E-18

Example E.4a

W-Shape Compression Member (Moment Frame)

This example is primarily intended to

illustrate the use of the alignment chart for
sidesway uninhibited columns.
Given:

The member sizes shown for the moment

frame
illustrated
here
(sidesway
uninhibited in the plane of the frame) have
been determined to be adequate for lateral
loads. The material for both the column
and the girders is ASTM A992 grade 50.
The loads shown at each level are the
accumulated dead loads and live loads at
that story. The column is fixed at the base
about the x-x axis of the column.

Determine if the column is adequate to

support the gravity loads shown. Assume
the column is continuously supported in
the transverse direction (the y-y axis of the
column).
Material Properties:
ASTM A992
Fy = 50 ksi

Fu = 65 ksi

Geometric Properties:
W1850
Ix = 800 in.4
W2455
Ix = 1350 in.4
W1482
Ag = 24.0 in.2

Manual
Table 2-1
Manual
Table 1-1

Ix = 881 in.4

Calculate the required strength for the column between the roof and floor
LRFD

Pu = 1.2 ( 41.5 kips ) + 1.6 (125 kips ) = 250 kips

ASD

Pa = 41.5 + 125 = 167 kips

Calculate the effective length factor, K

LRFD

ASD

Pu 250 kips
=
= 10.4 ksi < 18 ksi
Ag 24.0 in.2

Pa
167 kips
=
= 6.96 ksi <12 ksi
Ag
24.0 in.2

= 1.00

= 1.00

Therefore, no reduction in stiffness for inelastic buckling will be used.

Manual
Table 4-21

E-19

Determine Gtop and Gbottom

881 in.4
( I c / Lc ) = (1.00) 14.0 ft = 1.38
Gtop =
800 in.4
( I g / Lg )
2

35.0 ft

Commentary
C2.2

881 in.4
2

( I c / Lc )
14.0 ft

Gbottom =
= (1.00)
= 1.63
1,350 in.4
( I g / Lg )
2

35.0 ft

Commentary
C2.2 &
Fig. C-C2.4

From the alignment chart, K is slightly less than 1.5. Because the column available strength
tables are based on the KL about the y-y axis, the equivalent effective column length of the
upper segment for use in the table is:
KL =

( KL ) x 1.5 (14.0 ft )
=
= 8.61 ft
2.44
rx
r
y

Take the available strength of the W14x82 from Manual Table 4.1
At KL = 9 ft, the available strength in axial compression is:
LRFD

c Pn = 942 kips > 250 kips

ASD

o.k.

Pn / c = 627 kips > 167 kips

o.k.

Manual
Table 4-1

Calculate the required strength for the column segment between the floor and the foundation
LRFD

Pu = 1.2(100 kips) + 1.6 (300 kips)

= 600 kips

ASD

Pa = 100 kips + 300 kips

= 400 kips

Calculate the effective length factor, K

LRFD

Pu 600 kips
=
= 25.0 ksi
Ag 24.0 in.2

= 0.890

Gtop

881 in.4
I
2

14.0 ft
L c
=
= ( 0.890 )
= 1.45
I
1350 in.4

2

L g
35.0 ft

ASD

Pa 400 kips
=
= 16.7 ksi
Ag 24.0 in.2

Manual
Table 4-21

= 0.890

Gtop =

I

Lc
I

Lg

= ( 0.890)

881 in.4
2
14.0 ft
1350 in.4
2
35.0 ft

= 1.45

Commentary
Section
C2.2b

E-20

Gbottom = 1 ( fixed )

From the alignment chart, K is approximately 1.42. Because the column available strengths
are based on the KL about the y-y axis, the effective column length of the lower segment for
use in the table is:
( KL) x 1.42 (14.0 ft )
=
= 8.15 ft
2.44
rx

ry
Take the available strength of the W14x82 from Manual Table 4-1
KL =

at L = 9 ft, (conservative) the available strength in axial compression is:

LRFD

c Pn = 942 kips > 600 kips

ASD

o.k.

Pn / c = 627 kips > 400 kips

A more accurate strength could be determined by interpolation from Manual Table 4-1

o.k.

Manual
Table 4-1