4

Compression Members
4.1 Introduction
A member which carries an axial compression is known as a compression member. It is also
called a strut. A compression member may be called short or long depending on the
slenderness ratio (KL/r), where KL is the effective length and r is the least radius of gyration
of the cross section. For small values of KL/r, a compression member undergoes only simple
compression (Figure 4.1(a)). Such a compression member is known as a short column. For
large values of KL/r, a compression member undergoes buckling i.e., side way deflection
(Figure 4.1(b)). Such a compression member is known as a long column.

Figure 4.1 Types of columns

In the case of a long column, as the load is gradually increased, a condition is reached in
which the equilibrium of the column becomes neutral. That is, at that load if the column
(which is in a straight position) is slightly disturbed, the column gets deflected and remains in
a deflected position (Figure 4.1(b)). The load corresponding to this equilibrium state of the
column is known as a critical load. Up to this load, a column remains straight and in stable
equilibrium, which is the useful range of a column. Therefore, a short column fails by
crushing or yielding whereas a long column fails by buckling i.e., the loss of stable
equilibrium state. The knowledge of buckling or the elastic stability of the compression

members is essential for the design of compression members. The basis for the design of long
columns is Euler's buckling theory.
4.2 Euler's Buckling Theory
Consider an initially straight prismatic long column with both the ends pinned subjected to an
axial compression P as shown in Figure 4.2(a). The critical load of the column is given by

Figure 4.2 Columns with different end conditions

where E = the modulus of the elasticity of the material of the column,

I = the least moment of inertia of the cross section of the column,
L = the length of the column between the supports.
Dividing both the sides of the Equation 4.1 by the cross sectional area of the column, it may
be written in the form

where r is the least radius of gyration of the cross section of the column and L/r is known as
slenderness ratio.
The Equation 4.2 may be written in a general form to account for different end conditions.
i.e.,

where KL is known as the effective length of the column in which K is a factor. The values of
K for the four basic end conditions are given in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 The effective length factor, K

End conditions of column
Both ends pinned (Figure 4.2(a))
One end fixed, other end pinned (Figure 4.2(b))
Both ends fixed (Figure 4.2(c))
One end fixed, other end free

K
1.0
0.707
0.5
2.0

4.3 Behaviour of Real Columns

Euler's buckling theory is valid for initially straight long columns, the material of which
obeys Hooks law (i.e., linearly elastic). Hence, cr should be less than or equal to the
proportional limit of the material. The compressive strength of real columns is affected by
initial imperfections, the eccentricity of load, residual stresses and the lack of a definite yield
point for the material of the column. A number of tests conducted on real columns have
enabled us to arrive at a design curve shown in Figure 4.3. For the structural design of
columns, Euler's buckling theory is modified to account for the behaviour of real columns.

Figure 4.3 The variation of compressive strength of the columns with the slenderness ratio
4.4 Types of Sections
As the compressive strength c decreases with the increase in the slenderness ratio, a section
for the compression member should be such that it has the maximum moment of inertia for
the same sectional area. It is preferable that the section has the same moment of inertia for
both the principal axes. Some of the sections used for compression members are shown in
Figure 4.4.

