Effect of lateral-rotational restraint and strength of continuously braces on lateral buckling load for H-shaped beams

When the continuously braces such as folded-roof plate can be jointed to the upper flanges of H-shaped beams, the continuously braces are expected to be effective to restrain the lateral deformation of H-shaped beams. In this paper, the elastic lateral buckling load of H-shaped beams with continuously bracings and the required lateral and rotational rigidities of braces are developed with the energy method. Next, the elasto-plastic buckling stress is evaluated using the modified slenderness ratio with the elastic lateral buckling load for continuously braces. Finally, the relationship between the rigidity and strength of braces is clarified.