An Improved K -Factor Formula

摘要: The effective length factor, K, of a column is dependent on the lateral restraint imposed it. sway and no-sway alignment chart K-factors are special cases when zero infinite, respectively. Therefore, they not directly applicable to practical columns. A general formula derived that columns in fully braced, partially unbraced frames, i.e., which can vary from minus infinity plus infinity. advantage using demonstrated by comparing it with other methods. For example, AISC LRFD Specification Commentary does allow less than limit Eq. C-C2-4b be used calculated means C-C2-4a. With proposed this restriction removed, thereby increasing design range. It also shows K-factor formulas based stiffness concept become increasingly unconservative as becomes very large.