Figure 4.4 Types of sections

If a compression member is free to buckle in any direction, a solid circular or tubular section
(Figure 4.4(a, c)) may be used. A solid circular section has a much smaller radius of gyration
and hence it is not efficient. Tubular sections are widely used in roof trusses and towers.
Again, a hallow rectangular section (Figure 4.4(d)) is more efficient than a solid rectangular
section (Figure 4.4(b)).
Nowadays, a single angle (Figure 4.4(e)) is used as the compression member mostly in
towers. It is also used as a bracing member in plate girder bridges and in large built-up
columns. Since it is connected to the gusset by one leg only, it is affected by shear-lag.
Instead of a single section, a double angle section (Figure 4.4(f)) may be used. The double
angle sections should be tack bolted or tack welded at suitable spacing so that the two angles
act as one section. The spacing should be such that each angle is safe against buckling
between two consecutive tack bolts or welds.
Single SC/HB sections (Figure 4.4(g)) or SC/HB sections with plates (Figure 4.4(h)) are used
as a light column in buildings. Alternatively, parallel flange column sections (WPB) without
or with plates may be used (Figure 4.4(i, j)). Larger building columns may be made with two
SC/HB/WPB sections using lacing or battening. Four angle sections (Figure 4.4(k, l)) with
lacing or web plates may also be used. A section consisting of two channel sections (Figure
4.4(m)) is used as a web compression member in truss girder bridges. Four angles arranged in
a box using plates or lacing or battening (Figure 4.4(n)) are sometimes used as long members
carrying small loads. In compression chord members in trusses, a top cover plate is used with
two channel sections (Figure 4.4(o)). Lacing or battening is provided at the bottom.
4.5 Design of Columns as per IS 800:2007
As the buckling strength of columns is affected by residual stresses, initial bow and
accidental eccentricities of load, IS 800:2007 defined buckling classes a, b, c, d depending on
the imperfection factor. The values of the imperfection factor are given in Table 4.2. The
classification of the different sections into buckling classes a, b, c, d is given in Table 4.3.

Table 4.2 Imperfection factor

Table 4.3 Buckling class of sections

The factored design compression (P) in the members should satisfy

P < Pd

where

(4.4)

Pd = Ae fcd

(4.5)

in which Ae = the effective sectional area,

fcd = the design compressive stress.
The design compressive stress fcd of axially loaded compression members is given by

where

is known as the stress reduction factor

= 0.5 [1 + ( 0.2) + 2]

(4.7)

(4.8)

= the non dimensional effective slenderness ratio

fcc = Euler's buckling stress

(4.10)

KL/r = the effective slenderness ratio,

= the imperfection factor as given in Table 4.2,
m0 = the partial safety factor = 1.25.

(4.9)

Values of fcd obtained using the above formula for E250 grade steel are given in Table 4.4 for
different buckling classes.

Table 4.4 Design compressive stress fcd (in MPa) for E250 grade steel

4.5.1 Single Angle Strut

If a single is loaded in compression through one leg, it is subjected to flexural torsional
buckling. In such a case, the design strength Pd may be evaluated using the non-dimensional
equivalent slenderness ratio e for in the expressions for and (Equations 4.7 and 4.8).

e = (k1 + k2 v2 + k32)0.5

(4.11)

where k1, k2 and k3 are constants which depend on the end conditions (Table 4.5)

Table 4.5 Constants k1, k2 and k3

and

in which
L = the centre to centre length between the end connections
rv = the radius of gyration about minor axis (v)
b1, b2 = the widths of two legs of the angle
t = the thickness of the angle

fy = The yield strength of the steel

E = Young's modulus of steel = 2 105 MPa
4.5.2 Discontinuous Double Angle Struts
4.5.2.1 Back to Back to the Same Side of Gusset
If angles are connected back to back to the same side of a gusset by one or more bolts in each
angle or by equivalent welding, should be designed as per Sec. 4.5.1 considering them as two
single angles loaded in compression through one leg. However, they should be tack bolted or
welded as described in Sec. 4.5.4.
4.5.2.2 Back to Back to Both Sides of Gusset
If angles are connected to both sides of a gusset by not less than two bolts or equivalent
welding, the load may be regarded as applied axially and their design strength may be

obtained using Equations 4.5 to 4.10 provided they are tack bolted and welded as described in
Sec. 4.5.4. The effective length KL in the plane of end gusset should be taken as between 0.7
and 0.85 times the distance between the intersections depending on the degree of the end
restraint. The effective length KL in the plane perpendicular to that of the end gusset should
be equal to the distance between the centres of intersections.
4.5.3 Continuous Double Angle Struts
Double angle continuous struts, viz, back to back to the same side of a gusset or back to back
to both sides of a gusset, may be considered as axially loaded and their design strength may
be calculated using Equations 4.5 to 4.10 provided they are tack bolted or welded as
described in Sec. 4.5.4.
4.5.4 Other Design Specifications
1. The effective length KL is obtained from the actual length L of the compression
member considering the end conditions. The actual length of the compression member
L should be taken as the length from the centre to the centre of the intersections with
the supporting members. In the case of a column with one end fixed and the other end
free, the free standing length from the centre of the support should be taken as the
actual length L.
2. If the boundary conditions at the ends of the compression member in the plane of
buckling can be assessed, the effective length KL can be obtained from Table 4.6.
Otherwise, the effective length KL may be calculated referring to the Annexure-D in
IS 800:2007.

