CH 13

13.
Buckling of Columns
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
Discuss the behavior of
columns.
Discuss the buckling of
columns.
Determine the axial load
needed to buckle an ideal
column.
Analyze the buckling with
bending of a column.
Discuss inelastic buckling of a column.
Discuss methods used to design concentric and
eccentric columns.
1
13. Buckling of Columns
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Critical Load
Ideal Column with Pin Supports
Columns Having Various Types of Supports
*The Secant Formula
*Inelastic Buckling
*Design of Columns for Concentric Loading
*Design of Columns for Eccentric Loading

13.1 CRITICAL LOAD
Long slender members subjected to axial

compressive force are called columns.
The lateral deflection that occurs is
called buckling.
The maximum axial load a column can
support when it is on the verge of
buckling is called the critical load, Pcr.

13.1 CRITICAL LOAD
Spring develops restoring force F = k, while

applied load P develops two horizontal
components, Px = P tan , which tends to push the
pin further out of equilibrium.
Since is small,
= (L/2) and tan .
Thus, restoring spring
force becomes
F = kL/2, and
disturbing force is
2Px = 2P.
4

13.1 CRITICAL LOAD
For kL/2 > 2P,
kL
P
stable equilibrium
4
For kL/2 < 2P,
kL
P
4
unstable equilibrium
For kL/2 = 2P,

kL
Pcr
neutral equilibrium
4
5

13.2 IDEAL COLUMN WITH PIN SUPPORTS
An ideal column is perfectly straight before loading,

made of homogeneous material, and upon which
the load is applied through the centroid of the xsection.
We also assume that the material behaves in a
linear-elastic manner and the column buckles or
bends in a single plane.

In order to determine the critical load and buckled

shape of column, we apply Eqn 12-10,
d 2
13 - 1
EI 2 M
dx
Recall that this eqn assume
the slope of the elastic
curve is small and
deflections occur only in
bending. We assume that
the material behaves in a
linear-elastic manner and
the column buckles or
bends in a single plane.
7

Summing moments, M = P, Eqn 13-1

becomes
d 2 P
13 - 2
0
2
dx
EI
General solution is
P
C1 sin
x C2 cos
EI
P
x
EI
13 - 3
Since = 0 at x = 0, then C2 = 0.
Since = 0 at x = L, then
C1 sin
P
L 0
EI

Disregarding trivial soln for C1 = 0, we get
P
L 0
EI
sin
Which is satisfied if
P
L n
EI
or
P
n 2 2 EI
2
n 1,2,3,...

Smallest value of P is obtained for n = 1, so critical load

for column is
2 EI
Pcr
This load is also referred to

as the Euler load. The
corresponding buckled
shape is defined by
L2
x
C1 sin
L
C1 represents maximum
deflection, max, which occurs
at midpoint of the column.
10

A column will buckle about the principal axis of the

x-section having the least moment of inertia
(weakest axis).
For example, the meter stick shown will
buckle about the a-a axis and not
the b-b axis.
Thus, circular tubes made excellent
columns, and square tube or those
shapes having Ix Iy are selected
for columns.
11

Buckling eqn for a pin-supported long slender

column,
2 EI
13 - 5
Pcr 2
L
Pcr = critical or maximum axial load on column just
before it begins to buckle. This load must not cause
the stress in column to exceed proportional limit.
E = modulus of elasticity of material
I = Least modulus of inertia for columns x-sectional
area.
L = unsupported length of pinned-end columns.
12

Expressing I = Ar2 where A is x-sectional area of

column and r is the radius of gyration of x-sectional
area.
2E
cr
L r
13 - 6
cr = critical stress, an average stress in column just

before the column buckles. This stress is an elastic
stress and therefore cr Y
E = modulus of elasticity of material
L = unsupported length of pinned-end columns.
r = smallest radius of gyration of column, determined from
r = (I/A), where I is least moment of inertia of columns
x-sectional area A.
13

