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Lateral Torsional Buckling Resistance Of Steel Plate Girders According To

Euronorms

Conference Paper · November 2013

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-03714-7_30

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LATERAL TORSIONAL BUCKLING RESISTANCE OF STEEL PLATE
GIRDERS ACCORDING TO EURONORMS

ŞTEFAN I. GUŢIU1, PETRU MOGA2, ALEXANDRA D. DANCIU3 AND CĂTĂLIN MOGA4

1
Observatorului street no. 72-74, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, stefan.gutiu@cfdp.utcluj.ro
2
Observatorului street no. 72-74, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, petru.moga@cfdp.utcluj.ro
3
Observatorului street no. 72-74, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, alexandra.stan@cfdp.utcluj.ro
4
Observatorului street no. 72-74, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, catalin.moga@dst.utcluj.ro

Keywords: steel plate girders, hot-rolled steel 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.
Abstract: For steel buildings and steel bridges, in most practical cases, 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 equations so, in
the design activity we use conservative and approximate equations, useful in most practical
cases. The paper presents the evaluation of the bending resistance of steel plate girders with
built-up cross-sections and hot rolled sections 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. An analysis regarding the influence of the load location relative to the
shear center of the section and the cross-section shape has on the bending resistance of the
mono-symmetrical steel plate girders is presented. A comparative analysis concerning the
evaluation of the lateral-torsional bending resistance for hot-rolled I and H sections is also
presented. To analyze the numerical results, a hot-rolled IPE 400 is used. Determination of
the non-dimensional slenderness  LT is made using three methods: Economy method,
Simplified method and Alternative method. The results obtained can be useful in the optimal
design of steel plate girders.

1. Introduction

The steel girders subjected to bending generally have a very different rigidity relative to the
main axes ( I y  I z ) so they should be verified against lateral-torsional buckling.
Second-Value Heading 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 equations so, in the design activity, we use conservative and
approximate equations, 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 and hot-rolled I and H sections. The
girder bending resistance is evaluated according to the Euronorms [SR EN 1993-1-1/2006]
and [SR EN 1993-1-5/2006].
2. Lateral-torsional buckling resistance

2.1. Buckling resistance

According to [SR EN 1993-1-1/2006] - §6.3.2, the design buckling resistance moment of a
laterally unrestrained beam should be taken as:
fy
M b. Rd =  LT W y (1)
 M1
Where:
W pl. y − for Class 1 or 2 cross − sec tions

W y = Wel . y − for Class 3 cross − sec tions (2)

Weff . y − for Class 4 cross − sec tions
For bending moments of constant cross-sections, the value  LT for the appropriate non
dimensional slenderness  LT , should be determined from:
1
 LT = but  LT  1 (3)
2
 LT +  2
LT − LT

 (
Where  LT = 0.5 1 +  LT  LT − 0.2 +  LT ) 2
 and  LT - is an imperfection factor,
Wy f y
 LT = ; Mcr – is the elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling.
M cr
The imperfection factor  LT , corresponding to the appropriate buckling curve, may be
obtained from Tab. 1.
Buckling curve a b c d
Imperfection factor  LT 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76
Tab. 1. Imperfection factors
Recommendations for buckling curves are given in Tab. 2.a, for general cases and in Tab.
2.b for cases when alternative methods are used.
Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
h/b 2 a
Rolled I - section
h/b  2 b
h/b 2 c
Welded I - section
h/b  2 d
Other cross - section - d
Tab. 2.a. Buckling curves-General case
Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
h/b 2 b
Rolled I - section
h/b  2 c
h/b 2 c
Welded I - section
h/b  2 d
Other cross - section - d
Tab. 3.b. Buckling curves-Alternative methods
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 [Rec. de calc. 2010],
[NCCI - N003a] , [NCCI - SN002a-EA-EU]:

 2 EI z   k  I w (kL)2 GI t 
2

M cr = C1   + + (C 2 z g − C 3 z j ) − (C 2 z g − C 3 z j )
2
(4)
(kL)2 g   kw  I z  2 EI z 

For doubly-symmetric I-section, z j = 0 , and the Eq. 4 becomes:

