EngiRef / Civil Engineering Formula

Euler Buckling Load

Euler Buckling Load: Critical buckling load for slender columns. A Columns formula in civil engineering. Variables Pcr, E, I, K and L, each with SI and…

Columns

Specification

Name
Euler Buckling Load
Discipline
civil
Category
Columns
LaTeX
P_{cr} = \frac{\pi^2 EI}{(KL)^2}
Description
Critical buckling load for slender columns
Conditions
Valid for long, slender columns; K depends on end conditions
Can solve for
Pcr, E, I, L
Tags
buckling, euler, column, critical

Variables

Variables for Euler Buckling Load
SymbolNameUnitSi UnitImperial Unit
PcrCritical LoadNNlbf
EElastic ModulusPaPapsi
IMoment of Inertiam⁴m⁴in⁴
KEffective Length Factor - - -
LColumn Lengthmmft

Common questions

What is the Euler Buckling Load formula?
Critical buckling load for slender columns. It sits under Columns, Civil engineering in the EngiRef reference.
What do the symbols in the Euler Buckling Load formula mean?
In Euler Buckling Load, Pcr is critical load in N; E is elastic modulus in Pa; I is moment of inertia in m⁴; K is effective length factor; L is column length in m.
When does the Euler Buckling Load formula apply?
Euler Buckling Load holds under this condition: Valid for long, slender columns; K depends on end conditions.