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Abstract: Flexural strength limits of steel single-angle section beams should be calculated based on the full plastic moment capacities, local buckling resistance and lateral torsional buckling capacities of the angle sections. The angle section beams are generally under the effect of external loads applied along the direction of geometrical axes parallel to their legs, so that they cause simultaneous biaxial bending about both principal axes. The behavior of angle sections under biaxial bending is complicated. The stress distribution of the critical points of the section cannot be easily determined since all specific points need to be checked. Furthermore, the design specifications require the consideration of the full plastic moment capacities of angle sections. This brings up the question of determining the required increase in first yield moment in order to attain full plastic moment capacities. Since single-angle section beams are thin walled slender structural members, they cannot be designed only according to their elastic and plastic moment capacities. Lateral torsional buckling and local buckling cases need to be considered in determining nominal design moments. In this study, the bending moment about the minor principal axis is assumed to be less than or equal to the moment about the major principal axis. Under that condition the first yield moment capacities, the interaction diagrams between first yield and full plastic moment capacities and critical lateral torsional buckling moments are calculated. These values are obtained by means of dimensionless coefficients, and design procedures have been given for the case of biaxial bending for single-angle section beams taking LRFD [LRFD Load and resistance factor design of single-angle members. Chicago (IL): American Institute of Steel Construction; 2000] rules into account. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a general formulation for the analysis of steel hollow structural beams subjected to biaxial bending. The model has been developed within the framework of lumped damage mechanics. In this approach, the models are based on methods of continuum damage mechanics and the concept of plastic hinge. The model was implemented in a commercial finite element program. In order to calibrate the model, a set of experimental tests were carried out in the Structural Mechanics Laboratory at the Lisandro Alvarado University. The model was evaluated by the numerical simulation of these tests finding a good agreement between the experimental tests and the numerical simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims at investigating the biaxial bending capacity of cold-formed steel (CFS) storage rack uprights undergoing global (lateral-torsional) buckling. A previously published and validated biaxial bending numerical model for local and distortional buckling of CFS rack uprights is initially validated in this paper for global buckling and then used to evaluate and analyse the biaxial bending response of nine unperforated upright cross-sections. Nine biaxial bending configurations were considered per cross-section. Results show that a nonlinear interactive relationship typically governs the biaxial bending of the studied uprights. This relationship is discussed and analysed for different cross-sectional slenderness. The numerical capacities are compared with both the classical DSM predictions and the use of inelastic reserve capacity in the DSM. Results show that the classical DSM equations underestimate the biaxial bending capacity by up to 55% but results in better predictions when the inelastic reserve capacity is considered. Finally, an extended range of inelastic reserve strength for global buckling is proposed which results in a 14% improvement of the DSM predictions. The appropriate form of the DSM to estimate the global biaxial bending capacity of unperforated cold-formed steel storage rack uprights is discussed. • Validated Finite Element (FE) model to predict global biaxial bending response of storage rack upright sections • Evaluation of currently available DSM equations to predict global biaxial bending capacity of storage rack upright sections • Newly proposed extended range of inelastic reserve strength for global buckling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A testing research on the local-biaxial flexural interactive buckling of high strength steel Q460C, Q550D and Q690D welded box slender section beam-columns subjected to combined compression force and biaxial bending is reported. A total of thirteen median long steel columns, of which four manufactured from Q460C steel, five from Q550D steel and four from Q690D steel, were loaded until failure under biaxial eccentric compression forces. The local-biaxial flexural interaction buckling behavior is investigated by analyzing the test results. As an addition to the test data, the finite element parameter analyses are performed. The ultimate bearing capacities obtained from the test in this study and the numerical results presented in this study or in the existent literatures are compared with the calculation results in accordance with the design methods recommended in the American Specification ANSI/AISC 360–16, Eurocodes BS EN 1993-1-1 and BS EN 1993-1-5, and the newly proposed Effective Yield Strength Method (EYSM) and Effective Section Method (ESM) to check whether the current technical provisions and the new methods are suitable to the high strength steel beam-columns examined in this paper. The experimental and numerical results show that after taking the resistance factor into account, the ANSI/AISC 360–16, EN 1993-1-1 and BS EN 1993-1-5 are very conservative for the high strength steel beam-columns with greater member slenderness ratios (λ = 80, 90, 100) or with smaller plate width-to-thickness ratios (square box sections with b/t = 40, or rectangular box sections with h/t = 40 or b/t = 17); the new proposed EYSM provides an excellent prediction