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LAB:
Compression Members
AISC WET CD
Labs Lab Files Lab 4[Go to Tools and Tips main page for instructions on how to download AISC WET CD files directly from AISC.]
Students will size interior, edge, and corner columns. They can also design the compression members in the braced frame.
HERE’S AN IDEA!
Select one option: Column design or compression brace design. Students will not have enough time in a typical lab session to do both. For the column design, you might fill in the answers for the design for the first story as an example.
ANIMATION:
Column Buckling
WHERE CAN I FIND THIS?
AISC WET CD Visual Aids Animations Buckling Column Buckling
[Go to Tools and Tips main page for instructions on how to download AISC WET CD files directly from AISC.]
DESCRIPTION:
Shows elastic and inelastic global buckling of a column.
To view an MPEG of this animation, click here.
Note: a higher resolution version is available on the AISC WET CD
Local Buckling
AISC WET CD
Visual Aids Animations Buckling Local Buckling[Go to Tools and Tips main page for instructions on how to download AISC WET CD files directly from AISC.]
Shows and explains web local buckling and flange local buckling. Describes the difference between stiffened and unstiffened elements.
To view an MPEG of this animation, click here.
Note: a higher resolution version is available on the AISC WET CD
Tributary Area Column
AISC WET CD
Visual Aids Animations Tributary Area Columns[Go to Tools and Tips main page for instructions on how to download AISC WET CD files directly from AISC.]
Shows how loads are distributed to the columns and how to calculate tributary area.
To view an MPEG of this animation, click here.
Note: a higher resolution version is available on the AISC WET CD
Columns
AISC WET CD
Visual Aids Slide Shows Columns[Go to Tools and Tips main page for instructions on how to download AISC WET CD files directly from AISC.]
This slide show covers the erection, connection, and splicing of columns. It also shows how columns are braced before the beams and girders are framed into them.
Lecture Notes on Compression Members
WET Files and Images
Compression_Members_Aktan.PDFThese notes neatly summarize failure modes as related to column length, effects of residual stress and end restraints, and LRFD design philosophy for compression members. An example demonstrates selection of the lightest A36 W-shape for 16-foot pin-ended column.
Paper Column
WET Files and Images
PaperColumn_Liu.PDF or download by clicking here.
A quick, simple demonstration of local buckling of compression members. Students use paper, cardstock, tape, and their AISC manuals to explore effects of different b/t ratios. Originally developed for the AISC-LRFD 3rd edition, this demonstration has been successfully tested for the 13th edition Steel Construction Manual.
Column Design Spreadsheets
Download by clicking here.
The Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet application AISC2005-ColumnDesignAid.xls calculates the LRFD and ASD compressive design strengths of W- or M-shaped sections for a given (KL)x, (KL)y, and material yield strength, Fy. Once these input values are specified, the compressive design strengths are automatically computed for all listed sections based on local and overall buckling criteria. The user can then sort the sections based on size or strength. Sections that are presented in bold type are the most economical for the strength level they have.