UNIT 5 DESIGN OF COMPOUND

COMPRESSION MEMBERS
Structure

5.7- Connections in Built-up Compression Mclnbers

5.2.1 l.acing
5.2.1 Battens
52 . 3 Perforated Plates

3.3 Design of Laced Colunuis

5.3.1 Failure Mechanism
5.3.2 1,s.-800Keco~xunelalation
5.3.3 Steps for t)csign

5.4 Design of Battened Columns

5.1.1 1,s.-XOOKccomnientlatio~~
5.3.3 Ilesigt~IAMLIS
5.1.3 Shapc RL Size
5.4.4 Spacins of Battens
5.4.5 Kzcomne~ldedWclcl~lCoi~nectio~l

5.1 INTRODUCTION
Sonieti~nes~ it [nay 1101 be possible to econnnlically design a colun111with rolle,(l steel
sectio~lsollly. For very long and slender columns, auld colunxls carrying heavy loads ;I
kuilt-up scction conlposed of two or more rolled steel sections co~ll~ccted together by
suitable plates and strips become illore econo~nical(Figure 5.l(a)). Economy can be
visualised not only as the weight of the nlenlber per unit length, bur also as the
fabrication costs involved in joining (weldinglriveting) then1 togetl~cr.Considering
these factors Ihe relative positions, i.e. the gcometry ant1 configuraliou oi' the
coniponent e l e ~ i ~ nalso
l s play an ilnportant role, so as to get the largest valuc of
minirnu~l~ radius of g yralion for greater cffecti veness.
Sllapes of Compound Compression Members
For cxanlple, when a siuglc ISHB section is not sufl~c~ent to carry i~heavy load, a
conlpouutl secl~oncan be created by adding tlange plates (Figure 5 1 (h], ccha~ulels
F~gurc5.1 (c) or additional I-sect~ons(Figure5.1 (dl. These may be sult:~hly
tack-nvetetl or tach-weldecl to act as a composite wllole.
Sonlcli~rlesin bridge compression nle~ilberstwo chalmel sectiolls su~lablylaced or
batte~~eclare used. They niay he placed face-to-face (Figure 5.1 (c))or back-to-luck
(F~yurc5.1 (0).As their relative spacing affects the radius of gyratio~lof llle conlposlte
section, [hey should he so spaced Illat I,), is less than I,,. Normally rlus ciui be acliievctl
by placing the webs 0.8 d apart in case o f Figure 5.1 (e) ai1d0.75 r l apart in case of
F~gurc5 1 (f) where rl is thc depth of the section.
For still larger loads I-sections may be used illstead of channel sectrons as in
Figure 5.1 (g).
For very lol&! compression 111ernberscarrylllg lighter loads ai 'ura~~gement 01 li)ur
auglcs (battened or laced), w~tli(F~gure5.1 (i))or witliout (Figure 5.1 (h)) plarcs may
be used. 111 case of section in Figure 5.1 (11) if rf,, z 0.8 t i , + 25 111111. the11 l y will be not
less than Ir In case of oulward turned angles (Figure 5.1 (1)) (1, z 0.75 dv .
 Figu~r5.1: Cnml~oundConipressio~iMcnihers

Objectives
After studyi~igthis unit you should be able to

recognise the cases when a conlpound me~iiberbecomes riecessary for

colu~n~ls
and struts,
know about Ule various types of a comp?und conlpresslon ~lleilihersand its
different elements, and
design compound conlpression nle~nberswith either lacing!, 01 I~nttens.

5.2 CONNECTIONS IN BUILT-UP COMPRESSION

MEMBERS
A co~npoundconlpressio~lnlenlher consists generally of two part\:

a) The iliaill structural i~~llil?ers,

anti
b) The lateral connecting system
The C O ~ W ~ ~ Obetween
I ~ S the various elcmcnts of ;I built-up col~tnlnshould be such that
the assembly is effective to act as one element. 1lleir slic~uldnot be ally joint failure or
relative i~lovementor distortion hclwee~ithe elenlenls.
Also Ule snnllest radius of gyration shoultl be ~il~lxii~lu~ii
to acll~evethe‘ lowest
slenderness ratio possible. This recluires careful adjustnrent of Lhc relative dlsta~cesruld
the proper design of the connecting plaleslstrips and tlleir rivets (or weltls).
The types ol latcral colmccting s y s t e ~ which
~ ~ s are used in the case of bu~ll-upoolu~nnx
art. ~llalnlythrmigh llle usc of

1) Pcrli bra tcd Cover-plates.

These are sllown in Figure 5.2.

(a) Single (b) -ble (c) Double bang (d) Single angle
lacing lacing mlh cross member8 lacing with
(Not recommended) gussets

