Buckling analysis of complex structures with refined model built of frame and shell finite elements

In this paper we deal with stability problems of any complex structure that can be modeled by beam and shell finite elements. We use for illustration the steel plate girders, which are used in bridge construction, and in industrial halls or building construction. Long spans, slender cross sections exposed to heavy loads, are all critical design points engineers must take into account. Knowing the critical load that will cause lateral torsional buckling of the girder, or load that can lead to web buckling, as an important scenario to consider in a design process. Many of such problem, including lateral torsional buckling with influence of lateral supports and their spacing on critical load can be solved by the proposed method. An illustrative study of web buckling also includes effects of position and spacing of transverse and longitudinal web stiffeners, where stiffeners can be modelled optionally using shell or frame elements.