Abstract

The paper presents design aids for stability limit state design of wide flange beam-columns I-sections that can be used by the structural engineers to achieve cost-effective designs. Current design provisions ignore the influence of the web/flange size in the design of beam column members. Design curves are provided for various compression/bending stress ratios. The influence of the flange/web width (b/d) ratio on the web stability is also highlighted. The variation of post-buckling deflection for various stress ratios is also presented. Related patents to the subject are also provided.

Keywords: Beam columns, steel design, stability, I-sections, deformations, thermal gradients, Finite Element Method, web plates, stainless steel, composite beams, Buckling stress, stiffening element, Thin-Walled Structures, web deflection, strain, 3-D steel frames