A long, slender column under axial compressive load tends to buckle, generating significant bending stresses. Compare the magnitude of direct (uniform) compressive stress with bending stress at critical sections for a long column.

Introduction:
Column behavior transitions from primarily direct compression in short columns to flexural (buckling) behavior in long, slender columns. This question examines the comparative significance of direct compressive stress versus bending stress in long columns near buckling conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• High slenderness ratio; Euler-type behavior.
• Axial load P acting through a small eccentricity or induced by imperfections.
• Linear elastic analysis near critical load for conceptual comparison.

Concept / Approach:
Total stress at any fiber is sigma = P/A ± My/I. In long columns approaching buckling, the bending moment M from lateral deflection grows rapidly compared to the uniform term P/A, making the bending component dominant in extreme fibers. Thus, direct stress becomes relatively insignificant (negligible) compared to bending stress at critical locations.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Write sigma_total = P/A ± My/I.2) For long columns, lateral deflection increases ⇒ M increases sharply.3) Near failure, My/I » P/A ⇒ bending governs design and stress checks.4) Hence direct stress is negligible when assessing extreme fiber stresses.

Verification / Alternative check:
Euler theory P_cr = π^2 * E * I / L_e^2 shows sensitivity to L_e; large L_e implies low critical load and large curvature, reinforcing bending dominance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Less/same/more: do not capture the typical dominance of bending in long columns.

Cannot be compared: they can be compared through sigma = P/A ± My/I.

Common Pitfalls:
Applying short-column formulas to slender columns; ignoring initial imperfections that trigger significant bending moments.

Final Answer:
negligible