BULETINUL INSTITUTULUI POLITEHNIC DIN IAI

Publicat de
Universitatea Tehnic Gheorghe Asachi din Iai
Tomul LIX (LXIII), Fasc. 3, 2013
Secia
CONSTRUCII. ARHITECTUR

INFLUENCE OF LOADING PARAMETERS ON

LATERAL TORSIONAL BUCKLING RESISTANCE
OF STEEL PLATE GIRDERS
BY

PETRU MOGA, DELIA DRGAN and CLAUDIA ALB*

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Received: May 27, 2013
Accepted for publication: June 11, 2013

Abstract. The results of an analysis regarding the influence that the load
location relative to shear centre of the section and the cross-section shape have
on the bending resistance of the mono-symmetrical steel plate girders are
presented. The girder bending resistance is evaluated according to the Euro
norms EN 1993-1-1: Design of Steel Structures. General Rules and Rules for
Buildings and EN 1993-1-5: Plated Structural Elements.The obtained results can
be useful in the optimal design of steel plate girders.
Key words: steel plate girders; lateral-torsional buckling; bending
resistance; influence parameters; Euronorms EN 1993-1-1: Design of Steel
Structures. General rules and rules for buildings; EN 1993-1-5: Plated
Structural Elements.

1. Introduction
The steel girders subjected to bending generally have a very different
rigidity relative to the main axes (Iy >> Iz) so, they should be verified against
lateral-torsional buckling.
*

Corresponding author: email: Claudia.Alb@infra.utcluj.ro

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Petru Moga, Delia Drgan and Claudia Alb

In the most practical cases of steel buildings and bridges, girders are
built up of hot-rolled I and H sections or welded sections.
The evaluation of the actual critical bending moment for each loading
pattern leads to solving a complex of differential eqs. so, in the design activity
we use conservative and approximate eqs., useful in the most practical cases.
This paper presents an analysis regarding the influence that the load
location relative to shear centre of the section and the cross-section shape have
on the lateral torsional buckling resistance of the mono-symmetrical steel plate
girders. The girder bending resistance is evaluated according to the Euronorms
EN 1993-1-1: Design of Steel Structures. General Rules and Rules for Buildings
and EN 1993-1-5: Plated Structural Elements.
2. Lateral-Torsional Buckling Resistance
2.1. Buckling Resistance

According to EN 1993-1-1:2006 - 6.3.2, the design buckling resistance

moment of a laterally unrestrained beam should be taken as:
M b.Rd LTWy

fy

M1

(1)

where:
W pl.y , for class 1 or 2 cross-sections;

Wy Wel .y , for class 3 cross-sections;

Weff .y , for class 4 cross-sections;

(2)

LT is the reduction factor for lateral-torsional buckling.

For bending moments of constant cross-sections, the value LT for the
appropriate non dimensional slenderness, LT , should be determined from:
1

LT

LT

2
LT

2
LT

, but

LT 1,

(3)

2
where: LT 0.5 1 LT LT 0.2 LT ; LT is an imperfection factor;

LT Wy f y M cr ; Mcr is the elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional

buckling.

Bul. Inst. Polit. Iai, t. LIX (LXIII), f. 3, 2013

149

The imperfection factor, LT , corresponding to the appropriate buckling

curve may be obtained from Table 1.

Buckling curve
Imperfection factor, LT

Table 1
Imperfection Factors
a
b
0.21
0.34

c
0.49

d
0.76

The recommendations for buckling curves are given in Table 2.

Table 2.
Buckling Curves
Cross-section
Rolled I - section
Welded I - section
Other cross - section

Limits
h/b 2

Buckling curve
a

h/b > 2
h/b 2
h/b > 2

b
c
d
d

2.2. Elastic Critical Bending Moment

For a double T cross-section (I-section), the elastic critical moment for

lateral torsional buckling is given by the expression derived from the buckling
theory
2
2

2
2 EI z k I w kL GI t
. (4)
M cr C1

C
z

C
z

C
z

C
z

2 g
3 j
2 g
3 j
k I
2
2

EI
w
z
kL
g

For doubly-symmetric I-section, zj = 0, and the expression (4) becomes

2
2

2
2 EI z k I w kL GI t
.
M cr C1

C
z

C
z

2 g
2 g
k I
2
2

EI
w
z
kL
g

(5)

where: C1, C2 and C3 are coefficients depending on the loading (moment

diagram), section properties and support conditions,

I
g 1 z 1.0.
Iy

If there are no destabilizing loads, zg = 0 and it follows:

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Petru Moga, Delia Drgan and Claudia Alb

2
2

2 EI z k I w kL GI t
M cr C1

2
2
kL kw I z EI z

(6)

3. Analysis of Loading Parameters on Buckling Resistance

In what follows next, we analyse the influence of the loading
parameters and of the cross-section shape on the lateral torsional buckling
resistance of a girder with a mono-symmetric section.
The following analytical data are known:
a) static scheme, loading and the cross-section, Fig. 1;
b) material: steel S 355 fy = 355 N/mm2;
c) the girder is laterally restrained at the end supports.
The following cases are analyzed:
a) the compression flange is larger in comparison with the tension
flange (Iz is greater) ;
b) the compression flange is smaller in comparison with the tension
flange (Iz is smaller);
The force acts in the following points of the cross-section:
a) at the compression flange (with a destabilizing effect);
b) in the shear centre;
c) at the tension flange.

