Statistical size effect of flexural members in steel structures

This paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental investigations on the statistical size effect (SSE) of flexural members in steel. The chain of bundle model is developed, which is based on a stochastic material model by Weibull and lognormal distribution. Furthermore, this model is embedded into the finite element method (FEM) software for the analysis of a complicated structure with a stress gradient. In order to determine the stochastic material model parameters, uniaxial tensile tests were carried out based on specimens using the same steel with different sizes. By comparing the experimental and simulation results, the material parameters could be analyzed based on the relationship between the specimen sizes and strength. Moreover, the 3-point and 4-point bending tests were performed and simulated with the developed model. The experimental and simulation results demonstrate that the SSE also exists in the flexural member, and the equivalent yield stress is closely related to the stress distribution and volume of the structure component.