COLUMN DESIGN

Introduction
• Columns are vertical members used to carry axial compression
load and due to their slenderness nature, they are prone to
buckling
• The behaviour of column will depend on its slenderness as
High Medium
slenderness slenderness
Sensitive
Prone to
to effects
of

Buckling Imperfection

• Columns are not affected by buckling and the strength is related

to the material yield stress fy
Nmax=Npl = Aefffy
■ A short steel column is one whose slenderness ratio does not exceed
50;
■ An intermediate length steel column has a slenderness ratio ranging
from about 50 to 200, and its behavior is dominated by the strength
limit of the material,
■ A long steel column may be assumed to have a slenderness
ratio greater than 200
𝐿
= Where i is the smallest of radius of gyration
𝑖
Stocky Slender
column Intermediate columns
columns
Sensitive
Depend
to effects
on
Depends on of
both

Material strength,fy Euler stress, σcr

• Buckling
• Bend about it axis
• Slender column
• Likely bend about the weak axis of cross section (lowest Moment
of inertia)

Flexural Torsional Flexural-torsional

buckling buckling buckling
• Common type of member

Figure 1 : Typical column

cross-sections
• Typical section choices for a range of applications:
1. Light trusses and bracing
• Angles (including compound angles back-to-back)
2. Larger trusses
• Circular hollow section, rectangular hollow section,
compound sections and universal columns
3. Frames
• Universal Column (UC) fabricated sections e.g., reinforced
UCS
4. Bridges
• Box columns
5. Power stations
• Stiffened box column
• Loads on Column
Cross sectional resistance
• Cross section resistance in compression is covered in Clause 6.2.4 in
EN 1993-1-1.
• Only be applied as the sole check to members of low slenderness
( ≤ 0.2)
• For all other cases, check also need to be made for member buckling
as defined in Clause 6.3 (EC3).
• The design compression force is donated by design normal force NEd
• the design resistance of a cross section under uniform compression
Nc,Rd is determined in similar manner to BS 5950:Part 1.
• The EC3 design expression for cross-section resistance under
uniform compression
Af y
N c , Rd = For Class 1,2 and 3 cross-sections
M0
Aeff f y
N c , Rd = For Class 4 cross-sections
M0
Example 1
Question
A 254 x 254 x 73 UC is to be used as a short ( ≤ 0.2) compression
member. Calculate the resistance of the cross-section in
compression, assuming grade S355 steel.

Answer
1. Section properties ( P363)
h = 254.1 mm
b = 254.6 mm
tw = 8.6 mm
tt = 14.2 mm
r = 12.7 mm
A = 9310 mm2
Yield strength, fy = 355 N/mm2 (Table 3.1 of EC3)
2. Cross-section classification (Clause 5.5.2)

 = 235 / f y = 235 / 355 = 0.81

Outstand flanges (Table 5.2, Sheet 2)
c = (b − t w − 2r ) / 2 = 110.3mm
c / t f = 110.3 / 14.2 = 7.77

Limit for class 2 flange = 10ε = 8.14

8.14>7.77 flanges are class 2

Web internal compression part (Table 5.2,Sheet 1)

c = h − 2t f − 2r = 200.3mm
c / t w = 200.3 / 8.6 = 23.29
 Limit for Class 1 web = 33ε = 26.85
26.85 > 23.29 web is Class 1
Overall cross-section classification is therefore Class 2.
3. Cross-section compression resistance (Clause 6.2.4).

Af y
N c , Rd = for Class 1,2 or 3 cross-sections
M0
EC3 recommend

 M 0 = 1.0
9310  355
N c , Rd = = 3305kN
1.0
• EC3 provides guidance for

• Flexural buckling mode(Clause 6.3.1.3)

• Standard hot-rolled and welded structural cross-section and
it is predominant buckling mode and hence governs design
in vast majority cases.

• Torsional buckling mode(Clause 6.3.1.4)

• Generally limited to cold-formed members

• Flexural-torsional buckling mode(Clause 6.3.1.4)

Flexural buckling
• Calculation of the non-dimensional slenderness for flexural buckling is
given by

Af y Lcr 1
= = For class 1, 2 and 3 cross section
N cr i 1

Aeff f y L Aeff / A For class 4 cross section

= = cr
N cr i 1
• Where
Lcr is the buckling length of the compression member and is
equivalent to the effective length LE in BS 5950
i is the radius of gyration about the relevant axis, determined using
the gross properties of cross section (rx,ry in BS 5950)
E 235
1 =  = 93.9 and = ( f y in N / mm 2 )
fy fy
 Table 2: Nominal buckling lengths Lcr for compression members
(Table 24 BS 5950)
End Restraint ( in the plane under consideration) Buckling length, Lcr

