1

A. J. Clark School of Engineering Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Third Edition
CHAPTER
6a
Structural Steel Design
LRFD Method
ENCE 355 - Introduction to Structural Design
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
DESIGN OF AXIALLY
LOADED COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
Part II Structural Steel Design and Analysis
FALL 2002
By
Dr . Ibrahim. Assakkaf
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 1
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
The members that can be designed for
compression include:
Single shapes
W sections with cover plates
Built-up sections constructed with channels
Sections whose unbraced lengths in the x
and y directions.
Lacing and tie plates for built-up sections
with open sides.
2
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 2
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
The Design Process for Columns
It is to be noted that the design of columns
wit formulas involves a trial-and-error
process.
The design stress
c
F
cr
is not known until a
column size is selected and vice versa.
Once a trial section is assumed, the r value
for that section can be obtained and
substituted into the appropriate column
equation to determine its design stress.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 3
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
The Design Process for Columns
In the design of columns, the factored load
P
u
is computed for a particular column and
then divided by an assumed design stress
to give an estimated column area A, that is
cr c
u u
F
P P
A

= =
stress assumed
estimated
(1)
3
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 4
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
The Design Process for Columns
After an estimated column area is
determined, a trial section can be selected
with approximately that area.
The design stress for the selected section
can be computed and multiplied by the
cross sectional area of the section to
obtain the members design strength.
This design strength is compared with the
factored load P
u
. It must be equal or
greater than the load P
u
.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 5
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
General Notes on Column Design
The effective slenderness ratio (KL/r) for
the average column of 10 to 15 ft in length
will generally fall between 40 and 60.
A value for KL/r in this range can be
assumed and substituted into the
appropriate column equation.
Or instead of the column equation, tables
in LRFD manual can be consulted to give
the design strength for that particular KL/r
value. (KL/r ranges from 1 to 200 in LRFD)
4
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 6
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
Example 1
Using F
y
= 50 ksi, select the lightest W14
section available for the service column
loads P
D
= 130 k and P
L
= 210 k. Assume
KL = 10 ft.
( )
( ) ( ) k 492 210 6 . 1 130 2 . 1 6 . 1 2 . 1
130 2 . 1 2 . 1
= + = + =
= = =
L D u
D u
P P P
P P
50 Assume =
r
KL
Governs
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 7
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
Example 1 (contd)
2
required
in 90 . 13
4 . 35
492
ksi 35.4 Manual) of 16 (Part 3.50 Table form
= = =
=
cr c
u
cr c
F
P
A
F

( )
83 . 62
91 . 1
10 12
91 . 1
in 91 . 1 in, 85 . 5 , in 1 . 14 48 Try W14
2
=

=
=
= = =
y
y
y x
r
KL
r
r r A
ksi 31.85 on iterpolati by and
Manual) of 16 (Part 3.50 Table form
=
cr c
F
controls
5
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 8
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 9
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)
6
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 10
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
Example 1 (contd)
( ) ( )
( ) in 92 . 1 in, 89 . 5 , in 6 . 15 53 Try W14
larger W14 next try
k 492 k 449 1 . 14 85 . 31
2
= = =

< = = =
y x
g cr c n c
r r A
A F P
NG
ksi 31.95 on iterpolati by and
Manual) of 16 (Part 3.50 Table form
5 . 62
92 . 1
10 12
92 . 1
=
=

=
=
cr c
y
y
F
r
KL
r

controls
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 11
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Introduction
Example 1 (contd)
Checking width-thickness ratio for W14 53:
( ) ( ) k 492 k 498 6 . 15 95 . 31 < = = =
g cr c n c
A F P
OK

= = =
= =

in 370 . 0 in, 9 . 13 in, 25 . 1

in, 660 . 0 , in 8.060
53 W14
w
f f
t d k
t b
( )
49 . 13
50
10 29
56 . 0 56 . 0 11 . 6
660 . 0 2
060 . 8
2
3
=

= < = =
y f
f
F
E
t
b
OK
( )
88 . 35
50
10 29
49 . 1 49 . 1 81 . 30
370 . 0
25 . 1 2 9 . 13
3
=

