Steel Column Design and Buckling Analysis
Steel Column Design and Buckling Analysis
Welded RSAs
box and Laced
lattice
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STRUCTURES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2019/2020
Although not explicitly stated recommended maximum slenderness values are as follows:
Generally: max = 180
Resisting self-weight : max = 250
Tension member (subject to load reversal due to wind): max = 350
Worked example1:
Calculate slenderness and radius of gyration of a 356x406x551 section column has an effective length
of 10 metres.
Solution:
𝐼 226938
𝑖𝑦 = √ 𝑦𝑦 = √ = 17.98 cm
𝐴 702
𝐼 82671
𝑖𝑧 = √ 𝑧𝑧 = √ = 10.85 cm
𝐴 702
From TATA blue book, they are 18.0 and 10.9, respectively.
1000
𝜆𝑦 = = 55.62
17.98
1000
𝜆𝑧 = = 92.17
10.85
The average compressive stress at elastic buckling fc can be expressed as in Equation (4):
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𝑁𝑐𝑟 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋2 𝐸
𝑓𝑐 = = = (4)
𝐴 𝐴𝐿2 𝜆2
For a perfect pin ended strut length L, with a Young’s modulus E and second moment of area I,
loaded with an axial compressive force N a buckled form can be considered where the displacement
from straight, y is a function of the position x along the length of the member and is small compared
to the dimensions of the strut.
Combining the two described modes of failure the behaviour of a perfect strut can be described in
Figure 3:
The intersection point of these two modes of failure can be found by equating the squash load by the
Euler load giving Equation (5).
2E
t (5)
fy
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Worked example 2:
A 10 metres long 356x406x551 section column with S275 grade steel, calculate the Euler load and
compression strength of the column. Determine which failure mode this column tends to have.
Solution:
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 3.14162 × 210000 × 106 × 226938 × 10−8
𝑁𝑐𝑟,𝑦𝑦 = = = 47035.55 𝑘𝑁
𝐿2 102 × 103
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 3.14162 × 210000 × 106 × 82671 × 10−8
𝑁𝑐𝑟,𝑧𝑧 = = = 17134.53 𝑘𝑁
𝐿2 102 × 103
275 × 702 × 102
𝑁𝑐,𝑅𝑑 = = 19305 𝑘𝑁
103
Therefore, the column will buckle about the weak axis (z-z axis).
1) Both ends 2) Both ends 3) One end fixed, 4) One end fixed 5) Both ends fixed
pinned pinned and a one end pinned (cantilever)
pin at the
midpoint
FigureFigure 4: Effective
11: Effective length
length of strutsofwith
struts with different
different end conditions
end conditions
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Worked Example 3:
Classify the 254x254x89 uniform column of S275 steel.
Solution
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Worked example 4:
To follow worked example 2, a 10 metres long 356x406x551 section column with S275 grade steel,
determine the non-dimensional slenderness of this column.
Solution:
𝑁𝑐,𝑅𝑑 19305
𝜆𝑦𝑦 = √ =√ = 0.64
𝑁𝑐𝑟,𝑦𝑦 47035.55
𝑁𝑐,𝑅𝑑 19305
𝜆𝑧𝑧 = √ =√ = 1.06
𝑁𝑐𝑟,𝑧𝑧 17134.53
For Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sections (i.e non-slender) the compression resistance is given in
Equation (7):
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Af y
N pl. Rd (7)
M0
Where A is the gross cross-sectional area (from section tables) and the partial safety factor is
γM0=1.00
For Class 4 (slender) sections the compression resistance is given in Equation (8):
Aeff f y
N [Link] (8)
M0
Where Aeff is the reduced effective cross-sectional area and the partial safety factor is γM0=1.00
For Class 4 (slender) sections the load carrying capacity is given in Equation (10):
A f
[Link] eff y (10)
M1
Where Aeff is the reduced effective cross-sectional area and the partial safety factor is γM1=1.00
NB: Non symmetric class 4 sections need to be designed for combined bending and axial compression
since there will be a shift in the centroid of the section from the gross cross section A to the effective
cross section Aeff which will cause a bending moment (see clause 6.2.9)
The buckling reduction factor χ is obtained from one of 5 possible buckling curves given in
Eurocode 3: ao, a, b, c, d. These curves relate the reduction factor χ to the non-dimensional
slenderness and are based on the Perry-Robertson expression but have different imperfection
factors, α for different section types.
1
and 1 (11)
2
2
where:
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2
1 ( 0.2) (12)
2
Af y
Non dimensional slenderness, for Class 1, 2 and 3 sections
N cr
Aeff f y
Non dimensional slenderness, for Class 4 sections
N cr
Imperfection factor
Table 6.2 of EN 1993-1-1 defines which of the five curves should be used for different sections
and Table 1 given below (Table 6.1 of EN 1993-1-1) gives the imperfection factors required to
define the five buckling curves.