of the ultimate bearing capacities of the beam-columns and thus suitable for the high strength steels; but the new proposed ESM gives a very conservative estimate, over the range of steel nominal yield stress f y = 460 MPa ∼ 690 MPa, plate width-to-thickness ratio b/t = 40–80, member slenderness ratio λ = 40–100. • A testing research on the local-biaxial flexural interactive buckling of high strength steel welded box slender section beam-columns subjected to combined compression force and biaxial bending is reported. The local-biaxial flexural interaction buckling behavior is investigated. • The ultimate bearing capacities obtained from the test in this study and the numerical results presented in this paper or in the existent literatures are compared with the calculation results in accordance with the design methods recommended in the American Specification ANSI/AISC 360–16, Eurocodes BS EN 1993-1-1 and BS EN 1993-1-5, and the newly proposed Effective Yield Strength Method (EYSM) and Effective Section Method (ESM) to check whether the current technical provisions and the new methods are suitable to the high strength steel beam-columns examined. • The experimental and numerical results show that after taking the resistance factor into account, the ANSI/AISC 360–16, EN 1993-1-1 and BS EN 1993-1-5 are very conservative for the high strength steel beam-columns with greater member slenderness ratios (λ = 80, 90, 100) or with smaller plate width-to-thickness ratios (square box sections with b/t = 40, or rectangular box sections with h/t = 40 or b/t = 17); the new proposed EYSM provides an excellent prediction of the ultimate bearing capacities of the beam-columns and thus suitable for the high strength steels; but the new proposed ESM gives a very conservative estimate, over the range of steel nominal yield stress f y = 460 MPa ∼ 690 MPa, plate width-to-thickness ratio b/t = 40–80, member slenderness ratio λ = 40–100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Single-angle section beams are generally loaded parallel to their geometrical axes and their cross-sections are not symmetrical to their principal axes. Even equal leg angle beams have only one symmetrical axis. Many types of loading cause biaxial bending and axial forces in these members. Since single-angle section beams are slender members, they also need to be analyzed in terms of flexural buckling, lateral torsional buckling and local buckling effects. In this study, a calculation procedure is presented to analyze the nominal loads of equal leg angle section beams loaded vertically to the axis of the beam. It is assumed that the axial force is composed of a constant compressive force. The constant axial force is only taken into consideration for the uniform compressive stress and the second-degree effects caused in the cross-section. Thus only the biaxial bending moments remain. The first yield, full plastic and critical lateral torsional buckling moments for biaxial bending are calculated with respect to the slenderness of the beam and the axial force. The nominal design force on the cross-section is calculated according to the load and resistance factor design rules. The analysis proposed for the constant axial load can also be used for other axial forces, by using an iterative calculation procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The loads applied to angle beams usually act out of the principal planes so that they cause simultaneous biaxial bending about both principal axes. The general practice for designing unbraced beams against biaxial bending is to consider the separate failure modes of either in-plane bending or lateral buckling under bending about the major principal axis, and in-plane bending about the minor principal axis, and then to use an interaction equation to combine the two principal axis strengths. However, the interaction equations provided by many codes for designing against biaxial bending are largely derived from research on doubly symmetric I-section beams, which may be inappropriate for angle section beams, while the lateral buckling rules of these codes appear to be in error for nonuniform bending with loads acting away from the shear center. This paper investigates the biaxial bending of unbraced steel angle beams. The biaxial bending of compact equal angles in uniform bending is considered first, and a simple interaction equation is developed for their design which utilizes recent proposals for lateral buckling design. A corresponding interaction equation is developed for the design of semicompact and slender equal angles. Suggestions are then made for extending these to the biaxial bending of unequal angles under general shear center loading, and finally, a worked example illustrating the method is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ultimate strength and ductility of high strength thin-walled concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) beam–columns with local buckling effects, are investigated in this paper, using a performance-based analysis (PBA) technique. The PBA technique accounts for the effects of geometric imperfections, residual stresses, strain hardening, local buckling and concrete confinement on the behavior of high strength thin-walled CFST beam–columns. The accuracy of the PBA technique is further examined by comparisons with experimental results. The PBA program is employed to study the effects of depth-to-thickness ratio, concrete compressive strengths, steel yield strengths and axial load levels on the stiffness, strength and ductility of high strength thin-walled CFST beam–columns under combined axial load and biaxial bending. The results obtained indicate that increasing the depth-to-thickness ratio and axial load levels significantly reduces the stiffness, strength and ductility of CFST beam–columns. Increasing concrete compressive strengths increases the stiffness and strength, but reduces the axial ductility and section performance of CFST beam–columns. Moreover, the steel yield strength