APPENDIX

Computer Programs
Introduction
With the advent of computers and software packages, it is now possible to analyse
any structure for any geometry and given loading conditions quickly. Though several
standard software packages are available for the linear, non-linear, buckling or
dynamic analysis of structures, very few design packages are available. Nonetheless,
some analysis software packages do have some design routines, which are based
on specific codes. Two computer programs written in Visual Basic are provided in
this appendix, which can be run on any standard personal computer under the
Windows environment. Visual Basic has been chosen because it uses an interactive
approach to the development of computer programs. Visual Basic interprets the
code as we enter it, catching and highlighting syntax or spelling errors. It also
partly compiles the code as it is entered. While compiling the whole code, if the
compiler finds an error, it is highlighted in the code. We can fix the error and
continue compiling without having to start all over. Visual Basic also provides a
variety of user interfaces in the form of text boxes, labels, radio button, pictures,
etc. Visual Basic version 6.0 is used in this example, because it is simple and
popular though VB.NET is the most recent version. More details about Visual
Basic may be found in the Microsoft web site http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/
default.asp?url=/library/en-us/vbcon98/html/vbconpart1visualbasicbasics.asp.

E.1 Design Programs

When writing design programs, it is much easier if the code of practice follows a
logical sequence of requirements and checks. Also, the design stresses and factors
should be given in closed-form mathematical expressions. Fortunately, the current
version of IS: 800, satisfies the above requirements.
The software for the design programs provided here is also included in this
CD. The guidelines for the installation of the Beam Design and BeamColumn
Design software are as follows:

A.E.2 Design of Steel Structures

Beam Design Software

1. Installation of software
(a) Insert the Design of Steel Structures CD that came with the book into the
CD drive
(b) Open the WinZip file Beam Program in the CD
(c) Locate the file SETUP.exe and double click on this file
(d) Follow the instructions
2. Execution of BeamDesign
(a) Double click on BeamDesign icon either on desktop or navigating through
the programs menu.
(b) Two input screens will be displayed one after the other where you have to
type in the data for the design
(c) After typing all the data, click on 'Start the Design' button. The output will
be saved under the working directory as BeamDesign.out.

Beam-Column Design Software

1. Installation of software
(a) Insert the Design of Steel Structures CD that came with the book into the
CD drive
(b) Open the WinZip file Beam-Column Program in the CD
(c) Locate the file SETUP.exe and double click on this file
(d) Follow the instructions
2. Execution of Beam-Column Software
(a) Double click on BeamDesign icon either on desktop or navigating through
the programs menu.
(b) Two input screens will be displayed one after the other where you have to
type in the data for the design
(c) After typing all the data, click on 'Start the Design' button. The output will
be saved under the working directory as BeamColumn.out.

E.1.1 Beam Design Program

The simply supported steel beam design program, given in this section, designs
beams of compact, semi-compact, and plastic sections. The beam arrangement is
shown in Fig. E.1 and the flow chart is shown in Fig. E.2.
Only simple loading has been considered to reduce the length of the program
(the user may modify it to suit his/her requirements). The notations used are the
same as those given in IS: 800 (Section 8), and hence the program is easy
to understand. The typical input screens of this program are given in Figs E.3 and
E.4.

Computer Programs

Fig. E.1Beam and loading

Fig. E.2Flowchart of beam design program

A.E.3

A.E.4 Design of Steel Structures

Fig. E.3Input screen for structure data of beam design program

Fig. E.4Input screen for sectional properties of beam design program

Computer Programs

The following program is written in Visual Basic for beam design.

Global Module
Structure properties
Public E As Double
Public EMu As Double
Public K As Double
Public Fy As Double
Public LS As Double
Public Le As Double
Public DL As Double
Public IL As Double
Public PG As Double
Public PQ As Double
Sectional Properties
Public D As Double
Public Bf As Double
Public tf As Double
Public tw As Double
Public R As Double
Public Iz As Double
Public Iy As Double
Public Zpz As Double
Public alphaLT As Double
Public GamaM As Double
Public Zz As Double
intermediate values
Public Wu As Double
Public Vu As Double
Public Pu As Double
Public Mu As Double
Public Const PI As Double = 3.14159
Public sectionType As Integer
Public Const PLASTIC As Integer = 1
Public Const COMPACT As Integer = 2
Public Const SEMI_COMPACT As Integer = 3
Public blnLoaded As Boolean
Public FileName As String
From Structure Data input form
Option Explicit
Private Sub cmdNext_Click()
assign the data from input controls to global variables
Call UpdateStructureData

A.E.5

A.E.6 Design of Steel Structures

Unload Me
Show the next input screen
frmSectionalProperties.Show
End Sub
Private Sub UpdateStructureData()
transfer the data to global variables
E = Val(txtE)
EMu = Val(txtMu)
K = Val(txtK)
Fy = Val(txtFy)
LS = Val(txtSpan)
Le = Val(txtLE)
DL = Val(txtDeadLoad)
IL = Val(txtIL)
PG = Val(txtPG)
PQ = Val(txtPQ)
End Sub
From sectional properties input form, which also has design code
Option Explicit
Dim G As Double
Dim It As Double
Dim hf As Double
Dim Iw As Double
Dim Betaf As Double
Dim Mcr As Double
Dim LamdaLT As Double
Dim LamdaT1 As Double
Dim alphaLT As Double
Dim PhiLT As Double
Dim ChiLT As Double
Dim fbd As Double
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

Md As Double
Vd As Double
Deltab As Double
DeltaAll As Double

Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

b1 As Double
n1 As Double
Ab As Double
I As Double
A As Double
rmin As Double
Lamda As Double
LamdaEff As Double
Phi1 As Double
Phi2 As Double
fcd As Double
SWB As Double
n2 As Double
Fw As Double

