Behaviour and design of fixed-ended steel channel section columns
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Dai, Ruikai
Gardner, Leroy
Wadee, M Ahmer
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The mechanical behaviour and design of fixed-ended steel channel section members subjected to axial
compression are studied herein. The mechanical response of channel section columns is first described. Existing experimental data on channel section columns made from normal and high strength steels are then employed to validate numerical models developed within the commercial finite element package ABAQUS. A comprehensive parametric study is subsequently conducted that encompasses a broad spectrum of geometric configurations and slenderness values. The mechanical behaviour and ultimate resistance of fixed-ended steel channel section columns are shown to be dependent on not only the global slenderness, but also on the ratio of the elastic torsional–flexural to minor-axis flexural buckling loads. The generated numerical parametric study results are employed to evaluate the ultimate resistance predictions given by the current Eurocode 3 design provisions, revealing an excessive level of conservatism. Finally, a new design approach for fixed-ended steel channel section columns, suitable for incorporation into future revisions of Eurocode 3, is proposed that significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of the resistance predictions. A reliability analysis of the proposed design approach is conducted in accordance with the procedure within EN 1990, resulting in a recommended partial safety factor 𝛾M1 = 1.0.
compression are studied herein. The mechanical response of channel section columns is first described. Existing experimental data on channel section columns made from normal and high strength steels are then employed to validate numerical models developed within the commercial finite element package ABAQUS. A comprehensive parametric study is subsequently conducted that encompasses a broad spectrum of geometric configurations and slenderness values. The mechanical behaviour and ultimate resistance of fixed-ended steel channel section columns are shown to be dependent on not only the global slenderness, but also on the ratio of the elastic torsional–flexural to minor-axis flexural buckling loads. The generated numerical parametric study results are employed to evaluate the ultimate resistance predictions given by the current Eurocode 3 design provisions, revealing an excessive level of conservatism. Finally, a new design approach for fixed-ended steel channel section columns, suitable for incorporation into future revisions of Eurocode 3, is proposed that significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of the resistance predictions. A reliability analysis of the proposed design approach is conducted in accordance with the procedure within EN 1990, resulting in a recommended partial safety factor 𝛾M1 = 1.0.
Date Issued
2026-09-01
Date Acceptance
2026-04-29
Citation
Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2026, 244 (Part A)
ISSN
0143-974X
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Constructional Steel Research
Volume
244
Issue
Part A
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
110440
Date Publish Online
2026-05-12