has a significant effect on the section and strength performance of CFST beam–columns but does not have a significant effect on their axial and curvature ductility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work is focused on the design of a structural steel industrial building of double-T type section located in an industrial area of Valladolid (Spain). Firstly, a linear analysis is carried out to dimension the structure and check that it resists according to the established regulations, the Technical Building Code (CTE), the national adaptation of the Eurocodes (ECs). For the analysis of the structure, the 3D model of slender bar bending (Navier-Bernoulli bending theory) and the non-uniform twist or constrained warping model (Vlasov’s torsion theory) are considered. In the second place, a nonlinear analysis is performed with the objective of verifying the Ultimate Limit State of stability of the structural elements and of the industrial building as a whole. All this without the need to estimate buckling coefficients of each of the beams that make up the structure, and without the need for important simplifications. Finally, a linear analysis is once more performed to check the Service Limit State for the frequent combination of actions. The solution of the problem results from an iterative process of searching for the best solution, that is, the one that, with the least amount of steel used, fulfills all the requirements: resistance, stability and displacement limits established by the current regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents one of the two new proposals for beam-column interaction formulae, which will be made available in the forthcoming EN version of Eurocode 3. It is based on second-order in-plane elasticity, and has been derived in order to exhibit an understandable physical background, as well as accuracy and consistency with the other resistance and stability formulae of the code. The formulae ensure all the required continuities: between the cross-section classes, from plasticity to elasticity when slenderness and axial force are increasing, and continuity between all the individual stability member checks and cross-section verifications. The paper shows how the basic format may be extended to cover a wider range of cases, i.e. spatial elastic–plastic behaviour with possible lateral–torsional buckling. Through an extensive comparison with the results of FEM numerical simulations of about 15 000 beam-columns, the proposal is found to be safe and accurate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The steel tube walls of a biaxially loaded thin-walled rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) slender beam-column may be subjected to compressive stress gradients. Local buckling of the steel tube walls under stress gradients, which significantly reduces the stiffness and strength of a CFST beam-column, needs to be considered in the inelastic analysis of the slender beam-column. Existing numerical models that do not consider local buckling effects may overestimate the ultimate strengths of thin-walled CFST slender beam-columns under biaxial loads. This paper presents a new multiscale numerical model for simulating the structural performance of biaxially loaded high-strength rectangular CFST slender beam-columns accounting for progressive local buckling, initial geometric imperfections, high strength materials and second order effects. The inelastic behavior of column cross-sections is modeled at the mesoscale level using the accurate fiber element method. Macroscale models are developed to simulate the load-deflection responses and strength envelopes of thin-walled CFST slender beam-columns. New computational algorithms based on the Müller''s method are developed to iteratively adjust the depth and orientation of the neutral axis and the curvature at the column''s ends to obtain nonlinear solutions. Steel and concrete contribution ratios and strength reduction factor are proposed for evaluating the performance of CFST slender beam-columns. Computational algorithms developed are shown to be an accurate and efficient computer simulation and design tool for biaxially loaded high-strength thin-walled CFST slender beam-columns. The verification of the multiscale numerical model and parametric study are presented in a companion paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biaxially loaded high strength rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) slender beam-columns with large depth-to-thickness ratios, which may undergo local and global interaction buckling, have received very little attention. This paper presents the verification of a multiscale numerical model described in a companion paper and an extensive parametric study on the performance of high strength thin-walled rectangular CFST slender beam-columns under biaxial loads. Comparisons of computer solutions with existing experimental results are made to examine the accuracy of the multiscale numerical model developed. The effects of the concrete compressive strength, loading eccentricity, depth-to-thickness ratio and columns slenderness on the ultimate axial strength, steel contribution ratio, concrete contribution ratio and strength reduction factor of CFST slender beam-columns under biaxial bending are investigated by using the numerical model. Comparative results demonstrate that the multiscale numerical model is capable of accurately predicting the ultimate strength and deflection behavior of CFST slender beam-columns under biaxial loads. Benchmark numerical results presented in this paper provide a better understanding of the local and global interaction buckling behavior of high strength thin-walled CFST slender beam-columns and are useful for the development of composite design codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to describe problems of members subjected to biaxial bending and axial compression force and the methods of their design. Members subjected to bending moments about two axes