Stepped Columns: A Simplified Design Method

A simple method is offered for the design of stepped columns which presents, with respect to the classical effective length method, some advantages (mainly swiftness and precision), when designing members in compression and bending. The method is based on a simplified model with two degrees of freedom. It is possible to obtain the ultimate interaction domains for stepped members, taking into account the effects of both geometrical and mechanical imperfections and of the loading path. Some of these domains are presented, and compared with available numerical results.