Local Buckling of Axially Compressed, Pultruded GRP, WF-Section, Short Columns - Comparison of Experimental and FE Analysis Buckling Loads

The results of axial compression tests carried out on four pultruded GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) WF (Wide Flange) short columns are presented. The longitudinal elastic modulus, buckling loads and collapse loads have been obtained. The experimental buckling loads have been evaluated from the load versus end shortening (axial displacement) relationship and Southwell plots of deflection and bending strain test data. FE (Finite Element) buckling analyses of the short column buckling tests have also been carried out. It is shown that a two-dimensional model is able to predict local buckling modes accurately and buckling loads reasonably accurately.