Lecture on April 3, 2012

Last Lecture
Buckling
Radius of gyration
Design steps for columns

Design of Columns - Steps

Given are the loads or forces, Steel strength

Remember: The Allowable compressive stress Fa is a
function of slenderness ratio (
), which can be
determined only once r is known. For that we need to
select a section , shape and size.
Assume a suitable allowable stress Fa .
For A36 steel, Fa = 12 16 ksi for columns and 9
12 ksi for struts.
Determine area required by using the formula:

Design of Columns - Steps

Select suitable shape and size which gives area,

approximately equal to or greater than required in the
previous step.
For section selected, compute actual (
) and calculate
allowable stress by using formulae / manual.
If allowable stress is greater than actual gross
compressive stress, then section selected is OK, otherwise
revise and select another section.

Lacing and Tie Plates

General Discussion

In structural work, particularly bridge work, the system of

slender, diagonal members which connect the two
opposite parallel members or flanges of a structural iron or
steel beam, column, or strut. In lacing the several members
form a single, continuous zigzag line, but do not cross one
another
Single angles are satisfactory for bracings and for light
trusses. Top chord members of roof trusses are usually
made up of double angles back-to-back. The pair of angles
used, has to be connected together, so they will act as one
unit. Welds may be used at intervals with a spacer bar
between the connecting legs. Alternately stitch bolts,
washers and ring fills are placed between the angles to
keep them at the proper distance apart (e.g. to enable a
gusset to be connected). Such connections are called tack
connections and the terms tack welding or tacks bolting
are used.

General Discussion
Single channels or C-sections are generally not
satisfactory for use in compression, because of the low
value of radius of gyration in the weak direction. They can
be used if they could be supported in a suitable way in the
weak direction.
Compression members composed of two angles, channels,
or tees back-to-back in contact or separated by a small
distance shall be connected together by tack riveting, tack
bolting or tack welding so that the individual sections do
not buckle between the tacks before the whole member
buckles

General Discussion
Built up Box
Section

Single
Lacing

Built up I
Section

Battens
Double
Lacing

San Francisco Oakland Bridge

Example # 1
Data
Length of Column = 24 feet
Steel
= A36
End condition Top = Pinned
End condition Bot = Pinned
Assumption
In this example we will assume 0.5 so
Fa = 0.5 x Fy = 0.5 x 36 = 18 ksi

2 x C 15 x 33.9

Lacing

Example # 1 - Contd
We have the sections and lets note down the AISC Specs
Section
C 15 x 33.9
Area A
9.960 Page 1-40 and 1-41
315.000
Ix

Iy

8.130

x
0.787
Value of K from Table C-C2.1 is 1.00
Calculating the Allowable load
Pa = Fa x Ag = 18 x 2 x 9.96 = 358.56 kips

Now we have to find

and for that first
find moment of inertia along both axis.

Example # 1 - Contd
2.

1/2
15

0.4
0.81
7.5

0.787
9

3.4

Example # 1 - Contd
Ixx = ?

Ixx = 2 x Ix

Ixx = 2 x 315

Ixx = 630

Iyy = ?

Iyy =

Iyy = 2 x (8.13 + 9.96 x (4.5 + 0.787)^2)

Iyy = 2 x (8.13 + 278.41)

Iyy = 573.08

Example # 1 - Contd
rmin = ?

rmin = 5.36 in
So OK
From Table C-36, Page 3-16, 53 = 18.08, 54 = 17.99
By interpolating the Allowable Stress = Fa = 18.014 ksi
Calculating the Allowable load
Pa = Fa x Ag = 18.014 x 2 x 9.96 = 358.84 kips

Example # 1 - Contd

Lacing: Code Guidelines Page 5-44

Lacing should be proportioned to resist the shearing
stress normal to axis of the member equal to 2 % of the
total compressive stress in the member.
The ratio l/r for lacing bars arranged in single systems
shall not exceed 140.
The ratio l/r for lacing bars arranged in double systems
shall not exceed 200. Double lacing bars shall be joined
at their intersections.
For lacing bars in compression the unsupported length
of the lacing bar shall be taken as the distance between
fasteners or welds connecting it to the components of
the built-up member for single lacing, and 70% of that
distance for double lacing.

Example # 1 - Contd

Lacing: Code Guidelines Page 5-44

The inclination of lacing bars to the axis of the member
shall preferably be not less than 60o. for single lacing
and 45o for double lacing.
When the distance between the lines of fasteners or
welds in the flanges is more than 15 in, the lacing
preferably shall be double or be made of angles.

