E X A M P L E

13.1
P cr

A 7.2-m-long A-36 steel tube having the cross section shown in Fig. 139 is to be used as a pin-ended column. Determine the maximum allowable axial load the column can support so that it does not buckle.
Solution

Using Eq. 135 to obtain the critical load with Est 200 GPa, p2EI Pcr = L2 1 22 44 1 4 m/1000 4 (70)4)(1 (75) ) kip kN/m mm)4 [29110362 > in2]( ]A1 p [200(10 4 p132 - 44p12.752 B in = [24 ft12 in. > ft2m) ]2 2 (7.2 Ans. 228.2 kN This force creates an average compressive stress in the column of scr = 64.5(1000 kip N/kN) Pcr 228.2 kN = = 14.3 ksi N/mm2 100 MPa 100.2 2 22 2 A (70) ]] mm [[ p 1(75) 32 - p 12.75 2 in2 2
P cr Fig. 139

70 mm

7.2 m

75 mm

Since cr Y 250 MPa, application of Eulers equation is appropriate.

E X A M P L E

13.2

The A-36 steel W200 46 member shown in Fig. 1310 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.
Solution

x y x y 4m

From the table in Appendix B, the columns cross-sectional area and moments of inertia are A 5890 mm2, Ix 45.5 106 mm4, and Iy 15.3 106 mm4. By inspection, buckling will occur about the yy axis. Why? Applying Eq. 135, we have 4 4 22 63 2 2 4 [29110 kip> in ]137.1 2 )(1 m/1000 mm)4 p [200(10 )2 kN/m ](15.3(10 )in mm p2EI = = 512 kip Pcr = 1887.6 kN L2 [12 ft12 in.> ft(4 2]2 m)2 When fully loaded, the average compressive stress in the column is 512 kip kN (1000 N/kN) Pcr 1887.6 = = 56.1 ksi scr = 320.5 N/mm2 A 9.13 in2 5890mm2 Since this stress exceeds the yield stress (250 N/mm2), the load P is determined from simple compression: P P ; 36 ksi = 2 250 N/mm ; 2 9.13 in 5890mm2 P 1472.5 kN Ans.

Fig. 1310

In actual practice, a factor of safety would be placed on this loading.

E X A M P L E
P y

13.3
x

y x 4m

A W150 24 steel column is 8 m long and is fixed at its ends as shown in Fig. 1313a. Its load-carrying capacity is increased by bracing it about the yy (weak) axis using struts that are assumed to be pin-connected to its midheight. Determine the load it can support so that the column does not buckle nor the material exceed the yield stress. Take Est 200 GPa and Y 410 MPa.
Solution

4m

(a) Fig. 1313a

The buckling behavior of the column will be different about the x and y axes due to the bracing. The buckled shape for each of these cases is shown in Figs. 1313b and 1313c. From Fig. 1313b, the effective length for buckling about the xx axis is (KL)x 0.5(8 m) 4 m, and from Fig. 1313c, for buckling about the yy axis, (KL)y 0.7(8 m/2) 2.8 m. The moments of inertia for a W150 24 are determined from the table in Appendix B. We have Ix 13.4 106 mm4, Iy 1.83 106 mm4. Applying Eq. 1311, we have 1Pcr2x =
6 ksi]29.1 6 110 2 in p 2[29 [200(10 ) kN/m2]13.4(10 ) m4 = = 401.7 kip 1653.2 kN (1) 1KL22 1144 in.(4 22 m)2 x

p2EIx

4m

1Pcr2y =

6 ksi]9.32 6 p2[200(10 [2911032 in4 ) kN/m2]1.83(10 ) m4 = = 262.5 kip 460.8 kN (2) (2.8 1KL22 1100.8 in. 22 m)2 y

p2EIy

By comparison, buckling will occur about the yy axis. The area of the cross section is 3060 mm2, so the average compressive stress in the column will be
x x axis buckling (b) Fig. 1313b

scr =

262.5 kip 3) N Pcr 460.8(10 ksi 150.6 N/mm2 = = 59.3 A 3060 mm2 4.43 in2

Since this stress is less than the yield stress, buckling will occur before the material yields. Thus, Pcr 461 kN
2.8 m

Ans.

