ENGR.

JEFRIE TAGUBA ALINDAYU, RMP, MSCE

Department Head, Civil Engineering & Architecture
School of Engineering, Architecture & Information Technology
jalindayu@smu.edu.ph
Columns
The most common type of compression member occurring in
buildings and bridges is the column, a vertical member
whose primary function is to support vertical loads. Columns
are defined as members that carry loads in compression.
Columns
Strong Axis vs Weak Axis

Eccentricity=0
cg

Strong/Major
Axis
Weak/Minor
Axis
NSCP 2015 PROVISIONS
Slenderness Ratio
The longer the column becomes with the same cross section, the greater the
tendency of buckling and will result for a smaller load it will carry.
Slenderness Ratio
The tendency of a column to buckle is measured by its slenderness ratio.

𝑘𝐿𝑢 𝐿𝑒
o Slenderness Ratio = = 𝑟
𝑟

𝐿𝑒 = effective length= 𝑘𝐿𝑢

𝐿𝑢 = unsupported length
𝑘 = effective length factor
𝑟 = least radius of gyration governs
𝐼
𝑟=
𝐴
*Highest Slenderness Ratio Governs
Effective Length Factor
Fixed- Pin- Pin- Free-
Fixed Fixed Pin Fixed

TABLE C-A-7.1
Approximate Values of Effective Length Factor, k
Compression Index

2𝜋2 𝐸
o Compression Index; 𝐶𝑐 = 𝐹𝑦

Note: For A36 Steel,

Fy = 36ksi = 248MPa
Fu = 400MPa
E = 200,000MPa

Fy = yield strength
Fu = ultimate strength
E = modulus of elasticity
NSCP 2001 ASD
𝐤𝐋𝐮
Case 1. If ≤ 𝐂𝐜 ; Short/Intermediate
𝐫
kLu
= (0-30) Short Column
r

kLu
= (30-100) Intermediate Column
r
𝑘𝐿𝑢 2
𝐹𝑦
Allowable Axial Compressive Stress (Fallowable); 𝐹𝑎 = 1 − 𝑟
2𝐶𝑐 2
∗
𝐹𝑆
𝑘𝐿𝑢 𝑘𝐿𝑢 3
5 3 1
where; 𝐹𝑆 = + 𝑟
− 𝑟
3 8 𝐶𝑐 8 𝐶𝑐

Allowable Axial Load (Pallowable); 𝑃𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝐹𝑎 ∗ 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

The Column is Safe if:

𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 ) ≤ 𝑃(𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒)
or
𝑓(𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 ) ≤ 𝑓(𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒)
NSCP 2001 ASD

𝐤𝐋𝐮
Case 2. If > 𝐂𝐜 ; Long Column
𝐫
kLu
= (100-200) Long Column
r

kLu
> 200 Not allowed by the Code
r

12𝜋2 𝐸
Allowable Axial Compressive Stress(Fallowable); 𝐹𝑎 = 𝑘𝐿𝑢 2
23
𝑟
Allowable Axial Load (Pallowable); 𝑃𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝐹𝑎 ∗ 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

The Column is Safe if:

𝑃(𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 ) ≤ 𝑃(𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒)
or
𝑓(𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 ) ≤ 𝑓(𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒)
Example
A W14 x 142 is used as a column having a length of 10 meters long carries an axial load of 3100kN.
It is hinged at the upper end and fixed at the lower end. Use A36 steel.
P=3,100kN
Properties of WF Column: 𝑊14 𝑥 142
Hinged/Pin
𝑑 = 374.65 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑥 = 160.53 𝑚𝑚
𝑏𝑓 = 393.70 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑦 = 100.84 𝑚𝑚
𝐴 = 26,967.69 𝑚𝑚2

L=10m

k=0.7
Fixed Effective Length Factor
Solution • Slenderness ratio
• A W14 x 142 is used as a column having a length kLu 0.7 10,000mm
Major Axis, = = 43.61
of 10 meters long carries an axial load of 3100kN. rx 160.53mm
It is hinged at the upper end and fixed at the kLu 0.7 10,000mm
lower end. Use A36 steel. Minor Axis, = = 𝟔𝟗. 𝟒𝟐 (Governs)
ry 100.84mm
Pactual= 3100kN
Lu= 10m= 10,000mm • Compression Index
k= 0.7 [Hinged-Fixed]
2π2 E 2π2 200,000 MPa
[A36] Fy=248MPa, Fu=400MPa Cc = =
Fy 248MPa
E=200,000MPa
𝐂𝐜 = 𝟏𝟐𝟔. 𝟏𝟕
rx= 160.53mm
𝑘𝐿𝑢
ry= 100.84mm 69.42 < 126.17 ≤ 𝐶𝑐 ; Short/Intermediate
𝑟

