The Analysis of Sensitivity to Eccentric Load of Compressed Thin-Walled Laminate Columns

The study investigates the effect of eccentric load on the stability and postcritical states of thin-walled CFRP composite channel-section columns under compression. In the tests, loading force, deflection and strains of the column walls and web are measured. The experiments involve examination of the operating performance of the structure undergoing buckling and determination of its postcritical equilibrium paths describing the relationship between force and deflection. Based on the experimental results, numerical models of composite structures are designed and verified by the FEM. The scope of the numerical analysis includes performing a linear analysis of stability, which allows for determination of the buckling mode depending on the amplitude of compressive load eccentricity and the corresponding critical loads. The numerical results and experimental findings show a satisfactory agreement.