Note: From Eq. 1311 it can be seen that buckling will always occur about the column axis having the largest slenderness ratio, since a large slenderness ratio will give a small critical load. Thus, using the data for the radius of gyration from the table in Appendix B, we have 4 m(1000 mm/m) 144 in. KL b = = 56.2 60.4 r x 2.56 in. 66.2 mm 2.8 m(1000 mm/m) KL 100.8 in. a b = = 69.0 114.3 r y 1.46 in. 24.5 mm a Hence, yy axis buckling will occur, which is the same conclusion reached by comparing Eqs. 1 and 2.

y y axis buckling (c) Fig. 1313

E X A M P L E

13.4
z P

The aluminum column is fixed at its bottom and is braced at its top by cables so as to prevent movement at the top along the x axis, Fig. 1314a. If it is assumed to be fixed at its base, determine the largest allowable load P that can be applied. Use a factor of safety for buckling of F.S. = 3.0. Take Eal = 70 GPa, sY = 215 MPa, A = 7.5110-32 m2, Ix = 61.3110-62 m4, Iy = 23.2110-62 m4.
Solution

Buckling about the x and y axes is shown in Fig. 1314b and 1314c, respectively. Using Fig. 1312a, for xx axis buckling, K = 2, so 1KL2x =215 m2 = 10 m. Also, for yy axis buckling, K = 0.7, so 1KL2y =0.715 m2 = 3.5 m. Applying Eq. 1311, the critical loads for each case are p2[7011092 N> m2]161.3110-62 m42 p2EIx 1Pcr2x = = 1KL22 110 m22 x = 424 kN p2EIy p2[7011092 N> m2]123.2110-62 m42 1Pcr2y = = 1KL22 13.5 m22 y = 1.31 MN By comparison, as P is increased the column will buckle about the xx axis. The allowable load is therefore Pcr 424 kN Pallow = = = 141 kN Ans. F.S. 3.0 Since scr = Pcr 424 kN = = 56.5 MPa 6 215 MPa A 7.5110-32 m2

x 5m

(a) Fig. 1314a

Eulers equation can be applied.

Le = 10 m

Le = 3.5 m

x x axis buckling y y axis buckling (c) Fig. 1314c (b) Fig. 1314

E X A M P L E

13.5
The steel column shown in Fig. 1319 is assumed to be pin-connected at its top and base. Determine the allowable eccentric load P that can be applied. Also, what is the maximum deflection of the column due to this loading? Due to bracing, assume buckling does not occur about the y axis. Take Est 200(103) MPa, Y 250 MPa.
z P 25 mm 50 mm y 75 mm 75 mm x

4.5 m

Fig. 1319

Solution

Computing the necessary geometrical properties, we have Ix = 1 3 1 2 in. 216 in.23 mm) = 36 in. (50 mm)(150 414.06 106 mm4 12

A = 1 2 in. 216 in.2 = 12 in. (50 mm)(150 mm) 27500 mm4 rx =

36 in.4 106 mm4 14.06 = 1.732 in. 43.30 mm 2 B D12 in. 7500 mm2

25 mm e = 1 in. KL = 1(4.5 1115 ft 2112 in.> ft2 = 4500 180 in. mm)(1000) mm 180 in. KL 4500 mm = 104 = 104 rx 43.30 in. mm 1.732

Since the curves in Fig. 1318b have been established for Est 200(103) MPa, and Y 250 MPa, we can use them to determine the value of P>A and thus avoid a trial-and-error solution of the secant formula. Here KL> rx = 104. Using the curve defined by the eccentricity ratio ec/r2 (25 mm)(75 mm)/(43.30 mm)2 1, we get P 83 ksi MPa L 12 A P (83 MPa)(7500 mm2) 622 500 N 622.5 kN Ans.

