13.

Theories of Column
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
1. Introduction

Strut: A member of structure which carries an axial compressive load. Column: If the strut is vertical it is known as column.
A long, slender column becomes unstable when its axial compressive load reaches a value called the critical buckling load.

If a beam element is under a compressive load and its length is an order of magnitude larger than either of its other dimensions such a beam is called a columns.

Due to its size its axial displacement is going to be very small compared to its lateral deflection called buckling.

Buckling does not vary linearly with load it occurs suddenly and is therefore dangerous

Slenderness Ratio: The ratio between the length and least radius of gyration. Elastic Buckling: Buckling with no permanent deformation.
Euler buckling is only valid for long, slender objects in the elastic region. For short columns, a different set of equations must be used.

2. Which is the critical load?

At this value the structure is in equilibrium regardless of the magnitude of the angle (provided it stays small)

Critical load is the only load for which the structure will be in equilibrium in the disturbed position

At this value, restoring effect of the moment in the spring matches the buckling effect of the axial load represents the boundary between the stable and unstable conditions.

If the axial load is less than Pcr the effect of the moment in the spring dominates and the structure returns to the vertical position after a small disturbance stable condition.

If the axial load is larger than Pcr the effect of the axial force predominates and the structure buckles unstable condition.

Because of the large deflection caused by buckling, the least moment of inertia I can be expressed as, I = Ak2

Where: A is the cross sectional area and r is the radius of gyration of the cross sectional area, i.e. kmin =

Imin A
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Chapter-13

Theories of Column

S K Mondals

Note that the smallest radius of gyration of the column, i.e. the least moment of inertia I should be taken in order to find the critical stress. l/ k is called the slenderness ratio, it is a measure of the column's flexibility.

3. Eulers Critical Load for Long Column

Assumptions:
(i) The column is perfectly straight and of uniform cross-section (ii) The material is homogenous and isotropic (iii) The material behaves elastically (iv) The load is perfectly axial and passes through the centroid of the column section. (v) The weight of the column is neglected.

Eulers critical load, Where

2 EI Pcr = 2 le
length of column (1st mode of bending)

e=Equivalent

4. Remember the following table

Case Diagram Pcr Equivalent length(le)
Both ends hinged/pinned

2 EI
2

Both ends fixed

4 2 EI
2

One end fixed & other end free

2 EI 4 2

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C Chapter-13
O end fixed & other en One nd pinned /h hinged

Theorie es of Colum mn

S K Mo ondals

5 Slender 5. rness Rat tio of Col lumn

Pcr = = 2 EI ere I=A k 2 whe n min 2 Le 2 EA e kmin
2

k min = leas st radius of gyration

Sle enderness Ratio R =

kmin

6 Rankine 6. es Cripp pling Load d

R Rankine theo ory is applie ed to both Short t strut /column (valid up pto SR-40) Long g Column (Valid upto SR R 120)

Slend derness ratio o

e

2 E e

( e = criti ical stress)= =

Pcr A

Cripp pling Load , P

P=

c A

1+ K ' e k

wher re k' = Rank kine constan nt =

c Page 366 de epends on of material m429 & end conditio ons 2 E

Chapter-13

Theories of Column

S K Mondals

c = crushing stress

For steel columns K =

1 for both ends fixed 25000 1 for one end fixed & other hinged 12500 20
e

100

7. Other formulas for crippling load (P)

Gordons formula,

P=

A c

1+ b e d

b = a constant, d = least diameter or breadth of bar

Johnson Straight line formula,

P = c A 1 c e k

Johnson parabolic formulae :

c = a constant depending on material.

where the value of index b' depends on the end conditions.

Fiddlers formula,

P=

A ( c + e ) C
2 E
e

(
2

c + e

2c c e

where, e =

8. Eccentrically Loaded Columns

Secant formula

m ax =
Where

P A

ey c e 1 + 2 sec k 2k

P EA

u
P P

max =maximum compressive stress

P = load

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Chapter-13

Theories of Column

S K Mondals

A = Area of c/s y c = Distance of the outermost fiber in compression from the NA e = Eccentricity of the load

le = Equivalent length k = Radius of gyration = I A E = Modulus of elasticity of the material

e P M = P.e.Sec 2k EA Where M = Moment introduced.

Prof. Perrys Formula

max d 11 d e

e1 yc = 2 k

Where max = maximum compressive stress

d = P Load = A c/s area P Euler's load e = e = A c / s area 2 EI pe = Euler ' s load = 2
e

e ' = Versine at mid-length of column due to initial curvature e = Eccentricity of the load e1 = e '+ 1.2e yc = distance of outer most fiber in compression form the NA k = Radius of gyration
If

max is allowed to go up to f (permssible stress)

Then,

e1 yc k2

d =

f + e (1 + ) 2

f + e (1 + ) ef 2

Perry-Robertson Formula

= 0.003

e k e f + e (1 + 0.003 k e f Page 368 of2429

f + e 1 + 0.003 e k d = 2

Chapter-13

Theories of Column

S K Mondals

9. ISIs Formula for Columns and Struts

For
e

=0 to 160

y Pc = fos 1 + 0.2sec e k fos pc ' 4E

Where, Pc = Permissible axial compressive stress Pc = A value obtained from above Secant formula

y = Guaranteed minimum yield stress = 2600 kg/cm2 for mild steel

fos = factor of safety = 1.68

le = Slenderness ratio k
6 2 E = Modulus of elasticity = 2.045 10 kg / cm for mild steel

For

le > 160 k

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