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

ParameterValues
Factored LoadsD = 3600 kN
Length LL7600 mm
Weak Axis Brace Location3100 mm
Yield Strength FyF_y345 MPa
Section SizeW12x87 [W310x129]

Outputs

ValueExample (Gr. 50 / Gr. 65)ClearCalcs (Gr. 50 / Gr.65)
Effective Length (X-Axis) KxK_x LxL_x7600 mm7600 mm
Effective Length (Y-Axis) KyK_y LyL_y4500 mm4500 mm
Available Strength CrC_r3820 kN3800 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

ParameterValues
Factored Loads CfC_fD = 3600 kN
Length LL9500 mm
Weak Axis Brace Location4500 mm
Yield Strength FyF_y345 MPa
Section SizeW12x96 [W310x143]

Outputs

ValueExample (Gr. 50 / Gr. 65)ClearCalcs (Gr. 50 / Gr.65)
Effective Length (X-Axis) KxK_x LxL_x9500 mm7600 mm
Effective Length (Y-Axis) KyK_y LyL_y4500 mm4500 mm
Available Strength CrC_r3630 kN3680 kN