Elastic stability of U-shaped members in bending considering pre-buckling displacements. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beyer, André; Boissonnade, Nicolas; Khelil, Abdelhouahab; Bureau, Alain
• Is Part Of: Journal of constructional steel research. Volume 135(2017)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: U-shaped members -- Elastic member stability -- Pre-buckling effects -- GNIA calculation; Steel, Structural -- Periodicals; Building, Iron and steel -- Periodicals; Acier de construction -- Périodiques; Construction métallique -- Périodiques; 624.1821
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.04.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-974X

Abstract

Abstract: The present paper describes a theoretical study on the effect of pre-buckling displacements on the elastic instability of U-shaped members. Expressions for the elastic critical bending moments under mono-axial bending and the elastic critical load amplification factor for the case of bi-axial bending are derived and validated through elastic geometrically non-linear analysis including a geometric imperfection. It will be shown that pre-buckling displacements have a non-negligible influence on the behaviour of U-shaped members, especially when subjected to minor-axis and bi-axial bending. It will be shown that, contrariwise to the natural feeling, U-shaped members under minor-axis bending may, in some cases, be sensitive to elastic instability (lateral-torsional buckling). Moreover, the validated analytical expressions show that shorter members are more sensitive to elastic instability under minor-axis bending than their longer counterparts! Highlights: The elastic stability of U-shaped members is studied theoretically. The influence of pre-buckling displacements on elastic stability of U-shaped members in bending is highlighted. The analytical solutions are confirmed based on numerical Finite Element simulations.