Experimental investigation on H-section members with large width-thickness ratios under traverse impact

Experimental work of 12 axially pre-loaded H section columns with large width-thickness ratios under transverse impact load were carried out. The boundary conditions of the specimens were fixed at one end and sliding at another end and the impact position was 1/3 from the bottom of the column. In the test, the main parameters affecting the impact resistance of the members including web thickness, flange thickness, impact energy and axial pressure were studied. Then a finite element analysis FEA model was established to predict the impact behavior of H section members, in which the strain rate effects was considered. Test data of impact force and total deflection from the author were used to verify the accuracy of the FEA model and general good results were achieved. Results demonstrate that increasing the axial load exerts a negative effect on the impulse from impact load and extension of the impact duration. Under certain impact energy, the impact force in plateau stage of impact process was mainly affected by the flange thickness and the peak stage impact forces was mainly affected by the web thickness. Web was main component on the impact resistance of H-section steel column as over 70% of the impact energy was absorbed. Results provide new information on the impact response of H section columns with large width-thickness ratios and the effects of controlling parameters to form an extensive database.