Analysis-based 2D design of steel storage racks

Abstract

The paper presents a study of the capacities of steel rack frames based on linear analysis (LA), geometric nonlinear analysis (GNA), and geometric and material nonlinear analysis (GMNIA). In the case of linear and geometric nonlinear analyses, the design is carried out to the Australian cold-formed steel structures AS/NZS4600. The study includes braced, unbraced, and semi-braced frames, and compact and noncompact cross sections. The paper shows axial force and bending moment paths for geometric and geometric and material nonlinear analyses, and explains the differences observed in the design capacities obtained using the different types of analysis based on these paths. The paper provides evidence to support the use of advanced GMNIA for the direct design of steel rack frames without the need for checking section or member capacities to a structural design standard.