The analytical approach is used for checking the stability of laterally unrestrained bisymmetric beams. The stability equations for simply supported beams are solved approximately using the Bubnov–Galerkin method [4]. The lateral buckling moment depends on bending distribution and on the load height effect. Each of applied concentrated and distributed loads, may have arbitrary direction and optional coordinate for the applied force along the cross section’s height. Derived equations allow for simple, yet fast control of lateral buckling moment estimated by FEM [15].
In this paper, a semi-analytical solution for free vibration differential equations of curved girders is proposed based on their mathematical properties and vibration characteristics. The solutions of in-plane vibration differential equations are classified into two cases: one only considers variable separation of non-longitudinal vibration, while the other is a synthesis method addressing both longitudinal and non-longitudinal vibrationusing Rayleigh’s modal assumption and variable separation method. A similar approach is employed for the out-of-plane vibration, but further mathematical operations are conducted to incorporate the coupling effect of bending and twisting. In this case study, the natural frequencies of a curved girder under different boundary conditions are obtained using the two proposed methods, respectively. The results are compared with those from the finite element analysis (FEA) and results show good convergence.