Practice Problem 10-3

Practice Problem 10-3

Given: A W12x40 wide-flange shape (A = 11.8 in²) made of ASTM A36 (E = 30 Msi) structural steel is 30 ft long and is to be used as a vertical column with the bottom end fixed and the top end pinned. The critical radius of gyration for this column is r = 1.93 in.

Req'd: Determine the critical buckling stress s_cr .

Sol'n: From the Euler Buckling Formula, the buckling strength for a fixed-pinned column is:

For a fixed-pinned element, L_e = 0.7L = 0.7(30 ft)(12 in./ft) = 252 in.

The critical buckling stress is then:

s_cr = p²(30·10⁶ psi)(1.93 in.)² / (252 in.)² = 17,367 psi

s_cr = 17.37 ksi

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Updated: 05/21/09 DJD