Quasi-static and dynamic axial crushing of TWCF open-section members

The paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental investigations into an influence of strain rate (loading velocity) upon the structural behaviour of TWCF members, namely top hat section and plain channel section columns subjected to uniaxial uniform compression. Theoretical analysis was performed using the FE method and the analytical solution based on the plastic yield-line analysis. In both cases the plastic strain rate was taken into account. Experimental static and quasi-static tests were conducted with different loading velocities up to 600 mm/min. Results of numerical calculations together with tests results are shown in load-shortening diagrams. Failure patterns are also presented. Some conclusions concerning the influence of strain-rate upon the ultimate load and post-failure path of examined members are derived.