The direct strength method for stainless steel compression members

The paper presents a complete set of direct strength equations for stainless steel members and sections in compression. The direct strength equations are based on recent research on the local, distortional and member bucking of stainless steel compression members, including the interaction of local and member buckling. The paper summarises the underlying research and presents the direct strength equations in a consistent format using a notation similar to that used in the North American Specification and the Australian Standard for (carbon) steel structures. Direct strength equations are proposed for local, distortional and combined local and member buckling, which fit within the framework of the Australian, North-American and European standards for stainless steel.