One end fixed and the other is free: Let ’a’ be the deflection at the top end.

a P
A

𝑃
x y (a-y) x = 𝑎
𝐸𝐼
L

P
 𝑃
∴ 0= C2 , ∴C2=0
𝐸𝐼
𝑃 𝑃
@x=L, y=a, a= -a cos (L ) +a , ∴ cos (L ) =0
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝑃 𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
∴L = , , 2 ---------- − 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑
𝐸𝐼 2 2 𝐿2

Considering the first practical value,

𝑃 𝜋
L =
𝐸𝐼 2
𝜋2 𝐸𝐼
P= 2 = Pcr
4𝐿
 Because of restraint t A and B , there will be a restraint moment Mo
𝑑2𝑦
At each end. ∴ 𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑀𝑜 − 𝑃𝑦
P 𝑑2𝑦
𝑑𝑥
𝐸𝐼 + 𝑃𝑦 = Mo
𝑑𝑥2
2
𝑑𝑦 𝑃 𝑀 𝑃 𝑀
A + 𝑦= 𝑜 = 𝑜
𝑑𝑥2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝑃
Mo The solution to the above equation is
𝑃 𝑃 𝑀
y=C1 cos(x )+C2 sin(x )+ 𝑜
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝑃
𝑑𝑦 𝑃 𝑃 𝑃 𝑃
y = −𝐶1 sin (x ) + C2 cos (x )
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
L x x 𝑑𝑦
At B, x=0, y=0 and =0
𝑑𝑥
𝑀𝑜
∴ 𝐶1 + = 0 ∴ C1= -Mo/P
x 𝑃
𝑃
C2 =0 ∴ 𝐶2 = 0
𝐸𝐼
B Mo
@ x=0, y=0
𝑃 𝑀𝑜
- Mo/P cos(L )+ =0
𝐸𝐼 𝑃
P
𝑀0 𝑃
∴ [1-cos(L )] =0
𝑃 𝐸𝐼
𝑃
1-cos(L )=0
𝐸𝐼
𝑃
cos(L )=1
𝐸𝐼
𝑃
L = 0,2π,4π,6π, ---------
𝐸𝐼
Considering the first practical value,
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
− 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑
𝑃
𝐿2
L =2π
𝐸𝐼
4π2 𝐸𝐼
P=Pcr= 𝐿2
 P
There will be a restraint moment Mb at the lower fixed end.
H A
The existence of the restraint moment therefore justifies
the need for a horizontal force also at the top end A without
which no bending moment can occur at B. Hence the hinge
at A must exert a horizontal force H at A.
X y X 𝑑2𝑦
EI𝑑𝑥2 = -Py + H(L-x)
x L 𝑑2𝑦
EI𝑑𝑥2 + Py = H(L-x)
𝑑2𝑦 𝑃 𝐻
+ y = (L-x)
𝑑𝑥2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
Mb The solution to the above equation is
𝑃 𝑃 𝐻
B y= C1cos(x ) + C2 sin(x ) + 𝑃 (l-x)
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
P
𝑑𝑦 𝑃 𝑃 𝑃 𝑃 𝐻
𝑑𝑥
= -C1 𝐸𝐼
sin(x 𝐸𝐼
)+ C2 𝐸𝐼
cos(x )-
𝐸𝐼 𝑃
𝐻 𝐻
@ x= 0, y=0, C1+ 𝑃 L=0, ∴ 𝐶1 = − 𝑃 L
𝑑𝑦 𝑃 𝐻 𝐻 𝐸𝐼
@x=0, 𝑑𝑥 =0, C2 -
𝐸𝐼 𝑃
=0, ∴ 𝐶2 = 𝑃 𝑃
 𝐻 𝑃 𝐻 𝐸𝐼 𝑃
@x=L, y=0, 0= - 𝑃 L cos (l ) +𝑃 sin (L ) on
𝐸𝐼 𝑃 𝐸𝐼
simplification
𝑃 𝑃
Tan (L ) = (L ), the solution to this equation is
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝑃
L = 4.5 radians
𝐸𝐼
20.25𝐸𝐼 2𝜋2 𝐸𝐼
P=Pcr= ≅
𝐿2 𝐿2

Where, ρ is slenderness ratio, σcr is called critical stress.

Effective length of a column:
The effective length of a given column with given end conditions is the length of an
equivalent column of the same material and section with hinged ends having the value of
the crippling load equal to that of the given column.

