About this Column Calculator
How are column results calculated?
The outputs of the Column Calculator include the minimum and maximum shear forces, minimum and maximum moments, and displacement in both X and Y directions and is calculated using the following inputs:
Column Properties:
- Young’s Modulus (E)
- Moment of Inertia (I_y)
- Moment of Inertia (I_z)
- Column Length (L)
- Bottom Support
- Top Support
Load Values:
- Lateral Load (L1)
- Distance (d)
- Axial Load (L2)
These results are are all calculated in the column calculator with SkyCiv’s powerful FEA analysis solver, the same used in our Structural 3D program.
Column Shear Force Diagram
The column shear force diagram displays both the minimum and maximum shear force values based on the inputs provided and illustrates how shear force varies along the length of the column under different column properties and applied loads. Through this visual diagram, engineers are able to depict shear forces at several points which are subject to both axial and lateral forces, identify critical positions and variations along the column, and ensure structural stability and safety.
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the column shear force diagram and understand the column calculations and steps to create this diagram, then SkyCiv has a detailed tutorial on 'Calculating Shear Force Diagrams' to get you started.
Bending Moment of Column
The bending moment of the column diagram displays both the minimum and maximum moment values based on the inputs provided and illustrates how the bending moment value varies along the length of the column under different column properties and applied loads. Through graphically depicting these bending moment values, engineers are able to capture critical points such as the minimum and maximum bending moments, as well as areas and regions where the bending moment significantly changes. This diagram serves as a crucial tool to help engineers understand the structural behavior of the column at different points, and ensure stability and safety.
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the bending moment of the column diagram and understand the column calculations and steps to create this diagram, then SkyCiv has a detailed tutorial on 'What is Bending Moment?' to get you started.
Column Displacement
The column displacement diagram displays both the displacement X and displacement Y values based on the inputs provided and illustrates how the displacement value varies along the length of the column under different column properties and applied loads. By plotting the displacements along the column length, engineers are able to visualize how the column deflects at various points and identify critical positions such as maximum or minimum displacement and assess the stability of the column or structure. In structural engineering, all columns experience deformations when subjected to loads and this diagram provides a valuable tool to understand the column behavior, allowing engineers to accommodate deformations and ensure stability and safety.
Related Calculators
- Column Buckling Calculator
- Stiffness Matric Calculator
- Young's Modulus Calculator
- Poisson's Ratio Calculator
- Flooring Joist Span Calculator
About SkyCiv
As well as our column calculator SkyCiv offers a wide range of Cloud Structural Analysis and Design Software for engineers. As a constantly evolving tech company, we're committed to innovating and challenging existing workflows to save engineers time in their work processes and designs.
FAQ?
How to use a Column Calculator?
To use the SkyCiv Column Analysis Calculator, follow these steps:
- Open the calculator on your device.
- Input column properties:
- Young's Modulus (E): Modulus Of Elasticity of the Column
- Moment of Inertia (Iy): Resistance to bending or deflection when subjected to axial and lateral loads (y-direction)
- Moment of Inertia (Iz): Resistance to bending or deflection when subjected to axial and lateral loads (z-direction)
- Length (L): Length of Column
- Bottom Support: Bottom Support of Column
- Top Support: Bottom Support of Column
- Input load values:
- Lateral Load (L1): Load applied horizontally
- Distance (d): Distance lateral load (L1) is applied from top
- Axial Load (L2): Load applied vertically
- Based on your inputs, the calculator interface will display the maximum and minimum: shear, moment, and displacement values as well as the Shear Force Diagram, Moment Diagram, and Displacement Diagram.
What is the Shear Force of a Column?
The shear force in a column is the internal force acting parallel to its cross-section which has been subjected to lateral loads such as wind or seismic forces. This force represents the distribution of the lateral loads along the column length and is a crucial value as it allows engineers to effectively resist lateral loads imposed on columns.
What is the Moment of a Column?
The moment of a column is the internal bending moment within a column which has been subjected to loads such as axial or lateral loads. Moment distribution along the column length allows engineers to analyze flexural deformation in the column and assess if the column can withstand bending forces to ensure structural stability.
What is the Displacement of a Column?
The displacement of a column is the deformation experienced by the column which has been subjected to loads such as axial or lateral loads. Columns experience both elastic and inelastic deformations which cause change in position and shape. Using displacement values, engineers are able to ensure deformations are within acceptable limits and determine column serviceability due to external forces. Being a critical parameter in structural analysis, displacement is essential in ensuring structural stability.
