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COLUMNS

Compression members where buckling is the most likely mode of failure Known as
COLUMNS.
Alternatively we can define that a structural member which is predominately subjected
to axial compressive loading is called Column.
There are many different names given to columns in industry, as well as in common
language. These include:
o Struts
o Posts
o Stanchions
o Pillars
One may normally think of a column to be an upright, vertical member, but in fact,
columns can also be mounted horizontally or even obliquely.
obliquely The important feature of a
column is that it bears compressive loads.
The failure mode of column is called BUCKLING,
BUCKLING, a common term for the condition of
elastic instability when the load on an initially straight column causes it to bend
significantly. If the load is increased a small amount from the buckling load, the column
would collapse suddenly and it is a very dangerous.

Classification (Types) of Columns:


Columns are classified according to the way they fail under sufficiently high loading.
(The definition of failure varies as described below).
o SHORT (or Squat)
Squat columns fail by direct crushing (brittle materials) or
Yielding (ductile materials) if large enough loads are applied. Deformation is
permanent.
o LONG (or Slender
Slender)
Slender columns fail by a phenomenon known as Elastic Buckling.
Buckling
If sufficiently large load is applied, the column will bend (or buckle) about the axis
of LEAST strength. When load is removed the column will straighten, without
permanent deformation.
o INTERMEDIATE (or Thick)
Thick columns fail by a combination of yielding &
bending, known as PLASTIC BUCKLING,
BUCKLING when large enough loads are applied.
The column will buckle about the axis of LEAST strength, but when load is
removed it remains permanently deformed.
The force at which failure of the column starts to occur is known as the CRITICAL
LOAD, FCR.

Document: COLUMNS.doc
Author: Vettri Chinnadurai
Save Date: 18/08/2010
Page 1 of 5

EFFECTIVE LENGTH:LENGTH:- (Le)


It means the length of the column experienced the buckling
in the actual length the column. It is denoted as Le
The effective length of column will vary according to the conditions of its ends, either
pinned, fixed or free end. The schematic representation of its end is shown below.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Both the ends hinged or pin jointed as shown in Fig. (a),


Both the ends fixed as shown in Fig. (b),
One end is fixed and the other hinged in Fig.(c), and
One end is fixed and the other free in Fig. (d ).

The formula for finding out the Effective length is

Le = k . L,
Where k- End fixity factor
which is Pinned-pinned =1
Fixed-Fixed = 0.7
Fixed Free ends = 2
One end fixed- other end pinned =0.85
And L
L is the original length of column in m

How do we know if a column is SHORT, INTERMEDIATE or LONG?


We can predict the type of failure that a column may undergo, and hence the type of
column by firstly evaluating an important parameter known as SLENDERNESS RATIO
SLENDERNESS RATIO :- A column has been described as a relatively long, slender
member loaded in compressions. This description is stated in relative terms and is not
very useful for analysis.
The measure of the slenderness of a column must take into
account the length, the cross sectional shape and dimensions of the column and the
manner of attaching the ends of the column to the structures that supply loads and
reactions to the column. The commonly used measures of slenderness is Slenderness
ratio (S.R) which is defined as

Document: COLUMNS.doc
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Le
,Where Le = is the Effective length of the column in " m" and K is the radius of gyrationin " m"
K
I
formula forRadiusof gyration =
here" I " = is moment of inertia in " m 4 "
A
and " A" is cross sec tional area of column in " m 2 "
S.R =

When the column is considered long or short?