𝑘𝐿𝑢
69.42 = (30-100) Intermediate Column
𝑟
Solution
69.42 < 126.17
𝑘𝐿𝑢
≤ 𝐶𝑐 ; Short/Intermediate • Actual Axial Compressive Stress (factual);
𝑟

𝑘𝐿𝑢 P 3,100x103 N
= (30-100) Intermediate Column fa = =
69.42 𝑟 A 26,967.69 mm2

𝐟𝐚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟒. 𝟗𝟓𝐌𝐏𝐚
• Allowable Axial Compressive Stress (Fallowable);

kLu kLu 3
5 3 r 1 r
FS = + −
3 8 Cc 8 Cc
The Column is Safe if:
5 3 69.42 1 69.42 3 f actual ≤ f allowable
FS = + −
3 8 126.17 8 126.17
𝐟𝐚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟒. 𝟗𝟓𝐌𝐏𝐚 > 𝐅𝐚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟑. 𝟔𝟑𝐌𝐏𝐚
𝐅𝐒 = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟓 Therefore, Not Safe!

kLu 2
r Fy
Fa = 1 − ∗
2Cc2 FS

69.42 2 248
Fa = 1 − ∗
2 126.17 2 1.85

𝐅𝐚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟑. 𝟔𝟑𝐌𝐏𝐚
Solution
• Allowable Axial Compressive Load (Pallowable);
Pall = Fa ∗ Area

N
Pall = 113.63 ∗ 26,967.69 mm2
mm2

𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥 =3,064.37 kN

The Column is Safe if:

P actual ≤ P allowable

P𝐚𝐜𝐭 = 𝟑, 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐤𝐍 > 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝟑, 𝟎𝟔𝟒. 𝟑𝟕𝐤𝐍

Therefore, Not Safe!

ENGINEER: WHAT TO DO?

TO MAKE IT SAFE: TRY TO BRACED YOUR COLUMN

Example
A W14 x 142 is used as a column having a length of 10 meters
long carries an axial load of 3100kN. It is hinged at the upper end
and fixed at the lower end. Use A36 steel. The column is braced at
midspan with respect to the minor axis.
Hinged/Pin
Properties of WF Column: 𝑊14 𝑥 142 Hinged/Pin
𝑑 = 374.65 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑥 = 160.53 𝑚𝑚
𝑏𝑓 = 393.70 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑦 = 100.84 𝑚𝑚
2
𝐴 = 26,967.69 𝑚𝑚
k=1.0

Pin
k=0.7

k=0.7

Fixed
Fixed

WEAK-AXIS STRONG-AXIS
Solution
• Slenderness ratio
• A W14 x 142 is used as a column having a length of 10
meters long carries an axial load of 3100kN. It is hinged Major Axis,
kLu 0.7 10,000mm
= = 43.61
at the upper end and fixed at the lower end. Use A36 rx 160.53mm

steel. The column is braced at midspan with respect to

kLu 1.0 5,000mm
the minor axis. Minor Axis, = = 𝟒𝟗. 𝟓𝟖 (Governs)
ry 100.84mm
Pactual= 3100kN
kLu 0.7 5,000mm
Lu= 10m= 10,000mm Minor Axis, = = 34.71
ry 100.84mm
k= 0.7 [Hinged-Fixed]
k= 1.0 [Hinged-Hinged] • Compression Index
[A36] Fy=248MPa, Fu=400MPa
E=200,000MPa 2π2 E 2π2 200,000 MPa
Cc = =
Fy 248MPa
rx= 160.53mm
𝐂𝐜 = 𝟏𝟐𝟔. 𝟏𝟕
ry= 100.84mm
𝑘𝐿𝑢
49.58 < 126.17 ≤ 𝐶𝑐 ; Short/Intermediate
𝑟

𝑘𝐿𝑢
49.58 = (30-100) Intermediate Column
𝑟
Solution
𝑘𝐿𝑢
49.58 < 126.17 ≤ 𝐶𝑐 ; Short/Intermediate
𝑟 • Actual Axial Compressive Stress (factual);
𝑘𝐿𝑢
= (30-100) Intermediate Column P 3,100x103 N
49.58 𝑟 fa = =
A 26,967.69 mm2

• Allowable Axial Compressive Stress (Fallowable); 𝐟𝐚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟒. 𝟗𝟓𝐌𝐏𝐚

kLu kLu 3
5 3 r 1 r
FS = + −
3 8 Cc 8 Cc
The Column is Safe if:
5 3 49.58 1 49.58 3 f actual ≤ f allowable
FS = + −
3 8 126.17 8 126.17
𝐟𝐚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟒. 𝟗𝟓𝐌𝐏𝐚 < 𝐅𝐚 = 𝟏𝟐𝟔. 𝟔𝟖𝐌𝐏𝐚
𝐅𝐒 = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟏 Therefore, Safe!

