LATERAL-TORSIONAL BUCKLING OF STEEL BEAMS

D. Mateescu
1
, V. Ungureanu
1
ABSTRACT

The slender members loaded by transversal loads or ended moments acting around the
major axis of inertia, may collapse by lateral-torsional buckling before reaching the full
plastic resistant moment, M
pl
. The present paper presents a comparison between Mateescu
proposal [1], Eurocode 3-Part 1.1 [2] and the ECBL approach [3], used to calculate the
ultimate lateral-torsional buckling moment. The experimental database from Eurocode 3
Background Documentation, Chapter 5 October 1989 [4] was used to evaluate the theoretical
results.

Key Words: Lateral-torsional buckling, buckling curves, imperfections, generalized
imperfection factor, experimental results
1. INTRODUCTION

In the final version of Eurocode 3-Part 1.1 [2] there exist two different sets of LT-
buckling curves:
- in paragraph 6.3.2.2: Lateral-torsional buckling curves - General case, the column
buckling curves a, b, c, d are specified for cross-section groups h/b , 2 and h/b>2
of rolled and welded sections, with a plateau of 2 . 0 LT s ;
- in paragraphs 6.3.2.3: Lateral-torsional buckling curves for rolled sections or
equivalent welded sections, specific LT-buckling curves b, c, d are given for the
groups h/b,2 and h/b>2 of rolled and welded sections, and in contrary to
paragraph 6.3.2.2 with a plateau of 4 . 0 LT s . The LT-buckling curves given in
6.3.2.3 are based on numerical simulations of single span beams under uniform
moment with idealized end-fork conditions [5,6].
Mateescu has proposed a similar method with the second one of Eurocode 3-Part 1.1,
more than ten years before [1]. Consequently, a comparison of Mateescu proposal with the
two sets of LT-buckling curves from Eurocode 3-Part 1.1 is presented in this paper. In
addition, for comparison the LT-buckling curves obtained with the Erosion of Critical
Bifurcation Load (ECBL) approach, developed by Dubina is shown.

1
Romanian Academy, Timisoara Branch, Laboratory of Steel Structures, M. Viteazul 24, Timisoara, Romania
2. LATERAL-TORSIONAL BUCKLING OF BEAMS IN BENDING ACCORDING
TO EUROCODE 3-PART 1.1

According to EUROCODE 3-Part. 1.1 [2], a laterally unrestrained beam subject to
major axis bending shall be verified against lateral-torsional with the formula:
1
M
M
Rd , b
Ed
s (1)
where:
M
Ed
is the design value of the moment;
M
b,Rd
is the design buckling resistance moment.

The design buckling resistance moment of a laterally unrestrained beam should be taken
as:
1 M y y LT Rd , b
/ f W M ; = (2)
where
s
m + m
= ;
2 / 1
2
LT
2
LT LT
LT
] [
1
1 (3)
] ) 2 . 0 ( 1 [ 5 . 0
2
LT LT
LT LT
+ o + = o (4)
cr y y
LT
M / f W = (5)
where
W
y
is the appropriate section modulus as follows:
W
y
= W
pl,y
for Class 1 or 2 cross-sections;
W
y
= W
el,y
for Class 3 cross-sections;
W
y
= W
eff,y
for Class 4 cross-sections;
LT
; is the reduction factor for lateral-torsional buckling;
M
cr
is the elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling of the gross cross-section;
o
LT
is the imperfection factor.

The imperfection factor o
LT
corresponding to the appropriate buckling curve may be
obtained from Table 1.

Table 1. o
LT
imperfection factors for lateral-torsional buckling curves
Buckling curve a b c d
Imperfection factor o
LT
0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76
The recommendations for buckling curves are given in Table 2.

