Numerical and analytical investigations on plain channels in coupled instabilities

This paper presents numerical and analytical investigations of thin-walled steel C-section members subjected to both local and global buckling. The results presented here are based on experimental tests which are dealt with in a previous publication [1]. Numerical calculations using the finite element method are performed to recalculate test results from stub column tests with local buckling and long column tests with coupled local and global buckling failure. These results are analysed using different design procedures based on Eurocode 3. Using modified buckling factors and an approach considering effective stiffness by approximation, it is possible to determine the ultimate buckling loads from tests and numerical investigations efficiently.