The influence of the torsional restraint of crane column brackets on their critical load capacity

¹ Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Metal Structures, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław
² Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy, Institute of Building Engineering, ul. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland

^* Corresponding author: michal.redecki@pwr.edu.pl

Abstract

The paper presents the results of numerical parametric studies conducted on laterally restrained steel I-columns with a single stepped asymmetric change in their cross-section. Such elements are used as a part of the outermost columns in the transversal system of steel halls with cranes. The columns are usually braced along their length with wall girts, which in a properly structured hall system have a significant effect on the columns’ load bearing capacity and determine their axis of rotation. The main aim of the presented studies is to determine the impact of parameters, such as longitudinal load distribution on the upper and lower segment of the column, the number of pointed lateral bracings and their distance to a column's external flange, and also the application of torsional restraint on the critical load capacity. Results are presented as surfaces or contour maps, in which the ordinates represent the critical loads with regards to the analysed parameters. The paper ends with practical conclusions.