Web Local Buckling 2.1 2002/07/26 2003/01/13 Michael Terk terk@rice.edu Joanna Gonzalez joannag@owlnet.rice.edu Michael Terk terk@rice.edu beam buckling local web (Blank Abstract)

Introduction to Web Local Buckling The third limit state for beams is Web Local Buckling, or WLB for short. This type of buckling occurs when the width-thickness ratio is not large enough to withstand the moment on the beam. The way to prevent this type of buckling is to limit the with-thickness ratio. The limits can be computed for web local buckling. The width-thickness ratio is compared to λ p and λ r . Then the maximum moment can be calculated.

Equations to determine WLB

The graph illustrates the options for WLB

When, b t λ p there is no WLB and the cross section is compact because, M n M p M p F y Z 1.5 M y from the yielding state. When, λ p b t λ r the graph is linear, and therefore a linear interpolation between M p and M y is used for the maximum moment. And finally, when b t λ r the graph is non-linear, the web is non-slender, and there is an equation to find the maximum moment in Appendix F of the Specification section of the Manual (page 16.1-96).