= < =

=
y w
F
E
t
h
OK
7
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 12
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
The LRFD Manual can be used to
select various column sections from
tables without the need of using a trial-
and-error procedures.
These tables provide axial design
strengths
c
P
n
for various practical
effective lengths of the steel sections
commonly used as columns.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 13
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 4-25)
8
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 14
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
The values are given with respect to the
least radii of gyration for Ws and WTs
with 50 ksi steel.
Other grade steels are commonly used
for other types of sections as shown in
the Manual and listed there.
These include 35 ksi for steel pipe, 36
ksi for Ls, 42 ksi for round HSS
sections, and 46 ksi for square and
rectangular HSS sections.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 15
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
For most columns consisting of single
steel shapes, the effective slenderness
ratio with respect to the y axis (KL/r)
y
is
larger than the effective slenderness
ratio with respect to the x axis (KL/r)
x
.
As a result, the controlling or smaller
design stress is for the y axis.
Because of this, the LRFD tables
provide design strengths of columns
with respect to their y axis.
9
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 16
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 2
Using the LRFD column tables with their
given yield strengths:
a. Select the lightest W section available for
the loads, steel, and KL of Example 1.
Use F
y
= 50 ksi.
b. Select the lightest satisfactory standard
(S), extra strong (XS), and double extra
strong (XXS) pipe columns described in
part (a) of this example. Use F
y
= 35 ksi.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 17
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 2 (contd)
c. Select the lightest satisfactory rectangular
and square HSS sections for the situation
in part (a). Use F
y
= 46 ksi.
d. Select the lightest round HSS section for
part (a). Use F
y
= 42 ksi.
a. Enter LRFD tables with K
y
L
y
= 10 ft., P
u
=
492 k, and F
y
= 50 ksi.
10
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 18
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 2 (contd)
Lightest suitable section in each W series:
b. Pipe Columns:
( )
( )
( )
49 W10 USE Therefore,
k 520 49 10
k 559 53 12
k 498 53 14

=
=
=
n c
n c
n c
P W
P W
P W

( )
( ) 575k lb/ft 72.5 0.875 XXS8
k 549 lb/ft 65.5 0.500 XS12
available not :
=
=
S
controls
Page 4-26 of Manual
Lightest
Page 4-76 of Manual
Page 4-76 of Manual
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 19
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 2 (contd)
c. Rectangular and square HSS sections:
d. Round HSS section:
( )
( ) k 537 lb/ft 9 . 52
8
3
10 12 HSS
k 530 lb/ft 3 . 57
16
5
14 14 HSS
=
=
( ) k 500 lb/ft 3 . 52 312 . 0 16 HSS = Page 4-66 of Manual
Page 4-49 of Manual
Page 4-51 of Manual
11
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 20
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
How to handle the situation when
(KL/r)
x
is larger than (KL/r)
y
?
Two methods can be used:
Trial-and error method
Use of LRFD Tables
An axially loaded column is laterally
restrained in its weak direction as shown in
Figs. 1 and 2
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 21
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Figure 1 u
P
u
P
L
2
L
2
L
This brace must be a section which
Prevents lateral movement and twisting
Of the column.
A rod or bar is not satisfactory.
12
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 22
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Figure 2
2
L
y
y
x
x
Bracing
2
L
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 23
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
How to handle the situation when
(KL/r)
x
is larger than (KL/r)
y
?
Trial-and-error Procedure:
A trial section can be selected as described
previously.
Then the slenderness values (KL/r)
x
and (KL/r)
x
are computed.
Finally,
c
F
cr
is determined for the larger value
of (KL/r)
x
and (KL/r)
x
and multiplied by A
g
to
obtained
c
P
n
.
Then if necessary, another size can be tried,
and so on.
13
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 24
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
How to handle the situation when
(KL/r)
x
is larger than (KL/r)
y
?
It is assumed that K is the same in both
directions. Then, if equal strengths about
the x and y axis to be obtained, the
following relation must hold:
y
y
x
x
r
L
r
L
=
(2)
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 25
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
How to handle the situation when
(KL/r)
x
is larger than (KL/r)
y
?
For L
y
to be equivalent to L
x
, the following
relation would hold true:
If L
y
(r
x
/r
y
) is less than L
x
, then L
x
controls.
If L
y
(r
x
/r
y
) is greater than L
x
, then L
y
controls.
y
x
y x
r
r
L L =
(3)
14
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 26
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
How to handle the situation when (KL/r)
x
is
larger than (KL/r)
y
?
Use of LRFD Tables:
Based on the preceding information, the LRFD
Manual provides a method with which a section
can be selected from tables with little trial and error
when the unbraced lengths are different.
The designer enters the appropriate table with
K
y
L
y
, selects a shape, takes r
x
/r
y
value in the table
for that shape, and multiplies it by L
y
.
If the result is larger than K
x
L
x
, then K
y
L
y
controls and
the shape initially selected is the correct one.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 27
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
How to handle the situation when (KL/r)
x
is
larger than (KL/r)
y
?
Use of LRFD Tables (contd):
If the result of the multiplication is less than K
x
L
x
,
then K
x
L
x
controls and the designer will reenter the
tables with a larger K
y
L
y
equal to K
x
L
x
/(r
x
/r
y
) and
select the final section.
15
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 28
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 3
Select the lightest satisfactory W12 for the
following conditions: F
y
= 50 ksi, P
u
= 900 k,
K
x
L
x
= 26 ft, and K
y
L
y
= 13 ft.
a. By trial and error
b. Using LRFD tables
a. Using trial and error:
50 Assume =
r
KL
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 29
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 3 (contd)
2
L
y
y
x
x
Bracing
2
L
u
P
u
P
L
2
L
2
L
ft 26
1
= =
=
L KL
K
16
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 30
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 3 (contd)
( )
( ) k 900 k 850 6 . 25 2 . 33 ksi 2 . 33
81 . 50
07 . 3
13 12
58 99 . 57
38 . 5
26 12
in 07 . 3 in, 38 . 5 , in 6 . 25 87 Try W12
in 42 . 25
40 . 35
900
Manual) of 3.50 Table (from ksi 40 . 35
2
2
required
< = = =
=

