Distortional Buckling Formulas for Channel Columns

Abstract

Explicit analytical expressions are derived to predict the distortional buckling stress of thin‐walled channel section columns with a range of section geometries, including column types used for industrial storage racks. The analytical expressions are based on an approximate model of the distortional buckling mode. Simplified expressions are developed to allow explicit evaluation of the distortional buckling stress by designers. The simplified expressions are compared with an accurate finite strip analysis to check the validity and range of applicability. A simple design example is included in the study.