EAS457 STRUCTURAL STEEL

DESIGN

COMPRESSION MEMBERS
SEM. 1 2019/2020
DR NOORHAZLINDA ABD RAHMAN
celindarahman@usm.my
Ext: 6261
LECTURE 1: 22/10/2019
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Student should be able to:

1. Describe types and
characteristics of compression
members;
2. Explain the sections for
compression members;
3. Differentiate the loads on
compression members;
4. Understand the mode of
failures of compression
members;
5. Design axially loaded
compression members in
accordance with EN 1993-1-1:
2005.
 OUTLINES
1. Types and characteristics of compression members

2. Sections for compression members

3. Loads on compression members

4. Mode of failures

5. Design of columns

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Compression members

5.3 Members subject to axial force

 TYPES OF COMPRESSION
MEMBERS

• What is “compression • Behaviour of compression

members”? members:
1. One of the basic
structural elements that
subjected to axial
compression/
compression force.
2. The orientation of
compression member in a
structural system either
vertical or incline.
1. Dominated by
compression force;
2. Determined by
slenderness;
3. Some cases: subjected
to bending moment due
to eccentricity of the
loading.
 TYPES OF COMPRESSION
MEMBERS

• The terms: column, stanchion, • The term strut is usually used

post, strut, or boom primarily to describe other compression
resist axial load. members such as those in
• Columns are vertical members trusses, or bracing.
whose lengths are significantly • Boom is principle compression
greater than their c/s member of the crane.
dimension. Generally used in
building, supporting floors, Top chord
roofs and cranes.
• Stanchions are basically built-
up columns.
• Posts are basically wooden
columns.
Bottom chord
TYPES OF COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMPRESSION MEMBERS
• Compression member is • Slenderness index:
slender in nature, hence they 𝝀 = L/r Slenderness
are prone to buckling. < 0.2 Stocky
• Compression members must = 0.2 Intermediate
resist buckling, so they tend
> 0.2 Slender (high)
to be stocky with square
sections • Due to slenderness and buckling
high medium issues, the compression member
slenderness slenderness should be checked:
1. The c/s resistance to
compression force;
prone sensitive
to to effects 2. The member buckling
of resistance.
buckling imperfections
 SECTIONS FOR COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
Tubes
• The tube is the ideal shape.
• Rolled, compound and built-up
sections are used for columns.
• UCs are used in buildings where
axial load predominates and UBs
are often used to resist heavy
moments that occur in columns
in industrial buildings.
• Single angle, double angles,
tees, and channels are common
used for struts in trusses,
lattice girders and bracing.

Built-up sections
SECTIONS FOR COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
 LOADS ON COMPRESSION
MEMBERS
C

A
B

• Axial loading on columns in buildings

is due to loads from roof, floors and
walls (transmitted to the column
through beams).
• If the beam arrangement or loading
is asymmetrical, moments are
transmitted to the column.
 MODES OF FAILURES
1. Crushing – or compression
failure occurs when short
columns experience heavy
axial loads that exceed the
material limits.
2. Local buckling - Member
with thin cross section
buckle locally in compression
before other modes of
buckling can occur.
 MODES OF FAILURES

3. Flexural buckling (Euler

buckling)
– occur in any compression
member that experiences
a deflection caused by
bending or flexure.
– Flexural buckling occurs
about the axis with the
largest slenderness ratio,
and the smallest radius of
gyration.
 MODES OF FAILURES
4. Torsional buckling
– Only occurs in compression members that are doubly-
symmetric and have very slender cross-sectional elements.
– It is caused by a turning about the longitudinal axis.
– Torsional buckling occurs mostly in built-up sections, and
almost never in rolled sections.
 MODES OF FAILURES

