PARAMETRIC SOLUTIONS TO THE BUCKLING OF ANGLE STRUTS

The present design rules in the as 1250-1981 for axially loaded pin- ended struts are based on weak axis flexural buckling. This may not be adequate for struts of monosymmetric and asymmetric cross sections such as angles. To obtain the elastic flexural- torsional buckling loads for angle struts, the cubic buckling equation must be solved for the lowest roots, which is not straight forward and the effort required is prohibitive in routine design. Parametric solution of the cubic equation has been developed. Solutions are presented graphically in terms of the critical load ratios versus slenderness ratios for various section parameters. Equations of equivalent slenderness are derived. These are simple to use and may be suitable in formulating future design rules. (Author/TRRL)