Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Buckling and Post-Buckling Behaviour of TWCFS Lipped Channel Section Members Subjected to Eccentric Compression

Abstract

The paper presents a static analysis of the buckling and post-buckling state of thin-walled cold-formed steel (TWCFS) lipped channel section beam-columns subjected to eccentric compression. Eccentricity is taken into consideration relative to both major and minor principal axes. An analytical–numerical solution to the buckling and post-buckling problems is described. The solution is based on the theory of thin plates. Equations of equilibrium of section walls are derived from the principle of stationary energy. Then, to solve the problem, the finite difference (FDM) and Newton–Raphson methods are applied. Linear (buckling) and nonlinear (post-buckling) analyses are performed. As a result, pre- and post-buckling equilibrium paths are determined. Comparisons of the obtained numerical results, FE simulation results, and experimental test results are carried out and presented in comparative load-shortening diagrams. Additionally, a comparison of the buckling forces and buckling modes obtained from theoretical analysis and experiments is presented.