Computer Programs

A.E.7

Dim blnSafe As Boolean

Private Sub cmdBack_Click()
Update the input controls with user entered Structure data
Call LoadStructureData
Transfer user input sectional properties data to global variables
Call UpdateSectionalProperties
Unload Me
frmBeamDesign1.Show
End Sub
Private Sub LoadStructureData()
frmBeamDesign1.txtE = E
frmBeamDesign1.txtMu = EMu
frmBeamDesign1.txtK = Str(K)
frmBeamDesign1.txtFy = Fy
frmBeamDesign1.txtSpan = LS
frmBeamDesign1.txtLE = Le
frmBeamDesign1.txtDeadLoad = DL
frmBeamDesign1.txtIL = IL
frmBeamDesign1.txtPG = PG
frmBeamDesign1.txtPQ = PQ
End Sub
Private Sub cmdDesign_Click()
start the design process
open the output file to print the results
FileName = App.Path + \BeamDesign.out
Open FileName For Output As 1
pressume the design is safe
blnSafe = True
Call UpdateSectionalProperties
Call Design
End Sub
Private Sub LoadSectionalProperties()
if the data has been already transfered to the global variables
then load them to input controls
this check is necessary to sweap the default values with null
values
If blnLoaded Then
frmSectionalProperties.txtDepth = Str(D)
frmSectionalProperties.txtWidthOfFlange = Str(Bf)
frmSectionalProperties.txtThickOfFlange = Str(tf)
frmSectionalProperties.txtThickWeb = Str(tw)
frmSectionalProperties.txtR = Str(R)
frmSectionalProperties.txtMIMajor = Str(Iz)
frmSectionalProperties.txtMIMinor = Str(Iy)
frmSectionalProperties.txtPlastic = Str(Zpz)
frmSectionalProperties.txtImpFactor = Str(alphaLT)
frmSectionalProperties.txtSafetyFactor = Str(GamaM)

A.E.8 Design of Steel Structures

frmSectionalProperties.txtZZ = Str(Zz)
If sectionType = PLASTIC Then
optPlastic = True
ElseIf sectionType = COMPACT Then
optCompact = True
ElseIf sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT Then
optSemiCompact = True
End If
End If
End Sub
Private Sub UpdateSectionalProperties()
D = Val(txtDepth)
Bf = Val(txtWidthOfFlange)
tf = Val(txtThickOfFlange)
tw = Val(txtThickWeb)
R = Val(txtR)
Iz = Val(txtMIMajor)
Iy = Val(txtMIMinor)
Zpz = Val(txtPlastic)
alphaLT = Val(txtImpFactor)
GamaM = Val(txtSafetyFactor)
Zz = Val(txtZZ)
If optPlastic Then
sectionType = PLASTIC
ElseIf optCompact Then
sectionType = COMPACT
ElseIf optSemiCompact Then
sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT
End If
End Sub
Private Sub Form_Load()
Call LoadSectionalProperties
blnLoaded = True
End Sub
Private Sub Design()
Print the input data into the output file
Call PrintInput
Call CalculateStdValues
Call CalculateLTBucklingMomentCapacity
continue the process only if so far the design is safe
If blnSafe Then Call CalculateShearCapacity
If blnSafe Then Call CalculateDeflection
If blnSafe Then Call CheckForWebBuckling
If blnSafe Then Call CheckForWebBearing
Close #1
If blnSafe Then End
End Sub

Computer Programs

A.E.9

Private Sub CalculateStdValues()

calculate maximum Mu and Vu for design
Dim strMsg As String
Wu
Pu
Mu
Vu

=
=
=
=

1.5 * (DL + IL)

1.5 * (PG + PQ)
Wu * LS * LS / 8# + Pu * LS / 4#
(Wu * LS + Pu) / 2

Print #1, Tab(5); Output

Print #1, Tab(5); ----
Print #1, Tab(5); Maximum bending moment for design (kNm);
Tab(60); Format(Mu, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Maximum shear force for design (kN); Tab(60);
Format(Vu, ######0.0##)
End Sub
Private Sub CalculateLTBucklingMomentCapacity()
Dim Betab As Double
Dim strMsg As String
If sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT Then
Betab = Zz / Zpz
Else
Betab = 1
End If
Betaf = 0.5
G = E / (2 * (1 + EMu))
hf = D - tf
It = (2 * Bf * tf ^ 3 + hf * tw ^ 3) / 3
Le = K * Le
Iw = (1 - Betaf) * Betaf * Iy * hf ^ 2
Mcr = (((PI ^ 2 * E * Iy) / (Le * 1000) ^ 2) * (G * It + (PI ^
2 * E * Iw) / (Le * 1000) ^ 2)) ^ 0.5
LamdaLT = (Betab * Zpz * Fy / Mcr) ^ 0.5
LamdaLT1 = (1.2 * Zz * Fy / Mcr) ^ 0.5
If LamdaLT > LamdaLT1 then
LamdaLT = LamdaLT1
End If
alphaLT = 0.21
PhiLT = 0.5 * (1 + alphaLT * (LamdaLT - 0.2) + LamdaLT ^ 2)
ChiLT = 1# / (PhiLT + (PhiLT ^ 2 - LamdaLT ^ 2) ^ 0.5)
If (ChiLT > 1#) Then
ChiLT = 1#
End If
fbd = ChiLT * Fy / GamaM
Md = Betab * Zpz * fbd / 1000000#
strMsg = Torsional constant + Str(It) + mm^4 + vbCrLf
strMsg = strMsg + Warping constant + Str(Iw) + mm^6 +
vbCrLf
strMsg = strMsg + Moment capacity of the section + Str(Md) +
kNm + vbCrLf

