Structural Engineering & Statics
where the load goes
Ladder

Effective length — the ladder

One essay so far against this idea. A ladder is the distinct arguments that stand against one idea, and this one has room to grow.
  1. K = 0.5both ends fixedK = 0.7one fixed, one pinnedK = 1both ends pinnedK = 2fixed at the base, free at the topsame column, same section, four ways of holding the endsthe load at which each buckles goes as 1 ÷ K² — a factor of sixteen across this row

    The ends decide the length that matters

    Four columns of identical height and section, buckling at loads sixteen times apart. Nothing differs but what is holding the two ends.

    rung 1 · stability

All ladders