Buckling load capacity of stainless steel columns subject to concentric and eccentric loading

This paper describes the results obtained from a series of compression tests performed on cold formed stainless steel Type 304 columns of lipped channel cross-section. The cross-section dimensions, the column length and the eccentricity of the applied compressive load are varied to examine the effects on the buckling load capacity of the columns. The results obtained from the tests and from a finite element analysis are compared to those obtained from the relevant design specifications in America and in Europe Conclusions are drawn on the basis of the comparisons.