A.E.10 Design of Steel Structures

If Md < Mu Then
MsgBox strMsg + Moment capacity is less than + Str(Mu) +
Section is unsafe. Revise the section, , Unsafe section
Unload Me
blnSafe = False
frmBeamDesign1.Show
Exit Sub
End If
Print #1, Tab(5); Torsional constant (mm^4) ; Tab(60);
Format(It, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Warping constant (mm^6); Tab(60); Format(Iw,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Moment capacity of the section (kNm); Tab(60);
Format(Md, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Moment capacity of Trial section is adequate
Print #1,
End Sub
Private Sub CalculateShearCapacity()
Dim strMsg As String
Vd = ((Fy / (GamaM * Sqr(3))) * D * tw) / 1000
strMsg = Shear capacity = + Str(0.6 * Vd) + kN + vbCrLf +
Shear force = + Str(Vu) + kN + vbCrLf
If 0.6 * Vd < Vu Then
MsgBox strMsg + Shear capacity is unsafe. Revise the section
Unload Me
blnSafe = False
frmBeamDesign1.Show
Exit Sub
Else
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear capacity (kN) ; Tab(60); Format(0.6
* Vd, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear force (kN) ; Tab(60); Format(Vu,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear capacity of Trial section is adequate
End If
End Sub
Private Sub CalculateDeflection()
Dim strMsg As String
Deltab = (5 * (DL + IL) * (LS * 1000) ^ 4 / 384 + (PG + PQ) * LS
^ 3 / 48) / (E * Iz)
DeltaAll = LS * 1000 / 300
strMsg = Delta allowable = + Str(DeltaAll) + mm + vbCrLf
+ Delta actual = + Str(Deltab) + mm + vbCrLf
If Deltab < DeltaAll Then
MsgBox strMsg + Trial section is adequate for deflection
check

Computer Programs

A.E.11

Print #1, Tab(5); Delta allowable (mm) ; Tab(60);

Format(DeltaAll, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Delta actual (mm) ; Tab(60); Format(Deltab,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Trial section is adequate for deflection
check
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the section for deflection consideration
Unload Me
blnSafe = False
frmBeamDesign1.Show
Exit Sub
End If
End Sub
Private Sub CheckForWebBuckling()
Dim strMsg As String
b1 = (Bf - tw) / 2
n1 = D / 2
Ab = (b1 + n1) * tw
I = b1 * tw ^ 3 / 12
A = b1 * tw
rmin = Sqr(I / A)
Lamda = 0.7 * (D - 2 * (tf + R)) /
LamdaEff = (Fy * Lamda ^ 2 / (PI ^
Phi1 = 0.5 * (1 + 0.49 * (LamdaEff
Phi2 = Phi1 + (Phi1 ^ 2 - LamdaEff
fcd = Fy / (Phi2 * GamaM)
SWB = fcd * Ab / 1000

rmin
2 * E)) ^ 0.5
- 0.2) + LamdaEff ^ 2)
^ 2) ^ 0.5

strMsg = Strength against web buckling = + Str(SWB) + kN

+ vbCrLf + Shear force = + Str(Vu) + kN
If SWB > Vu Then
MsgBox strMsg + Safe against web buckling
Print #1, Tab(5); Strength against web buckling (kN) ;
Tab(60); Format(SWB, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear force (kN) ; Tab(60); Format(Vu,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Safe against web buckling
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the section for web buckling
Unload Me
blnSafe = False
frmBeamDesign1.Show
Exit Sub
End If
End Sub
Private Sub CheckForWebBearing()
Dim strMsg As String
n2 = 2.5 * (tf + R)
Fw = (b1 + n2) * tw * Fy / (GamaM * 1000)

A.E.12 Design of Steel Structures

strMsg = Strength against web bearing = + Str(Fw) + kN +
vbCrLf + Shear force = + Str(Vu) + kN + vbCrLf
If Fw > Vu Then
MsgBox strMsg + Safe against web bearing
MsgBox Design is safe and + vbCrLf + The output is saved
as BeamDesign.out in the working folder
Print #1, Tab(5); Strength against web bearing (kN) ;
Tab(60); Format(Fw, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear force (kN) ; Tab(60); Format(Vu,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Safe against web bearing
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the section for web bearing
Unload Me
frmBeamDesign1.Show
Exit Sub
End If
End Sub
Private Sub optCompact_Click()
If optCompact Then
sectionType = COMPACT
End If
End Sub
Private Sub optPlastic_Click()
If optPlastic Then
sectionType = PLASTIC
End If
End Sub
Private Sub optSemiCompact_Click()
If optSemiCompact Then
sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT
End If
End Sub
Private Sub PrintInput()
Print
Print
Print
Print
Print

#1,
#1,
#1,
#1,
#1,

Tab(10); Beam Design

Tab(10); ------

Tab(5); Structure Data

Tab(5); ----------

Print #1, Tab(5); Youngs Modulus (N/sq.mm) ; Tab(60); Format(E,

#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Poissons Ratio ; Tab(60); Format(EMu,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Eff.Length factor ; Tab(60); Format(K,
#######0.0##)

