STRUCTURES: AXIAL STRESS

Axial stress acts in the axis of members, such as columns.  Axial tension is common in rods and cables; wile axial compression is common in walls and columns.  The following  examples illustrates axial design and analysis.  Analysis determines if an element is ok;  design defines the required size.  The equation, fa = P/A, is used for analysis.  The  equation A = P/Fa, is used for design.  Allowable stress, Fa, includes a factor of safety.

1  Crane cable design 

2  Suspension hanger analysis (Hong Kong-Shanghai bank) 

3 Post/footing analysis 

4  Slab/wall/footing, analyze a 1’ wide strip