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An alternative way to obtain the reduction factor χ is to use the chart from Figure 6.4 BS EN
1993-1-1 as shown in Figure 6 below:
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Leffy = 6000 mm
Leffz = 3000 mm
Af y
N cr
Where:
2 EI
N cr Leff 2
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Af y 11300 275
0.614
N cr 8232.9 103
Af y 11300 275
0.527
N cr 11192.1103
Both non dimensional slenderness values λ̅ are greater than 0.2 so flexural buckling must be
considered. The buckling curve for a hot rolled I section of material S275 whose flange thickness tf is
less than 100mm thick and h/b<1.2 is:
b for buckling about the y-y axis
c for buckling about the z-z axis %HORZLVH[WUDFWIURP(&
Calculating the section reduction factor χ for buckling about the y-y axis - using the non
dimensionless slenderness in the y-y axis based on the gross cross section, as calculated above
and using the relevant imperfection factor α:
1 0.2 (1 0.34(0.614 0.2) 0.614 ) 0.759
2 2
2 2
1 1
0.830
2 2 0.759 0.759 2 0.614 2
So calculating the section reduction factor χ for buckling about the z-z axis - using the non
dimensionless slenderness in the z-z axis based on the gross cross section, as calculated above
and using the relevant imperfection factor α:
1 0.2 (1 0.49(0.527 0.2) 0.527
2 2
0.719
2 2
1 1
0.828
2 2
0.719 0.719 0.527 2 2
The reduction factor χ is greater for buckling in the y-y axis so the critical buckling resistance Nb,Rd
of this member can be calculated using the reduction factor χ for buckling about the z-z axis :
Af y 11300 275
N [Link] 0.828 2579225 N ≅ 2579 kN > 2340 kN
M1 1.0
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ℎ 𝑡
𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑚 = 𝑅𝑏1,𝐸𝐷 (2 + 100) 𝑜𝑟 𝑅𝑏1,𝐸𝐷 ( 2𝑤 + 100) (13)
The beam reactions will only result in a moment being transferred into the column when they are out
of balance. The reason for using a fixed value of 100 mm off the face of the column, rather than an
exact measurement, is to provide a simple, safe and conservative method for use in the design of
multi-storey buildings with nominally pinned joints. The method is safe because it makes an
adequate allowance for the moments arising from the eccentricity of the joint. It simple, because it
does not require the designer of the columns to have knowledge of the joint detail, other than the fact
that it is nominally pinned. This is important in an industry in which detailed design of the joints is
often carried out at a later stage in the design process, often by a different designer from the person
who sizes the members.
In multi-storey columns that are effectively continuous at their splices, the distribution of nominal
moments to the upper and lower column sections is carried out in proportion to their stiffness. For
this purpose, the stiffness is defined as the second moment of area about the appropriate axis
divided by the height between floors. Where the ratio of stiffness’ does not exceed 1.5, the
moments may be shared equally between the column above the joint and the column below. The
nominal moments should be assumed to have no effect at the levels above and below the level at
which they are applied.
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Worked example 6:
A 305x305x97 column is connected with
two 457x191x67 beams as shown below,
calculate the lever arms for moments
induced by beam A and B.
Solution:
Lever arm for beam A:
𝐻 307.9
+ 100 = + 100 = 253.95 𝑚𝑚
2 2
Lever arm for beam B:
𝑡𝑤 9.9
+ 100 = + 100 = 104.95 𝑚𝑚
2 2
N Ed M y ,Ed M
k yy k yz z ,Ed 1
y N Rk M M z ,Rk
LT y ,Rk
M1 M1 M1 (14)
N Ed M y ,Ed M
k zy k zz z ,Ed 1
z N Rk M M z ,Rk
LT y ,Rk
M1 M1 M1 (15)
Where LT is the reduction factor due to lateral torsional buckling; kyy, kyz, kzy, and kzz are the
interaction factors. Values of these factors may be obtained from Annex A or from Annex B of EC3.
The IStructE manual has proposed a simplified method for calculating the columns with additional
moments.
For I, H or RHS sections in a simple construction where the only moments are those due to
eccentricity of connections, the expression below should be satisfied:
𝑁𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝐸𝑑 1.5𝑀𝑧,𝐸𝑑
+ + ≤1 (16)
𝜒𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑓𝑦𝑑 𝜒𝐿𝑇 𝑊𝑦 𝑓𝑦𝑑 𝑊𝑧 𝑓𝑦𝑑
where fyd is the designed yield strength of the material (𝑓𝑦 /𝛾𝑀1 ), and the 𝜒𝑚𝑖𝑛 is the minimum
reduction factor for flexural buckling.