and axial compression force exhibit complex behavior. It is necessary to consider second order theory and imperfections when designing members like that, since they have noticeable influence on resistance in instability. There are examples shown in the article, using methods present in current European standards EN 1993-1-1 and EN 1999-1-1. Attention is drawn to differences in methods, both in applicability and practicality, in design of members with constant and linear bending moment. The purpose of presented paper is to show if the method, which is currently used in Eurocode for aluminum structures, can be also used for steel structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the stressing state modeling analysis of the residual strain data of H-steel columns reveals three characteristic points that exist during the failure of H-steel columns. Also, the correctness of the stressing state analysis method, residual, and buckling characteristic pairs was verified. First, the experimental residual strains were transformed into generalized strain energy density (GSED) values as the state variables for establishing the stressing state mode and characteristic parameters (characteristic pairs). The Mann-Kendall (M-K) criterion is applied to the normalized GSED sum-j curves to reveal the characteristic points P, Q, and U of the evolving stressing state of the H-steel column. Characteristic point P is defined as the elastic-plastic branch point of the H-steel column, characteristic point Q is defined as the failure starting point, and characteristic point U is defined as the progressive failure point. Around the characteristic points of the H-steel columns, the directly modeled stressing state characteristic pairs, residual characteristic pairs, and buckling characteristic pairs produce significant mutation characteristics. This phenomenon verifies the correctness of the revealed H-steel column characteristic points and the rationality of this paper's stressing state modeling method. Then, it is proposed that the elastic-plastic branch point P can be directly used as the design reference point, and it is compared with the design point given by Code EN1993–1–5. In conclusion, this paper provides new ideas for analyzing steel structures and opens up the value of residual strain data in structural analysis.

Abstract: The theory and algorithms of a performance-based analysis (PBA) technique for the nonlinear analysis and performance-based design of thin-walled concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) beam–columns with local buckling effects were presented in a companion paper. Initial local buckling and effective strength/width formulas for steel plates are incorporated in the PBA program to account for local buckling effects. Performance indices are used in the PBA program to quantify the section, axial ductility and curvature ductility performance of thin-walled CFST beam–columns. This paper presents the verification and applications of the PBA program developed. The axial load–strain curves, ultimate axial loads and moment–curvature curves for thin-walled CFST columns predicted by the PBA program are verified by experimental data. The PBA program is then utilized to investigate the effects of local buckling, depth-to-thickness ratio, concrete compressive strengths, steel yield strengths and axial load levels on the stiffness, strength and ductility performance of thin-walled CFST beam–columns under axial load and biaxial bending. The PBA technique developed is shown to be efficient and accurate and can be used directly in the performance-based design of thin-walled CFST beam–columns and implemented in advanced analysis programs for composite columns and frames. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a performance-based analysis (PBA) technique based on fiber element formulations for the nonlinear analysis and performance-based design of thin-walled concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) beam–columns with local buckling effects. Geometric imperfections, residual stresses and strain hardening of steel tubes and confined concrete models are considered in the PBA technique. Initial local buckling and effective strength/width formulas are incorporated in the PBA program to account for local buckling effects. The progressive local buckling of a thin-walled steel tube filled with concrete is simulated by gradually redistributing normal stresses within the steel tube walls. Performance indices are proposed to quantify the section, axial ductility and curvature ductility performance of thin-walled CFST beam–columns under axial load and biaxial bending. Efficient secant algorithms are developed to iterate the depth and orientation of the neutral axis in a thin-walled CFST beam–column section to satisfy equilibrium conditions. The analysis algorithms for thin-walled CFST beam–columns under axial load and uni- and biaxial bending are presented. The PBA program can efficiently generate axial load–strain curves, moment–curvature curves and axial load–moment strength interaction diagrams for thin-walled CFST beam–columns under biaxial loads. The proposed PBA technique allows the designer to analyze and design thin-walled CFST beam–columns made of compact or non-compact steel tubes with any strength grades and normal and high-strength concrete. The verification and applications of the PBA program are given in a companion paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper proposes a simplified method to design slender rectangular reinforced concrete columns with doubly symmetric reinforcement subjected to combined axial loads and biaxial bending, which is valid for short-time and sustained loads and for both normal and high strength concretes. The method is based on the so-called moment magnifier method (ACI-318-02) and EuroCode-2 (draft for stage 49) and it is only suitable for columns with equal effective buckling lengths in the two principal bending planes. A new equation of the column stiffness EI is