Behaviour, finite element modelling and design of cruciform section steel columns

A study into the mechanical behaviour and design of steel equal-leg cruciform section members subjected to axial compression is presented. Experimental data from literature are used validate shell finite element models developed within commercial package ABAQUS for their load-deformation ultimate behaviour. numerical parametric then considers columns with a wide range slenderness ratios various common boundary conditions. The response load-carrying capacity shown be dependent not only on column but also torsional flexural elastic buckling load ratio. Finally, recently established approach angle extended include members, verified against available results. It found through reliability analysis based EN 1990 procedure that new proposal offers substantially improved accuracy consistency in strength predictions compared existing codified rules columns; recommended partial safety factor 1.0 determined.