Explanation: Imperfection factor for rolled section is 0.21. The imperfection factor takes into account all the relevant defects in real structure when considering buckling, geometric imperfections, eccentricity of applied loads and residual stresses. It depends on the buckling curve.

Explanation: Imperfection factor for welded section is 0.49. The imperfection factor depends on the buckling curve and takes into account all the relevant defects in real structure when considering buckling, geometric imperfections, eccentricity of applied loads and residual stresses.

Explanation: Non-dimensional slenderness ratio is given by λLT = √(βbZpfy/Mcr), where βb = 1 for plastic and compact sections, βb = Ze/Zp for semi-compact sections, Ze = elastic section modulus, Zp = plastic section modulus, Mcr is elastic critical moment.

Explanation: The non- dimensional slenderness ratio is given by λLT = √(βbZpfy/Mcr). The check for it is given by λLT ≤ 1.2 √(Zefy/Mcr), where Ze = elastic section modulus, Mcr is elastic critical moment.

Explanation: λLT = √(βbZpfy/Mcr) = √(fy/fcr,b), where βb = 1 for plastic and compact sections, βb = Ze/Zp for semi-compact sections, Ze = elastic section modulus, Zp = plastic section modulus, Mcr is elastic critical moment, fcr,b is extreme compressive elastic buckling stress.

Explanation: The elastic critical moment is given by Mcr = √{[π2EIy/ L2MLT][ GIt + (π2EIw/L2LT)]} = βbZp fcr,b , Iy = moment of inertia about minor axis, Iw = warping constant, It = St. Venant’s constant, G = Shear modulus.

Explanation: Warping constant in elastic critical moment is given by Iw = (1-βf)βf Iy h2f , where βf is ratio of moment of inertia of compression flange to sum of moments of inertia of compression and tension flanges, Iy = moment of inertia about minor axis, hf = centre-to-centre distance between flanges.

Explanation: St. Venant’s constant is given by It = ∑biti3/3. For open section (e.g. I -section) : It = 2bft3f/3 + bft3w/3.

Explanation: The value of fcr,b is given by fcr,b = [1.1π2E/(LLT/ry)2]{1+1/20[(LLT/ry)/(hf/tf)]2}0.5, where ry = radius of gyration about weaker axis, LLT = effective length for lateral-torsional buckling, tf = thickness of flange, hf = centre-to-centre distance between flanges.