Structural Behavior of Stainless Steel Channel Sections Under Axial Compression

Abstract Designing non‐doubly symmetric steel sections requires more careful consideration than conventional sections due to their complex structural performance and different failure modes. This paper focuses on the buckling behavior of cold‐formed 304L austenitic stainless steel channel columns under axial compression. Geometric and material nonlinear finite element models, developed using Ansys software, are employed. These models are validated against experimental results for C40x40x5x5 mm and C80x80x3x3 mm columns, with length of 600mm, followed by a parametric study, considering the variation in length. The failure modes in the numerical analyses are identified using the Generalized Beam Theory criteria with the GBTUL program and are compared with the normative prescriptions of Eurocode 3, Part 1‐4, Direct Strength Method proposed (DSM prop ), as well as the Continuous Strength Method (CSM). Additionally, ultimate loads are calculated for each methodology. It is known that necessary adjustments to the formulations because the standard was originally designed for carbon steel structures. Equivalent results in this study reinforce these adjustments, as stainless steel demonstrates additional strength after hardening. In this context, the DSM prop appears to provide more promising results.