5. Flexural-torsional buckling
– Only occurs in compression
members that have
unsymmetrical cross-section
with one axis of symmetry.
– Flexural-torsional buckling is
the simultaneous bending
and twisting of a member.
– This mostly occurs in
channels, structural tees,
double-angle shapes, and
equal-leg single angles.
MODES OF FAILURES
 DESIGN OF COLUMN
• Design procedure covered • The clauses (EC3) that are
within Chapter 6 in EC3.
• Design of columns are
divided into 4 parts:
1. Compression members;
2. Members resisting
combined axial load and
bending;
3. Columns in simple
construction;
4. Simple column
baseplates.
referring to in designing the
compression members:
1. 6.2.4 – compression
resistance of cross-section;
2. 6.2.5 – bending resistance of
c/s;
3. 6.2.9 – resistance of c/s –
combined bending and axial
load;
4. 6.3.1 – buckling resistance of
members (axial load);
5. 6.3.2 - buckling resistance of
members (bending);
6. 6.3.3 – buckling resistance of
members – combined bending
and axial compression.
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

Axial unrestrained
load

Column
(Slender)

Axial load
restrained
+ bending

Uni-axial Bi-axial
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

Axial unrestrained
load

Column
(Slender)

Axial load
restrained
+ bending

Uni-axial Bi-axial
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

1) Axially loaded column: no moment, not restrained along its length.

L L
NEd
Ideal condition

Column supporting
equal span beams L
in major and minor
axes

L
Ideal condition

Same Gk and Qk

Floor Plan
 Design Flowchart for:
1) Axially loaded column: no moment, not restrained along its
length.
Identify:
•All associated Select suitable
loadings steel grade and Perform section
•End condition section (Table classification
Problem (Table 5.2, EN
3.1, EN 1993-1-
Determine 1993-1-1:2005)
1:2005 &
Maximum design
catalogue)
compression
force, NEd

**Determine the
slenderness of
Member Cross-section the column
buckling resistance to
Adopt resistance to axial load
section axial load
Check Determine the
Nb,Rd < NEd buckling maximum
Nc,Rd < NEd
resistance, compression
Nb,Rd from resistance, Nc,Rd
Nb,Rd ≥ NEd Clause 6.3.1 Nc,Rd ≥ NEd from Clause 6.2.4
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

• Compression members (i.e. (a) the design plastic resistance

struts) should be checked for: of the gross c/s (class 1, 2 &
3):
1. Resistance to compression;
Afy
2. Resistance to buckling. Nc,Rd =
γM0
(b) the design local buckling
A. Compression resistance of resistance of the effective
cross-section (6.2.4) c/s (class 4):
NEd Aeff fy
≤ 1.0 Nc,Rd =
Nc,Rd γM0
• Aeff = the effective area of
• NEd = the design value of the section.
compression force.
• γM0 = resistance of cross-
• Nc,Rd = the design compression sections whatever the class is
resistance of the cross- (=1.0).
section.
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

B. Buckling resistance of (b) For class 4:

members (6.3) χAeff fy
Nb,Rd = − −6.48
NEd γM1
≤ 1.0
Nb,Rd • χ = the reduction factor for
• NEd = the design value of the the relevant buckling mode,
compression force. given by:
1
• Nb,Rd = the design buckling χ= ≤ 1.0 − 6.49
resistance of the Φ + Φ − λത
2 2

compression members. In which:

(a) For class 1, 2 & 3: Φ = 0.5 1 + α λത − 0.2 + λത2 − 6.49
χAfy • γM1 = resistance of members
Nb,Rd = − −6.47
γM1 to instability assessed by
member checks (=1.0).
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

• α = an imperfection factor • Ncr = the elastic (Euler)

(Table 6.1, EC3). critical buckling load for the
The imperfection
relevant factor
bucklingismode
depending
based
• λ = the non-dimensional
on the buckling curvesc/s
on the gross which can be
properties.
slenderness.
determined from Table π 2 6.2, EC3
EI
(a) For class 1, 2 & 3: Ncr =
Lcr 2
Afy Lcr 1
തλ = = × − −6.50 • Lcr = buckling length of the
Ncr i λ1 member in the plane under
(b) For class 4: consideration.
Aeff fy Lcr Aeff ΤA • Lcr = LE : refer Table 24 in
തλ =
Ncr
=
i
×
λ1
− 6.51 BS 5950 (EC3 provides little
info. on how to determine
E Lcr ).
λ1 = π − Cl. 6.3.1.3
fy
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