Computer Programs

A.E.13

Print #1, Tab(5); Yield Stress (N/sq.mm) ; Tab(60); Format(Fy,

#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Span (m) ; Tab(60); Format(LS, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Unrestrained length (m) ; Tab(60); Format(Le,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Dead load (kN/m) ; Tab(60); Format(DL,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Imposed load (kN/m) ; Tab(60); Format(IL,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Mid span concentrated load (kN) ; Tab(60);
Format(PG, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Mid span live load (kN) ; Tab(60); Format(PQ,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5);
Print #1, Tab(5); Sectional Properties
Print #1, Tab(5); ------------
Print #1, Tab(5); Depth (mm); Tab(60); Format(D, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Width of flange (mm); Tab(60); Format(Bf,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Thickness of flange (mm); Tab(60); Format(tf,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Thickness of web (mm); Tab(60); Format(tw,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Root radius (mm); Tab(60); Format(R,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Moment of inertia of Major axis (mm^4);
Tab(60); Format(Iz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Moment of inertia of Minor axis (mm^4);
Tab(60); Format(Iy, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Palstic section modulus (cu.mm); Tab(60);
Format(Zpz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Elastic modulus about major axis (cu.mm);
Tab(60); Format(Zz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Imperfection factor ; Tab(60); Format(alphaLT,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Partial safety factor for material ; Tab(60);
Format(GamaM, #######0.0##)
Print #1,
End Sub

In order to show the use of this program, the data given in Example 10.9 was used
and the resulting output is as follows:
Beam Design
---------Structure Data
------------Youngs Modulus <N/sq. mm>
Poisson's Ratio
Eff.Length factor

200000.0
0.3
1.0

A.E.14 Design of Steel Structures

Yield Stress <N/sq.mm>
Span <m>
Unrestrained length <m>
Dead load <kN/m>
Imposed load <kN/m>
Mid span concentrated load <kN>
Mid span live load <kN>

250.0
1.5
1.5
30.0
20.0
0.0
0.0

Sectional Properties
------------------Depth <mm>
Width of flange <mm>
Thickness of flange <mm>
Thickness of web <mm>
Root radius <mm>
Moment of inertia of Major axis <mm^4>
Moment of inertia of Minor axis <mm^4>
Palstic section modulus <cu.mm>
Elastic modulus about major axis <cu.mm>
Imperfection factor
Partial safety factor for material

175.0
90.0
8.6
5.5
10.0
12706000.0
851000.0
161650.0
145200.0
0.21
1.1

Output
----Maximum bending moment for design <kNm>
Maximum shear force for design <kN>
Torsional constant <mm^4>
Warping constant <mm^6>
Moment capacity of the section <kNm>
Moment capacity of Trial section is adequate
Shear
Shear
Shear
Delta
Delta
Trial

capacity <kN>
force <kN>
capacity of Trial section is adequate
allowable <mm>
actual <mm>
section is adequate for deflection check

Strength against
Shear force <kN>
Safe against web
Strength against
Shear force <kN>
Safe against web

web buckling<kN>
buckling
web bearing <kN>
bearing

21.094
56.25
47391.627
5890826240.0
31.044
75.777
56.25
5.0
1.297
119.165
56.25
110.938
56.25

E.1.2 Beam-Column Design Program

The design of a beam-column, using a hot-rolled I-section, is considered in the
program given in this section. In all cases, axial compression is taken as positive.
The sign convention for the moments at the top and bottom ends of the column is

Computer Programs

A.E.15

positive for moments applied clockwise and negative for moments applied anticlockwise.
Hot rolled I- or H- plastic, compact, or semi-compact sections can be designed
using this program. There are two sets of input data in this program, as in the case
of the beam program. The first is the structural data consisting of the following:
factored axial force (N), factored bending moment at the top and bottom about the
major axis (MZ1, MZ2), factored bending moment at the top and bottom about the
minor axis (MY1, MY2), length in major and minor axis (Lz, Ly), effective length
factors (Kz, Ky), Youngs modulus (E), and Poissons ratio (m). The second set of
data is the member data consisting of the following: depth of the section (D), Area
(A), breadth of flange (bf), thickness of flange and web (tf and tw), root radius (R),
radius of gyration in the major and minor axis (rz, ry) moment of inertia about
minor axis (Iy), elastic modulus about major and minor axis (Zz and Zy), yield
strength of material (fy) and partial factor of safety of material (g m0,) and type of
section (plastic, compact, or semi-compact).
Based on the preceding data, the plastic modulus about the major and minor
axis (Zpz, Zpy) and the warping and torsional rigidity (Iw, It) are calculated. The
member buckling resistance in compression about the major axis and minor axis
(Pdz and Pdy) are calculated based on clause 7.1.2 of the code. The member buckling
resistance in bending is computed based on clause 8.2.2, about both the axes (Mdz
and Mdy).
Using these values, the strength of the cross section is checked based on the
interaction equations given in clause 9.3.1 of the code. Finally, the overall member
strength is checked as per the interaction equation given in clause 9.3.2 of the
code. If any one of the checks is not satisfied, the user has to change the trial
section properties and run the program again. The program written in Visual Basic
and typical input screens are given below:

Fig. E.5Input screen for structure data of beam-column program

A.E.16 Design of Steel Structures

Fig. E.6Input screen for sectional properties of Beam-Column program

Option Explicit
Structure properties
Public E As Double
Public EMu As Double
Public Fy As Double
Public Lz As Double
Public Ly As Double
Public Kz As Double
Public Ky As Double
Public N As Double
Public Mz1 As Double
Public Mz2 As Double
Public My1 As Double
Public My2 As Double
Sectional Properties
Public D As Double
Public Bf As Double
Public tf As Double
Public tw As Double
Public R As Double
Public rz As Double
Public ry As Double
Public Zz As Double
Public Zy As Double
Public Zpz As Double
Public Zpy As Double
Public GamaM As Double
Public A As Double
Public Iy As Double
Public Pd As Double
Public sectionType As Integer