Fig. 1 Design data.

Bul. Inst. Polit. Iai, t. LIX (LXIII), f. 3, 2013

151

Solution:
In Tables 3 a and 3 b we present the analyzed cases (a total of 6 cases)
and the geometric design parameters used to evaluate the lateral buckling
resistance.
Table 3 a
Loading Parameters

Table 3 b
Loading Parameters

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Petru Moga, Delia Drgan and Claudia Alb

3.1. Cross-Section Class

C a s e s 1: The compression flange is greater.

Compression flange: = 1, k = 0.43,
c 300 12 / 2

5.76 9 7.29 class 1.

t
25

The web is an internal, partially compressed plate, Fig. 2 a.

312
z2
488
0.39 0.5 ,
1
1 1.56 1 1.56 1, ,
z1
312
800
c 800

66.67 36 / 74.77 class 1.

t 12

It results: that cross section belongs to class 1.

Fig. 2 Evaluation of Cross section class.

C a s e s 2: The compression flange is smaller

Compression flange:
c 160 12 / 2

3.7 9 7.29 class 1

t
20

Web (see Fig. 2 b):

Bul. Inst. Polit. Iai, t. LIX (LXIII), f. 3, 2013

153

z2
312
1
0.64 1 0.64 1 ,
z1
488 1

488
0.61 0.5 ,
800

c 800

66.67
t 12

c
456
c
42

53.29;
74.15 class 2 .
t 13 1
t 0.67 0.33

It results: that cross section belongs to class 2

Parameters valid for all cases: LT = 0.76 curve d for h/b > 2 (Table 1
and Table 2);
N cr .z

2 EI z

kL

2 2.1 106 6,319 2

10 3,634.33 kN ,
6002

kL 600

107.14 , 1
iz
5.6

E
93.9 93.9 0.81 76.1,
fy

Wy
1. 0 ,
Wpl .y

C1 1.365, C2 0.553, C3 1.73 ,

C1 N cr .z 1.365 3,634.33 4,961 kN ,
I w 4.13 106

653.58; GI t 0.81 106 245 198.45 106 ,

Iz
6,319
Wpl .y 5,941 cm 3 .

The coefficient zj
0.4hs 2 f 1 , for f 0.5,

zj
0.5hs 2 f 1 , for f 0.5,

where: f

b3fc t fc
b3fc t fc b3ft t ft

zj is positive when the flange with greater Iz is in the compression zone.

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Petru Moga, Delia Drgan and Claudia Alb

Case 1

b3fc t fc
b3fc t fc b3ft t ft

303 2.5
0.89 0.5,
303 2.5 163 2

z j 0.4 82.25 (2 0.89 1) 25.66.

Case 2

b3fct fc
b3fc t fc b3ft t ft

163 2
0.108 0.5,
303 2.5 163 2

z j 0.5 82.25 (2 0.108 1) 32.24.

3.2. Elastic Critical Buckling Moments

By using the expression (4 a), the following cases may be considered:

C a s e 1A

198.45 106
M cr 4,961 102 653.58
(0.553 10.2 1.73 25.66) 2
496,100

(0.553 10.2 1.7325.66) 104 4,430 kN.m.

C a s e 1B

198.45 106
M cr 4,961 102 653.58
( 1.73 25.66) 2
496,100

( 1.73 25.66) 104 4,930 kN.m.

C a s e 1C

198.45 106
2
M cr 4,961 102 653.58
0.553 ( 74.3) 1.73 25.66
496,100

0.553 ( 74.3) 1.73 25.66 104 8,777 kN.m.

Bul. Inst. Polit. Iai, t. LIX (LXIII), f. 3, 2013

155

C a s e 2A

198.45 106
2
M cr 4,961 102 653.58
0.553 74.3 1.73 ( 32.24)
496,100

0.553 74.3 1.73 ( 32.24) 104 263 kN.m.

C a s e 2B

198.45 106
2
M cr 4,961 102 653.58
1.73 ( 32.24)
496,100

1.73 ( 32.24) 104 263 kN.m.

C a s e 2C

198.45 106
2
M cr 4,961 102 653.58
0.553 ( 10.2) 1.73 ( 32.24)
496,100

0.553 ( 74.3) 1.73 25.66 104 477 kN.m.

