For a column that is hinged at both ends, the effective length is given by:

$L_{\text{effective}} = K \cdot L$

where:

• $K$ is the effective length factor, which depends on the end conditions of the column. For a column hinged at both ends, $K = 1$.
• $L$ is the actual length of the column.

Given:

• $L = 4 \, \text{m} = 4000 \, \text{mm}$ (converting from meters to millimeters).

Since $K = 1$, the effective length $L_{\text{effective}}$ is:

$L_{\text{effective}} = 1 \cdot 4000 \, \text{mm} = 4000 \, \text{mm}$

Answer:

The effective length of the column is 4000 mm.

Would you like additional details or have further questions?

Related Questions:

1. How would the effective length change if one end were fixed and the other hinged?
2. How do you calculate the critical load for buckling with given column properties?
3. What is the impact of radius of gyration on a column's stability?
4. How does changing the modulus of elasticity $E$ affect a column’s critical load?
5. Can we calculate the slenderness ratio of this column based on the given data?

Tip: The effective length factor $K$ varies with end conditions and affects the buckling behavior significantly.