(e) Banen plales (f) Lacing 8 - (g) Perforated

banens at a joint cover plates

Figure 5.7 (a) shows two cll:~lulelscolulectctl by laciugs. These are generally 50-65 111111
witlc tlalslslrips. But ndlcd scctions or tubes 01' ecluivalcllt strength may also he usetl.
lliese are generally inclined UI direction. Lacings niay he nun-~ulersectmg
(Figure 5.3(a)) or intersecting(Fiyure 5.3(h)) type, depending whether their entls
overlap or 1101.
Again lacings nlay he in single-laced systenl as slio~vnill Figure 5.3(a) & (hi or
double-laced system as in Figure 5 . 3 ~where
) two single lacirig systenls intersect each
other. The IS-800-1984 reco~mnendsthat in single-lacetl systelil wllcu used on
opposite sides of ,Uie cooipollents, they shall preferably he io the salnc tlircclion so Lhal
one is h e shadow of the other, ant1 not ~~iutually r)pposcd in directio~~(Figure 5.3(d)
and Figure 5. 3(b)). Lacing bars should not project beyond tlie colunu~swrion. Usually
they are ecnaiiected with a single rivet to the inain nlenihers or are suitahly welded.
According to IS: 800 reco11111~1itlittio11~~
conipression nle~l~hers conlprisiop two niain
coinpone!its laced and tied should. where practicable, have a radius of gyri~ti011ahour
Uie axis perpendicular to the plane of the lacing not less than t l ~ creclius 01' gyration
about the axis ui the plane of laciug. Thus in Fibwre 5.4 (a) I.,. R I.,.

Lacing
W A A on Lsu'ng
WBB on

(h) Ikruhlr I.;lcil~y5ysl1,nr.

Udng On bdng Lacing on Lacing on

k a A hceB faceA faoeB

( c ) DOuhle Laced Single L~ncrdSystems (d) Singla. Ir~ccclSystem

with Cm.w Mrtnhers
Con~hi~~ed on C)l~positrSiclrs
I on Maia G~n11,nnunt.v
Plgure 5.4

As far a. practicable $e laciiig system shall not be varied tliroughoul tlie length of the
colunnilstrut. Laced co~npression~i~enihcrs are to he provitled w11h tic plates at tlle aids
of lacing systems, and at points where the systelns ;\re iiitcrruptetl (see Figure 5.4(c)).
Except for tie plates, laced systeua should not he conihinecl with cross meii~hers
perpendicular to the longitudiiial itxis of the strut, unless all ti~rcesresulting from
defornmtion of the suut nienihers are calculated and pnjvided for 11) llie laclug and itx <
~ > I , \ I C I I*PI ~ ~ I I I [ J ~ P I I I U < ~

fastenings (Figure 5.2(c)). ~:1bnl~~l

I .\llPll \14.llllb,I

,Tie plate

Inter
mediate
bailen

(a) Channels Face to (b) Channels Back to (c) Channels Back to (d) Angles Connected
Face Connected by Back Connected by Rack Connected by by Single Lac~ng
S~ngleLacing Sinale Laang Batten.

Figure 5.5: Built-up Columns

5.2.2 Battens
Battens lire plates which are nramnally wider thrui lacing bars and are placed
horizontally to connect the compoaents of the ct)lum~.771e IS: $00 ~~ccom~neuds thilt
the two uiaui coniponents of a colu~nllconnected by battens should liave tlle sainc
cross-section aid synuneuically disposed with reference to tlie x-x axis. Wliere
practicable, the compression rnenlbers should have a radius of gymlion alwul tlle axis
perpendicular to the plane of the batten not less than th6 radius of gyration about the
axis in the plane of the batten.
If thls condition is 1101complied, or if the compression n i e n ~ k is
r sul?iected Lo eccen~r~c
loading. applied niorrlents or lalcral forces 111 tlie plane of battens, llicn &sign sliould he
nladc either accoriling to more exact Uleory of elastic stability, or froui enipirical test
results with a mniuimum factor of safety of 1.7. If the column section is sul?iectecl to
inolnent or eccenuic loading about the y.y axis tlie battens and colu~nnsection has to be
specially designed for that.
The battens shall be placed opposite each otller at each end of tlie nienlber a i c l at points
where the menlber is stayed in its length ruld shall, as far as practicable, be spaced ;u~d
proportioaed ~IformlyUlroughout. Tlie 11u;nber of battens sliall be such tliat tlie
~nenlheris divided illto not less than rhr'cc bays within its actual le~ipthfroni centre lo
centre of coluiectiou.

5.2.3 Perforated Pbtes

Cover plates containing perforations as shown in Figure 5.2(g) can take the place'of
lacing as a connecting system. n i e perforations are pmvided to give access for rivehig
welding and painting. Also the perforated plates can participate in taking llie axial load
whereas the lacings are not suppc~sedto do so.
Pertorated plates arc not nientioned in the IS: 800-1984. However, thcy are
recomnlended in sollie foreign design guides for n ~ t aconlpressio~i
l iiienibers. The
perfc,ration should have circular, elliptical or covalid (rectangle witli semicircular
ends) shapes. The long axis of the perforations sliould be parallel to tlie colullm axis.
Some of the other reco~nmendationsregarding perforated plates are:

i) the clear distance between the perforations should not be less than the unsupported
distance between Ule nearest lines of comiecting rivets.
ii) the nzt section of the colu'mnn (defined as the gross crois-section ntinus tllc section of
tlle pertoratiola) should be used in computing the axial rigidity iuld the moments ot
inertia about the x uld v aiis,
iii) lftlie slentlcmess ratio u/ro(lc~igtliof pcrforalio~i/ri~(l~usol'gvralicl~~ 01' Ilauge) is equi~l
lo or less rhan olic-Uiirtl of '/I, (will1 a milxi~iiuuivi;lr~cof :lo) 111~. 11or1ii;~l
;LIIow;LI~I~
stress applied to the net crt )ss-seclio~icdarea iiiay I K usctl tlircclly I ( ) tleterini 11cLhc
perniissihle load.

