Abstract: In order to analyze the local buckling behavior and the design method of 460MPa high-strength-steel square-box-section columns under axial compression, a finite element model is developed by using the finite element software ANSYS, with the accurate simulation of residual stress and the local initial geometric imperfection, so as to analyze the ultimate loading capacity of 10 welded box-section stub-columns under axial compression considering local buckling. Compared with the test results, the finite element model is proved to be accurate enough for further analysis. With the finite element model, a parametric analysis is conducted, the results of which indicate that the width-thickness ratio is the most important influence factor. The test results and the finite element analysis results are compared with the design methods in Chinese, American and European codes, suggesting these design methods are not safe enough. New design formulae are proposed for the design of the local buckling of 460MPa high-strength-steel box-section columns under axial compression.