ABSTRACT
The finite strip method of buckling analysis of thin-walled sections is a very efficient tool for investigating the buckling behavior of cold-formed members in compression and bending. The buckling modes which are calculated by the analysis can be drawn by using computer graphics, and consequently it is a useful method for demonstrating the different modes of buckling of thin-walled members. It is the purpose of this chapter to demonstrate the finite strip buckling analysis to describe generally the different modes of buckling of cold-formed members in compression and bending. Although this description is not central to the application of the design methods described in later chapters, it facilitates an understanding of these methods. In addition, the finite strip method of analysis can be used to give more accurate values of the local buckling and distortional buckling stresses than is available by simple hand methods. The AISI Specification does not explicitly allow the use of finite strip analyses to determine section strength. However, the Specification Committee is presently (2000) debating a change called the direct strength method, explained in Chapter 12. The Australian/New Zealand Standard (Ref. 1.4) permits the use of more accurate methods such as the finite strip method.