The answer to this question requires the determination of the transition Slenderness
ratio, or Called Column constant denoted as Cc . Also note that, in some book they may
call the column constant as Limiting of slenderness ratio.
ratio.
The formula for finding out the Column constant Cc is

Cc =

Where, " E" is the young ' s mod ulas of material in " N / m 2 "

and y = yield strength of material or stress in N / m 2


The following rules applied in order to determine whether the column is long or short
L
1. If the actual Effective slenderness ratio (S.R) that is e greater than column
K
constant(C
(Cc ), then the column should be treated as Long and the formula for to
finding out the crippling load is Eulers Formula which will be detailed below.
L
2. If the actual Effective slenderness ratio (S.R) that is e less than column constant
K
(Cc ) then the column should be treated as Short and the formula for to finding out
the crippling load is Johnston Formula which will be detailed below.
Eulers Formula:Formula:For long columns having an effective Slenderness ratio is greater than the column
constant, the Euler formula can be used to predict the critical load at which the column

FCr =

2 E A
2

Where " Le " is effective length of column, " K " is Radius of gyration,

Le

k
" A" is cross sec tional area, FCR is Crippiling load in Newton,
and " E" isYoungs mod ulas of material

would be expected to buckle. The formula is


For column Critical stress =

FCR
A
Document: COLUMNS.doc
Author: Vettri Chinnadurai
Save Date: 18/08/2010
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Johnston Formula:Formula:The theory of thick columns is complex and most formulas have been derived
experimentally. There are many in use and design codes and standards usually specify
the formulas applicable for the particular materials of construction.
The general applicable formula for thick or short columns are recommended is
J.B. Johnson formula

The J.B.Johnson formula for short columns is

Le
y
K
FCr = A y 1

4 2 E

Where " Le " is effective length of column in m, " K " is Radius of gyration in m,

" A" is cross sec tional area m 2 , FCR is Crippiling load in Newton,
and " E" is Youngs mod ulas of material N / m 2 and y is the yield Stress of material
Methods of Analysing the Column
Columns
olumns
To start, it is assumed that the following factors are known,
1. The actual length of the column L
2. The manner of connecting the column to its supports
3. The shape of the cross sections of the column and its dimensions.
4. The material from which the column is made
Then the procedure is
1. Determine the end fixity factor k by comparing the manner of connection of the
column to its supports with the information given in end connection detail.
2. Compute the effective length of the column using Le = k . L,
I
3. Compute the minimum value of Radius of Gyration K =
A
L
4. Compute the maximum slenderness ratio from S.R = e
K
5. Using Modulus of elasticity E and sy yield strength of material, Compute the
value of Column constant Cc using
formula of
2

Cc =

y
Document: COLUMNS.doc
Author: Vettri Chinnadurai
Save Date: 18/08/2010
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6. Compare the value of column constant

Cc

and slenderness ratio (S.R)

If S.R > Cc , Then use the Eulers formula which is

FCr =

If S.R < Cc , Then use the Eulers formula which is

2 E A
Le

k

Le

y
K
FCr = A y 1

4 2 E

7. Find out the Crippling load of the column using either


Eulers or J.B. Johnson formula.
8. If the factor of safety is specified(N) , then the Allowable load on column is =

FCr
N

Problem 1 ::An alloy steel rod diameter 45 mm and length is 1100 mm is used as a compression
member in a machine. The yield stress of the material is 480MPa. The ends of rod
are pinned. Determine
1. Slenderness ratio
2. limiting slenderness ratio ( column Constant)
3. Which formula should be used for determining the critical load
4. Critical load
5. maximum safe load if factor of safety is 4
6. Compressive stress when the load is equal to the maximum safe load.
Problem 2 ::Determine the critical load on a steel column having a square cross section 12 mm on
a side with a length of 300mm. the column is to be made of AISI 1040, hot rolled.
It will be rigidly welded to a firm support at one end and connected by a pin joint at
the other end. Also compute the allowable load on the column for a design factor of
safety is 3.
Problem no 3
A T-section 150 mm 120 mm 20 mm is used as a strut of 4 m
long hinged at both ends. Calculate the crippling load, if Youngs
2

modulus for the material of the section is 200 kN/mm . and take I
value for this T-section is 5.7 *106 mm4 and yield stress is 480MPa

Document: COLUMNS.doc
Author: Vettri Chinnadurai
Save Date: 18/08/2010
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