 2 EI z   k  I w (kL)2 GI t 
2

M cr = C1   + ( )2
( )
+ C2 z g − C2 z g  (5)
(kL)2 g   k w  I z  2 EI z 

- C1, C2 and C3 are coefficients depending on the loading (moment diagram), section
properties and support conditions [NCCI - N003a], [NCCI - SN002a-EA-EU], [Tempus
4502-92 1993];
 I 
- g = 1 − z   1.0 .
 I y 

If there are no destabilizing loads, z g = 0 and it follows:

 2 EI z   k  I w (kL)2 GI t 
2

M cr = C1   + (6)
(kL)2   kw  I z

 2 EI z 

In the case of I and H doubly-symmetric cross-sections, the following approximation is
used (see [NCCI - SN002a-EA-EU]):
2
 2E A Iw h 
 20  (7)
G It I z t 
 f 

3. Determination of slenderness LT for I and H sections

3.1. Economy method

[NCCI - SN002a-EA-EU] presents a method for determining the non-dimensional
slenderness of I and H sections without the explicit determination of M cr . It is a conservative
method and it can be refined to take into account section geometry and bending moment
distribution.
When the loading is not destabilizing,  LT is given by:
1 z 1
 LT = UV w = UV  z  w (8)
C1 1 C1
Where:
- C1 – is a parameter depending on the shape of bending of moment diagram.
Conservatively, C1=1 is used in the simplified method;
 - U – is a parameter dependent on the geometry of the section, given by the
expression:
W pl. y g Iz
U= ; Conservatively, U=0.9 (9)
A I

- V – is a parameter related to slenderness. If the loading is not destabilizing, V may

be taken as:
1.0 − for symmetricsec tions about the major axis y − y
 1
 − for doubly − symmetric rolled I and H sec tions
V = 2 (10)
 4 1 + 1   z 

 20  h / t f 
 
The exact value of V is given by:
1
V= (11)
( )
2
 k  2
  + 2 z
4
 kw   E A Iw
G It I z

3.2. Simplified method

For straight segments of hot-rolled I and H sections with no destabilizing loads, the value of
 LT may be conservatively taken from Tab. 3. These values are derived from Eq. 8 taking
C1=1.0, U=0.9 and  w = 1.0.
S235 S275 S355 S420 S460
L / iz L / iz L / iz L / iz L / iz
 LT =  LT =  LT =  LT =  LT =
104 96 85 78 75
Tab. 3. Parameters  LT

3.3. Alternative method

According to SR EN 1993-1-1-§ 6.3.2.3, the reduction factor  LT , for rolled or equivalent
welded sections may be determined from:

1 1.0
 LT = ;  LT   2 (12)
 LT +  2
−  
2
LT
1 /  LT
LT

Where:
-  LT   LT .0 = 0.4 ;
 (
- LT = 0.5 1 +  LT  LT −  LT .0 +    LT ; ) 2

-  LT .0 = 0.4 (maximum value) and  = 0.75 (minimum value);  LT (Tab. 2.b).
In this method, the moment distribution between the lateral restraints of members is taken
into account by using a modified reduction factor,  LT . mod evaluated with the expression:
  LT
 LT . mod = ; but  LT . mod  1.0 (13)
f
The recommended value of parameter f is:

 (
f = 1 − 0.5 (1 − kc ) 1 − 2.0  LT − 0.8 ) ; but
2
f  1.0 (14)

4. Analysis of methods used to evaluate the non-dimensional slenderness for I and H

hot-rolled sections

In what follows next, the parameters to evaluate the lateral-torsional buckling resistance
moment of a hot-rolled girder IPE 400 are calculated.

The design data:

• Static scheme, loading, cross-sectional characteristics – Fig. 1;
• Steel: S 355 - f y = 355 N / mm 2 ;
• The girder is laterally restrained at L/3 from end supports.

Specifications:
• The central panel where the bending moment is maximum is analyzed;
• In this case there are no destabilizing loads (zg=0), because in the loading points the
girder is laterally restrained;
• In the central panel the bending moment is constant and, consequently, C2=0;
• The girder section is of Class 1.

