Strength and deformability of H-shaped steel beams and lateral bracing requirements

Abstract This paper is concerned with the load-carrying capacity and deformation capacity of steel beams with an H-shaped cross section. In the first half of the paper, new design formulae on beam strength and plastic deformability are proposed on the basis of statistical data analysis for experimental results obtained from the numerous beam tests which were conducted and performed in Japan. The proposed statistics and reliability based design equations were developed during the work by a sub-committee in the Architectural Institute of Japan to make a draft of the new specification for steel design based on ‘Load and Resistance Factor Design Concepts’. In the second half of the paper, bracing requirements for various types of lateral braces are discussed.