System-level advanced analysis is now a viable tool for widespread use in structural
design. By directly capturing frame and member level instability effects, plasticity, initial
geometric imperfections and residual stresses in the analysis, the need for subsequent
individual member checks can be eliminated. The analysis of structural members and frames
is typically carried out using beam elements, which are unable to capture the effects of local
buckling. However, local buckling dictates the strength and ductility of cross-sections and the
extent to which plastic redistribution of forces and moments can be exploited; it cannot
therefore be disregarded. A proposal is made herein, in which strain limits, defined by the
continuous strength method, are applied to simulate local buckling in beam element models,
thereby controlling the degree to which spread of plasticity, force and moment redistribution
and strain hardening can be utilised in the design of structural elements and systems. Strains
are averaged over a defined distance along the member length to reflect the fact that local
buckling requires a finite length over which to develop and to allow for local moment gradient
effects. Design is based directly on the application of strain limits to all cross-sections in the
structure. The accuracy of the proposed method for the design of stainless steel members is
assessed through comparisons with benchmark shell finite element results; both I-section and hollow section members are considered. Comparisons against current design methods confirm
the significant benefits of applying the proposed approach in terms of both the accuracy and
the consistency of the resistance predictions. The reliability of the design approach is
demonstrated through statistical analyses performed in accordance with EN 1990. Application
of the proposed method is particularly appropriate for stainless steel structures due to the high
material value and the complexities presented by the nonlinear material stress–strain response
for traditional design treatments. The proposed method is due to be included in the two major
international stainless steel design standards EN 1993-1-4 and AISC 370.