The geometric ratio L/r in Eqn 13-6 is known as the

slenderness ratio.
It is a measure of the columns flexibility and will be
used to classify columns as long, intermediate or
short.
14

IMPORTANT
Columns are long slender members that are
subjected to axial loads.
Critical load is the maximum axial load that a
column can support when it is on the verge of
buckling.
This loading represents a case of neutral
equilibrium.
15

IMPORTANT
An ideal column is initially perfectly straight, made
of homogeneous material, and the load is applied
through the centroid of the x-section.
A pin-connected column will buckle about the
principal axis of the x-section having the least
moment of intertia.
The slenderness ratio L/r, where r is the smallest
radius of gyration of x-section. Buckling will occur
about the axis where this ratio gives the greatest
value.
16
EXAMPLE 13.1
A 7.2-m long A-36 steel tube
having the x-section shown is to
be used a pin-ended column.
Determine the maximum
allowable axial load the column
can support so that it does not
buckle.
17
EXAMPLE 13.1 (SOLN)

Use Eqn 13-5 to obtain critical load with
Est = 200 GPa.
2 EI
Pcr
L2
1
200 10 kN/m 70 4 1 m / 1000 mm 4
4
7.2 m 2
228.2 kN
2
18
EXAMPLE 13.1 (SOLN)

This force creates an average compressive stress in
the column of
cr
Pcr 228.2 kN1000 N/kN
2
2
2
A
75 70 mm
100.2 N/mm2 100 MPa
Since cr < Y = 250 MPa, application of Eulers eqn

is appropriate.
19
EXAMPLE 13.2
The A-36 steel W20046 member shown is to be
used as a pin-connected column. Determine the
largest axial load it can support
before it either begins to buckle
or the steel yields.
20
EXAMPLE 13.2 (SOLN)

From table in Appendix B, columns x-sectional area
and moments of inertia are A = 5890 mm2,
Ix = 45.5106 mm4,and Iy = 15.3106 mm4.
By inspection, buckling will occur about the y-y axis.
Applying Eqn 13-5, we have
2
EI
Pcr
L2
2 200 106 kN/m 2 15.3 104 mm4 1 m / 1000 mm 4
2
4 m
1887.6 kN
21
EXAMPLE 13.2 (SOLN)

When fully loaded, average compressive stress in
column is
Pcr 1887.6 kN1000 N/kN
cr
A
5890 mm 2
320.5 N/mm 2
Since this stress exceeds yield stress (250 N/mm 2),
the load P is determined from simple compression:
P
2
250 N/mm
5890 mm2
P 1472.5 kN
22

13.3 COLUMNS HAVING VARIOUS TYPES OF SUPPORTS
From free-body diagram, M = P( ).

Differential eqn for the deflection curve is
d 2
P
P
13 - 7

2
EI
EI
dx
Solving by using boundary conditions
and integration, we get
P
13 - 8
1 cos
x
EI
23

Thus, smallest critical load occurs when n = 1, so

that
2 EI
13 - 9
Pcr
2
4L
By comparing with Eqn 13-5, a column fixedsupported at its base will carry only one-fourth the
critical load applied to a pin-supported column.
24

Effective length
If a column is not supported by pinned-ends, then
Eulers formula can also be used to determine the
critical load.
L must then represent the distance between the
zero-moment points.
This distance is called the columns effective length,
L e.
25

Effective length
26

Effective length
Many design codes provide column formulae that
use a dimensionless coefficient K, known as thee
effective-length factor.
13 - 10
Le KL
Thus, Eulers formula can be expressed as
2 EI
Pcr
2
KL
cr
2E
2
KL r
13 - 11
13 - 12
27

Effective length
Here (KL/r) is the columns effective-slenderness
ratio.
28
EXAMPLE 13.3
A W15024 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 axis using struts that are
assumed to be pin-connected
to its mid-height. Determine the
load it can support sp that the
column does not buckle nor
material exceed the yield stress.
Take Est = 200 GPa and Y = 410 MPa.
29
EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)

