6. Conclusions
In summary, this paper presented four full-scale experimental tests on the stability behaviour of linearly web-tapered steel columns and beam-column. The columns were tested under constant axial force aiming for the assessment of their in-plane flexural buckling resistance and one member was tested under bending and axial force. The material and geometrical properties of all members were characterized experimentally and detailed global results were reported. The test campaign also included residual stresses tests, where four specimens with different geometries were tested.
The member geometrical properties were chosen to vary from stocky cross-sections to columns with slender (class 4) cross-sections, and therefore, they provide a good basis for their use as reference tests for the calibration and validation of numerical models.
Moreover, it was demonstrated that the commonly adopted numerical model for stability of steel members, as described in [2,3] is adequate of reproducing the experimental results if the real geometrical, material properties and imperfections are considered, together with a correct representation of the boundary conditions. Therefore, as this numerical model is supported by the experimental tests presented in this paper, it can be recommended as a good basis future development in the area of stability design.
Finally, the experimental results provide additional physical validation of the design method proposed in [2] for web-tapered columns.
