Buckling of an open thin-walled beam with an intermediate stiffener

In this contribution, the authors numerically investigate the effect of an internal warping constraint on the stability of a thin-walled profile with a doubly symmetric cruciform (double I) cross-section. Such a constraint is intended to represent the effect of an intermediate stiffener (typically, a reinforcing plate) on the behaviour of the considered structural element. Different end warping constraint conditions and stiffener locations are analyzed. The numerical results are thoroughly commented, and represent a starting point for a future experimental campaign.