Effectively held in Effectively retrained in direction at both ends 0.7L

position at both
ends
Partially retrained in direction at both ends 0.85L

Restrained in direction at one end 0.85L

Not restrained in direction at either end 1.0L

One end Other end Buckling length, Lcr

Effectively held Not held in Effectively retrained in direction 0.7L

in position at position
and restrained
in direction Partially retrained in direction 0.85L

Not restrained in direction 1.0L

Restraint Position Position and Position and None Direction
Direction Direction
Shape

L is
Column
Length

Restraint Position Position Position and Position and Position and

Direction Direction Direction
Practical 1.0L 0.85L 0.7L 2.0L 1.2L
Le
Nominal buckling lengths Lcr for compression
members
Design members in compression
• Design members in compression for slender column , there are two
types of verification is required:
• Cross sectional resistance
• Buckling resistance
• Eurocode 3 (EC3) approach to determining the buckling resistance of
compression member is based on same principles as that of BS 5950.
• Buckling resistance of members is covers in Clause 6.3(EC3)
• Guidance is provided for :
• Uniform compression members
• Uniform bending members
• Uniform members subjected to a combination of bending and axial
compression
• No design expression for non-uniform member for calculating buckling
resistance. However, noted that second-order analysis using the
imperfections according to Clause 5.3.4 maybe used
• Design compression force is denoted by NEd (design normal force)
and must be shown to be less than or equal to the design buckling
resistance of the compression member, Nb,Rd ( axial buckling
resistance)
N Ed
N Ed  N b , Rd or  1.0
N b , Rd

• Compression members with class 4 cross sections follows the

provision of Clause 6.3.1 and the design buckling resistance should
be taken as
Af y
N b , Rd = For Class 1,2 and 3 cross-sections
 M1
Aeff f y
N b , Rd = For (symmetric) Class 4 cross-sections
 M1
Where χ is the reduction factor for the relevant buckling mode
• The buckling curve defined by EN1993-1-1 are equivalent to those
set out in BS5950:Part 1 (Table 24-with exception of buckling curve
a0)
• The basic formulations for the buckling curves are as given as
below:
1
= 2 But χ ≤ 1.0
+  − 2

• Where
2
 = 0.5[1 +  ( − 0.2) +  ]

• α is a constant ( imperfection factor) which shifts the resistance

curve
•  is non dimensional slenderness
• In EC3 (Clause 6.3.1), member slenderness or non-dimensional
slenderness  is defined as:
Af y
= For class 1, 2 and 3 cross section
N cr

Aeff f y
= For symmetric class 4 cross section
N cr
• Ncr is the elastic critical buckling force for the relevant buckling mode
based on gross properties of the cross section
 2 EI
N cr = 2
Lcr
• The buckling mode that governs design will be that with the lowest
critical buckling force Ncr.
• EN1993-1-1 defines five buckling curves, labelled ao,a,b,c and d as
shown in Figure 2 (Figure 6.4 of EC3)

Figure 2 : EN 1993-1-1 Buckling Curves

• The shapes of these buckling curves are altered through the
imperfection factor α and the five values of imperfection for each of
these curve are given in Table 1 (Table 6.1 of EC3)

Imperfection factors for buckling curves (Extract from Table 6.1 of EC3)
Buckling Curve a0 a b c d

Imperfection factor α 0.13 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

• To choose as to which buckling curve (imperfection factor) to adopt

is dependent upon the geometry and material properties of the cross
section an upon the axis buckling as shown in Table 2 (Table 6.2 of
EC3).
• For compression members of stocky proportion  ≤2.0 or NEd/Ncr
≤0.04, (overall buckling effect may be ignored).
Selection of Buckling curve for a cross-section
(Extract from Table 6.2 of EC3)
Example 2: Compression members (Rolled
Universal Column design)
Problem:
Check the ability of a 203 x 203 x 52 UC in grade S275 steel to
withstand a design axial compressive load of 1150kN over an
unsupported height of 3.6m assuming that both ends of the member
are pinned. Design to BS EN 1993-1-1. The problem is as shown in
sketch below:
Partial factors:
UK NA to EC3
 M 0 = 1.0;  M 1 = 1.0
Geometric properties: P363 (Steel building
A =66.3 cm2=6630mm2 design: Design data)
i= 5.18cm = 51.8mm
tf = 12.5mm
cf/tf = 7.04
cw/tw = 20.4

