682 CHAPTER 11 Columns

Columns with Other Support Conditions

The problems for Section 11.4 are to be solved using the assumptions
of ideal, slender, prismatic, linearly elastic columns (Euler buckling).
Buckling occurs in the plane of the figure unless stated otherwise.
Problem 11.4-1 An aluminum pipe column (E
10,400 ksi) with
length L
10.0 ft has inside and outside diameters d1
5.0 in. and d1 d2
d2
6.0 in., respectively (see figure). The column is supported only
at the ends and may buckle in any direction.
Calculate the critical load Pcr for the following end conditions:
(1) pinned-pinned, (2) fixed-free, (3) fixed-pinned, and (4) fixed-fixed.
Probs. 11.4-1 and 11.4-2

Solution 11.4-1 Aluminum pipe column

d2
6.0 in. d1
5.0 in. E
10,400 ksi
2EI

(2) FIXED-FREE Pcr

58.7 k

4L2
I
(d 42  d 41 )
32.94 in.4 2.046
2EI
64 (3) FIXED-PINNED Pcr

480 k
L
10.0 ft
120 in. L2
4
2EI
(4) FIXED-FIXED Pcr

939 k
(1) PINNED-PINNED L2

2EI
2 (10,400 ksi)(32.94 in.4 )
Pcr


L2 (120 in.) 2

235 k

Problem 11.4-2 Solve the preceding problem for a steel pipe column
(E
210 GPa) with length L
1.2 m, inner diameter d1
36 mm, and
outer diameter d2
40 mm.

Solution 11.4-2 Steel pipe column

d2
40 mm d1
36 mm E
210 GPa
2EI

(2) FIXED-FREE Pcr

15.6 kN

4L2
I
(d 42  d 41 )
43.22  103 mm4
L
1.2 m
64
2.046
2EI
(3) FIXED-PINNED Pcr

127 kN
L2

2EI
(1) PINNED-PINNED Pcr

62.2 kN
L2 4
2EI
(4) FIXED-FIXED Pcr

249 kN
L2
 SECTION 11.4 Columns with Other Support Conditions 683

Problem 11.4-3 A wide-flange steel column (E
30  106 psi) of 2

W 12  87 shape (see figure) has length L
28 ft. It is supported only
at the ends and may buckle in any direction.
Calculate the allowable load Pallow based upon the critical load with
a factor of safety n
2.5. Consider the following end conditions:
(1) pinned-pinned, (2) fixed-free, (3) fixed-pinned, and (4) fixed-fixed. 1 1

Probs. 11.4-3 and 11.4-4 2

Solution 11.4-3 Wide-flange column

W 12  87 E
30  10 6 psi (3) FIXED-PINNED

L
28 ft
336 in. n
2.5 I2
241 in.4 2.046
2 EI2
Pallow

517 k
n L2
(1) PINNED-PINNED
Pcr
2 EI2 (4) FIXED-FIXED
Pallow


253 k
n nL2
4
2 EI2
Pallow

1011 k
n L2
(2) FIXED-FREE

2 EI2
Pallow

63.2 k
4 n L2

Problem 11.4-4 Solve the preceding problem for a W 10  60 shape

with length L
24 ft.

Solution 11.4-4 Wide-flange column

W 10  60 E
30  106 psi (3) FIXED-PINNED

L
24 ft
288 in. n
2.5 I2
116 in.4 2.046
2 EI2
Pallow

339 k
nL2
(1) PINNED-PINNED
Pcr
2 EI2 (4) FIXED-FIXED
Pallow


166 k
n nL2
4
2 EI2
Pallow

663 k
(2) FIXED-FREE nL2

2 EI2
Pallow

41.4 k
4 nL2
684 CHAPTER 11 Columns

Problem 11.4-5 The upper end of a W 8  21 wide-flange steel column

(E
30  103 ksi) is supported laterally between two pipes (see figure).
The pipes are not attached to the column, and friction between the pipes
and the column is unreliable. The base of the column provides a fixed
support, and the column is 13 ft long.
Determine the critical load for the column, considering Euler
buckling in the plane of the web and also perpendicular to the plane W 8  21
of the web.

