AISC 360-05 (AISC Manual 13th Edition) provides the modern LRFD and ASD framework for designing steel tube and pipe columns under axial compression. Design involves calculating the available compressive strength based on yield stress, section properties, and column slenderness, using the flexural buckling equations in Chapter E. This Excel sheet automates the full design process for both HSS and standard pipe sections per AISC 360-05.
AISC 360-05 vs AISC-ASD 9th Edition
AISC 360-05 replaced the separate ASD and LRFD manuals used previously with a single unified specification that supports both design methods. For compression members, Chapter E defines the nominal compressive strength based on flexural buckling, and the engineer applies either a resistance factor (LRFD) or a safety factor (ASD) to obtain the available strength. This differs from the AISC-ASD 9th Edition, which used allowable stress tables based directly on the slenderness ratio and column curve.
What This Excel Sheet Calculates
- Nominal compressive strength (Pn) per AISC 360-05 Chapter E
- Available compressive strength for both LRFD (φPn) and ASD (Pn/Ω) methods
- Slenderness ratio and the governing buckling limit state
- Section properties for HSS and standard pipe sizes
- Comparison of applied load against available strength
- Governing limit state (flexural buckling) for the section
Design Inputs Required
- Section designation (HSS or pipe) and steel grade (Fy)
- Unbraced length and effective length factor (K)
- Applied axial load (factored for LRFD or service level for ASD)
- Design method selection (LRFD or ASD)
- End support and bracing conditions
- Section properties (area, radius of gyration)
Applicable Design Codes
This sheet follows AISC 360-05, Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, as published in the AISC Manual 13th Edition, using the Chapter E flexural buckling provisions for compression members.
Who Should Use This Tool
This tool is aimed at engineers transitioning from the AISC-ASD 9th Edition to the unified 360-05 specification, and at anyone working on projects that specifically call up AISC 360-05 or the 13th Edition Manual for column design.
Download the Free Tube / Pipe Column Design Sheet (AISC 360-05)
This free Excel sheet computes the available compressive strength of HSS and pipe columns per AISC 360-05, covering both the LRFD and ASD design paths within a single workbook. It automates the Chapter E flexural buckling calculation so engineers can size tube and pipe columns without manually working through the nominal strength and available strength equations for each trial section, saving time on projects that reference the 13th Edition Manual.
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