If the column is subject to moments other than from beam eccentricity, the following expressions
should be satisfied:
For I and H sections (susceptible to LTB):
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Cmy and Cmz are uniform moment factors (similar to C1 in LBT) and can conservatively be taken as
1.0. Smaller factors are given in Annex B to EC3 Part 1-1 as shown below.
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Worked example 7
1 2 3
Given a two story steel structure, the actions are as 8m 6m
follows:
C
Permanent actions:
Self weight of floor: 3.5 kN/m2 6m
Variable actions:
B
Imposed floor load for offices: 3.0 kN/m2
7KHIORRUVSDQVLQWKHPGLUHF 6m
Design beam B1-2 and column B2. A
8m 6m
Partial factors for actions (Table A.1 (2) B EN1990)
Partial factor for permanent actions γG = 1.35
Partial factor for variable actions γQ = 1.5
Combination of actions
Design value of combined actions = [[
Combined action per meter length of beam account for 6 m, Fd 9.23 6 55.4kN / m
Trial section:
Use S275 UB, assuming the thickness of flange and web is less than 40 mm, thus the yield strength
is 275 N/mm2
The minimum plastic modulus of the beam is:
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M y , Ed MO 443.2 10 3 1.0
W pl, y 1612cm 3
fy 275
Try 457 191 74 UB with plastic section modulus 1650 cm3, the dimensions and properties are
listed as below:
Depth h =457 mm
Web depth hw =4 mm
Width b =190.4 mm
Thickness of the web tw,c =9.0 mm
Thickness of the flange tf,c =14.5 mm
Radius R =10.2 mm
Area A =94.6 cm2
Second moment of area (y-y) Iy =33300 cm4
Second moment of area (z-z) Iz =1670 cm4
Elastic section modulus (y-y) Wel,y =1460 cm3
Plastic section modulus (y-y) Wpl,y =1650 cm3
Yield strength fy,c =275 N/mm2
Ultimate tensile strength fu,c =430 N/mm2
Classification of section:
Outstand flange in compression:
235 235
0.92
fy 275
c (b t w 2r ) / 2 80.5mm
c
6.03 9
t f
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hw=h-2tf=457-(2×14.5)=428 mm
4622.4 275 / 3
V pl, Rd
10 3 733.9kN
1.00
733.9kN 221.2kN
The section passes the shear resistance check VEd is less than half the plastic shear resistance Vpl,Rd
therefore resistance under combined bending and shear is fine.
Actions:
Reactions at “each” of the two floor level from 8m span:
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The total load applied on column due to two floors is given by:
Permanent Gk 2 (84 63) 294kN
Variable Qk 2 (72 54) 252kN
Section selection:
Try 254 254 73 UC section, the section properties are as follows:
Depth h =254.1 mm
Width b =254.6 mm
Thickness of the web tw, =8.6 mm
Thickness of the flange tf, =14.2 mm
Second moment of area (y-y) Iy =11400cm4
Second moment of area (z-z) Iz =3910cm4
Radius of Gyration iz =6.48 mm
Area A =93.1 cm2
Plastic section modulus (y-y) Wpl,y =992 cm3
Yield strength fy,c =275 N/mm2
Ultimate tensile strength fu,c =430 N/mm2
Section classification:
The section is Class 1.
Buckling length:
Leffy=5.0m
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Leffz=5.0m
Af y
N cr
Where:
2 EI
N cr Leff 2
2 EI yy 2 210000 11400 10 4
N cr 2
9451133 N
Leffy 5000 2
2 EI zz 2 210000 3910 10 4
2
3241572 N
5000 2
N cr
Leffz
Af y 90 275
3241.6 10 3 0.88
N cr
Both non dimensional slenderness values λ̅ are greater than 0.2 so flexural buckling must be
considered. The buckling curve for a hot rolled I section of material S275 whose flange thickness tf is
less than 100mm thick and h/b<1.2 is:
b for buckling about the y-y axis :All from Table 6.2 Page 58 (EC-3)
c for buckling about the z-z axis
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Calculating the section reduction factor χ for buckling about the y-y axis - using the non
dimensionless slenderness in the y-y axis based on the gross cross section, as calculated above
and using the relevant imperfection factor α:
1 0.2 (1 0.34(0.515 0.2) 0.515 ) 0.686
2 2
2 2
1 1
0.878
2 2 0.686 0.686 2 0.515 2
So calculating the section reduction factor χ for buckling about the z-z axis - using the non
dimensionless slenderness in the z-z axis based on the gross cross section, as calculated above
and using the relevant imperfection factor α:
1 0.2 (1 0.49(0.88 0.2) 0.88 ) 1.054
2 2
2 2
1 1
0.612
2 2 1.054 1.054 2 0.88 2
The reduction factor χ is greater for buckling in the y-y axis so the critical buckling resistance Nb,Rd
of this member can be calculated using the reduction factor χ for buckling about the z-z axis :
Af y 9310 275
N
b. Rd 0.612 10 3 1567kN > 776.3 kN
M1 1.0
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M y , Ed 12.6kNm
M z , Ed 0
When a column is subjected to moment (due to eccentricity from connection) and axial force, the
following expression can be used:
𝑁𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝐸𝑑 1.5𝑀𝑧,𝐸𝑑
+ + ≤1
𝜒𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑓𝑦𝑑 𝜒𝐿𝑇 𝑊𝑦 𝑓𝑦𝑑 𝑊𝑧 𝑓𝑦𝑑
which Mb,Rd and Mz,Rd are the lateral torsional buckling resistance about y-y axis and moment
resistance bending about z-z axis, respectively. (see [Link] EN 1993-1-1)
776.3 13.6
0 0.56 1.0
1562 221
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