Actual length of column=L, Effective length =Leff

S.NO. End condition of column Crippling/buckling load Relation between

equivalent length and
actual length
1 Both ends hinged π2 𝐸𝐼 π2 𝐸𝐼
=
𝐿2 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓2 Leff=L

2 One end fixed other end π2 𝐸𝐼 π2 𝐸𝐼

= Leff=2L
free 4𝐿2 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓2

3 Both ends fixed 4π2 𝐸𝐼 π2 𝐸𝐼

= Leff=L/2
𝐿2 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 2
4 One fixed other end 2π2 𝐸𝐼 π2 𝐸𝐼
=𝐿 2
hinged 𝐿2 𝑒𝑓𝑓 Leff=L/ 2
Limitation of Euler’s formula:

Consider critical load for both ends hinged column

𝜋2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋2 𝐸𝐴𝑟 2
P= =
𝐿2 𝐿2
𝑃 𝜋2 𝐸
𝐴
= 𝐿
( 𝑟 )2
𝑃
That the stress at failure 𝐴 according to the formula will be high when the slenderness
ratio is small. But the stress at failure cannot be greater than the crushing stress for the
column material. Hence when the slenderness ratio is less than a certain limit, Euler’s
formula gives a value of crippling load even greater than the crushing load.

For instance, consider steel column. The crushing for mild steel Fc=330N/mm2, E=2.1*105
N/mm2.
𝜋2 𝐸
From Fc= 𝐿
(𝑟 )2
𝐿 2 π2 𝐸
(𝑟 ) = 𝐹 = π2*2.1*105/330=6280.65
𝑐
𝐿
Or 𝑟 = 79.25 say 80
Hence when the slenderness ration is less than this limit for steel columns, Euler’s
formula will not be valid.
Rankine's - Gordon’s Formula or Rankine’s Formula:
Rankine proposed an empirical formula for columns which cover all cases ranging from
very short to very long. He proposed the relation
1 1 1
= +
𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑐 𝑃𝑒
where, PC = ultimate load or crushing load for a short column,
π2 𝐸𝐼
Pe= 2 = Eulerian crippling load for the standard case
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓
1
For short columns, Pe is very large and hence 𝑃 is small in comparison to 1/Pc, thus making
𝑒
the crippling load Pr approximately equal to Pc.
For long columns, Pe is very large and hence 1/Pe is large as compared to 1/Pc, thus making
the crippling load Pr approximately equal to Pe.
Thus, the value Pr obtained from the above relation covers all cases ranging from short to
long columns.

1 1 1
= 𝑃 + 𝑃 hence the formula gives satisfactory for the extreme cases of long as well as
𝑃𝑟 𝑐 𝑒
short columns. Hence Rankine’s formula is taken valid for all lengths of columns.

1 1 1
= +
𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑐 𝑃𝑒
 1 𝑃𝑒 + 𝑃𝑐
=
𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑒𝑃𝑐
𝑃 𝑒𝑃 𝑐
Pr=
𝑃𝑒 +𝑃𝑐 𝐹 𝑐𝐴
Pr= 𝐿 2
1+α 𝐾
𝑃𝑐
Pr= 𝑃
1+𝑃𝑐
𝑒
𝐹𝑐𝐴
= 𝐹𝐴
1+ 2𝑐
π 𝐸𝐼
𝐿2
𝐹𝑐𝐴
= 𝐹 𝐿
1+ 2𝑐 𝐾 2
π 𝐸
𝐹𝑐𝐴 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
= 𝐿 2
= 𝐿 2
1+α 𝐾 1+α 𝐾
𝐿 2
The factor 1 + α has thus been introduced to take into account the buckling
𝐾
effects.
Rankine - Gordon's formula. Eccentrically loaded columns, Secant and Prof. Perry's
formulae.
The following table shows the values of Fc and α for different column materials

Material Fc -N/mm2 α

Wrought iron 250 1/9000

Cast iron 550 1/1600

Mild steel 320 1/7500

Strong timber 50 1/750

Example3: A straight length of steel bar, 1.5m long and 2cm x 0.5cm section, both ends
hinged is compressed longitudinally until it buckles. Assuming Euler’s formula, estimate the
maximum central deflection before the steel passes the yield point at 320MPa. Assume
E=210GPa.

