Versatile Method for the Design of Steel Compression Members

A new method is presented for the design of prismatic steel compression members that has significant advantages over current methods in certain cases. It enables designs to be obtained for members having elastic end restraints, significant initial out-of-straightness, or lateral loading, cases not amenable to an accurate solution using current methods. It is also much simpler and quicker to use for the design of members subject to applied end-moments, as is typically the result of the computerized analysis of rigid frames. It is not claimed to be a revolutionary breakthrough in the analysis of the behavior of steel columns; rather, it is intended to be a practical, user-friendly design office tool. The theoretical basis of the method and the derivation of practical design aids are described. Examples demonstrate the application of the method and, when possible, compare the results with current methods. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.