Minor Axis Moment-Thrust Response Behavior in Steel I-Shaped Members

Abstract

Most current design specifications employed throughout the world prescribe the use of so-called interaction equations for the case of beam–columns. Most often these interaction equations are optimized for use with the case of I-shaped cross sections bent about the major principal centroidal axis. The current study focuses on the case wherein an I-shaped member is loaded in compression and bending about the minor principal centroidal axis. It is shown that the current AISC interaction equations can be improved on in terms of their ability to predict failure in these types of members. Alterations to the existing AISC interaction equations are suggested for improving on strength predictions relative to this case.