5.3 DESIGN OF LACED COLUkINS

5.3.1 Failure Mechanism
The lacing haus or ballen plates arc no1 load carryi~igelc~iielits.Tlicir I I I ; L ~ I IIU11ctio111s
priiiiarily to hold tlie niain coniporienl ~nemhers01' the colu~iinill pos~tio~i a~idequalize
Uie suess tlistributiou anlongst tliciii. However clue ro lateral Ioacls or cccc~itricIoi~dilig
Uiere may he /t.trrr.v~~ot..sc/ in llic coluni~i/slr~it
,she~~r,fi,t-t.r.s wliicli will laid lo tlistort the
systeni, ant1 cause lailure 01' the lac~ngs.Also il niay cause h u c k l i ~ 01'i ~ Ilic columi
coniponent siligly as 11they were small slruts pi~ruetl;Lr rlieir clitls (p~ii~ilsiwlicrc they
are co~uiectedto Uic laci~i_cs). l ~ i 1ss show11111 ~lelaili l l Figure 5.6. I3yu1.c5.b(a) sliow\
tlie hilurc 01' the coniposile colullni as a wliolc, wlillt. Figr~rc:5.0(b I slv~wslhc: I'ailurc OI
the i~itlivitlualangle A hetween ils supporls t i & h. Figure: 5.h(c) sliows llic lailurc, 01 a
lacing. Figurc 5.0(d) ~ i v e as possihlc shape ot'll~eclisrorletl crobs-scctio~i.
The buckling strength (A'4atticed c~>lu~iui is s~ilallcrlhvi that of llic solicl t:olu~iius
having tlie same area :uid Jhe s;uiic' sle~ider~iessr;llio. I>c:cause ol I liesc Ioc.al cveak~iesses
of the i~ldividualco~nponcnts.7111s in the tlesign of I)uill-up colu~~ins 11)cI'ollowin~
collclitions are ro he consideretl:

i) Buckllug of the colunin as ;I whole (Figure 5.0(a)).

iii) Failure of lattice lacing nienilrcrs (Figure 5.6(c)).and

iv) Distortion of tlie cross sectio~iof the huill-up ~iie~ilher.
tlucs 10 Irc~~ltl~l~p
Ilionielirs or
shear in the colu riln (Figure 5.6(d)).

Ls ABD Ls BBC
rC rC

(a) Failure of (b) Failure of main (c) Failure of (d) Distortion

column as component lacing of cross
whole segment section

Original Distorted
cross-section cross-section
5.3.2 1.S-800 Recommendation(Desigi~of Lacings) 1)esign of' Co~npound ~
Conipression Members

1.S 800. 1984 gives the following reconirnendations for design of lacings:

i) The lacings shall be designed to resist a total transverse shear Vat any p o i ~ in
~ tthe
length of [he member equal to at least 2S0h of the axial force in the menlbcr. This
shcar is considered as divided equally among all transvcrse lacing systems in parallel
planes.
P
Thus, V= -
40

ii) If there is any other additional shear caused d ~ to~ cccen11-icily

e of loading, applicd
end moments or lateral loading on the column, t h ~ shas to be addcd ro Vat (i) above
while designing the lacing
iii) The slenderness ratlo (A)of [he lacing bars shall not cxcecd 145. Thc efl'cctive length
of thc lacing bars are calculated as below.
* For single lacing with riveted connection, it is the Icngth bctwccn the innel
end rivets,
Tor double lacings (effcctively riveted at their inlcrscct~ons)i r is 0.7 times of
this length,
* for welded constr~~ction,[he cffecrive length is 0.7 tirncs the distance berwccr~
the inner ends of thc connecting wclds.
iv) Width of Lacings Bars: In rivetecl construction rhe minimum width of the lacing b ~ ! -
chall depend upon the nominal rivet clialuetel. as follows:
Table 5.1: Widtli of 1,aciiig I ~ I - s
Nominal Rivet Dia ( ~ n ~ n ) Wid111 of Lacing Bar (mm)

V) Tl~icknessof Lacing Bars: The thickness of llat lacing bars shall be nor lcss than
1
o - for single rivetecl lacing
40
1
0 - l'or double ~'ivetedlacing
60
1
0 -for welded riveted lacing
60
(Where 1 is \he Icnglh between the iruner end rivelslwcltls).

vi) Angle of Inclination: Lacing bars, whethcr in double or single system shall be
inclined at an :lngle not less than 4 00 nor more than 70" to the axis of the member.
vii) Spacing: The maximum spacing of lacing bars, whether connected by riveting or
welding shall also be s ~ ~ cthat
h the minimum slenderness ratio A'=
\
components of the colunin between connection is not greater than (a)50 or
(b)0.7xh (where h is most ~~nfavourable
slenderness ratio of the member as a whole.),
whichevcr is less.
viii) Attachment to Main Members: The riveting or welding of the facing bars to the
main members shall have sufficient strength so as to transmit the load in the bars.
Where welded lacing bars overlap the members, the amount of lap measured along
either cdge of the lacing bar shall be not less than 4 1 (where t is the thickness of the
Axially Loaded Members bar or member whichever is less). Weltling shall be provided along ei~cliside of the
bar for the full length of lap. Welds are Lo bejillet ~ ~ ~ 1 cor
I . full ~ ~ O111elfl.s.
s / ) P I J P ~ I . ~ Ibutt I~

5.3.3 Steps for Design

The following steps are to be followed while designing built-~11>
column with lacings.
The value of the axial load P is given.

