The behaviour of cantilever-suspended span systems is influenced by the type of loading and the presence of flange restraint. An experimental program consisting of 33 full-scale tests was undertaken to examine the stability of beams in a single overhang configuration. The results indicate that torsional flange restraint significantly enhances the buckling resistance and is particularly effective when combined with a web stiffener. Lateral bracing of the bottom flange at column supports is of considerable importance in maintaining stability. Simulating the proper boundary conditions is essential, since test specimens are very sensitive to unwanted restraints and can buckle in a higher energy mode.A finite element model was developed that takes into account inelastic material behaviour, residual stresses and cross-sectional distortions. The predicted buckling capacities are in good agreement with experimental results. Key words: cantilever-suspended span, steel beams, distortional buckling, flange restraint, inelastic behaviour.

Wood is recognized as hygroscopic material, which tends to absorb moisture from surrounding, thus affecting both physical and mechanical properties of the material itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of viscoelastic-thermal compression (VTC) on the contact angles of modified laminas of Paraserianthes falcataria (L.), in correlation with density and wettability of the wood. This low-density wood species was subjected to densification treatment in order to improve its density as well as mechanical properties. VTC is a densification treatment which involved pre-steaming for softening purpose and compression via hot pressing. There were four different pre-steaming durations alongside one control (NS/D: no pre-steaming (control); S1/D: 10 minutes; S2/D: 20 minutes; S3/D: 30 minutes). The laminas underwent contact angle test (sessile drop method) by referring to ASTM D7334-08: Surface Wettability of Coatings, Substrates and Pigments by Advancing Contact Angle Measurement. In addition, basic morphological feature of the laminas was determined by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The contact angle of S1/D (10 minutes) laminas indicated the lowest degree of contact angle, which means it had better wettability; while S3/D (30 minutes) laminas recorded the highest degree of contact angle, therefore having poor wettability.

Paraserianthes falcataria, a low-density wood species underwent viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC) treatment, which was the combination of pre-steaming and compression by hot-pressing, in order to increase its density and mechanical performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VTC treatment on the density and moisture content

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A theoretical investigation of the buckling strength of continuous steel girders with top flange restraint is presented. Girders consisting of two equal spans are analyzed using a finite element technique to determine the effects of partial and full restraint conditions commonly found in bridge design. The effects of loading conditions, span length, and web stiffeners are also considered. A refinement is introduced for the purpose of modelling inelastic behavior due to combined bending and residual stresses. The theoretical method shows excellent agreement with experimental results obtained by others. A parametric study is conducted using the verified analytical technique. Key words: stability, buckling, plate girders, flange restraint, inelastic behavior.