Solution 11.4-5 Wide-flange steel column

W 8  21 E
30  103 ksi AXIS 1-1 (FIXED-FREE)
L
13 ft
156 in. I1
75.3 in.4
2 EI1
I2
9.77 in.4 Pcr

229 k
4 L2
1 AXIS 2-2 (FIXED-PINNED)
2.046
2 EI2
Pcr

243 k
L2
2 2
Buckling about axis 1-1 governs.
Pcr
229 k

B
Problem 11.4-6 A vertical post AB is embedded in a
concrete foundation and held at the top by two cables
(see figure). The post is a hollow steel tube with modulus Cable
40 mm
of elasticity 200 GPa, outer diameter 40 mm, and thickness
5 mm. The cables are tightened equally by turnbuckles. 2.1 m
If a factor of safety of 3.0 against Euler buckling in the Steel tube
plane of the figure is desired, what is the maximum allowable
Turnbuckle
tensile force Tallow in the cables?
A

2.0 m 2.0 m
Solution 11.4-6 Steel tube

Pcr 78.67 kN
E
200 GPa d2
40 mm d1
30 mm Pallow


26.22 kN
L
2.1 m n
3.0 n 3.0


I
(d 42  d 41 )
85,903 mm4 B
64
Buckling in the plane of the figure means fixed-
m

pinned end conditions.

9
2.

2.1 m
2
2.046
EI
Pcr

78.67 kN 2.0 m
A
L2
 SECTION 11.4 Columns with Other Support Conditions 685

FREE-BODY DIAGRAM OF JOINT B EQUILIBRIUM

B 2.1 m
a Fvert
0
Pallow  2T ¢ 2.9 m ≤
0
T T
ALLOWABLE FORCE IN CABLES
Pallow
1 2.9 m
Tallow
(Pallow ) ¢ ≤¢ ≤
18.1 kN
2 2.1 m
T
tensile force in each cable
Pallow
compressive force in tube

Problem 11.4-7 The horizontal beam ABC shown in the figure is Q

a
supported by columns BD and CE. The beam is prevented from moving A B C
horizontally by the roller support at end A, but vertical displacement at
end A is free to occur. Each column is pinned at its upper end to the
beam, but at the lower ends, support D is fixed and support E is pinned.
40 in.
Both columns are solid steel bars (E
30  10 6 psi) of square cross 35 in.
section with width equal to 0.625 in. A load Q acts at distance a from 45 in.
column BD. 0.625 in. 0.625 in.
(a) If the distance a
12 in., what is the critical value Qcr D
of the load?
E
(b) If the distance a can be varied between 0 and 40 in., what is
the maximum possible value of Qcr? What is the corresponding value
of the distance a?

Solution 11.4-7 Beam supported by two columns

28 7 10
COLUMN BD E
30  106 psi L
35 in. PBD
Q
Q
Q
PBD
40 10 7
b4
b
0.625 in.
I

0.012716 in.4
12 12 3 10
PCE
Q
Q
Q
PCE
40 10 3
2.046
2 EI
Pcr

6288 lb
L2 10
If column BD buckles: Q
(6288 lb)
8980 lb
7
COLUMN CE E
30  106 psi L
45 in. 10
4
If column CE buckles: Q
(1859 lb)
6200 lb
b 3
b
0.625 in.
I

0.012716 in.4
12 ∴ Q cr
6200 lb

EI2
PCR

1859 lb
L2 (b) MAXIMUM VALUE OF QCR
Both columns buckle simultaneously.
(a) FIND Qcr IF a
12 in. PBD
6288 lb PCE
1859 lb

a Fvert
0
Q CR
PBD  PCE
8150 lb

Q a M B
0
Q CR (a)
PCE (40 in.)

a
B C PCE (40 in.) (1859 lb) (40 in.)
a


Q cr PBD  PCE
40 in.
(1859 lb) (40 in.)


9.13 in.
PBD PCE 6288 lb  1859 lb
686 CHAPTER 11 Columns

Problem 11.4-8 The roof beams of a warehouse are supported

Roof beam
by pipe columns (see figure on the next page) having outer
diameter d2
100 mm and inner diameter d1
90 mm. The
columns have length L
4.0 m, modulus E
210 GPa, and
fixed supports at the base. Pipe column
Calculate the critical load Pcr of one of the columns using the
following assumptions: (1) the upper end is pinned and the beam d2
prevents horizontal displacement; (2) the upper end is fixed against L
rotation and the beam prevents horizontal displacement; (3) the upper
end is pinned but the beam is free to move horizontally; and (4) the
upper end is fixed against rotation but the beam is free to move
horizontally.

