Prevention of Upward Buckling of Horizontal Beam/Columns Using Member Self Weight - Applications for Curtain Wall Support Structures

摘要

This paper examines the effect of member self weight on preventing upward buckling of a compression member with horizontal orientation. The unique case of continuous, one-directional bracing with constant brace force but with zero brace stiffness is considered for a practical range of members and applied axial loads. The concept is further explored through an analysis of the stability of an exterior curtain wall that is laterally supported by suspended horizontal tube steel trusses. Under outward wind loads, the compression chord of the truss may be considered adequately braced against upward buckling by its own self-weight.