Column Buckling Checklist
Structured checklist for column buckling assessment — geometry, slenderness, end conditions, analysis method, margins and verification.
Geometry and material
- Cross-section properties calculated (I, A, r) for both principal axes
- Material properties confirmed (E, nu, sigma_y) at the relevant temperature
- Column length between supports correctly identified
- Governing axis identified (smaller I or larger L_e/r)
End conditions
- End fixity assessed for both axes (pinned, fixed, free)
- Effective length factor K justified
- Different K about each axis considered if applicable
- Conservative K used where end restraint is uncertain
Slenderness and analysis method
- Slenderness ratio L_e/r calculated for governing axis
- Transition slenderness checked (pi * sqrt(E / sigma_y))
- Euler or inelastic buckling method selected appropriately
- Local buckling of thin-walled sections checked
Loading and margins
- Applied compressive load correctly identified
- Load eccentricity considered if applicable
- Margin of safety calculated against critical load
- Imperfection sensitivity assessed (is the column imperfection-sensitive?)
Verification and reporting
- Hand calculation performed and compared with FEA if used
- Assumptions documented (perfect geometry, linear material, etc.)
- Conclusion states whether Euler load is an upper bound