i) Select a suitable arrangement (double channels, double-hcams or four-symmctl-ical

angles) as shown in Figure 5.1 for your built-upcolu~nn.The sizeof thc open columns
is usually '4 to of the length of the column.

ii) For an average assumed value of h find the con-csponding o,,,from Tublc 4.1
(Perniissiblc stresscs in axial compression unit 4) and frnd thc total arca of rhe column,
ooc
and approxiniate r,ni,,= -
A'
iii) From these data dividing the total area by thc number of elc~ncntsuscd, cstimntc
approximate area of each elemcnt. The end an.tuigemcnt (intermi~dintedisrances) 1s
such that the rnli,,which is Ibr first estimate takcn as I + . Y ~ = r:\? 01' tlie co~iibi~ied
areas.
(In [his estimate help of appl-oxi~natechart of Table 5.2 may bc rakcn.)
Table 5.2: Approximate Radii of' Gyration

X-m7 Y
hi0.29h ELIS
L i -Ad
Y
hz042h 1-1
1
Y
h=G.3lh

-
a1(tb4

3
r,=0 . 2 9 b

rl - 0 . 4 0 h
h =mean h
k b 4
5=042b

r y = some os
for2L
I
%
I1
L
1 1
k b - 4

-. l i
4 +=0.486
----
r, = 0.37h
+=0.28b

-
p-b--y
It?
.-. rj.=sorneos

L A .
rl=0.42h

for 2 L
]+[I r, = 0.31 h

--
- @
Hm
L ' *
~ : ~ = m
r = 0 . 3 5 ~ ~
;\<T
1
h rI=0.39h
5z0.21
[+]l rI = 0 . 3 l h

-
rl=0.31n -
)cbY
y o , 3 1
r,.=0.197 h
1- f j
1I - - i I ~-0.45h
+=0.235b
I 7
_1
r, = 0 . 4 0 h
rj. = 0.21 b

r,=O.29h
r,=0.32b
r,=0.18
bib
2
:".E
L b - 4
1
~=0.36h
_Lrj.=0.45b

k-b*A ~ ~ 0 . h3 1
--fff h +=O.Z15b rI = 0 . 3 6 h
,41k-T =bM.21+0.02s) 1 4 5=0.60b

9-0.536 ]I/I[]
Wbd
~=0.35,

pb+& r,=0.29 h
i!r- ry=0.246
s 4 ' k T = b(0.23t0.02~)
II
-1 j L 4
b b d
+=039h
+=0.55b A ry
r1 = 0 . 4 3 5 h
= 0.256

l+-b--+
k - 1
--Tff
kb3 rI=0.30h
rj. = 0.17 b 3-+ E-$ 7 rI = 0 . 4 2 h
ry = 0.32 b [ii d
= 0.42 h

&?&>
__k
p- b q
r,=025h
h r, =O 21 b '4,r1-r$
t-1 -
-.

1 +=028b
r, = 0 . 4 4 h ]I[I r, = 0 4 2 h

- 1
a
L
lc-T r,=0.50h
f i 72 1
-&b3.2 +=o.zeb :,$;;h
Lb--r)
7 7

rI=0.38h

- - - - A
 Design of Compound
iv) Finally for the selected channel, beam or angle sections get the exact data for areas,
Compression Members
moments of inertia etc. lion1 I S : Hand Book No I and calculate the exact r,nin and
hmdX .
Looking up for the corresponding o,,~,calculate the actual axial load. Revise
i T not found O.K.
V) of the lacing bars to the column axis, such that 40' <
Select the angle of inclinatio~~
8 < 70' (Normally 8 may be taken as 45').

vi) The maximurn spacing of the lacing bars (1') should be such that h
component member is not greater than 50 or 0.7 h of the member
single lacing system gives a large value of I' such that 8 > 70°then double lacing
system may be adopted to keep 0 within limits).
P
vii) The lacing should be designed to resist a total transverse load of V = - + any shear
40
due to lateral loading or external moments.
v
The shear is divided as - betwecn the number of lacing systems provided. (For two
N
channels, with lacings on both flanges N = 2; for four symmetrical angles with lacings
on all four faces N = 4 and so on.)

Figure 5.7: Forces Acting on Lacings and Tie Plntes

v
The forces (compressive or tensile) in the lacing bars will bc - cosece as shown in
N
Figure 5.7 (b).
viii) End Tie Plates: The two ends of the columns must be provided with two end tie
plates as shown in Figure 5.7 (a). They are designed like battens (See next section).
The bending moments and shears on tie plates are

where, c = Spacing of lacing,

u = centre to centre length of plate, and

These steps are illustrated in the following example.

Exa~ilple5.1 (Single-lacing System: Riveted)

a
Design built-up column using lacings-to carry an axial load of 800 kN. The effective
length of the colu~nncan be taken as 6 m.
Axially Loaded hlembers Solution
Assunle the column to be built up of two ISMC: 250 channels placed back to back as
shown in Figurc 5.8.