Given: L=1.5m, d=0.02m, b=0.005m,

P
Pe=π2EI/L2

=π2*210*109*(0.02*0.0053/12)/(1.5)2= 191.9N

Mb=Pe*δ=191.9*δ
σc=191.9/(0.02*0.005)=
δ σb=M/I* y=191.9*δ*(0.005/2)/(0.02*0.0053/12)= 0.005m

Total stress= σc+σb=320*106 0.02m

δ= 0.1382m=138.2mm
P
Imin=0.02*0.0053/12
Example4: A built-up beam shown in fig. is simply supported at its ends. Compute its length,
given that when it is subjected to a load of 40kN/m, it deflects by 1cm. Find out the safe
load if this beam is used as column with both ends fixed. Assume factor of safety 4. E=210
GPa.
y
30cm y
Built up beam :
5cm
w=40kN/m, δ=1cm= 0.01m,E=210GPa=210*106 kN/m2
Bending takes place along x-x axis
Ix-x=2[.3*.053/12+.3*.05*(.5+.05/2)2]+.02*13/12=
[8.275*10-3+1.667*10-3]=9.942*10-3m4
2cm 100cm
x x Iy-y=2*(0.05*.33/12)+1*.023/12=2.256*10-4m4
Simply supported
δmax=5wl4/384EI
.01=5*40*l4/(384*210*106*9.942*10-3)

5cm l= 14.149m= 14.15m

30cm
y
 4π2 𝐸𝐼
Pcr= 𝑙2 = 4*π2*2.256*10-4*210*106/14.152= 9341.25 kN
Safe load = Critical load /factor of safety= 9341.25/4= 2335.3kN
Example 5: Determine the ratio of buckling strengths of two columns, one hollow and the
other solid. Both are made of the same material and have the same length, cross-sectional
area and end conditions. The internal diameters of hollow column is half of its external
diameter.

Solid Hollow

Ds Dh---external dia of hollow column

dhi=0.5Dh
As=πDs2/4
As=Ah Ah=π/4*(Dh2-0.52Dh2)
πDs2/4= 0.75πDh2/4 =πDh2/4(1-0.25)= 0.75πDh2/4
Ds2=3/4Dh2
Ds= 3 /2*Dh Pch= π2EIh/L2
Pcs=π2EIs/L2 Pcs/Pch= Is/Ih
=(πDs4/64)/ =(π(Dh4-dhi4)/64)
=Ds4/(1-0.54)*Dh4)= 1.067*( 3/2)4*Dh4/Dh4
=0.6
Pcs=0.6*Pch, hollow takes more load than the solid
Example6: A hollow cylindrical cast iron column is 4m long with both ends fixed. Determine
the minimum diameter of the column if it is to carry a safe load of 250kN with a factor of
safety 5. Take internal diameter as 0.8 times the external diameter. Take σc=550MPa and α
= 1/1600
125*104=550*0.09πD2/(1+(1/1600)*
Given: L=4m, both ends fixed
((4/2 )/0.32D))2
Safe load = 250kN, Factor of safety= 5
d=0.8D, σc=550 MPa=550N/mm2 D4-0.008038D2-0.000192397=0
α=1/1600 Solving, D2=185.925*10-4
D= 13.63*10-2 m=13.63cm =136.3mm
PcR=σc*A/(1+α(Leff/k)2) Internal diameter= 0.8*136.3=109.0mm

PcR= 250*5= 1250kN=125*104 N

A=π/4*[D2-0.82*D2]= πD2(0.36/4)= 0.09πD2
I= (π/64)*[(1-0.84)*D4]=0.009225πD4

𝐼
K= =(0.009225πD4/0.09πD2)(1/2) = 0.32D
𝐴
A short length of tube, of 4cm internal diameter and 5cm external diameter, failed in
compression at a load of 240kN. When a 2m length of the same tube was tested as strut
with fixed ends, the load at failure was 158kN. Assuming that Fc in Rankine's formula is
given by the first test, find the value of the constant α in the same formula. What will be the
crippling load of this tube if it is used as a strut 3m long with one end fixed and other
hinged?
𝐹𝑐𝐴
PRC= 𝐿 2
1+α 𝐾
Given: D= 5cm, d=4cm
A=(π/4)*(D2-d2)= =(π/4)*(0.052-0.042)= 7.07*10-4 m2
I= (π/64)*(D4-d4)= (π/64)*(0.054-0.044)= 1.8*10-7 m4
−
𝐼 1.8∗10 7
K= radius of gyration = = − = 0.016m
𝐴 7.07∗10 4
Fc= 240*103/7.07*10-4 = 339.46*106 N/m2=339.46MPa
𝐹𝑐𝐴
PRc= 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 2
1+α
𝑘
158*103=339.46*106*7.07*10-4/(1+α((2/2)/0.016)
α( 1/0.016) = (339.46*106*7.07*10-4/158*103)-1
α=1/7526
3
PRc =339.46*106*7.07*10-4/[(1+(1/7526)*( 2*1/0.016)2]= 71949 N
=71.95kN
 P
COLUMN SUBJECTED TO ECCENTRIC LOADING:

Rankine’s method: Consider a short column subjected an eccentric load P.

