11 Differences between a Column and a Strut (MUST KNOW)

Saad Iqbal | 🗓️Modified: April 9, 2022 | ⏳Time to read:5 min

A structural member subjected to axial compressive load is known as strut. It may be a horizontal, vertical, or inclined member. However, a vertical strut designers provide in building is known as column. Hence, strut and column, both are structural members and are subjected to axial compressive load. But still there’re number of differences between column and strut.

The main difference between column and strut is that column exists as a part of a frame structure whereas a strut is a structural member of a truss system.

So, let’s explore how two differs from each other:

Difference between column and strut
Difference between column and strut

Strut:

A strut is a structural member that only takes compressive force while the bending moment is zero in it. Anyhow, it is supported by hinged or pin jointed supports at both the ends. We use this type of structural compressive member in different types of trusses.

A strut can fall in two categories – continuous or discontinuous. So, if it is spanning between two supports, then it is called as discontinuous strut. On the other hand, if it consists of more than two supports or gussets plate, it is called as continuous strut.

So, we can conclude that strut is the compressive member of the truss structure that is used in the bridge trusses and roof trusses. The distance between two points of strut is know as its effective length. Ratio of its effective length to least radius of gyration is known as slenderness ratio.

Also Read: Difference between Short Column and long Column

Anyhow, in case of strut, slenderness ration is usually more than 20. While designing struts, you must consider slenderness ratio, and it must be greater than following values in case of different loads:

Slenderness Ratio Loading Conditions

 

180

 

Dead load and superimposed load
250

 

Dead load, wind load, and superimposed load
350

 

Dead load and reversal of force

 

Strut may be horizontal, vertical, and inclined. Its cross-sectional area may include circular section, tubular section, I-section, T-section, Channels, or compound section. It is subjected to axial compressive force only and there’s no gravity loading.

Also Read: 14 Types of Columns in construction

Column

A column usually bears series of different loadings apart from mere axial compressive load. Depending on the type of structure, a column may bear gravity load, bending moment, shear force, buckling, and horizontal load. The horizontal load may be a result of earthquake and wind load.

Column is a compressive member of frame structure which can be of steel or concrete. We design columns to carry compressive forces. A column failure is due to following stresses in it:

  • Direct Compressive Stress
  • Buckling Stresses
  • Combination of direct and buckling stress

Also Read: Types of Building Structure in Civil Engineering with images

Difference between two points of column is known as effective length. Ratio of effective length to least radius of gyration is known as slenderness ratio. Depending upon slenderness ratio and mode of failure column is divided into:

  • short column
  • intermediate column
  • long column

Short Column:

When slenderness ratio is less than 12, it is known as short column. Its failure mode is because of compressive stress and is subjected to crushing.

Long Column:

When slenderness ratio is more than 50, it is known as long column. Its failure mode is because of buckling stress and is failed because of buckling.

Intermediate Column:

When slenderness ratio is between 12 to 50, it is known as intermediate column it is fail because of buckling as well as compression stresses.

Difference between Column and Strut in tabular form:

           

            Column

 

           Strut
Column is compressive member of frame structure It is compressive member of truss structure
It is design for only compressive force It is designed for compressive force as well as tension force
It is subjected to axial load and sometime horizontal load in case of earthquake or wind load. It is subjected to only axial load and bending moment is zero
It is subjected to buckling

 

It is not subjected to buckling
It is always vertical compressive member

 

It can be horizontal, vertical, or inclined member.
In case of column design, ratio of effective length to diameter is greater than 3 In case of strut design, ratio of effective length to diameter is less than 3

 

Column is subjected to gravity load

 

Strut is not subjected to gravity load
Load can be applied anywhere throughout the column

Cross sectional dimensions of column are large

 

Load is only applied at the joint in case of strut

Cross sectional dimensions of struts are small

Columns are used in steel or concrete buildings. Struts are use in roof trusses and bridge trusses
Slenderness ratio of columns is low

 

Slenderness ratio of strut is high
A column generally fails due to buckling. A strut generally fails as a result of crushing.

 

Saad Iqbal is a professional civil engineering and freelance write. He's passionate about structures, construction management, and home improvement topics. He's been working as a Senior Engineer in a consultant firm for over 8 years. Besides he loves writing informative and in-depth content focused on construction and home-related topics. You can catch him at his linkedin page or reach out via our contact us page.

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