Dekker, N.W.Burdzik, W.M.G.2009-01-122009-01-122005Dekker, NW & Burdzik, WMG 2005, 'A rational approach to obtaining effective lengths of compression members in framed structures', Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, vol.47, no.3, pp.14-19 [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_civileng.html]1021-2019http://hdl.handle.net/2263/8582With the common and widespread use of PC-based design packages in the design of Steel Structures, it is of fundamental importance to revisit the basic principles contained in and sometimes omitted from common analysis packages. The basic methods of stability analysis are briefly discussed and the influence of inelastic buckling incorporated and then illustrated by using representative case studies. Common errors in the use of such design packages, and the importance of simple calibration checks are used to illustrate the probiems which can lead to failures.enSouth African Institution of Civil EngineeringEffective lengthBucklingFlexibleSupportsBracingArticle