Review article

The paper proposes an improved engineering approach to resistance verification of light steel thin-walled structures (LSTWS). The formulas use the geometric characteristics of the total cross section and the factors of the ultimate forces` reduction due to the local stability loss and the distortional buckling. The relationship between these factors and section shape parameters is shown. There is revealed a lack of strength in coupled wall-to-wall U-, C-, and Σ-profiles under eccentric compression inthe plane of lowerstiffness. Resistance reserves under eccentric compression and biaxial bending are found. The improved engineering approach takes into account these features and converges well with the research results obtained from the actual reduction of the section. Cross-section tables requirements are given, the fulfillment of which ensures the effective use of the presented approach.