EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH AND DUCTILITY OF STEEL COLUMNS SUBJECTED TO CYCLIC AND ECCENTRIC AXIAL LOAD

Abstract

 This study experimentally investigates the ultimate strength and load-displacement relationship of steel columns with rectangular hollow cross section. Firstly, compression tests using short column specimens are carried out to obtain their load carrying capacity. Secondly, monotonic and cyclic loading tests using long column specimens are carried to reveal the effects of local and member buckling and loading patterns on the ultimate strength and load-displacement relationship. It is concluded that the loading pattern does not influences on the load carrying capacity of the column and the load carrying capacity of a column without local buckling can be figured out through frame structure analysis.