Adama Science and Technology University Department of Civil Engineering 2023 GC

Design problem on compression member (column)

Problem: Design the column BD of the steel structure represented in the figure below, using a UB cross section in
S 355 steel, according to EC1993-1-1. The column is fixed at the base and hinged at section B (with respect to the
two principal axis of the cross section). Cross section B is fixed in both horizontal directions, in the plane of the
structure (due to the beam itself) and in the perpendicular plane (because of secondary bracing members). Loading
already factored for ULS.

Solution:
Step – 1: Compute the design applied compressive axial force
Load on column, ∑ 𝑀 = 0 => 𝑅 ∗ 10= 80*12*6 + 800*10
∗ ∗
⇒ 𝑅 =− = +800 = 1376KN, (- sin indicates the load acts to warde the member)

⇒ = 1376KN
Step – 2: Select a preliminary cross section
Assume class1, 2 or 3 cross section, and considering minimum cross section resistance.
∗ 1376∗103 ∗
= 1376KN = , A = = 3,876.056

A 38.76cm2
Trial-1: As it is expected that buckling resistance may govern the member design, section of
254*254*85 steel profile with the following properties (geometrical and mechanical) (from UKB steel
table)
Properties of 254 × 254 x 85 UKB section

h = 254.3 mm. d= = 200.3 b = 260.4 mm.

mm
= 14.3 mm. = 14.4 mm. r = 12.7 mm
= 10.6 cm = 6.24 cm. A = 108 cm2

Design of Steel and Timber Structure Com. & pre. By: Melkamu E. (M.Sc.)
Adama Science and Technology University Department of Civil Engineering 2023 GC

= 7.71 = 4215 cm4

=13.9

= 12284 cm4

Stress factor (ε) = √ =√ = 0 81

Step – 3: Check the class of Classification of the section

From table: = 7.71 and = 13.9

Outstand element of flange Internal element of web

At least for Class -3 limit: 14 At least for Class -3 limit: 42

9 x 0.81= 7.71 11.34 ------Ok! 13.9 33 X 0.81 =>13.9 34.02 ----- Ok!

Therefore, the section shall be designed at least for class -3

Step – 4: For uniform compression Resistance

The design resistance of the cross section for compression

∗
= = = 3465666.2 KN = 3465.66 KN > 1376KN

= = 0 44 1 0 ------------ Ok!

Step – 5: Check for the buckling resistance (Check for instability)

Step 3.1: Identify the Buckling length in both directions.

According to the support conditions, the buckling lengths are equal in both planes, given by:

= => for class 1

1 = 93 9 = 93 9 0 81 = 76 059

= 10 ; = 0 5 [1 ( ̅ − 0 2) ̅̅̅] ;
( √( ̅̅̅̅̅))

̅ =√ = ∗
Design of Steel and Timber Structure Com. & pre. By: Melkamu E. (M.Sc.)
Adama Science and Technology University Department of Civil Engineering 2023 GC

As the beam and column are flexible connected, we shall assume it as pin connected and column at the
base is pin connected therefore k = 0.7L => = = 0.7L = 0.7*8m = 5.6m = 5600mm

Buckling about major axis (y-y) Buckling about minor axis (z-z)
̅ = ( ) ( ) = 0 695 02 5600 1
̅ = ( ) ( )= 18 02
62 4 76 059
Hence buckling resistance need to be calculated
Hence buckling resistance need to be calculated
The appropriate buckling curve depends on h/ b
The appropriate buckling curve depends on h/ b and steel
and steel grade
grade
254 3 254 3
= = 0 98 12 100 = = 0 98 12 100
260 4
(refer ES EN 152: table 6.2) (refer ES EN 152: table 6.2)

Therefore, refer buckling curve b for y-y axis Therefore, refer buckling curve c for z-z axis = 0 49

= 0 34 = 0 5 [1 0 49 (1 8 − 0 2 1 8 ] = 2 512

= 0 5 [1 0 34 (0 695 − 0 2 0 695 ] 1
= = 0 235 10
2 512 √2 512 − 1 8
= 0 83
1
= = 0 78
(0 83 √(0 83 − 0 695 )
10

Therefore, = 0 235 (take the least value)

0 235 10800 355

= = = 900 990 = 900 990 1376
1

Hence, the section is not safe.

