Parametric Study on the Local Buckling of High Strength Steel Stub Columns under Axial Compression

High strength structural steel (HS3), which in this context is being defined as steel with a yield strength greater than 100 ksi (690 MPa), has gained popularity worldwide in the building industry due to its superior strength to weight ratio, and satisfactory ductility and toughness. However, the use of HS3 steel for design as a structural member in the US has been limited in part because of limitations and a lack of guidance within the AISC Specification. This study aims to evaluate the local buckling behavior of HS3 stub columns of grades 100 ksi (690 MPa), 120 ksi (800 MPa), 140 ksi (960 MPa) subjected to axial compression. Finite element models were developed and validated in Abaqus from existing experimental data to capture the local buckling behavior of HS3 wide flange stub columns. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of section slenderness on the local buckling behavior of the column. Three initial column sizes were used, and the web slenderness and flange slenderness were varied. The post-buckling behavior of these columns was investigated, and numerical results were compared with the current local buckling design method in AISC 360-16 for conventional steel.

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate the applicability of the AISC Specification local buckling equations for high strength structural steel columns.

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