Table 2. Lateral-torsional buckling curve for cross-sections using equation (3)
Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
Rolled I-sections
h/b,2
h/b>2
a
b
Welded I-sections
h/b,2
h/b>2
c
d
Other cross-sections - d
For the reduced slenderness 2 . 0 LT s (the case of short beams), lateral-torsional
buckling effects may be ignored and only cross-sectional checking apply.
As an alternative, for rolled or equivalent welded sections in bending the values of
LT
;
for the appropriate non-dimensional slenderness may be determined from:

s ;
s ;
| m + m
= ;
2
LT
LT
LT
2 / 1
2
LT
2
LT LT
LT
1
1
but
] [
1
(6)
] ) ( 1 [ 5 . 0
2
LT 0 , LT LT
LT LT
| + o + = o (7)

The following values are recommended for rolled sections: 4 . 0
0 , LT
= (maximum
value) and F = 0.75 (minimum value).
The recommendations for buckling curves are given in Table 3.

Table 3. Lateral-torsional buckling curve for cross-sections using equation (6)
Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
Rolled I-sections
h/b,2
h/b>2
b
c
Welded I-sections
h/b,2
h/b>2
c
d
Other cross-sections - d
3. LATERAL-TORSIONAL BUCKLING OF BEAMS IN BENDING ACCORDING
TO MATEESCU PROPOSAL

It is important to underline that the new values of o
LT
coefficient have been evaluated
using the ECCS experimental database [4].
On the purpose of avoiding the discontinuity in the lateral-torsional buckling curve of
beams, as it was the case of ENV version of Eurocode 3-Part 1.1, Mateescu, at that time,
suggested the following formula for o
LT
, but with the imperfection coefficient o
LT
=0.27, for
hot-rolled I beams and o
LT
=0.60, for welded I beams:
] ) 4 . 0 ( 1 [ 5 . 0
2
LT LT
LT LT
+ o + = o (8)
By using this formula, to calculate the ;
LT
factor, the jump for 4 . 0 LT = will be
eliminated and, evidently, 1
LT
= ; will be obtained.

4. THE ECBL APPROACH FOR BEAMS IN BENDING
The Erosion of Critical Bifurcation Load (ECBL) approach, developed by Dubina [3], is
a method where the erosion of the critical bifurcation load of a steel member (owing to the
presence of imperfections as well as to the coupling of instability modes) is quantified by
means of an erosion factor, v
LT
.
The non-dimensional moment MLT , given by equation (9) represents a solution of the
Ayrton-Perry formula, including the generalised imperfection coefficient,
n o
LT LT
LT
= ( . ) 0 4 :
2
LT
2
2
LT LT
LT
2
LT
2
LT
2
LT LT
LT
LT 4 ] ) 4 . 0 ( 1 [
2
1
2
) 4 . 0 ( 1
M + o +

+ o +
= (9)
The formula which link v
LT
factor with previously defined o
LT
factor is:
( )
LT
2
LT
LT
1 6 . 0 v
v
= o (10)
Thus, by calibrating v
LT
factor, the resulting o
LT
values may be obtained for series of
particular steel sections.
The ECBL approach for lateral-torsional buckling of beams is similar to that of
Eurocode 3-Part 1.1, but in eqn. (4) is used a different generalised imperfection coefficient
instead of the related formula given in the code. It means the o
LT
formula becomes:
o o
LT LT
LT LT
= + + 05 1 0 4
2
. [ ( . ) ] (11)
and o
LT
should be calculated from eqn. (10) depending on v
LT
erosion factor which has to be
evaluated by statistical processing of relevant test specimens.
There are two practical ways that can be used to evaluate the v
LT
erosion factor: (1) the
experimental procedure; (2) the numerical approach. In the present paper the experimental
mean approach is used.
Given a specimen series characterized by the same nominal properties, the design value
of the erosion factor results from:
s 64 . 1
m LT
+ v = v (12)
in which s is the standard deviation related to exp , i
i , LT
M 1 = v , where
pl , i
exp , i
exp , i
M
M
M = and
) M 1 (
n
1
exp , i
n
1 i
m
= v

=
values for all n specimens.
As an alternative to the mean approach, the Annex D of EN1990 [7] (former Annex Z
of Eurocode 3 in the ENV version) can be used for the experimental calibration of v
LT
and
o
LT
factors [8].

