Second-order axial force and midspan deflection in a simple supported beam axially restrained

Design aids for the calculation of the induced axial force and mid-span deflection in a simple supported beam axially restrained with an initial imperfection (camber) under transverse loads are presented. In addition, closed-form equations based on equilibrium developed by Aristizabal-Ochoa [Aristizabal-Ochoa JD. Second-order axial deflections of imperfect 3-D beam–column. ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics 2000; 126(11): 1201–8] are also presented in order to verify the validity of the proposed method and design aids. Both, equations and design aids find great applicability in the analysis and design of slender flexible beams that are restrained axially. The method proposed and design aids are based on a general model presented by the authors in a previous paper [Smith-Pardo JP, Aristizabal-Ochoa JD. Buckling with reversals of axially restrained beam–column with initial imperfections. ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics 1999; 125(4): 401–9]. A comprehensive example is included to show the simplicity and validity of the proposed method.