BUCKLING OF

COLUMNS
COLUMN LECTURE 1
Definition:

Column - long slender member subjected to an axial

compressive force

Buckling - the lateral deflection of column that

occurs

Critical load, Pcr - the maximum axial load that a

column can support when it is on the verge of buckling
𝑃𝑣 + 𝑀 = 0
M = -Pv
2
𝑑 𝜈 𝑑2𝜈
𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑀 = −𝑃𝜈 or 𝐸𝐼 2 + 𝑃𝜈 = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
This is a homogenous equation. To solve it use standard solution:

Use boundary conditions to obtain the value of C1` and C2

When x = 0, v = 0 0 = C1 sin(0) + C2 cos (0) Thus, C2 = 0

𝑃
When x = L, v = 0 0 = 𝐶1 sin 𝐿 sin a
𝐸𝐼 2p 4p
p 3p a
If C1 = 0 , then column will never buckle. Thus,

or 𝑃
𝐿 = 𝑛𝜋
𝐸𝐼
 (Euler load)

𝜋 2 𝐸 𝐴𝑟 2
As I = Ar2 then 𝑃cr =
𝐿2

L/ri = slenderness ratio (sY)st = 250 MPa

scr = critical stress, the stress just before the column buckle (sY)al = 190 MPa
scr must less than sY as scr is an elastic stress.
 The curve in the graph is valid only for critical stresses
below the material’s yield point (proportional limit, since
the material must behave elastically.

Steel

𝜎𝑐𝑟 ≤ 𝜎𝑌 𝑠𝑡

𝜋2 𝐸
≤ 𝜎𝑌 𝑠𝑡 =36ksi=248MPa
𝐿Τ𝑟 2
= 248 MPa
𝜋2 200×103 MPa
≤248MPa
= 186 MPa 𝐿Τ𝑟 2

89 ≤ 𝐿Τ𝑟
Thus, the smallest slenderness
ratio for steel = 𝐿Τ𝑟 = 89
Fig. 13–7
 Aluminum

𝜎𝑐𝑟 ≤ 𝜎𝑌 𝑎𝑙

𝜋2 𝐸
𝐿Τ𝑟 2
≤ 𝜎𝑌 𝑎𝑙 =27ksi=186MPa

𝜋2 69×103 MPa
≤ 186MPa
𝐿Τ𝑟 2

60.5 ≤ 𝐿Τ𝑟
= 186 MPa Thus, the smallest slenderness ratio
for aluminum = 𝐿Τ𝑟 = 60.5

Fig. 13–7
EXAMPLE 13.2 The A-36 steel W200 x 46 member is used as a pin-connected column.
Determine the largest axial load it can support before it either begins to buckle or the steel yields.
EXAMPLE 13.2 The A-36 steel W200 x 46 member is used as a pin-connected column.
Determine the largest axial load it can support before it either begins to buckle or the steel yields.
From the table in Appendix B,
A = 5890 mm2, Ix = 45.5 x 106 mm4, and Iy = 15.3 x 106 mm4 .
Buckling will occur about the y-y axis, as Iy< Ix
6

= 1887.6 kN
The stress due to Pcr,
𝑃cr 1887.6kN 1000N/kN 2 2
𝜎cr = = = 320.5N/ mm > 𝜎𝑌 = 250N/ mm
𝐴 5890mm2
Thus, the column will fail due to normal stress and not due to buckling.
Columns Having Various Types of Supports

…..where Le = KL
Example
An aluminium column of length L and rectangular cross section has a fixed end B and
supports a centric load at A. Two smooth and rounded fixed plates restsrain end A
from moving in one of the vertical planes of symmetry of the column, but allow it to
move in the other plane. Determine the slenderness ratio of the column.

Buckling in xy Plane 1
𝑏𝑎 3 2
1 𝐼𝑧 12 𝑎
𝐿𝑒 = 0.7𝐿 𝐼𝑥 = 𝑏𝑎 3 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑟𝑧2 = = = 𝑟𝑧 = 𝑎Τ 12
12 𝐴 𝑎𝑏 12
The effective slenderness ratio of the column with respect to buckling in the xy
plane is 𝐿 0.7𝐿
𝑒
=
𝑟𝑧 𝑎 Τ 12

