Buckling analysis of thin-walled circular hollow section members with and without longitudinal stiffeners

Numerical solutions for the linear buckling behavior of thin-walled circular hollow section members (CHS) with and without longitudinal stiffeners are presented using the semi-analytical finite strip method (SAFSM) which is developed based on Marguerre's shallow shell theory and Kirchhoff's assumption. The formulation of 3-nodal line finite strip is presented. The CHS members subjected to uniform axial compression, uniform bending, and combination of compression and bending. The buckling behavior of CHS is investigated through buckling curves which relate buckling stresses to lengths of the member. Effects of longitudinal stiffeners are studied with the change of its dimensions, position, and number.