WP1 – DATABASE OF THE NUMERICAL

PARAMETRIC STUDIES

This database was set up to collect all the results of the parametric analyses in such a way that all
information was stored in a way that is identical for all the partners. This will facilitate a probable use
of it in the future.

Each file is an ASCII text file in order to be readable by any software, for instance a spreadsheet
program or home-made software in any language.

The information from each numerical test is stored in one line of the file. One line represents one
simulation. On this line all parameters representative of the chosen parameters are separated by one (or
more) blank character. Use of the TAB key to generate blank was not admitted.

Each tested beam or column has two ends called “min” and “max”. In case of prismatic members, the
size of the section is the same at both ends. In tapered members, the depth of the section is different at
both ends and the smallest value at end “min”.

In all sections, the temperature is assumed to be uniform in the section.

Each section has a strong axis (called y-y axis) and a weak axis (z-z). A moment around the strong axis
produces a variation of the bending stresses on the depth of the section in the direction of the web
whereas there is no variation on the width of the section in the direction of flanges. Flexural buckling is
in the strong axis in the direction parallel to the web. Flexural buckling in the weak axis and lateral
torsional buckling are in the direction parallel to the flanges.
First line:

This line contains some words which are used to indicate the meaning of the numbers contained in the
next lines.

Subsequent lines:

Each line contains the parameters describing the simulation. These parameters are written horizontally
in the line but for a convenient description in this report they are arranged vertically:

Name [-]: A chain of characters that gives the name of the section. It could be, for
example IPE200 for a hot-rolled cross-section, or 1000x12+200x20 for a
welded section. It has been put here for convenience, in order to help users
to quickly identify a section type in the database. No blank character is
allowed in the name

Type of section: Only the characters H or W are allowed here. H is for hot-rolled sections
and W is for welded sections

hw,min [mm]: Height of the web at the minimum end. This height is measured between
the flanges. For a hot rolled section, this value should be equal to the depth
of the section minus twice the thickness of the flange

hw,max [mm]: Height of the web at the maximum end. Equal to hw,min for prismatic
members, different for tapered ones.

tw [mm]: Thickness of the web

b [mm]: Width of the section (width of the flanges)

tf [mm]: Thickness of the flanges

r [mm]: Radius of the root fillet between the flanges and the web. A value of 0
must be used in case of hot-rolled section if the root fillet has not been
taken into account in the simulation

L [mm]: Length of the member between the ends. If this element is a column, this is
also the distance between the hinges.

Lb,strong/L [-]: Ratio between the buckling length around the strong axis and the length of
the member. Normally, this ratio is equal to 1. Possible exceptions might
be: if a cantilever column of beam would be simulated, the ratio would be
2, a ratio of 0.5 for a beam would mean a beam on 3 supports, a ratio of 0.0
for a column would mean that it was really desired in the simulation to
have buckling around the weak axis without any interaction with strong
axis.

Lb,weak/L [-]: Ratio between the buckling length around the weak axis and the length of
the member. A ratio of 0.0 for a column would mean that buckling has
been forced to occur around the strong axis. A ratio of 0.0 for a beam
would mean that lateral torsional buckling has been prevented.

kw: 1 if warping is free at both end, 0.5 if warping is prevented at both ends

fyw [MPa = N/mm²]: Yield strength of the web

fyf [MPa = N/mm²]: Yield strength of the flanges

Residual stress 0 if no residual stresses have been considered in the simulation, 1 if

indicator: residual stress have been considered

T [°C]: Steel temperature

N [kN]: Axial load (can be equal to 0 for a beam)

Mmin,strong [kN.m]: Bending moment around the strong axis at the minimum section

Mmax,strong [kN.m]: Bending moment around the strong axis at the maximum section

Mmin,weak [kN.m]: Bending moment around the weak axis at the minimum section

Mmax,weak [kN.m]: Bending moment around the weak axis at the maximum section

Q [kN/m]: Uniformly distributed load on the strong axis

ZG [mm]: Distance between the center of the section and the application of Q
(positive on the compressive flange)

Software code: ABAQUS, ANSYS or SAFIR

Version of the software: e.g. “2013.b.2”, “v14” or “6.10”

Research centre Ulg, CTICM, UniAv; TECNALIA or CTU

Degree [-]: Degree of the shell finite element, =1 for linear elements (4 nodes), =2 for
second order (parabolic) elements (8 nodes)

NG [-]: Number of integration points on the thickness of the shell finite elements

NL [-]: Number of finite elements on the length of the member

Nh [-]: Number of finite elements on the height of the web of the member

Nb [-]: Number of finite elements on the width of the flange

Date of the simulation: YYYYMMDD