Capacity of steel column calculator

Jonathan Ochshorn

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Directions: Enter values for cross section, ASTM designation (for F_y and F_u), effective length coefficient, and unbraced height.

Press "update" button.

More detailed explanations and examples can be found in the text.

section type		Area (in2)	least radius of gyration (in.)


ASTM designation selected:	Fy (ksi)	E (ksi)

Used only if 'other values' selected ->

choose cross section
















	unbraced length, L (ft)








Checks:
errors:
plate width must be > 0
Fy must be > 0
E must be > 0
unbraced length, L must be > 0
KL/r should be <= 200

Disclaimer: This calculator is not intended to be used for the design of actual structures, but only for schematic (preliminary) understanding of structural design principles. For the design of an actual structure, a competent professional should be consulted.

First posted August 13, 2009 | Last updated August 17, 2009