Finite strip method computer application for buckling analysis of thin-walled structures with arbitrary cross-sections

The Direct Strength Method (DSM) is a well-known formulation presented in the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 14762:2010, that estimates strength capacity of cold-formed steel (CFS) members. However, this requires elastic critical buckling loads as point departure, regarding local (L), distortional (D) and global (G) modes, which can be obtained by (i) analysis or (ii) available direct equations. present study dedicated to development computer program, FStr Computer Application, with graphical user interface (GUI), order make easier approachable for both research activities engineering design thin-walled structures arbitrary cross-sections (sections combining closed cells open branches). proposed application uses Finite Strip (FSM), mainly focused on simple accessible GUI, was implemented MATLAB App Designer. Validation performed help examples comparison results acknowledged programs, such CUFSM GBTul, based respectively FSM GBT (Generalized Beam Theory), well analytical procedures case modes. Both, expressed computed signature curve correspondent modes are compared, confirming adequate performance computational tool. As future research, authors plan updates including computation modal participation automatic predictions, DSM-based prescriptions.