Experimental responses of compressed I-section short columns with web openings

Abstract

This paper reports the experimental study on compressed I-section short columns with web openings aimed at providing insight on the specific mechanical behaviour underlying the local buckling of the web panel around the opening. The I-section elements with web openings possess a minute flexural stiffness caused by lack of web contribution to the cross-section deformation capacity. In the case of compresses columns, this structural feature implies the high combined stresses around openings caused by compression force, global bending moment and shear force developed during buckling, and local bending moments due to Vierendeel action. The four stub column tests on IPE300-sections with widely spaced (isolated) and closely spaced circular and square web openings (S275 steel grade) was performed to determine their susceptibility to local buckling. The generated experimental data allowed the quantitative assessment of design procedure stated in draft version of new European code prEN 1993-1-13, revealing its good accuracy.