Buckling behavior is
different about the x and y
axes due to bracing.
Buckled shape for each
case is shown.
The effective length for
buckling about the x-x axis
is (KL)x = 0.5(8 m) = 4 m.
For buckling about the y-y
axis, (KL)y = 0.7(8 m/2) = 2.8 m.
We get Ix = 13.4106 mm4 and Iy = 1.83106 mm4
from Appendix B.
30
EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)

Applying Eqn 13-11,
2 EI x 2 200 106 kN/m 2 13.4 106 m 4

Pcr x
2
2
KL x
4 m
Pcr x 1653.2 kN
2 EI y
2 200 106 kN/m 2 1.83 106 m 4

Pcr y
2
KL y
2.8 m 2
Pcr y 460.8 kN
By comparison, buckling will occur about the y-y
axis.
31
EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)

Area of x-section is 3060 mm2, so average
compressive stress in column will be
cr
Pcr 460.8 103 N

2
150
.
6
N/mm
2
A
3060 m
Since cr < Y = 410 MPa, buckling will occur before

the material yields.
32
EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)

NOTE: From Eqn 13-11, we see that buckling always
occur about the column axis having the largest
slenderness ratio. Thus using data for the radius of
gyration from table in Appendix B,
KL
KL
4 m1000 mm/m
60.4
66.2 mm
2.8 m1000 mm/m
114 .3
24.5 mm
Hence, y-y axis buckling will occur, which is the same

conclusion reached by comparing Eqns 13-11 for
both axes.
33

*13.4 THE SECANT FORMULA
The actual criterion for load application on a column

is limited to either a specified deflection of the
column or by not allowing the maximum stress in
the column exceed an
allowable stress.
We apply a load P to column
at a short eccentric distance
e from centroid of x-section.
This is equivalent to applying
a load P and moment
M = Pe.
34

From free-body diagram, internal moment in column

is
13 - 13
M P e
Thus, the general solution for the differential eqn of
the deflection curve is
P
P
13 - 14
C1 sin
x C2 cos
xe
EI
EI
Applying boundary conditions to determine the
constants, deflection curve is written as
P L
P
P
13 - 15
e tan
s cos
x 1
sin
EI 2
EI
EI
35

Maximum deflection
Due to symmetry of loading, both maximum
deflection and maximum stress occur at columns
midpoint. Therefore, when x = L/2, = max, so
max
e sec
P L
1
EI 2
13 - 16
36

Maximum deflection
Therefore, to find Pcr, we require
Pcr L
sec

EI 2
Pcr L
EI 2 2
2 EI
Pcr 2
L
13 - 17
37

The secant formula

Maximum stress in column occur when
maximum moment occurs at the
columns midpoint.
Using Eqns 13-13 and 13-16,
M P e max
P L
13 - 18
M Pe sec
EI 2
Maximum stress is compressive and
P Mc
P Pec
max
;
max
sec
A I
A
I
P L
EI 2
38

The secant formula

Since radius of gyration r2 = I/A,
P
ec L P
max 1 2 sec

A
r
2r EA
13 - 19
max = maximum elastic stress in column, at inner

concave side of midpoint (compressive).
P = vertical load applied to the column. P < Pcr
unless e = 0, then P = Pcr (Eqn 13-5)
e = eccentricity of load P, measured from the neutral
axis of columns x-sectional area to line of action of
P.
39

The secant formula

c = distance from neutral axis to outer fiber of
column where maximum compressive stress max
occurs.
A = x-sectional area of column
L = unsupported length of column in plane of
bending. For non pin-supported columns, Le should
be used.
E = modulus of elasticity of material.
r = radius of gyration, r = (I/A), where I is computed
about the neutral or bending axis.
40