Material properties;

Yield strength fy = 275N/mm2 since tf ≤40mm EN 10025-2 ( Table

3.1 EC3)
Check cross section classification under pure compression:
Need only check that section is not class 4 (slender)

For outstand flange cf/tf ε ε ≤ 14 Table 5.2 EC3

For web cw/tw ε ≤ 42

235 235
= = = 0.92
fy 275

Actual cf/tf ε ε = 7.04/0.92 = 7.62; within limit

For web cw/tw ε = 20.4/0.92 = 20.2; within limit

❖ Section is not class 4

Cross- section compression resistance:
Af y 6630  275 Clause 6.2.4
N c , Rd = = 10 −3 = 1823kN  1150kN = N Ed ok
M0 1.0
Member buckling resistance :
Take effective length Lcr = 1.0L = 1.0 X 3600 = 3600 mm
On the assumption that minor axis flexural buckling will Table 6.2
govern, use buckling curve ‘c’

E 210000 Clause
1 =  = = 86.8
fy 275 6.3.1.3
Lcr 1 Lcr / i 3600 / 51.8
z = = = = 0.8
i 1 1 86.8

 = 0.5[1 +  ( z − 0.2) +  z ] = 0.5[1 + 0.49(0.80 − 0.2) + 0.80 2 = 0.97

2

Clause
1 1
z = = = 0.66  1.0 6.3.1.2
+  − 2 2
0.97 + 0.97 − 0.80
2 2

 z Af y 0.66  6630  275

N b , Rd = = 10 −3 = 1207kN  1150kN = N Ed ok
 M1 1.0
Clause
❖Use 203 x 203 x 52 UC in grade S275 steel 6.3.1.1
Example 3 : Pinned column with intermediate lateral
restraints
A 254 x 254 x 89 UC in grade S 275 steel is to be used as a 12.0m column
with pin ends and intermediate lateral braces provided restraint against
minor axis buckling at third points along the column length. Check the
adequacy of the column, according to BS EN 1993-1-1, to carry a design
axial compressive load of 1250kN.
Partial factors:
UK NA to EC3
 M 0 = 1.0;  M 1 = 1.0
Geometric properties: P363 (Steel building
A = 113 cm2=11300mm2 design: Design data)
iy= 11.2cm = 112mm
iz= 6.55 cm = 165.5mm
tf = 17.3mm
cf/tf = 6.38
cw/tw = 19.4

Material properties; EN 10025-2 ( able 3.1

EC3)
Yield strength fy = 275N/mm2 since tf ≥ 40mm
Check cross section classification under pure compression:
Need only check that section is not class 4 (slender)

For outstand flange cf/tf ε ε ≤ 14 Table 5.2 EC3

For web cw/tw ε ≤ 42
235 235
= = = 0.85
fy 275

Actual cf/tf ε ε = 7.04/0.85 = 8.28; within limit

For web cw/tw ε = 20.4/0.85 = 24; within limit

❖ Section is not class 4

Cross- section compression resistance:

Af y 11300  275 Clause 6.2.4
N c , Rd = = 10 −3 = 3108kN  1250kN = N Ed ok
M0 1.0
Member buckling resistance :

effective length
Lcr,y = 1.0L = 1.0 X 12000 = 12000mm for buckling about the y-
y axis
Lcr,z= 1.0L = 1.0 X 4000 = 4000mm for buckling about z-z axis.
Clause 6.3.1.3
Non-Dimension slendernesses:
E 210000
1 =  = = 88.4
fy 265
 y Lcr , y / i y 12000 / 112
y = = = = 1.21
1 1 88.4
z Lcr , z / iz 4000 / 65.5
z = = = = 0.69
1 1 88.4
Buckling curves;
Table 6.2
For major axis buckling, use buckling curve ‘b’
For minor axis buckling, use buckling curve ‘c’
Buckling reduction χ ;
Clause 6.3.1.2
2
 y = 0.5[1 +  ( y − 0.2) +  y ] = 0.5[1 + 0.34(1.21 − 0.2) + 1.212 = 1.40
1 1
y = = = 0.47  1.0
+  − 2 2
y
1.40 + 1.40 2 − 1.212

2
 z = 0.5[1 +  ( z − 0.2) +  z ] = 0.5[1 + 0.49(0.69 − 0.2) + 0.69 2 = 0.86
1 1
z = = = 0.73  1.0
 + 2 − 
2
z
0.86 + 0.86 − 0.69
2 2

 y Af y 0.47 11300  265

N b , y , Rd = = 10 −3 = 1461kN  1250kN = N Ed ok
 M1 1.0
Clause 6.3.1.1
 z Af y 0.73 11300  265
N b , z , Rd = = 10 −3 = 2268kN  1250kN = N Ed ok
 M1 1.0

❖Use 254 x 254 x 89 UC in grade S275 steel

Exercise 8
Question
Column of pinned based is to resist combined
action from the reaction of beams R1 and R2.

