Experimental investigations – Steel rolled I shape beam‐columns with mid‐length restraint

Steel rolled I shape beam‐columns, especially of narrow flange sections unrestrained between the end supports are sensitive to flexural‐torsional buckling. In order to increase their resistance, in‐span lateral‐torsional restraints are applied. Experimental investigations into the behaviour of steel rolled I‐section beam‐columns under moment gradient are presented in this paper. The beam‐column tested is restrained laterally and torsionally in a mid‐length. The experimental setup and testing procedures are described. A total number of 5 specimens (used for 9 tests with different proportions between the dimensionless maximum bending moment and compressive force) were designed. Test measurements and observations are reported. Finally, the experimental resistance results are compared with those of the preliminary finite element model made available in ABAQUS.