3D mesh-free modeling of buckling distortions in hollow-section steel columns with openings

This paper introduces a novel three-dimensional peridynamic model to simulate buckling distortions in hollow-section steel columns (HSSC) with access openings. This research aims to improve the safety and performance of steel structures, particularly in lateral loadings such as those encountered during seismic and wind events. The peridynamic method is employed to model the excessive deformations in steel elements when the combined actions of compression and lateral loadings impact them. The validation of the 3D peridynamic model through rigorous comparisons with experimental measurements enhances the credibility of the proposed model. We provide significant and deep insights into the performance of HSSC through a detailed investigation of the buckling distortional behavior of HSSC with access openings under lateral loadings. The study reveals that a 28.5 % increase in access opening diameter leads to a twofold increase in axial buckling distortions when lateral loading is applied parallel to the opening surface. However, tripling the diameter of the access opening produces an increase in axial buckling distortion about 2.5 times when HSSC is subjected to loading axially and bilaterally. Therefore, the effects of the access opening size are more pronounced when lateral loading is applied parallel to the access opening surface, compared to bilateral loadings. The study also reveals that adding a second access opening to the HSSC reduces the load-bearing capacity and strength more significantly than increasing the diameter of the first access opening.