Question

The buckling load will be maximum for a column, if

• A. One end of the column is clamped and the other end is free
• B. Both the ends of the column are clamped
• C. Both the ends of the column are hinged
• D. One end of the column is hinged and the other end is free

Hint:

More end restraint = greater resistance to buckling.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In structural engineering, the buckling load of a column is determined by its boundary conditions. The critical buckling load (P_cr) can be calculated using Euler's formula:

P_cr = (π²EI)/(Le²)

where E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the moment of inertia, and Le is the effective length of the column. The effective length depends on how the column is supported:

• Both ends clamped: Le = L/2
• Both ends hinged: Le = L
• One end clamped, the other free: Le = 2L
• One end hinged, the other free: Le = 2L

When both ends of the column are clamped, the effective length is minimized, leading to the maximum buckling load. Thus, the buckling load is highest when both ends of the column are clamped.