Steel Column Validation Examples

This article shows validation and design examples for steel columns per the CSA S16:19. Note that values will vary slightly (+/- 1%) due to round-off errors.

Example 1 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

Reference: CISC - Handbook of Steel Construction 12th Edition, Part 4, Example 1, pg 4-16

In this example, we find the compression capacity of a standard W-shape column with two different effective lengths in the X and Y-Axis.

Inputs

Parameter	Values
Factored Loads	D = 3600 kN
Length $L$	7600 mm
Weak Axis Brace Location	3100 mm
Yield Strength $F_y$	345 MPa
Section Size	W12x87 [W310x129]

Outputs

Value	Example (Gr. 50 / Gr. 65)	Calcs.com (Gr. 50 / Gr.65)
Effective Length (X-Axis) $K_x$ $L_x$	7600 mm	7600 mm
Effective Length (Y-Axis) $K_y$ $L_y$	4500 mm	4500 mm
Available Strength $C_r$	3820 kN	3800 kN

Example 2 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

Reference: CISC - Handbook of Steel Construction 12th Edition, Part 4, Example 2, pg 4-16

In this second example, we find the compression capacity of a standard W-shape column again with two different effective lengths in the X and Y-Axis.

Inputs

Parameter	Values
Factored Loads $C_f$	D = 3600 kN
Length $L$	9500 mm
Weak Axis Brace Location	4500 mm
Yield Strength $F_y$	345 MPa
Section Size	W12x96 [W310x143]

Outputs

Value	Example (Gr. 50 / Gr. 65)	Calcs.com (Gr. 50 / Gr.65)
Effective Length (X-Axis) $K_x$ $L_x$	9500 mm	7600 mm
Effective Length (Y-Axis) $K_y$ $L_y$	4500 mm	4500 mm
Available Strength $C_r$	3630 kN	3680 kN

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Example 1 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

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Outputs

Example 2 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

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Outputs

​Example 1 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

​Inputs

​Outputs

​Example 2 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

​Inputs

​Outputs

Example 1 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

Inputs

Outputs

Example 2 - W-Shape Column Compression Capacity

Inputs

Outputs