On May 19, 11:01*pm, "Ed Huntress" wrote:
...
A larger plate will help, not because it distribute the load, but because
the lever arm from the base of the column to the farthest bolts in the plate
will be longer and the forces will be proportionally lower.

You're a math guy so this isn't really a concern, but for most people, a
book on statics and dynamics written for technicians (like two-year college
program students) is a lot easier to deal with than one written for
engineers. The math is all pre-calculus that way. I have such a book and I
still refer to it from time to time.
Ed Huntress-

Harry Parker's "Simplified Design of..." books for structural steel
and timber:
http://www.amazon.com/Simplified-Des.../dp/0471664324

My problem with engineering textbooks is the lack of instructor
feedback if I misunderstand something.

jsw