Variations among column and struts

This construction video tutorial highlights the following topics :- Different types of columns, Definition of column and struts, Variations among column and struts.

Both strut and column belong to compression members. They can withstand the compressive forces inside the structure instead of the tensile forces. Struts are mostly found in roof trusses, steel bridges, and other structures that combine trusses for their structural development.

Columns are found in buildings and related type of structures, where the structure directly takes care of the gravitational force. The materials used to construct these compressive members are built with various materials like steel, concrete, timber.

What is a Strut?
Strut stands for an inclined compressive member or component of a truss type structure. The two ends of a strut are set to other members of the truss, and usually the objective of the strut is to sustain the hardness of the structure, which otherwise prone to move freely. Besides, it is can include more strength to the structure. A strut may be defined as a long, inclined column.

A specific value named ?Slenderness Ratio? is set, that ascertains whether the specific member comes into the category of Struts or into Columns. If the slenderness ratio becomes higher, the structure element will be more slender. If the slenderness is higher, the structural element will come into the category of struts, and the less slender ones will come into the category of columns. Struts may collapse because of buckling. It signifies that they bend off if compressed apart a specific limit.

Variations among Strut and a Column

1. Both Strut and Column belong to compression structural members.
2. Slenderness ratio of struts is elevated, while it is low for columns.
3. Struts collapse because of buckling, but columns collapse due to crushing.
4. Columns are dependent on bending moments and shears additionally and are considered as the primary supports in a building or structure while the Struts are short members in an assembly of members that get compressed, in place of ties which are stretched (ie subjected to tension)

5. Column is vertical member that is dependent on axial compressive load whereas strut belongs to the inclined member that is dependent on the axial load.
6. The objective of the column is to withstand compressive load only whereas the objective of the strut is to withstand both compressive and tensile load.
7. The column is usually supported with fixed supports at both ends whereas the strut is set by hinged or pin joint at both ends.
8. Slenderness ratio is high for column whereas slenderness ratio is lower for strut.

To get more details, watch the following video tutorial.


Variations among column and struts