Let e be the eccentricity from the geometric axis. Let A be the sectional
area of the member.
𝑃 𝑃∗𝑒
∴ 𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 = 𝑝𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐴 + 𝐼 yc
𝑃 𝑃∗𝑒
= 𝐴 + 𝐴𝐾2yc
=P/A*[1+eyc/K2]
P= (pmax*A)/[1+eyc/K2]

Let f be the safe stress for the column material.

∴ 𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑦

P= (f*A)/[1+eyc/K2]
If the effect of buckling be also included, the safe eccentric load

𝑓𝐴
P=
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 2
(1+eyc/K2)(1+α )
𝐾2
Euler’s method: Column AB of length L subjected to an eccentric load P at an
P eccentricity.
a e Let y be the deflection at any section X distant x from the fixed end
B. Let a be the deflection at A.
e
A 𝑑2𝑦
EI𝑑𝑥2 = 𝑃 𝑎 + 𝑒 − 𝑦
𝑑2𝑦 𝑃 𝑃(𝑎+𝑒) 𝑃
2 + 𝑦 = = 𝑎+𝑒
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
x y (a-y) x The solution of the above equation is given by
L e 𝑃 𝑃
y=C1cosx + C2sinx + (a+e)
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝑑𝑦 𝑃 𝑃 𝑃 𝑃
= −𝐶1 sinx
+ C 2 𝐸𝐼cosx
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
B 𝑑𝑦
@B, x=0 and y=0, and 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝑃
P C1+(a+e)=0 and 0=C2 𝐸𝐼
∴ 𝐶2 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 C1=-(a+e)
@ x=L, y=a
𝑃
a= -(a+e) cos L 𝐸𝐼
+(a+e)
𝑃
a=(a+e)[1- cos L ]
𝐸𝐼
𝑃
(a+e)-(a+e) cos L =a
𝐸𝐼
 𝑃
a+e= e sec L 𝐸𝐼
The maximum bending moment for the column occurs at B and is equal to P*(a+e)

𝑃
Max. BM= M=P(a+e)= P*e sec L 𝐸𝐼
Hence the maximum compressive stress for the column section at B=
𝑃
𝑃 𝑃𝑒 sec 𝐿 𝐸𝐼
+
𝐴 𝑍

If both ends of the column had been hinged, the maximum bending moment
𝑃
M= Pe sec (Leff/2) 𝐸𝐼
Example 6A: A short length of the tube of 4cm internal diameter and 5cm external diameter,
failed in compression at a load of 240kN, when a 2m length of the same tube tested as a
strut with fixed ends., the load at failure was 158kN. Assuming that σc in Rankine’s formula
is given by the first test, find the value of the constant α in the same formula. What will be
the crippling load of this tube if it is used as a strut 3m long with one end fixed and other
end hinged?

D=5cm, d=4cm,
π(𝐷2−𝑑2)
A= 4 = (π/4)*(0.0524-0.042)= 2.25π*10-4 m2
I=(π/4)*(0.054-0.044)= 7.7656π*10-8m4
𝐼
K= = 0.016m
𝐴
σc=P/A= 240*103/ 2.25π*10-4 =339.53MPa
From the formula
σ𝑐∗𝐴
P= 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 2
1+α
𝐾
158*103= 339.53*106* 2.25π*10-4 /[1+α(1/0.016)2]
Gives α= 0.0001328=1/7530
Crippling load when used as a strut with 3m length with on end fixed and the other end
σ𝑐∗𝐴 -4
hinged. P= 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 2 = 339.53*106* 2.25π*10 /(1+(1/7530)*(3/ 2 ∗ 0.016
1+α 𝐾
= 71976.585 𝑁
Example7: A column of circular section made of cast iron 200 mm external diameter and 20
mm thick is used as a column 4m long. Both ends of the column are fixed. The column
carries a load of 150kN at an eccentricity of 25mm from the axis of the column. Find the
extreme stresses on the column section. Find also the maximum eccentricity in order there
may be no tension any where on the section. E=94GPa.
Given: D=200mm, d= 200-2*20= 160mm, L=4m, Fixed ends both, Leff=L/2=4/2=2m
P=150kN, e=25mm, E=0.94*105N/mm2
A=(π/4)(202-162) = 113.1cm2
I=(π/64)(204-164) = 4637 cm4

