Member distortional buckling behaviour of hybrid double-I-box beams

Abstract

This paper compiles the experimental and finite-element parametric study on member distortional buckling behaviour of new built-up metal hybrid double-I-box beams (HDIBBs). The cross-section of this built-up beam is unique and looks similar to the shape of a double-I-box fabricated using four channel sections. The flange plates were provided with an intermediate stiffener. In these built-up beams there is more material in the flange portions far away from the horizontal centroidal axis of their cross-section. Hence, there is an increase in the flexural rigidity that enhances the moment capacity of the beam, under major axis bending. The geometry consists of torsionally rigid closed-box web portion that provides high resistance to minor axis lateral-buckling. The varying parameters considered were the ratio of yield stresses of the flange to the web steel plates, the ratio of breadth to the depth of the section, and the flange plate thickness. In the experimental programme, all the HDIBB members failed due to kinds of distortional buckling which was identified by web buckling and flange twist along edges. The results revealed that when flange plate slenderness increases there is a drop in the moment resistance capacity of the beams. The numerical study was performed using ABAQUS software. In comparison, there was good agreement between experimental and numerical results. The validated finite element models were further extended to perform parametric studies on ideal HDIBB models. Both the experimental and parametric study results were compared with the predicted strengths using effective width method equations specified in the Euro code standards EN 3-1-3. It was found that the current Euro code design rules slightly over-estimate the distortional buckling resistance capacity of closed form built-up cold-formed steel members. A new design equation was formulated and recommended for estimating the reduction in distortional buckling moment resistance capacity for HDIBBs.