Design
Once eccentricity ratio has been determined,
column data can be substituted into Eqn 13-19.
For max = Y, corresponding load PY is determined
from a trial-and-error procedure, since eqn is
transcendental and cannot be solved explicitly for
PY.
Note that PY will always be smaller than the critical
load Pcr, since Eulers formula assumes
unrealistically that column is axially loaded without
eccentricity.
41

IMPORTANT
Due to imperfections in manufacturing or application
of the load, a column will never suddenly buckle,
instead it begins to bend.
The load applied to a column is related to its
deflections in a nonlinear manner, so the principle of
superposition does not apply.
As the slenderness ratio increases, eccentrically
loaded columns tend to fail at or near the Euler
buckling load.
42
EXAMPLE 13.6
The W20059 A-36 steel
column shown is fixed at its
base and braced at the top so
that it is fixed from
displacement, yet free to
rotate about the y-y axis.
Also, it can sway to the side in
the y-z plane. Determine the
maximum eccentric load the
column can support before it
either begins to buckle or the
steel yields.
43
EXAMPLE 13.6 (SOLN)

From support conditions, about the y-y
axis, the column behaves as if it was
pinned at the top, fixed at the base and
subjected to an axial load P.
About the x-x axis, the column is free at
the top and fixed at the base, and
subjected to both axial load P and
moment M = P(200 mm).
44
EXAMPLE 13.6 (SOLN)

y-y axis buckling:
Effective length factor is Ky = 0.7, so (KL)y = 0.7(4 m)
= 2.8 m = 2800 mm. Using table in Appendix B to
determine Iy for the section and applying Eqn 13-11,
2 EI y
2 200 103 N/mm2 20.4 106 mm4

Pcr y
2
2
KL y
2800 mm
5136247 N 5136 kN
45
EXAMPLE 13.6 (SOLN)

x-x axis yielding:
Kx = 2, so (KL)x = 2(4 m) = 8 m = 8000 mm. From
table in Appendix B, A = 7580 mm2, c = 210 mm/2 =
105 mm, and rx = 89.9 mm, applying secant formula,
Px
ec KL x Px
Y 1 2 sec

A
EA
rx
2rx

Px
200 105 8000
Px
250
1
sec

2
7580
89.9
2 89.9 200103 7580
1.895 106 Px 1 2.598 sec 1.143 103 Px
46
EXAMPLE 13.6 (SOLN)

x-x axis yielding:
Solving for Px by trial and error, noting that argument
for secant is in radians, we get
Px 419368 N 419.4 kN
Since this value is less than (Pcr)y = 5136 kN, failure
will occur about the x-x axis.
Also, = 419.4103 N / 7580 mm2
= 55.3 MPa < Y = 250 MPa.
47

*13.5 INELASTIC BUCKLING
Application of Eulers equation requires that the

stress in column remain BELOW the materials yield
point when column buckles. So it only applies to
long slender columns.
In practice, most are
intermediate columns, so we
can study their behavior by
modifying Eulers equation to
apply for inelastic buckling.
Consider a stress-strain
diagram as shown.
48

Proportional limit is pl, and

modulus of elasticity E is
slope of line AB.
A plot of Eulers hyperbola is
shown having a slenderness
ratio as small as (KL/r)pl,
since at this pt, cr = pl.
When column about to buckle,
change in strain that occurs is
within a small range , so E
for material can be taken as
the tangent modulus Et.
49

Et is defined as the slope of stress-strain diagram at

pt D.
At time of failure, column behaves as if it were
made of a material having lower stiffness than when
it behaves elastically, Et < E.
In general, as slenderness
ratio increases, critical stress
for a column continues to
rise and tangent modulus
for material decreases.
50

Thus, we substitute the materials tangent modulus

Et for E into Eulers equation,
2 Et
cr
13 - 20
2
KL / r
This is the tangent modulus or Engessers eqn.
51
EXAMPLE 13.7
A solid rod has a diameter of 30 mm and is 600 mm
long. It is made of a material that can be modeled by
the stress-strain diagram shown. If it is used as a
pin-supported column, determine the critical load.
52
EXAMPLE 13.7 (SOLN)

