Steel I-sections resistance under compression or bending by the Overall Interaction Concept

Abstract

Existing design rules in current major standards for the cross-section resistance of I-shaped sections still suffer from several discrepancies and from a lack of accuracy. Accordingly, code design recommendations deserve improvements towards simplicity and economy. The current paper presents investigations achieved by means of extensive numerical studies on the ultimate local resistance of I and H-sections under simple load cases such as simple compression, major-axis bending or minor-axis bending. Results of full non-linear shell F.E. analyses are presented for a large range of hot-rolled and welded cross-sections. Then, subsequently to the determination of key parameters influencing the strength response, a consistent and convenient design formulation which follows the Overall Interaction Concept is eventually suggested for each load case.