𝑃
M=Pe sec [Leff/2 ]
𝐸𝐼
[200/2* 150 ∗ 103/(0.94 ∗ 105 ∗ 102 ∗ 4637) = 0.186radians= 10.66o
Sec 10.66o= 1.018
M= 150*103*2.5*1.018= 381750 N-cm
Maximum compressive stress= p0+pb = (150*103/113.1)+ [M/I*y)= (150*103/113.1)+
381750*10/4637 = 2149.53 N/cm2

For no tension any where p0=pb , (150*103/113.1) = 150*103*e*1.018*10/4637

e= 4.028cm
Example8: A hollow circular column of length 5m, external diameter of 20cm and internal
diameter of 14 cm is fixed at both ends. It carries a load of 200 kN at an eccentricity of 1.5
cm from the axis of the column. Find the maximum stress developed. What should be the
limiting eccentricity if tension is not to develop? Take E=95GPa.
Prof. Perry’s formula: Is useful for cases where we have to determine the safe load that can
be applied on a column at a given eccentricity.
Leff=Effective length of the column
pmax=maximum permissible compressive stress
po= stress due to direct load=P/A
pb=maximum compressive stress due to bending moment = M/Z= Myc/AK2
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 𝑃
𝑃∗𝑒∗sec( 2 ) 𝐸𝐼
= *yc
𝐴𝐾2

𝑝𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑝 1.2∗𝑒∗𝑦𝑐
( - 1)(1-𝑝𝑜)=
𝑝0 𝑒 𝑘2

π2𝐸𝐼
Where pe= 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓2
 Example8: Fig. shows a compound stanchion made up of two channels ISJC 200 weighting
13.9 kg. perm per channel and two 250m x 10mm plates riveted one to each flange. If the
maximum permissible compressive stress is 80 N/mm2. find the, maximum eccentricity of
a 400kN load from the YY axis of the column. The load line lies in the vertical plane
through the XX axis. Take E=2*105N/mm2, the effective length of the column being 3m.
Properties of one channel are
y A=17.77 cm2, Ixx=1161.2cm4, Iyy= 84.2cm4,
10mm Distance of centroid from back of the
10mm
1.97cm
web=1.97cm
1.97cm
x 200mm x
100mm A=2*17.77+2*25*1= 85.54cm2

250mm
Bending is going to take about Y-Y axis, as the load is acting on the
x-axis at an eccentricity e.
y Iyy= 2[84.2+17.77*(5+1.97)2]+2(1*253/12)= 4492cm4
Direct stress po=400*103/85.54= 4676.17N/cm2
Given maximum compressive stress = 80N/mm2=8000N/cm2∴
3323.83𝑁
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 = 8000 − 4676.17 = 𝑐𝑚2
Maximum Bending moment= 3323.88*I/y= 3323.8*4492/(25/2)=
= 1194441 N-cm
𝑃
But M= Pe sec (Leff/2 ) = 1194441
𝐸𝐼
 E=2*105N/mm2=2*107N/cm2

𝑃 400∗103
(Leff/2 ) = (300/2) = 0.3165 radians
𝐸𝐼 2∗107∗4492
=18.13o

𝑃
P*e*sec (Leff/2 ) = 1194441
𝐸𝐼
400*103*e sec(18.13)= 1194441
e= 2.837cm is the required eccentricity
Example9: For the column given in the previous problem find the maximum load that can
be applied at an eccentricity of 20mm from the axis yy. The maximum permissible
compressive stress is limited to 80 N/mm2. Take E=2*105 N/mm2.

y Prof. Perry’s formula

𝑝 𝑝 1.2𝑒𝑦
10mm ( 𝑚𝑎𝑥 - 1)(1- 𝑜)= 2 𝑐
10mm 𝑝0 𝑝𝑒 𝑘
1.97cm 1.97cm

x 200mm x
100mm From the above problem
Imin=Iyy= 4492cm4
250mm A=85.54cm2
y Leff=3m
K2=Iyy/A= 4492/85.54= 52.51 cm2
π2 𝐸𝐼 π2 ∗2∗107∗4492
Pe= Eulerian load = = = 9852058 N
𝐿2 3002
∴ 𝑝𝑒 = 9852058/85.54= 115175 N/cm2
pmax=80N/mm2= 8000 N/cm2
Applying Prof. Perry's formula
8000 𝑝𝑜 1.2∗2∗12.5
( 𝑝 − 1)(1 − 115175 ) = 52.51 = 0.5713
𝑜
(8000-po)(115175-po)=0.5713*115175*po
po2 – 123175po-65799po+9214*105=0
po2-188974po+9214*105=0
 po2-188974po+9214*105=0

po= 5008N or 183965N

Smaller of the two 5008N is the safe load