Table 4.6 The effective length of the compression members

Note A = Allowed; R = Restrained

3. In the case of trusses and braced frames, the effective length KL of a compression
member, in the plane of truss or braced frame, lies between 0.7 to 1.0 times the
distance between the centres of connections depending on the degree of the end

restraint; in the perpendicular plane, KL should be taken as the distance between

centres of connections.
4. The maximum slenderness ratio
1. A member carrying a compression resulting from dead and imposed loads: 180
2. A tension member in which a reversal of stress (i.e., compression) occurs due
to loads other than wind and seismic forces: 180
3. A member subjected to compression forces resulting only from a combination
of wind/earthquake forces, provided the deformation of such member does not
adversely affect the stress in any part of the structure: 250
5. Compression members composed of two angles, channels or tees, back to back in
contact or separated by a small distance should be connected together by bolting or
welding along their length (known as tack bolting or tack welding) so that the
maximum slenderness ratio of each component of column between consecutive
connections is not greater than 40 or 0.6 times the maximum slenderness ratio of the
strut as a whole, whichever is less. In any case, the spacing of these bolts/welds
should not exceed 600 mm. The ends of such compression member should be
connected to a gusset or a supporting member with at least two bolts or equivalent
welding.
6. Where the members are separated back-to-back, the tack bolts should pass through
solid washers or packings in between the members. In the tack welding, solid
packings should be used unless the members are sufficiently close together to permit
welding.
4.6 Validity of Design Strength Calculations
The design strength of columns presented in Sec. 4.5 are valid for plastic (Class 1), compact
(Class 2), semi-compact (Class 3) as defined in Table 1.8 of Chapter 1 in which the plate
elements of the section do not buckle locally before the yielding or buckling of the entire
column. If a section is slender (Class 4), the reduced widths of the plate elements of the
section are to be considered deducting excess widths except those corresponding to the
limiting widths for a semi-compact (Class 3) section for the calculation of the effective
sectional area and the moments of inertia. Such sections are separately considered in Chapter
12.
4.7 Design Procedure
The designing of compression member means arriving at a suitable section given the design
load to be carried and the length and type of the end connection. Unlike tension members, the
designing of compression members is not straight forward since the design compressive
stress fcd depends on KL/r which is not known initially. Hence, it involves the trial and error
procedure. First, an average value for fcd is assumed, from which the required area of the
cross section is calculated. Then, a trial section is selected and its design load carrying
capacity is ascertained. If this design load carrying capacity is almost equal to or slightly
greater than the design load to be carried (known as the design condition), then the trial

section is all right. Otherwise, another section is to be selected depending on the design load
carrying capacity of the trial section and the procedure is repeated till the design condition is
reached.
Example 4.1
SC 200 is used as a column (Figure 4.5). The column is laterally supported in the plane of the
major axis at the height of 3.5 m and in the plane of the minor axis at the height of 2.5 m.
Both the ends may be assumed as hinged. What is the design load carrying capacity of the
column? The grade of the steel is E250.

Figure 4.5

The effective length of the column in the plane of the major axis, KLz = 3.5 m
The effective length of the column in the plane of the minor axis, KLy = 2.5 m
From Appendix A, sectional properties: rz = 84.8 mm, ry = 44.6 mm, A = 7,680 mm2
The buckling class of the section: h/bf = 200/200 = 1 < 1.2 and tf = 15 mm < 100 mm
From Table 4.3, the buckling class about z-axis is b and the buckling class about y-axis is
c.