Buckling in xz Plane 1
𝑎𝑏 3 𝑏 2
1 𝐼𝑧 12
𝐿𝑒 = 2𝐿 𝐼𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 3 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑟𝑧2 = = = 𝑟𝑧 = 𝑏Τ 12
12 𝐴 𝑎𝑏 12
The effective slenderness ratio of the column with respect to buckling in the xy
plane is 𝐿 2𝐿𝑒
=
𝑟𝑧 𝑏Τ 12
EXAMPLE 13.3 A W150 x 24 steel column is 8 m long and is fixed at its ends as
shown. Its load-carrying capacity is increased by bracing it about the y-y (weak) axis using
struts that are assumed to be pin-connected to its midheight. Determine the load it can
support so that the column does not buckle nor the material exceed the yield stress. Take Est
= 200 GPa and sY = 400 MPa.
 x-x buckling

L=8m

=1653.2 kN
 y-y buckling

L=4m

=460.8 kN
x-x buckling: Pcr = 1653.2 kN
y-y buckling: Pcr = 460.8 kN

Thus, by comparison of the values Pcr , buckling will occur at y-y axis.
Critical stress, scr is

< 𝜎𝑌 = 250N/mm2

Thus , Pcr = 461 kN

Buckling will always occur about the column axis having the largest slenderness
ratio, since a large slenderness ratio will give a small critical stress.
𝐾𝐿 4000 mm 𝐾𝐿 2800 mm
= =60.4 = m m =114.3
𝑟 𝑥 66.2 mm 𝑟 𝑦 24.5

Hence, y-y axis buckling will occur, which is the same conclusion as the previous
answer.
EXAMPLE 13.4 Find the largest allowable load P that can be applied. Use a factor of
safety for buckling of F.S. = 3.0. Take Eal = 70 GPa, sY= 215 MPa, A = 7.5(10-3)m2,
Ix = 61.3(10-6) m4, Iy = 23.2 (10-6)m4.
 𝐾𝐿 𝑥 = 2 5𝑚 = 10𝑚

L=5m
𝜋 2 70 109 NΤm2 6.13 10−6 m4
=
10m 2
=424 kN
 3.5 m

𝐾𝐿 𝑦 = 0.7 5𝑚 = 3.5𝑚
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑦
𝑃𝑐𝑟 𝑦 =
L=5m 𝐾𝐿 2
𝑦

y-y 𝜋 2 70 109 NΤm2 23.2 10−6 m4

=
For the buckling about the y-y axis, the column will have fixed 3.5m 2
support at the bottom and pinned support at the top. =1.31MN
COLUMN LECTURE 2
EXAMPLE Determine the maximum value of P so that neither one of the columns won’t
fail. Assume E = 12.5 GPa.
P

3.5 m
A B

2m 3m

100 mm
90 mm
20 mm
20 mm 60 mm
150 mm
20 mm

Column A Column B
 P
P ෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
A B
RA RB RA RB
2m 3m
RA RB

A B ෍ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑅𝐴 5 − 𝑃 3 = 0 𝑅𝐴 − 𝑃 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
3 2𝑃
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐵 =
5 5
Column A
𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝑥𝑥 =෍ + 𝐴𝑑2
12
3 3
y 100 20 2
20 60
=2 + 100 20 40 +
100 mm 12 12

20 mm = 6.89 × 106 mm4

20 mm
x x 60 mm
20 mm
𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝑦𝑦 =෍ + 𝐴𝑑2
12
y
3 3
20 100 60 20
=2 +
12 12

= 3.37 × 106 mm4

Column A

3.5 m
A B
2m 3m

𝐼𝑥𝑥 = 6.89 × 106 mm4 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼

𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐿𝑒 2
𝐼𝑦𝑦 = 3.37 × 106 mm4
𝜋 2 12.5 × 109 NΤm2 3.37 × 10−6 m4
Choose lower value of I =
0.7 × 3.5m 2
= 69.3 kN
 P Column A: 𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 69.3 kN

RA RB

RA RB 𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃𝑐𝑟
3
⇒ 𝑃 = 69.3 kN
5
A B ⇒ 𝑃 = 115.5 kN

3 2𝑃
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐵 =
5 5
Column B
𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝑥𝑥 =
12
90 150 3
=
12
90 mm
y = 25.31 × 106 mm4
150 mm
x x

