Effects of Moment Gradient on Elastic Flange Local Buckling of I-Shaped Beams

Recently, after clearly pointing out the flaws associated with the current AISC equation for flexural strength of I-shaped beams with slender flange, the authors proposed new equation, more accurate and more consistent than the current AISC equation, based on the mixed variational approach. However, the new equation was derived under the condition of uniform moment loading. In this paper, elastic flange local buckling strength formula for I-shaped beams with slender flange under moment gradient was proposed as a follow-up study on the basis of mixed variational approach and supplemental numerical works. The flange plate buckling coefficient predicted by the formula of this study is again shown to be much more accurate and consistent.