Solution 11.4-8 Pipe column (with fixed base)

E
210 GPa L
4.0 m (3) UPPER END IS PINNED (BUT NO HORIZONTAL

RESTRAINT)
d2
100 mm
I
(d 42  d 41 )
1688  103 mm4
64
P
d1
90 mm

(1) UPPER END IS PINNED (WITH NO HORIZONTAL

DISPLACEMENT)

2 EI
Pcr

54.7 kN
4L2
P

2.046
2 EI
Pcr

447 kN
L2

(4) UPPER END IS GUIDED

(no rotation; no horizontal restraint)

(2) UPPER END IS FIXED (WITH NO HORIZONTAL

DISPLACEMENT)
L
2
P

L
2

4
2 EI
Pcr

875 kN
L2
The lower half of the column is in the same
condition as Case (3) above.

2 EI
2 EI
Pcr


219 kN
4(L
2) 2 L2
 SECTION 11.4 Columns with Other Support Conditions 687

Problem 11.4-9 Determine the critical load Pcr and the equation of
the buckled shape for an ideal column with ends fixed against rotation P
(see figure) by solving the differential equation of the deflection curve.
(See also Fig. 11-17.)

Solution 11.4-9 Fixed-end column

v
deflection in the y direction BUCKLING EQUATION

x M0
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION (EQ.11-3) B.C. 3 v(L)
0 0
(1  cos kL)
P P
EIv–
M
M 0  Pv
k 2

P
cos kL
1 and kL
2
EI M0
M0 CRITICAL LOAD
v–  k 2v
L
EI 4 2
2 4
2 P 4
2
k2
¢ ≤
2

2

L L EI L
GENERAL SOLUTION 2
4
EI
M0 Pcr

v
C1 sin kx  C2 cos kx  L L2
P Le

2 BUCKLED MODE SHAPE
M0
B.C. 1 v(0)
0
C2
 L
P Let 
deflection at midpoint ¢ x
≤
2
v¿
C1 k cos kx  C2 k sin kx L M0 kL
L v¢ ≤

¢ 1  cos ≤
y 4 2 P 2
B.C. 2 v¿(0)
0
∴ C1
0
kL M0
M0 M0


∴

(1  cos
)
v
(1  cos kx) 2 P
P P
2M 0 M 0 




P P 2
 2
x
v
¢ 1  cos ≤
2 L
688 CHAPTER 11 Columns

Problem 11.4-10 An aluminum tube AB of circular cross section is Q
200 kN

fixed at the base and pinned at the top to a horizontal beam supporting
a load Q
200 kN (see figure). B
Determine the required thickness t of the tube if its outside
diameter d is 100 mm and the desired factor of safety with respect
to Euler buckling is n
3.0. (Assume E
72 GPa.) 1.0 m 1.0 m

2.0 m

d
100 mm

Solution 11.4-10 Aluminum tube

End conditions: Fixed-pinned ALLOWABLE FORCE P

E
72 GPa L
2.0 m n
3.0 Pcr 2.046
2 EI

Pallow

(2)
d2
100 mm t
thickness (mm) n nL2
d1
100 mm  2t
MOMENT OF INERTIA
MOMENT OF INERTIA (mm4)
nL2Pallow (3.0)(2.0 m) 2 (400 kN)
I



4 2.046
E2
(2.046)(
2 )(72 GPa)
I
(d  d 41 )
64 2
3.301  106 m4
3.301  106 mm4 (3)



[ (100) 4  (100  2t) 4 ] (1)
64 EQUATE (1) AND (3):
HORIZONTAL BEAM

[ (100) 4  (100  2t) 4 ]
3.301  106
Q 64
(100  2t)4
32.74  106 mm4
C B 100  2t
75.64 mm tmin
12.2 mm

