(

(,

STRENGTH OF PLATES UNDER UNIFORM
EDGE COMPRESSION
Since rolled shapes, as well as built-up shapes, are composed ofplate elemeru
column strength of the section based on its overall slenderness ratio can 01
achieved if the plate elementsdo not buckle locally.Local bucklingofplate ele
can cause prematurefailure of theentiresection,or at the least it will cause st
tobecome nonuniform and reduce the overall strength.
InSec. 6.14 the basic approach toelastic stabilityofplates was develope,
theoretical elast icbuckling stress for aplate was shown to be expressible as
2
E
Fer =k 12(l _ I-L 2){b/rY [6.14.
1r
wherek is a constant depending on typeof stress , edge support conditions, and
to width ratio(aspect ratio) oftheplate,E themodulusofelasticity,I-L Poisson' s
and bit the width/thickness ratio.
Ingeneral,platecompressionelementscan beseparatedintotwocategori-
stiffenedelements;those supportedalong twoedges parallel tothe direction01
pressivestress;and (2) unstiffenedelements;thosesupportedalongoneedge ar
on the otheredge parallelto directionofcompressive stress.Refer to Fig.6.1:
typicalexamples of these two situations.
FortheelementsshowninFig.6.15.1 variousdegreesofedge rotationre
are present. Figure6.15.2 shows the variation ink withaspect ratioalb for n
the idealized edge conditions, i.e.,clamped (fi xed),simply supported,and fre
Actual plate strengthincompression isdependenton many ofthe same
that affectoverall columnstrength,particularly residualstress. Figure 6.15.3
typical behavior of a compressed plate loaded to its ultimate load. Assumin;
elastic- plastic material containing no residual stress the stress distribution rc
uniform until theelasticbucJclingstressFe' isreached.Furtherincreaseinload
achieved but the portionof the plate farthest from itsside supports willdeflect
its original plane. This out-of-plane deflection causes the stress distribution
nonuniformeventhough theloadisapplied throughends which are rigidand pe
straight.

I b i b



-L. L 1

,-l!-
16 1,-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --,
fixed fi xed
,
1
I
1
I fi :ed I I :s. I
' 14
,
,
$.S. fixed
\ I I I I 12
I
I
,
r-- a---j
1\
II '_ 1
I I \ :
10
I , \
....
II 1 Typeof
s
1\ \ Loaded edgesfixed
support
I 1 \
' 0
I \ \ along
Ii:
\ \ ' .... _, Loadededges simply
unl oaded \ \ ,
8
supported
edges
'1/\\ '-- ....
1 \
.... _-.... ... _-----_... :;<
\
g
al
tmm =6.97
6
8
t
min
=
-.... _---..... .... _--- - --
4
.t.nin =4.00
2
---
_____
oI I I I I I I I I I r l
i
2 4 5
Aspect rarioaJb
=0.425 t
min
Figure 6.15.2 Elasticbuckling coefficientsforcompressioninflal
rectangularplates.(AdaptedfromGerardand Becker[6.69))
Figure 6. 15.3 shows that plate strength under edge compression consists of
the sum of two components; ( 1) elastic or inelasti c buckling stress represented by
Eq.6.14.28. and (2) post-buckling strength. Also one should note the higher post-
buckl ingstrength as the width-to-thickness ratio b/t becomes larger. For lowvalues
of bit , not only will post-buckl ing strength vanish, but the entire plate may have
yielded and reached themain-hardening condit ion, so that Fe,/F, maybecomegreater
than unity. For plates without residual stress (referri ng to Fig.6. 15.4) three regions
must be considered for establ ishing strength; elastic buckling (Euler hyperbola ),
yielding (segments AB, A'B, andAnB), and strain hardening.
If FcJF, is defined. as Eq. 6.14.28 for plat es then becomes
(a) Elementssupport ed along (b) Eleme ntssupported al ong
twoedge,(stiffened elements) one edge ( unstiffened ele ments)
b F
y(l
2){l - I-L 2)
A,. =- (6. 15.1)
Figure 6.15.1 Stiffenedandunstiffenedcompressionelements. t 1r
2
Ek
\
,-, \ , OJ.,,, - " J
. ~ ....,,! ... ~ . ... ,
Lolli bit
F,
1P Rigid straight
~ edge
Q.,I.<;
SimPle . upport
Rigid straight
Post-buckl ing
edge
~
[248 MPa) are given as follows from Haaijer and Thiirlimann [6.70}:
- 4 - ~ ~ /
strength
;>
"