P (MPa) A 300 250 200 0.5 1.0 100 1.5

ec = 0.1 r2 Eulers formula Eq. 136 ec = 0 r2

We can check this value by showing that it satisfies the secant formula, Eq. 1319: P P ec L = c 1 + 2 sec a bd A 2r A EA r

100 150 200 r A-36 structural steel Est = 200(103) MPa, Y = 250 MPa

KL

50

Fig. 1318

smax

144 kip3) N 180 in. 144 kip 3) N 4500 mm 622.5(10 622.5(10 250 36 c 1 +11 12(1) sec a bd sec 2 2 3 2 2 1 1.732 in. 2 A 3 2 2 12 in. 29 1 10 2 ksi 112 in. (2)43.3 mm D 200(10 ) N/mm 7500 mm 7500 mm2

)]

36 83[1 12[1 + sec(1.0586 sec 11.0570rad)] rad2] 250 ]2 250 36 83[1 1211 + sec60.65 sec 60.56 252.3 250 36 L 36.4 The maximum deflection occurs at the columns center, where max 250 MPa.Applying Eq. 1316, we have vmax = e c sec a P L b - 1d A EI 2

3 4500 mm )N 180 in. 144 kip 622.5(10 mm 1 b = 25 1 in. c secsec a 3 2 6 1d4 3 4 2 2 10 mm A 29 D1200(10 )1 N/mm 14.06 10 2 ksi 36 in 2

[ (

) ]

25 mm[see 1.0586 rad 1] 25 mm[see 60.65 1] 26.0 mm Ans.

E X A M P L E
z x P

13.6
The W200 59 A-36 steel column shown in Fig. 1320a is fixed at its base and braced at the top so that it is fixed from displacement, yet free to rotate about the yy axis. Also, it can sway to the side in the yz plane. Determine the maximum eccentric load the column can support before it either begins to buckle or the steel yields.
x 4m

200 mm y y

Solution

From the support conditions it is seen that about the yy axis the column behaves as if it were pinned at its top and fixed at the bottom and subjected to an axial load P, Fig. 1320b. About the xx axis the column is free at the top and fixed at the bottom, and it is subjected to both an axial load P and moment M P(200 mm), Fig. 1320c. y-y Axis Buckling. From Fig.1312d the effective length factor is Ky = 0.7, so (KL)y 0.7(4 m) 2.8 m 2800 mm. Using the table in Appendix B to determine Iy for the W200 59 section and applying Eq. 1311, we have 1Pcr2y =
2[2911032 2 in42 p ksi] 149.1 2 [200(103) N/mm ](20.4)(106) mm4) = = 1383 kip 1KL22 1100.8(2800 in.22 mm)2 y

(a) Fig.P 1320a

p2EIy

2.8 m 4m

5136247 N 5136 kN x-x Axis Yielding. From Fig. 1312b, Kx = 2, so (KL)x 2(4 m) 8 m 8000 mm. Again using the table in Appendix B to determine A 7580 mm2, c 210 mm/2 105 mm, and rx 89.9 mm, and applying the secant formula, we have sY = or 1KL2x Px Px ec c 1 + 2 sec a bd A 2rx A EA rx

(b)

y y axis buckling Fig. 1320b P M = P (200 mm)

200 105 Px 8000 Px 250 1 sec 7580 89.92 2(89.9) D 200(103) 7580

)]

4m

421.2 Px [1 + sec(1.143 2.979 sec 1 0.0700 1.895 106 Px[1= 2.598 103 2Px2] Solving for Px by trial and error, noting that the argument for sec is in radians, we get

(c)

x x axis buckling Fig. 1320

Px 419368 N 419.4 kN

Ans.

Since this value is less than (Pcr) 5136 kN, failure will occur about the xx axis. Also, 419.4 103 N/7580 mm2 55.3 MPa Y 250 MPa.