• α = an imperfection factor • Ncr = the elastic (Euler)

(Table 6.1, EC3). critical buckling load for the
• λ = the non-dimensional relevant buckling mode based
slenderness. on the gross c/s properties.
(a) For class 1, 2 & 3: π2 EI
Ncr =
Lcr 2
Afy Lcr 1
λത = = × − −6.50 • Lcr = buckling length of the
Ncr i λ1 member in the plane under
(b) For class 4: consideration.
Aeff fy Lcr Aeff ΤA • Lcr = LE : refer Table 24 in
λത = = × − 6.51 BS 5950 (EC3 provides little
Ncr i λ1
info. on how to determine
E Lcr ).
λ1 = π − Cl. 6.3.1.3
fy
 DESIGN OF COLUMN
𝑳𝒄𝒓 = 𝑳𝑬 : refer Table 24 in BS 5950
Table 24 Nominal effective length, LE for a strut
Effective
Conditions of restraint at ends (in plane under consideration)
length, LE
Restrained in direction at both ends (fixed-fixed) 0.7L
Effectively held Partially restrained in direction at both ends 0.85L
in position at
both ends Restrained in direction at one end (fixed-pinned) 0.85L
NOT restrained in direction at either end (pinned-pinned) 1.0L
One end Other end
Effectively restrained in
Effectively held 1.2L
direction
in position &
Not held in position Partially restrained in
restrained in (free in position) 1.5L
direction direction
(fixed/pinned)
NOT restrained in direction 2.0L
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

𝑳𝒄𝒓 = 𝑳𝑬 : refer Table 24 in BS 5950

 SUMMARY AXIALLY LOADED
COMPRESSION MEMBER
Cross-section resistance check
(6.2.4):
1. Determine the design compression
force, NEd;
2. Choose a section and determine
the section classification;
3. Determine Nc,Rd, using eq. 6.10 for
Class 1, 2 & 3, or eq. 6.11 for Class
4;
4. Carry out the cross-sectional
resistance check by ensuring eq.
6.9 is satisfied.
Member buckling resistance check
(6.3):
5. Calculate the effective length, Lcr;
6. Calculate 𝜆1 (Cl. 6.3.1.3).
7. Calculate 𝜆ҧ (Eq. 6.50 or 6.51);
8. Determine 𝛼 by 1st determining
the required buckling curve from
Tab. 6.2, and then reading off the
required value of 𝛼 from Tab. 6.1;
9. Calculate Φ by substituting in the
values of𝛼 and 𝜆;ҧ
10. Calculate 𝜒 by substituting in the
values of Φ and 𝜆;ҧ
11. Determine the design buckling
resistance of the member by using
eqs. 6.47 or 6.48 and substituting
in the value of 𝜒;
12. Make sure that the condition of
eq. 6.46 is satisfied.
 EXAMPLE 1
A 5 m long steel column is subjected to pure axial load of 1000 kN. The
column is designed to have a pinned connection at both ends and
unrestrained along its length as shown in Figure 1. Design the column
using 203 × 203 × 60 kg/m UKC steel grade Fe 430 (S 275) to EN
10025-2. Assume the section is classified as Class I.

Section properties 203 × 203 × 60 kg/m UKC:

h = 209.6 mm Zy = 584 cm3
b = 205.8 mm Zz = 201 cm3
d = 160.8 mm Sy = 656 cm3
t w = 9.4 mm Sz = 305 cm3
t f = 14.2 mm iy = 8.96 cm
Iy = 6120 cm4 iz = 5.20 cm
Iz = 2060 cm4 E = 210 GPa
G = 81 GPa

Figure 1 : Unrestrained column

with pinned connections
 EXAMPLE 1
Yield strength: Slenderness (Cl. 6.3.1.3):
Tab. 3.1, t < 40 mm The column will buckle about the
∴ fy = 275 NΤmm2 weak axis: z-z axis:
L 1
തλz = cr × − −6.50 Class 1
iz λ1
Effective/critical length: E 210 × 103
Tab. 2.4 BS 5950: λ1 = π =π = 86.8
Pinned connection for both ends: fy 275
NOT restrained in direction at Lcr 1 5000 1
λതz = × = ×
either end: iz λ1 5.20 × 10 86.8
∴ Lcr = 1.0L = 5000 mm ∴ λതz = 1.108

