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• Twelve pin-ended compression tests on austenitic stainless steel flat–oval hollow section columns were conducted. • Their flexural buckling behaviour about the cross-section major and minor principal axes was studied. • FE models were developed to simulate the test results and then used to perform parametric studies. • The codified buckling curves were evaluated. The flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of cold-formed austenitic stainless steel flat-oval hollow section columns are studied in this paper, based on experiments and numerical modelling. An experimental investigation was firstly conducted and included tensile coupon tests, initial geometric imperfection measurements and major-axis and minor-axis pin-ended compression tests on ten column specimens. The experimental investigation was followed by a numerical investigation, where the column test results were used to validate finite element models; upon validation, parametric studies were conducted to generate additional numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and member effective lengths. The obtained test and numerical data were adopted to assess the applicability of the relevant buckling curves for cold-formed austenitic stainless steel circular and elliptical hollow section columns, as specified in the European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, to cold-formed austenitic stainless steel flat-oval hollow section columns. It was revealed from the assessment results that the buckling curves of the European code and American specification led to overall accurate and consistent flexural buckling resistance predictions, while the flexural buckling resistance predictions from the buckling curve of the Australian/New Zealand standard were slightly conservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports laboratory testing and numerical modelling on the cross-sectional behaviour and resistances of press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section stub columns under combined compression and minor-axis bending. A testing programme, including initial geometric imperfection measurements and ten minor-axis eccentric compression tests, was firstly conducted. This was accompanied by a numerical modelling programme, including a validation study, where finite element models were developed and validated against test results, and a series of parametric studies, where the validated finite element models were used to generate further numerical data. The obtained test and numerical data were then adopted to evaluate the current codified design interaction curves for press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section stub columns under combined compression and minor-axis bending, as provided in the European code, North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard. The evaluation results revealed that the codified design interaction curves led to conservative and scattered resistance predictions, mainly due to the conservative end points (i.e. the cross-section compression and bending resistances). Finally, a new design interaction curve, anchored to more accurate end points, was proposed and shown to result in a higher level of design accuracy and consistency than the codified design interaction curves. • The behaviour of S690 high strength steel slender channel sections under minor-axis combined loading was studied. • Minor-axis eccentric compression tests were carried out. • FE models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies. • The codified design interaction curves were evaluated, revealing a high level of conservatism. • A new interaction curve, anchored to the CSM end points, was proposed and shown to yield higher design accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations into the cross-sectional behaviour and resistances of press-braked S690 high strength steel channel sections under combined compression and minor-axis bending. An experimental programme was firstly conducted and included initial local geometric imperfection measurements and ten minor-axis eccentric compression tests. The experimental programme was accompanied by a numerical modelling programme, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then employed to perform parametric studies to expand the test data pool over a wider range of cross-section dimensions and loading combinations. The obtained test and numerical data were then used to assess the relevant codified design interaction curves, as provided in the European code, North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard. The assessment results revealed that all the codified design interaction curves led to excessively conservative and scattered resistance predictions for press-braked S690 high strength steel channel sections under combined compression and minor-axis bending, mainly owing to the conservative linear shapes and inaccurate end points. Finally, a new design interaction curve, with more accurate end points and nonlinear shape, was proposed and shown to offer more accurate and consistent resistance predictions than the codified design interaction curves. • The behaviour of S690 high strength steel channel sections under minor-axis combined loading was studied. • Minor-axis eccentric compression tests were conducted. • FE models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies. • The codified design interaction curves were assessed, revealing a high level of conservatism. • A new design interaction curve was proposed and shown to provide much improved design accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) members are highly susceptible to several structural instability phenomena, involving either individual (Local — L, Distortional — D and Global — G) or interaction (LD, LG, DG, and LDG) buckling modes. The buckling mode interaction of CFS columns and beams may lead to strength erosion compared to isolated modes and must be considered in structural design. The North American, Australian/New Zealand and Brazilian standards incorporated the Direct Strength Method (DSM) that provides accurate design approach for columns and beams affected by L, D, G, and LG buckling modes. However, the coupled LD, DG, and LDG buckling modes are not currently considered in the DSM and many recent research projects have been focused on these topics. The procedure adopted by DSM estimates the CFS member strength through experimentally calibrated design strength equations and curves, based on the relationship between the member elastic stability and the steel yielding property, respectively the elastic critical buckling load and the plastic load, represented by the slenderness factor. The more accurate the buckling load, the more improved will be the result of the column strength by the DSM equations. In this context, the present paper presents the main results of the investigation, based