Flexural buckling of laser-welded stainless steel T-section columns

Abstract

The present paper reports experimental and numerical studies on the flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of laser-welded stainless steel T-section columns. An experimental programme, including initial global and local geometric imperfection measurements and ten fixed-ended column tests, was firstly performed. The test results, including failure loads, load–mid-height lateral deflection curves and two types of failure modes (‘C’-shaped and ‘reverse C’-shaped flexural buckling), were reported in detail. Following the experimental programme, a numerical modelling programme was carried out, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and member lengths. On the basis of the test and numerical results, the relevant design buckling curves, as given in the European code and American specification, were evaluated. The evaluation results revealed that both codified design buckling curves generally resulted in accurate and consistent flexural buckling resistance predictions for laser-welded stainless steel T-section columns.