Semi-analytical finite strip method based on the shallow shell theory in buckling analysis of cold-formed sections

This paper presents a development of the finite strip method based on the shallow shell theory of Marguerre. Most of existing semi-analytical finite strips are based on the plate theories of Kirchhoff and of Mindlin. As it is showed in the paper, the plate theories can be considered as the particular cases of the shallow shell theory. Numerical results show the efficiency of the finite strip based on the shallow shell theory in the buckling analysis of prismatic structures which have curved corners.

► A 3 nodal line strip is developed based on Marguerre shallow shell theory.
► The proposed strip demonstrates a good convergence.
► It shows the efficiency in the buckling analysis of thin-walled bars which have curved corners.
► Numerical examples show that the curved corner has a considerable influence on the local buckling.
► But it has a negligible effect on the distortional and global buckling.