Cross section resistance of axial load (Cl. 6.2.4): NEd ≤ Nc,Rd

Afy 76.4 × 100 × 275
Nc,Rd = = = 2101 kN > 1000 kN
γM0 1.0
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒
 EXAMPLE 1
Buckling resistance of Reduction factor, χ (Cl. 6.3.1.2):
member (Cl. 6.3.1): 1
χ= ≤ 1.0 −− −6.49
NEd ≤ Nb,Rd Φ+ Φ −λ 2 ത 2
χAfy Φ = 0.5 1 + α λത − 0.2 + λത2
Nb,Rd = −− −Class 1
γM1

From Tab. 6.2

h 209.6
= = 1.02 < 1.2
b 205.8

And, t f < 100 mm

For buckling about z-z

axis, buckling curve is “c”.

From Tab. 6.1: α = 0.49

 EXAMPLE 1
Reduction factor using Eq. 4.9:
2
Φ = 0.5 1 + α λതz − 0.2 + λത z = 0.5 1 + 0.49 1.108 − 0.2 + 1.1082 = 1.336
1 1
χ= ≤ 1.0 = = 0.48 ≤ 1.0 −− −𝐎𝐊
2
1.336 + 1.336 − 1.108 2
2
2
Φ + Φ − λz ത

χ = 0.48
Reduction factor,
χ using Figure 6.4:
 EXAMPLE 1

The design buckling resistance of the compression members:

χAfy 0.48 ∗ 76.4 ∗ 100 ∗ 275

Nb,Rd = = = 1008 kN > 1000 kN
γM1 1.0
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒

ADOPT SECTION 203 × 203 × 60 kg/m UC, Fe 430 (S 275)

**Note : Technically, it is adequate to check buckling (due to

axial load) about the minor axis only.

If the 𝐍𝐛,𝐳,𝐑𝐝 > 𝐍𝐄𝐝 then no further check is required about the
major axis.
 EXAMPLE 2

Check the suitability of the

203 × 203 × 60 UC section in S275
steel to resist a design axial
compression force of 1400 kN.
Assume the column is pinned at
both ends, its height is 6.0 m and
the class 1 section.

Important notes:
• For both ends pinned column,
the effective length is LE =
1.0L
• Design yield strength fy is 275
N/mm2 since t f < 16 mm.
• NEd = 1400 kN.
 EXAMPLE 2

Since the column is subjected For class 1 section:

purely to axial compressive load, Afy
the checking that need to be Nc,Rd =
γM0
conducted are:
1. Resistance of cross-section From Table properties of steel
for compression; section:
2. Buckling resistance member. A = 76.4 cm2
76.4cm2 × 275 NΤmm2
Nc,Rd =
Compression resistance of 1.0
cross-section (6.2.4) Nc,Rd = 2101 kN > 1400 kN
NEd
≤ 1.0
Nc,Rd Therefore, OK!
 EXAMPLE 2

Buckling resistance of 𝛼 = an imperfection factor

members (6.3) (Table 6.1, EC3).
NEd From Table 6.2:
≤ 1.0
Nb,Rd ℎ 209.6mm
= = 1.02 < 1.2
For class 1 section: 𝑏 205.8mm
χAfy And 𝑡𝑓 < 100mm
Nb,Rd =
γM1
1
χ= ≤ 1.0 For buckling resistance, the
Φ + Φ2 − λത 2 column tend to buckle about its
In which: weak axis which is z-z axis.
Φ = 0.5 1 + α λത − 0.2 + λത 2
Hence, buckling curve = c
From Table 6.1: 𝛼 = 0.49
 EXAMPLE 2

