Shear-bending interaction strength of locally buckled I-sections

In slender sections there is a substantial post-buckling strength provided after the formation of local buckling waves. These waves happened due to normal stresses or shear stresses or both. In this study, a numerical investigation of the behavior of slender I-section beams in combined pure bending and shear has been described. The studied cases were assumed to be prevented from lateral torsional buckling. To achieve this aim, a finite element model that simulates the geometric and material nonlinear nature of the problem has been developed. Moreover, the initial geometric imperfections were included in the model. Different flange and web width-thickness ratios as well as web panel aspect ratios have been considered to draw complete set of interaction diagrams. Results reflect the interaction behavior between flange and web in resisting the combined action of moments and shear. In addition, the web panel aspect ratio will not significantly affect the combined ultimate shear-bending strength as well as the post local buckling strength gained by the section. Results are compared with that predicted by both the Eurocode 3 and the American Iron and Steel specifications, AISI-2001. Finally, an empirical interaction equation has been proposed.