Radius of gyration and slenderness ratio are
415 4
r
7.5 mm
2
15
KL 1 600 mm
I
7.5 mm
80
Applying Eqn 13-20 yields
cr
Et
Et
3
1
.
542
10
Et
2
2
KL / r 80
1
53
EXAMPLE 13.7 (SOLN)

Assume that critical stress is elastic.
From diagram,
150 MPa
E
150 GPa
0.001
Thus, Eqn (1) becomes
cr 1.542 103 150 103 MPa 231.3 MPa

Since cr > pl = 150 MPa, inelastic buckling occurs.
From second line segment of diagram, we have
270 MPa 150 MPa
Et
120 GPa
0.002 0.001
54
EXAMPLE 13.7 (SOLN)

Applying Eqn (1) yields
cr 1.542 10
12010 MPa 185.1 MPa

3
Since value falls between 150 MPa and 270 MPa, it is

indeed the critical stress.
Critical load on the rod is therefore
Pcr cr A 185.1 MPa 0.015 m 2 131 kN
55

*13.6 DESIGN OF COLUMNS FOR CONCENTRIC LOADING
To account for behavior of different-length columns,

design codes specify several formulae that will best
fit the data within the short, intermediate, and long
column range.
Steel columns
Structural steel columns are designed on the basis
of formulae proposed by the Structural Stability
Research Council (SSRC).
Factors of safety are applied to the formulae and
adopted as specs for building construction by the
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
56

Steel columns
For long columns, the Euler formula is used. A
factor of safety F.S. = 23/12 1.92 is applied. Thus
for design,
12 2 E
KL
KL
13 - 21
allow
200

2
r
r c
23 KL / r
Value of slenderness ratio obtained by
KL
2 2 E
13 - 22
57

Steel columns
For slenderness ratio lesser than (KL/r)c, the design
2
eqn is
KL / r
1
2 Y
2 KL / r c
allow
13 - 23
KL KL 3
3

{ 5 r r }
KL
KL 3
3 8
r c 8 r
58

Steel columns
59

Aluminum columns
Design equations are specified by the Aluminum
Association, applicable for specific range of
slenderness ratios.
For a common alloy (2014-T6), we have
KL
13 - 24
allow 195 MPa
0
12
r
KL
KL
allow 214.5 1.628

12
55 13 - 25
MPa
r
r
378125 MPa
KL
13 - 26
allow
55
2
r
KL / r
60

Aluminum columns
61

Timber columns
Timber design formulae published by the National
Forest Products Association (NFPA) or American
Institute of Timber Construction (AITC).
62

Timber columns
NFPAs formulae for short, intermediate and long
columns having a rectangular x-section of
dimensions b and d (smallest dimension),
allow 8.25 MPa

allow
1 KL / d
8.25 1
3 26.0
allow
3718 MPa
KL / d
MPa
KL
0
11
d
13 - 27
KL
11
26
d
13 - 28
KL
26
50
d
13 - 29
63

Procedure for analysis

Column analysis
When using any formula to analyze a column, or to
find its allowable load, it is necessary to calculate
the slenderness ratio in order to determine which
column formula applies.
Once the average allowable stress has been
computed, the allowable load in the column is
determined from P = allowA.
64


Column design
If a formula is used to design a column, or to
determine the columns x-sectional area for a given
loading and effective length, then a trial-and-check
procedure generally must be followed if the column
has a composite shape, such as a wide-flange
section.
One way is to assume the columns x-sectional area,
A, and calculate the corresponding stress
= P/A.
65


Column design
Also, with A use an appropriate design formula to
determine the allowable stress allow.
From this, calculate the required column area
Areqd = P/allow.
If A > Areqd, the design is safe. When making
comparison, it is practical to require A to be close to
but greater than Areqd, usually within 2-3%. A
redesign is necessary if A > Areqd.
66


