Design of the distortional buckling capacity of stainless steel lipped C-section columns

To search for an accurate calculation method for the bearing capacity of stainless steel lipped C-section columns, a series of tests was performed on columns under axial compression and eccentric load, respectively. Comparison of test results with code predictions indicates that the design strengths are not safe. The numerical models, which were developed using the finite element (FE) package ANSYS, were verified by experimental results, and thus they can exactly simulate the mechanical properties of stainless steel lipped C-section columns. The models were used to conduct parametric studies. Finally, based on the numerical analysis of 129 and 128 columns under axial and eccentric compression, respectively, direct strength equations for axially and eccentrically loaded stainless steel lipped C-section columns are proposed. Comparison of test results with equation predictions indicates that the formulas have high accuracy and reliability and can accurately calculate the bearing capacity of stainless steel lipped C-section columns.