R1 = 225 kN, R2=155 kN

Check the adequacy of column
203x203x52UC of grade S275

Solution
1) Total axial load
2) Classification of cross section
3) Verification
a) Compression resistance
b) Buckling resistance
Design of members in bending and axial
compression
• In high slenderness range, buckling is dominate by elastic behaviour
and failure tending occurs by flexural buckling (pure compression) or
by lateral-torsional buckling (bending)
• This behaviour results from the interaction instability and plasticity
and influence by geometrical and material imperfection.

Steel members subjected to bending and axial force

• Theoretically, all structural members be regarded as beam-columns,
since the commons classifications of tension members, compression
members and beams are merely limiting examples of beam-columns
• Members which subjected to combined bending and axial
compression should satisfy (Clause 6.3.3 EC3-1-1):
• For Class 1, 2 , 3 cross section

N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ k yy + k yz 1
 y N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ k zy + k zz 1
 z N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
 • For Class 4 cross section:
N Ed M y , Ed + M y , Ed M z , E d + M z , E d
+ k yy + k yz 1
 y N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
N Ed M y , Ed + M y , Ed M z , E d + M z , Ed
+ k zy + k zz 1
 z N Rk /  M 1  LT M y , Rk /  M 1 M z , Rk /  M 1
Where:
NEd, My,Ed and Mz,Ed are design values of the compression force and
the maximum moments about the y-y and z-z
axis along the member, respectively
My,Ed, Mz,Ed are the moments due to the shift of the
centroidal axis according to clause 6.2.9.3 and
Table 6.7 of EC3
χy and χz are the reduction factors due to flexural buckling
χLT is the reduction factors due to lateral torsional
buckling
kyy,kyz,kzy,kzz are the interaction factors (Annex A and Annex B
of EC3-1-1
• Members considered as not susceptible to torsional deformation
• Members with circular hollow section
• Members with rectangular hollow section, only if ℎ/𝑏 ≤ 10/𝜆ҧ𝑧
• Members with open section, provided that they are torsionally
and laterally restrained (Members with open I or H section,
restrained by continuous restraints maybe classified as not
susceptible to tortional deformation if the conditions predicted in
Annex BB.2 are fulfilled)
Table 4.5 :values for NRk=fyAi, Mi,Rk=fyWi and Mi,Ed
(Extract form Table 6.7 of EN1993-1-1)

Class 1 2 3 4
Ai A A A Aeff
Wy W pl,y W pl,y W el,y W eff,y
Wz W pl,z W pl,z W el,z W eff,z
My,Ed 0 0 0 eN,y NEd
Mz,Ed 0 0 0 eN,z NEd
 Example 5: Member resistance under combined bi-
axial bending and axial compression
An H section member of length 4.2m is to be designed as a ground floor column in a
multi storey building. The frame is moment resisting in plane and pinned out-of-plane
with diagonal bracing provided in both directions. The column is subjected to major
axis bending due to horizontal forces and minor axis bending due to eccentric loading
from the floor beams. From the structural analysis, the design action effects of Figure
below arise in the column.

Assess the suitability of a hot-rolled 305x305x240H section in grade S275 steel for this
application

For this example, the interaction factors kij (for member checks under combined
bending and axial compression) will be determined using alternative method 2(Annex
B)
 My.Ed=420 kN Mz.Ed=110 kN

Ned=3440 kN My.Ed=-420 kN Mz,Ed=0

Clause
6.2.9.1(4)
MN,y,Rd > My,Ed

MN,z,Rd > Mz,Ed

Refer to design
action effects
diagram and refer
to chapter 1
Design of column in simple construction
• For a simple construction the effect of loading pattern need not to
be considered. For design purpose, a beams supported by column
at any one level are assumed to be fully loaded i.e. 1.35Gk+1.5Qk
• The bending moment in the column can be assume due to beam
reaction acted at a distance of 100mm from the face of the column
• Eccentricity (based upon Uks)

*A load pattern is the spatial distribution of a specific set of forces,

displacements, temperatures, and other effects which act on a
structure.
 100
100
For beam bolted to the column flange, eccentricity e = h/2 +100
For beam bolted to the column web, eccentricity e = tw/2 +100
• For multistory column, net moment at any one level should be
distributed between upper column and lower column of that level in
proportion of their bending stiffness I/L