E X A M P L E

13.7
(MPa)

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 stressstrain diagram shown in Fig. 1322. If it is used as a pin-supported column, determine the critical load.
270

Solution

The radius of gyration is r = 1p> 421152 I = = 7.5 mm AA B p11522

4

pl = 150

and therefore the slenderness ratio is 11600 mm2 KL = 80 = r 7.5 mm Applying Eq. 1320 yields scr = 1KL> r22 p2Et = 18022 p2Et = 1.542110 - 32Et (1)
0.001 0.002 Fig. 1322

First we will assume that the critical stress is elastic. From Fig. 1322, E = Thus, Eq. 1 becomes scr = 1.542110 - 32[15011032] MPa = 231.3 MPa Since scr 7 spl = 150 MPa, inelastic buckling occurs. From the second line segment of the s - P diagram, Fig. 1322, we have Et = 270 MPa - 150 MPa s = = 120 GPa P 0.002 - 0.001 150 MPa = 150 GPa 0.001

Applying Eq. 1 yields scr = 1.542110 - 32[12011032] MPa = 185.1 MPa Since this value falls within the limits of 150 MPa and 270 MPa, it is indeed the critical stress. The critical load on the rod is therefore Pcr = scrA = 185.1 MPa[p10.015 m22] = 131 kN Ans.

E X A M P L E
P x y

13.8
y x

An A-36 steel W250 149 member is used as a pin-supported column, Fig. 1327. Using the AISC column design formulas, determine the largest load that it can safely support. Est 200(103) MPa, Y 250 MPa.
Solution

The following data for a W250 149 is taken from the table in Appendix B.
5m

A 19000 mm2

rx 117 mm

ry 67.4 mm

Since K = 1 for both x and y axis buckling, the slenderness ratio is largest if ry is used. Thus,
P Fig. 1327

1 116m)(1000 ft2112 in. > ft2 1(5 mm/m) KL = = 72.45 74.18 r 1(67.4 2.65 in. 2 mm) From Eq. 1322, we have a 2p2E KL b = r c B sY =

22 3 22 p [29 11032 ksi] (200)(10 ) MPa 36 ksi D 250 MPa B

= 126.1 125.66 Here 0 6 KL> r 6 1KL> r2c, so Eq. 1323 applies. c1 sallow = 21KL> r22 c 1KL> r22 d sY

515> 32 + [13> 821KL> r2>1KL> r2c] - [1KL> r23> 81KL> rc23]6

2 22> 21126.1 22]36MPa ksi 172.45 [1 [1 (74.18) /2(125.66)2]250 = 3 33]6 51 5> 32 + [(3/8)(74.18/125.66)] [13> 82172.45> 126.12] -[(74.18) [172.453 2/8(125.66) > 81126.12 ]} {(5/3)

MPa = 110.85 16.17 ksi The allowable load P on the column is therefore sallow = P ; A PP 16.17 kip > in.2 = 110.85 N/mm 2 2 19000 mm 29.4 in. P 2106150 N 2106 kN Ans.

E X A M P L E

13.9

The steel rod in Fig. 1328 is to be used to support an axial load of 80 kN. If Est 210(103) MPa and Y 360 MPa, determine the smallest diameter of the rod as allowed by the AISC specification. The rod is fixed at both ends.
d 80 kN 5000 mm Fig. 1328 80 kN

Solution

For a circular cross section the radius of gyration becomes r = I d 11> 42p1d> 224 = = 2 AA 4 B 11> 42pd

Applying Eq. 1322, we have a

2 3 2p 2 [210(10 MPa] KL 2p2E 2 [29 11032 ) ksi] 107.3 b = = = 107.0 D r c B sY 50 ksi 360 MPa B

Since the rods radius of gyration is unknown, KL>r is unknown, and therefore a choice must be made as to whether Eq. 1321 or Eq. 1323 applies. We will consider Eq. 1321. For a fixed-end column K = 0.5, so sallow = 12p2E 231KL> r22

2 2 3 3 12 p [29110 2 kip> 2 in 18 3 kip 12 [210(10 ) N/mm ] 2] 80(10 )N = 2 22 11> 4 2p 23[0.5 115 ft21 12 in.d > ft 21d > 42]2 23[0.5(5000 mm)/( /4)] (1/4) dd

101.86 103 22.92 22 = 1.152 dd 0.0108 mm d2 d2 mm d = 55.42 2.11 in. Use d 56 mm For this design, we must check the slenderness-ratio limits; i.e., 0.511521122 KL 0.5(5)(1000) 160 = = 179 r 12.25 > 42 (56/4) Ans.