5. EXPERIMENTAL DATA USED FOR CALIBRATION

The experimental results supplied in the frame of Eurocode 3-Background
Documentation, Chapter 5/October1989, have been used.
In case of hot-rolled steel profiles a number of 144 test results, selected by European
experts as representative for lateral-torsional buckling of beams, from a total of 243 tests have
been available (see Table 4). In what concern the structural shapes used for the tests, the
profiles are representative for most of the hot-rolled sections used around the world: I or H
sections produced in Europe, North America and Japan. It must be emphasized that the depth
of the tested beams never exceeded 305mm. Because several researchers in different
laboratories all over the world carried out 144 tests, it was accepted that they are well
representative of the testing conditions.
In case of welded beams, a number of 71 test results, selected as representative by
European experts from a total of 96 tests, have been available (see Table 5).
For all the tested specimens, all mechanical and geometrical properties were measured.
All tested beams were submitted to moment loading.

Table 4. Tests results for hot-rolled beams (144 tests)
Plastic moment with measured properties
Pos. No. Name M
u
(kN m)
M
pl,y
(kN m) M
u
/M
pl,y

LT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 516 Dibley 90.40 139.90 0.711 1.24
2 517 Dibley 83.90 141.40 0.653 1.25
3 518 Dibley 103.50 140.40 0.811 1.11
4 519 Dibley 102.50 140.40 0.803 1.11
5 520 Dibley 131.10 140.40 1.027 0.90
6 521 Dibley 130.60 140.40 1.023 0.90
7 522 Dibley 153.80 157.20 1.076 0.60
8 523 Dibley 457.20 464.80 1.082 0.51
9 524 Dibley 468.30 464.80 1.108 0.51
10 525 Dibley 464.70 460.20 1.111 0.35
11 526 Dibley 485.90 460.20 1.161 0.35
12 527 Dibley 105.90 221.40 0.526 1.54
13 528 Dibley 96.80 221.40 0.481 1.54
14 529 Dibley 118.50 221.40 0.589 1.37
15 530 Dibley 126.30 221.40 0.628 1.37
16 531 Dibley 190.00 220.30 0.949 0.91
17 532 Dibley 180.80 220.30 0.903 0.91
18 535 Dibley 204.60 220.30 1.022 0.65
19 536 Dibley 235.60 220.30 1.176 0.65
20 537 Dibley 138.30 141.40 1.076 0.58
21 538 Dibley 127.30 121.00 1.157 0.51
22 752 Suzuki 56.90 61.10 1.024 0.68
23 753 Suzuki 56.00 61.10 1.008 0.68
24 754 Suzuki 46.30 51.40 0.991 0.79
25 755 Suzuki 46.20 58.50 0.869 0.85
26 756 Suzuki 46.80 55.80 0.923 0.83
27 758 Suzuki 43.50 51.40 0.931 0.95
28 759 Suzuki 45.20 58.50 0.850 1.01
29 760 Suzuki 43.90 55.80 0.865 0.99
30 761 Suzuki 49.20 61.10 0.886 1.03
31 762 Suzuki 43.60 54.20 0.885 1.12
32 763 Suzuki 39.80 58.50 0.748 1.16
33 764 Suzuki 44.40 58.50 0.835 1.16
34 765 Suzuki 37.70 53.20 0.780 1.23
35 766 Suzuki 37.00 58.50 0.696 1.29
36 767 Suzuki 38.80 58.50 0.730 1.29
37 768 Suzuki 32.10 55.20 0.640 1.37
38 769 Suzuki 32.20 57.90 0.612 1.40
39 770 Suzuki 32.00 58.50 0.602 1.41
40 771 Suzuki 24.30 56.50 0.473 1.60
41 772 Suzuki 13.60 54.20 0.276 2.05
42 773 Suzuki 35.10 56.50 0.683 1.31
43 774 Suzuki 50.90 60.90 0.919 1.00
44 775 Suzuki 45.50 59.90 0.836 1.15
45 776 Suzuki 48.20 60.90 0.871 0.97
46 777 Suzuki 50.10 60.90 0.905 0.86
47 778 Suzuki 43.50 60.90 0.786 1.07
48 779 Suzuki 47.10 63.00 0.822 1.15
49 781 Suzuki 32.10 55.00 0.642 1.26
50 782 Suzuki 34.40 59.70 0.634 1.39
51 783 Suzuki 50.20 60.90 0.907 1.00
52 784 Suzuki 37.20 60.90 0.672 1.34
53 1177 Fukumoto 39.70 63.50 0.688 1.22
54 718 Wakabayashi 66.40 62.60 1.167 0.39
