This paper provides a review of recent developments in research and design practice surrounding the structural use of stainless steel, with an emphasis on structural stability. The nonlinear stress-strain characteristics of stainless steel, which are discussed first, give rise to a structural response that differs somewhat from that of structural carbon steel. Depending on the type and proportions of the structural element or system, the nonlinear material response can lead to either a reduced or enhanced capacity relative to an equivalent component featuring an elastic, perfectly plastic material response. In general, in strength governed scenarios, such as the in-plane bending of stocky beams, the substantial strain hardening of stainless steel gives rise to capacity benefits, while in stability governed scenarios, the early onset of stiffness degradation results in reduced capacity. This behaviour is observed at all levels of structural response including at cross-sectional level, member level and frame level, as described in the paper. Current and emerging design approaches that capture this response are also reviewed and evaluated. Lastly, with a view to the future, the application of advanced analysis to the design of stainless steel structures and the use of 3D printing for the construction of stainless steel structures are explored.

Stability and design of stainless steel structures – Review and outlook

Aluminium alloys as structural material: A review of research

https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/14225/4/FullText.pdf

Structural response and continuous strength method design of slender stainless steel cross-sections

Residual stress magnitudes and distributions in structural stainless steel built-up sections have been comprehensively investigated in this study. A total of 18 test specimens were fabricated from hot-rolled stainless steel plates by means of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Two grades of stainless steel were considered, namely the austenitic grade EN 1.4301 and the duplex grade EN 1.4462. Using the sectioning method, the test specimens were divided into strips. The residual stresses were then computed by multiplying the strains relieved during sectioning by the measured Young׳s moduli determined from tensile and compressive coupon tests. Residual stress distributions were obtained for 10 I-sections, four square hollow sections (SHS) and four rectangular hollow sections (RHS). Peak tensile residual stresses reached around 80% and 60% of the material 0.2% proof stress for grades EN 1.4301 and EN 1.4462, respectively. Based upon the test data, simplified predictive models for residual stress distributions in stainless steel built-up I-sections and box sections were developed. Following comparisons with other available residual stress test data, the applicability of the proposed models was also extended to other stainless steel alloys. The proposed residual stress patterns are suitable for inclusion in future analytical models and numerical simulations of stainless steel built-up sections.

/pdf/residual-stress-distributions-in-welded-stainless-steel-4khvzesuul.pdf

Residual stress distributions in welded stainless steel sections

Lateral-torsional buckling of steel I-beams retrofitted by bonded and un-bonded CFRP laminates with different pre-stress levels: Experimental and numerical study

This paper presents twenty-eight stub columns tests on stainless steel built-up sections. The test specimens, including I-sections, square hollow sections (SHS) and rectangular hollow sections (RHS), were fabricated by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) from hot-rolled plates of nominal thicknesses 6 mm and 10 mm. The twenty-eight stub columns, of two stainless steel alloys (austenitic EN 1.4301 and duplex EN 1.4462), were tested in pure axial compression. Both tensile and compressive material properties were obtained by means of coupon tests in three directions – longitudinal, diagonal and transverse to the rolling direction. Geometric imperfection measurements for each specimen were conducted by means of a calibrated electric guideway, and residual stress distributions in the built-up sections were determined by means of the sectioning method. The test strengths were used to evaluate the design strengths predicted by EN 1993-1-4, the Continuous Strength Method (CSM) and the direct strength method (DSM). It was demonstrated that the predicted strengths from EN 1993-1-4 provisions were generally conservative, while both the CSM and the DSM predicted values were closer to the test strengths.

/pdf/stub-column-tests-on-stainless-steel-built-up-sections-4w21nhnh14.pdf

Stub column tests on stainless steel built-up sections

https://spiral.imperial.ac.uk/bitstream/10044/1/43948/6/compr.pdf

Local–overall interactive buckling of welded stainless steel box section compression members

Local–overall interactive buckling behaviour of welded stainless steel I-section columns

A comprehensive experimental programme has been carried out to investigate the local buckling and postbuckling strengths of aluminium alloy I-section stub columns. A total of 15 test specimens made of two heat-treated aluminium alloys (6061-T6 and 6063-T5) were fabricated by extrusion. The material properties were acquired by the tensile coupons cut directly from the extruded cross-sections. The local geometric imperfections in sections were accurately measured prior to the tests. The stub column specimens were tested under axial compression between two fixed end supports, during which the local plate buckling featured visibly for each test specimen before reaching the peak load. The critical local buckling strengths were determined from the measured out-of-plane deflections and surface strains corresponding to the plate elements, which were further compared with the theoretical and analytical values taking into account element interaction and material non-linearity. Based on the obtained experimental postbuckling strengths, the design provisions in current design standards, including the American, Australian/New Zealand, European and Chinese specifications, were all evaluated. It was revealed that the predicted compressive strengths from the four design standards were generally conservative, especially for the cross-sections made of aluminium alloys with pronounced strain hardening properties.

Y.J. Shi

Papers

Residual stress distributions in welded stainless steel sections

Stub column tests on stainless steel built-up sections

Local–overall interactive buckling of welded stainless steel box section compression members

Local–overall interactive buckling behaviour of welded stainless steel I-section columns

Local buckling and postbuckling strength of extruded aluminium alloy stub columns with slender I-sections