Beam-Column Design Equations for Wide-Flange Pultruded Structural Shapes

A simple procedure is developed for the selection of pultruded structural shapes to be used as beam-columns in structural design. The design equations are then validated by comparison with experimental data gathered during beam-column testing of wide-flange and I-beam pultruded structural shapes. The design procedure accounts for axial load eccentricity and bending action induced by lateral loads and end-moments. The design equations are set in the context of load and resistance factor design, considering both strength and serviceability. This paper addresses the methodology to determine the resistance factors, which should be used with properly selected load-factors accounting for the variability and uncertainty of the loads. The design equations use section-properties, such as the bending stiffness (EI), which must be measured and supplied by industry. It is found that the section-properties used in the design of beams and columns are sufficient for the design of beam-columns. Therefore, the cost and time involved in testing structural shapes are minimized. This paper also addresses the means by which section-properties can be generated effectively and inexpensively.