Application of the new Eurocode 3 beam-column formulae to tubular construction

New design formulae for the stability of structural members subjected to combined bending
moments and axial forces (so-called beam-columns) have been recently developed and included in the EN version of the European Norm Eurocode 3 Part 1-1 (EC3). It has however to be recognized that these formulae have been validated mostly through comparisons with results of experimental tests and numerical simulations carried out on columns with open sections. The question may therefore be raised to know whether the new formulae are adapted to tubular columns with a similar degree of accuracy and safety than for open section columns. The aim of the paper is to indicate how present EC3 formulae fit with the available results on tubular columns, and then to suggest improvements of the formulae when applied to the latter.