on both experimental and finite element method numerical results, that conducted to calibrated strength curves for CFS unstiffened sections columns without holes covering LD interaction buckling mode. To take into account the effect of the LD buckling, the proposed procedure for design purposes incorporates the slenderness factor ratio R λ D L = λ D / λ L as the main variable, and λ L , λ D , λ G as the local, distortional and global slenderness factors, respectively. • Local–Distortional buckling mode interaction of thin-walled steel cold-formed columns. • General method for the design of columns under Local–Distortional buckling mode. • Structural design rules according to the Direct Strength Method principles. • Shell finite element method model for the analysis of steel thin-walled columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the latest North American Specification S100:2016 Edition and the most up-to-date Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4600:2018, the Direct Strength Method (DSM) shear design rules for unperforated channel sections have been adopted. To date, for perforated sections, there is no DSM design rule for shear in the current Specification/Standard while the conventional reduction factor method is still in use to calculate shear strengths for these sections. This paper summarises the test results in an experimental program aiming to determine the ultimate shear strengths of high strength cold-formed C-sections with square holes centrally cut from the webs. A total number of 24 tests were performed using lipped channel sections in which 18 tests were conducted with central square holes of variable thicknesses and sizes, and the remaining 6 were tested with no holes in the webs. Three different section thicknesses and square hole sizes were chosen for investigation in this study. In addition, Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was initially developed to validate against test results, and the accurate results from the FEM were then employed in a parametric study for the extension of test data by varying the section thicknesses and the hole sizes. In the DSM shear design equations, two inputs namely the shear buckling load, V cr , and the shear yielding load, V y , are required. The numerical solutions for V cr for whole sections with central square holes have been proposed by first author in previous research studies. For V y in this paper, a new and simplified model is proposed based on net web areas. Recommendations for an extension to the DSM shear design rules for channel sections with square holes up to certain hole size limit are given. • An experimental program of high strength cold-formed steel channels with square holes in shear is carried out. • Numerical simulation using Finite Element Method (FEM) program is performed for test validation and parametric study. • Elastic shear buckling loads of channel sections with square holes are computed using numerical solutions. • A new simple and simplified equation based on net web area of the channel to calculate shear yield loads is proposed. • Extension of the DSM shear design rules is proposed for cold-formed channels with square openings up to hole size limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the flexural–torsional buckling behaviour and resistance of pin-ended press-braked S690 high strength steel angle section columns. An experimental programme was firstly conducted and included initial geometric imperfection measurements and twelve pin-ended column tests. The column test results, including the failure loads and deformations at the failure loads, load–mid-height torsional rotation curves and failure modes, were fully reported and discussed. The experimental programme was accompanied by a numerical modelling programme, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then employed to perform parametric studies to expand the test data pool over a wider range of cross-section dimensions and member lengths. The obtained test and numerical data were then used to assess the relevant codified design rules, as provided in the European code, North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, and a DSM-based design approach. The assessment results revealed that all the codified design rules lead to excessively conservative and scattered resistance predictions for pin-ended press-braked S690 high strength steel angle section columns susceptible to flexural–torsional buckling, while the DSM-based design approach yields substantially improved resistance predictions, owing to the rational consideration of the length-dependent characteristic of flexural–torsional buckling and the interaction of flexural–torsional buckling with minor-axis flexural buckling. • The flexural–torsional buckling of pin-ended press-braked S690 high strength steel angle section columns was studied. • Twelve pin-ended compression tests were conducted. • FE models were developed and validated against test results and then adopted to perform parametric studies. • The accuracy of the codified design rules was assessed, indicating inaccuracy. • A new DSM-based design approach was evaluated and shown to yield improved design accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 1. The local–flexural interactive buckling of press-braked stainless steel slender channel section columns is studied. • 2. Ten pin-ended column tests are conducted. • 3. FE models are developed and validated against the test results and then adopted to conduct parametric studies. • 4. The codified design rules are assessed and shown to yield inaccurate interactive buckling resistance predictions. • 5. A new design method is proposed, showing improved design accuracy. The present paper reports experimental and numerical studies of the local–flexural interactive buckling behaviour and resistance of press-braked stainless steel slender channel section columns. A testing programme was firstly performed, including tensile coupon tests, initial geometric imperfection measurements and ten pin-ended column tests. The pin-ended column test setup, procedures and results were fully reported and analysed. The progression of local buckling and flexural buckling was discussed in detail. Following the testing programme, a numerical modelling programme was conducted, where finite element models were developed to replicate the test responses and then employed to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and member effective lengths. The obtained test and numerical data were employed to assess the accuracy of the relevant design rules for press-braked stainless steel slender channel section columns, as set out in the European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard. The assessment results revealed that the European code leads to conservative and scattered interactive buckling resistance predictions, while the American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard