Rankine Column Load Calculator
Rankine-Gordon capacity bridging crushing and buckling for intermediate columns.
Rankine elegantly interpolates: short columns → crushing, long → Euler. Modern codes replaced it with calibrated curves, but it remains the best teaching (and vetting) formula.
Formula
Rankine Column Load Calculator is a free rankine formula for structural engineers, fabricators and site engineers — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Rankine Column Load Calculator
Rankine-Gordon capacity bridging crushing and buckling for intermediate columns. The calculation implements P = σ_c·A / (1 + a·(L_e/r)²) (Rankine-Gordon — classical column theory). Rankine elegantly interpolates: short columns → crushing, long → Euler. Modern codes replaced it with calibrated curves, but it remains the best teaching (and vetting) formula.
How to use Rankine Column Load Calculator
- 1Enter Crushing strength σ_c in MPa.
- 2Enter Area in cm².
- 3Enter Slenderness ratio L_e/r.
- 4Enter Rankine constant a (Mild steel 1/7500 ≈ 0.000133 · cast iron 1/1600).
- 5Read Rankine load, Pure crushing load instantly — no submit button needed.
- 6Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Rankine Column Load Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — P = σ_c·A / (1 + a·(L_e/r)²)
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Rankine-Gordon — classical column theory
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Live worked example: the substitution recomputes from your numbers
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Rankine Column Load Calculator use?+
It computes P = σ_c·A / (1 + a·(L_e/r)²), per Rankine-Gordon — classical column theory. The formula is displayed under the result along with a worked example substituted with your own inputs.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
Rankine elegantly interpolates: short columns → crushing, long → Euler. Modern codes replaced it with calibrated curves, but it remains the best teaching (and vetting) formula.
Can I use this for real structural design?+
It implements the exact textbook/code formula cited below the result and is ideal for sizing, checking and learning. Final designs should be verified by a qualified engineer against the full code with all load cases.
Is the Rankine Column Load Calculator free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
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