11.2.6. Top Column Axial Forces

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is an axial force?

   Hint

   Think about tension and compression.

2. 2.

   Define shear force.

   Hint

   Consider the effect on the structure.

3. 3.

   What is the primary way to determine axial force in columns?

   • By adding all forces acting on the column
   • By using shear forces from girders
   • By analyzing bending moments

   Hint

   Consider how forces affect the column directly.

4. 4.

   True or False: An axial force can only be compressive.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how these forces behave.

5. 5.

   A 4-storey building has columns subjected to varying loads due to wind shear and seismic activity. They must safely handle 10 kN shear forces in upper girders and 5 kN in lower girders for each floor. What axial force does each column experience?

   Hint

   Break down the forces by floor and sum them up.

6. 6.

   Analyze a structure supporting three columns at adjacent nodes with distributed loads that vary per side. Calculate the axial load in each column when the left and right columns experience differencing loading conditions.

   Hint

   Consider comparative load assessments, summing all forces from each direction.