55 719 Wakabayashi 65.20 62.60 1.146 0.50
56 720 Wakabayashi 64.80 67.70 1.053 0.64
57 721 Wakabayashi 55.90 60.90 1.010 0.80
58 1204 Dux 134.70 140.60 1.054 0.58
59 1205 Dux 134.60 141.90 1.043 0.50
60 1206 Dux 125.30 141.90 0.971 0.67
61 540 Trahair 87.00 175.40 0.546 1.44
62 541 Trahair 141.40 175.40 0.887 1.01
63 542 Trahair 132.90 175.40 0.833 1.12
64 543 Trahair 143.50 175.40 0.900 0.87
65 544 Trahair 148.10 175.30 0.929 1.01
66 545 Trahair 128.50 175.50 0.805 1.12
67 601 Suzuki 47.50 52.80 0.990 0.78
68 602 Suzuki 44.60 52.80 0.929 0.92
69 603 Suzuki 44.80 55.60 0.886 1.08
70 604 Suzuki 36.60 54.60 0.737 1.18
71 605 Suzuki 32.90 56.60 0.639 1.31
72 606 Suzuki 25.10 58.30 0.474 1.52
73 607 Suzuki 13.90 55.60 0.275 1.94
74 608 Suzuki 47.10 59.70 0.858 0.83
75 609 Suzuki 46.10 59.70 0.849 0.98
76 610 Suzuki 40.60 59.70 0.748 1.11
77 611 Suzuki 37.80 59.70 0.696 1.24
78 612 Suzuki 33.20 59.70 0.612 1.35
79 722 Suzuki 58.00 59.50 1.072 0.34
80 723 Suzuki 58.30 59.50 1.078 0.41
81 724 Suzuki 57.00 60.90 1.030 0.50
82 725 Suzuki 53.90 56.50 1.049 0.40
83 726 Suzuki 61.60 57.80 1.172 0.29
84 733 Suzuki 57.80 60.90 1.044 0.39
85 734 Suzuki 54.30 56.50 1.057 0.37
86 735 Suzuki 56.60 59.50 1.046 0.53
87 749 Suzuki 59.00 62.10 1.045 0.54
88 750 Suzuki 57.00 58.90 1.059 0.34
89 751 Suzuki 57.00 57.80 1.085 0.35
90 1003 Lindner 69.80 76.30 1.006 0.90
91 1004 Lindner 49.00 76.30 0.706 1.19
92 1005 Lindner 49.90 76.30 0.719 1.19
93 1006 Lindner 63.60 76.30 0.917 0.97
94 100B Lindner 43.80 64.50 0.747 1.13
95 100D Lindner 57.00 66.20 0.947 0.84
96 100E Lindner 43.70 66.20 0.726 1.19
97 1009 Lindner 46.80 71.40 0.721 1.19
98 1010 Lindner 52.60 73.20 0.790 1.17
99 1011 Lindner 65.50 73.20 0.984 0.88
100 1012 Lindner 59.00 73.20 0.887 0.88
101 3 L-S 48.30 57.60 0.992 0.95
102 4 L-S 49.50 56.70 0.960 0.94
103 5 L-S 49.50 56.80 0.959 0.94
104 6 L-S 50.60 57.30 0.971 0.95
105 7 L-S 46.00 56.20 0.900 0.94
106 9 L-S 49.60 56.20 0.971 0.85
107 11 L-S 52.00 56.00 1.021 0.84
108 14 L-S 50.40 56.50 0.981 0.85
109 16 L-S 48.00 55.60 0.950 0.84
110 17 L-S 47.20 55.90 0.929 0.84
111 32 L-S 14.40 15.00 1.056 0.91
112 33 L-S 12.60 15.30 0.906 0.91
113 35 L-S 12.60 15.00 0.924 0.89
114 37 L-S 13.20 15.50 0.937 0.91
115 42 L-S 14.40 15.80 1.003 0.82
116 43 L-S 14.00 15.80 0.975 0.82
117 45 L-S 14.40 15.80 1.003 0.82
118 56 L-S 8.97 15.70 0.628 1.25
119 57 L-S 9.09 15.70 0.637 1.26
120 58 L-S 8.74 16.00 0.601 1.26
121 EV1 L-S 57.50 63.20 1.001 0.84
122 EV2 L-S 58.70 63.90 1.010 0.85
123 EV3 L-S 10.80 12.00 0.990 0.79
124 EV4 L-S 10.80 12.00 0.990 0.79
125 1 L-S 58.60 56.50 1.141 0.43
126 2 L-S 55.20 53.50 1.135 0.42
127 18 L-S 55.20 55.40 1.096 0.31
128 19 L-S 55.20 55.80 1.088 0.31
129 20 L-S 56.00 55.10 1.118 0.31
130 501 UN 2.90 6.30 0.506 1.58
131 502 UN 2.80 6.30 0.489 1.58
132 503 UN 2.70 6.30 0.471 1.58
133 504 UN 2.70 6.30 0.471 1.58
134 505 UN 3.60 6.30 0.629 1.30
135 506 UN 3.40 6.30 0.594 1.30
136 507 UN 4.40 6.30 0.768 1.15
137 508 UN 4.20 6.30 0.733 1.15
138 509 UN 5.20 6.30 0.908 1.00
139 510 UN 5.00 6.30 0.873 1.00
140 511 UN 5.20 6.30 0.908 1.00
141 512 UN 5.60 6.30 0.978 0.82
142 513 UN 5.60 6.30 0.978 0.82
143 514 UN 6.30 6.30 1.100 0.65
144 515 UN 5.90 6.30 1.030 0.65
Table 5. Tests results for welded beams (71 tests)
Plastic moment with measured properties
Pos. No. Name M
u
(kN m)
M
pl,y
(kN m) M
u
/M
pl,y

