COLUMNS
BUCKLING AND STABILITY
Definition:
A structural member, subjected to an axial compressive force,
is called a strut. A strut may be horizontal, inclined or even
vertical.
But a vertical strut, used in buildings or frames, is called a
column. Long columns fail by buckling. Short columns fail by
compressive stress.
This topic is focused on columns, that is, the analysis of vertical
prismatic members supporting axial compressive loads.
If its equilibrium is disturbed, this system will return to its
original equilibrium position as long as axial compressive
load (P) does not exceed a certain value Pcr, called the critical
load. This is a stable system.
However, if P > Pcr , the system moves away from its original
position and settles in a new position of equilibrium
(Buckling). This system is said to be unstable.
The stability of elastic columns considers a pin-ended column
subjected to a centric axial load (Compressive).
Euler’s formula for the critical load of the column is derived,
and the corresponding critical normal stress in the column is
determined.
Slenderness ratio, which is vital for column analysis is
discussed.
Applying a factor of safety to the critical load, we obtain the
allowable load that can be safely applied to a pin-ended column.
The analysis of the stability of columns with different end
conditions is considered by learning how to determine the
effective length of a column.
STABILITY OF STRUCTURES (COLUMNS)
Flexural rigidity
(EI)
Pinned-ended axially loaded column. Buckled pin-ended column.
Consider the design of a column AB of length L to support a
given axial load P. The column is pin-connected at both ends,
and P is a centric axial load (compressive).
Possibilities:
(a) If the cross-sectional area A is selected so that the value =
P/A of the stress on a transverse section is less than the
allowable stress all for the material used and the deformation
= PL/AE falls within the given specifications, we might
conclude that the column has been properly designed.
(b) However, it may happen that as the load is applied, the
column buckles. Instead of remaining straight, it suddenly
becomes sharply curved such as shown in right figure. Clearly, a
column that buckles under the load it is to support is not
properly designed. System is unstable
Euler’s Formula for Pin-Ended Columns - Critical Load:
Target:
For the pin ended column AB, target is to determine the critical
value of the load P, i.e., the value Pcr of the load for which the
straight position of the column ceases to be stable. If P > Pcr ,
the slightest misalignment or disturbance will cause the
column to buckle into a curved shape.
For this analysis, we consider the Free Body Diagram of a part
of the column and analyze the governing equation for the
deflection pattern in the buckled column.
Free-body diagrams of (a) buckled column and (b) portion AQ.
We denote by x the distance from end A of the column to a point
Q of its elastic curve and by y the deflection of that point.
Considering the equilibrium of the free body for the portion
AQ, the bending moment at Q is M = - Py. Substituting this
value for M in general bending equation
or
This equation is a linear, homogeneous differential equation of
the second order with constant coefficients.
Using notation w we get
(like SHM equation)
The general solution of this equation is
Constants A and B are evaluated from the boundary conditions
At x = 0 (end A), y = 0 B=0
At x = L (end B), y = 0
This is satisfied if either A = 0 or sin pL = 0
For A =0, y = 0 for all values of x Column is Straight
For sin pL = 0, pL = nor p = n/L Buckled column
Substituting this value of p in and solving for P
Smallest value of P (for n = 1) is called critical Load for buckling
for Pinned-Pinned ends
This expression is known as Euler’s formula
The stress corresponding to the critical load is the critical
stress cr. setting I = Ar2 , where A is the cross-sectional area
and r its radius of gyration gives
or
The quantity L/r is the slenderness ratio of the column. The
minimum value of the radius of gyration r should be used to
obtain the slenderness ratio and the critical stress.
Problem:
A 2-m-long pin-ended column with a square cross section is to be
made of wood (ref Figure). Assuming E = 13 GPa, all = 12 MPa,
and using a factor of safety of 2.5 to calculate Euler’s critical load
for buckling, determine the size of the cross section if the column
is to safely support (a) a 100-kN load, (b) a 200-kN load.
Solution :
a. For the 100-kN Load.
Factor of safety = 2.5,
Pcr = 2.5(100 kN) = 250 kN
L = 2 m, E = 13 GPa
Using Euler’s formula and solving for I
Noting that, for a square of side a, I = a4 /12
This gives a = 98.3 mm or 100 mm
For this, the value of the normal stress in the column is checked
Since is smaller than the allowable stress (12 MPa), a 100 mm
x 100-mm cross section is acceptable.
b. For the 200 kN Load:
Solving the equation for critical load again for I, but with Pcr =
2.5(200) = 500 kN we obtain
The corresponding value of the normal stress is
Since this is larger than the allowable stress, the dimension
obtained is not acceptable, and the cross section must be
selected on the basis of its resistance to compression.
A 130 mm x 130-mm cross section is acceptable.