= = =
= = =
=
n c cr c
y
x
y x
cr c
u
cr c
P F
r
KL
r
KL
r r A
F
P
A
F

A subsequent check of the next larger W section (W12 96) shows it will work.
Therefore, USE W12 96
NG
controls
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 31
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)
17
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 32
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 33
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
LRFD Design Tables
Example 3 (contd)
b. Using LRFD tables:
Enter tables with K
y
L
y
= 13 ft, F
y
= 50 ksi,
and P
u
= 900 k.
( )
k 935 96 W12 USE
86 . 14
75 . 1
26
/
with bles Reenter ta
controls. Therefore,
ft 75 . 22 75 . 1 13
/
Equivalent
on based with 75 . 1 87 Try W12
c
= =
= = =
< = = =

=
u n
y x
x x
y y
x x
x x
y x
x x
y y
y y n c
y
x
P P
r r
L K
L K
L K
L K
r r
L K
L K
L K P
r
r

OK
See P. 4-25 of Manual
18
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 34
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Built-up Columns
Compression members may be
constructed with more shapes built-up
into a single member.
They may consist of parts in contact
with each other, such as cover-plated
sections:
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 35
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Built-up Columns
Or they may consist of parts in near
contact with each other, such as pair of
angles:
These pairs of angles may be separated
by a small distance from each other
equal the thickness of the end
connection or gusset plates between
them.
19
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 36
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Built-up Columns
They may consist of parts that are
spread well apart, such as pairs of
channels:
Or four angles, and so on.
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 37
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Built-up Columns
Two-angle sections probably are the
most common type of built-up members.
They are frequently used as the
members of light trusses.
When a pair angles are used as a
compression member, they need to be
fastened together so they will act as a
unit.
Welds may be used at intervals or they
may be connected with bolts.
20
CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Slide No. 38
ENCE 355 Assakkaf
Built-up Columns
For long columns, it may be suitable to
use built-up sections where the parts of
the columns are spread out or widely
separated from each other.
These types of built-up columns are
commonly used for crane booms and
for compression members of various
kinds of towers.
The widely spaced parts of these types
must be carefully laced or tied together.