12.08: Cross-section stability of stainless steel channel sections subjected to combined loading

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical study of the cross-section stability of stainless steel channel sections under combined axial compressive load and major axis bending moment. The experimental investigation included material coupon tests, initial geometric imperfection measurements and eight eccentrically loaded stub column (combined loading) tests, while the numerical modelling programme comprised a valiadtion study and a parametric study to generate further structural performance data. Both the experimental and numerical results were carefully analysed and then used to assess the accuracy of the current Eurocode design provisions for stainless steel channel sections subjected to combined loading. Generally, the Eurocode was found to result in unduly conservative and scattered strength predictions. Improved design rules have been proposed through extension of the deformation-based continuous strength method (CSM) to the case of channel sections under combined loading. Comparisons between the proposal and the test and numerical results indicate a high level of design accuracy and consistency in the predictions. The reliability of the new proposal has also been confirmed by means of statistical analyses according to EN 1990.