Behavior and Design of Concentrically Loaded T-Section Steel Columns

The buckling behavior of T-section columns is discussed in detail, followed by a numerical study using geometric and material nonlinear analyses (GMNIA) to produce column strengths for a wide range of geometries of T-sections and column lengths. The T-sections are assumed to be hot-rolled and include residual stresses and geometric imperfections typical of hot-rolled sections. On the basis of the numerical strengths thus produced and the available test strengths for T-section columns, the design provisions of the Australian, European, and American specifications for hot-rolled steel structures are evaluated. It is shown that the Australian standard provides fairly consistent and accurate predictions of strength. However, the design provisions for T-sections of current European and American specifications are conservative and associated with large variability, particularly for T-sections with slender elements. The paper recommends modifications to the European and American specifications that improve the design strength predictions of these specifications for T-section columns. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.