An Analytical Investigation to Determine the Effective Length Factor of Stepped Crane Columns

Abstract

<p> A report follows in which five different conditions of support of stepped crane columns were investigated. In each case the curvature or moment equations representing the column in its just-buckled condition are determined. The general solution of each differential equation is then found and solved in terms of the boundary conditions to obtain a transcendental equation which gives the critical buckling length. This transcendental equation is solved for the lowest possible value to get the critical buckling length. This lowest value is compared to the Euler critical buckling value in order to get the effective length factor.</p>