𝑏ℎ3
y 𝐼𝑦𝑦 =
12
150 90 3
=
12
= 9.1 × 106 mm4
 P

3.5 m
A B
2m 3m

𝐼𝑥𝑥 = 25.31 × 106 mm4

𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
𝐼𝑦𝑦 = 9.1 × 106 mm4 𝐿𝑒 2

Choose lower value of I 𝜋 2 12.5 × 109 NΤm2 9.1 × 10−6 m2

=
3.5m 2
= 91.7 kN
 P Column B: 𝑃𝑐𝑟 = 91.7 kN

RA RB

RA RB 𝑅𝐵 = 𝑃𝑐𝑟
2
⇒ 𝑃 = 91.7 kN
5
A B ⇒ 𝑃 = 229.1 kN

3 2𝑃
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐵 =
5 5
 P
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐀: 𝑃max = 115.5 kN
RA RB
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐁: 𝑃max = 229.1 kN
RA RB

Thus, the largest P that can be applied is 115.5 kN.

A B

3 2𝑃
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐵 =
5 5
EXAMPLE If factor of safety is 3, obtain the largest load P. Assume E = 29 x 106 psi.

5 B 3
in diameter
in diameter 4
8
1.5 ft
C
A

1.5 ft 3 ft
 ෍ 𝑀𝐶 = 0
P
𝑅𝐴 4.5 − 𝑃 3 = 0

B 3 2
5 in diameter 𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃
in diameter 4 3
8
1.5 ft
C
A
෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
1.5 ft 3 ft
𝑅𝐴 − 𝑃 + 𝑅𝐶 = 0
2 1 1
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐶 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐶 = 𝑃
3 3 3
 𝐿𝐴𝐵𝑥2𝑃2 2𝑃 2 1.5 2𝑃 2𝑃
P 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑥𝐹𝐴𝐵
= = × 𝐹+𝐴𝐵𝑦 == 0.94𝑃
× =
෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝐿𝐴𝐵𝑦 3 3 1.5 3 3
𝐿𝐶𝐵𝑥
2𝑃 2
𝑃 2 3 𝑃 2𝑃
𝐹𝐶𝐵𝑥𝐹𝐵𝐶
== ×𝐹 = =0.745𝑃
× =
෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 B 𝐿𝐶𝐵𝑦3 +𝐶𝐵𝑦
3 1.5 3 3
2𝑃Τ3 2𝑃Τ3
2𝑃Τ3 𝑃 Τ3
0.94 P 0.745 P
2𝑃Τ3 (c) 2𝑃Τ3
(c) 1.5 ft
2𝑃Τ3 2𝑃Τ3 2𝑃Τ3 𝑃 Τ3
𝟐𝑷Τ𝟑
A C
(t)

1.5 ft 3 ft

2 1
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃 𝑅𝐵 = 𝑃
3 3
Member BA
𝐿𝐴𝐵 = 1.52 + 1.52 = 2.12ft
5
𝜙 = in
8
4 1.5 ft
1 4 1 5Τ8
𝐼 = 𝜋𝑟 = 𝜋 = 7.49 × 10−3 in4
4 4 2
1.5 ft
Since both ends are pin-connections,
2 lb
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋 29 × 10 2 7.49 × 10−3 in4
6
in
𝑃cr = 2 = 2
= 3312.4lb
𝐿 2.12 × 12in

Since, Factor of safety is 3,

3312.4 lb
Allowable 𝑃𝐵𝐴 = = 1104 lb
3

But, 𝑃𝐵𝐴 = 𝐹𝐵𝐴 ⇒ 1104 = 0.94𝑃

∴ 𝑷 = 𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟒. 6 lb
Member BC 𝐿𝐵𝐶 = 1.52 + 32 = 3.35ft
3
𝜙 = in
4
4 1.5 ft
1 4 1 3Τ4
𝐼 = 𝜋𝑟 = 𝜋 = 15.5 × 10−3 in4
4 4 2
3 ft
Since both ends are pin-connections,
2 lb
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋 29 × 10 2 15.5 × 10−3 in4
6
in
𝑃cr = 2 = 2
= 2745 lb
𝐿 3.35 × 12in
Since, Factor of safety is 3,
2745 lb
Allowable 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = = 915 lb
3

But, 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐵𝐶 ⇒ 915 = 0.745𝑃

∴ 𝑷 = 1228 lb
 P

3
5 B in diameter
in diameter 4
8 Member BA: 𝑃max = 𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟒.6 lb
1.5 ft
C Member BC: 𝑃max = 1228 lb
A

1.5 ft 3 ft

Thus, the largest P that can be applied is 1174.5 lb.