Design of thin-plated steel box columns under biaxial loading

Abstract

A numerical procedure for predicting the strength of thin-plated steel box columns under the combined action of axial thrust and biaxial bending is described. Simplified design equations based on the effective width concept and AISC-Q factor method are also proposed. These equations allow for local buckling of the component plates and different levels of welding residual stresses. Results obtained by using the numerical procedure are compared with those computed by the proposed design equations for columns having different loading conditions and various column and plate parameters. The limitations of the design equations are then discussed and their accuracy is examined. Comparisons are also made between the predicted results and experimental results that are available in the literature. © 1990.