• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.223-243
• /
• 2010

This paper reports recent developments concerning the application of Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) to the structural analysis of steel-concrete composite bridges. The potential of GBT-based semi-analytical or finite element-based analyses in this field is illustrated/demonstrated by showing that both accurate and computationally efficient solutions may be achieved for a wide range of structural problems, namely those associated with the bridge (i) linear (first-order) static, (ii) vibration and (iii) lateral-torsional-distortional buckling behaviours. Several illustrative examples are presented, which concern bridges with two distinct cross-sections: (i) twin box girder and (ii) twin I-girder. Allowance is also made for the presence of discrete box diaphragms and both shear lag and shear connection flexibility effects.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.49-75
• /
• 2004

The paper derives, validates and illustrates the application of GBT-based formulae to estimate distortional critical lengths and bifurcation stress resultants in cold-formed steel rack-section columns, beams and beam-columns with arbitrarily inclined mid-stiffeners and four support conditions. After a brief review of the Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) basics, the main concepts and procedures employed to obtain the formulae are addressed. Then, the GBT-based estimates are compared with exact results and, when possible, also with values yielded by formulae due to Lau and Hancock, Hancock and Teng et al. A few remarks on novel aspects of the rack-section beam-column distortional buckling behaviour, unveiled by the GBT-based approach, are also included.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.6 no.3
• /
• pp.221-236
• /
• 2006

The objective of this work is to describe the main steps involved in the derivation of a GBT (Generalised Beam Theory) formulation to analyse the vibration behaviour of loaded cold-formed steel members and also to illustrate the application and capabilities of this formulation. In particular, the paper presents and discusses the results of a detailed investigation about the local and global free vibration behaviour of lipped channel simply supported columns. After reporting some relevant earlier GBT-based results dealing with the buckling and vibration behaviours of columns and load-free members, the paper addresses mostly issues concerning the variation of the column fundamental frequency and vibration mode nature/shape with its length and axial compression level. For validation purposes, some GBT-based results are also compared with values obtained by means of 4-node shell finite element analyses performed in the code ABAQUS.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.625-638
• /
• 2017

This paper presents a novel approach that describes the first-order (linear elastic) partial interaction analysis of members formed by multi-components based on the Generalised Beam Theory (GBT). The novelty relies on its ability to accurately model the partial interaction between the different components forming the cross-section in both longitudinal and transverse directions as well as to consider the cross-sectional deformability. The GBT deformations modes, that consist of the conventional, extensional and shear modes, are determined from the dynamic analyses of the cross-section represented by a planar frame. The partial interaction is specified at each connection interface between two adjacent elements by means of a shear deformable spring distributed along the length of the member. The ease of use of the model is outlined by an application performed on a multi-component member subjected to an eccentric load. The values calculated with an ABAQUS finite element model are used to validate the proposed method. The results of the numerical applications outline the influence of specifying different rigidities for the interface shear connection and in using different order of polynomials for the shape functions specified in the finite element cross-section analysis.