Column Buckling Module

Enter a section's dimensions, its steel grade, buckling lengths, and axial load, to check whether it will crush or buckle under compression, per Eurocode 3.

Standards used on this page

  • BS EN 1993-1-1:2005+A1:2014 (Eurocode 3, Part 1-1) — §6.2.4 cross-section compression resistance, §6.3.1 flexural buckling resistance, Table 6.1/6.2 buckling curve selection
  • UK National Annex to BS EN 1993-1-1 (γM0 = γM1 = 1.0)
Scope of this tool — please read before relying on this result:
  • Lateral-torsional buckling is NOT checked.
  • Torsional and torsional-flexural buckling are NOT checked (these need the warping constant and torsional constant, not yet calculated by this tool).
  • Combined axial + moment (for an eccentric load) uses a simplified, conservative linear interaction, not the full EC3 interaction-factor method (§6.3.3). Any column with a genuine eccentric load should be checked in full by a structural engineer.
  • Section classification uses the pure-compression case throughout, even when a moment is present — an approximation.
Note on accuracy: as with the other modules, this tool assumes sharp (unfilleted) corners, and uses the flange's yield strength as representative for the whole member.
Section
mm
mm
mm
mm
Column and loading
m
m

For a pin-ended column with no intermediate bracing, the buckling length equals the actual column height. If the column is braced differently on each axis (e.g. by side rails restraining the minor axis partway up), enter each length separately.

kN
mm
Disclaimer: This tool provides preliminary, indicative structural checks only. It is not a substitute for verification by a qualified structural engineer. cad-steel.co.uk accepts no liability for designs based solely on these results. Always have final designs checked and signed off by a suitably qualified and experienced structural engineer before construction.