Module 4: Analysis of Compression Members (ASD and LRFD)
I. Course Objectives:
The students will be able to familiarize the general consideration of code designs
and introduce the concept of designing structural steel members subjected to
compression.
II. Course Outline:
4.1 Introduction
4.2 General Provision
4.3 Slenderness Limitations and Effective Length
4.4 Compressive Strength for Flexural Buckling of members without Slender Elements
4.5 Compressive Strength of members with Slender Elements
4.6 Slender Stiffened Element
4.7 Slender Unstiffened Element
4.8 Sample Problems
III. Learning Content:
4.1 Introduction
A structural member loaded axially in
compression is generally called a “compression
member”. Compression members are commonly
used as columns in building structures, chords or
webs in trusses, bridge piers or braces in framed
structures. The maximum strength of a steel
compression member depends, to a large extent, on
the member length and end support conditions. Steel
compression members are commonly classified as
short, intermediate or long members and each range
has its own characteristic type of behavior.
1|Page
4.1.1 Column General Buckling
Buckling occurs when a straight column subjected to axial compression suddenly
undergoes bending as shown in the Figure. Buckling is identified as a failure limit-state for
columns.
4.1.1 Local Buckling Limit State
If the column section is made of thin (slender) plate elements, then failure can occur
due to local buckling of the flanges or the webs.
Local Buckling of Column
Local buckling depends on the slenderness (width-to-thickness ratio – Refer to Table
502.4.1- 502.4.2 NSCP 2015) of the plate element and the yield stress of the material. If local
buckling of the individual plate elements occurs, then the column may not be able to develop
its buckling strength. Therefore, the local buckling limit state must be prevented from
controlling the column strength. (NSCP 2015 Section 505.7)
2|Page
3|Page
4|Page
General Provision (NSCP 2015 Sec. 505.1)
The design compressive strength, ∅𝒄𝑷𝒏, and the allowable compressive strength,
𝑷𝒏/𝛀𝒄 are determined as follows: The nominal compressive strength Pn, shall be the lowest
value obtained according to the limit state of flexural buckling, torsional buckling and
flexural-torsional buckling.
1. For doubly symmetric and singly symmetric members the limit state of flexural
buckling is applicable.
2. For singly symmetric and unsymmetrical members, and certain doubly symmetric
members, such as cruciform or built-up columns, the limit state of torsional or
flexural-torsional buckling are also applicable.
∅𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎 (𝑳𝑹𝑭𝑫) 𝛀𝒄 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟕 (𝑨𝑺𝑫)
4.2 Slenderness Limitations and Effective Length (NSCP
2015 Sec. 505.2)
5|Page
Slenderness Ratio:
𝐾𝐿
r
Where:
L = laterally unbraced length of member, mm
r = governing radius of gyration, mm
K = effective length factor (Table-1)
User Note: for members designed on the basis of compression, the effective slenderness ratio
KL/r preferably should not exceed 200.
Table-1: Effective length factor, K
4.3 Compressive Strength for Flexural Buckling of members
without Slender
6|Page
Elements (NSCP 2015 Sec. 505.3)
This section applies to compression members with compact and non-compact sections, as
defined in Section 502.4, for uniformly compressed elements.
The nominal compressive strength Pn shall be determined based on the limit state of
flexural buckling.
𝑷𝒏 = 𝑭𝒄𝒓𝑨𝒈
Where:
Pn = nominal compressive strength, kN or lb
Fcr = flexural buckling stress, MPa or psi Ag = gross sectional are, mm2 or in2
The flexural buckling stress, Fcr, is determined as follows:
1. Short Column
𝐾𝐿
When (or 𝐹𝑒
≤ 4.71√
𝐸 ≥ 0.44𝐹𝑦)
𝑟
𝐹𝑦
𝑭𝒚
𝑭𝒄𝒓 = [𝟎. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝑭𝒆 ] 𝑭𝒚
2. Long Column
When 𝐾𝐿
(or 𝐹𝑒
𝑟
> 4.71√
𝐸 < 0.44𝐹𝑦)
𝐹𝑦
𝑭𝒄𝒓 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟕𝟕𝑭𝒆
Where:
Fe = elastic critical buckling stress (Euler’s Formula)
𝝅𝟐𝑬
𝑭𝒆 = 𝟐
𝑲𝑳
(𝒓 )
4.4Compressive Strength of members with Slender Elements (NSCP 2015 Sec. 505.7)
This section applies to compression members with slender element sections, as defined in
Section 502.4.
The nominal compressive strength Pn shall be determined based on the limit state of
7|Page
flexural buckling.
𝑷𝒏 = 𝑭𝒄𝒓𝑨𝒈
Where:
Pn = nominal compressive strength, kN or lb
Fcr = flexural buckling stress, MPa or psi
Ag = gross sectional are, mm2 or in2
8|Page
9|Page
𝑓 may be taken equal to 𝐹𝑦. This will result in a slightly conservative estimate of column
capacity.
4.5 Sample Problems
1. Determine the axial compressive strength for the following cases based on the limit
states of flexural buckling using NSCP 2015 provisions (ASD & LRFD). Use Fy = 50 ksi,
E = 29,000 ksi
a. L = 15 ft
b. L = 20 ft
W10x33 Properties
d = 9.73 in A = 9.71 in2
bf = 7.96 in ry = 1.94 in
tf = 0.435 in rx = 4.19 in
tw = 0.290 in kdes= 0.935 in
10 | P a g e
11 | P a g e
2. A W14x90 steel column is used to carry an axial dead load of 600 kN, including self- weight,
and live load of 1900 kN. The column is 9m long and is pinned at the top and bottom in both
axes. Additional support has been added with lateral and torsional bracing about the y-axis
at midpoint. Determine the adequacy of the column section given. Use NSCP 2015 provisions
(ASD & LRFD)
Use Fy = 345 MPa
Properties of W14x90
d = 356 mm A = 17100 mm2
bf = 368 mm ry = 94.0 mm
tf = 18.0 mm rx = 156 mm
tw = 11.2 mm kdes= 33.3 mm
Lateral bracing at y-axis
12 | P a g e
3. Determine the compressive strength if an HP410x131 A992 steel will be used to design
a column having a length of 10m and is fixed at the bottom and pinned at the top. Fy
= 345 MPa, E = 200 GPa. NSCP 2015 provisions (ASD & LRFD)
Properties of HP410x131:
d = 389 mm A = 16,600 mm2
bf = 399 mm ry = 93.5 mm
tf = 13.7 mm rx = 167 mm
tw = 13.7 mm kdes= 43.7 mm
13 | P a g e
IV. REFERENCES
1. Steel Structures Design and Behaviour by Charles G. Salmon & John E. Johnson
2. Structural Steel Design 5th Ed. By Jack C. McCormac & Stephen F. Csernak
3. National Structural Code of the Philippines (Chapter 5: Steel Structures) 2015 (Buildings,
Towers & other Vertical Structures).
4. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) specifications.
14 | P a g e
