Development of Column Curve for Steel Angles

Abstract

Structural steel angles have a wide range of applications requiring a comprehensive design methodology. One of the most important aspects of steel-angle design is the flexural buckling strength. In this paper, the test data for flexural buckling reported in a companion paper as well as in published investigations are compared with current specifications, and the need for the development of a separate column curve for hot-rolled steel angles is established. The experimental data consist of 71 compression tests from five different studies and residual stress and out-of-straightness measurements. A finite-element analysis and a maximum strength analysis have been carried out using the available test data. Nine column curves have been generated. The average curve lies between the Structural Stability Research Council (SSRC) curves 1P and 2P. Equations for the curve have been presented. This column curve can be adopted for routine design or may be used to calibrate special code clauses.