Structural Steel Design

CHAPTER

Third Edition

LRFD Method

DESIGN OF AXIALLY
LOADED COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
A. J. Clark School of Engineering Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Part II Structural Steel Design and Analysis

6a

FALL 2002

By

Dr . Ibrahim. Assakkaf

ENCE 355 - Introduction to Structural Design

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 1
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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.

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 2
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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 Fcr 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

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 3
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

The Design Process for Columns

In the design of columns, the factored load
Pu is computed for a particular column and
then divided by an assumed design stress
to give an estimated column area A, that is

Aestimated =

Pu
P
= u
assumed stress c Fcr

(1)

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 4
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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 Pu. It must be equal or
greater than the load Pu.

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 5
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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)

Slide No. 6

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 1
Using Fy = 50 ksi, select the lightest W14
section available for the service column
loads PD = 130 k and PL = 210 k. Assume
KL = 10 ft.

Pu = 1.2 PD = 1.2(130) =

Governs

Pu = 1.2 PD + 1.6 PL = 1.2(130) + 1.6(210) = 492 k

Assume

KL
= 50
r

Slide No. 7

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 1 (contd)
c Fcr form Table 3.50 (Part 16 of Manual) = 35.4 ksi
Arequired =

Pu
492
=
= 13.90 in 2
c Fcr 35.4

Try W14 48 A = 14.1 in 2 , rx = 5.85 in, ry = 1.91 in

ry = 1.91

controls

KL 12 10
=
= 62.83
ry
1.91

c Fcr form Table 3.50 (Part 16 of Manual)

and by iterpolation = 31.85 ksi

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 8
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Slide No. 9
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)

Slide No. 10

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 1 (contd)

c Pn = ( c Fcr )Ag = 31.85(14.1) = 449 k < 492 k

try next larger W14

Try W14 53 A = 15.6 in 2 , rx = 5.89 in, ry = 1.92 in

ry = 1.92

NG

controls

KL 12 10
=
= 62.5
ry
1.92
c Fcr form Table 3.50 (Part 16 of Manual)
and by iterpolation = 31.95 ksi

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Q

Slide No. 11
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 1 (contd)

c Pn = (c Fcr )Ag = 31.95(15.6 ) = 498 k < 492 k

OK

Checking width-thickness ratio for W14 53:

b f = 8.060 in , t f = 0.660 in,

W14 53

k
d
t
1
.
25
in,
13
.
9
in,
0
.
370
in
=
=
=
w

bf
2t f

E
8.060
29 103
= 6.11 < 0.56
= 0.56
= 13.49
Fy
2(0.660)
50

h 13.9 2(1.25)
E
29 103
=
= 30.81 < 1.49
= 1.49
= 35.88
tw
Fy
0.370
50

OK
OK

Slide No. 12

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

The LRFD Manual can be used to

select various column sections from
tables without the need of using a trialand-error procedures.
These tables provide axial design
strengths cPn for various practical
effective lengths of the steel sections
commonly used as columns.

Slide No. 13

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 4-25)

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

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

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 14
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Slide No. 15
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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.

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 16
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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 Fy = 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 Fy = 35 ksi.

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 17
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 2 (contd)
c. Select the lightest satisfactory rectangular
and square HSS sections for the situation
in part (a). Use Fy = 46 ksi.
d. Select the lightest round HSS section for
part (a). Use Fy = 42 ksi.
a. Enter LRFD tables with KyLy = 10 ft., Pu =
492 k, and Fy = 50 ksi.

