Reliability Assessment of Local and Global Buckling Resistances for Reclaimed Welded Box-section Columns

Abstract

This study presents an enhanced method for evaluating the buckling resistance of reclaimed steel members by proposing modified local and global buckling formulas that align with the safety provisions of the Eurocode. Standard Eurocode formulas for local and global buckling resistance are insufficient for reclaimed members, as they do not account for the standard-based imperfection magnitudes and residual stress states commonly observed in reclaimed structures. To address this gap, new buckling resistance formulas were developed and calibrated through advanced geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA). The reliability of the proposed formulas is evaluated in accordance with Annex D of EN 1990, enabling the derivation of appropriate partial safety factors for both local and global buckling modes. An additional safety factor is introduced to capture the interaction between these modes, ensuring a reliable safety assessment. The current study provides engineers with a practical method for evaluating the buckling capacity of reclaimed steel members, promoting safe and sustainable reuse in structural applications.