Select an appropriate W14 steel column section 30 feet long, braced at midheight about the weak axis that supports a load of 400 k. Assume the column is pinned at both ends so k=1. Solution the buckling load minimum should be more than 400 k. by buckling load formula Pcr = 3.14^2EI/KL2 take W12x79: Ixx = 662 in2 and Iyy = 216 in2 solving for Ixx and Iyy and taking the minimum value of Pcr which is above 400 k we can choose this section of W12X79.