Tutorial 8

For the following problems, assume ideal, slender, prismatic, linearly elastic columns
(Euler buckling). Buckling occurs in the plane of the figure unless otherwise stated.

Problems
1.

Calculate the critical load, Pcr, for a USB 30512748 kg steel column having
length, L = 7 m, and E = 200 GPa under the following conditions: (a) the column
buckles by bending about its strong axis (axis 1-1), and (b) the column buckles by
bending about its weak axis (axis 2-2) 1.

In both cases, assume that the column has pinned ends and use the following standard
structural steel property data for moment of inertia, I, and radius of gyration, r:

Axis 1-1
Axis 2-2

I (cm4)
9485
438

r (cm)
12.5
2.68

Answer: (a) 3.821 MN, and (b) 176.44 kN.

J. M. Gere, p. 798 in Mechanics of materials, 5th SI edition (Nelson Thornes Ltd., Cheltenham) (2002).

Materials 337 (Advanced Strength of Materials)

2.

A horizontal beam, AB, is supported by a pinned-end column, CD. The column is a

solid steel bar (E = 200 GPa) of square cross-section having length, L = 1.8 m, and
side dimensions, b = 50 mm. Based upon the critical load of the column, determine
the allowable load, Q, if the factor of safety with respect to buckling is n = 2.0 2.

Answer: 52.88 kN.

3.

Three pinned-end columns of the same material have the same length and the same
cross-sectional area. The columns are free to buckle in any direction. The columns
have cross-sections as follows: (a) a circle, (b) a square, and (c) an equilateral
triangle. Determine the ratios P1 : P2 : P3 of the critical loads for these columns 3.

Answer: P1 : P2 : P3 = 1 : 1.047 : 1.209.

4.

The hoisting arrangement for lifting a large pipe is shown in the figure below. The
spreader is a steel tubular section with outer diameter 70 mm and inner diameter 55
mm. Its length is 2.5 m and its modulus of elasticity is 200 GPa. Based upon a
factor of safety of 2.0 with respect to Euler buckling of the spreader, what is the
maximum weight of pipe that can be lifted? (Assume pinned conditions at the end of
the spreader.) 4

Answer: 161.26 kN.

J. M. Gere, p. 799 in Mechanics of materials, 5th SI edition (Nelson Thornes Ltd., Cheltenham) (2002).
J. M. Gere, p. 800 in Mechanics of materials, 5th SI edition (Nelson Thornes Ltd., Cheltenham) (2002).
4
J. M. Gere, p. 801 in Mechanics of materials, 5th SI edition (Nelson Thornes Ltd., Cheltenham) (2002).
3