Combined Equation for Sizing Timber Columns

An alternative abbreviated method for column design and analysis is presented. The method determines, in one relatively brief computational series, the maximum allowable unbraced length (design) or the allowable column loading (analysis) for a given column and set of conditions. In addition, the trial and error design steps are reduced significantly. The method was derived by first setting the actual compressive stress f _c equal to the allowable compressive stress F ${}^{\prime }$. The solution then proceeds in the reverse order of the existing computational method as presented in the Timber Construction Manual (1994). If the computed allowable length is found to be greater than or equal to the column length, the unbraced column is adequate. The computational steps of the method are first developed and then combined into a single equation. This reduces the column design and analysis steps substantially. Application of the method is demonstrated.