• For column in simple construction, the following relationship by

“Acess-steel document SN048 need to be satisfied

𝑁𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑧,𝐸𝑑

+ + 1.5 ≤ 1.0
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛,𝑏,𝑅𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝑏,𝑅𝑑 𝑀𝑧,𝑐,𝑅𝑑
• When certain criteria are meet :

i) Hot rolled I,H or RHS

ii) Section class 1,2 or are under compression
iii) BMD about each axis are linear
iv) The column is restrained laterally in both the y and z
directions at each floor level but is unrestrained
between floor
Example 4 : Simple Design Construction
• Consider a 203 x 203 x 52 UC grade S275 column in simple design
that subjected to the ultimate loads from beams A and B shown in
Fig. 4.29. Assume the column is 7 m long and is effectively held in
position at both ends but only restrained in direction at the bottom.
F

Effectively held
in position but
not restrained in
Ultimate Ultimat direction, i.e
reaction from e load LE = pinned
7m due to
Beam A – 200 0.85L
kN self-
Ultimate weight
reaction from 5 kN Effectively
Beam B – 75 held in position
kN and direction,
i.e fixed
Ultimate reaction from beam A, RA = 200 kN
Ultimate reaction from beam B, RB = 75 kN
Self-weight of column = 5 kN
Thus the ultimate axial load, NEd = RA + RB +s/weight = 200 +75 +5 = 280 kN

Load eccentricity for beam A

ℎ 206.2
𝑒𝑦 = + 100 = + 100 = 203.1 𝑚𝑚
2 2

Load eccentricity for beam B

𝑡𝑤 8
𝑒𝑧 = + 100 = + 100 = 104 𝑚𝑚
2 2

Moment due to beam A,

𝑀𝑦 = 𝑅𝐴 𝑒𝑦 = 200 × 0.203 = 40.6 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Moment due to beam B,

𝑀𝑧 = 𝑅𝐵 𝑒𝑧 = 75 × 0.104 = 7.8 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Axial buckling resistance
By inspection, buckling about z-z will determine the compression strength of the
column
tf = 12.5→ fy = 275 N/mm2.

235 235
𝜀= = = 0.924
𝑓𝑦 275

𝐸
𝜆1 = 𝜋 = 93.9𝜀 = 93.9 × 0.924 = 86.8
𝑓𝑦

𝐿𝑐𝑟,𝑦 = 0.85𝐿 = 0.85 × 7000 = 5950 mm

𝐿𝑐𝑟 5950
𝜆𝑧 = = = 115.3
𝑖 51.6

𝜆𝑧 115.3
𝜆ҧ𝑧 = = = 1.33
𝜆1 86.8
 ℎ 206.2
= = 1.01 < 2
𝑏 203.9

ɸ = 0.5 1 + 𝛼 𝜆ҧ − 0.2 + 𝜆ҧ2 = 0.5 1 + 0.49 1.33 − 0.2 + 1.332 = 1.66

χ𝑧 Afy 0.38 × 66.4 × 102 × 275

Nb,z,Rd = = × 10−3 = 693.9 kN
γM1 1.0

𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑍 𝐼𝑊 𝐿 2 𝐺𝐼𝑡
Mcr = + 2
𝐿2 𝐼𝑍 𝜋 𝐸𝐼𝑍

𝜋 2 × 210 × 103 × 1770 × 104 166 × 109 5950 2 × 81000 × 320 × 103
Mcr = +
59502 1770 × 104 𝜋 2 × 210 × 103 × 1770 × 104
= 192 × 106 Nmm
For Class 1 and 2 Wy = Wpl = 569 × 103 mm3

𝑊𝑦 𝑓𝑦 569 × 103 × 275

𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 = = = 0.90
𝑀𝑐𝑟 192 × 107
ℎ
= 1.01 < 2, buckling curve b → 𝛼𝐿𝑇 = 0.34
𝑏
2
ɸ𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 1 + 𝛼𝐿𝑇 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 − 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇,0 + 𝛽 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 × 1 + 0.34 0.9 − 0.4 + 0.75 × 0.92
= 0.89

1 1 1 1
𝜒𝐿𝑇 = = = 0.76 < 1.0 < 2 =
2 2 0.89 + 0.892 − 0.75 × 0.92 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇 0.92
ɸ𝐿𝑇 + ɸ𝐿𝑇 − 𝛽 𝜆ҧ𝐿𝑇
= 1.2 OK
𝜒𝐿𝑇 𝑊𝑦 𝑓𝑦 0.76 × 568 × 103 × 275
𝑀𝑏,𝑅𝑑 = = × 10−6 = 118.7 kNm
𝛾𝑀1 1.0

