INTERACTION OF LOCAL AND LATERAL BUCKLING IN BEAMS

A nonlinear finite strip method of analysis is described for the post-local buckling of geometrically imperfect plate assemblies. The method is used to provide an accurate alternative to the winter effective width formula for obtaining the effective section of a simply supported I-Beam in the post-local buckling range of structural response. The effective section of a locally buckled beam with thin flange outstands is used to investigate the resistance of the beam to flexural-torsional buckling. The analytical methods developed to assess the nonlinear interaction of local and lateral buckling are compared with experimental test results. (TRRL)