TUTORIAL 5

MEC411

1. The steel pipe is fixed supported at its ends. If it is 4 m long and has an outer diameter of
50 mm, determine its required thickness so that it can support an axial load of P = 100 kN
without buckling. Est = 200 GPa, σY = 250MPa.
t = 5.92 mm

2. A steel column has a length of 5 m and is free at one end and fixed at the other end. If the
cross-sectional area has the dimensions shown in Figure T5.2, determine the critical load.
Est = 200 GPa, σY = 250MPa.

60 mm
10 mm

80 mm

Figure T5.2
Pcr = 12.1 kN

3. The deck is supported by the two 40 mm square columns. Column AB is pinned at A and
is fixed at B, whereas CD is pinned at C and D. If the deck is prevented from side-sway,
determine the greatest weight of the load that can be applied without causing the deck to
collapse. The centre of gravity of the load is located at d = 2 m. Both columns are made
from Douglas Fir, E = 13.1 GPa.
W = 4.31 kN

Figure T5.3

4. Determine if the frame shown in Figure T4.4 can support a load of w = 6 kN/m if the
factor of safety with respect to buckling of member AB is 3. Assume that AB is made of
steel and is pinned at its ends for x-x axis buckling and fixed at its ends for y-y axis
buckling. Est = 200 GPa, σY = 250MPa.

1
 Figure T5.4

5. Determine the greatest load P the frame will support without causing the A-36 steel
member BC to buckle. Due to the forked ends on the member, consider the supports at B
and C to act as pins for x–x axis buckling and as fixed supports for y–y axis buckling. E =
200 GPa.

Figure T5.5
P = 102.9 kN.

6. Knowing that a factor of safety of 2.5 is required, determine the largest load P which may
be applied to the structure shown in Figure T5.6, when α = 75o. Use E = 200 GPa.
P
21 mm diameter
α B

0.9 m 15 mm diameter

A C

0.9 m
Figure T5.6
Reference

1. F. P. Beer, E. R. Johnston Jr. J. T. DeWolf and D. F. Mazurex, Mechanics of Materials,

2nd Edition in SI Units, McGraw-Hill, 1992.
2. R. C. Hibbeler, Mechanics of Materials, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, 1997.