Experimental and code based study of beam–column behaviour of equal leg single-angles

This study intends to establish the behaviour of equal leg single-angles under bi-axial bending and compression experimentally and analytically using nonlinear finite element analysis techniques. In the experimental system, 100×100×10 nominally sized equal leg single-angles were tested. The legs of angles were placed in a flange-down position, and their axes were restrained laterally as a simply supported beam. These simply supported beams were loaded with a concentrated vertical load applied at the middle of the length and an axial load parallel to the beam axis until failure was reached. The FEM model of the experimental system was generated with ABAQUS software. Suitable finite element mesh configurations, boundary conditions and nonlinear analysis solution techniques were determined to identify the system behaviour. The test and ABAQUS software results were interpreted using some code specifications and one design procedure.

Research highlights
► The behaviour of equal leg single-angles under bi-axial bending and compression.
► Experimental and analytical analyses of angles and comparison of the results with the codes.
► Local and global buckling behaviour of equal leg single-angles.
► Variable bending moment and unrestrained out-of-plane displacements along the span.
► Comparison of safety factors between the several code values and experimental results.