Reliability of slender columns

The target of this paper is to present computations and comparative experimental results of the stability loss of slender reinforced concrete columns from a series of experiments. The primary objective of the work was to compare the various possible design methods used to assure the reliability of the discussed slender reinforced concrete columns. The slenderness of columns was lambda > 90, whereby they were dimensioned according to EN 1992-1-1. The above-mentioned experiments also served as the basis for the assessment and calibration of the deterministic and probabilistic non-linear finite element models. A calibrated probabilistic non-linear finite element model for the description of an accurate normal force moment (N-M) relation and the stability failure is a basis for the development of an objectivized assessment approach and the associated partial safety factors.