Slide No. 18

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 2 (contd)
Lightest suitable section in each W series:

Lightest
Page 4-26 of Manual

W 14 53( c Pn = 498 k )
W 12 53( c Pn = 559 k )

W 10 49( c Pn = 520 k )

controls

Therefore, USE W10 49

b. Pipe Columns:
Page 4-76 of Manual
Page 4-76 of Manual

S : not available
XS12 0.500(65.5 lb/ft ) = 549 k

XXS8 0.875(72.5 lb/ft ) = 575k

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 19
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 2 (contd)
c. Rectangular and square HSS sections:

5
(57.3 lb/ft ) = 530 k
16
3
Page 4-51 of Manual
HSS 12 10 (52.9 lb/ft ) = 537 k
8
d. Round HSS section:
Page 4-49 of Manual

HSS 14 14

Page 4-66 of Manual

HSS 16 0.312(52.3 lb/ft ) = 500 k

10

Slide No. 20

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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

Slide No. 21

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Figure 1

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Pu

This brace must be a section which

Prevents lateral movement and twisting
Of the column.
A rod or bar is not satisfactory.

L
2
L
L
2

Pu

11

Slide No. 22

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Figure 2

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

x
L
2

L
2

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Bracing

Slide No. 23
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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 Fcr is determined for the larger value
of (KL/r)x and (KL/r)x and multiplied by Ag to
obtained c Pn.
Then if necessary, another size can be tried,
and so on.

12

Slide No. 24

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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:

Lx L y
=
rx
ry

(2)

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 25
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

How to handle the situation when

(KL/r)x is larger than (KL/r)y ?
For Ly to be equivalent to Lx, the following
relation would hold true:

Lx = Ly

rx
ry

(3)

If Ly (rx/ry) is less than Lx, then Lx controls.

If Ly (rx/ry) is greater than Lx, then Ly
controls.

13

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 26
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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
KyLy, selects a shape, takes rx/ry value in the table
for that shape, and multiplies it by Ly.
If the result is larger than KxLx, then KyLy controls and
the shape initially selected is the correct one.

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 27
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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 KxLx,
then KxLx controls and the designer will reenter the
tables with a larger KyLy equal to KxLx/(rx/ry) and
select the final section.

14

Slide No. 28

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 3
Select the lightest satisfactory W12 for the
following conditions: Fy = 50 ksi, Pu = 900 k,
KxLx = 26 ft, and KyLy = 13 ft.
a. By trial and error
b. Using LRFD tables
a. Using trial and error:
Assume

KL
= 50
r

Slide No. 29

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 3 (contd)
y

K =1
KL = L = 26 ft

Pu

L
2

x
L
2

L
2

L
L
2

Bracing
Pu

15

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Slide No. 30
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Q Example 3 (contd)
c Fcr = 35.40 ksi (from Table 3.50 of Manual)
Arequired =

Pu
900
=
= 25.42 in 2
c Fcr 35.40

Try W12 87(A = 25.6 in 2 , rx = 5.38 in, ry = 3.07 in )

KL 12 26
= 57.99 58

=
5.38
r x
KL 12 13
= 50.81
=

3.07
r y
c Fcr = 33.2 ksi

controls

c Pn = 33.2(25.6 ) = 850 k < 900 k

NG

A subsequent check of the next larger W section (W12 96) shows it will work.
Therefore, USE W12 96

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

Slide No. 31
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)

16

Slide No. 32

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

LRFD Manual Design Tables (P. 16.I-145)

Slide No. 33

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

LRFD Design Tables

Q

ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Example 3 (contd)
See P. 4-25 of Manual

b. Using LRFD tables:

Enter tables with KyLy = 13 ft, Fy = 50 ksi,
and Pu = 900 k.

r
Try W12 87 x = 1.75 with c Pn based on K y Ly

y
K L
Equivalent K y Ly = x x = 13(1.75) = 22.75 ft < K x Lx
rx / ry
Therefore, K x Lx controls.
Reenter tables with K y Ly =

K x Lx
26
=
= 14.86
rx / ry 1.75

USE W12 96 c Pn = Pu = 935 k

OK

17

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Built-up Columns
Q

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

Built-up Columns
Q

Slide No. 34
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Slide No. 35
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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.

18

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Built-up Columns
Q

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

Built-up Columns
Q

Slide No. 36
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

Slide No. 37
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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.

19

CHAPTER 6a. DESIGN OF AXIALLY LOADED COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Built-up Columns
Q

Slide No. 38
ENCE 355 Assakkaf

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.

20