n
TIl ~ . ~ ~
A. verage axial strain
Figure 6.15.3 Behavior of plate under edge compression.
.t is observed from Fig. 6.15.4 tbat, when compared with columns (curve a), plates
curves b and c) achieve a strain hardening condition at relatively higher values of Ae-
In the earlier discussion on columns the value of >.,. at which strain hardening com-
nences (Ao) was assumed to be zero because of its relatively small value. The values .
of Ao for columns and plates under uniform edge compression for F, = 36 ksi
Coll1lDDS Ao = 0.173 (KL/r = 15.7)
Long hinged flanges Ao = 0.455 (b/t = 8.15)
Fixed flanges
Hinged webs
Ao = 0.461
Ao = 0.588
(b/l = t4.3)
(b/l = 32.3)
Fixed webs Ao = 0.579 (b/t = 42.0)
2.0
.(b) Plate O'-r- ~
(
(c) PIlUeO-O ~
1.5
Euler hyperbola
1.0 I \, ~ ..... ( -"
(Elutic buck] ing) - ,l,:
1.6
o 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4
F ,l" ~ --L- _ b F,(12)(1 - /102 )
\ F - - t
n a t \ 11
Figure 6.15.4 Plate buckling compared with column buckling.
(Adapted from Ref. 6.70)
From the above, the important factor determining Ao is whether the plate element
is supported along one or both edges parallel to loading, while the degree of rotational
restraint along the loaded edge (simply supported or fixed) has essentially no effect.
Thus curves band c of Fig. 6.15.4 each can represent two cases, where point A' has
been taken at A = 0.46 and point A" at A. = 0.58.
c
Since plates as well as rolled shapes contain residual stress the true strength
should be represented by a transition curve, Fig. 6.15.4, between the Euler curve and
the point at which strain hardening commences.
When considering inelastic behavior, the modulus of elasticity used for calculat-
ing strain in the direction of maximum stress u ~ should be the tangent modulus E,.
Examination of Eq. 6.14.4a shows that for inelastic strains in the x-direction bpt
elastic strain in the y-direction, E cannot be factored out. Bleich [6.9] has shown the
solution for this case of using different E values, and suggests arbitrarily using VE,/E
as a multiplier for Eq. 6.14.28.
In summary, the strength of plates under edge compression may be governed
by (I) strain hardening, low values of Ac; (2) yielding, at A
c
= say 0.5 to 0.6; (3)
inelastic buckling, represented by the transition curve (some fibers elastic and some
yielded); (4) elastic buckling represented by the Euler hyperbola, at A about 1.4; and
c
(5) post-buckling strength with stress redistribution and large deformation, say for A
c
greater than 1.5.
For design purposes, performance criteria must be established to decide what
range of A
c
values may be acceptable in design and how conservative (and simple) or
liberal (and relatively complicated) should be the specification expressions for plate
strength.
ASIC WIDTH/THICKNESS LIMITS AT TO ACHIEVE
YIELD STRESS WITHOUT LOCAL PLATE BUCKLING
For a better understanding of the background for these requirements the reader is
invited to delve into the SUbject of plate stability and strength as introduced in
Secs. 6.14 and 6.15. However, it may be sufficient for many purposes merely to
understand that components such as flanges, webs, angles, and cover plates, which are
combined to form a column section may themselves buckle locally prior to the entire
section achieving its maximum capacity. Typical elements are shown in Fig. 6.15.1.
The buckled deflection ofunifonnly compressed plates is shown in Fig . 6.16.1 where
two categories are apparent: (I) "unstiffened" plate elements having one free edge
parallel to loading; and (2) "stiffened" plate elements supported along both edges
parallel to loading.
Plates in compression behave essentially the same as columns and the basic
elastic buckling expression corresponding to the Euler equation for columns has been
derived as Eq. 6.14.28.
7T
2
E
[6 .14 .28]
Fer = k 12(l - J1. 2)(b/r)2
where k is a constant depending on type of stress, edge conditions, and length to width
ratio; J1. is Poisson's ratio, and bit is the width/thickness ratio (see Fig. 6.16.1).
Typical k: values are given in Fig . 6.15.2.
Fa Fa