For class 1: Φ = 0.5 1 + α λത − 0.2 + λത 2

Afy Lcr 1 Φ
λത = = × = 0.5 1 + 0.49 1.33 − 0.2 + 1.33 2
Ncr i λ1
Φ = 1.6613
Since design is about z-z axis: 1
χ= ≤ 1.0
L 1
തλ = cr × Φ + Φ2 − λത 2
iz λ1 1
χ=
E 210 × 103 1.6613 + 1.6613 2 − 1.33 2
λ1 = π =π = 86.8
fy 275 χ = 0.376 < 1.0 ∴ 𝐎𝐊!
6000 1 Therefore,
λത = × = 1.33 χAfy 0.376 × 76.4 × 275
5.20 cm 86.8 Nb,Rd = =
γM1 1.0
Nb,Rd = 790 kN < 1400kN ∴ 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐎𝐊!
 EXAMPLE 2
When section is not OK
(satisfied the condition given in
the code), either:
1. Proposed a new size of
section;
When proposing a new
section, all the checking
need to re-perform.
OR
2. Introduce a tie-beam at
the mid height of the
column.
When introducing a tie-
beam, just perform
checking in which the
criteria is failed.
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

Axial unrestrained
load

Column
(Slender)

Axial load
restrained
+ bending

Uni-axial Bi-axial
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

2) Axially loaded column: no moment, restrained along its length

(minor).

UKC

L/2

L/2
 DESIGN OF COLUMN

2) Axially loaded column: no moment, “restrained” along its length

(minor).

Circular hollow
section column

Simple (pinned)
connection

Intermediate
restraining beam
 EXAMPLE 3

By reconsidering the designed column

in Example 2, redesign the axial
compression resistance of the column
if a tie-beam is introduced at the
mid-height such that in-plane
buckling about the z-z axis is
prevented, as shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 2
Important notes:

• y-y axis: Not restrained in direction at either end (pinned-pinned);

• z-z axis: Assume restrained in direction at one end (fixed-pinned);
• ∴ Lcr,y = 1.0L = 6000 mm
• ∴ Lcr,z = 0.85L = 0.85 ∗ 3000 = 2550 mm
• NEd = 1400 kN.
 EXAMPLE 3

Section properties 203 × 203 × 60 kg/m

UKC:
h = 209.6 mm Zy = 584 cm3
b = 205.8 mm Zz = 201 cm3
d = 160.8 mm Sy = 656 cm3
t w = 9.4 mm Sz = 305 cm3
t f = 14.2 mm iy = 8.96 cm
Iy = 6120 cm4 iz = 5.20 cm
Iz = 2060 cm4 E = 210 GPa FIGURE 2
G = 81 GPa

Important notes:

• y-y axis: Not restrained in direction at either end (pinned-pinned);

• z-z axis: Assume restrained in direction at one end (fixed-pinned);
• ∴ Lcr,y = 1.0L = 6000 mm
• ∴ Lcr,z = 0.85L = 0.85 ∗ 3000 = 2550 mm
• NEd = 1400 kN.
 EXAMPLE 3
Afy
Cross section resistance of axial load (Cl. 6.2.4): NEd ≤ Nc,Rd = 1.0
Remain the same as in Example 2
Nc,Rd = 2101 kN > 1400 kN
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒
Buckling resistance of member (Cl. Reduction factor, χ (Cl. 6.3.1.2):
6.3.1): 1
χ= ≤ 1.0 −− −6.49
NEd ≤ Nb,Rd Φ + Φ2 − λത 2
χAfy Φ = 0.5 1 + α λത − 0.2 + λത2
Nb,Rd = −− −Class 1
γM1

Slenderness for major and minor axes:

λ1 = 86.8
L 1 6000 1
തλy = cr × = × = 0.77 −− −(major)
iy λ1 89.6 86.8
L 1 2550 1
തλz = cr × = × = 0.57 −− −(minor)
iz λ1 52 86.8
 EXAMPLE 3
From Tab. 6.2
h 209.6
= = 1.02 < 1.2
b 205.8
And, t f < 100 mm

For buckling about y-y axis, buckling curve is “b”.

For buckling about z-z axis, buckling curve is “c”.

