Structural Stability of Steel: Concepts and Applications for Structural Engineers

Theodore V. Galambos

Preference :

In order to truly understand the behavior and design of metal structures, an engineer needs to have a fundamental understanding of structural stability. More so than structures designed using other construction materials, steel structures are governed to a great extent on stability limit states. All major international design specifications include provisions based on stability theory. The purpose of this book is to provide students and practicing engineers with both the theory governing the stability of steel structures and a practical look at how that theory translates into design methodologies currently implemented in steel design specifications. The topics presented in the text pertain to various aspects of elastic buckling and inelastic instability. An understanding of stability limits is very important in the design of structures: Catastrophic failures can, and tragically have resulted from violating fundamental principles of stability in design. Maintaining stability is particularly important during the erection phase of construction, when the structural skeleton is exposed prior to the installation of the final stabilizing features, such as slabs, walls, and/or cladding.