Design of single-angle compression members according to the Canadian standards

Abstract

Although single-angle compression members, attached by one leg, appear to be very simple structural elements, they are amongst the most complex of structural elements to analyze and design. This is due to the end eccentricities and the fact that the principal axes of the angle do not coincide with the axis of the structure. The design of single-angle compression members, according to the Canadian standards, is not as straightforward as might be expected. There are numerous clauses to be considered in two standards. In some cases, all failure modes are not covered explicitly. The Canadian standards are examined and applied to the two generally accepted design approaches used in Canada and the United States. These approaches are (i) to ignore the end eccentricities and to treat the angle as a concentrically loaded member and (ii) to account for the end eccentricities by treating the angle as a beam–column. A flow chart is presented which will guide the designer through the many clauses that have to be considered in the two standards. Some suggestions are made which should help a practicing engineer design single-angle compression members that are attached by one leg. Key words: angles, buckling, building (codes), design.