Since 107.3 179 200, use of Eq. 1321 is appropriate.

E X A M P L E
60 kN b 2b

13.10
A bar having a length of 750 mm is used to support an axial compressive load of 60 kN, Fig. 1329. It is pin supported at its ends and made from a 2014-T6 aluminum alloy. Determine the dimensions of its crosssectional area if its width is to be twice its thickness.
y

Solution

750 mm

Since KL 750 mm is the same for both xx and yy axis buckling, the largest slenderness ratio is determined using the smallest radius of gyration, i.e., using Imin = Iy: 1(750) 1 1302 KL KL 103.9 2598.1 = = = ry 3 b b 2Iy> A 21(1/12)2 1> 1222b > [2 b b 2] b1 (b b23 )/[2 b (1 b )] (1)

Here we must apply Eq. 1324, 1325, or 1326. Since we do not as yet know the slenderness ratio, we will begin by using Eq. 1324. P N/mm2 = 195 28 ksi A 123kip 60(10 )N = 195 N/mm 28 kip > in2 2 2( bb 1) b2 2b b = 0.463 12.40 in. mm Checking the slenderness ratio, we have 2598.1 KL 103.9 = 224.5 7 12 = 209.5 12 r 0.463 12.40 Try Eq. 1326, which is valid for KL> r 55: 378125 MPa 54 000 ksi P = A 1KL > r/2 (KL r2 )2 378125 60(10 123) 54 000 = 2 b b (2598.1/ )2 1 103.9> bb 22 2 b (1 b )2 b = 27.05 1.05 in. mm From Eq. 1, 2598.1 103.9 KL = 99.3 7 55 = 96.0 55 OK OK r 1.05 27.05 Note: It would be satisfactory to choose the cross section with dimensions 27 mm by 54 mm. Ans.

60 kN Fig. 1329

E X A M P L E

13.11

A board having cross-sectional dimensions of 150 mm by 40 mm is used to support an axial load of 20 kN, Fig. 1330. If the board is assumed to be pin supported at its top and bottom, determine its greatest allowable length L as specified by the NFPA.
20 kN 40 mm 150 mm

y x

20 kN Fig. 1330

Solution

By inspection, the board will buckle about the y axis. In the NFPA equations, d = 1.5 in. Assuming that Eq. 1329 applies, we have 3718 MPa 540 ksi P = A (KL d )22 1KL >/ d 2
3 5 kip 20(10 )N 3718 N/mm 540 ksi 2 = 15.5 in.211.5mm) in.2 (150 mm)(40 11 L/40 > 1.5mm) in.222 (1

L = 1336 44.8 in. mm Here 1144.8 in. 2 (1)1336 mm KL = = 29.8 33.4 d 1.5 in. 40 mm

Ans.

Since 26 6 KL> d 50, the solution is valid.

E X A M P L E

13.12
The column in Fig. 1332 is made of aluminum alloy 2014-T6 and is used to support an eccentric load P. Determine the magnitude of P that can be supported if the column is fixed at its base and free at its top. Use Eq. 1330. P
40 mm 40 mm 40 mm 20 mm

1600 mm

Solution

Fig. 1332

From Fig. 1312b, K = 2. The largest slenderness ratio for the column is therefore 2(1600 mm) 21 80 in.2 KL = = 277.1 277.1 r 3[12 in.24 in.] 2[ 11> 12214 mm)(40 in.212 in. 23]> 1 [(1/12)(80 mm) ]/[(40 mm)80 mm] By inspection, Eq. 1326 must be used 1277.1 7 552. Thus, 54 000 ksi ksi MPa 378125 MPa 54 000 378125 = = 0.703 sallow = ksi 4.92 MPa 22 1KL > r/2 1277.1 22 2 (KL r) (277.1) The actual maximum compressive stress in the column is determined from the combination of axial load and bending. We have smax = 1Pe2c P + A I P11 in. 212mm)(40 in.2 PP P(20 mm) + = 3 40 mm(80 2 in. 14 in.2 mm) (1/12)(40 mm)3 11> 12 212 in.214mm)(80 in.2

0.00078125 P = 0.3125 P Assuming that this stress is uniform over the cross section, instead of just at the outer boundary, we require sallow = smax; 4.92 0.00078125P P 6297.6 N 6.30 kN Ans.