<a) Unsurfened element (b) Stiffened element
(plate with one edge free) (plate supported along
all four edges)
Figure 6.16.1 Buckleddeflection of uniformly compressed plates.
It is known that for low b/r values, strain hardening is achieved without buckling
ccurring, for medium values of b/r residual stress and imperfections give rise to
nelastic buckling represented by a transition curve, and for large b/t buckling occurs
II accordance with Eq. 6.14.28. Actual strength for plates with large .b/r ratio exceeds
nickllng strength, i.e.. they exhibit post-buckling strength. Thus strength for plates
nay be shown in a dimensionless fashion as in Fig. 6.16.2.
To establish design requirements, the desired performance must be ascertained.
"be local buckling of a column component may logically be prevented prior to achiev-
ng full strength of the column based on its overall slenderness ratio KL/r . The
erformance requirement would then be
r; Fer (6.16.1)
component overall
element. column
i.e., plate
strain hardening
1.0 ,-----
Fa
F;
: I
, r
A. 0.7 1.0
A, = YF,/F
a
Figure 6.16.2 Dimensionless representation of plate strength in edge
compression.
Elastic buckling
7i' Ek I
F,(12)(1 - JJ.' )(b/I)' =
I
I
I
I
I
J Curve

I I
I I I
I I I
I 1 1
I 1 I
I
mea.. .3 that acceptable vary depending on the overall slendernel
ratio of the column. If post-buckling strength were considered, the relationship would
be additionally complicated.
For many years the AISI Specification [1.11] for cold-formed steel has used the
approach of Eq . 6.16.1, and also included treatment of post-buckling strength. AlSC
(LRFD and ASD-Appendix B) also includes similar provisions to consider post-
buckling strength. Once buckling of a compression element has occurred. the
i efficiency of the element to carry load is reduced.
Design limits are generally simplified toassure the compression element will
, reach yield stress F, without local buckling occurring, even though the
ratio of a column may prevent the element from reaching yield stress. The
width/thickness (b/r) ratios A to prevent local buckling until the yield stress is reached
are the A, values of LRFD and the noncompact limits in ASD-B5.
The requirement to achieve yield stress without local buckling is
k-rrE
(6. 16.2)
Fer = 12(1 _ 2)(b/t)2 F,
Using = 0.3 for steel, and E = 29,000,000 psi and F, in psi.
bg
-::s; 5120 -- (6.16.3)-
t F
y
, psi
which is represented by point A at A
c
= 1.0 on Fig. 6.16.2, a point lying above the
transition curve. Thus a reduced value of At sbould be used to minimize the deviation
between F, and the transition curve which accounts for residual stress and imperfec-
tions. Thus A.: = 0.7 is taken as a rational value, which gives for b/r
-
b
::s; 5120A.:

