Optimum design of reinforced equal-leg angle compression members

This thesis examines local strengthening methods aimed at improving L60.60.6 steel angle members with insufficient compressive capacity. The objective is to indirectly shorten the buckling length and increase the buckling load by enhancing the local stiffness of the member through the use of additional plates. Material and geometric nonlinear analyses were carried out using ANSYS software. Within the scope of the thesis, strengthening applications using additional plates of specific lengths placed in the middle regions of L60.60.6 angle members with different lengths (L = 60 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, 120 cm, and 150 cm) were investigated. The nonlinear analyses showed that the level of benefit predicted by linear analyses could not be achieved. The analysis results revealed that the increase in axial compressive load capacity was higher in members strengthened over one-third of their length compared to those strengthened over one-fourth of their length. The highest capacity increase was obtained in members with a length of 120 cm, while the lowest increase was observed in members with a length of 100 cm.