EFFECT OF MEMBER GEOMETRY AND BOUNDARY CONDITION OF PLATE END EDGES ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELASTIC BUCKLING STRENGTH AND ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF COLD-FORMED THIN-WALLED STEEL MEMBERS

Abstract

In this study, which focuses on thin-walled members subjected to axial compressive forces, column tests and finite element analysis are conducted to elucidate the effects of boundary conditions at plate end edges and member geometry on the ultimate (i.e., post-buckling) strength of thin-walled members. It is found that the boundary conditions at the plate end edges do not influence the ultimate strength of the thin-walled members; however, the rate of increase from the elastic buckling strength to the ultimate strength varies depending on the member geometry.