A finite-element formulation for the lateral-torsional buckling analys
is of nonprismatic I-beams is developed. The formulation is capable of
analyzing continuous I-beams with a linear or quadratic taper within
acceptable accuracy. The influence of warping deformations of the sect
ion and location of the member loads at different cross-section points
are included in the formulation. Finite-element solution convergence
is studied based on available experimental and numerical results. A pa
rametric study on the lateral-torsional buckling strength is carried o
ut for different forms and degrees of taper, loading, and support cond
itions for single-span and two-span continuous beams. The buckling str
ength of beams with various degrees of taper and number of spans are a
lso investigated.