> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/calculation-modules/columns/wood-columns-with-side-loads-a.md). # Wood Columns with Side Loads and/or Eccentricity How ENERCALC designs wood columns with side loads or eccentricity using NDS Section 15.4 equations. ## How does ENERCALC handle the design of Wood Columns with side loads and/or eccentricity? NDS Section 3.9.2 offers a way to evaluate wood members that are subject to bending and axial compression, such as a beam in a braced frame. But when it comes to Wood Columns with bending from eccentricity and/or side loads, the appropriate reference is Section 15.4. Within that section, Equations 15.4-1 and 15.4-2 are the "fits-all" solution. They account for axial load, flexure about both axes due to side loads, AND the effects of flexure about both axes due to eccentric axial loads. These equations are the basis of the solution within ENERCALC SEL. As a side note, if you start with Equations 15.4-1 and 15.4-2, if there are no side loads, you end up with the slightly simpler Equations 15.4-3 and 15.4-4. And again, if you start with Equations 15.4-1 and 15.4-2, if there are no eccentricities, you end up with the further simplified Equation 3.9-3 and 3.9-4. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/calculation-modules/columns/wood-columns-with-side-loads-a.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.