- = 3580

- (6.16.4)
t r, r,
where F, is in psi. Table 6.16.1 sbows width/thickness ratios for various situations of
uniform compression. The coefficients used by AlSCsince 1969 tend to imply greater
accuracy in criteria than is justified. The original coefficients were established using
F,in psi; after some rounding they formed the basis of the 1963 AlSCSpecification.
The present values are obtained by dividing by VlOOO so that F, can be used in hi.
Table 6.16.2 gives evaluated limits A, from LRFD and ASD-Table 85 .1_... for several
different yield stresses. '
For rolled and welded box shapes, tensile residual stresses are induced at the
comers as discussed in Sec. 6.5. When compressive external loads are applied. the
tensile residual stress F, must first be reduced to zero, afterwhich additional compres-
sive load causes compressive stresses at the corners. Thus, when the nominal stress
PIA. is F, on the cross-section, it isactually (F
y
- F,) at the important regions near
b - For SI. - :5 425 WIth F, .In MPa (6.16 .3)
I F,
ASD-B5.1 does not use (he symbols Afor width/thickness ratio or A, for "noncompsc t" limit.
I..
\
'ABLE 6.16.1 AISC WIDTHfTHICKNESS RATIOA,LIMITSFOR PLATE ELEMENTS
SUBJECTTO UNIFORM COMPRESSIONa
Buckling LRFD and
Structural coefficients k bit ASD-B5
elements (Fig.6.15.2) Eq.6.16.4 Fy(psi) Fy(ksi) Fy(MPa)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Jnstiffened:
(a) Single angles 0.425 234D/YF, 24OO/YF, 76/YF, 2oo/YF,
(b) Flanges' 0.70' 3000/YF, 3000/YF, 95/YF, 250/YF,
(c) Siems of lees 1.277 4050/vF,. 4OOO/vF,. 127/YF, 333/VF,
;Li ffened:
(a) Uniform thickness
flanges, such as
[uOOlar sections 7500/YF; 238/YF, 625/VF,
(b) Perforated
coverplates 6.'l7 9460/YF, 1O.000/VF, 317/YF, 832/VF,
(e) Otbers 5.0< 80IO/"I!"F, 8000/vF,. 253/vF,. 664/VF,
.-\SO-Table B5.1 doe8nOIuse symbolA,. for "aoncornpact"limit.
Arbitrarilyodectedto be aboutone-thirdof the way betweensimplysupported and fixed along the supportededge.
Edgerestraintestimatedat about!hedCk =4.0for simple support,andk =6.97 for fixed-seeFig. 6.15.2).
COll$iderfuUfixilY-UKof cet platewidth will provideadequatereserve,
Hollow sections generally receive negligble torsional restraiol by the lhin supporting edges; thus coefficient
omewhatk$s thanSOOO ill used,
LRFD-BS.1 in 1993 no longer eJ<plicitly mentions of rolled Ivsheped sections io uniform compression;
>eluded are OU15l1Dding Iep of painof anglC3in conract, lIangesof tbaonelain axial compression,and anglesand
lare, projecting from beams nr compression members. All of these are unstiffened elements having substantial
Clariona] restraintalong theirsupportededge.
thecomersof thebox shape.Sincethe superimposedstress levelisactually lessthan
F
y
, the limit A,couldbepermittedhigher than if the residualstresswerecompressive.
Forstiffened elements, such asuniformthicknessplatesand perforated plates,
the 1986 LRFDSpecification used Y(F
y
- F,) in placeof VIi,in the denominator
of the width/thickness ratio limits. The 1989 ASDSpecification retained the more
conservativeequations(withoutthe subtracted F,) used forthe past severaldecades.
Now,the 1993LRFDSpecificationhasrevertedtothoselimitexpressionshistorically
used.
Forunstiffenedelements,thestressat the free edge ispredominantand residual
stress is generally low or compressive; thus no reduction F, is (orwas) appropriate.
;.17 -AISC WIDTH/THICKNESS LIMIT >"p TO ACHIEVE
SIGNIFICANT PLASTIC DEFORMATlON
Sometimesplate elementsof thecross-sectionmust not buckle until theyhaveunder-
gone significantcompressivestrainexceedingthe strain f:, at firstyield, that is, strain
intothe plasticregion. as shown in Fig. 6.17.1.Thelowerthe width/thicknessratio.
thegreaterthecompressivestrain E that can beabsorbedwithoutbuckling. Inaxially
loadedcolumnstherewould benoneedforthe ability toundergo plastic strain because I
,,"....... ,
WIDTHjT1-lICKNESSRATIOA,UMrTlNG VALUEST
TABLE 6.16.2
FOR PLATE ELEMENTS TO REACH YIELDSTRESS
INAXIAL COMPRESSION
LRFD-B5.1 and ASD-BS.l
Fy(ksi)
65 100
42 50 60
Structural elements 36
Unstiffened:
7.6
9.8 9.4
(a) Singleangles 12.7 I\.7 10.7
9.5
14.7 13.4 12.3 11.8
15.8
(b) Flanges
15.8 12.7
18.0 16.4
(e) Siems of lees
2\.2 19.6
Stiffened:
(a) Uniform thickness flanges. as for tubularsections
29.5 23 .8
33.7 30.7
39.7 36.7
48.9 44.8 40.9 39.3 31.7
(b) Perforatedplates 52.8
42.2 39.0 35.8 32.7 31.4 25.3
(e) Others
Fy(MPa)
400 450 700
Structural elements
250 300 350
Unstiffened:
9.4 7.5
10.7 10.0
(a) Single angles
12.6 11.5
12.5 11.8 9.4
(h) Flanges
15.8 14.4 lJ.4
21.1 19.2 17.8 16.7 15.7 12.6
(b) Sterns oftees
Stiffened:
(a) Uniform thickness flanges. as for tubularsections
29.5 23.6
39.5 36.1 33.4 31.3
52.6 48.0 44.5 4\.6 39 .2 3\.4
(b) Perforated prates
42.0 38.3 35.5 33.2 31.3 25.1
(e) Others
ASD.Table B5.1docs not usc the symbol A,for "'noncompact" limit.
I Values in ublcouse equationsfrom Table6.16.1; column (5)for lncb-poundunits, and
column(6)for SI uniu.
the overallstrengthofthe column based on its KL/r would not requireplastic defo:
rnation, However in beams,as discussed in Chapter7, the flanges mightbe require
to undergo significant plastic strainwithout having local buckling occur.
ReferringtoFig.6.16.2,A< mustberestrictednottoexceed Aoif strainhardenir
istobe reached withoutplatebuckling. FromFig. 6.15.4, A< should not exceed aboi
0.46 for unstiffened compression-.elements and 0.58 for stiffened compression ell
ments.
I
f
Suess
I.
I
i
I
Plastic I Strain
-r- hardening-
I I
I I

5U1lin
Figure 6.17.1 Plastic and strain-hardening
regions ofstress-strain relationship forsteel.