Stability Analysis of Composite Columns under Eccentric Load

Abstract

Short thin-walled CFRP columns with channel section were investigated in this study. The tested columns were subjected to compressive load, both axial and eccentric. Eccentric load was applied in two mutually perpendicular directions. The scope of the study included examining the effect of load eccentricity on the critical load of the column. The study involved both experimental tests performed on physical models of columns created by the autoclave technique and a numerical analysis by the finite element method. The numerical analysis of critical state involved solving an eigen problem by the minimum potential energy criterion in order to determine the buckling mode and a corresponding critical load. For physical models, the critical load was determined based on tensometric measurements by Koiter’s approximation method. The numerical results were compared with experimental findings. The study determined the effect of eccentric compressive load on the critical load of the tested column and that of composite lay-up on the structure’s stability.