Estimating the local buckling capacity of structural steel I-section columns at elevated temperatures

• The local buckling of steel columns under elevated temperatures is investigated.
• An analytical stability model is developed.
• The results of a comprehensive parametric study are presented.
• Expressions for the local buckling capacity of steel I-section columns are given.

This paper presents and analytical study to investigate the local buckling behaviour of structural steel I-section columns at elevated temperatures. An inelastic stability model is developed that accounts for the reduction in stiffness and strength of the steel when subjected to elevated temperatures. Using the model, a comprehensive parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of each of the parameters of the column. Based on the results of the parametric study, expressions for the local buckling capacity of steel I-section columns are given in which all the parameters are reflected including the interaction between the flange and the web.