Computer Programs
Public
Public
Public
Public

Const
Const
Const
Const

PLASTIC As Integer = 1
COMPACT As Integer = 2
SEMI_COMPACT As Integer = 3
PI As Double = 3.14159

Public blnLoaded As Boolean

Public FileName As String
Option Explicit
Private Sub cmdNext_Click()
Call UpdateStructureData
Unload Me
frmSectionalProperties.Show
End Sub
Private Sub UpdateStructureData()
E = Val(txtE)
EMu = Val(txtMu)
Kz = Val(txtKz)
Ky = Val(txtKy)
Fy = Val(txtFy)
Ly = Val(txtLY)
Lz = Val(txtLZ)
My1 = Val(txtMY1)
My2 = Val(txtMY2)
Mz1 = Val(txtMZ1)
Mz2 = Val(txtMZ2)
N = Val(txtN)
End Sub
Option Explicit
Dim G As Double
Dim It As Double
Dim hf As Double
Dim Iw As Double
Dim Betaf As Double
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

Mcr As Double
LambdaLT As Double
alphaLT As Double
PhiLT As Double
ChiLT As Double
fbd As Double

Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

Md As Double
Vd As Double
Deltab As Double
DeltaAll As Double

Dim b1 As Double
Dim n1 As Double
Dim Ab As Double

A.E.17

A.E.18 Design of Steel Structures

Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

I As Double
A As Double
rmin As Double
Lamda As Double
LamdaEff As Double
Phi1 As Double
Phi2 As Double
fcd As Double
SWB As Double
n2 As Double
Fw As Double
Mz As Double
Mzm As Double
My As Double
Mym As Double
Nd As Double
Mdz, Mdz1 As Double
Mdy As Double
StressRatio As Double
StressRatio1 As Double
Lrz As Double
Lry As Double
AlphaZ As Double
AlphaY As Double
Betab As Double
LambdaZ As Double
LambdaY As Double
Pdz As Double
Pdy As Double
blnSafe As Boolean

Private Sub cmdBack_Click()

Call UpdateSectionalProperties
Call LoadStructureData
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End Sub
Private Sub LoadStructureData()
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtE = E
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtMu = EMu
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtKz = Str(Kz)
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtKy = Str(Ky)
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtFy = Fy
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtLY = Ly
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtLZ = Lz
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtMY1 = My1
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtMY2 = My2
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtMZ1 = Mz1
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtMZ2 = Mz2
frmBeamColumnDesign1.txtN = N
End Sub

Computer Programs
Private Sub cmdDesign_Click()
FileName = App.Path + \BeamColumn.out
Open FileName For Output As 1
blnSafe = True
Call UpdateSectionalProperties
Call Design
End Sub
Private Sub LoadSectionalProperties()
If blnLoaded Then
frmSectionalProperties.txtDepth = Str(D)
frmSectionalProperties.txtWidthOfFlange = Str(Bf)
frmSectionalProperties.txtThickOfFlange = Str(tf)
frmSectionalProperties.txtThickWeb = Str(tw)
frmSectionalProperties.txtR = Str(R)
frmSectionalProperties.txtRZ = Str(rz)
frmSectionalProperties.txtRY = Str(ry)
frmSectionalProperties.txtA = Str(A)
frmSectionalProperties.txtZZ = Str(Zz)
frmSectionalProperties.txtZY = Str(Zy)
frmSectionalProperties.txtSafetyFactor = Str(GamaM)
frmSectionalProperties.txtIy = Str(Iy)
If sectionType = PLASTIC Then
optPlastic = True
ElseIf sectionType = COMPACT Then
optCompact = True
ElseIf sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT Then
optSemiCompact = True
End If
End If
End Sub
Private Sub UpdateSectionalProperties()
D = Val(txtDepth)
Bf = Val(txtWidthOfFlange)
tf = Val(txtThickOfFlange)
tw = Val(txtThickWeb)
R = Val(txtR)
rz = Val(txtRZ)
ry = Val(txtRY)
A = Val(txtA)
Zz = Val(txtZZ)
Zy = Val(txtZY)
GamaM = Val(txtSafetyFactor)
Iy = Val(txtIy)
If optPlastic Then
sectionType = PLASTIC
ElseIf optCompact Then
sectionType = COMPACT
ElseIf optSemiCompact Then
sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT
End If
End Sub

A.E.19

A.E.20 Design of Steel Structures

Private Sub Form_Load()
Call LoadSectionalProperties
blnLoaded = True
End Sub
Private Sub Design()
blnSafe = True
Call PrintInput
Call ComputeInteractionEqnLocal
If blnSafe Then Call DesignCompressionResisMajor
If blnSafe Then Call DesignCompressionResisMinor
If blnSafe Then Call DesignBucklingResisMajor
If blnSafe Then Call DesignResOfCrossSection
If blnSafe Then Call DesignShearResistance
If blnSafe Then Call DesignComBendingAxialForce
Close #1
If blnSafe Then End
End Sub
Private Sub PrintInput()
Print #1, Tab(10); Beam-Column Design
Print #1, Tab(10); ----------
Print #1,
Print #1, Tab(5); Structure Data
Print #1, Tab(5); -------
Print #1, Tab(5); Youngs Modulus (N/sq.mm) ; Tab(60); Format(E,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Poissons Ratio ; Tab(60); Format(EMu,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Yield Stress (N/sq.mm) ; Tab(60); Format(Fy,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Major axis Length (mm) ; Tab(60); Format(Lz,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Minor axis Length (mm) ; Tab(60); Format(Ly,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Eff.Length factor - Major axis ; Tab(60);
Format(Kz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Eff.Length factor - Minor axis ; Tab(60);
Format(Ky, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Factored axial load (kN) ; Tab(60); Format(N,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Major axis factored moment at top (kNm);
Tab(60); Format(Mz1, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Major axis factored moment at bottom (kNm);
Tab(60); Format(Mz2, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Minor axis factored moment at top (kNm);
Tab(60); Format(My1, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Minor axis factored moment at bottom (kNm);
Tab(60); Format(My2, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5);
Print #1, Tab(5); Sectional Properties

