Finite element technique for design of stub columns

This paper presents a finite element analysis on the post-buckling behaviour of thin-walled cold-formed lipped channel and hat-section stub columns under axial compression. The specimens were modelled exactly as that used in the carefully controlled stub column tests conducted by Zaras and Rhodes. Numerical predictions on the load versus end-shortening characteristics and ultimate load capacity of the structures were obtained using a non-linear finite element analysis. The effect of the input parameters such as the degree of prescribed initial imperfection and the size of the element mesh, on the convergence of the solution is examined. The initial imperfection for post-buckling analysis is achieved by making use of the exact linear buckling wave form. Standard design procedures are developed for post-buckling analysis for thin-walled stub columns using finite element method. Results from the design procedure correlate well with experimental data and BS5950 predictions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.