From Table 4.4, for buckling class b and KL/r = 41.3, fcd = 204.4 N/mm2
for buckling class c and KL/r = 56.05, fcd = 173.9 N/mm2

The design load carrying capacity = 7,680 173.9 = 1,335.5 kN

Example 4.2
Determine the design load carrying capacity of a single discontinuous 50 50 5 (Figure
4.6) which is used as a compression member in a roof truss if it is connected to a gusset by
two bolts. The centre to centre distance between the end connections is 1.5 m. The grade of
the steel is E250.

Figure 4.6

From Appendix A, A = 479 mm2 and rv = 9.7 mm

Since the end connection is done by 2 bolts, from Table 4.5,

k1 = 0.2, k2 = 0.35 and k3 = 20

e = (k1 + k2 v2 + k3 2)0.5 = (0.2 + 0.35 1.742 + 20 0.1132)0.5 = 1.23

The imperfection factor, = 0.49 since the buckling class of the angle is c

The design load carrying capacity = 479 95.5 = 45,745 N

Example 4.3
Calculate the design load carrying capacity in compression of a discontinuous strut 2.5 m
long (the centre to centre distance between the end connections) consisting of two 70 70
6 in the following cases:
1. Connected to the same side of a gusset by more than one bolt in each angle.
2. Connected to both sides of 8 mm thick gusset by two bolts. The grade of the steel is
E250.
The sectional properties of 70 70 6 (from Appendix A):
A = 806 mm2, rz = ry = 21.4 mm, rv = 13.6 mm, Cz = Cy = 19.4 mm, Iz = Iy = 36.8 104 mm4
(i) 2 70 70 6 connected to same side of gusset (Figure 4.7(a))

Figure 4.7

L = 2,500 mm

= 1.0 and (2 E / 250)0.5 = 88.86 as in Example 4.2

L/rv = 2,500/13.6 = 183.8

v = 183.8/88.86 = 2.07 and = 11.7/88.86 = 0.132

Assuming that the gusset is fixed and for more than one bolt in each angle,

k1 = 0.20, k2 = 0.35 and k3 = 20 (from Table 4.5)

e = (k1 + k2v2 + k32)0.5 = (0.20 + 0.35 2.072 + 20 0.1322)0.05 = 1.43

The imperfection factor, = 0.49 since the buckling class of angles is c

The design load carrying capacity = 2 806 76.8 = 1,23,801.6 N

(ii) 2 70 70 6 connected to both sidse of gusset (Figure 4.7(b))
Since the angles are connected to gusset by two bolts,
the effective length in the plane of gusset, KLz = 0.85 2500 = 2,125 mm
the effective length in the perpendicular plane, KLy = 2,500 mm
rz of the double angle section = 21.4 mm (same as rz of 70 70 6)
Iy of the double angle section = 2[36.8 104 + 806 (19.4 + 0.4)2] = 13,67,968.5 mm4

From Table 4.4, for buckling class c, for

The design load carrying capacity = 2 806 108 = 1,74,096 N
Example 4.4
Design a single angle section to carry a compression of 100 kN. The centre to centre distance
between the end connections is 2 m. Assume that the end connection is done by at least two
bolts. Design the end connection also. The grade of the steel is E250.
The angle belongs to the buckling class c (Table 4.3). fcd varies from 227 MPa to 24.3 MPa
(Table 4.4) depending on KL/r.

Let fcd = 120 MPa

The required area of section

80 80 8 may be tried.
From Appendix A, A = 1,220 mm2, rz = ry = 24.4 mm, ru = 30.8 mm, rv = 15.5 mm

= 1.0 and (2 E/250)0.5 = 88.86 as in Example 4.2

v = 129/88.86 = 1.45 and = 10/88.86 = 0.1125
Assuming that the gusset is fixed and for two bolts in the end connection,
k1 = 0.20, k2 = 0.35 and k3 = 20 (from Table 4.5)
e = (k1 + k2v2 + k22)0.5 = (0.20 + 0.35 1.452 + 20 0.11252)0.5 = 1.09
The imperfection factor, = 0.49 since the buckling class of the angles is c
= 0.5 [1 + (e 0.2) +

