Numerical Investigation and Design Methods for Stainless Steel Columns failing by Interaction of Local and Overall Buckling (No, R888)

Abstract

This report describes research carried out at the University of Sydney to study the interaction of local and overall buckling in stainless steel compression members. A finite element model was developed taking into account the specific material properties of stainless steel: non-linear stress-strain behaviour, anisotropy and enhanced corner properties as a result of cold-working. The model was verified against experimental data and subsequently used in parametric studies. Simulations were run for lipped channels, plain channels, SHS and I-sections, covering the practical ranges of overall and cross-sectional slenderness values. The current Australian/North-American and European design guidelines were assessed using the available experimental and numerical data. Finally, a direct strength approach for stainless steel compression members was proposed.