Assessment of the flexural buckling resistance of bisymmetrical I-section beam-columns using FEM is widely discussed in the paper with regard to their imperfect model. The concept of equivalent geometric imperfections is applied in compliance with the so-called Eurocode’s general method. Various imperfection profiles are considered. The global effect of imperfections on the real compression members behaviour is illustrated by the comparison of imperfect beam-columns resistance and the resistance of their perfect counterparts. Numerous FEM simulations with regard to the stability behaviour of laterally and torsionally restrained steel structural elements of hot-rolled wide flange HEB section subjected to both compression and bending about the major or minor principal axes were performed. Geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses, GMNA for perfect structural elements and GMNIA for imperfect ones, preceded by LBA for the initial curvature evaluation of imperfect member configuration prior to loading were carried out. Numerical modelling and simulations were conducted with use of ABAQUS/Standard program. FEM results are compared with those obtained using the Eurocode’s interaction criteria of Method 1 and 2. Concluding remarks with regard to a necessity of equivalent imperfection profiles inclusion in modelling of the in-plane resistance of compression members are presented.

The paper deals with determination of flexural resistance buckling curves for welded I-section steel members made of high strength steel (S 690). In the paper the previously proposed BF analytical model is used for approximation of FEM results obtained using moderately large deformation shell theory and ABAQUS/Standard software. Final formulation of flexural resistance buckling curves is possible through the use of the Merchant-Rankine-Murzewski approach adopted extensively in the authors’ previous papers. For nonlinear optimization, which is needed for analytical model parameters determination, the Wolfram Mathematica package is used. Obtained results for S 690 steel are presented against the results for S 355 steel.