Elastic lateral-torsional buckling strength of I-girder with trapezoidal web corrugations using a new warping constant under uniform moment

While I-girders with trapezoidal web corrugations have been used in various structural applications and bridges, lateral torsion-flexure of I-girders with trapezoidal web corrugations still needs to be investigated, especially the general formulation for cross-section properties. This paper presents the results of theoretical and finite element analyses of the lateral-torsional buckling of an I-girder with trapezoidal web corrugations under uniform moment. By using the numerical equations and method, the location of shear center and warping constant are proposed. The elastic lateral-torsional buckling strength is then calculated via proposed cross-section properties. The results are compared with previous studies in the literature. A series of finite element analyses with different corrugation profiles and lengths are investigated and the results are compared with proposed formulas. Through comparative numerical studies, the proposed formulas are successfully verified. The effects of corrugation profiles on elastic lateral-torsional buckling strength are also investigated and discussed.