Structural Mechanics

Experiment 8
STATEMENT
To determine elastic critical load and initial imperfections of a pin ended
real column using SOUTHWELL PLOT technique.

8.1 PURPOSE
• To determine initial imperfections of a column just by load deformation
observation.
• To determine elastic critical load of a column without loading up to critical
stage.

8.2 APPARATUS
• Pin ended column with certain initial imperfection.
• Two hundred ton Shimadzu universal testing machine (UTM).
• Steel tape.
• Deflection gauge.

8.3 RELATED THEORY

Slenderness Ratio:
It is the ratio of length of column to minimum radius of gyration of a
cross-section.

Slenderness ratio = L/rmin

rmin = √(Imin/A)

If the column is free to rotate then buckling will take place in the
direction or along the axis having minimum radius of gyration.

Elastic Critical Load:

1) initially straight column:
Pcr = Π2EI/Le2

2) Column with certain initial imperfections

i. By using Perry’s Equation
ii. Using Southwell plot technique

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i. Using Perry’s Equation:

σ2 – σ (σy + (η +1) σe) + σy σe

σ = design stress = P/A = Pc/A

P = Applied load
σ e = Eular’s critical stress = Pcr/ A
σ y = Yeild stress.
η = aoc/ r2b
rb = radius of gyration about bending axis.
ao = h – t

(Pc/A)2 – (Pc/A) [(σy + (η +1) σe)] + σy σe = 0

ii. Using southwell method:

U’ (Pcr/P -1) = ao
U’ = displacement corresponding to load
Pcr = Critical load
ao = initial imperfection.
P = applied load

Dividing both sides by Pcr.

U’/P = 1/Pcr (U’ + ao)

Advantage of SOWTHWELL method:

Before applying critical load we can measure or calculate critical load value
for the column.

Why Papp = 60% of Pcr:

Pcr for initially straight column will be more but for initially imperfect column
it will be less, that is why we take 60% of Pcr (but this value is not fixed)

Papp/ Pcr = 70% – 75%

8.4 PROCEDURE

1. Take the dimensions of the given column.

2. Calculate its geometric properties and find out the maximum critical
load for a perfect column.
3. Find out the load to be applied on the column which normally varies
from 60 to 75 % of the critical load for the perfect column.
4. Apply load on the column using Shimadzu UTM on constant intervals
and note the corresponding deflection gauge reading.
5. Use SOWTHWELL Plot technique to find out the actual critical load
and initial imperfection.

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8.5 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

See separate calculation handout for details

8.6 COMMENTS