Experimental Analysis of Lateral Torsional Buckling of Beams with Selected Cross-Section Types

Currently used design methods for solution of lateral torsional buckling are based on critical moment approach. This solution is also implemented in design codes but it is limited for use of single symmetric cross section only. The analytical solution of mono symmetric cross-section by critical moment is patterned on the theory of thin walled elastic beams by Vlasov [1]. In spite of the fact that this theory is known for many decades, the practical elaborated approach for solution of asymmetrical cross section is still the actual problem to solve. Nowadays the FEM based numerical models are the powerful instrument for detailed analysis of such kind of structure. However, there are still problems with definition of all imperfections and boundary conditions. Also the modelling of load effects during the loading procedure remains usually difficult. The most valuable source of information is the experiment. The goal of research which is presented in this paper is the experimental and theoretical analysis of cross section which can be asymmetrical. Particularly there are experimental test of several beams of selected cross-section shapes described and analysed. The main idea of those experiments was to observe the differences in behaviour between single symmetric cross-section and the slightly asymmetric one. Results of those experiments will serve as a base for further theoretical part of the research. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.