Stability analysis and design of steel structures
Abstract
Over the past decades, although extensive investigations have been focused on structural stability, there exist several important structural stability problems that require extra attention. The aim of the work described in this dissertation is to provide some physical insight, fundamental knowledge and practical solutions for the three specific stability subjects: (1) Effective Length Factor of Framed Columns; (2) Design Interaction Equations for Beam-Columns; and (3) Behavior and Strength of Dented Tubular Members. This dissertation consists of three parts. In Part I, the general equations for the effective length factors for columns in braced and unbraced frames are derived. A more refined alignment chart procedure for determining the effective length factors for columns in both braced and unbraced frames is proposed for use in engineering practice. In part II, a unified interaction equation for designing beam-columns with various sections, including wide-flange, thin-walled box and circular tubular subjected to compression combined with biaxial bending is proposed. An extensive evaluation of the proposed design equations, as well as the AISC equations is made and compared with available test data and analytical results. It is found that the load-carrying capacity of steel beam-columns can be estimated simply and more accurately by the proposed unified design interaction equation. In Part III, A moment-thrust-curvature-based procedure and an enhanced computer program for the analysis of dented tubular members as used in offshore structures is described. The computer program BCDENT so developed provides a practical tool for analysis of multiple dented tubular beam-columns with different boundary conditions subjected to axial compression combined with biaxial bending. The validity of the analysis method and the computer program BCDENT has been confirmed by an extensive comparison of predictions with results of tests on actual dented members.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Chen, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering|Ocean engineering|Mechanics
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