𝑓𝑦 𝑊𝑝𝑙 𝑓𝑦 𝑊𝑝𝑙,𝑧 275×103 ×264

𝑀𝑧,𝑐𝑏,𝑅𝑑 = = = × 10−6 = 72.6 kNm
𝛾𝑀1 𝛾𝑀1 1.0

𝑁𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝐸𝑑 𝑀𝑧,𝐸𝑑 280 40.4 7.8

+ + 1.5 = + + 1.5 = 0.91 ≤ 1.0 𝑂𝐾
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛,𝑏,𝑅𝑑 𝑀𝑦,𝑏,𝑅𝑑 𝑀𝑧,𝑐𝑏,𝑅𝑑 693.9 118.7 72.6
Example 4.6

Half of the storey building floor plan is shown in Figure Design B/1
column. Given:
Roof :
Permanent load = 5.0 kN/m2
Live load = 1.5 kN/m2
Floor:
Permanent action = 6.0 kN/m2
Live action = 3.0 kN/m2
Brickwall = 6.0kN/m
Column Self weight = 1.5 kN/m
 A B C
Level 3
1
R23 R13
3m 6m

2 R33
Level 2

3m
R22 R12
3 4m

R32
Level 1

8m 6m

Floor Plan Column B/1

Assume the structure is simple construction, moment is nominal
moment and the column is pinned at foundation

Load at 3rd floor

Beam Unfactored Total Unfactored Unfactored Total Unfactored

Load Gk Reaction force, Gk Load Qk Reaction force , Qk
at B/1 at B/1
1/A-B (R23) 5×(1.5×8) = 60 kN 60Τ2 = 30 𝑘𝑁 1.5 ×(1.5×8) = 18 kN 18Τ2 = 9 𝑘𝑁
1/B-C (R13) 5×(1.5×6) = 45 kN 45Τ2 = 22.5 𝑘𝑁 1.5 ×(1.5×6) = 13.5 13.5Τ2 = 6.75 𝑘𝑁
kN
2/A-B 5×(3×8) = 120 kN 1.5 ×(3×8) = 36 kN
2/B-C 5×(3×6) = 90 1.5 ×(3×6) = 27 kN

B/1-3 (R33) 120 + 90 Τ2 105Τ2 = 52.5 𝑘𝑁 36 + 27 Τ2 31.5Τ2

= 105 kN = 31.5 kN = 15.75 𝑘𝑁
Load at 2rd floor

Beam Unfactored Total Unfactored Unfactored Total Unfactored

Load Gk Reaction force, Gk Load Qk Reaction force , Qk
at B/1 at B/1
1/A-B (R22) 6×(1.5×8 ) + (6×8) 120Τ2 = 60 𝑘𝑁 3×1.5×8 = 36 kN 36Τ2 = 18 𝑘𝑁
= 120 kN
1/B-C (R12) 6×(1.5×6) + (6×6) 90Τ2 = 45 𝑘𝑁 3×1.5×6 = 27 kN 27Τ2 = 13.5 𝑘𝑁
= 90 kN
2/A-B 6×(3×8) = 144 kN 3×(3×8) = 72 kN
2/B-C 6×(3×6) = 108 kN 3×(3×6) = 54 kN
B/1-3(R32) 144 + 108 Τ2 126Τ2 = 63 𝑘𝑁 72 + 54 Τ2 63Τ2 = 31.5 𝑘𝑁
= 126kN = 63kN
 Reaction of the beam and column self weight
Permanent Action(kN) Variable Action (kN)
Unfactored Factored x 1.35 Unfactored Factored x 1.5
3rd floor
R13 22.5 30.38 6.75 10.13
R23 30.0 40.5 9.0 13.5
R33 52.5 71 15.75 23.63
Column weight 1.5×6 = 9.0 12.15 - -
Axial load between 3rd 154 47.26
floor and 2nd floor
2rd floor
R12 45.0 60.75 13.5 20.25
R22 60.0 81.0 18.0 27.0
R32 63.0 85.05 31.5 47.25
Column weight 1.5×4 = 6.0 8.1 - -
Axial load 234.90 94.5
Total axial load between 388.9 141.76
2nd floor and 1st floor
The design should satisfy:
N Ed M y , Ed M z,E d
+ + 1.5 1
N min,b, Rd M y ,b, Rd M z ,b, Rd

Axial Load NED = 388.9 + 141.76 = 530.56 kN

Nominal moment My,Ed

Eccentricity :
h 209.6
ey = + 100 = + 100 = 205mm
2 2

Total moment at 2nd floor :

M2 = (85.05+ 47.25) x 205 x 10-3 = 27.12 kNm
Notes:
For multi-storey building the bending moment are distributed in
proportion to bending stiffness I/L of the upper and lower column. If
the stiffness proportion between upper and lower column not more
than 1.5, therefore moment is distribute equally.

