Validation and Parametric Study of Lean Duplex Stainless Steel Hollow Section Stub Columns By Finite Element Analysis

In this research, a parametric study was conducted on square hollow sections (SHS) and rectangular hollow sections (RHS) columns made of a lean duplex stainless steel (LDSS) grade, namely EN 1.4162. The aim was to determine structural response data due to variations of different design parameters, which is vital in designing structural members. Finite element modeling was utilized for this and the validity of the models was confirmed by comparing them with existing experimental test data. Thickness, corner radius, load eccentricity and slenderness ratio were taken as the varying parameters to study. A total of 32 columns were modeled to study with five variations for each parameter, making a total of 160 variations. For each variation, the ultimate load and the corresponding end shortening were recorded. Each parameter has some effects on ultimate load or end shortening or both except corner radius, which has no significant effect. To visualize the effect of a parameter, a trend line equation was developed by plotting the average result of all column models for each variation of that particular parameter. A linear increase in ultimate load and end shortening can be observed with an increase in column thickness, while opposite trends were witnessed with load eccentricity. Though a linear rise in end shortening was caused by the slenderness ratio, no significant change was seen in the ultimate load of the columns. The mathematical equations presented can be employed to forecast the maximum load-bearing capacity and the associated amount of end shortening when designing structural hollow sections made of LDSS.