Area of 2- ISMC 250 Channels = 2 x 38.67 = 77.34 c m 2

Gr for two channel = 2 x 38 16.8 = 7633.6~1114

r,,, =9.94cm. ; I;:, = 2.38 cm

I,,.. . for one channel = 2 19.9 cm4

The distance bock lo back 'S' between the channels is so adjusted ns to make ccx= 5,'

8
ISMC 250
Channels

(a) Longitudeal View of Column end (b) Cross-section Column

It- 237-

(c) Faces Acting on End Plate (dl Forces Acting on Lacing

Figure 5.8: 1.acc-d Column(Example 5.1)

Iyyfor con~poundsection=2

If r, = r,, , we have Ixx = Ivy

giving

S=14.69 crn (Say 147 mm)

/.,nin of coniposite section is 9.94 cnl (= 99.4 mm)

I 6000
For composite section h = -= -= 60.4
r 99.4

= 122 MPa
From Table 4.1 corresponding ocrc

.: Permissible axial load is 122 x 7734 = 943548 h' > 800 kN :. 0.K
 Design of Lacing Design of C u n ~ p o u ~ ~ d
Con~~ression Members 1
Using the single lacing bar inclined at 45' with the column axis.

Spacing between consecutive lacing connection (1') = 2(147 + 45 x 2) = 474 mm

Minimum radius of gyration of single element (channel) (rmin) = 23.8 mm

1'
For a single column element, slenderness ratio =-
~'mi"

- 474 - 20 < (i) 50 < (ii) 0.7 1 = 0.7 x 60.4 = 42

---
23.8

1
Transverse shear force (V) = 25 x axial load = -x 800 = 20kN
100 40

I 20
Force in each lacing bar= -Cosec 45' = 14.14 kN = 14140 N
2
I
Length of lacing = 2 3 7 f i mm

1 237fi
Minimum thickness of lacing = -=
40
-40
- 8.4 mm (say 10 mm)

Adopting 20 rnrn dia rivets, corresponding minimum width = 60 mm

Try 60 x 10 mm plates with 20 mm dia rivels

Net area of plate, A,, = 60 x 10 - 10 x 21.5 = 385 mm2

t 10
Minimum radius of gyration = -
m-m- =2.9 mm
---.

1 2376
Slenderness ratio of lacing = - = -- 115.6 => Corresponding o,,.= 68 MPa
r 2.9

:. Permissible compression force in lacing = 68 x (60 x 10) = 40800 N > 14140 N.

:. O.K.
Maximum tensile stress in lacing = 0.6fy = 0.6 x250 = 150 MPa

Pennissible tensile force in lacing = (0.6 x250) x 385 = 57750 N> 14140 N :. O.K.
Rivets

Maximum force in a rivet = 2 x 14140 cos 45' = 20 000 PJ

n
Strength of 20 mm dia rivet (i) in single shear,fr = -(21.5)2 xl00 = 36305 N
4

(ii) in bearing on 10 mm plate fi, = 21.5 x 10x300 = 64500N

:. Rivet value = 36305 > 20000 :. O.K.

End Plates
Minimum width of end plale=distance between connections = 237 mm (say 250 min)
250
Maximum thickness of end plates= -= 5 mm (say 6 mrn adop&) Adopt 250 x 6
50
mm end plate^.
Axially 1,oaded klembers Example 5.L ( u o u u ~ e - ~ a c nBystem:
~g Klverea)
A column effectively restrained in position as well as direction at both ends carries
an axial load of 1750 kN.The length of the column is 5.25 m. Design a compound
column with double-lacing system.
Solution
Assuming a safe axial compressive stress of 120 MPa

Gross area required = 1750000 e 14600mm2

120
Trying two lSWB 300@569N/m
Area of each section (a) = 6133 mm2

Radius of gyration r,, = 126.6mm; rJy= 40.2 mm.

Effective length of column 1 = KL = 0.67 x 5250 =3500 mnl i

'
3500 - 27.6
Slenderness ratio (A)= - = -
r 126.6

(From Table 4. I, Unit 4 j For steel (fy = 250), corresponding o,, = 146 MPa
I
:. Axial load capacity of coluinn ( P , U )

= (6133 0 > 1750 kN

x 2) x 146 = 1790836 ~ 1 7 9 kN ( .: 0. K.)
To find the spacing between the columns, so as to give r,, 5 ryy,assume centre to
centre spacing between column webs = x
Then moment of inertias of the compound column about axes xx and yy are

Equating the two we get, r = 2

Substituting their values, x = 2 d ( 1 2 6 . 6 ) ~

- (40.2)~= 2 x 120 = 240 rnm

I,, < Iyy,

we keep x slightly more, i.e. x = 250 mm, say.

Design of Lacing System

For lacing bars let us use 65 x 14 mm flats

I

Let edge distance of rivets = 50 nun

Taking advantage of double lacing system, we keep 8 as small as possible.

Minimum recommended value of 0 =40°

Horizontal distance between iivet lines = 450 - 50 x 2 = 350 mm

Spacing of lacing bars = 350 Cot 40' = 417 rnm

Check for Spacing

Slenderness ratio of compound coluinn = 27.6 (as calculated above.)

