Equivalent radius of gyration approach to flexural-torsional buckling for singly symmetric sections

Abstract

The introduction of the equivalent radius of gyration for flexural-torsional buckling (and torsional buckling to some degree) is an effective way of introducing the concept of this buckling mode to the steel design student or the novice designer. the tables associated with this equivalent radius of gyration provide an excellent supplement to the AISC manuals and an easy way to introduce this buckling mode into the usual design procedure for compression members. With some brief initial explanation of this buckling phenomena and how it interacts with the usual flexural buckling considerations, the introduction of the equivalent radius of gyration for flexural-torsional buckling blends right into usual design considerations and computations.