ABSTRACT
Design codes generally utilize the elastic lateral torsional buckling moment to determine the bending resistance of a beam. The elastic lateral torsional buckling moment of a cantilever is influenced by, amongst others, the applied load distribution, the relative height of the applied load and the positions of possible lateral bracing. Various sources of formulas (of varying levels of complexity) are available in the literature for calculating the critical buckling moment for a cantilever beam. Effective length factors depending on the properties of the beam and length of the cantilever have been calculated with the aid of these formulas. The effective length factors are presented graphically. This paper studies the most severe cases when the tip of the cantilever is not braced. The limitations of the commonly used effective length factors are indicated and it is proposed that more accurate expressions for the effective length factors should be formulated.