Computer Programs

A.E.21

Print #1, Tab(5); ----------

Print #1, Tab(5); Depth (mm); Tab(60); Format(D, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Width of flange (mm); Tab(60); Format(Bf,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Thickness of flange (mm); Tab(60); Format(tf,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Thickness of web (mm); Tab(60); Format(tw,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Root radius (mm); Tab(60); Format(R,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Radius of Gyration major axis (mm); Tab(60);
Format(rz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Radius of Gyration minor axis (mm); Tab(60);
Format(ry, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Elastic modulus about major axis (cu.mm);
Tab(60); Format(Zz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Elastic modulus about minor axis (cu.mm);
Tab(60); Format(Zy, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Partial safety factor for material ; Tab(60);
Format(GamaM, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Area (sq.mm); Tab(60); Format(A,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Moment of intertia about minor axis (mm^4);
Tab(60); Format(Iy, #######0.0##)
Print #1,
End Sub
Private Sub ComputeInteractionEqnLocal()
G = E / (2 * (1 + EMu))
If (Abs(Mz1) > Abs(Mz2)) Then
Mz = Mz1
Mzm = Mz2
Else
Mz = Mz2
Mzm = Mz1
End If
If (Abs(My1) > Abs(My2)) Then
My = My1
Mym = My2
Else
My = My2
Mym = My1
End If
Properties of the Cross-section
Zpz = 2 * Bf * tf * (D - tf) / 2 + tw * (D - 2 * tf) ^ 2 / 4
Zpy = 2 * tf * Bf * Bf / 4 + (D - 2 * tf) * tw * tw / 4
It = (2 * tf ^ 3 * Bf + (D - tf) * tw ^ 3) / 3
Iw = (D - tf) ^ 2 * Iy / 4
Nd = A * Fy / (GamaM * 1000#)
Minor Axis buckling resistance in bending

A.E.22 Design of Steel Structures

If sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT Then
Mdy = Zy * Fy / (GamaM * 1000000#)
Else
Mdy = Zpy * Fy / (GamaM * 1000000#)
End If
Dim strMsg As String
strMsg = Plastic modulus about Major axis + Str(Zpz) +
cu.mm + vbCrLf
strMsg = strMsg + Plastic modulus about Minor axis + Str(Zpy)
+ cu.mm + vbCrLf
strMsg = strMsg + Torsional constant + Str(It) + mm^4 +
vbCrLf
strMsg = strMsg + Warping constant + Str(Iw) + mm^6
MsgBox strMsg
MsgBox Design Resistance in Bending about Minor Axis + Str(Mdy)
+ kNm + vbCrLf + Applied Moment about Minor Axis + Str(My)
+ kNm
If sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT Then
Betab = Zz / Zpz
Else
Betab = 1
End If
Mdz = Betab * Zpz * Fy / (GamaM * 1000000#)
Print #1, Tab(5); Output
Print #1, Tab(5); -----
Print #1, Tab(5); Plastic modulus about Major axis (cu.mm) ;
Tab(60); Format(Zpz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Plastic modulus about Minor axis (cu.mm);
Tab(60); Format(Zpy, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Torsional constant (mm^4); Tab(60); Format(It,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Warping constant (mm^6); Tab(60); Format(Iw,
#######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Design Resistance in Bending about Minor
Axis (kNm); Tab(60); Format(Mdy, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Applied Moment about Minor Axis (kNm) ;
Tab(60); Format(My, #######0.0##)
Print #1,
End Sub
Private Sub DesignResOfCrossSection()
Dim Alpha1, Alpha2, Nr, Mndz, Mndy As Double
Local Capacity Check
If sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT Then
StressRatio = (N / Nd) + (Mz / Mdz) + (My / Mdy)
Else
Nr = N / Nd
Mndz = 1.11 * Mdz * (1 - Nr)
If Mndz > Mdz Then
Mndz = Mdz
End If
If Nr <= 0.2 Then
Mndy = Mdy

Computer Programs

A.E.23

Else
Mndy = 1.56 * Mdy * (1 - Nr) * (Nr + 0.6)
End If
Alpha1 = 5 * Nr
If Alpha1 < 1 Then
Alpha1 = 1
End If
Alpha2 = 2
section strength interaction equation
StressRatio = (My / Mndy) ^ Alpha1 + (Mz / Mndz) ^ Alpha2
End If
If StressRatio < 1# Then
MsgBox Interaction equation value = + Str(StressRatio) +
vbCrLf + Section is safe
Print #1, Tab(5); Interaction equation (section strength
value ; Tab(60); Format(StressRatio, #######0.0##);
Section is safe
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox Interaction equation value = + Str(StressRatio) +
vbCrLf + Section unsafe due to member capacity check +
vbCrLf + Revise the section
blnSafe = False
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End If
End Sub
Private Sub DesignCompressionResisMajor()
Dim Fcrz, Fcdz, Phiz, Phiz1 As Double
Compression resistance - Major Axis
Lz = Kz * Lz
Ly = Ky * Ly
Lrz = Lz / rz
Lry = Ly / ry
If (D / Bf) > 1.2 And tf <= 40 Then
AlphaZ = 0.21
AlphaY = 0.34
ElseIf (D / Bf) > 1.2 And tf < 100 Then
AlphaZ = 0.34
AlphaY = 0.49
ElseIf (D / Bf) <= 1.2 And tf <= 100 Then
AlphaZ = 0.34
AlphaY = 0.49
Else
AlphaZ = 0.76
AlphaY = 0.76
End If
Fcrz = PI * PI * E / (Lrz * Lrz)
LambdaZ = (Fy / Fcrz) ^ 0.5
Phiz = 0.5 * (1 + AlphaZ * (LambdaZ - 0.2) + LambdaZ ^ 2)

