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.