Influence of Imperfections in FEM Modeling of Lateral Torsional Buckling

Present paper deals with the numerical modeling of the lateral torsional buckling phenomenon of rolled or welded steel profiles. More precisely, the definition of initial imperfections is of concern, the aim being here to investigate the influence of both geometrical and material imperfections on the bending resistance of such members. In this respect, present developments investigate the influences of several initial imperfections that are usually taken into account in FEM shell-modeling: stress-strain relationship, residual stresses, weak axis initial imperfection, initial torsional twist, local plate imperfections... The results of hundreds of GMNIA 3 calculations are reported, and the influences of these parameters on the carrying capacity are compared. Finally, recommendations for FE-modeling are given.

View content