If a structural member has a design compressive load less than the buckling load, why does it still require that kL/r is less than 200 according to CSA S16.1?
I don't know about the CSA, but the AISC LRFD Commentary on the limiting slenderness ratio (Comm. B7) says that the design methods "provide reliable criteria for resistance of axially loaded members based on theory and confirmed by test for all significant parameters including slenderness. The advisory upper limits on slenderness contained in Section B7 are based on professional judgment and practical considerations of economics, ease of handling, and care required to minimize inadvertent damage during fabrication, transport, and erection."<br><br>The AISC Spec does not required L/200 for compression members, but says "preferably should not exceed".
