Cyclic responses of thin-walled structural steel members subjected to three-dimensional loading

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the cyclic responses of thin-walled structural steel members under an earthquake-induced, coupled three-dimensional load. Nine thin-walled structural steel members were tested under various load combinations to investigate the correlation among bending, axial load and torsion. Bending capacities of tested members were compared to distinguish the effects of torsion, axial load and their combination in affecting a member's bending performance. Test results show that members' bending strength is reduced when axial load is applied. Further reduction in member performance is exhibited when coupled torsion and axial load are both present; this reduction demonstrates the necessity for including torsion in calculating a member's bending strength when buildings are designed to be earthquake-resistant.