Abstract
Deformation characteristics of structural members should be thoroughly studied to know the resistance of the structure against earthquakes. In this paper, the effects of the local buckling on the inelastic behavior of steel members with box-section were investigated experimentally. Applied tests are classified into three groups; stub-column test, beam test and beam-column test. Principal geometrical parameters of the used specimens were width-to-thickness ratio of plate element and slenderness. Most fundamental loading condition for beam-columns subjected to earthquakes is combined axial compression and couple of end moment which produce flexural deformation with double curvature. Results of those three types of tests were summarized into simple empirical formulae which can provide with whole load-deformation curves of the members under the fundamental loading condition.
