Web crippling behaviour of stainless‐steel sigma sections: End‐two‐flange load case – Comparison study

Abstract Numerous section profiles have been introduced to the conventional steel industry. Such sections can be applicable to stainless steel as well and the merits of the section profiles can be amplified. Sigma section is one of the innovative section profiles which offers numerous benefits including higher torsional resistance and high cross‐sectional resistance. However, the existence of longitudinal stiffeners in sigma sections might cause web crippling failure under concentrated loads. Hence, this article intends to study the web crippling behaviour of stainless‐steel sigma sections under end‐two‐flange (ETF) load case. Comprehensive numerical investigation was conducted utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) software package, ABAQUS CAE. The numerical model was successfully validated against experimental results and a parametric plan was developed. The results were analysed with each critical parameter. Ultimately, web crippling capacity of stainless‐steel sigma sections was compared with similar carbon steel sections.