Slenderness ratio of main members between interconnectors of built-up compression members

Abstract

Many steel design standards, including CAN/CSA-S16.1-M89 "Limit states design of steel structures," specify maximum slenderness ratios for the individual main members between the interconnectors of built-up compression members. Previous research on which these requirements are based is reviewed. It is shown that the imperfection sensitivity due to coupled instabilities is measured from bifurcation critical loads. However, steel standards are based on a compressive resistance determined for a member with an initial out-of-straightness and a suitable residual stress pattern. It is shown that the use of an equivalent slenderness ratio equation is sufficient to predict the compressive resistance of these built-up members. Further restrictions on the slenderness ratio of built-up members between interconnectors are not warranted. Thus, the elimination of these requirements from S16.1-94 is justified. Key words: built-up members, codes, compressive resistance, coupled instabilities, equivalent slenderness ratio, interconnectors.