Flexural buckling of stainless steel CHS columns: Reliability analysis utilizing FEM simulations

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research 2022-01, Vol.188, p.107002, Article 107002
• Main Authors: Jindra, Daniel, Kala, Zdeněk, Kala, Jiří
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circular hollow section (CHS); Design methods; Finite element modelling (FEM); First order reliability method; Flexural buckling; Stainless steel
• ISSN: 0143-974X; 1873-5983
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2021.107002

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the ultimate limit state of imperfect columns under axial compression; the columns are made of stainless steel with a circular hollow cross-section (CHS). The subject of interest is the statistical analysis of the ultimate resistance. Statistical characteristics of input material and geometric imperfections are taken from the results of experimental research published in the literature. The first-order reliability method (FORM) along with geometrically and materially nonlinear imperfect numerical analysis (GMNIA) is conducted. The ultimate resistances of CHS columns in flexural buckling obtained from the finite element analyses are compared with the design resistances based on the corresponding European standard, considering various slenderness values. Two approaches of the initial geometrical imperfection amplitude consideration are presented. The influence of correlation between the ultimate resistance of stainless steel columns in compression and input parameters is discussed, with a focus on the geometrical imperfection influence. The results may be useful for the verification of the European standard where the flexural buckling curves of stainless steel columns are relatively new and thus are based on a relatively weaker theoretical and experimental basis compared to carbon steel. [Display omitted] •Stainless steel and finite element models of CHS columns subjected to flexural buckling.•Nonlinear analysis of ultimate limit state of columns with initial geometrical imperfection under axial compression•Materials and geometrical imperfections modelled as a random quantities.•Verification of European standard using statistical analysis and first order reliability method (FORM)