The “General Method” of EN 1993-1-1

Clause 6.3.4 of EN 1993-1-1 describes a “General Method” for lateral and lateral torsional buckling of structural components, ideally suited to software applications. Although the UK National Annex places some limitations on the use of this method, it is possible that the approach will become more widely used. In the first of two articles, Dr.József Szalai, of ConSteel Solutions Ltd describes the background to the method.