Column design
Whenever a trial-and-check procedure is repeated,
the choice of an area is determined by the
previously calculated required area.
In engineering practice, this method for design is
usually shortened through the use of computer
software or published tables and graphs.
67
EXAMPLE 13.8
An A-26 steel W250149 member is used as a pinsupported column. Using AISC column
design formulae, determine the largest
load that it can safely support.
Est = 200(103) MPa, Y = 250 MPa.
68
EXAMPLE 13.8 (SOLN)

From Appendix B,
A = 19000 mm2; rx = 117 mm; ry= 67.4 mm.
Since K = 1 for both x and y axes buckling,
slenderness ratio is largest if ry is used. Thus
KL 1 5 m 1000 mm/m
74.18
67.4 mm
r
From Eqn 13-22, KL
2 2 E
2 2 200 103 MPa
125.66
250 MPa
69
EXAMPLE 13.8 (SOLN)

Here 0 < KL/r < (KL/r)c, so Eqn 13-23 applies
74.18 2
250 MPa
1
2
2125.66
allow
3
5
3
74
.
18
74
.
18
3
3 8125.66 8125.66
110 .85 MPa
Allowable load P on column is
2
P
allow A ;
110 .85 N/mm P
19000 mm 2
P 2106150 N 2106 kN
70
EXAMPLE 13.10
A bar having a length of 750 mm is
used to support an axial
compressive load of 60 kN. It is
pin-supported at its ends and made
from a 2014-T6 aluminum alloy.
Determine the dimensions of its
x-sectional area if its width is to be
twice its thickness.
71
EXAMPLE 13.10 (SOLN)

Since KL = 750 mm is the same for x-x and y-y axes
buckling, largest slenderness ratio is determined
using smallest radius of gyration, using Imin = Iy:
KL
KL
ry
Iy / A
1 750
2598.1
3
b
1 / 12 2b b / 2b b
Since we do not know the slenderness ratio, we apply

Eqn 13-24 first,
3
P
60 10 N
2
195 N/mm ;
195 N/mm 2
A
2b b
b 12.40 mm
72

Checking slenderness ratio,
KL 2598.1
209.5 12
r
12.40
Try Eqn 13-26, which is valid for KL/r 55;
P 378125 MPa
A
KL / r 2
60 103
378125
2b b 2598.1 / b 2
b 27.05 mm
73

From Eqn (1),
KL 2598.1
96.00 55
r
27.05
OK!
Note: It would be satisfactory to choose the x-section

with dimensions 27 mm by 54 mm.
74
EXAMPLE 13.11
A board having x-sectional
dimensions of 150 mm by 40 mm
is used to support an axial load
of 20 kN.
If the board is assumed to be
pin-supported at its top and base,
determine its greatest allowable
length L as specified by the NFPA.
75

By inspection, board will buckle about the y axis. In
the NFPA eqns, d = 40 mm.
Assuming that Eqn 13-29 applies, we have
P 3718 MPa
A KL / d 2
20 103 N
3718 N/mm 2
150 mm 40 mm 1L / 40 mm 2
L 1336 mm
76

Here
KL 11336 mm
33.4
d
40 mm
Since 26 < KL/d 50, the solution is valid.
77

*13.7 DESIGN OF COLUMNS FOR ECCENTRIC LOADING
A column may be required to

support a load acting at its
edge or on an angle bracket
attached to its side.
The bending moment M = Pe,
caused by eccentric loading,
must be accounted for when
column is designed.
Use of available column formulae
Stress distribution acting over x-sectional area of
column shown is determined from both axial force P
and bending moment M = Pe.
78


Maximum compressive stress is
P Mc
13 - 30
max
A I
A typical stress profile is also shown here.
If we assume entire x-section is subjected to uniform
stress max, then we can compare it with allow, which
is determined from formulae given in chapter 13.6.
If max allow, then column can carry the specified
load.
79


Otherwise, the columns area A is increased and a
new max and allow are calculated.
This method of design is rather simple to apply and
works well for columns that are short or intermediate
length.
80

