Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Column Web in Compression

Abstract

Advanced analysis of steel structures requires an accurate modelling of beam-to-column joints to be used for complete non linear analyses including both mechanical non-linearity and geometrical non linearity. Therefore, the prediction of the rotational behaviour of beam-to-column joints is necessary. To this scope the component approach can be applied. Within this framework, in this paper the attention is focused on the behaviour of the column web in compression, which represents an important joint component influencing significantly the rotational response of unstiffened connections where continuity plates are omitted. In particular, in order to analyse the whole force-displacement behaviour of this component, an experimental program has been planned and performed on twelve specimens represented by standard HEA and HEB series whose web has been subjected to transversal compression, under displacement control, allowing the investigation of the post-buckling behaviour.