The Overview and Application of Generalised Beam Theory in Buckling Analysis of Thin-Walled Structures

Abstract

The analysis of structural response of cold-formed steel compression members is critical since its ultimate strength is significantly influenced by its buckling capacity.In this case, failure of members can occur with independent local, distortional, global buckling modes or with its interactive mode.Finite element methods employed for performing buckling analysis of cold-formed steel sections proved to be ineffective in depicting the contribution of each mode involved in the buckling deformation.However, a modal-based generalised beam theory (GBT) eliminates this disadvantage and provides the most efficient method for buckling/vibration analysis of thin-walled sections having complex geometries.The use of GBT-based formulations (i) considers the local and distortional buckling effects due to slender elements in cross section and global buckling effects due to member slenderness and (ii) provides the detail of modal contribution of every mode considered in the analysis.The finite element approach embedded in GBT for performing the member analysis for possible loading and support conditions unveils the complete deflection and buckling behaviour of the member.This article illustrates the state-of-the-art report about the generalised beam theory and its various applications on static and buckling analysis.The advancements in GBT are presented concisely.Further, the concepts involved in the cross-sectional analysis and the formulation of first and second-order theories in buckling analysis are discussed with their applications. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.