Cross-section classification of elliptical hollow sections

Tubular construction is widely used in a range of civil and structural engineering applications. To date, the principal product range has comprised square, rectangular and circular hollow sections. However, hot-rolled structural steel elliptical hollow sections have been recently introduced and offer further choice to engineers and architects. Currently though, a lack of fundamental structural performance data and verified structural design guidance is inhibiting uptake. Of fundamental importance to structural metallic design is the concept of cross-section classification. This paper proposes slenderness parameters and a system of cross-section classification limits for elliptical hollow sections, developed on the basis of laboratory tests and numerical simulations. Four classes of cross-sections, namely Class 1 to 4 have been defined with limiting slenderness values. For the special case of elliptical hollow sections with an aspect ratio of unity, consistency with the slenderness limits for circular hollow sections in Eurocode 3 has been achieved. The proposed system of cross-section classification underpins the development of further design guidance for elliptical hollow sections.