Lateral buckling formula of stepped beams with length-to-height ratio factor

Lateral-torsional buckling moment resistances of I-shaped stepped beams with continuous lateral top-flange bracing under a single point load on the top flange and negative end moments were investigated. Stepped beam factors and a moment gradient correction factor suggested by Park et al. (2003, 2004) were used to develop new lateral buckling formula for beam designs. From the investigation of finite element analysis (FEA), new lateral buckling formula of beams with singly or doubly stepped member changes and with continuous lateral top-flange bracing subjected to a single point load on top flange and end moments were developed. The new design equation includes the length-to-height ratio factor to account for the increase of lateral-torsional buckling moment resistance as the increase of length-to-height ratio of stepped beams. The calculation examples for obtaining lateral-torsional buckling moment resistance using the new design equation indicate that engineers should easily determine the buckling capacity of the stepped beams.