Experiment and code-based study on high-strength steel pin-ended angles under axial compression

This study describes an experimental and numerical modelling investigation of the buckling behaviour and load-carrying capacities of pin-ended hot-rolled high-strength structural steel equal-leg angle section columns. The testing programme involved material testing, measurements of the initial geometric imperfections, and 48 pin-ended column tests. The non-linear finite element models were developed considering the residual stresses, geometric imperfections, and stress–strain curves obtained from the tension coupon tests, and the models were validated. Next, a parametric study was carried out to generate additional numerical data. The experiment and numerical results were analysed in detail and then utilised to evaluate the accuracy of the established design rules in China, the USA, and Europe. Through an in-depth comparative study, it was proved that the prediction of the compressive load-carrying capacity of high-strength steel angle section columns, using code GB50017, is relatively accurate. •The specimens with slenderness ratios of 30 and 45 mainly failed due to local buckling.•The specimens with slenderness ratios of 60 and 80 mainly failed due to overall flexural buckling around a weak axis.•The results derived from the experimental and FE analyses are carefully analysed and then utilised to evaluate the accuracy of the established design rules in China, America and Europe.•The prediction of compression bearing capacity of high-strength steel angles by code GB50017-2017 is relatively accurate.