Serviceability and ultimate limit states of channels under compression and bi-axial bending

As the demand for light-weight steel constructions continues on the rise, efficient and accurate design procedures become extremely essential. A good understanding and knowledge of the structural performance is a fundamental step to achieve this target. The paper examines the behavior of channel members subjected to compression and bi-axial bending. A modeling strategy is first presented for non-linear analysis of channels under this combined loading arrangement. The interaction between serviceability and ultimate limit states is then highlighted. Cost-effective design spaces are shown for channels under this loading that can be used in practice to achieve economical light-weight designs. Several strategies are also presented that tackle common design challenges encountered in practice. The paper offers to practitioners and steel fabricators procedures that can be used to optimize the channel size under this general loading combination.

Research highlights► Development of practical design procedures for channels under compression and bi-axial bending. ► Design spaces are shown that can be used by practitioners and steel fabricators to achieve economical light-weight designs. ► The interaction between serviceability and ultimate limit states is highlighted. ► Troubleshooting common design challenges encountered in practice.