Global buckling - weakest column

Dear,

In the global buckling analysis (multi bay - multi story frame), how to find weakest element. Also edge columns and inner columns don't have same boundary conditions, so it is expected to have different BF and consequently different Ky and Kz factors for effective length.

Regards,

  • Assuming your question is related to STAAD.Pro. The buckling analysis predicts the onset of Euler buckling for the structure as a whole. A review of the buckling mode shape would give you an idea as to where the weak point is. Individual member local buckling is addressed in the design phase. For that you would need to specify the appropriate Ky and Kz for the columns depending on the boundary conditions and based on that the design routine would then be able to calculate the buckling capacities for these individual columns.