LT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 WA5 Fukumoto 409.37 371.00 1.214 0.29
2 WA5 Fukumoto 383.03 359.60 1.172 0.28
3 WA32 Suzuki 163.46 162.20 1.109 0.50
4 WA32 Suzuki 162.17 162.20 1.100 0.41
5 WA32 Suzuki 162.17 162.20 1.100 0.36
6 WA32 Suzuki 194.75 197.70 1.084 0.55
7 WA32 Suzuki 196.72 197.70 1.095 0.46
8 WA32 Suzuki 195.14 197.70 1.086 0.39
9 WA32 Suzuki 274.30 281.10 1.073 0.66
10 WA21 Suzuki 277.11 281.10 1.084 0.49
11 WA21 Suzuki 274.58 281.10 1.074 0.42
12 WA31 Suzuki 421.08 440.50 1.052 0.74
13 WA31 Suzuki 423.29 440.50 1.057 0.61
14 WA31 Suzuki 432.54 440.50 1.080 0.52
15 WA31 McDermott 354.60 349.70 1.115 0.33
16 WA31 McDermott 491.49 493.00 1.097 0.35
17 WA31 Suzuki 304.72 330.10 1.015 0.32
18 WA31 Suzuki 306.37 330.10 1.021 0.32
19 WA31 Suzuki 301.75 330.10 1.006 0.32
20 WA31 Suzuki 298.44 330.10 0.994 0.32
21 WA31 Suzuki 305.71 330.10 1.019 0.32
22 WA31 Suzuki 308.01 330.10 1.026 0.24
23 WA31 Suzuki 301.75 330.10 1.006 0.24
24 WA31 Suzuki 305.71 330.10 1.019 0.40
25 WA31 Suzuki 220.64 218.50 1.111 0.34
26 WA31 Suzuki 218.45 218.50 1.100 0.34
27 WA31 Suzuki 127.97 125.50 1.122 0.35
28 WA31 Suzuki 126.34 125.50 1.107 0.35
29 WA31 Suzuki 80.60 78.60 1.128 0.38
30 WA30 Suzuki 127.43 139.80 1.003 0.53
31 WA30 Suzuki 123.41 139.80 0.971 0.53
32 WA30 Suzuki 145.38 163.00 0.981 0.58
33 WA30 Suzuki 139.50 163.00 0.941 0.58
34 WA30 Suzuki 151.37 186.20 0.894 0.79
35 WA30 Suzuki 92.02 155.70 0.650 0.98
36 WA30 Suzuki 112.93 182.20 0.682 1.06
37 WA30 Suzuki 86.72 160.10 0.596 1.31
38 WA30 Suzuki 80.64 143.80 0.617 1.24
39 WA30 Suzuki 50.70 70.40 0.792 0.85
40 WA30 Suzuki 38.27 70.40 0.598 1.15
41 WA30 Suzuki 34.44 70.40 0.538 1.40
42 WA69 Fukomoto 75.44 92.50 0.897 0.75
43 WA69 Fukomoto 68.67 92.70 0.815 0.75
44 WA69 Fukomoto 77.89 92.70 0.924 0.97
45 WA69 Fukomoto 64.84 92.70 0.769 0.97
46 WA69 Fukomoto 62.10 92.70 0.737 1.07
47 WA69 Fukomoto 56.41 92.70 0.669 1.07
48 WA69 Fukomoto 92.21 105.70 0.960 0.62
49 WA69 Fukomoto 78.48 105.70 0.817 0.62
50 WA69 Fukomoto 84.37 105.70 0.878 0.81
51 WA69 Fukomoto 85.94 105.70 0.894 0.81
52 WA69 Fukomoto 91.04 105.70 0.947 0.89
53 WA69 Fukumoto 69.85 105.70 0.725 0.89
54 WA69 Fukomoto 74.36 119.20 0.686 0.78
55 WA69 Fukomoto 90.25 119.20 0.833 0.78
56 WA69 Fukomoto 78.77 119.20 0.727 1.02
57 WA69 Fukomoto 67.49 119.20 0.623 1.02
58 WA69 Fukomoto 73.38 119.20 0.677 1.13
59 WA69 Fukomoto 67.59 119.20 0.624 1.13
60 WA69 Fukomoto 207.48 255.80 0.892 0.93
61 WA69 Fukomoto 204.93 255.80 0.881 0.93
62 WA69 Fukomoto 202.87 255.80 0.872 1.10
63 WA69 Fukomoto 181.88 255.80 0.782 1.10
64 WA69 Fukomoto 188.83 256.50 0.810 1.25
65 WA69 Fukomoto 159.41 256.70 0.684 1.25
66 WA69 Fukomoto 259.67 292.70 0.976 0.77
67 WA69 Fukomoto 239.46 292.70 0.900 0.91
68 WA69 Fukomoto 223.57 292.70 0.840 1.05
69 WA69 Fukomoto 258.20 328.60 0.864 0.97
70 WA69 Fukomoto 219.94 328.60 0.736 1.15
71 WA69 Fukomoto 203.85 328.60 0.682 1.32
6. NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Table 6 shows the statistical results for hot-rolled and welded I beams. Figures 1 and 2
show the comparison between tests and the numerical results related to Eurocode 3 formulas,
Mateescu proposal and ECBL approach. For the case of ECBL approach, the interactive
slenderness range was assumed to be 20 . 0 LT LT = c , and a scattering value of 50% is
usual for the experimental values in the field of structural engineering tests.