a a

Q
200 kN
P
compressive force in tube
a M c
0
Pa  2Qa
0
P
Q

∴ P
2Q
400 kN
2
 SECTION 11.4 Columns with Other Support Conditions 689

Problem 11.4-11 The frame ABC consists of two

members AB and BC that are rigidly connected at joint
B, as shown in part (a) of the figure. The frame has pin
supports at A and C. A concentrated load P acts at joint
B, thereby placing member AB in direct compression.
To assist in determining the buckling load for member x
AB, we represent it as a pinned-end column, as shown in
part (b) of the figure. At the top of the column, a rotational P
P
spring of stiffness R represents the restraining action of
C R
the horizontal beam BC on the column (note that the
B
horizontal beam provides resistance to rotation of joint B
B when the column buckles). Also, consider only bending
effects in the analysis (i.e., disregard the effects of axial
deformations). L L
(a) By solving the differential equation of the EI
deflection curve, derive the following buckling
equation for this column: A
A y
 L
R (kL cot kL  1)  k 2L 2
0
EI
(a) (b)
in which L is the length of the column and EI is its
flexural rigidity.
(b) For the particular case when member BC is
identical to member AB, the rotational stiffness R
equals 3EI/L (see Case 7, Table G-2, Appendix G).
For this special case, determine the critical load Pcr .

Solution 11.4-11 Column AB with elastic support at B

FREE-BODY DIAGRAM OF COLUMN EQUILIBRIUM

P a M 0
a M A
0
M B  HL
0
M B bRuB
MB H H


L L

x DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION (EQ. 11-3)

L
P
v EIv–
M
Hx  Pv
k 2

EI
y 0 bRuB
H v–  k 2v
x
LEI

GENERAL SOLUTION
P
bRuB
v
deflection in the y direction v
C1 sin kx  C2 cos kx  x
PL
MB
moment at end B B.C. 1 v (0)
0
C2
0
B
angle of rotation at end B (positive clockwise) bRuB
MB
RB B.C. 2 v (L)
0
C1

P sin kL
H
horizontal reactions at ends A and B bRuB
v
C1 sin kx  x
PL
bRuB
v¿
C1k cos kx 
PL
690 CHAPTER 11 Columns

(a) BUCKLING EQUATION (b) CRITICAL LOAD FOR R
3EIL

B.C. 3v¿(L)
 uB 3(kL cot kL  1)  (kL)2
0
bRuB bRuB Solve numerically for kL: kL
3.7264

uB
 (k cos kL) 
P sin kL PL EI EI
Pcr
k 2EI
(kL) 2¢ ≤
13.89 2
Cancel B and multiply by PL: L2 L
PL
 R kL cot kL  R
Substitute P
k2EI and rearrange:
bRL
(kL cot kL  1)  k 2L2
0
EI

Columns with Eccentric Axial Loads

When solving the problems for Section 11.5, assume that bending occurs P = 2800 lb
in the principal plane containing the eccentric axial load.
Problem 11.5-1 An aluminum bar having a rectangular cross section
(2.0 in.  1.0 in.) and length L
30 in. is compressed by axial loads
that have a resultant P
2800 lb acting at the midpoint of the long side
in.
of the cross section (see figure). 1.0 in. 2.0
Assuming that the modulus of elasticity E is equal to
10  10 6 psi and that the ends of the bar are pinned, calculate the
maximum deflection  and the maximum bending moment Mmax.

Solution 11.5-1 Bar with rectangular cross section

kL
b
2.0 in. h
1.0 in. L
30 in. Eq. (11-51): 
e ¢ sec  1 ≤
0.112 in.
P
2800 lb e
0.5 in. E
10  106 psi 2
kL
bh3 P Eq. (11-56): Mmax
Pe sec
I

0.1667 in.4 kL
L
1.230 2
12 B EI
1710 lb-in.

Problem 11.5-2 A steel bar having a square cross section P = 60 kN

(50 mm  50 mm) and length L
2.0 m is compressed by axial
loads that have a resultant P
60 kN acting at the midpoint of
one side of the cross section (see figure).
Assuming that the modulus of elasticity E is equal to 210
GPa and that the ends of the bar are pinned, calculate the m
50 mm 50 m
maximum deflection  and the maximum bending moment Mmax.

