Stability verification of frames with web tapered members and slender sections

Abstract This work presents a comprehensive parametric study using material and geometric non‐linear analyses that included the effect of imperfections (GMNIA) to determine the collapse loads of realistic frames with web tapered members and slender sections (Class 4). Various frame geometries and cross‐sectional shapes were considered totaling 22 different frames. A comparison between the results of the numerical simulations and those predicted by the General Method available in Clause 6.3.4 of Eurocode 3, shows that the method is too much on the safe side, since the estimated collapse loads are lower than those obtained using advanced calculation models (GMNIA). Finally, simple recommendations are proposed to enhance the efficiency of ultimate load estimation for frames using the General Method by adopting a less conservative buckling curve.