Numerical investigation of the interaction of local and overall buckling of stainless steel columns

摘要

A detailed finite element model has been developed with the aim of studying the interaction of local and overall buckling in stainless steel columns. The model incorporates non-linear stress-strain behaviour, anisotropy, enhanced corner properties and initial imperfections. It has been verified against a total of 29 laboratory tests on stainless steel lipped channels and 8 experiments on stainless steel square hollow sections. The model yields excellent predictions of ultimate strength and specimen behaviour. The FE model is used in parametric studies, varying both the cross-sectional slenderness and the overall slenderness. Three stainless steel alloys are considered: 304, 430 and 3Cr12. Analyses are carried out on lipped channels and square hollow sections. The results are compared with the governing design rules of the Australian and North-American standards for stainless steel structures.