Interaction of local buckling and lateral torsional buckling of T-shaped cantilevering beams

• The failure mode of the cantilevered, T-shaped beams of varying height is characterised by interaction of local and lateral torsional buckling.
• The shape of the failed structure is influenced by length, slenderness and stiffness of web and flange.
• The b/t-ratio is a governing factor to categorise the failure mode of the within this study investigated specimens.
• The results for the general method approach are always safe-sided, but depending on the ratio Fu/Fcrit very conservative.
• The general method is applicable to combined stability issues as both failure modes are considered by the modal-moment distribution.

The structural resistance of T-shaped cantilevering beams is governed by combined stability phenomena of lateral torsional buckling and local buckling. The aim of this paper is to show the applicability of the “general method” [1], to the prediction of the combined stability behaviour for single symmetric cross-sections. Since the approach is based on the modal shape and modal edge-moment distribution, it does not distinguish between local and lateral torsional buckling, but considers both phenomena in a single trail. A buckling curve for tapered T-shaped members is suggested and boundaries of applicability investigated.