Slenderness ratio of each component 417 - 10.4

=-
40.2
 Design of Conipound
Compression Members

done
La

-
Figure 5.9: Double laced Colunin(Exanlple 5.2)

which is less than either

i) 0.7 x slenderness ratio of compound column = 0.7 x27.6 = 19.3 or

ii) 50 (whichever is less)

Hence, O.K.
Design of Horizontal Shear
2.5
Total transverse shear V = -x 1750 =I750 = 43.75 kN
100

43750 - 21875 N
As there are two lacing planes, transverse shear per plane = -
2

As at any transverse section two lacing bars are intersected. Shear in each bar (S)

Force in each bar = S. cosec 8 = 10937.5 cosec 40' = 17016 N

Taking 22 mm dia-power driven rivets (diameter of rivet hole = 22 +1.5 = 23.5 mm)
Axially Loaded Members Assuming 65 mm wide flats for lacing, thickness is given by
i) Tensile Force Consideration
( b - d ) r cT"l = F

(65- 2 x 2 3 . 5 ) 0.6
~ ~~ ~2 5 =
0 17016

giving t = 6.3 mm

As per IS: 800-1984 = t R -

L
ii) 60

where, L = length between inner end rivets = 350 Cosec 40°= 545 mm

Hence provide 10 mm thick lacing bars.

Check for Compression
Effective length of lacing bar 1 = 0.7 L
=0.7 x 545 = 381 mm

t
-
Minimum radius of gyration of lacing bar (rmi,) = ---- - lo 2.9 mrn
a-a-
Slenderness ratio of lacing bar (A) = 381 = 131 (< 145
2.9
:. 0. K.)

oat for this A form Table 4.1 is, a,, = 57 MPa

Load carrying capacity = 57 x 65 x 10 = 37050 N > 17016 N (:. 0. K.)

Design of Connection
Strength in single shear of 22 mm dia power driven shop rivets

Strength in bearing = 23.5 x 10 x 300 = 70500 N

Hence rivet value (R) = 43374 N

Force in each rivet = 2 x force i n x cos0 = 2 x 17016 x cos 40'

2 x 17016 x cos 40'

Number of rivets required = = 0.6 (say 1 rivet)
43374
Hence, a single rivet is sufficient.
Example 5.3 (Welded Angle Lacings)
Design a welded laced column of hcight 6 m and effective length coefficient 1.0 to
carry an axial load of 100 kN.

L L
:Size of column generally adopted between - to -
9 14

6000
Assume size of column = -= 500 mm
12
As it is a relatively light load-carrying long column,
 Plnceing 4 symmetrica~lyplaced angles + lacing on all sides (see Figure 5.10) Design of Compound
Compression Members

Lacincy m dl
4sida

LC- @ Go=-
s-stim

-LLul?y
rsn. soxs~.sdmgias

pl& +€3xBrnrnt~~c~

Figure 5.10: Welded Idaced Colun~n

from Table 5.2 r,,,in z 0.42 x 500 = 210 mm

Colresponding out = 145.42 MPa (From Table 4. I, Unit 4)

1000 lo3
Area of each angle = = 1719 mm2
145.42 x 4

Adopting ISA- 80 x 80 x 12 mm angles

Area = 1781 mnl2,I,<= 1019 x lo4 mm4, C,r = 24.2m1n;Minimum radius of gyration,
rv = 15.4 mln
For the 4 angle system shown in Figure 5.10

1 6000 x 1.0
Actual h = - = = 26.43 ==> Corresponding otrc= 146.93 MPa
r 227

:. Carrying capacity of column P = 1781 x 4 x 146.93 = 1046730 > 1000000 N

:. (O.K.)
Calculation of Distalice between Lattice Poir!is
Distance between C.G. of angles = 500 - 2 x 24.2 = 451.6 mlri

Twice width of angle = 80 x 2 = 160 inm

Axially Loaded Memben '
Depth of end plates = 451.6 = 450 mm say
Length of column between end p!ates = 6000 - 450 x 2 = 5100 mm

1' 1'
Maximum distance between lattice points, (1') should be such that (i) 7< 50 (ii) 7< A
r r
entire column.
1'
Such that, - = 50, or ii) 0.7 x 26.43 = 18.5 ; whichever is less
r'
1
:. Take - = 18.5 giving 1 = 1 8 . 5 ~rmin = 18.5 x 15.4 = 285 mm
r
5100x2
:. actual 1' =
34
=300 rnrn

Distance between gauge lines = 500 - 2 x 45 = 410 mm

Slope 0 = arc-tan [s) = 70' (permissible)

Design of Lacings

loo0
Horizontal shear V = -= - - 25 k~
-
40 40

v
Compression (or tendon) in diagonals, F = -- 25000 = 13300 N
2 sin 0 2 sin700

Length of diagonal bar = 4 4 1 0 ~+ 3/po2= 508 mm

As per IS: 800, h of bar should not be more than 145

Select 30 x 30 x 5 mm is Angles for lacings

Area = 277 mm2,rx = yy = 8.8 yrn. rmin = 5.7 mm

... -r1 -- 5085.7x 0.7 = 62.4 ==> Corresponding o,, = 124.5 MPa

Area of lacing angle required = -= - - 106.8 rnm2

13300 -
Cac 124.5

Area provided = 277 mm2 ( :. safe)

Design of Weld
Using 4 mm fillet welds, weld strength R = 108 x (0.7 x 4) = 304N per mm length
F
:. Length of weld = - --13300 - 48 mm
2 x 304 - 2x304

Provide weld length = 50 mm

/'
Overlap provided is more than 4 x thickness = 4 x 8 = 32 (:. O.K.)
Design of End Plate
500 - 2 x 80
Required thickness of end plate = = 6.8 mm (Adopt 8 mm)
50
 Design of Compound
Width of end plate = 500 - 2 x (leg size of angle)+ 2 x (overlap)
Compression Rleinbers
= 500 - 2 x 80 + 2 x 32 = 404 mm (say adopt 420 mm)
Depth of plate = 450 rnrn
1 vc
Shear in end plate = - -
2 ' 2s

