Experimental Investigation of the Interaction of Local and Overall Buckling of Stainless Steel I-Columns (No. R887)

Abstract

This report describes an experimental program carried out at the University of Sydney to study the interaction of local and overall flexural buckling in stainless steel back-to-back channels under compression. Two stainless steel alloys were considered: austenitic 304 and ferritic 404. Tests were carried out to determine the material properties. The results reveal nonlinear stress-strain behaviour with low proportionality limit, anisotropy and enhanced strength as a result of cold-working. 24 columns were tested under an axial load, applied with a nominal eccentricity of Le/1500. The length of the specimens varied between 500 mm and 3000 mm in 500 mm increments. Twin specimens were tested for each length. All columns were tested between pinned ends. This report rectifies the lack of experimental data on local-overall interaction buckling in stainless steel columns with open cross-section. The results will be used in further research, specifically the development of a reliable finite element model, the assessment of the current design guidelines and the proposal of a direct strength design approach for stainless steel columns.