LRFD for Lateral-Torsional Buckling Resistance of Cellular Beams

Cellular beams are those that present sequential web openings along the span, and are produced by thermal cutting and welding. Studies addressing the lateral-torsional buckling resistance curve of cellular beams according to the American standard are scarce. The objective of the present study is to investigate the lateral-torsional resistance in cellular beams, considering the Load and Resistance Factor Design. To this end, geometrical and material nonlinear analyses are conducted. The cellular beams are simply supported, with fork supports at the ends, and subjected to three types of loading: uniform bending, mid-span concentrated load and uniformly distributed loads. The geometric parameters of cross section and unrestrained length are varied. Results are compared with the nominal and design flexural strength. Failure modes are associated with non-dimensional lateral-torsional stiffness. Considering the application of uniform bending moment, failure modes such as LTB and WDB + LTB occurred. In contrast, considering the presence of shear stress, failure modes such as the Vierendeel mechanism, WPB, and WPB + LTB occurred. It was concluded that when compared with the numerical model results, the design flexural strength was ineffective under inelastic buckling regime, a situation in which interaction of modes of failure can occur. When considering only the pure lateral-torsional bucking, the Load Resistance Factor Design variation was observed. This variation presented an average value equal to 0.83, differing from the procedure in question by approximately 7.8%.