proposed with which to obtain the moment magnification factor for single and double curvature. The method was compared with 371 experimental tests from the literature and a good degree of accuracy was obtained. Precision for sustained loads was improved in comparison with the method proposed by the American ACI-318 (02) and the European EC-2 (September 2003). The method allows slender reinforced concrete columns to be both checked and designed with enough accuracy for practice engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The local buckling of steel corrugated-plates is considered in the load-carrying capacity. • The moment capacity is evaluated based on the plastic stress distribution. • Simplified interaction equations with good accuracy are proposed. • The interaction curves of biaxial bending are almost exclusively related to the axial compression ratio. This paper studies the load-carrying capacity of concrete-infilled double steel corrugated-plate walls with T-section (T-CDSCWs) under axial compression and biaxial bending. T-CDSCWs are composed of flange and web walls and boundary elements. The T-section is mono-symmetric and exhibits different interaction curves of load-carrying capacity when subjected to axial load and different direction bending. Based on the finite element (FE) model established by the previous study, the local buckling of the steel corrugated-plates is considered in the load-carrying capacity. Subsequently, this paper investigates the behaviours of T-CDSCWs under axial compression and uniaxial bending, including stress distribution, load–displacement curves, and interaction curves. Based on the numerical results, the pure moment capacity is found to be evaluated by reducing the plastic moment capacity, and the interaction equations of N –positive M x , N –negative M x , and N – M y are proposed in the bilinear, linear, and parabolic form. For biaxial bending, the shape of the interaction curves is almost exclusively related to the axis compression ratio. Accordingly, this paper proposes the interaction equations of M x – M y subjected to certain axial compression. Moreover, the local buckling of steel corrugated-plates has no significant influence on the shape of the interaction curves no matter the bending direction. The global stability of T-CDSCWs is not involved in the study, and with the interaction equations obtained above, the global stability design of T-CDSCWs can be investigated by introducing the magnification factor of the bending moment caused by the secondary effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the recent codes for the design of steel structures, the elastic–plastic methods of analysis are recognised to provide an efficient estimation of the ultimate resistance of some of these structures. These methods are usually based on some basic hypotheses, such as the creation of plastic hinges in the most stressed cross-sections, for instance. As the development of these plastic hinges depends on the interaction between the internal forces and on the cross-section shape, specific equations are required for the analysis of different types of cross-sections. However, most frequently, these equations are not available, or they are expressed by means of simplified expressions; this is usually the case when biaxial bending is involved. This paper presents new interaction criteria for the analysis of steel rectangular hollow sections subjected to an axial force and biaxial bending moments, at the elastic or the plastic limit states (as long as buckling phenomena are not involved). The plastic interaction criteria are presented, in a first step, for some particular combinations of the internal forces, such as axial loading with bending about a main axis, and biaxial bending without axial loading. Then, the global solution for the simultaneous combination of an axial force and bending moments about both the main axes of inertia are described in detail. All these plastic interaction criteria are compared with the corresponding plastic criteria adopted in the Eurocode 3 (EC3). Some suggestions are presented in order to improve the results given by these EC3 criteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The plastic criteria for the verification of steel cross-sections resistance are usually based on some basic hypotheses such as the development of plastic hinges, which depend on the interaction between the internal forces and the cross-section shape; therefore, specific equations are required for each type of cross-section. This paper presents new alternative interaction criteria for the analysis of steel I-sections subjected to an axial force and biaxial bending moments, at the elastic or the plastic limit states (as long as buckling phenomena are not involved). The plastic interaction criteria are presented, in a first step, for some particular combinations of the internal forces, such as axial loading with bending about a main axis, and biaxial bending without axial loading. In these cases, they are given by exact equations (within the frame of the hypotheses adopted in this study). All these plastic interaction criteria are compared with the corresponding plastic criteria adopted in the Eurocode 3 (EC3). Afterwards, a simplified global criterion is proposed for the simultaneous combination of an axial force and bending moments about both the main axes of inertia. This new simplified plastic criterion and the corresponding plastic criterion adopted in the EC3 are compared with the exact solution, obtained by a mixed numerical and analytical integration procedure. This comparison shows that this simplified criterion usually leads to results closer to the exact solutions. Some suggestions are then presented to improve the results given by the EC3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most of the design codes (ACI-318-2008 and Euro Code–2-2004) propose the moment magnifier method in order to take into account the second order effect to design slender reinforced concrete