Fig. 1 Static scheme, loading, cross-sectional characteristics

4.1. Non-dimensional slenderness  LT

4.1.1. Simplified method

L / i z 250 / 3.95
According to Tab. 3, for steel S355,  LT = = = 0.74 .
85 85
4.1.2. Refined (economy) method
When there are no destabilizing loads,  LT is given by Eq. 8:
 63.29
 LT = 1.0  0.88  0.98 1.0 = 0.72 , where: 1 / C1 =1.0, for k=1.
76.1
U is a parameter dependent on the section geometry, Eq. 9:
1307  0.97 1318  I   1318 
U= = 0.88 and g = 1 − z  = 1 −  = 0.97 .
84.5 490 000  I   23130 
 y 
1
V is a parameter related to the slenderness, Eq. 10: V = = 0.98 .
2
4 1+
1  250 / 3.95 
 
20  60 / 1.35 
kL 250 E
Parameters:  z = = = 63.29 ; 1 =  = 93.9   = 93.9  0.81 = 76.1 ;
i z 3.95 fy
Wy
w = = 1 .0 .
W pl . y

4.1.3. Determination of the non-dimensional slenderness  LT using the value of Mcr

For doubly-symmetric I sections, with no destabilizing loads (C2=0), the elastic critical
moment is given by Eq. 6:
 2 2.1  10 6  1318 490 000 250 2  0.81  10 6  51.08 −4
M cr = 1.0 + 10 = 943 kNm
250 2 1318  2 2.1  10 61318
Wy f y 1307  3550
It is obtained:  LT = = = 0.70
M cr 943  10 4

4.2. Reduction factor LT

4.2.1. Simplified method
In the simplified method, the reduction factor can be determined using Eq. 3. For  LT =0.74,
1
we obtain  LT = = 0.75
0.87 + 0.87 2 − 0.74 2

 
Where:
( ) 
-  LT = 0.5 1 +  LT  LT − 0.2 +  LT = 0.5 1 + 0.34 (0.74 − 0.2) + 0.74 2 = 0.87 ;
2

-  LT =0.34 – curve „b” for h/b >2 (Tab. 2.a).

4.2.2. Refined (economy) method [NCCI - SN002a-EA-EU]

1
From Eq. 3 and for  LT =0.72, it follows:  LT = = 0.77
0.85 + 0.85 2 − 0.72 2

 
Where:
- ( ) 2
 
 LT = 0.5 1 +  LT  LT − 0.2 +  LT = 0.5 1 + 0.34 (0.72 − 0.2) + 0.72 2 = 0.85 ;
-  LT =0.34 – curve „b” for h/b >2 (Tab. 2.a).
4.2.3. Determination of the non-dimensional slenderness  LT using the value of Mcr
1
From Eq. 3 and for  LT =0.70, it follows:  LT = = 0.78
0.83 + 0.83 2 − 0.70 2

 
Where:
- ( ) 
 LT = 0.5 1 +  LT  LT − 0.2 +  LT = 0.5 1 + 0.34 (0.70 − 0.2) + 0.70 2 = 0.83 ;
2

-  LT =0.34 – curve „b” for h/b >2 (Tab. 2.a).

4.2.4. Alternative method

In the alternative method, the reduction factor may be determined from Eq. 12:
1
 LT = = 0.82 ;
0.76 + 0.76 − 0.75  0.70 2
2

1.0
The condition is fulfilled:  LT   2
1 /  LT = 1 / 0.70 2 = 2.04
The terms introduced in Eq. 12 are:

-  LT = 0.70   LT .0 = 0.4 ; LT = 0.5 1 + 0.49 (0.70 − 0.40) + 0.75  0.702 = 0.76 ; 
-  LT .0 = 0.4 (maximum value) and  = 0.75 (minimum value);  LT =0.49 (Tab. 2.b).
 LT
The modified reduction factor  LT . mod , Eq. 13:  LT . mod = =  LT = 0.82 .
f
 (
Where parameter f: f = 1 − 0.5 (1 − k c ) 1 − 2.0  LT − 0.8 )  = 1 , for k =1.
2
c

5. Analysis of loading parameters and buckling resistance

In what follows next, we analyze 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:

- static scheme, loading and the cross-section, Fig. 2;
- material: Steel S 355 - f y = 355 N / mm 2 ;
- the girder is laterally restrained at the end supports.

The following cases are analyzed:

- the compression flange is larger in comparison with the tension flange;
- the compression flange is smaller in comparison with the tension flange.

The force acts in the following points of the cross-section:

- at the compression flange (with a destabilizing effect);
- in the shear center;
- at the tension flange.
 Fig. 2 Static scheme, loading, cross-sectional characteristics

5.1. Solution
In Fig. 3 we present the analyzed cases (a total of six cases) and the geometric design
parameters used to evaluate the lateral buckling resistance.

