Engineering
Column Axial Load Capacity Calculator
Calculate effective length, Euler load, squash load, reduced reference capacity, utilization, margin, radius of gyration, and slenderness.
Effective column length (mm)-
Ideal Euler buckling load (kN)-
Ideal axial yield load (kN)-
Lower idealized nominal reference (kN)-
Capacity after entered factor (kN)-
Applied load divided by reduced capacity-
Reduced capacity minus applied load (kN)-
Radius of gyration (mm)-
Effective slenderness-
Decision view
Column capacity engineering diagram
Column capacity engineering diagramThe member sketch and capacity hierarchy connect effective length and slenderness to Euler, squash, reduced, and applied loads.
Exact scenario comparisonApplied axial load (kN) changes while all other entered assumptions remain constant.
| Applied axial load (kN) | Effective column length (mm) | Ideal Euler buckling load (kN) | Ideal axial yield load (kN) | Lower idealized nominal reference (kN) | Capacity after entered factor (kN) | Applied load divided by reduced capacity | Reduced capacity minus applied load (kN) | Radius of gyration (mm) | Effective slenderness |
|---|
How to use Column Axial Load Capacity Calculator
- Enter column geometry, material values, K factor, reduction factor, and applied load.
- Compare Euler and squash references.
- Treat the result only as an idealized engineering screen.
Calculator guide
Understanding Column Axial Load Capacity Calculator
An idealized column check compares Euler buckling and axial yielding before applying an explicit reduction factor and load utilization.
Calculation method
How the calculation works
Calculate ideal Euler and axial-yield references, select the lower value, apply an explicit reduction factor, and compare it with entered axial load. Use effective length in Euler's equation, compare with the axial yield reference, reduce the lower value, and compare with applied load.
Detailed calculation process
Build the idealized column load comparison
The default uses L=3,000 mm, K=1, E=200,000 MPa, I=8,000,000 mm⁴, A=2,400 mm², Fy=250 MPa, factor 0.65, and 180 kN applied.
General formula: L_e = KLP_E = pi^2EI/L_e^2/1000P_y = AF_y/1000P_n = min(P_E,P_y)P_r = phi P_nUtilization = 100P_applied/P_rMargin = P_r-P_appliedr_g = sqrt(I/A)lambda = L_e/r_g Euler load decreases with effective length squared, while the squash reference is area times yield strength. The lower idealized reference is reduced before applied load is compared.
What each symbol means
Worked substitution with the default inputs
The default squash reference governs at 600 kN; the entered factor reduces it to 390 kN, with 46.154% utilization and 210 kN margin.
Purpose-built visual
Column section and capacity hierarchy
An engineering column sketch shows effective length and section properties beside a bullet hierarchy for Euler, squash, reduced, and applied loads.
Worked situations
Practical examples
- The default uses L=3,000 mm, K=1, E=200,000 MPa, I=8,000,000 mm⁴, A=2,400 mm², Fy=250 MPa, factor 0.65, and 180 kN applied.
- The default squash reference governs at 600 kN; the entered factor reduces it to 390 kN, with 46.154% utilization and 210 kN margin.
Better inputs
Useful tips
- Change one input at a time and confirm both the result and visual move.
- Keep the units stated beside every field.
- Retain intermediate precision and round only the reported result.
Before relying on the result
Limitations and common mistakes
- This is not a structural design check.
- Residual stress, imperfections, eccentricity, bracing, connections, and local buckling are excluded.
- Code equations and licensed engineering review govern real columns.
Reference
Key terms
- Euler load
- Ideal elastic buckling reference for a slender perfect column.
- Squash load
- Area times entered yield strength.
- Slenderness
- Effective length divided by radius of gyration.
Important note
Calculated from the entered values using the displayed engineering relationship. Confirm design values, load cases, safety factors, standards, and field conditions with a qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is reduced capacity code-compliant?
Not by itself; the factor is user-entered.
Why use the least I?
Buckling tends to occur about the weaker axis.
Can squash load govern?
Yes, as in the default.
Does utilization include bending?
No.