kLu 2
r Fy
Fa = 1 − ∗
2Cc2 FS

49.58 2 248
Fa = 1 − ∗
2(126.17)2 1.81

𝐅𝐚 = 𝟏𝟐𝟔. 𝟔𝟖𝐌𝐏𝐚
Solution
• Allowable Axial Compressive Load (Pallowable);
Pall = Fa ∗ Area
N
Pall = 126.68 ∗ 26,967.69 mm2
mm2
𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥 =3,416.38 kN

The Column is Safe if:

P actual ≤ P allowable

P𝐚𝐜𝐭 = 𝟑, 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐤𝐍 <𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝟑, 𝟒𝟏𝟔. 𝟑𝟖𝐤𝐍

Therefore, Safe!
UNBRACED

P𝐚 = 𝟑, 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐍 > 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝟑, 𝟎𝟔𝟒. 𝟑𝟕 𝐤𝐍

Therefore, Not Safe!

BRACED

Pa= 𝟑, 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐍 < 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝟑, 𝟒𝟏𝟔. 𝟑𝟖 𝐤𝐍

Therefore, Safe!

CONCLUSION: BRACING THE COLUMN REDUCES THE

SLENDERNESS RATIO. THUS, IT LESSENS THE TENDENCY OF THE
COLUMN TO BUCKLING THAT WILL RESULT TO MORE LOADS IT
CAN CARRY.
NSCP 2015 PROVISIONS

Pn = Nominal Compressive Strength

Fcr = Flexural Buckling Stress

LRFD: Design Compressive Strength Ag = Gross Area

∅C = 0.90
𝐏𝐔 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎𝐏𝐍

ASD: Allowable Compressive Strength

ΩC = 1.67
P P
Pa = N = N
ΩC 1.67
𝑘𝐿
𝐏𝐚 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝐏𝐍 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜,
𝑟
𝑖𝑠 200.
Example
A W12 x 50 column has a length of 8m. Fy=345MPa. Use the theoretical values of the effective length factor.

Properties of W12x50
d = 310 mm
bf = 205 mm
tf = 16.3 mm
tw = 9.40 mm
rx = 132 mm
ry = 49.8 mm
A = 9,420 mm2
k = 29mm
Required:
1. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are fixed? Use LRFD
2. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are fixed? Use ASD
3. What is the axial capacity of the column if one end is fixed and the other is pin connected? Use LRFD
4. What is the axial capacity of the column if one end is fixed and the other is pin connected? Use ASD
5. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are pin connected? Use LRFD
6. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are pin connected? Use ASD
Solution
Step 1: Check if the elements of the section are non − slender. Flange (Unstiffened Element):
bf E
⪌ 0.56
2tf Fy
205
= 6.29
2(16.3)

(200,000 MPa)
0.56 = 13.48
345 MPa

6.29 < 13.48

∴ 𝐹𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑛 − 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟

Web (Stiffened Element):

h E
⪌ 1.49
tw Fy ∴ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑎𝑠
𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
h d−2k 310−2(29)
= = = 26.81
tw tw 9.40

Properties of W12x50 (200,000 MPa)

d = 310 mm
1.49 = 35.87
345 MPa
bf = 205 mm
tf = 16.3 mm 26.81 < 35.87
tw = 9.40 mm ∴ 𝑊𝑒𝑏 𝑖𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑛 − 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟
k = 29mm
 1. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are fixed? Use LRFD
2. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are fixed? Use ASD

• Flexural Buckling Stress

Fy
Fcr = 0.658Fe Fy

Fixed • Slenderness ratio

π2 (200,000)
Fe =
Major Axis,
kLu 0.5 8,000mm
= = 30.30 80.32 2
rx 132mm
𝐅𝐞 = 𝟑𝟎𝟓. 𝟗𝟔𝐌𝐏𝐚
k= 0.50 L=8m kLu 0.5 8,000mm
Minor Axis, = = 𝟖𝟎. 𝟑𝟐 (Governs) 345
ry 49.8mm Fcr = 0.658 305.96 345
E (200,000 MPa)
𝐅𝐜𝐫 = 𝟐𝟏𝟓. 𝟐𝟏𝐌𝐏𝐚
4.71 ; 4.71 = 113.40
Fy 345 MPa
Fixed