420
Here V= 25000 N. C = 300 mm: S= -2
- 10 = 200 lnm

1 25000 x 300
:. Shear in end plate V = - x = 9375 N
2 2x200

Length of 4 rnnl fillet required = - = -

9375 - 30.8 Am
R 304
450
Minimum length of weld to be provided = -= 225 (say 240 mm)
2
Provide 3 spot welds of 80 mni length each at top, bottom and
For torsional stiffness, provide mid-height cross-members 2 Nos 30 x 30 x 5 ISA
angles welded at intersections:

SAQ 1
Design a compound column with lacings to carry an axial load of 1400 kN,and
FY
effective length in both planes 6.5 m. = 250 MPa)
You may selcct

i) Two ISMC channels (flanges turned inward) with welded connections.

ii) Four ISA angles (symmetrically placed) with riveted connections.

5.4 DESIGN OF BATTENED COLUMNS

Battens, like lacings are not load-carrying elements and are used to hold the various
components of a compound column together. In case of battened columns it is
preferable to have the two main components of the same size (cross-section) and
symmetrically placed, about the axis. As far as practicable the compression member, as
a whole should have a radius of gyration about the axis perpendicular to the plane of
battens (ryy)notless than the radius of gyration a b ~ uthe
t axis in the plane of batten(rxx).
According to the recommendations of IS 800-1984 battened compression members not
complying to these requirements, or those which 'are subjected to eccentricity of
loading (applied moments or lateral forces in the plane of the battens) shall be designed
according to the exact theory of elastic stabi!ity or from empirical test results with a
minimum factors of safety of 1.7
The effective length of column are ascertained from Table 4.2 (Unit 4) subject to the
condition that in case of columns with battens the effective length has to be increased
by 10%.

5.4.1 1.S-800 Recommendations(Designof Battened Columns)

As per I.S. recommendation the battens shall be placed opposite each other at each end
of the member and the points where the member is stayed in its length. As far as
Axially Loaded Members practical they should be spaced and proportioned uniformly throughout. The number of
battens shall be such that the member is divided into not less than three bays within its
actual length from centre to centre of connections.

5.4.2 Design Load

Battens, like lacings in the previous section, are designed to carry the bending moments
and shear arising from a transverse shear force Vof 2.5% of the total axial force on the
whole compression member, at anv point in the length of the main member, divided
equally between parallel planes of battens. The main members are also to be checked
for the same shear force and bending moments as for the battens. They are riveted or
welded to the main column components so as to resist simultaneously a longitudinal
shear
vc
/VI = -and, a moment
NS

P
V = -is the transverse shear force as defined above
40

C = Distance centre to centre of battens;

N = Number of parallel of battens;
S =The minimum transverse distance between the centroids of the rivet
grouplwelding.

5.4.3 Shape and Size

Battens shall be of plates, angles, channels or I-sections; the plate section being the
most common.
When plates are used for battens, the end battens and those at points where the member
is stayed in its length shall have an effective depth ( 4 , longitudinally of not less then
the perpendicular distance between the centroids of the main members (S) (see
Figure 5.11). The effective depth ( 4 of the intermediate battens shall not be less than

(t m baltenl
Inter- thicker)
mediate
battens

Main members

End batten (tie plate)

y bu-4
(a) Elevatlon

(b) Sectlon of Column

Figure 5.11: Battened Columns

 Design of Compound
Co~npressionMembers

(c) Welded Battened Column

3
three fourth of this distance ( i.e. - S). However, the effective depth of any batten shall
4
not be less than twice the width of a member in the plane of the battens. The effective
depth of a batten shall be taken as the longitudinal distance between end rivets or end
welds.
1
The thickness (1) of the batten (or tie-plates) shall not be less than -of the distance
50
between the innormost connecting lines of rivets or welds.
The above requirements regarding depth and thickness do not apply when angles,
channels or I-sections are used for battens with their legs/ flanges perpendicular to the
main member.

5.4.4 Spacing of Battens

1t battened compression members are not specifically checked for shear & bending
stresses as by (5.4) above, the spacing of battens (centre to centre of fastenings) shall
be such that the slenderness ratio A' of the lesser main component over that distance
shall not be greater than

ii) 0.7 x (slenderness ratio of the member as a whole) about the x-x axis (axis
parallel to battens).

5.4.5 Recommended Welded Connection

It is recommended that

i) Where tie/batten plates overlap the main members; the lap d 4 x (thickness of plate)

ii) Longitudinal length of weld connecting each edge of batten plate to member d 2 x
(depth of 'batten plate)
iii) Transverse length of weld returned along the other two edges d minimum lap at (i)
above (i.e. 4t)
(Note: length of weld and depth of bnhen plate is measured along the longitudinal axis of the member)

Example 5.4
Design the column in example (5.1) using battened system. Use welded connections.
Axially Loaded Members Solution
Check for Allowable Load

Effective length of battened column is 10 % more i.e. I,#= 1.1 x 6 m = 6.6 m =6600
mm
-. . .. ,. 1 6600 -.

Corresponding o,, = 116 MPa

Allowable load = 116 x 7734 = 897144 N> 800 kN :. O.K.