Solution 11.5-2 Bar with square cross section

kL
b
50 mm. L
2 m. P
60 kN e
25 mm Eq. (11-51): 
e ¢ sec  1 ≤
8.87 mm
2
b4
E
210 GPa I

520.8  103 mm4 kL
12 Eq. (11-56): Mmax
Pe sec
2.03 kN
m
ˇ ˇ

2
P
kL
L
1.481
B EI
 SECTION 11.5 Columns with Eccentric Axial Loads 691

Problem 11.5-3 Determine the bending moment M in the pinned-end x

column with eccentric axial loads shown in the figure. Then plot the
bending-moment diagram for an axial load P
0.3Pcr . P P
M0
Pe
e
Note: Express the moment as a function of the distance x from the
end of the column, and plot the diagram in nondimensional form with B
M/Pe as ordinate and x /L as abscissa.
v

A y
e M0
Pe
Probs. 11.5-3, 11.5-4, and 11.5-5 P
P

Solution 11.5-3 Column with eccentric loads

M 1.7207 x x
Column has pinned ends.
¢ tan ≤ ¢ sin 1.7207 ≤  cos 1.7207
Pe 2 L L
Use EQ. (11-49): or
kL M x x
v
e ¢ tan sin kx  cos kx  1 ≤
1.162 ¢ sin 1.721 ≤  cos 1.721
2 Pe L L
From Eq. (11-45): M
Pe  Pv (Note: kL and kx are in radians)

kL BENDING-MOMENT DIAGRAM FOR P
0.3 Pcr

M
Pe ¢ tan sin kx  cos kx ≤
2
2
FOR P
0.3 Pcr:
1.533
M
P
From Eq. (11-52): kL



0.3 Pe 1 1
B Pcr

1.7207
x
0 L
0.5 1.0

Problem 11.5-4 Plot the load-deflection diagram for a pinned-end

column with eccentric axial loads (see figure) if the eccentricity e of the
load is 5 mm and the column has length L
3.6 m, moment of inertia
I
9.0  10 6 mm4, and modulus of elasticity E
210 GPa.
Note: Plot the axial load as ordinate and the deflection at the
midpoint as abscissa.

Solution 11.5-4 Column with eccentric loads

Column has pinned ends. DATA
e
5.0 mm L
3.6 m E
210 GPa
Use Eq. (11-54) for the deflection at the midpoint
I
9.0  106 mm4
(maximum deflection):

P CRITICAL LOAD

e B sec ¢ ≤  1R (1)
2 B Pcr
2 EI
Pcr

1439.3 kN
L2
692 CHAPTER 11 Columns

MAXIMUM DEFLECTION (FROM EQ. 1) LOAD-DEFLECTION DIAGRAM


(5.0) [sec (0.041404P)  1] (2)
Pcr
1500
Units: P
kN 
mm
angles are in radians.
P
(kN) 1000
SOLVE EQ. (2) FOR P:
2
5.0
P
583.3 B arccos ¢ ≤R
5.0   500

0 
5 10 15 20 (mm)

Problem 11.5-5 Solve the preceding problem for a column with

e
0.20 in., L
12 ft, I
21.7 in.4, and E
30  10 6 psi.

Solution 11.5-5 Column with eccentric loads

Column has pinned ends SOLVE EQ. (2) FOR P:
Use Eq. (11-54) for the deflection at the midpoint 2
0.2
(maximum deflection): P
125.6 B arccos ¢ ≤R
0.2  

P

e B sec ¢ ≤  1R (1)
2 B Pcr LOAD-DEFLECTION DIAGRAM

DATA Pcr
e
0.20 in. L
12 ft
144 in. 300
E
30  106 psi
I
21.7 in.4 P
(kips) 200
CRITICAL LOAD

2 EI 100
Pcr

309.9 k
L2
0 
MAXIMUM DEFLECTION (FROM EQ. 1) 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 (in.)


(0.20) [sec (0.08924P)  1]

ˇ ˇ (2)
Units: P
kips 
inches
Angles are in radians.

Problem 11.5-6 A wide-flange member (W 8  15) is compressed P

by axial loads that have a resultant P acting at the point shown in the
figure. The member has modulus of elasticity E
29,000 ksi and
pinned conditions at the ends. Lateral supports prevent any bending W 8  15
about the weak axis of the cross section.
If the length of the member is 20 ft and the deflection is limited
to 1/4 inch, what is the maximum allowable load Pallow?
 SECTION 11.5 Columns with Eccentric Axial Loads 693

Solution 11.5-6 Column with eccentric axial load

Wide-flange member: W 8  15 MAXIMUM DEFLECTION (EQ. 11-54)
E
29,000 psi L
20 ft
240 in.

