EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE OUT-OF-PLANE BUCKLING STRENGTH OF STEEL ARCHES WITH OPEN CROSS SECTION

Experiments for total of 11 specimens are carried out to observe the behavior of elasto-plastic out-of-plane buckling of the arch structures with open cross section which are subjected to uniform vertical load. The effects of several factors on ultimate strength are investigated, that is, slenderness ratios of arch rib, load directions, types of bracing system and braced length ratios. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical ones. In general, the theoretical predictions show good correspondence with the experimental results in ultimate strength and buckling modes and so on. Validity and efficiency of the theoretical procedure are confirmed.