Interaction formula
It is sometimes desirable to see how the bending
and axial loads interact when designing an
eccentrically loaded column.
If allowable stress for axial load is (a)allow, then
required area for the column needed to support the
P
load P is
Aa
a allow
81

Interaction formula
Similarly, if allowable bending stress is (b)allow, then
since I = Ar2, required area of column needed to
resist eccentric moment is determined from flexure
Mc
formula, A
b
b allow r 2
82

Interaction formula
Thus, total area A for the column needed to resist
both axial force and bending moment requires that
Aa Ab
or
a allow
Mc / Ar 2
A
b allow
a allow b allow r
P
Mc
a allow b allow r
13 - 31
83

Interaction formula
a = axial stress caused by force P and determined
from a = P/A, where A is the x-sectional area of the
column.
b = bending stress caused by an eccentric load or
applied moment M; b is found from b = Mc/I, where
I is the moment of inertia of x-sectional area
computed about the bending or neutral axis.
a
a allow b allow r
P
Mc
a allow b allow r
13 - 31
84

Interaction formula
(a)allow = allowable axial stress as defined by formulae
given in chapter 13.6 or by design code specs. Use
the largest slenderness ratio for the column,
regardless of which axis it experiences bending.
(b)allow = allowable bending stress as defined by code
specifications.
a
b
1
a allow b allow r 2
Mc
a allow b allow r 2
13 - 31
85

Interaction formula
Eqn 13-31 is sometimes referred to as the
interaction formula.
This approach requires a trial-and-check procedure.
Designer needs to choose an available column and
check to see if the inequality is satisfied.
If not, a larger section is picked and the process
repeated.
American Institute of Steel Construction specifies
the use of Eqn 13-31 only when the axial-stress ratio
a/(a)allow 0.15.
86
EXAMPLE 13.12
Column is made of 2014-T6
aluminum alloy and is used to
support an eccentric load P.
Determine the magnitude of P that
can be supported if column is fixed
at its base and free at its top. Use
Eqn 13-30.
87

K = 2. Largest slenderness ratio for column is
KL
21600 mm
1/12 80 mm 40 mm 3 / 40 mm 80 mm
277.1
By inspection, Eqn 13-26 must be used (277.1 > 55).

378125 MPa 378125 MPa
allow
4.92 MPa
2
2
KL r
277.1
88

Actual maximum compressive stress in the column is
determined from the combination of axial load and
bending.
P Pe c
max
A
I
P
P 20 mm 40 mm
40 mm 80 mm 1 / 12 40 mm 80 mm 3
0.00078125 P
Assuming that this stress is uniform over the xsection, instead of just at the outer boundary,
allow max ;
4.92 0.00078125 P
P 6297.6 N 6.30 kN
89
EXAMPLE 13.13
The A-36 steel W15030 column
is pin-connected at its ends and
subjected to eccentric load P.
Determine the maximum
allowable value of P using the
interaction method if allowable
bending stress is
(b)allow = 160 MPa, E = 200 GPa,
and Y = 250 MPa.
90

K = 1. The geometric properties for the W15030 are
taken from the table in Appendix B.
A 3790 mm 2
I x 17.1 106 mm 4
ry 38.2 mm
d 157 mm
We consider ry as it lead to largest value of the

slenderness ratio. Ix is needed since bending occurs
about the x axis (c = 157 mm/2 = 78.5 mm). To
determine the allowable bending compressive stress,
KL 1 4 m 1000 mm/m
we have
104.71
r
38.2 mm
91

Then KL/r < (KL/r)c and so Eqn 13-23 must be used.
2
104.71
250 MPa
1
2
2125.66
allow
3
{ 5 3104.71 104.71 }

3
3 8125.66 8125.66
85.59 MPa
Assuming that this stress is uniform over the xsection, instead of just at the outer boundary,
92

