Interaction formulae for members subjected to bending and axial compression in EUROCODE 3—the Method 2 approach

The final version of EN1993-1-1, EUROCODE 3 [EN1993-1-1. Eurocode 3. Design of steel structures, general rules and rules for buildings. 2005] for Steel Structures provides two alternatives for the buckling check of members subjected to axial compression and bending by interaction formulae, which are called there Method 1 and Method 2. This paper presents the characteristics, the background and the use of Method 2. The analogous presentation of Method 1 has already been given in [Boissonnade N, Jaspart J-P, Muzeau J-P, Villette M. New Interaction formulae for beam-columns in Eurocode 3. The French-Belgian approach. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 2004;60;421–31].The Method 2 formulae have been derived on the basis of the general format of the interaction concept of existing codes, e.g. the ENV-rules; however with advanced numerical background and consistent classification of the buckling modes. In this respect new improved interaction factors were developed from a wide scope of numerical simulations and the concept of the formulae was focussed distinctly on describing the modes of in-plane and out-of-plane buckling for members susceptible to fail either in flexural buckling or in lateral–torsional buckling. As result two sets of formulae are provided, which each cover a clear scope of physical member behaviour. Hereby, the specific effects of intermediate lateral restraints—as often found in steel structures—have also been included.The Method 2 formulae aim at providing buckling rules with compact simplified interaction factors and transparent application for standard cases.