ABSTRACT
Practically, design specifications provide the resistance equations for pin-ended columns, while the resistance of framed columns can be estimated through the
K
factor to the pin-ended column strength equations. Theoretical
K
factor is determined from an elastic eigenvalue analysis of the entire structural system, while practical methods for the
K
factor are based on an elastic eigenvalue analysis of selected subassemblages. This chapter presents the state-of-the-art engineering practice of the effective length factor for the design of columns in bridge structures.