P
Maximum allowable deflection
0.25 in. (
) max
e B sec ¢ ≤  1R
Pinned-end conditions 2 B Pcr
Bending occurs about the strong axis (axis 1-1)
0.25 in.
(4.055 in.) [sec(0.003216P)  1]
From Table E-1: I
48.0 in.4 Rearrange terms and simplify:
8.11 in.
e

4.055 in. cos(0.003216P)
0.9419
2
0.003216P
arccos 0.9419
0.3426
CRITICAL LOAD (Note: Angles are in radians)

2 EI Solve for P: P
11,300 lb
Pcr

238,500 lb
L2
ALLOWABLE LOAD
Pallow
11,300 lb

Problem 11.5-7 A wide-flange member (W 10  30) is compressed by P = 20 k

axial loads that have a resultant P
20 k acting at the point shown in the
figure. The material is steel with modulus of elasticity E
29,000 ksi.
W 10  30
Assuming pinned-end conditions, determine the maximum permissible
length L max if the deflection is not to exceed 1/400th of the length.

Solution 11.5-7 Column with eccentric axial load

Wide-flange member: W 10  30 DEFLECTION AT MIDPOINT (EQ. 11-51)
Pinned-end conditions.
kL
Bending occurs about the weak axis (axis 2-2). 
e ¢ sec  1≤
P
20 k E
29,000 ksi L
length (inches) 2
L L
Maximum allowable deflection
(
)
(2.905 in.) [sec (0.003213 L)  1]
400 400
From Table E-1: I
16.7 in.4 Rearrange terms and simplify:
5.810 in. L
e

2.905 in. sec(0.003213 L)  1 
0
2 1162 in.
(Note: angles are in radians)
P Solve the equation numerically for the length L:
k

0.006426 in.1
B EI L
150.5 in.

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LENGTH

Lmax
150.5 in.
12.5 ft
694 CHAPTER 11 Columns

Problem 11.5-8 Solve the preceding problem (W 10  30) if the

resultant force P equals 25 k.

Solution 11.5-8 Column with eccentric axial load

Wide-flange member: W 10  30 DEFLECTION AT MIDPOINT (EQ. 11-51)
Pinned-end conditions
kL
Bending occurs about the weak axis (axis 2-2) 
e ¢ sec  1≤
P
25 k E
29,000 ksi L
length (inches) 2
L L
Maximum allowable deflection
(
)
(2.905 in.) [sec(0.003592 L)  1]
400 400
From Table E-1: I
16.7 in.4 Rearrange terms and simplify:
5.810 in. L
e

2.905 in. sec(0.003592 L)  1 
0
2 1162 in.
(Note: angles are in radians)
P Solve the equation numerically for the length L:
k

0.007185 in. 1
B EI L
122.6 in.

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LENGTH

Lmax
122.6 in.
10.2 ft

Problem 11.5-9 The column shown in the figure is fixed at the base and x
free at the upper end. A compressive load P acts at the top of the column P P 
with an eccentricity e from the axis of the column. e e
Beginning with the differential equation of the deflection curve,
derive formulas for the maximum deflection  of the column and the B
maximum bending moment Mmax in the column.

A y

(a) (b)

Solution 11.5-9 Fixed-free column

e
eccentricity of load P v¿
C1 k cos kx  C2 k sin kx

deflection at the end of the column B.C. 1 v(0)
0
C2
 e  
v
deflection of the column at distance x B.C. 2 v¿(0)
0
C1
0
from the base v
(e  )(1  cos kx)
B.C. 3 v(L)


(e  )(1  cos kL)
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION (EQ. 11.3) or 
e(sec kL  1)
P
EIv–
M
P(e    v)
k 2
MAXIMUM DEFLECTION 
e(sec kL  1)
EI
v–
k 2 (e    v)
MAXIMUM LENDING MOMENT (AT BASE OF COLUMN)
v–  k 2v
k 2 (e  )
Mmax
P(e  )
Pe sec kL
GENERAL SOLUTION
NOTE: v
(e  )(1  cos kx)
v
C1 sin kx  C2 cos kx  e  

e(sec kL) (1  cos kx)
 SECTION 11.5 Columns with Eccentric Axial Loads 695

Problem 11.5-10 An aluminum box column of square cross section is P

fixed at the base and free at the top (see figure). The outside dimension b
of each side is 100 mm and the thickness t of the wall is 8 mm. The
t
resultant of the compressive loads acting on the top of the column is a
force P
50 kN acting at the outer edge of the column at the midpoint of
one side. A A
What is the longest permissible length Lmax of the column if the
L
deflection at the top is not to exceed 30 mm? (Assume E
73 GPa.)
b
Section A-A