Example # 1 - Contd

12.
Lacing
3
1.75
o
The angle in between the lacing is 60
Distance between the fasteners
60o
= 9 + ( 2 x 3.4 ) ( 2 x 1.75 )
= 12.3 in < 15 in
14.
60o
Hence use single lacing.
2
Shear stress = 2 % of Load

= 0.02 x 358.84
14.
60o
2

= 7.177 kips
9
Force of single lacing = 7.177 2
3.4

= 3.588 say 3.6 kips

Example # 1 - Contd
Let us assume that the plate area is A = b x t
The ratio l/r for lacing bars arranged in single systems
shall not exceed 140.
We know that

Now

Example # 1 - Contd

inch

Example # 1 - Contd
=>

From Table C-36, Page 3-16, 131 = 8.70, 132 = 8.57

By interpolating the Allowable Stress = Fa = 8.677 ksi
Calculating the width b
Pa = Fa x Ag = > 4.2 = 8.677 x b x 3/8
b = 1.29 say 1.5 inch
Min edge distance = 1.25 so b = 2 x 1.25 = 2.5 inch
Hence we will use

Example # 2

4 x L 8 x 8 x

Data
21 x 21
Length of Column = 30 feet
Column
Steel
= A36
End condition Top = Pinned
Lacing
End condition Bot = Pinned
Requirements
Capacity of built up Member
Design of Lacing
Assumption
In this example we will assume 0.5 so
Fa = 0.5 x Fy = 0.5 x 36 = 18 ksi

Example # 2 - Contd
We have the sections and lets note down the AISC Specs
Section
L 8 x 8 x
Area A
7.750 Page 1-46
48.600
Ix

Iy

48.600

x
2.190
Value of K from Table C-C2.1 is 1.00
Calculating the Allowable load
Pa = Fa x Ag = 18 x 2 x 7.75 = 558 kips

Now we have to find

and for that first
find moment of inertia along both axis.

Example # 2 - Contd
2.

1/2

21

10.5
5

Example # 2 - Contd
Ixx = ?

Ixx = 4 x ( 48.6 + 7.75 (10.5 2.19) ^ 2 )

Ixx = 2335.139

Iyy = ?

Iyy = 4 x ( 48.6 + 7.75 (10.5 2.19) ^ 2 )

Iyy = 2335.139

Example # 2 - Contd
rmin = ?

rmin = 8.68 in
So OK
From Table C-36, Page 3-16, 41 = 19.11, 42 = 19.03
By interpolating the Allowable Stress = Fa = 19.07 ksi
Calculating the Allowable load
Pa = Fa x Ag = 19.07 x 4 x 7.75 = 591.17 kips

Example # 2 - Contd

17.
Lacing
5
1.75
o
The angle in between the lacing is 45
Distance between the fasteners
= 21 ( 2 x 1.75 )
45o
= 17.5 in > 15 in
Hence use double lacing.
Shear stress = 2 % of Load

= 0.02 x 591.17
45o
24.

= 11.82 kips
7
Force of single lacing = 11.82 4 = 2.96 kips 21
Unsupported length = 0.70 x 24.7 = 17.29

Example # 2 - Contd
Let us assume that the plate area is A = b x t
The ratio l/r for lacing bars arranged in double systems
shall not exceed 200. Double lacing bars shall be joined at
their intersections.
We know that

Now

Example # 2 - Contd

Say

5/16 inch

Example # 2 - Contd
=>

From Table C-36, Page 3-16, 191 = 4.09, 192 = 4.05

By interpolating the Allowable Stress = Fa = 4.06 ksi
Calculating the width b
Pa = Fa x Ag = > 3.0 = 4.06 x b x 5/16

b = 2.36 say 2.5 inch

Min edge distance = 1.5 so b = 2 x 1.5 = 3.0 inch
(Refer Table J 3.5 Page 5-76)
Hence we will use 17.5 x 3 x 5/16

Base Plates

Base Plates

Base Plates: Code Guidelines Page 3-106

Steel base plates are generally used under columns for
distribution of the column load over a sufficient area of
the concrete pier or foundation.
Unless the m and n dimensions are small, the base plate
is designed as a cantilever beam, fixed at edges of a
rectangle whose sides are 0.80 bf and 0.95d. The column
load P is assumed to be distributed uniformly over the
base plate within the rectangle. Letting Fb equal 0.75 Fy.
The required thickness of base plate tp is found as
under:

A2 = Pedestal
Area

Base Plate
B

A1 = Base
plate area

0.95 d

m
n

0.8 bf

Base Plates

Base Plates: Code Guidelines Page 3-106

Dimensions of the base plate are optimized if m = n.
This condition is approached when
Where
When the values of m and n are small (the base plate is
just large enough in area to accommodate the column
profile), a different model may be required. With this
type of base plate, the column load is assumed to be
distributed to the concrete area as follows

A=2(d+b2L)L
Where
d = depth of column section, in

b = Flange width of column section, in

Base Plates

Base Plates: Code Guidelines Page 3-106

The dimension L can be found from the following
equation, where P = Column load

Designing for fp = Fp, the required plate thickness may

be calculated

Base Plates

Steps in design of Base Plates: (Page 3-108)

Find A1 and A2 : Use larger value

Determine N and B
Determine actual bearing pressure on concrete
Determine m and n
Determine L
Determine tp using m, n and L : The largest governs

Example # 1
Data
Bearing Pressure at Sp = 1650 psi
Steel
= A36
Column Section = W 12 x 65
Column reaction = 370 kips
Calculate required area of base plate

Ag = 225 in2

= 15 x 15

Actual Bearing pressure is

Example # 1 - Contd
We have the sections and lets note down the AISC Specs
Section
W 12 x 65
Area A
19.10 Page 1-28 and 1-29
d
12.12
b
12.00
Calculate the value of m , n and L. We will use
largest value.

m =

Example # 1 - Contd

Putting the values

L = 46 x 10-3
So For Plate thickness

Where fb = 0.75 fy = 0.75 x 36000 = 27000 psi

Hence Plate size is 15 x 15 x 1- 5/16