A.E.24 Design of Steel Structures

Phiz1 = Phiz + (Phiz ^ 2 - LambdaZ ^ 2) ^ 0.5
Fcdz = Fy / (GamaM * Phiz1)
If Fcdz > (Fy / GamaM) Then
Fcdz = Fy / GamaM
End If
Pdz = Fcdz * A / 1000#
Dim strMsg As String
strMsg = Compression resistance about Major Axis + Str(Pdz)
+ kN + vbCrLf
If Pdz > N Then
MsgBox strMsg + Section is safe
Print #1, Tab(5); Compression resistance about Major Axis
(kN); Tab(60); Format(Pdz, #######0.0##); Section is
safe
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the Section
blnSafe = False
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End If
End Sub
Private Sub DesignCompressionResisMinor()
Dim Fcry, Fcdy, Phiy, Phiy1 As Double
Dim strMsg As String
Compression Resistance- Minor Axis
Fcry = PI * PI * E / (Lry * Lry)
LambdaY = (Fy / Fcry) ^ 0.5
Phiy = 0.5 * (1 + AlphaY * (LambdaY - 0.2) + LambdaY ^ 2)
Phiy1 = Phiy + (Phiy ^ 2 - LambdaY ^ 2) ^ 0.5
Fcdy = Fy / (GamaM * Phiy1)
If Fcdy > (Fy / GamaM) Then
Fcdy = Fy / GamaM
End If
Pdy = Fcdy * A / 1000#
strMsg = Compression resistance about Minor Axis + Str(Pdy)
+ kN + vbCrLf
If Pdy > N Then
Print #1, Tab(5); Compression resistance about Minor Axis
(kNm); Tab(60); Format(Pdy, #######0.0##); Section is
safe
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the section
blnSafe = False
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End If

Computer Programs

A.E.25

If Pdz > Pdy Then

Pd = Pdy
Else
Pd = Pdz
End If
Print #1, Tab(5); Compression Resistance (kN); Tab(60);
Format(Pd, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Compressive Force (kN); Tab(60); Format(N,
#######0.0##)
Print #1,
End Sub
Private Sub DesignBucklingResisMajor()
Dim PhiLT, PhiLT1, chi, C1, Chi1, Mcr1, fcrb As Double
Dim strMsg As String
Member Buckling resistance
Major Axis
If Abs(Mz1) < Abs(Mz2) Then
Chi1 = Mz1 / Mz2
Else
Chi1 = Mz2 / Mz1
End If
Eqn suggested by Gardner and Nethercot
C1 = 1.88 - 1.4 * Chi1 + 0.52 * Chi1 ^ 2
If C1 > 2.7 Then C1 = 2.7
fcrb = C1 * (1473.5 / Lry) ^ 2 * ((1 + (1 / 20) * (Lry / (D /
tf)) ^ 2) ^ 0.5)
Mcr = fcrb * Zz
LambdaLT = (Betab * Zpz * Fy / Mcr) ^ 0.5
LambdaLT1 = (1.2 * Zz * Fy / Mcr) ^ 0.5
If LambdaLT > LambdaLT1 Then
LambdaLT = LambdaLT1
End If
LambdaLT1 = (1.2 * Zz * Fy / Mcr) ^ 0.5
If LambdaLT > LambdaLT1 Then
LambdaLT = LambdaLT1
End If
alphaLT = 0.21
PhiLT = 0.5 * (1 + alphaLT * (LambdaLT - 0.2) + LambdaLT ^ 2)
PhiLT1 = PhiLT + (PhiLT ^ 2 - LambdaLT ^ 2) ^ 0.5
chi = 1# / PhiLT1
If chi > 1# Then
chi = 1#
End If
fbd = chi * Fy / GamaM
Mdz1 = fbd * Betab * Zpz / 1000000#

A.E.26 Design of Steel Structures

strMsg = Buckling Resistance in Bending about Major Axis +
Str(Mdz) + kNm + vbCrLf + Applied Moment about Major axis
+ Str(Mz) + kNm + vbCrLf
If Mdz1 > Mz Then
Print #1, Tab(5); Buckling Resistance in Bending about Major
Axis (kNm); Tab(60); Format(Mdz1, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Applied Moment about Major axis (kNm);
Tab(60); Format(Mz, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Buckling Resistance in Bending about Major
Axis is safe
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the Section
blnSafe = False
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End If
End Sub
Private Sub DesignShearResistance()
Dim MSF, Av, Vp As Double
Dim strMsg As String
Shear Resistance of the cross-section
MSF = Abs(Mz1 - Mz2) / (Lz / 1000)
Av = D * tw
Vp = Av * Fy / (Sqr(3) * GamaM * 1000#)
strMsg = Shear Resistance Parallel to Web + Str(Vp) + kN
+ vbCrLf + Max.S.F. + Str(MSF) + kN + vbCrLf
If Vp > MSF Then
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear Resistance Parallel to Web (kN);
Tab(60); Format(Vp, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Maximum Shear Force (kN); Tab(60);
Format(MSF, #######0.0##)
Print #1, Tab(5); Shear Resistance Parallel to Web is safe
Print #1,
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the Section
blnSafe = False
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End If
End Sub
Private Sub DesignComBendingAxialForce()
Dim Psiz, BetaMz, MulT, Mufz, Muz, Muy, KKz, Kky, psiy, BetaMy,
nz, Cmz, Cmy, CmLT, ny, klt, klt1 As Double
Dim strMsg As String