Probs. 11.5-10 and 11.5-11

Solution 11.5-10 Fixed-free column


deflection at the top NUMERICAL DATA
Use Eq. (11-51) with L2 replaced by L:
E
73 GPa b
100 mm t
8 mm

e(sec kL  1) (1)
b
(This same equation is obtained in Prob. 11.5-9.) P
50 kN 
30 mm e

50 mm
2
SOLVE FOR L FROM EQ. (1) 1 4
I
[b  (b  2t) 4 ]
4.1844  106 mm4
12
 e
sec kL
1 

e e MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LENGTH
e e
cos kL
kL
arccos Substitute numerical data into Eq. (2).
e e
EI e
1 e P
2.4717 m
0.625
L
arccos k
BP e
k e B EI
e
arccos
0.89566 radians
L

EI e e
arccos (2)
BP e Lmax
(2.4717 m)(0.89566)
2.21 m

Problem 11.5-11 Solve the preceding problem for an aluminum

column with b
6.0 in., t
0.5 in., P
30 k, and E
10.6  103 ksi.
The deflection at the top is limited to 2.0 in.

Solution 11.5-11 Fixed-free column


deflection at the top NUMERICAL DATA
Use Eq. (11-51) with L2 replaced by L: E
10.6  103 ksi b
6.0 in. t
0.5 in.

e(sec kL  1) (1) b
(This same equation is obtained in Prob. 11.5-9.) P
30 k 
2.0 in. e

3.0 in.
2
1 4
SOLVE FOR L FROM EQ. (1) I
[b  (b  2t) 4 ]
55.917 in.4
12
 e
sec kL
1 

e e
e e
cos kL
kL
arccos
e e
1 e P
L
arccos k

k e B EI
EI e
L
arccos (2)
BP e
696 CHAPTER 11 Columns

e
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LENGTH arccos
0.92730 radians
e
Substitute numerical data into Eq. (2). Lmax
(140.56 in.)(0.92730)
EI e
130.3 in.
10.9 ft

140.56 in.
0.60
BP e

Problem 11.5-12 A steel post AB of hollow circular cross e = 100 mm

section is fixed at the base and free at the top (see figure). The
inner and outer diameters are d1
96 mm and d 2
110 mm,
respectively, and the length L
4.0 m. B
A cable CBD passes through a fitting that is welded to the L = 4.0 m
side of the post. The distance between the plane of the cable
Cable
(plane CBD) and the axis of the post is e
100 mm, and the d1
angles between the cable and the ground are 
53.13°.
d2
The cable is pretensioned by tightening the turnbuckles.
If the deflection at the top of the post is limited to d2
 = 53.13°  = 53.13°

20 mm, what is the maximum allowable tensile force
T in the cable? (Assume E
205 GPa.) C A D

Solution 11.5-12 Fixed-free column


deflection at the top MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COMPRESSIVE FORCE P
P
P
compressive force in post k
Substitute numerical data into Eq. (2).
B EI
Use Eq. (11-51) with L
2 replaced by L: Pallow
13,263 N
13,263 kN

e(sec kL  1) (1)
(This same equation in obtained in Prob. 11.5-9.)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TENSILE FORCE T IN THE CABLE
SOLVE FOR P FROM EQ.(1)
 e 
B

sec kL
1 

e e
T T
e e
cos kL
kL
arccos
e e
PL2 PL2 e
kL


arccos Free-body diagram of joint B:
B EI B EI e

53.13
Square both sides and solve for P:
a Fvert
0 P  2T sin 
0
EI e 2 P 5P
P
¢ arccos ≤ (2) T


8289 N
L2 e 2 sin  8

NUMERICAL DATA
E
205 GPa L
4.0 m e
100 mm

20 mm d2
110 mm d1
96 mm

4
I
(d  d 41 )
3.0177  106 mm4
64 2