Biaxial bending of cold-formed steel storage rack uprights - Part II: Direct strength method

Abstract

This paper uses the results from the parametric studies reported in the companion paper to verify the accuracy of different forms of published direct strength method (DSM) equations. They consist of the classical DSM equations and considering the inelastic reserve capacity into these equations, with and without an extended range of the cross-sectional slenderness. The verifications are made for local and distortional buckling modes. Results show that for all investigated buckling modes, the DSM results in better predictions when the inelastic reserve capacity is considered. The appropriate form of the DSM to predict the biaxial capacity of unperforated cold-formed steel storage rack uprights is discussed.