• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.5
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• pp.367-384
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• 2004

A numerical model based on the finite element technique is adopted to investigate the behavior and strength of thin-walled I-section beam-columns. The model considers both the material and geometric nonlinearities. The model results were first verified against some of the currently available experimental results. A parametric study was then performed using the numerical model and interaction diagrams for the investigated beam-columns have been presented. The effects of the web depth-to-thickness ratio, flange outstand-to-thickness ratio and bending moment-to-normal force ratio on the ultimate strength of thin-walled I-section beam-columns were scrutinized. The interaction equations adopted for beam columns design by the NAS (North American Specifications for the design of cold formed steel structural members) have been critically reviewed. An equation for the buckling coefficient which considers the interaction between local buckling of the flange and the web of a thin-walled I-section beam-column has been proposed.