1'
Spacing of Battens should be such that -4 (i) 50 (ii) 0.7 x rxx = 0.7 x 66 = 46.2
rx,r

1'
Thus G Q => giving 1' < 46.2 x 23.8 = 1 100 mm (say 1000 mm adopted)
~ 46.2
4-2.-

Size of End Battens

Overall depth (d) = C.G. distance of components =147+2 x 23 = 193 mm

As it is a welded batten, edge distance need not be added. Hence provide 200 mm depth

Thickness of batten = ( 147 + 2 x 20 ) = 3.74 rnm. (say 6 mm provided)

50

Minimum overlap = 4x6=24 mni

Provide 70 mm overlap for welding with channel.

Total length = 147+2 x 70 = 287 mm (say 290 rnrn provide)

:. Provide 200 x 290 x 6 nim end buttens

Size of Intermediate Battens

3
overall depth = - x 193 = 145mm (for welded battens edge distance not required)
4

:. Provide 150 mm depth

Adopt thickness of batten same as above e.g. 6 mm

Length of batten also adopted as above e.g. 290 mm

:. Provide 290 x 150 x 6 mm intermediate battens

Check for Design Forces

800
Transverse shear = T = 20 kN

VC 20000x1000 =46083N
Longitudinal shear V' = -=
70
NS 2 ~ ( 1 4 7 + 2 ~ - )
2

VC = 20000 loo' = 5 000 OOON mm

Moment M = -
2N 2x2

46083
For end battens Cvci , cnl = ---- = 38.4 N/mm2 < 100 N/mm2 .'.O.K.
200x6
 5000000
Oac , cal = = 125 N/m,2<
165 N/mm2
, -k x 2 0 0 7 ~
For intermediate battens Cb,, -- 5 1.2 N/m,l12 < 100
= 46083
150 x 6
:. 0.K

End baltene
290 x 200 x 6 thkk

(a) €levation

(b) Section
(c) Design of Welds

Figure 5.12: Battened Culum~ls(Welded)

OoO OoO
Ova , cal = = 222 N/mm2 > 165 N/mm2 :. Fails
6 x ( 1501%

Hence provide 200 mm deep battens as above.

Design of Welds

L j J

neglecting the terms with t3 which is very small

Polar moment of media IZz= In + I j y = 1640250 mm4
Maximum distance to the conner point from 0 the CG of the weld

( r ) = w = 106 mm

35
Cos0 = -= 0.33 giving 0 = 70O.7
106

If t is the throat thickness of the weld

46083 --85.3
-
Direct shear stress (vfr) = N/mm
(2x70+2x200)t - t
Axially Loaded Members 5000 000 x 106
Shear stress due to moment v p = = 323.1 N/mm2
1640250 x t

Combind stress = d($-~+ ~ $ 2t 2Cvfl C ~ j zcosO

360 4
Taking allowable stress in weld as 110 ~ / m m ~ w e -- = 110 giving
have
t

throat thickness - 3.3

--
Size of weld = = 4.7 mm
0.7 7
For a 14.1 mm thick flange minimum weld size is 5 mm which is to be provided.

SAQ 2
Design a battened column to carry an axial load of 1500 kN. The length of the column
is 7.5 m with one end fixed in position and direction. The other end is fixed in position
but free to rotate. [You may use channels for main members and angles for battens.]

- - -

5.5 SUMMARY
In the previous unit (i.e. Wit 4), design of light and medium loaded columns were
discussed. For such columns single rolled steel sections or an addition of one or two
attached flange plates were sufficient to take up the loads. However, for still heavier
loads a compound column consisting of more than one rolled steel sections become
necessary. For best effect, they are made in specific shapes and arrangements which is
as far as possible symmetrically (at least with respect to one axis). These main
compression elements may be a combination of four angles, a pair of channels or joists,
or additional plates on one side so as to keep the other sides open for welding or
riveting. The best arrangement is such that the strength of column along both principal
axes are approximately equal. In addition to the main structural members there should
be a lateral connecting system, which normally consists of inclined lacings or
horizontal battens single and double system of lacing are discussed. The design of the
column should exclude the possibilities of any buckling failure of the column as a
whole or any of the component elements. The connecting systems are supposed to
resist a horizontd shear of one-fortieth of the axial load for which they are to be
designed.

5.6 ANSWERS TO SAOs

SAQ 1
i) Refer Example 5.3
ii) Refer Example 5.1
SAQ 2
Refer Example 5.4
 Design of Compound
FURTHER READING Compression Members

1) Steel Designers Manual - C.S. Gray and others.

2) Structural Steel Handbook - B. N . Shridhara (Univ. Press (India) Pvt. Ltd).
3) Design of Steel Structures by A. S. Arya & J. Ajmani (Nem Chand & Bros.,
Roorkee).
4) Design of Steel Structures by L. S. Negi.
5) Structural Welding - V . K . Chavan (Dhanpat Rai & Bros).
6) Theory and Practice of Arc Welding, R. J . Sacks (Van Nostrand & Co).

7) Design of Steel Structures - Breslin, Lin & Scals (Wiley Eastern Ltd).
8 ) Design of Modem Steel Structures - L. E. Grinter (Eurasia Publishing House).

9) Design of Steel Structures - Mr. Raghupathi (Tata McGraw Hill).

10) Design of Steel Structures - S . K . Duggal (Tata ~ c ~ r a ~ ~ i l l ) .
11) Design of Steel Structures - B. S . Krishnamachar & D. Ajithsimha.
12) Design ofsteel Structures - Gaylord, Gaylord & Stallmeyer (McGraw Hill
International).
/