Flexural Buckling of Columns Strengthened under Load

Abstract

This paper refers to behaviour and capacity of axially loaded columns strengthened under load using welded steel plates. This method of strengthening is fast, simple and widely used but no universal and reliable analytical solution has been presented yet. In the paper, focus is put on flexural buckling. The approach using cross-section properties of strengthened member and the modified buckling reduction factor was used to calculate the ultimate resistance. In buckling theory, the resistance of column subjected to compression load is reached when the most stressed fibres start to yield. However, some researchers allow certain amount of yielding for base material of columns strengthened under load. In the paper, the new modified buckling reduction factor based on Eurocodes is derived. Two types of column strengthening under various preload magnitudes are investigated using finite element study in ANSYS code and transient analysis type. Birth and death of elements is used to simulate strengthening welded plates. The results are compared with analytical solutions.