3.3. Non-Dimensional Slenderness, LT , and Reduction Factors, LT

The non-dimensional slenderness is evaluated with the expression:

LT

Wy f y
, where: Wy Wpl .y 5,941 cm 3 , Wpl .y f y 2,109 kN.m .
M cr

Taking into account the values of the non dimensional

slenderness, LT , obtained after the calculation of the critical moments, Mcr , the
reduction factors, LT , can be evaluated
1

LT

LT

2
LT

2
LT

2
where: LT 0.5 1 LT LT 0.2 LT , LT = 0.76 curve d for h/b >2

(Tables 1 and 2).

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Petru Moga, Delia Drgan and Claudia Alb

The following values are obtained:

C a s e 1A

LT

2,109
0.69 ; LT 0.5 1 0.76 0.69 0.2 0.692 0.92 ;
4,430

LT

1
0.92 0.922 0.692

0.65 .

C a s e 1B

LT

2,109
0.65 ; LT 0.5 1 0.76 0.65 0.2 0.652 0.88 ;
4,930

LT

1
0.88 0.882 0.652

0.68 .

C a s e 1C

LT

2,109
0.49 ; LT 0.5 1 0.76 0.49 0.2 0.492 0.73 ;
8,777

LT

1
0.73 0.732 0.492

0.77 .

C a s e 2A

LT

2,109
2.83 ; LT 0.5 1 0.76 2.83 0.2 2.832 5.50 ;
263

LT

1
5.5 5.52 2.832

0.10 .

C a s e 2B

LT

2,109
2.20 ; LT 0.5 1 0.76 2.20 0.2 2.202 3.68 ;
434

Bul. Inst. Polit. Iai, t. LIX (LXIII), f. 3, 2013

LT

1
3.68 3.682 2.22

157

0.15

C a s e 2C

LT

2,109
2.10 ; LT 0.5 1 0.76 2.10 0.2 2.102 3.43 ;
477

LT

1
3.43 3.432 2.12

0.16 .

3.4. Bending Moment Resistance

According to EN 1993-1-1:2006, 6.3.2, the design buckling resistance

moment of a beam should be evaluated with the expression (2).

4. Final Remarks and Conclusions

The analysis results are presented in Table 4.
Table 4
Parameters LT and LT
Case
1A
1B
1C
2A
2B
2C

Parmeter

LT
0.69
0.65
0.49
2.83
2.20
2.10

LT
0.65
0.68
0.77
0.10
0.15
0.16

Table 5 synthetically presents the analysis results.

Taking into account that the cross-section class is 1 or 2, the ratio of the
bending moment is equal with the ratio of the reduction factors ( Wy Wpl .y ).
It can be observed that the maximum buckling moment resistance is
obtained when the load force has a stabilizing effect and the compression flange
is larger in comparison with the tension flange.

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Petru Moga, Delia Drgan and Claudia Alb

Table 5
min
M b.Rd M b.Rd
Ratio
min
M b.Rd M b.Rd

Case

1A

6.5

2A

1.0

1B

6.8

2B

1.5

1C

7.7

2C

1.6

Case

Scheme

Scheme

min
M b.Rd M b.Rd

Bul. Inst. Polit. Iai, t. LIX (LXIII), f. 3, 2013

159

REFERENCES
*

Design of Steel Structures. Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings. SR EN
1993-1-1/2006, Eurocode 3.
*
Design
of Steel Structures. Part 1-5: Plated Structural Elements. SR EN 1993-1*
*
5/2008 , Eurocode 3.
*
* * Verificarea la stabilitate a elementelor din oel n conformitate cu SR EN 1993-1.1.
Recomandri de calcul, comentarii si exemple de aplicare. Contract nr.
424/08.12.2009, Timioara, 2010.
*
*
* NCCI: Elastic Critical Moment for Lateral Torsional Buckling. SN003a EA
EU, 2006. www.access-steel.com.
*
*
* Cold Formed Gauge Members and Sheeting, Seminar on Eurocode 3. Part 1.3,
Tempus 4502-94, Timioara, 1995.
*
Design
of Steel Structures. Seminar on Eurocode 3, Tempus 4502-92, Timioara.
*
*
1993
Moga P., Grinzi metalice zvelte. Univ. Tehn., Cluj-Napoca, 2011
*

INFLUENA PARAMETRILOR DE NCRCARE ASUPRA REZISTENEI LA

INCOVOIERE CU FLAMBAJ LATERAL, A GRINZILOR METALICE
(Rezumat)
Se prezint rezultatele unei analize privind influena poziiei ncrcrii n raport
cu centrul de rsucire forfecare al seciunii transversale i influena formei seciunii
asupra rezistenei la ncovoiere cu flambaj lateral a grinzilor metalice cu seciune
monosimetric.
Calculul momentelor capabile se efectueaz n conformitate cu norma SR EN
1993-1-1:2006: Proiectarea structurilor de oel. Partea 1-1: Reguli generale i reguli
pentru cldiri.
Rezultatele obinute pot fi utile n activitatea de proiectare optimal a grinzilor
cu inim plin care sunt susceptibile de a suferi fenomenul de pierdere a stabilitii
generale prin flambaj lateral.