AISC 360-16 Composite Column Example
The components involved in evaluating the compressive strength of a composite column include the W-shaped steel section (ASTM A992) with properties such as E = 29,000 ksi, Fy = 50 ksi, and Fu = 62 ksi, and normal weight concrete with a compressive strength cf ′ = 5 ksi and Ec = 3,900 ksi. The composite member's geometry includes a height of 14 ft with section properties like bf = 8.02 in and d = 10.1 in. The load considerations involve calculating required compressive strength using 1.2 times dead load and 1.6 times live load , and the nominal compressive strength is calculated using an equation involving the force capacities of the steel and concrete contributions .
The application of AISC provisions ensures structural safety and efficiency by providing comprehensive guidelines for calculating the necessary strength and resilience of composite columns. These standards specify safety factors, load combinations, and performance criteria, ensuring that columns can withstand expected and unexpected loads. By using reliable materials like ASTM A992 steel and concrete with specified characteristics, designers ensure columns meet the expected compressive demands while maintaining stability, reducing the risk of buckling or other forms of failure under load .
The weak-axis elastic buckling force is critical as it determines the buckling stability of the column under load. It is calculated using the effective length factor (K = 1.0 for pinned members) and the moment of inertia values for both steel and concrete around their respective axes. The formula involves the weighted sum of the stiffness contributions from the materials, calculated as Pe = π² * EIeff / (KL)², where EIeff is a combined stiffness of steel and concrete, resulting in a buckling force of 17,923.44 kips .
The available compressive strength of a composite column is determined using the AISC Specification Equation I2-2, which considers the nominal compressive strength (Pno) and Euler's critical load (Pe). The formula involves multiplying the nominal compressive strength by a reduction factor derived from the relationship between nominal and Euler loads. Specifically, the calculation shown is 0.658 raised to the power of the ratio of Pno to Pe, resulting in a calculated available compressive strength of 2,360 kips .
The required compressive strength Pu is calculated using the load factors specified by AISC-360-16. The formula involves the sum of 1.2 times the dead load (32.0 kips) and 1.6 times the live load (84.0 kips), resulting in a total required compressive strength of 1,560 kips. This calculation ensures that the design accounts for variability in loading scenarios .
The moment of inertia for reinforcing rebars is calculated about the elastic neutral axis of the composite section. It considers the rebars' placement and uses the equation: I = π/64 * diameter^4. Adjustments for positions and eccentricity of rebars relative to the neutral axis are included, leading to adjustments in moment of inertia calculations for the rebars and sections. These values affect the column's buckling resistance and overall structural stability .
The equation for nominal compressive strength, Pno, incorporates contributions from both steel and concrete using properties like the yield strength and compressive stress. The available strength, however, considers potential stability issues such as buckling by incorporating a reduction factor derived from Euler's critical load. Both equations are necessary: Pno provides a theoretical maximum strength based on material properties, while the available strength adjusts this to reflect real-world conditions and safety margins, ensuring the design's robustness under various loading conditions .
ETABS software contributes by simulating the compression capacity of the composite column design and providing results that can be compared with independent calculations. Its output, such as the required and available strengths, closely matches independently calculated values, demonstrating its reliability. This comparison ensures the validity of both the software model and the hand calculations, assisting practitioners in verifying design accuracy efficiently .
The discrepancies between ETABS results and independent calculations are minimal. The required strength Pu is consistent at 1,560 kips. The available strength in ETABS is 2,361.6 kips, whereas the independent calculation is 2,360 kips, showing a negligible percent difference of 0.07%. This indicates that ETABS provides a reliable comparison with independent results, confirming the software's accuracy for this analysis .
Material properties are crucial as they define the strength, stiffness, and overall performance of composite columns. Steel grade (ASTM A992) and its yield and tensile strengths (Fy = 50 ksi, Fu = 62 ksi) determine the steel's load-carrying capacity. Similarly, concrete's specified compressive strength (5 ksi) and modulus of elasticity (Ec = 3,900 ksi) affect the composite's ability to handle compressive loads. These properties are factored into calculations for both nominal and available compressive strengths, impacting design decisions .