From Tab. 6.1: y-y: α = 0.34 and z-z: α = 0.49

Reduction factor using Eq. 4.9:

Φy = 0.5 1 + 0.34 0.77 − 0.2 + 0.772 = 0.89
1
χy = = 0.748 ≤ 1.0 −− −𝐎𝐊
2
0.89 + 0.89 − 0.77 2

Φz = 0.5 1 + 0.49 0.57 − 0.2 + 0.572 = 0.753

1
χz = = 0.803 ≤ 1.0 −− −𝐎𝐊
2
0.753 + 0.753 − 0.57 2
 EXAMPLE 3

The design buckling resistance of the compression members:

0.748 ∗ 76.4 ∗ 100 ∗ 275

Nb,y,Rd = = 1572 kN > 1400 kN
1.0
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒 (for major axis)

χAfy 0.803 ∗ 76.4 ∗ 100 ∗ 275

Nb,z,Rd = = = 1687 kN > 1400 kN
γM1 1.0
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒 (for minor axis)

Hence, compression resistance of column is 1572 kN.

 TUTORIAL 1.1

Verify the suitability of 160 × 80 × 6.3 mm thickness. RHS Steel Grade

S275 as a top chord of a simple truss system shown in Figure 1.1. The
design axial load, NEd = 200 kN. The length of member is 5.0 m.

Section Properties

h = 160 mm b = 80 mm

t = 6.3 mm A = 28.2 cm2

iy = 5.66 cm iz = 3.26 cm

E = 210 GPa G = 81 GPa

 TUTORIAL 1.1
SOLUTION
Yield strength, fy: Table 5.2
Table 3.1
𝜀= 235Τ𝑓𝑦 = 235Τ275 = 0.92
𝑡 < 40 mm ∴ 𝑓𝑦 = 275 NΤmm2
Tab. 5.2(1):
Web: internal compression part
𝑐𝑤 = ℎ − 3𝑡𝑓 = 160 − 3 ∗ 6.3 = 141.1 mm
𝑐𝑤 141.1
= = 22.4
𝑡𝑤 6.3
33𝜀 = 33 × 0.92 = 30.4
∴ The web is 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟏 ∴ The section
Tab. 5.2(2):
Flange: outstand compression flange is 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟑
𝑐𝑓 = 𝑏 − 3𝑡𝑤 = 80 − 3 ∗ 6.3 = 61.1 mm
𝑐𝑓 61.1
= = 9.7
𝑡𝑓 6.3
10𝜀 = 10 × 0.92 = 9.2 and14𝜀 = 14 × 0.92 = 12.88
∴ The flange is 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟑
 TUTORIAL 1.1

Cross section resistance of axial load (Cl. 6.2.4): NEd ≤ Nc,Rd

Afy 28.2 × 100 × 275
Nc,Rd = = = 775.5 kN > 200 kN
γM0 1.0
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒

Effective/critical length: Slenderness (Cl. 6.3.1.3):

From Annex BB. 1.3: The column will buckle about the
For hollow section: weak axis: z-z axis:
∴ Lcr = 0.9L = 0.9 ∗ 5000 = 4500 mm Lcr 1
λത z = × − −6.50 Class 1
iz λ1
From Tab. 6.2
E 210 × 103
For hollow section: hot-rolled λ1 = π =π = 86.8
Buckling curve is “a”. fy 275
Lcr 1 4500 1
From Tab. 6.1: α = 0.21 λത z = × = ×
iz λ1 32.6 86.8
∴ λതz = 1.59
 TUTORIAL 1.1
Reduction factor using Eq. 4.9:

2
Φ = 0.5 1 + α λതz − 0.2 + λത z = 0.5 1 + 0.21 1.59 − 0.2 + 1.592 = 1.91

1 1
χ= ≤ 1.0 = = 0.337 ≤ 1.0 −− −𝐎𝐊
2 1.91 + 1.912 − 1.592
Φ + Φ2 − λതz

The design buckling resistance of the compression members:

χAfy 0.337 ∗ 28.2 ∗ 100 ∗ 275

Nb,Rd = = = 261.3 kN > 200 kN
γM1 1.0
∴ 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒

ADOPT SECTION 160 × 80 × 6.3 mm thickness RHS Steel Grade S275