Non linear buckling of tapered columns

Abstract

This paper presents a geometrically nonlinear elastoplastic model for the analysis of bidimensional structures made of metallic bars, including tapered members. Local buckling is taken into account by a simplified method, proposed by other authors, based on the use of average compressive stress-strain laws depending on the width-to-thickness ratio of the cross-section walls. The numerical results obtained in the study of a series of tapered columns are compared with the corresponding experimental results obtained by other authors. The performance of this model is also illustrated by another study of tapered columns behaviour, involving coupled local and global buckling, in the strong and weak axis directions.