Computer Programs

A.E.27

Member Bending Resistance in Combined Bending and axial Compression

Major Axis
Psiz = Mzm / Mz
nz = N / Pdz
Kz = 1 + (LambdaZ - 0.2) * nz
Cmz = 0.6 + 0.4 * Psiz
If Cmz < 0.4 Then
Cmz = 0.4
End If
If Kz > 1 + 0.8 * nz Then
Kz = 1 + 0.8 * nz
End If
klt = 0
Cmy = 0
Minor axis
If Not (Mym = 0 And My = 0) Then
psiy = Mym / My
ny = N / Pdy
Ky = 1 + (LambdaY - 0.2) * ny
If Ky > 1 + 0.8 * ny Then
Ky = 1 + 0.8 * ny
End If
Cmy = 0.6 + 0.4 * psiy
If Cmy < 0.4 Then
Cmy = 0.4
End If
CmLT = 0.6 + 0.4 * psiy
If CmLT < 0.4 Then
CmLT = 0.4
End If
klt = 1 - 0.1 * LambdaLT * ny / (CmLT - 0.25)
klt1 = 1 - 0.1 * ny / (CmLT - 0.25)
If klt > klt1 Then
klt = klt1
End If
End If
Check with Interaction Formula for overall buckling
StressRatio1 = (N / Pdy) + (Ky * Cmy * Abs(My) / Mdy) + (klt
* Abs(Mz) / Mdz1)
StressRatio2 = (N / Pdz) + (0.6 * Ky * Cmy * Abs(My) / Mdy) +
(Kz * Cmz * Abs(Mz) / Mdz1)
strMsg = "Interaction equation value = " + Str(StressRatio1)
+ vbCrLf
If StressRatio1 < 1# And StressRatio2 < 1 Then
Print #1, Tab(5); "Interaction equation value 1 "; Tab(60);
Format(StressRatio1, "#######0.0##")
Print #1, Tab(5); "Interaction equation value 2 "; Tab(60);
Format(StressRatio2, "#######0.0##")
Print #1, Tab(5); Member is safe under combined Axial Force
and B.M.
Print #1,

A.E.28 Design of Steel Structures

MsgBox Member is safe + vbCrLf + The output is stored as
BeamColumn.out under the working folder, , Desgin Over
Else
MsgBox strMsg + Revise the section
blnSafe = False
Unload Me
frmBeamColumnDesign1.Show
End If
End Sub
Private Sub optCompact_Click()
If optCompact Then
sectionType = COMPACT
End If
End Sub
Private Sub optPlastic_Click()
If optPlastic Then
sectionType = PLASTIC
End If
End Sub
Private Sub optSemiCompact_Click()
If optSemiCompact Then
sectionType = SEMI_COMPACT
End If
End Sub

To illustrate the use of the program, a trial run of the program was conducted for
example 13.1 and the resulting output is as follows:
Beam-Column Design
----------------Structure Data
------------Youngs Modulus <N/sq.mm>
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Stress <N/sq.mm>
Major axis Length <mm>
Minor axis Length <mm>
Eff.Length factor - Major axis
Eff.Length factor - Minor axis
Factored axial load <kN>
Major axis factored moment at top <kNm>
Major axis factored moment at bottom <kNm>
Minor axis factored moment at top <kNm>
Minor axis factored moment at bottom <kNm>

200000.0
0.3
250.0
4000.0
4000.0
0.8
0.8
500.0
27.0
45.0
0.0
0.0

Computer Programs
Sectional Properties
------------------Depth <mm>
Width of flange <mm>
Thickness of flange <mm>
Thickness of web <mm>
Root radius <mm>
Radius of Gyration major axis <mm>
Radius of Gyration minor axis <mm>
Elastic modulus about major axis <cu.mm>
Elastic modulus about minor axis <cu.mm>
Partial safety factor for material
Area <sq.mm>
Moment of intertia about minor axis <mm^4>
Output
----Plastic modulus about Major axis <cu.mm>
Plastic modulus about Minor axis <cu.mm>
Torsional constant <mm^4>
Warping constant <mm^6>
Design Resistance in Bending about
Minor Axis <kNm>
Applied Moment about Minor Axis <kNm>
Compression resistance about Major Axis <kN>
Compression resistance about Minor Axis <kN>
Compression Resistance <kN>
Compressive Force <kN>
Buckling Resistance in Bending about
Major Axis <kNm>
Applied Moment about Major axis <kNm>
Buckling Resistance in Bending about
Major Axis is safe

A.E.29

250.0
250.0
9.7
6.9
10.0
109.0
54.9
619000.0
156000.0
1.1
6500.0
19600000.0

674456.721
305869.717
178425.738
282946041000.0
35.455
0.0
1407.624 Section
is safe
1110.522 Section
is safe
1110.522
500.0
128.525
45.0

Interaction equation value

0.658 Section is
safe

Shear Resistance Parallel to Web <kN>

Maximum Shear Force <kN>
Shear Resistance Parallel to Web is safe

226.348
5.625

Interaction equation value

0.45
Interaction equation value2
0.663
Member is safe under combined Axial Force and B.M.

The inclusion of these computer programs is only to illustrate the usefulness of

computers in repetitive and complex calculations, which are time consuming if
done manually. However, the publisher and the author do not provide any warranty
for their use to design problems. The user is advised to test the programs thoroughly,
before using them.