E X A M P L E

13.13
P 750 mm

The A-36 steel W150 30 column in Fig. 1333 is pin connected at its ends and is subjected to the eccentric load P. Determine the maximum allowable value of P using the interaction method if the allowable bending stress is (b)allow 160 MPa. E 200 GPa, Y 250 MPa.
Solution
x

Here K = 1. The necessary geometric properties for the W150 30 are taken from the table in Appendix B. A 3790 mm2 Ix 17.1 106 mm4 ry 38.2 mm d 157 mm
4m

We will consider ry because this will lead to the largest value of the slenderness ratio. Also, Ix is needed since bending occurs about the x axis (c 157 mm/2 78.5 mm). To determine the allowable compressive stress, we have 1(4 mm/m) 1 115m)(1000 ft112 in.> ft2 KL 104.71 = 120 = 38.2 mm r 1.50 in. Since a 2 110 2 ksi] 2p [29 (200)(10 ) MPa 2p E KL 125.66 = = 126.1 b = r c B sY 250 MPa D C 36 ksi
2 2 2 3 3

M = P(750 mm) P Fig. 1333

then KL> r 6 1KL> r2c and so Eq. 1323 must be used. sallow = [15> 32 + [13> 821KL> r2>1KL> r2c] - [1KL> r23> 81KL> r2c3]] [1 - 1KL> r22> 21KL> r2c2]sY

1/ 126.1 22]36 2ksi [1 12022> 22 [1 1 (104.71) 2(125.66) ] 250 MPa = 3 3 3 {(5 /2 3)+ [(3 /21 8)(104.71) /(125.66)] [(104.71) /2 8(125.66) ]} [1 5> 3 [1 3> 8 1202>1126.1 2] - [1120 23> 81126.1 ]] = 85.59 10.28 ksi MPa Applying the interaction Eq. 1331 yields sb sa + 1 1sa2allow 1sb2allow 22 130 in. 213.10 in. 2>141.4 in42 6) mm4 P> 5.87 in. P/3790 mm P(750 mm)(157 mm/2) /17.1(10 2 + = 1 1 10.28 ksi 22160 ksi N/mm2 85.59 N/mm P = 8.43 kip 40.65 kN Ans.

Checking the application of the interaction method for the steel section, we require
3 5.87 in.2 8.43 kip>1 sa 40.65(10 ) N/(3790 mm2) = = 0.140 0.15 0.15 OK OK 60.125 1sa2allow 10.28 kip>N/mm in2 2 85.59

E X A M P L E

13.14
The timber column in Fig. 1334 is made from two boards nailed together so that the cross section has the dimensions shown. If the column is fixed at its base and free at its top, use Eq. 1330 to determine the eccentric load P that can be supported.
P 60 mm 60 mm 20 mm 60 mm x y

1200 mm

Fig. 1334

Solution

From Fig. 1312b, K = 2. Here we must calculate KL>d to determine which equation from Eqs. 1327 through 1329 should be used. Since sallow is determined using the largest slenderness ratio, we choose d 60 mm. This is done to make this ratio as large as possible, and thereby yields the lowest possible allowable axial stress. This is done even though bending due to P is about the x axis. We have 2 160 in.mm) 2 2(1200 KL = = 40 40 d 3 in. 60 mm The allowable axial stress is determined using Eq. 1329 since 26 6 KL> d 6 50. Thus, 540 ksi ksi 3718 MPa 540 3718 MPa sallow = = = 0.3375 ksi MPa 2.324 2 1( KL >/d 140 22 2 KL d2 )2 (40) Applying Eq. 1330 with sallow = smax, we have P Mc sallow = + A I P 1 4 in. 21 3 in. 2 P(80 mm)(60 mm) P P 2 2.324 N/mm + 0.3375 ksi = 3 in. 16 in.2 mm) (1/12)(600 mm)(120 mm)3 60 mm(120 11> 1221 3 in.216 in. 23 P 3.35 kN Ans.