The historical development of the different approaches for designing metal columns is presented and critiqued. Prior to 1960, emphasis was placed on design methods for an isolated compression member. Since 1960 the focus has been on columns as part of frames, by introducing factors such as effective length factors (K-factors), PΔ, frame stability, plastic design, and second-order structural analysis. The development of the current AISC column curve is presented. The single-column curve vs the multiple-column curve controversy is evaluated, and possible future changes to our design approach, due to the current methods of manufacturing rolled steel sections, will be predicted.
Source: AISC Live Webinar (12/06/2018)
Speaker(s): Joseph A. Yura, PE, PhD
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