Behavior of Steel Welded Tapered Beam-column

Abstract

Steel structural elements with variable cross-section, made of welded plates, are largely used in the construction industry for both beams and columns in accordance with the stress and stiffness demand in the structure. These types of elements are mainly used for the design of single storey frames with pitched roof rafters and pinned column base. Rafters and columns can be designed as tapered members made of steel welded plates, respecting the bending moment diagrams for gravitational load combination. This paper deals with experimental tests performed on tapered beam-columns elements, subjected to both bending moment and compressive axial force together with analytical investigation.