Apr 17, 2023
4 mins read
4 mins read

Local buckling of the flange and web

Part A: Local Buckling of Flange

Local buckling of the flange is a phenomenon that can occur in steel or composite beams, where the flange of the beam experiences excessive deformation or failure due to compressive forces acting on it. The flange is the horizontal component of a beam that extends outward from the web and supports the load applied to the beam.

Local buckling of the flange can occur when the compressive forces acting on the flange exceed its capacity to resist buckling. This can happen when the beam is subjected to high bending moments or a combination of bending moments and axial loads. When the flange buckles, it can lead to a reduction in the overall load-carrying capacity of the beam and potentially compromise the stability and performance of the structure.

To prevent local buckling of the flange in steel or composite beams, structural engineers use various design techniques, including:

  1. Flange stiffeners: These are additional plates or angles that are added to the flange of the beam to increase its stiffness and resistance to buckling. Flange stiffeners are typically placed at locations where the flange is subjected to high bending moments.
  2. Increase in flange thickness: A thicker flange can provide increased resistance to local buckling. Structural engineers may specify a thicker flange for beams that are expected to experience high bending moments.
  3. Compact section design: Structural engineers may design the beam with compact sections, which have higher resistance to local buckling compared to non-compact sections. Compact sections have slender elements that are less prone to buckling.
  4. Design code requirements: Structural engineers follow design codes and standards, such as the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) code in the United States, which provide guidelines for the design of steel and composite beams to prevent local buckling of the flange.

It's important to note that local buckling of the flange is a complex phenomenon that requires careful analysis and design by a qualified structural engineer. Proper consideration of loads, material properties, and design code requirements is necessary to prevent local buckling and ensure the safe and efficient performance of steel or composite beams in structural applications.

Part B: Local Buckling of Web

Local buckling of the web is a phenomenon that can occur in steel or composite beams, where the web of the beam experiences excessive deformation or failure due to compressive forces acting on it. The web is the vertical component of a beam that connects the upper and lower flanges, and it is typically thinner than the flanges.

Local buckling of the web can occur when the compressive forces acting on the web exceed its capacity to resist buckling. This can happen when the beam is subjected to high axial loads, shear forces, or a combination of axial loads and shear forces. When the web buckles, it can lead to a reduction in the overall load-carrying capacity of the beam and potentially compromise the stability and performance of the structure.

To prevent local buckling of the web in steel or composite beams, structural engineers use various design techniques, including:

  1. Web stiffeners: These are additional plates or angles that are added to the web of the beam to increase its stiffness and resistance to buckling. Web stiffeners are typically placed at locations where the web is subjected to high axial loads or shear forces.
  2. Increase in web thickness: A thicker web can provide increased resistance to local buckling. Structural engineers may specify a thicker web for beams that are expected to experience high compressive forces.
  3. Lateral restraint: Properly designed lateral restraint, such as bracing or shear connectors, can help prevent local buckling of the web by providing additional support and stability to the web.
  4. Design code requirements: Structural engineers follow design codes and standards, such as the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) code in the United States, which provide guidelines for the design of steel and composite beams to prevent local buckling of the web.

It's important to note that local buckling of the web is a complex phenomenon that requires careful analysis and design by a qualified structural engineer. Proper consideration of loads, material properties, and design code requirements is necessary to prevent local buckling and ensure the safe and efficient performance of steel or composite beams in structural applications.