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How to Figure Load Bearing Support

The amount of load that a column can support before it buckles is called its critical load. You can use a column's critical load to determine the load bearing support that is needed for a structure. To do this, you need to obtain values for the variables required for the equation. Variables that you will need include the Young's modulus, the column height and the moment of inertia.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the Young's modulus for the column material. Column material typically consists of a metal or alloy. Label this as ̶0;E.̶1;
- 2
  Measure the height of the column from its base to the ceiling. Subtract any supports that are attached to the column. Label this measurement as ̶0;L.̶1;
- 3
  Find the measurement between the center of the column and its inner edge. Multiply this measurement by the mass of the column. Multiply the result by itself and label this ̶0;I.̶1; This is the moment of inertia.
- 4
  Write the equation that is used to calculate the critical load of a column. This is expressed as ̶0;P = (Pi squared x E x I/L squared).̶1;
- 5
  Input the variables for ̶0;E,̶1; ̶0;L̶1; and ̶0;I̶1; into the equation in step 4.

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