Compression Tests of Long Welded I‐section Columns

Abstract

The results of compression tests of long, welded I‐section columns composed of slender plates of high tensile steel are described. Tests of concentrically loaded specimens are compared with a finite strip nonlinear analysis model for predicting the elastic interaction of local and overall buckling of thinwalled columns. Tests of concentrically and eccentrically loaded specimens are compared with the proposed AISC Load and Resistance Factor Design method for columns with slender cross sections. The column strengths are also compared with those of compact columns of equivalent weight to demonstrate the economies available for columns with slender cross sections.