Applying the interaction formula Eqn 13-31 yields
a
b
1
2
a allow b allow r
P / 3790 mm 2
85.59 N/mm
P 750 mm 157 mm / 2 / 17.1 106 mm 4

160 N/mm
P 40.65 kN
Checking application of interaction method for steel

section, we require
allow
3
2
40.65 10 N / 3790 mm
0.125 0.15 OK!
85.59 N/mm2
93
EXAMPLE 13.14
Timber column is made from
two boards nailed together so
the x-section has the
dimensions shown.
If column is fixed at its base and
free at its top, use Eqn 13-30 to
determine the eccentric load P
that can be supported.
94

K = 2. Here, we calculate KL/d to determine which
eqn to use. Since allow is determined using the largest
slenderness ratio, we choose d = 60 mm.
This is done to make the ratio as large as possible,
and thus yield the lowest possible allowable axial
stress.
This is done even though bending due to P is about
the x axis.
KL 2 1200 mm
40
d
60 mm
95

Allowable axial stress is determined using Eqn 13-29
since 26 < KL/d < 50. Thus
3718 MPa 3718 MPa
allow
2.324 MPa
2
2
KL / d
40
Applying Eqn 13-30 with allow = max, we have
allow
P Mc

A I
P
P 80 mm 60 mm
2.324 N/mm
60 mm 120 mm 1 / 12 600 mm 120 mm 3

2
P 3.35 kN
96
CHAPTER REVIEW
Buckling is the sudden instability that occurs in
columns or members that support an axial load.
The maximum axial load that a member can
support just before buckling occurs is called the
critical load Pcr.
The critical load for an ideal column is determined
from the Euler eqn, Pcr = 2EI/(KL)2, where
K = 1 for pin supports, K = 0.5 for fixed supports,
K = 0.7 for a pin and a fixed support, and K = 2 for
a fixed support and a free end.
97
CHAPTER REVIEW
If axial loading is applied eccentrically to the
column, then the secant formula must be used to
determine the maximum stress in the column.
When the axial load tends to cause yielding of the
column, then the tangent modulus should be used
with Eulers eqn to determine the buckling load.
This is referred to as Engessers eqn.
Empirical formulae based upon experimental data
have been developed for use in the design of
steel, aluminum, and timber columns.
98

CH 13

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

CH 13

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

13.

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

Long slender members subjected to axial

13. Buckling of Columns

Spring develops restoring force F = k, while

13. Buckling of Columns

For kL/2 > 2P,

For kL/2 = 2P,

13. Buckling of Columns

An ideal column is perfectly straight before loading,

13. Buckling of Columns

In order to determine the critical load and buckled

13. Buckling of Columns

Summing moments, M = P, Eqn 13-1

13. Buckling of Columns

Disregarding trivial soln for C1 = 0, we get

13. Buckling of Columns

Smallest value of P is obtained for n = 1, so critical load

This load is also referred to

13. Buckling of Columns

A column will buckle about the principal axis of the

13. Buckling of Columns

Buckling eqn for a pin-supported long slender

13. Buckling of Columns

Expressing I = Ar2 where A is x-sectional area of

cr = critical stress, an average stress in column just

13. Buckling of Columns

The geometric ratio L/r in Eqn 13-6 is known as the

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.1 (SOLN)

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.1 (SOLN)

Pcr 228.2 kN1000 N/kN

100.2 N/mm2 100 MPa

Since cr < Y = 250 MPa, application of Eulers eqn

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.2 (SOLN)

2 200 106 kN/m 2 15.3 104 mm4 1 m / 1000 mm 4

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.2 (SOLN)

13. Buckling of Columns

From free-body diagram, M = P( ).

13. Buckling of Columns

Thus, smallest critical load occurs when n = 1, so

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)

2 EI x 2 200 106 kN/m 2 13.4 106 m 4

2 200 106 kN/m 2 1.83 106 m 4

13. Buckling of Columns

EXAMPLE 13.3 (SOLN)