A rational model for the distortional buckling of tapered members (Q2564559)

A general finite element is developed for the analysis of coupled local and lateral buckling of steel structures composed of tapered I-sections. The present method is capable of considering both the tapering of the flanges as well as the web. The effect of vertical web stiffeners is handled automatically, and loading remote from shear centre can also be incorporated. The analysis is performed in two stages: in-plane and out-of-plane. The resultant in-plane stresses are used for the out-of-plane initial loading pattern. This arrangement results in a general eigenvalue problem, where the buckling load and mode are found using algorithms such as the Sturm sequence and random force vector methods.