Therefore, the section is not adequate for the resistance for bucking.

Go to step 2: Select a preliminary cross section

Trai-2: Section of 305x305x97 with gross area of A = 123cm2 from UKB steel table

Properties of 305x305x97UKB section

h = 307.9 mm. d= = 246.7 mm b = 305.3 mm.

= 15.4 mm. = 9.9 mm. r = 15.2 mm

= 13.4 cm = 7.69 cm. A = 123 cm2

= 24.9 = 8.6 = 7308 cm4

Design of Steel and Timber Structure Com. & pre. By: Melkamu E. (M.Sc.)
Adama Science and Technology University Department of Civil Engineering 2023 GC

= 22249 cm4

Stress factor (ε) = √ =√ = 0 81

Step – 3’: Check the class of Classification of the section

From table: = 8.6 and = 24.9

Outstand element of flange Internal element of web

At least for Class -3 limit: 14 At least for Class -1 limit: 42

9 x 0.81= 8.6 11.34 ------Ok! 24.9 42 X 0.81 =>24.9 34.02 ----- Ok!

Therefore, the section shall be designed at least for class -3

Step – 4’: For uniform compression Resistance

The design resistance of the cross section for compression

∗
= = = 4366.5 KN > 1376KN ------------ Ok!

Step – 5’: Check for the buckling resistance (Check for instability)

Step 3.1: Identify the Buckling length in both directions.

According to the support conditions, the buckling lengths are equal in both planes, given by:

= => for class 1,2 and- 3

1 = 93 9 = 93 9 0 81 = 76 059

= 10 ; = 0 5 [1 ( ̅ − 0 2) ̅̅̅] ;
( √( ̅̅̅̅̅))

̅ =√ = ∗

As the beam and column are flexible connected, we shall assume it as pin connected and column at the
base is pin connected therefore k = 0.7L => = = 0.7L = 0.7*8m = 5.6m = 5600mm

Design of Steel and Timber Structure Com. & pre. By: Melkamu E. (M.Sc.)
Adama Science and Technology University Department of Civil Engineering 2023 GC

Buckling about major axis (y-y) Buckling about minor axis (z-z)
̅ = ( ) ( ) = 0 55 02 5600 1
134 ̅ = ( ) ( ) = 0 96 02
76 9 76 059
Hence buckling resistance need to be calculated Hence buckling resistance need to be calculated
The appropriate buckling curve depends on h/ b and
The appropriate buckling curve depends on h/ b and
steel grade
steel grade
307 9 254 3
= = 1 01 12 100
305 3 = = 0 98 12 100
260 4
(refer ES EN 152: table 6.2) (refer ES EN 152: table 6.2)
Therefore, refer buckling curve b for y-y axis Therefore, refer buckling curve c for z-z axis
= 0 34 = 0 49
= 0 5 [1 0 34 (0 55 − 0 2 0 55 ] = 0 71 = 0 5 [1 0 49 (0 96 − 0 2 0 96 ] = 1 147
1 1
= = 0 86 10 = = 0 0 56 10
(0 71 √(0 71 − 0 55 ) 1 147 √1 147 − 0 96

Therefore, = (take the least value)

= = = 2 445 240 = 2 445 24 1376 `

Therefore, the section is adequate for the resistance for bucking.

Hence, the section is safe against the applied axial load but little bit uneconomical!

Recommendation: Take another trial section which satisfies both safety and cost.

Design of Steel and Timber Structure Com. & pre. By: Melkamu E. (M.Sc.)