Deformational lip buckling is one of the considerations affecting the choice of cross-section dimensions which were adopted for the C-sectlon chord members of a space frame system. No guidance on lip buckling of channel sections is given in the current British design specification. A method was therefore required for determining the lip buckling resistance of the members when subjected to axial compression or bending. A design procedure was formulated in which the lips are represented as a strut on an elastic foundation, the stiffness of which depends on the deformational stiffness of the section. The critical buckling stress and the wavelength of buckling can then be determined. By assigning imperfections to the nominally straight lips, the critical lip buckling stress can be introduced into the Perry-Roberston formulation for the strength of columns, and the lip buckling strength can be estimated. Comparative resulis from the design formulation, experiments, and non-linear elasto-plasttc finite element analysis are given. It is shown that the proposed design model is satisfactory but conservative
