Local buckling of cold-formed elements used in arched building with geometrical imperfections

•this paper describes the local buckling investigation of doubly corrugated panels,•such panels are used to construct self supported arch buildings and roofs,•analytical, numerical and experimental results are compared,•conclusions are made which can be useful for design purposes.

This paper describes the influence of surface transverse geometric imperfections called corrugations on the local stability of cold-formed elements. Such elements are used to construct self-supported arch buildings and roofs. The authors of the paper compare the results obtained from analytical investigation based on Eurocode 3 formulas, from linear and nonlinear numerical stability analyses and experimental investigation. Two types of thin-walled elements are considered: a panel with smooth walls and panels with corrugations on their surfaces. Finally the conclusions are made which can be useful for design purposes.