fcd =

] = 0.5 [1 + 0.49(1.09 0.2) + 1.092] = 1.3121

= 0.4896 250/1.1 111.3MPa

The design load carrying capacity = 1,220 111.3 = 1,35,750 N < 1.5 100 kN. As the load
carrying capacity is less than the load to be carried, a higher section
80 80 10 is tried.
The sectional properties: a = 1,500 mm2, rx = ry =24.1 mm, ru = 30.4 mm, rv = 15.5 mm

v = 129/88.86 = 1.45 and = 8/88.86 = 0.09

e = (0.20 + 0.35 1.452 + 20 0.092)0.5 = 1.048
= 0.5 [1 + 0.49(1.048 0.2) + 1.0482] = 1.2569

fcd = 0.5126 250/1.1 = 116.5 MPa

The design load carrying capacity = 1,500 116.5 = 1,74,750 N > 1.5 100 kN OK

Design of the end connection

Using M20 bolts of product grade C and property class 4.6,

(for shear plane out of bolt threads)

Vdsb = 72,552/1.25 = 58,041.6 N

kh = 0.606
Vnpb = 2.5 kb dtfu = 2.5 0.606 20 10 410 = 1,24,230 N
Vdpb = 1,24,230/1.25 = 99,384 N

Number of bolts = 1.5 100 103/58,041.6 = 2.58

Three bolts may be provided as shown in Figure 4.8.

Figure 4.8

Example 4.5
Re-do Example 4.4 using a tubular section. The grade of the steel is E250.
Assuming that a welded connection is provided at the ends, KL = 0.85 2,000 = 1,700 mm.
For the required sectional area of 1,250 mm2 (as in Example 4.4), a tubular section with the
following data may be tried. From Appendix A,
Nominal bore = 90 mm, Class: Medium
Area of the section = 1,240 mm2
Radius of the gyration, r = 34.5 mm

The tubular section belongs to the buckling class a (from Table 4.3).

From Table 4.4, fcd = 205.5 N/mm2

The design load carrying capacity = 1,240 205.5 = 2,54,820 N >> 1.5 100 103 N

As the design load carrying capacity is much more than the design load to be carried, a
smaller section is tried. Again, from Appendix A,
Nominal bore = 65 mm, Class: Heavy
Outside diameter = 76.1 mm
Area of the section = 1,010 mm2
Radius of the gyration, r = 25.4 mm

From Table 4.3, fcd = 185.9 N/mm2

The design load carrying capacity = 1,010 185.9 = 1,87,759 N > 1.5 100 103 N
OK
The end connection is done using the fillet weld by pressing the ends of the tube to an
elliptical shape (as shown in Figure 3.8).
Length of the weld = perimeter of the tube = 76.1 = 239 mm
The design shear strength of the weld,

0.7 s 239 189.40 = 1.5 100 103

s = 4.7 mm

A 5 mm size fillet weld may be provided.

Example 4.6
Re-do Example 4.4 using a square hollow section. The grade of the steel is E250.

Again, KL = 1,700 mm
For the required sectional area of 1,250 mm2 (as in Example 4.4), 75 mm 75 mm 4.9 mm,
the square hollow section may be tried from Appendix E.

Sectional area, A = 1,312 mm2

Radius of gyration, r = 28.3 mm

The hollow section belongs to the buckling class a (from Table 4.2).
From Table 4.4, fcd = 195 MPa.
The design load carrying capacity = 1,312 195 = 256 kN >> 1.5 100 kN
A smaller section 72 mm 72 mm 4 mm may be tried.
A = 1,047 mm2, r = 27.5 mm

Again, from Table 4.4, fcd = 192 MPa.

The design load carrying capacity = 1,047 192 = 201 kN > 1.5 100 kN
OK
4.8 Built-up Compression Members
For columns with very large unsupported lengths and subjected to heavier loads, single
sections like angles, channels, H sections, tubes are not suitable. In such cases, it is very
effective to use two or more of these sections separated by a distance and connected by a
lateral system (Figure 4.9). The lateral systems commonly used are lacing (also known as
latticing) or battening. The spacing of lacing or battening along the length of the column
should be such that the individual components ( sections) of the column do not buckle. It is
preferable that the failure of the component of the column should be by yielding rather than
by buckling. As per Table 4.3, the buckling class of built-up compression members is c .

