Local buckling of biaxially compressed steel plates in double skin composite panels

Abstract

Steel plates in double skin composite (DSC) panels may buckle locally between shear connectors when subjected to biaxial compression. The local and post-local buckling behavior of biaxially compressed steel plates restrained by discrete stud shear connectors in DSC panels is studied in this chapter by using the finite element method (FEM). The shear stiffness effect of stud shear connectors is considered in the determination of elastic local buckling coefficients. The post-local buckling strength of steel plates in biaxial compression is investigated by performing a geometric and material nonlinear analysis. The initial imperfections, material stress-strain relationship, and shear-slip behavior of stud shear connectors are taken into account in the post-local buckling analysis. Biaxial strength interaction curves and design formulas are developed for the design of steel plates in DSC panels under biaxial compression. This chapter investigates the local and post-local buckling behavior of steel plates in double skin composite panels under biaxial compression by using the finite element method. Elastic buckling coefficients for steel plates with various boundary conditions are given in the chapter. Biaxial strength interaction curves are generated using the proportional load increment approach in the geometric and material nonlinear analysis. Buckling coefficients presented can be used in proportion of stud spacing and plate thickness. Strength interaction formulas that are proposed in the chapter can be used to determine the ultimate strength of steel plates in DSC panels under biaxial compression.