19/12/2018 Static Analysis > P-Delta (P-Δ) vs.

P-delta (P-δ)

P-Delta (P-Δ) vs. P-delta (P-δ)

The P-Delta (P-Δ) refers to the second order effect associated with the lateral translation of the
members [Ref. 10, 11, 12]. Consider the moment M at the bottom of the column in Figure 19.1. If the
effect of the axial force on bending is ignored, M = H * L. However, if the effect of the axial force on
bending is considered, M = H * L + P * Δ. The increase in moment in turn increases the deflection Δ,
which further increases M, and so on. An equilibrium will eventually be reached unless the axial load
P exceeds the column critical buckling load.

Figure 19.1

P-delta (P-δ) refers to the second order effect associated with the member curvature [Ref. 10, 11, 12].
Consider the moment M at the middle of the column in Figure 19.2. A secondary moment P * δ is
induced by the axial load acted upon the lateral defection of the column. This additional moment will
cause more lateral deflection, which in turn will induce more secondary moment, and so on. An
equilibrium will eventually be reached unless the axial load P exceeds the column critical buckling
load.

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19/12/2018 Static Analysis > P-Delta (P-Δ) vs. P-delta (P-δ)

Figure 19.2

The presence of the axial force in effect reduces the column bending stiffness. The member
geometric stiffness accounts for this reduction. The P-Delta analysis in the program is capable of
handling both P-Δ and P-δ effects. In order to account for the P-δ component, however, you must split
compression members (columns) into several segments. Normally four segments for each column
are enough. The program provides the command Edit > Split Members to automatically split
members.

As an example [Ref. 13], assume in Figure 19.2, the beam-column is of L = 12 ft in length, and is
subjected to an axial compressive load of P = 100 kips and a transverse load of Q = 6 kips at
midspan. The member section: 4 x 4 inches, I = 21.33 in4, A = 16 in2. The material: E = 30000 ksi, υ
= 0.30. Theoretical results are calculated as follows:

Linear (bending only): ft-kips; in

P-δ (bending and axial load): radian (or 51.57o)

ft-kips; in

To solve this problem in the program, we can create one linear load combination and one P-Delta load
combination. Since the problem involves the P-δ effects, the beam-column must be modeled with
multiple elements (4 beam elements generally sufficient). The results from the program are compared
with the theoretical results below:

The moments and deflections at the midspan for linear and P-δ behaviors

Analysis Type Effects ENERCALC 3D Theoretical

δmid (in) 0.5832 0.583

Linear
Mmid (ft-kips) 18 18

δmid (in) 0.8643 0.864

P-δ
Mmid (ft-kips) 25.203 25.2

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