Figure 4.9 Built-up section

4.8.1 Lacing
Lacing is the most common type of lateral system that is used in built-up columns. The
simplest form of lacing is known as single lacing, which is shown in Figure 4.10(a).
Sometimes, double lacing is preferred (Figure 4.10(b)). Lacing bars are connected to the
components of the column using welding or bolts. The connection is designed to transfer only
the axial forces in the lacing bars to the main components and hence, it is not moment
resistant. At the ends of the laced column, tie plates (battens) are provided.

Figure 4.10 Single and double lacing

Lacing is designed for shear force (V) in columns. The shear force may be due to incidental
eccentricity of the applied axial load, moments or lateral forces acting on the column and

erection stresses. In a column with single lacing (Figure 4.11), the axial force (F) in the single
lacing bar is given by

Figure 4.11 Force in lacing bars

where N is the number of the planes of the lacing.

4.8.2 Battening
Battening consists of the provision of the battens along the length of a column (Figure
4.12(a)). These are rigidly connected to the components of a column and hence are subjected
to shear force and bending moments. Inflection points are assumed at the mid-points of
battens and the components of a column as shown in Figure 4.12(b). From Figures 4.12(c)
and 4.12(d), it is seen that a batten is subjected to end moments VC / 2N and shear forces
VC / NS where N is the number of planes of battening.

Figure 4.12 Battening

4.8.3 Design Specifications for Lacing as per IS 800:2007
1. It is preferable that the radius of gyration of the built-up column about the centroidal
axis perpendicular to the plane of lacing (ry) is not less than the radius of the gyration
about the centroidal axis in the plane of lacing (rz).
2. The effective slenderness ratio of the laced column should be taken as 1.05 times the
actual maximum slenderness ratio to account for shear deformation.
3. Lacing should be designed to resist a total shear force (V) of 2.5% of the axial force in
the column which is equally shared by all transverse lacing systems. This is due to the
incidental eccentricity of the axial load only.

4. The slenderness ratio of lacing bars should not exceed 145. In bolted construction, the
effective length of lacing bars should be taken as the length between the inner end
bolts of the bars and as 0.7 times this length for double lacing if it is effectively bolted
at the intersection. In welded construction, the effective length of the lacing bar shall
be 0.7 times the distance between the inner ends of welds connecting the lacing bars
to the components.
5. If lacing bars are connected to components of the column by bolts, the minimum
width of the lacing bars should be 3 times the nominal diameter of the bolt.
6. The thickness of lacing bar should be greater than
end bolts or welds for single lacing;
welds for double lacing.

of the length between the inner

of the length between the inner end bolts or

7. The angle of inclination of lacing bars () may be 40 to 70 to the axis of

compression member.
8. The spacing of lacing bars should be such that the maximum slenderness ratio of the
lesser component of the column between consecutive connections is not greater than
50 or 0.7 times the maximum slenderness ratio of the column as a whole, whichever is
less.
9. The bolting or welding of lacing bars to the components of the column should be
sufficient to transmit the force in the lacing bar. If welding is provided, the length of
lap on either end of the lacing bar should not be less than 4 times the thickness of the
bar or the component of the column, whichever is less (Figure 4.15). The welding
should be provided along each side of the bar for the full length of the lap.
10. Laced compression members should be provided with tie plates at the ends of the
lacing systems and at points where the lacing systems are interrupted. The tie plates
should be designed as end battens.
4.8.4 Design Specifications for Battening as per IS 800:2007
1. Referring to Figure 4.9, it is preferable that battened compression members should
also have a radius of gyration about the centroidal axis perpendicular to the plane of
the batten not less than the radius of gyration about the axis in the plane of battens (ry
> rz ).
2. The effective slenderness ratio of the battened column should be taken as 1.1 times
the actual maximum slenderness ratio to account for shear deformation.
3. Battening should be designed to a total shear force (V) of 2.5 % of the axial load
which is due to the incidental eccentricity of the axial load. This should be equally
shared by the number of battening systems in the column.
4. The number of battens should be such that a column is divided into at least 3 bays
within its actual length from centre to centre of the end connections.

