Improved design method for interaction buckling resistance of welded box-section columns

Abstract

The current paper studies the global and local interaction behaviour of box-section columns using numerical simulations by creating a numerical model and analysing their buckling resistances to pure compression. The developed numerical model uses a combination of global and local imperfections as well as residual stresses, which are the key parameters of the resistance calculation. The unique approach in the current paper is that all the previous studies applied safe sided imperfections, while this research applies improved imperfections for the local buckling behaviour provided by the authors in previous research work. This improved local geometric imperfection is applied in the verified numerical model to determine and analyse the interaction buckling resistance and develop an improved design resistance calculation method. Based on the accurate numerical simulation results, an analytical design approach following the buckling resistance calculation methodology of the Eurocode has been developed in the current paper and proposed for application. A comparison is made with the available design methods found in the international literature showing the achieved improvements.