Fig. 3 Analyzed cases 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B and 2C

In the first case, when the compression flange is greater Fig. 4.a, the class of the cross-section
is 1, while in the second case, the compression flange smaller Fig. 4.b, the cross-section is of
Class 2.

Fig. 4 Class of the cross-section

5.2. Coefficient z j

0.4  hs (2 f − 1) − for  f  0.5 b 3fct fc

zj =  where:  f = 3
0.5  hs (2 f − 1) − for  f  0.5 b fct fc + b 3ft t ft
z j - positive when the flange with greater I z is in the compression zone.
Cases 1:  f = 0.89  0.5; z j = 0.4  82.25 (2  0.89 − 1) = 25.66
Cases 2:  f = 0.108  0.5; z j = 0.5  82.25 (2  0.108 − 1) = −32.24

5.3. Elastic critical buckling moments

By using Eq. 4, the following values, Tab. 4, for the elastic critical buckling moments are
obtained:

CASE 1A 1B 1C 2A 2B 2C
Mcr [kNm] 4430 4930 8777 263 434 477
Tab. 4. Elastic critical buckling moments

5.4. Non-dimensional slenderness,  LT , and reduction factors,  LT

The non-dimensional slenderness is evaluated with the expression:

Wy f y
 LT = , where: Wy = W pl. y = 5941 cm3 ; W pl. y  f y = 2109 kNm .
M cr
PARMETER
CASE
λ LT χ LT
1A 0.69 0.65
1B 0.65 0.68
1C 0.49 0.77
2A 2.83 0.10
2B 2.20 0.15
2C 2.10 0.16
Tab. 5. Values of the non-dimensional slenderness and the reduction factor
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 using Eq.
3. The imperfection factor,  LT =0.76 – curve „d” for h/b >2 (Tab. 1 and Tab. 2.a). The
values obtained for the cases analyzed are presented in Tab. 5.

6. Results and final remarks

6.1. Hot-rolled sections

The results obtained for the analysis of the methods used to evaluate the non-dimensional
slenderness for I and H hot-rolled sections are presented in Tab. 6.
The maximum value of the design buckling resistance moment is obtained when using the
alternative method and the minimum value is given by the simplified method (the most
conservative method).
 PARMETER
METHOD
 LT  LT
Simplified method 0.74 0.75
Refined (economy) method 0.72 0.77
Critical moment method 0.70 0.78
Alternative method 0.70 0.82
Tab. 6. Hot-rolled sections results

6.2. Built-up welded mono-symmetric sections

The results obtained for assessing the influence of the load location and the cross-section
shape are presented in Tab. 7.
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 = W pl. 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.
CASE M b.Rd / M bmin
. Rd CASE M b.Rd / M bmin
. Rd

1A 6.5 2A 1.0
1B 6.8 2B 1.5
1C 7.7 2C 1.6
Tab.7. Welded mono-symmetric sections results

References
[SR EN 1993-1-1/2006] Eurocod 3: Proiectarea structurilor de oţel. Partea 1-1: Reguli generale şi reguli pentru
clădiri.
[SR EN 1993-1-5/2006] Eurocod 3: Proiectarea structurilor de oţel. Partea 1-5: Elemente din plăci plane
solicitate în planul lor.
[Rec. de calc. 2010] Verificarea la stabilitate a elementelor din oţel în conformitate cu SR EN 1993-1.1.
Recomandări de calcul, comentarii si exemple de aplicare. Timişoara. 2010
[NCCI - N003a] NCCI - Elastic critical moment for lateral torsional buckling. SN003a – EA - EU. 2006.
www.access-steel.com.
[NCCI - SN002a-EA-EU] NCCI - Determination of non-dimensional slenderness of I and H sections. SN002a-
EA-EU. 2006. www.access-steel.com.
[Tempus 4502-92 1993] Seminar on EUROCODE 3. Design of steel structures. Tempus 4502-92. Timişoara.
1993.
[Tempus 4502-94 1995] Seminar on EUROCODE 3. Part 1.3. Cold formed gauge members and sheeting.
Tempus 4502-94. Timişoara. 1995.
[Moga, P 2011] Grinzi metalice zvelte. UTPRESS. 2011.

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