Column Buckling length
Column Buckling length
(OP)
Hey guys, if I have a concrete column that is abutted by brick walls on both axes can I consider my column to have zero buckling length in both directions since it is technically restrained by the brick walls from deflecting?
Like to hear your opinions on this.
Like to hear your opinions on this.






RE: Column Buckling length
In reality, I'm sure that the column would be braced. I wouldn't personally rely on it though unless I was very desperate. It takes a fair bit of strength and stiffness to brace a typical concrete column. Proving that the brick walls could do the job without crushing, shearing, or buckling could be difficult. Kinda depends how beefy those walls are I guess.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Column Buckling length
RE: Column Buckling length
However, masonry walls can always be removed - or doors/windows added later by someone not aware of the structural participation of the wall.
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RE: Column Buckling length
Hopefully, codes could give us abit of guidance on this to inhibit arguement among engineers or engineers and builders/architects. It is really hard to defend with other non-structural engineers that the buckling length is the full height (without consideration to "k") especially when it appears in reality to be restrained by these mildly rigid architectural walls.
RE: Column Buckling length
- Construction sequencing. I'd hate to have to tell someone that they couldn't carry on with slabs above until they'd installed brick around a particular column.
- Thrust arising from column buckling restraint. You'd want uninterrupted wall for a stretch on all sides of the column for it to serve as effective bracing.
- Accidental shear wall participation. To be effective bracing, your walls would need to be snug to your columns. That may draw undesirable shear forces to your columns under wind/seismic motion.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.