80.32 < 113.40

Properties of W12x50
∴ 𝐼𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐵𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔
rx = 132 mm
ry = 49.8 mm
 3. What is the axial capacity of the column if one end is fixed and the other is
pin connected? Use LRFD
4. What is the axial capacity of the column if one end is fixed and the other is
pin connected? Use ASD
Pn = 215.21N/mm2 (9,420mm2 )
𝐏𝐧 = 𝟐, 𝟎𝟐𝟕. 𝟐𝟑𝐤𝐍 Pin • Slenderness ratio
kLu 0.7 8,000mm
LRFD: Design Compressive Strength Major Axis, = = 42.42
rx 132mm
∅C = 0.90
PU = 0.90PN k= 0.70 L=8m kLu 0.7 8,000mm
PU = 0.90(2,027.23) Minor Axis, = = 112.45 (Governs)
ry 49.8mm

𝐏𝐔 = 𝟏, 𝟖𝟐𝟒. 𝟓𝟏𝐤𝐍
E (200,000 MPa)
4.71 ; 4.71 = 113.40
Fy 345 MPa
ASD: Allowable Shear Strength Fixed

ΩC = 1.67 112.45 < 113.40

P P
Pa = N = N ∴ 𝐼𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐵𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔
ΩC 1.67
2,027.23
Pa =
1.67
𝐏𝐚 = 𝟏, 𝟐𝟏𝟑. 𝟗𝟏𝐤𝐍
• Flexural Buckling Stress
Fy
Fcr = 0.658Fe Fy

Pn = 136.8N/mm2 (9,420mm2 )
𝐏𝐧 = 𝟏, 𝟐𝟖𝟖. 𝟔𝟓𝐤𝐍

LRFD: Design Compressive Strength

∅C = 0.90
π2 (200,000) PU = 0.90PN
Fe = PU = 0.90(1,288.65)
112.45 2
𝐅𝐞 = 𝟏𝟓𝟔. 𝟏𝟎𝐌𝐏𝐚 𝐏𝐔 = 𝟏, 𝟏𝟓𝟗. 𝟕𝟗𝐤𝐍

345
Fcr = 0.658 156.40 345 ASD: Allowable Compressive Strength
ΩC = 1.67
𝐅𝐜𝐫 = 𝟏𝟑𝟔. 𝟖𝐌𝐏𝐚 P P
Pa = N = N
ΩC 1.67
1,288.65
Pa =
1.67
𝐏𝐚 = 𝟕𝟕𝟏. 𝟔𝟓𝐤𝐍
5. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are pin connected?
Use LRFD
6. What is the axial capacity of the column if both ends are pin connected?
Use ASD Pin

k= 1.0 L=8m

π2 (200,000)
Fe =
160.64 2
Pin
• Slenderness ratio 𝐅𝐞 = 𝟕𝟔. 𝟒𝟗𝐌𝐏𝐚

kLu 1.0 8,000mm Fcr = 0.877(76.49)

Major Axis, = = 60.61
rx 132mm
𝐅𝐜𝐫 = 𝟔𝟕. 𝟎𝟖𝐌𝐏𝐚
kLu 1.0 8,000mm
Minor Axis, = = 160.64 (Governs)
ry 49.8mm

E (200,000 MPa)
4.71 ; 4.71 = 113.40
Fy 345 MPa

160.64 > 113.40

∴ 𝐸𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐵𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔
 Pn = 67.08N/mm2 (9,420mm2 )
𝐏𝐧 = 𝟔𝟑𝟏. 𝟗𝟐𝐤𝐍

LRFD: Design Compressive Strength

∅C = 0.90
PU = 0.90PN
PU = 0.90(631.92)
𝐏𝐔 = 𝟓𝟔𝟖. 𝟕𝟐𝐤𝐍

ASD: Allowable Compressive Strength

ΩC = 1.67
P P
Pa = N = N
ΩC 1.67
631.92
Pa =
1.67
𝐏𝐚 = 𝟑𝟕𝟖. 𝟑𝟗𝐤𝐍
 Fixed Pin
Pin

k= 0.5 k= 0.7 k= 1.0

Fixed Fixed Pin

LRFD: Design Compressive Strength 𝐏𝐔 = 𝟏, 𝟖𝟐𝟒. 𝟓𝟏𝐤𝐍 𝐏𝐔 = 𝟏, 𝟏𝟓𝟗. 𝟕𝟗𝐤𝐍 𝐏𝐔 = 𝟓𝟔𝟖. 𝟕𝟐𝐤𝐍

ASD: Allowable Compressive Strength 𝐏𝐚 = 𝟏, 𝟐𝟏𝟑. 𝟗𝟏𝐤𝐍 𝐏𝐚 = 𝟕𝟕𝟏. 𝟔𝟓𝐤𝐍 𝐏𝐚 = 𝟑𝟕𝟖. 𝟑𝟗𝐤𝐍
 Pin Connection Fixed Connection

Fixed Connection Fixed Connection

Fixed Connection