A new design approach for stainless steel angle — accuracy assesment based on numerical data

Abstract

The angle columns exhibit complex structural behaviour that arises from specific geometry features - the angle-section is characterised by low torsional stiffness and lack of primary warping esistance, leading to high sensitivity to buckling phenomena involving torsion. Numerous scientific studies have shown that the current European codes for steel structure are conservative with a high data scatter in cases of angle columns failing in flexural–torsional buckling. A novel design procedure has been developed at Imperial College in London, capturing the transition influence in post-buckling behaviour and the interactive effects between the flexural–torsional and minor-axis flexural buckling modes. This paper provides an accuracy assessment of this procedure. The comparison between the numerical data and their design estimates shows a good correlation, indicating improved accuracy and consistency in resistance predictions compared to the existing codified design rules.