5. The effective depth of intermediate battens should be equal to or more than 3/4 of the
distance between the centroids of the components of the column. The effective depth
of the end battens (tie plates) should be equal to or more than the distance between the
centroids of the components of the column.
6. The thickness of the batten (including tie plates) should not be less than 1/50 of the
distance between the innermost connecting lines of bolts or welds.
7. The spacing of battens centre to centre of the end fastenings should be such that the
maximum slenderness ratio of the lesser component of the column over this spacing
should not be more than 50 and 0.7 times the slenderness ratio of the member as a
whole about the axis in the plane of battens.
8. The batten or tie plates should overlap on the component members not less than 4
times the thickness of the plate (Figure 4.13).

Figure 4.13 Welded connection for battens

9. The length of weld connecting each end of the batten plate to the component of the
column should not be less than half the depth of the batten (Figure 4.13). At least 1/3
of the weld should be placed at the corners. The welding should be returned along the
other two edges of the plates transverse to the axis of the main member for a length
not less than the minimum overlap.
Example 4.7
Design a built-up column of the effective length of 5 m to carry an axial load of 900 kN using
lacing. Design the connections using fillet welds. The grade of the steel is E250.

The buckling of the built-up column belongs to class c (from Table 4.3). Assume fcd as 150
N/mm2

The required sectional area

From Appendix A, 2 MC 300 may be tried.
The sectional area of these sections = 2 4,630 = 9,260 mm2
These are placed back to back as shown in Figure 4.14, the distance between them should be
such that ry rz. Hence, rz becomes the minimum.

Figure 4.14

r = rz = 118 mm

The effective slenderness ratio,

= 1.05 42.4 = 44.5

From Table 4.4, for buckling class c, fcd = 194.4 N/mm2

The design load carrying capacity = 9,260 194.4 = 1,800 kN >> 1.5 900 kN
As the design load carrying capacity is much more than required, 2 MC250 may be tried.
From Appendix A, the sectional area of these sections = 2 3,900 = 7,800 mm2

Again, r = rz = 99.2 mm

From Table 4.4, for the buckling class c, fcd = 178.6 N/mm2
The design load carrying capacity = 7,800 178.6 = 1,393 kN > 1.5 900 kN
OK

Ix = 2 3,880 104 = 7,760 104 mm4

The minimum back to back distance between the sections z is calculated by equating Ix and Iy.

or
z = 148 mm

A spacing of 160 mm may be provided.

Design of lacing

From Appendix A, distance of centroid Cy = 23 mm

r = minimum of rz and ry of the component column (single channel) = 23.7 mm
The distance between the centroids of the channel sections = 160 + 23 + 23 = 206 mm
Using lacing bars at 500 angle,
= 172.8mm 175mm

the spacing of the lacing bars

of the component column =

= 7.4 < 50 and < 0.7 50.4 = 35.3

OK
The transverse shear force, V = 2.5 % of 1.5 900 kN = 33.75 kN
Using single lacing, the force in the lacing bar
The length of the lacing bar

= 269 mm

The effective length of the lacing bar = 0.7 269 =188 mm

Let the width of lacing bar = 50 mm

The thickness of the lacing bar

= 6.7 mm

50 mm 8mm flat may be provided as the lacing bar

The min. moment of inertia of the lacing bar section

The minimum radius of the gyration of the lacing bar section

The slenderness ratio of the lacing bar =
OK

= 81.5 < 145

From Table 4.4, for the buckling class c, fcd = 133.75 N/mm2
The load carrying capacity of the lacing bar in compression

= 50 80 133.75
= 5,35,000 N = 53.5 kN > 22 kN

OK

The load carrying capacity of the lacing bar in tension

= 50 80 250/1.1
= 90,909 N = 90.9 kN > 22 kN
OK

Connection

For connecting 8 mm thick lacing bar with a 7.2 mm thick flange of channel section, the
minimum size of the fillet weld = 3 mm.
The design shear strength of the weld,

The strength of the weld per mm = 0.7 3 189.4 = 398 N/mm

The length of the weld

The length of the weld on each edge of the lacing bar

The minimum length of the lap = 4 times the maximum thickness of the connecting parts.