Table 6. Statistical values for hot-rolled and welded I-beams
I Hot-rolled Beams (144 Tests)
Eurocode 3 Part 1.1
Method 1
Eurocode 3 Part 1.1
Method 2
Mateescu ECBL
Method

Statistical
parameters
o
LT
=0.21 o
LT
=0.34 o
LT
=0.34 o
LT
=0.49 o
LT
=0.27 o
LT
=0.185
m 1.178 1.286 1.106 1.190 1.165 1.108
s 0.100 0.132 0.077 0.110 0.116 0.096
m-1.64s 1.014 1.070 0.979 1.009 0.975 0.952
v 0.085 0.103 0.070 0.093 0.100 0.086
p 0.963 0.944 0.959 0.939 0.958 0.968
I Welded Beams (71 Tests)
o
LT
=0.49 o
LT
=0.76 o
LT
=0.49 o
LT
=0.76 o
LT
=0.60 o
LT
=0.583
m 1.188 1.313 1.055 1.142 1.150 1.144
s 0.200 0.279 0.125 0.182 0.201 0.197
m-1.64s 0.860 0.855 0.850 0.844 0.819 0.820
v 0.168 0.213 0.119 0.159 0.175 0.172
p 0.876 0.857 0.893 0.890 0.892 0.893
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50
experiments
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers1
(o
LT
=0.21)
M
Mateescu
(o
LT
=0.27)
M
ECBL
(vLT
=0.282, o
LT
=0.185)
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers1
(o
LT
=0.34)
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers2
(o
LT
=0.34)
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers2
(o
LT
=0.49)

