Buckling Analysis of Thin-Walled Sections under Localised Loading Using the Semi-Analytical Finite Strip Method (No. R951)

Abstract

Thin-walled sections under localised loading may lead to web crippling of the sections. This report develops the Semi-Analytical Finite Strip Method (SAFSM) for thin-walled sections subject to localised loading to investigate web crippling phenomena. The method is benchmarked against analytical solutions, Finite Element Method (FEM) solutions, as well as Spline Finite Strip Method (SFSM) solutions. The report summarises the SAFSM theory then applies it to the buckling of plates, and channel sections under localised loading. Multiple series terms in the longitudinal direction are used to compute the prebuckling stresses in the plates and sections, and to perform the buckling analyses using these stresses. Solution convergence with increasing numbers of series terms is provided in the report. The more localised the loading and buckling mode, the more series terms are required for accurate solutions.