AISC 360-05 (AISC Manual 13th Edition) provides the modern LRFD and ASD framework for designing steel tube and pipe columns under axial compression. Design involves calculating the available compressive strength based on yield stress, section properties, and column slenderness, using the flexural buckling equations in Chapter E. This Excel sheet automates the full design process for both HSS and standard pipe sections per AISC 360-05.
AISC 360-05 vs AISC-ASD 9th Edition
AISC 360-05 replaced the older AISC-ASD 9th and LRFD 3rd editions with a unified specification that provides both ASD and LRFD design paths. Key differences from the older 9th Edition ASD approach include:
- Use of available strength concept (φPn for LRFD; Pn/Ωc for ASD)
- A single column curve replacing the two-curve (Cc-based) system of the old ASD
- Explicit limit states: flexural buckling, torsional buckling, and flexural-torsional buckling
- Updated local buckling slenderness limits for compact, noncompact, and slender sections
Chapter E Design Procedure for Axially Loaded HSS/Pipe Columns
- Determine effective slenderness ratio KL/r (flexural buckling governs for HSS)
- Calculate elastic buckling stress Fe = π²E/(KL/r)²
- Determine Fcr: if KL/r ≤ 4.71√(E/Fy), use inelastic formula; else use Fe directly
- Calculate nominal strength Pn = Fcr × Ag
- Apply φc = 0.90 (LRFD) or Ωc = 1.67 (ASD) to get design/allowable strength
Local Buckling Checks per AISC 360-05 Table B4.1
- Rectangular HSS: λ = b/t; limits λp and λr defined in Table B4.1
- Round HSS/Pipe: λ = D/t; compared to 0.15E/Fy (compact) and 0.19E/Fy (noncompact)
When to Use AISC 360-05 vs AISC-ASD 9th for HSS Columns
New construction in the United States should follow the current AISC 360-22 specification, but AISC 360-05 (13th Edition) remains widely referenced for projects under IBC 2006 through IBC 2012 jurisdiction, and for international projects that have adopted this edition. This sheet is particularly useful for engineers reviewing designs from this era or working in jurisdictions that reference the 13th Edition. Download it below for a complete, code-traceable HSS and pipe column design calculation.