Assume column have equal size between upper floor and lower
floor
L2
M upper = M 2 
L1 + L2
L1
M lower = M 2 
L1 + L2
Notes:
size can be difference at each floor but will involve more work. The used
of similar size for multi storey building is more practical.
However the stiffness of upper column = 1/6 or (0.17) and stiffness of
lower column = 1/4 or 0.25. Since the stiffness proportion is less than
1.5, (0.25/0.17 = 1.47< 1.5) moment can be distribute equally between
upper column and lower column.
27.12
My = = 13.56
2
Nominal moment Mz,Ed
b 205.8
ez = + 100 = + 100 = 202.9mm
2 2
Total moment at 2nd floor for axis-z
M2 = [(81 + 27) – (60.75 + 20.25)] x 202.9 x 10-3 = 5.71 kNm
5.71
Mz = = 2.86
2
Critical length = Lcr,y = Lcr,z = 0.85L = 0.85 x 4000 = 3400 mm
 Torsional and flexural torsional buckling
• To check possibility that the torsional or torsional flexural buckling
resistance of a member maybe less than the flexural buckling
resistance.
• Torsional buckling is pure twisting of a cross section and only occurs in
centrally loaded struts which are point symmetric and have low
torsional stiffness
• e.g cruciform section
• Torsional – flexural buckling is a more general response that occurs for
centrally loaded struts with cross-sections that are singly symmetric
and where the centroid and the shear center do not coincide
• E.g a channel section
• Whatever the mode of buckling of a member, the generic buckling curve
formulation and the method for determining member resistance are
common. T
• Calculation of the non-dimensional slenderness for torsional and
torsional flexural buckling resistance
Table 3: Buckling curve selection table
(Table 6.3 of EN1993-1-3)
 Af y
T = For class 1, 2 and 3 cross section
N cr
Aeff f y
T = For class 4 cross section
N cr

• Where
Ncr=Ncr,TF but Ncr ≤ Ncr,T
Ncr,TF is the elastic critical torsional-flexural buckling force
Ncr,T is the elastic critical torsional buckling force

• The elastic critical buckling forces for torsional and torsional-

flexural buckling for cross-sections that are symmetrical about(y-y)
axis (i.e. where z=0) are given by
 1   2
EIW 
N cr ,T 
= 2  GI t +  (equation 6.33a(clause 6.2.3) of EC3-1-3)
i0 
2 
lT 

where
i02=iy2+iz2+y02+z02
G is the shear modulus
It is the torsional constant of the gross-section
Iw is the warping constant if the gross-section
iy is the radius of gyration of the gross-section about y-y axis
iz is the radius of gyration of the gross-section about x-x axis
lT is the buckling length of the member for torsional buckling
y0 is the distance from the shear centre to the centroid of the
gross cross section along the y axis
z0 is the distance form the shear centre to the centroid of the
gross cross section along z axis
   N cr ,T 
2 2 
N cr , y  N cr ,T   N 
= + − 1 −  + 4 y0  cr ,T (Clause 6.35 of EC3-1-3)
2  N cr , y 
N cr ,TF 1 i  N
 N  
 cr , y   0  cr , y
 
where
2
 y0 
 = 1 −  
 i0 
Ncr,y is the critical force for flexural buckling about the y-y axis
• Guidance is provided in EN 1993-1-3 on buckling lengths for
components with different degrees of torsional and warping restraint
• It is stated that for practical connections at each end lT/LT ( the
effective buckling length divided by the system length) should be taken
as
1.0 for connections that provide partial restraint against torsion and
warping (Figure 4a)
0.7 for connections that provide significant restraint against torsion
and warping (Figure 4b)
Figure 4 : a) Partial b) significant torsional and warping
restraint from practical connections (Figure 6.13 of EN
1993-1-3)
Example 4: Member resistance in compression
(checking flexural, torsional and torsional-flexural
buckling)
• Calculate the member resistance for a 100 x 50 x 3 plain channel
section column subjected to compression. The column length is 1.5 m,
with pinned end conditions, so the effective length is assumed to equal
to the system length. The steel has a yield strength fy of 280N/mm2 a
Young modulus of 210 000N/mm2 and a shear modulus of 81
000N/mm2. No allowance will be made for coatings in this example.

