Comparison of Axial Capacity and Nonlinear Buckling Behavior of Welded Built-Up and Hot-Rolled H-Beam Steel Columns

Febri Novianto; Ony Frengky Rumihin; Buntara Sthenly Gan

doi:10.67412/jceegs.v1i2.76

Authors

Febri Novianto Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Ony Frengky Rumihin Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Buntara Sthenly Gan Nihon University, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67412/jceegs.v1i2.76

Keywords:

Finite Element Analysis, Global Flexural Buckling, Hot-Rolled H-Sections, Initial Geometric Imperfections, Steel Columns, Welded Built-Up H-Sections

Abstract

The buckling resistance of steel columns is governed by cross-sectional properties, initial geometric imperfections, and residual stresses associated with fabrication. Differences between hot-rolled and welded built-up H-sections may therefore affect their nonlinear stability response. This study compares the buckling behavior of steel columns with these two section types using finite element analysis in SAP2000. The numerical models account for geometric nonlinearity, initial geometric imperfections, and fabrication-related residual stress effects represented through a material-zoning approach. Structural behavior is assessed in terms of buckling factors, ultimate axial capacity, load–displacement relationships, and deformation patterns. The results show that all models exhibit global flexural buckling, consistent with the governing mode identified by eigenvalue analysis. The hot-rolled section achieves a slightly higher ultimate axial capacity than the welded built-up section, whereas the orientation of initial geometric imperfections substantially affects lateral deformation and the nonlinear response. Although the capacity difference between the section types is relatively small, the findings indicate that manufacturing-related characteristics and imperfection orientation influence column stability. This comparison highlights the importance of incorporating initial imperfections and fabrication-related effects into nonlinear numerical assessments of steel compression members. The results provide a comparative basis for evaluating the stability behavior of hot-rolled and welded built-up H-section columns.

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