10 Braced multi-storey buildings

– columns in compression and bending

10.1 Uncased columns

This Section describes the design of uncased columns for braced multi-storey construction which
are subject to compression and bending. Two cases are considered:

Case I Columns braced in both directions and subject only to nominal moments
applicable to simple construction
Case II Columns braced in both directions and subject to applied moments other than
nominal moments.

For both of these cases an iterative process is used requiring selection and subsequent checking
of a trial section. The first step is to determine the effective lengths LE of the column about its
major and minor axes.

10.2 Determination of effective length of columns

For braced multi-storey buildings the columns are held in position, so that the effective length
LE to be used in design depends on the degree of restraint in direction (i.e. rotational restraint)
afforded by the beams attached to the columns at each floor level or by the foundations. Fig. 15
illustrates typical joint and foundation restraint conditions; more information is contained in the
Lateral stability of steel beams and columns35.
It is most important to design the lateral restraints so that they have adequate stiffness and
strength to inhibit movement of the restrained point in position or direction as appropriate. Each
individual restraint should be capable of resisting not less than 1% of the maximum factored axial
force in the column.
Positional restraints should be connected to a triangulated bracing system or shear
diaphragm that must be capable of resisting the 1% restraint force. Where the bracing system
serves more than one member, it should be designed for the sum of the restraint forces reduced
by a factor kr. The factor is given as:
1.0 0.5
k r = b 0.2 + N l
r

where Nr is the number of parallel members restrained.

The guidance given in this Section is appropriate to braced multi-storey structures that are
classified by BS 5950-1:20001 as ‘non-sway’ (see Section 1.2 of the Manual).

10.3 Column selection

Before selecting a trial section it is necessary to note that elements and cross-sections have been
classified as plastic, compact, semi-compact or slender in combined compression and bending
according to the limiting width/thickness ratios stated in Tables 11 and 12 of BS 5950-1:20001. In
this Manual slender sections are not considered for use in Case I.

IStructE/ICE Manual for the design of steelwork building structures 3rd edition 51