columns. The accuracy of this method depends on the effective flexural stiffness of the column. This paper proposes a new equation to obtain the effective stiffness EI of slender reinforced concrete columns. The expression is valid for any shape of cross-section, subjected to combined axial loads and biaxial bending, both for short-time and sustained loads, normal and high strength concretes, but it is only suitable for columns with equal effective buckling lengths in the two principal bending planes. The new equation extends the proposed EI equation in the “Biaxial bending moment magnifier method” by Bonet et al. (2004) , which is valid only for rectangular sections. The method was compared with 613 experimental tests from the literature and a good degree of accuracy was obtained. It was also compared with the design codes ACI-318 (08) and EC-2 (2004) improving the precision. The method is capable to verify and design with sufficient accuracy slender reinforced concrete columns in practical engineering design applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Steel-concrete composite columns are strong and efficient structural members. However, their strength is not consistently recognized within design standards. In particular, current provisions regarding the strength of composite columns under combined axial compression and biaxial bending are overly simplistic and conservative. This paper presents a study of the biaxial behavior of square and rectangular, filled and encased composite columns and methods of evaluating their strength. Analyses of composite cross sections confirm the conservative nature of current design provisions and form the basis for modified strength equations that better capture the shape of the three-dimensional interaction surface. Analyses of composite columns confirm that the proposed design equations are suitable for use within the direct analysis method for evaluating members with length effects. The proposed design equations are further validated against published experimental results. This paper provides key insights on the behavior of composite columns subjected to axial compression and biaxial bending and offers an improved yet practical method of evaluating strength under these conditions that will enable more efficient designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Available capacity models for the assessment of seismic capacity of RC columns are mainly based on experimental tests under axial load and uniaxial bending. Furthermore, experimental tests have been mainly performed on columns representative of new constructions. To analyze the effects of biaxial bending on the seismic performances of existing RC columns with design characteristics nonconforming to present day seismic codes and practices, this paper presents the results of a first stage of tests on RC columns under both axial load and biaxial bending, which effectively simulate the seismic actions. In particular, this paper presents results of four tests on full-scale square columns reinforced with plain bars subjected to constant axial load and biaxial cyclic actions. Two different cyclic displacement paths were investigated: horizontal displacements with an inclination angle of 45 or 30°, with respect to the cross-section principal axes. The influence of biaxial bending actions on the global behavior of existing RC columns in terms of stiffness, strength, deformation capacity, and the effects of different horizontal displacements orientation on their performances are herein investigated and discussed; the comparison with experimental outcomes provided by uniaxial bending tests on companion specimens are also presented. Experimental findings showed that biaxial bending actions affect columns rotational capacity more than strength. The rotational capacity reduction because of biaxial bending actions, even if more significant than the flexural capacity reduction, is not currently taken into account in the available seismic guidelines related to existing RC buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an analytical approach to calculating failure surfaces in rectangular reinforced concrete cross sections with symmetrical reinforcement when submitted to axial loads and biaxial bending. The analytical method is valid for concrete with a strength of between 25 and 80 MPa. The failure surface is obtained by means of reference generatrices that lie on two directrices corresponding to two known axial loads and on the maximum and minimum axial capacity of the section. The proposed expression was assessed with results obtained from experimental tests (from the literature) and from a numerical model. This approach enables the section capacity to be verified and the reinforcement designed to a sufficient degree of accuracy for everyday professional practice. The method is easy to use and may be extensively applied to reinforced concrete columns in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General interaction relationships for hollow structural square sections subjected to general combinations of normal force, twisting moments, biaxial bending moments, and biaxial shearing forces are developed. The lower bound theorem of plasticity is employed to obtain the fully plastic resistance of the section as determined by the maximum distortional energy density criterion. Previously established interaction relationships for hollow structural sections subjected to bending moments, axial force, and twisting moments are recovered as a special case of the general solution. The developments are expressed as universal, nondimensional relationships suitable for limit state design. Consideration is given to the limits of applicability of the interaction relations. Simplifying assumptions are made and their effects are discussed. A stress resultant transformation scheme is developed in order to reduce the number of interaction relations to be developed from 20 cases to only three fundamental cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]