Critical loads of thin-walled beams containing web openings

Abstract

This paper is concerned with an experimental investigation of lateral buckling behaviour of thin-walled beams of narrow rectangular and I-section containing web openings and subjected to a single concentrated load applied at the centroid of the cross-section. Experiments carried out to determine the effect of openings on the elastic critical load are described. Parameters such as support conditions, size, shape, location and number of openings are considered in the investigation. Experimental critical loads are compared with those obtained numerically using the energy approach. Good agreement between the results has been observed. © 1992.