Rapid Selection of W Columns (AASHO Method of Design)

In design of a column subjected to combined axial load and bending about one axis, use of the AASHO formula in Appendix C of the AASHO Specifications for the allowable column stress is tedious and time-consuming. Rapid selection of the required column size for given forces can be made with the aid of curves presented here. Curves are developed for A36 steel, but can be used for A588 and other higher strength steels.