Car Bent Steel Column

[SRO]

I have a tube steel (3x3) that was hit and bent (1" max) by a car. It will be a REAL hassle to replace it due to the trim and siding of the building so the contractor would like to salvage it if it's possible. Since there is not much load on it I told him I'd see what I can do. Does anyone know any design guides, reference material or techniques to analyze this column?

Thanks.

 

[unclesyd]

You should be able to find a similar company to the one list below near you. Also check with the local erection companies as they normally have someone well versed in the art. A square tube is a little harder than an H beam but they can normally be straightened.

http://www.flameoninc.com/index.html

 

[JAE]

Or add supplemental steel in a configuration to create a new shape that has the necessary capacity. For a tube steel, sometimes you can weld onto it twin C3's or two 3" tubes to work.

 

[msquared48]

Assuming that the sides were not severly damaged to drastically alter the section modulus, and that little cold working of the steel was done to alter the strength, do a P-Delta analysis to see what load the column can take in the deflected shape. Then reinforce it in one of the two ways as descirbed by JAE.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[SRO]

Thanks for the help.

 

[COEngineeer]

Are you talking about this? LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL3YJ8-3_bI

Never, but never question engineer's judgement