Fig. 1. Numerical/Experimental comparison for hot-rolled I beams

7. CONCLUDING REMARKS

For the case of hot-rolled I-beams, it can be seen from Table 6 that good correlation
values were obtained for all methods. However, Georgescu & Dubina shown in [8] the studied
hot-rolled profiles frame all on the buckling curve a ( ) 21 . 0
max
=
LT
o , which does not comply
with the classification proposal for hot-rolled profiles used by second method of Eurocode 3-
Part 1.1, presented in the last column of Table 3. For the case of welded I-beams, correlation
values are still good (see Table 6).
From Figures 1 and 2 it can be seen that all curves fit well the experimental values.
However, it can be seen from Figure 1 that for short hot-rolled I beams the first method of
Eurocode 3 cover safety the range, using a safety factor
M1
=1. For the other curves, using a
safety factor
M1
=1.1 the range of short beams is in the safe side. In what concern the range of
long and medium length it can be seen that the first method of Eurocode 3 is too conservative,
while the curves obtained with Mateescu proposal, second method of Eurocode 3 and ECBL
one, cover well the whole range. Also, the curve obtained with Mateescu proposal fit very
well with the second method of Eurocode 3 (using an imperfection factor o
LT
=0.34). The
curve obtained with the ECBL approach covers very well the range of medium length.
From Figure 2, for welded I beams the curves obtained with the first method of
Eurocode 3 is too conservative. The curves obtained with Mateescu proposal, the second
method of Eurocode 3 (with o
LT
=0.76) and ECBL one, fit well the experimental results. The
curve obtained with the second method of Eurocode 3 (with o
LT
=0.49) need to be affected
with a safety factor
M1
=1.1.

0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
experiments
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers1
(o
LT
=0.49)
M
Mateescu
(o
LT
=0.60)
M
ECBL
(vLT
=0.442, o
LT
=0.583)
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers2
(o
LT
=0.49)
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers1
(o
LT
=0.76)
M
b,Rd-EC3_vers2
(o
LT
=0.76)

Fig. 2. Numerical/Experimental comparison for welded I beams

REFERENCES

[1] Mateescu, D.: Considerations on the value of reduction factor of lateral-torsional buckling
of beams in bending. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 20 (No. 1-4), 1994, 265-277.
[2] Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures. Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings
(EN1993-1-1). European Committee for Standardisation. 19 May 2003.
[3] Dubina, D.: The ECBL Approach for interactive buckling of thin-walled steel members.
Steel and Composite Structures, Vol. 1, no.1, 2001, 76-96.
[4] Eurocode 3: Background Documentation (1989)-Chapter 5, Document 5.03: Evaluation of
the test results on beam with cross-sectional classes 1-3 in order to obtain strength
functions and suitable model factors. October 1989.
[5] Greiner, R., Salzgeber, G., Ofner, R.: New lateral-torsional buckling curves k
LT

numerical simulations and design formulae, ECCS Report 30. June 2000.
[6] Greiner, R., Kaim, P.: Comparison of LT-buckling curves with test-results. Supplementary
report. ECCS TC 8, TC 8-2003, May 2003, Graz University of Technology.
[7] EN 1990: Eurocode Basis of structural design. European Committee for Standardisation.
July 2001.
[8] Georgescu, M., Dubina, D.: Lateral-torsional buckling of steel beams: A proposal to
calibrate the coefficients in the ECCS TC8 formula. Proceedings of the 1
st
International
Conference on STEEL & COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, 14-16 June 2001, Pusan,
KOREA, Vol. 1, 623-630.