DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLUMN AND STRUT

In our previous topics, we have seen some important concepts such as Assumptions made in the Euler’s column theory and concept of eccentric loading with the help of our previous posts.

Today we will see here one very important topic in strength of material i.e. difference between column and strut with the help of this post. We will first understand here the basic concept of column and strut and after that we will discuss the types of columns in our next post.

So let us come to the main topic i.e. difference between column and strut

What is column?

Column is basically defined as a vertical member of a structure and it will be subjected with vertical compressive load. Line of action of compressive load will pass through the axis of the column or sometime also parallel to the axis of the column.

In simple, a member of structure will be termed as column if it is vertical and it’s both ends are fixed rigidly and also subjected with axial vertical compressive load.

Example

Vertical structural member between roof and floor could be considered as the best example of column.

So let us see here few important points in respect of concept of column

Columns will be subjected with only axial vertical compressive loads

Columns are basically vertical members in structures

Column will be longer in length as compared to strut

Both ends of column will be fixed rigidly

Normally, columns carry heavy vertical axial compressive loads

Cross-sectional dimensions of columns will be usually large

Applications of columns are usually seen in concrete and steel buildings

What is Strut?

Strut is also a member of structure but strut will be comparatively shorter in length as compared to column and strut will not be vertical but also it might be inclined or horizontal. One or both ends of strut will be hinged or pin joined.

In simple, a member of structure will be termed as strut if it is not vertical but also it is inclined or horizontal and its length is comparatively shorter than column and its one end or both ends are hinged or pin joined.

Example

Inclined structural members used in trusses or in frames could be considered as the best example of strut.

So let us see here few important points in respect of concept of strut

Struts might be subjected with vertical, horizontal and inclined loads

Struts will not be vertical but also it will be inclined or horizontal members in structures. If one strut is vertical then it will be considered as column not strut.

Struts will be shorter in length as compared to columns

In case of strut, one end or both ends of structural member are hinged or pin joined

Normally, struts carry smaller compressive loads

Cross-sectional dimensions of struts will be usually small

Applications of struts are usually seen in roof truss and bridge trusses

We will discuss types of column i.e. Long column and short column in detail in the category of strength of material in our next post.

Reference:

Strength of material, By R. K. Bansal

Image Courtesy: Google

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