For LRFD,
cFcr Ag  Pu
Pu
Ag >
∅ c F cr
For ASD,
Pa
0.6Fcr ≥
Ag
Pa
Ag ≥
0.6 Fcr
3. Select a shape that satisfies the area requirement.
4. Compute Fcr and the strength for the trial shape
5. Revise if necessary. If the available strength is very close to the required value,
the next tabulated size can be tried. Otherwise, repeat the entire procedure,
using the value of Fcr found for the current trial shape as a value for Step 1.
6. Check local stability (check the width-to-thickness ratios). Revise if necessary.

EXAMPLE 4
Select a W18 shape of A992 steel that can resist a service dead load of 100 kips and a service live
load of 300 kips. The effective length KL is 26 feet.

LRFD SOLUTION:

Pu = 1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2(100) + 1.6(300) = 600 kips

Try Fcr = 33 ksi (an arbitrary choice of two-thirds Fy):
 Pu 600
Required Ag= = =20.2¿2
∅ cFcr 0.90 (33)
Try a W12x71
Ag= 20.9 in2 > 20.2 in2 (OK)

KL 20(12)
= =183.3(OK )
r min 1.70

π2 E π 2 (29000)
Fe= = =8.5 ksi
KL r (183.5)2
( )
r
KL
since > 4.71 √ E/ Fy , AISC Eq e 3−3 applies
r
Fcr=0.877 Fe=0.877 ( 8.5 )=7.445 ksi
∅ Pn=∅ cFcrAg=0.90 ( 7.455 ) ( 20.9 )=140 kips< 600 kips( N .G .)
Because the initial estimate of Fcr was so stiff, assume a value about halfway between 33 and
7.455 ksi. Try Fcr=20ksi

Pu 600
Required Ag= = =3.3¿ 2
∅ cFcr 0.90 (20)
Try W18x119:

Ag= 35.1 in2 > 33.3 in2 (OK)

KL 26(12)
= =116.20< 200(OK )
r min 2.69
π2 E π 2 (29000)
Fe= = =21.27 ksi
KL r (116 )2
( )
r
KL
since > 4.71 √ E/ Fy=113 , AISC Eq e 3−3 applies
r
Fcr=0.877 Fe=0.877 ( 21.27 )=18.65 ksi
∅ Pn=∅ cFcrAg=0.90 ( 18.65 ) ( 38.3 )=648 kips> 600 kips(OK )
This shape is not slender, so local buckling does not have to be investigated.
USE A W18x130

ASD SOLUTION:

The ASD solution procedure is essentially the same as for LRFD, and the same trial values of Fcr
will be used here.
 Pa = D + L = 100 + 300 = 400 kips

Try a W18x71:

Ag=38.3 ¿2.
KL 26(12)
= =115.6< 200(OK )
r min 1.70

π2 E π 2 (29000)
Fe= = =21.42 ksi
KL r (115.6 )2
( )
r
KL
since > 4.71 √ E/ Fy=113 , AISC Eq e 3−3 applies
r
Fcr=0.877 Fe=0.877 ( 21.27 )=18.65 ksi
0.6Fcr Ag  0.6(18.79)(38.3)  432 kips  400 kips (OK)
This shape is not slender, so buckling does not have to be investigated
USE A W18x130

MORE ON EFFECTIVE LENGTH

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. In Figure below, a W-shape is
used as a column and is braced by horizontal members in two perpendicular directions at the
top.
 the connection prevents translation, but no restraint against rotation is furnished. This
brace prevents translation perpendicular to the weak axis of the cross section but provides no
restraint perpendicular to the strong axis. As shown schematically in Figure 4.10, if the
member were to buckle about the major axis, the effective length would be 26 feet, whereas
buckling about the minor axis would have to be in the second buckling mode, corresponding
to an effective length of 13 feet. Because its strength decreases with increasing KL/r, a
column will buckle in the direction corresponding to the largest slenderness ratio, so KxL/rx
must be compared with KyL/ry. In Figure 4.10, the ratio 26(12)/rx must be compared with
13(12)/ry (where rx and ry are in inches), and the larger ratio would be used for the
determination of the axial compressive strength.
The available strengths given in the column load tables are based on the effec- tive length
with respect to the y-axis. A procedure for using the tables with Kx L, however, can be
developed by examining how the tabular values were obtained. Starting with a value of KL,
the strength was obtained by a procedure similar to the following:
o KL was divided by ry to obtain KL/ry.
o Fcr was computed.
o The available strengths, cPn for LRFD and Pn/c for ASD, were computed.
Thus the tabulated strengths are based on the values of KL being equal to KyL. If the capacity
with respect to x-axis buckling is desired, the table can be entered with
KxL
KL=
rx /ry
And the tabulated load will be based on

KL
=
KxL. ( rxry ) =KxL/ Rx
ry ry
The ratio ry/rx is given in the column load tables for each shape listed

PROBLEM EXERCISES:
1. Use AISC Equation E3-2 or E3-3 and determine the nominal axial compressive
strength for the following cases:
a. L = 15 ft
 b. L = 20 ft

2. A W18 x 119 is used as a compression member with one end fixed and the other
end fixed against rotation but free to translate. The length is 12 feet. If A992
steel is used, what is the available compressive strength?
a. Use AISC Equation E3-2 or E3-3. Compute both the design strength for
LRFD and the allowable strength for ASD.
b.Use Table 4-22 from Part 4 of the Manual. Compute both the design
strength for LRFD and the allowable strength for ASD.
3. An HSS10 x 8 x 3⁄16 is used as a compression member with one end pinned and
the other end fixed against rotation but free to translate. The length is 12 feet.
Compute the nominal compressive strength for A500 Grade B steel (Fy = 46 ksi).
Note that this is a slender-element compression member, and the equations of
AISC Section E7 must be used.
4. A 15-foot long column is pinned at the bottom and fixed against rotation but free
to translate at the top. It must support a service dead load of 100 kips and a
service live load of 100 kips.
a. Select a W12 of A992 steel. Use the column load tables.
 Use LRFD.
 Use ASD.
b.Select a W16 of A992 steel. Use the trial-and-error approach covered in
Section 4.6.
 Use LRFD.
 Use ASD.
5. W18 x 97 with Fy = 60 ksi is used as a compression member. The length is 13
feet. Compute the nominal strength for Kx x 2.2 and Ky x 1.0.
6. An HSS 10 x 6 x 5⁄16 with Fy = 46 ksi is used as a column. The length is 16 feet.
Both ends are pinned, and there is support against weak axis buckling at a point
6 feet from the top. Determine
a. the design strength for LRFD.
 b.the allowable stress for ASD.

REFFERENCES:
1. Steel Design 5th Edition by William Segui
2. https://www.slideshare.net/keyur30/compression-member-124916905
3. https://www.slideshare.net/narendrasinhvadher/sa1-
09columnstrutseulertheory?next_slideshow=1
4. https://www.slideshare.net/designmech/theories-of-columns
5. https://librarycivil.blogspot.com/2016/06/eulers-theory-of-columns
6. https://www.egr.msu.edu/~harichan/classes/ce405/chap3.pdf