result in many unsafe and scattered interactive buckling resistance predictions. A new design approach was then developed, based on the Eurocode column buckling curve and the continuous strength method, and shown to lead to accurate, consistent and safe interactive buckling resistance predictions for press-braked stainless steel slender channel section columns. The reliability of the new design approach was confirmed by means of statical analyses. Besides, the relevant design rules for press-braked carbon steel slender channel section columns, as given in the North American specification, were assessed, and shown to result in unsafe though consistent interactive buckling resistance predictions, when used for their stainless steel counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports experimental and numerical investigations into the structural behaviour and residual capacity of concrete-filled high strength steel tube (CFHST) stub columns after exposure to fire. The experimental investigation was conducted on twelve square CFHST stub column specimens after exposure to the ISO-834 standard fire for 15 min, 30 min and 45 min and four reference specimens at ambient temperature. The test results, including failure loads, load–end shortening curves, initial compressive stiffnesses and failure modes, were fully reported and discussed. A numerical investigation was subsequently conducted, where thermal and mechanical finite element models were developed and validated against the test results, and afterwards used to performed parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions. Owing to the absence of design codes for composite structures after exposure to fire, the relevant ambient temperature design rules, as set out in European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, were evaluated, using post-fire material properties, for their applicability to post-fire CFHST stub columns, based on the test and numerical data. The evaluation results revealed that all the three design codes generally yield accurate failure load predictions for CFHST stub columns after exposure to fire. • Post-fire tests on concrete-filled high strength steel tube (CFHST) stub columns were conducted. • The behaviour and residual resistance of CFHST stub columns after exposure to fire were analysed. • FE models were validated against the test results and then used to conduct parametric studies. • The applicability of the ambient temperature design codes to post-fire CFHST stub columns was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The local–flexural interactive buckling of S690 high strength steel slender channel section columns was studied. • Twelve pin-ended compression tests were conducted. • FE models were developed and validated and then adopted to perform parametric studies. • The accuracy of the codified design rules was assessed, revealing inaccuracy. • A new design approach was proposed, showing a high level of accuracy. This paper reports an experimental and numerical investigation into the local–flexural interactive buckling behaviour and resistance of press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section columns. An experimental programme was firstly conducted and included initial geometric imperfection measurements and twelve pin-ended column tests. Interaction between local buckling and flexural buckling was observed for all specimens upon testing and discussed in detail. The experimental programme was accompanied by a numerical modelling programme, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then employed to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and member effective lengths. The obtained test and numerical data were used to assess the accuracy of the codified design rules for press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section columns failing by local–flexural interactive buckling, as set out in the European code, North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard. The assessment results revealed that the European code leads to excessively conservative and scattered resistance predictions, while the North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard result in a higher level of design accuracy and consistency, but still with many conservative resistance predictions for columns with short to intermediate lengths. Finally, a new design approach was proposed and shown to yield substantially more accurate and consistent resistance predictions for press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section columns over the design codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an investigation of web crippling behaviour of aluminium alloy plain and lipped channels with flanges restrained. A total of 340 data is presented that include 52 test results and 288 numerical results. A series of tests was conducted on plain and lipped channels fabricated by extrusion using 6063-T5 and 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminium alloys under end-two-flange (ETF) and interior-two-flange (ITF) loading conditions. The concentrate loads were applied by means of bearing plates. The flanges of the channels were either bolted (fastened) to one or two bearing plates. A finite element model was developed and verified against the experimental results. Geometric and material non-linearities were included in the finite element model. It was shown that the finite element model closely predicted the web crippling strengths and failure modes of the tested specimens with flanges restrained. Hence, the finite element model was used for an extensive parametric study of cross-section geometries, and the web slenderness value ranged from 24.0 to 207.3. The test results and the web crippling strengths predicted from the finite element analyses were compared with the design strengths obtained using the American, Australian/New Zealand and European specifications for aluminium structures. A unified web crippling equation with new coefficients for aluminium alloy channels with flanges restrained under ETF and ITF loading conditions is proposed in this study. Since two failure modes of web buckling and web yielding were also observed in the aluminium plain and lipped channels with flanges restrained, design rules of web crippling strengths are also proposed by considering the lesser of the web buckling strength and web yield strength. • Web crippling tests were conducted on aluminum alloy channels with flanges restrained. • A finite element model was developed for aluminium alloy channels undergoing web crippling. • The effect of flange-restrained condition on the web crippling strengths of aluminium alloy channels was examined. • The current web crippling design rules for aluminum structures were assessed. • Two web crippling design approaches are proposed for aluminium alloy channels with flanges restrained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]