A = 5.55 cm2 iy = 3.92 cm IT = 0.1621 cm4

Aeff = 5.49 cm2 iz = 1.57 cm IW = 210 cm6
Iy = 85.41 cm4 Wel,y = 17.09 cm3 y0 = 3.01 cm
Iz = 13.76 cm4 Wel,y = 3.83 cm3
Calculate critical buckling load

Flexural buckling-major (y-y) axis :

 2 EI y  2  210 000  85.4110 4

N cr , y = 2
= = 787 103 N = 787kN
Lcr 15002
Flexural buckling-minor (z-z) axis :

 2 EI z  2  210 000 13.76 10 4

N cr , z = 2
= 2
= 127 103 N = 127kN
Lcr 1500
Torsional buckling:
  Clause 6.2.3
1
 GI t +
 2
EIW

N cr ,T = 2  2  of EC3-1-3
i0  lT 
i0 = i y + iz + y0 + z0 = 39.2 2 + 15.7 2 + 30.12 + 0 = 2689mm 2
2 2 2 2 2

1   2  210 000  210 106 

 N cr ,T =  81 000  0.162110 +
4

2689 2 1500 2

= 121103 N = 121kN
Torsional-flexural buckling:

  N cr ,T 
2  Clause 6.2.3
N cr , y  N cr ,T  N 
N cr ,TF =  1 + − 1 −  + 4 y0  cr ,T  of EC3-1-3
2  N cr , y  N  i N
 cr , y   0  cr , y 
 
2
 30.1 
 = 1−   = 0.66
 51.9 
  121103 
2 
787 103  121103  30.1  12110
2

3
N cr ,TF = 1+ − 1 −  + 4
3   
20.66  787 103  787  10   51.9  787 10
3 
 
= 114 103 N = 114kN

Torsional-flexural buckling is critical ( with Ncr = 114kN)

Non dimension slenderness (for torsional-flexural buckling
mode) Clause 6.3.1.4
Aeff f y 549  280
 = = = 1.16
N cr 114 103
Table6.3 of EC3-
Selection of buckling curve and imperfection factor α 1-3
For cold formed plain channel section, use buckling curve c
For buckling curve c, α = 0.49 Table 6.1 of EC3-
2 1-1
 y = 0.5[1 +  ( y − 0.2) +  y ] = 0.5[1 + 0.49  (1.16 − 0.2) + 1.16 = 1.41
2

1 1 Clause 6.3.1.2
= = = 0.45  1.0
2
 + 2 −  y 1.41 + 1.412 − 1.16 2

Aeff f y 0.45  549  280

N b , Rd = = 10 −3 = 69.2 103 N = 69.2kN
 M1 1.0
Clause 6.3.1.2
The member resistance of the 100 x 50 x 3 plain channel
(govern by torsional-flexural buckling ) is 69.2 kN
Buckling Resistance check summary
• Determine the axial load NED
• Choose a section and determine the class
• Calculate the effective length Lcr
• Calculate Ncr using the effective length Lcr and E and I which
are section properties
• Calculate
• Determine α by first determining the required buckling curve
from Table 6.1 (EC3)
• Calculate Ф by substituting in the values of α and
• Calculate χ by substituting in the values of Ф and

• Determine the design buckling resistance of the member
Exercise 9
• Design column 3/B subjected to axial load and moment
(nominal)-simple construction

Floor Load

Office/ Meeting Room Slab/stor

Clay floor tile = 0.65kN/m2

x 25
Self-weight of 150 mm solid
slab 0.15 = 3.75kN/m2

Services = 0.30kN/m2

Total Permanent action,gk = 4.70kN/m2

Total variable action,qk = 3.00kN/m2

 Roof Load

Insulated panel = 0.20kN/m2

Purlins = 0.10kN/m2

Steelwork = 0.30kN/m2

M&E Services = 0.10kN/m2

Total dead load , gk = 0.70kN/m2

Imposed load, qk = 0.25kN/m2

 Brick wall Load

Brickwall: 115 mm thick 0.115 x 22 = 2.53 kN/m2

Plaster (cement mortar) = 0.92 kN/m2

Services = 0.30 kN/m2
Total dead load, gk = 3.75 kN/m2
Brickwall x 1.5 = 5.63 kN/m