Slenderness Ratio
Slenderness Ratio
Slenderness Ratio
the column’s effective length to its least radius of gyration. Here’s a step-by-step
guide:
1. Determine the Effective Length (L):
o The effective length depends on the column’s end conditions (e.g., fixed,
pinned, free). You can find the effective length factor (K) from tables or
charts in design codes like ACI 318.
o Effective Length, ( L_e = K \times L )
2. Calculate the Least Radius of Gyration ®:
o The radius of gyration is calculated using the formula:
r =√ I / A
where ( I ) is the moment of inertia of the column’s cross-sectional area, and ( A ) is
the cross-sectional area.
3. Compute the Slenderness Ratio (( ƛ)):
o The slenderness ratio is given by:
ƛ= Lo /r
Example Calculation
Let’s say you have a column with the following properties:
Length, ( L = 4 , m )
Effective length factor, ( K = 1.0 ) (for a pinned-pinned column)
Cross-sectional area, ( A = 0.04 , \ m}^2 )
Moment of inertia, ( I = 0.0008 , \{m}^4 )
1. Effective Length:
L_e = K \times L = 1.0 \times 4 \, \text{m} = 4 \, \text{m}
2. Radius of Gyration:
r = \sqrt{\frac{I}{A}} = \sqrt{\frac{0.0008 \, \text{m}^4}{0.04 \, \text{m}^2}} = \
sqrt{0.02} \approx 0.141 \, \text{m}
3. Slenderness Ratio:
\lambda = \frac{L_e}{r} = \frac{4 \, \text{m}}{0.141 \, \text{m}} \approx 28.37
This slenderness ratio indicates whether the column is slender or not, which affects
its design and stability considerations.
If you have specific column dimensions or need further assistance with your project,
feel free to share more details!
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The American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318-19 sets specific limits for the slenderness
ratio of columns to ensure their stability and safety. Here are the key limits:
1. Non-Sway Frames:
o For columns in non-sway frames (where lateral displacement is minimal),
the slenderness ratio should not exceed 34.
2. Sway Frames:
o For columns in sway frames (where lateral displacement is significant),
the slenderness ratio should not exceed 40.
These limits help prevent buckling and ensure that columns can safely support the
loads they are designed to carry. If you have a specific project or scenario in mind,
feel free to share more details, and I can provide more tailored guidance!