Inelastic lateral-torsional buckling strengths of stepped I-beams subjected to general loading condition

The cross sections of multi-span beams are sometimes suddenly increased at the interior support of continuous beams to resist high negative moment. An earlier study on elastic lateral torsional buckling of stepped beams was conducted to propose new design equations. This research aims to continue the earlier study by considering the effect of inelastic buckling of stepped beams subjected to pure bending and general loading condition. A three-dimensional finite element-program ABAQUS and a statistical program MINITAB were used in the development of new design equations. The inelastic lateral torsional buckling strengths of 36 and 27 models for singly and doubly stepped beams, respectively, were investigated. The general loading condition consists of 15 loading cases based on the number of inflection point within the unbraced length of the stepped beams. The combined effects of residual stresses and geometrical imperfection were also considered to evaluate the inelastic buckling strengths. The proposed equations in this study will definitely improve current design methods for the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling of stepped beams and will increase efficiency in building and bridge design.