Chapter 10

Introduction to buckling

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 STRUT:
A structural member subjected to axial compressive
force is called strut.

Strut may be vertical, horizontal or inclined.

 The cross – sectional dimensions of strut are small.

 Normally, struts carry smaller compressive loads.

 Struts are used in roof truss and bridge trusses

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 COLUMN:
 When strut is vertical it is known as column.
The cross – sectional dimensions of column are
large.
 Normally, columns carry heavy compressive
loads.
 Columns are used in concrete and steel
buildings.
Columns, pillars and stanchions are vertical
members used in building frames.

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Classification of Columns
• Depending upon the length to
diameter ratio or slenderness ratio,
column can be classified as:

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 Classification of Columns
•
Column

Short Medium Long

column column Column

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 Short Column
If height of column is less than 8 times its least
lateral dimension .
If slenderness ratio of column is less than 32

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 Medium Column
• If length is varying from 8 times to 30 times of
the least lateral dimension
• If slenderness ratio lies between 32 to 120

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 Long Column
• If length is more than 30 times least lateral
dimension
• If slenderness ratio more than 120

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 Failure of column
• The failure of column takes place due to
anyone of the following stresses set up in the
column
1) Direct compressive stresses
2) Buckling Stresses
3) Combined direct compressive and buckling
stresses

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 Failure in
column

Short Medium Long

Column Column Column

fails by crushing fails by

(compressive combined fails by buckling
yielding) of the buckling and or bending
material. crushing.

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 Buckling
• When a slender member is subjected to an
axial compressive load, it may fail by a
condition called buckling.

• Buckling is a geometric instability in which the lateral

displacement of the axial
member can suddenly become very large .

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 Buckling load
 The minimum axial load at which the column
tends to have lateral displacement & buckle is
called the buckling, crippling or critical load.
 Buckling of column depends upon the
following factors-
1. Amount of load
2. Length of column
3. End condition of column
4. C/s dimensions of column
5. Material of column

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 Safe load
 It is the load under which the column will not
buckle.

Safe load = Buckling load/Factor of safety

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 Radius of Gyration(k)
Radius of Gyration(k) , k = √(I/A)
• or I = AK²

Where,
K=radius of gyration
I = Moment of Inertia (mm 4)
A = Area of Section (mm 2)

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 Slenderness ratio λ
 Ratio of length of column to least radius of gyration
 Also ratio of height/length of column to least side of
column
Slenderness Ratio

=( effective length of column/Minimum radius of

gyration)

λ = le/kmin

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The first definition is generally adopted when the column is of solid
rectangular section whereas the latter one is adopted in case of other sections.

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 Euler’s Formula
• Long column were first analyzed mathematically by
Swiss mathetician Leonhard Euler in 1757
• He ignored the effect of direct stresses totally and
determined critical loads that would cause failure due to
buckling only.
• Euler’s equation is:

• le = effective length
• P = Buckling load

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Assumptions in the Euler’s theory
1. The column is initially straight.
2. The cross section is uniform throughout.
3. The ends of the column are frictionless.
4. The material is homogeneous and isotropic.
5. The self weight of the column is neglected.
6. The line of thrust coincides exactly with the
axis of the column.
7. The shortening of column due to axial
compression is negligible.
8. The column failure occurs due to buckling
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 COLUMN END CONDITION
AND EFFECTIVE LENGTH :
1.Both end hinged
2.Both end fixed
3.One end fixed and other hinged
4.One end fixed and other free

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Expression for crippling load when
both the end are fixed

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Equivalent length. (Effective Length)

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