Comparison of Design Formula For Buckling of Cylindrical Steel Shells under Axial Compression

Abstract

This paper mainly focuses on design method for buckling of a moderate thin cylindrical shell under axial compression, usually used in civil engineering fields, but not for storage or container purposes. Technically, all the dimensions are limited by a ratio of radius to thickness, RIt, between 25 and 500. Several well known design codes, such as ECCS 1988, DIN 18800/4, ENV 1993-1-6 (Eurocode3) and IASS Design Formula, are compared based on analytical results. Using the numerical approach based on elasto-plastic buckling analysis, the design parameters under various dimensions and imperfections are determined, and then the practical guidance in designing cylindrical shells is proposed, but limited only under axial compression, using those standard codes formula. Useful information such as limitation of codes, suggested reduction factors, etc is given in order to reach a safety and economic design purpose.