Stability and design of fixed-ended stainless steel equal-leg angle section compression members

The stability and design of fixed-ended stainless steel equal-leg angle section members subjected to axial compression are studied herein. An experimental investigation, comprising material testing, initial geometric imperfection measurements tests on hot-rolled austenitic columns is first presented. test results, in combination with existing data collected from the literature, then used for validation numerical (shell finite element) models, developed within commercial package ABAQUS. Validation performed by means comparisons between considering ultimate loads, failure modes load–deformation responses, all which shown be generally good agreement. A parametric study presented three main families (austenitic, ferritic duplex) a wide range slenderness values. behaviour normalised load-carrying capacity dependent not only column slenderness, but also ratio elastic torsional-flexural buckling load minor-axis flexural load. Finally, approach recently proposed carbon extended application steel, verified against results. offers substantially improved accuracy consistency strength predictions compared codified rules. reliability new provisions, recommended partial safety factor γ M1 = 1 . , following EN 1990 procedure. • Experiments Shell element models ABAQUS validated Numerical described. Experimental results develop approach. Accuracy accordance 1990.