Diagonals of double angles are used for pipe bridge construction and for truss girders, among other things. They are usually subjected to tension, but it is necessary to transfer them in smaller compression forces with regard to the load application. In the case of slender diagonals in particular, you should also consider the bending due to self‑weight.
In January 2015, DIN Committee NA 005‑08‑23 Steel Bridges applied the introduction of a modification in equation 10.5 of DIN EN 1993‑1‑5. This involves the interaction of longitudinal and transverse pressure in a buckling analysis. Now, the interaction equation provides for auxiliary factor V, which is calculated from the reduction factors of the longitudinal and transverse stresses.
For structural reasons, shear connections usually include fin plates or flange angles. Main and secondary beams arranged on the top edge require notching or long fin plates. Hinged end plate connections are often welded to the web.
Torsional buckling analysis of transverse and longitudinal stiffeners with open cross-sections is described in DIN EN 1993-1-5, Chapter 9. There is a difference between the simplified method and the precise method, which takes into consideration the warping stiffness of the buckling panel. The simplified method applies Equation 9.3 of DIN EN 1993‑1‑5. If warping stiffness is to be taken into account, either Eq. 9.3 or Eq. 9.4 should be followed. Both design methods are implemented in PLATE-BUCKLING.
In addition to the stability designs according to EN 1993‑1‑1, Sections 6.3.1 through 6.3.3, you can apply the General Method according to EN 1993‑1‑1, 6.3.4 in RF‑/STEEL EC3.
In the following example, the stability analysis of a steel frame can be performed according to the General Method in compliance with EN 1993‑1‑1, Sect. 6.3.4 in the RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on module. The first of my three posts shows the determination of the critical load factor for design loads required by the design concept, which reaches the elastic critical buckling load with deformations from the main framework plane.
In RF-STEEL Surfaces, it is possible to display the stresses relevant for the design of welds, for example, according to EN 1993‑1‑8, Figure 4.5. When evaluating the stress components, the local xyz-axis system of the surfaces must be considered.
The buckling analysis of plates with stiffeners is a special task for engineers. For this, EN 1993-1-5 provides three calculation methods: Effective Cross-Section Method, [1], Sect. 4-7; Reduced Stress Method, [1], Sect. 10; Finite Element Methods of Analysis (FEM), [1], Annex C.
The following article describes the design of a single-span beam subjected to bending and compression, which is performed according to EN 1993‑1‑1 in the RF-/STEEL EC3 add-on module. Since the beam is modeled with a tapered cross-section and thus it is not a uniform structural component, the design must be performed either according to General Method in compliance with Sect. 6.3.4 of EN 1993‑1‑1, or according to the second-order analysis. Both options will be explained and compared, and for the calculation according to the second-order analysis, there is an additional design format using Partial Internal Forces Method (PIFM) available. Therefore, the design is divided into three steps: design according to Sect. 6.3.4 of EN 1993‑1‑1 (General Method), design according to the second‑order analysis, elastic (warping torsion analysis), design according to the second‑order analysis, plastic (warping torsion analysis and Partial Internal Forces Method).
The RF‑/STEEL Warping Torsion module extension of the RF‑/STEEL EC3 add‑on module allows you to design members with asymmetric cross‑sections. The new option is fully integrated in the design module and can be activated for sets of members.
The RF‑STABILITY and RSBUCK add‑on modules for RFEM and RSTAB allow you to perform eigenvalue analysis for frame structures in order to determine critical load factors, including the buckling modes. Several buckling modes can be determined. They provide information about the model areas bearing stability risks.
Critical load factors and the corresponding mode shapes of any structure can be determined efficiently in RFEM and RSTAB, using the RF-STABILITY or RSBUCK add-on module (linear eigenvalue solver or nonlinear analysis).
Buckling analysis according to the effective width method or the reduced stress method is based on the determination of the system critical load, hereinafter called LBA (linear buckling analysis). This article explains the analytical calculation of the critical load factor as well as utilization of the finite element method (FEM).
According to EN 1993-1-1 [1], it is necessary to use the equivalent geometric imperfections with values that reflect the possible effects of all types of imperfections. EN 1993-1-1, Section 5.3, specifies basic imperfections for the global analysis of frames as well as member imperfections.
The product range of Dlubal Software contains various modules for the design of steel and timber connections. The RF-/JOINTS Steel – Column Base add-on module allows you to analyze footings of hinged or restrained steel column bases. The fastener selection, foundation geometry, and material quality are crucial for the cost-effective and safe design of the column base.
A fillet weld is the most common weld type in steel building construction. According to EN 1993-1-8, 4.3.2.1 (1) [1], fillet welds may be used for connecting structural part where the fusion faces form an angle of between 60° and 120°.
When designing bending-resistant connections from I-beams, the connection is dissolved into the individual parts. For these basic components of a joint, there are separate formula calculators for load-bearing capacity and stiffness. In RFEM and RSTAB, frame joints can be designed using the RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro add-on module.
A single-span beam with lateral and torsional restraint is to be designed according to the recommendations of Eurocode 3 and AISC. If the beam does not reach the required load-bearing capacity, it must be stabilized.
After running an analysis in RF-/STEEL AISC, the mode shapes for sets of members can be viewed graphically in a separate window. Select the relevant set of members in the result window and click the [Mode Shapes] button.