A pinned-end column with length L= 18 ft is constructed from a W 12 × 87 wide-flange shape (see figure). The column is subjected to a centrally applied load P1= 180 k and an eccentrically applied load P2 = 75 k. The load P2 acts at distance s = 5.0 in. from the centroid of the cross section. The properties of the steel are E = 29,000 ksi and σY= 36 ksi.
(a) Calculate the maximum compressive stress in the column.
(b) Determine the factor of safety with respect to yielding.
