Statistical Analysis of Flexural-Buckling-Resistance Models for High-Strength Steel Columns

摘要

Flexural buckling is one of the main problems steel structures are faced with in ensuring an economic design. In Europe, the buckling resistance is calculated using an imperfection factor based on the section type, fabrication method, and steel grade. The current European design standards contain guidelines for the imperfection factor for sections made of steels with yield strength up to and including 700 MPa. However, the current design codes are based mainly on tests performed on steels with yield strength below 460 MPa. Therefore, the applicability of the methodology was reassessed. This paper reviewed the background documentation of the European flexural-buckling design methodology and discussed the current design practice described in the American National Standard. A total of 72 flexural-buckling experiments performed on cold-formed, hot-finished, and welded sections made of steel with yield strength in the range 690-960 MPa were collected and analyzed. Four models for estimating the resistance of high-strength steel struts subjected to pure compression were statistically evaluated based on the collected data. Finally, a recommendation for the estimation of flexural-buckling resistance of high-strength steel members is presented. (C) 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.