Arul Jayachandran S

The inelastic buckling of columns is difficult to model analytically. Methods like FEM or approximate closed form expressions are presently available but they are unsatisfactory for reasons mentioned in this paper. In this study, the inelastic buckling of columns is modelled to reflect the true curves upto the ultimate load prior to and except the rapid unloading. The method aims to be a helpful supplement to assist in predicting failure loads and modes during experimental testing of columns in intermediate slenderness ranges. The method combines the iterative Newmark's approach for eccentrically loaded columns with the arc-length displacement control scheme to direct the load increments. The results obtained are verified with known behaviour of column buckling with respect to slenderness, mode of failures, imperfections etc. The method simulated the load-deflection and failure mode of columns of various slenderness with reasonable accuracy.