= 4 8 = 32 mm

A 40 mm length of weld may be provided on each edge.

Tie plates

The depth of the tie plate = The distance between the centroids of the channel sections = 206
mm
The thickness of the tie plate
A 210 mm 10 mm tie plate may be provided.
The length of the tie plate (with a minimum lap of 4 10 = 40 mm) = 160 + 2 40 = 240
mm

The length of the tie plate may be 240 mm with a 40 mm overlap on each side.
As calculated in the next example, 6 mm size fillet weld may be used to connect tie plates
with the components of the column.
The details are shown in Figure 4.15.

Figure 4.15

Example 4.8
Re-design Example 4.7 using battening.
Again, 2 MC 250 may be tried.

Effective slenderness ratio

From Table 4.4, for the buckling class c, fcd = 175 N/mm2
The load carrying capacity of the column = 7,800 175 = 1,365 kN > 1.5 900 kN
OK
The minimum of rz and ry of the component column (single channel) = 23.7 mm
The slenderness ratio of the component column should be less than 50 or 0.7 55.4 = 38.8

Maximum spacing of battens = 38.8 23.7 = 919 mm

A spacing of 900 mm may be provided.

The transverse shear force, V = 2.5% of 1.5 900 kN = 33.75 kN

The bending moment in the battens

The shear force in the batten

The minimum thickness of the batten

Using 10 mm thick battens, the depth of the batten d is given by

or

d = 141.6 mm

The minimum depth of the batten

180 mm 10 mm battens may be provided.

The length of the batten (with a minimum lap of 4 10 = 40 mm) = 160 + 2 40 = 240 mm
The length of the batten may be 240 mm with a 40 mm overlap on each side.

Connection for intermediate battens

Let fillet weld is provided along the depth of batten and for 40 mm length of overlap as
shown in Figure 4.16.

Figure 4.16

The distance of the centroid of the weld

The moment of inertia of the weld about x-axis,

The moment of inertia of the weld about y-axis,

= 32,820 mm3

The polar moment of inertia of the weld,

Ip = Ix + Iy = 11,34,000 + 32,820 = 11,66,820 mm3
The weld is subjected to a vertical shear force of 73,725.75 N and a twisting moment of
75,93,750 Nmm. The weld is designed as explained in Section 10.2.2.2.

The maximum vertical shear force in the weld per unit length

The maximum horizontal shear force in the weld per unit length

The design shear force in the weld per unit length

The design shear strength of the weld per unit length = 0.7s 189.4
0.7s 189.4 = 773
s = 5.8 mm
A 6 mm size of weld may be provided.
The Tie plates and their connection remain the same as in the laced column.
The details are shown in Figure 4.17.

Figure 4.17
Problems
For the following problems, consider the grade of the steel as E250
1. Re-do Example 4.1 if the section of the column is WPB 200 200 83.52.
2. Re-do Example 4.1 if the section of the column is 172 92 4.8 HF RHS. Assume
that the ends of the column are rigidly connected.
3. Design a single equal angle to carry a compression of 50 kN. The centre to centre
distance between the end connections is 2 m. Assume that at least two bolts are used
for the end connection.
4. Design a compression member using two equal angles to carry a compression of 200
kN. The centre to centre distance between the end connections is 3 m. Assume that (a)
the angles are placed on the same side of the gusset and (b) the angles are placed on
both sides of the gusset.
5. Design a laced built-up column of effective length 8 m to carry a load 1,000 kN using
four equal angles. Use angles as lacing bars and their connection with main angles
may be done using bolts.
6. Design a welded laced column of effective length 6 m to carry a load of 600 kN using
four tubular sections. Also, use tubular sections as lacing bars.
7. Find the ultimate design load of the compression member whose cross section is
shown in Figure 4.18. The effective length of the member is 4 m.
8. Re-do Example 4.8 using 2 WPB sections and battening.
9. Re-do Problem 4.6 using square hollow sections (SHS).