Local buckling experiments on FRP columns

Abstract In this paper, local flange-buckling of thin-walled pultruded FRP columns is investigated. Experimental data are presented and correlated with theoretical predictions. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental results is found. Possible explanations for slight deviations in the experimental data are advanced. The experimental and data reduction procedures used to obtain the local buckling loads are presented. A new data reduction technique using Southwell's method is developed to interpret local buckling test data. The usefulness of the data reduction technique is demonstrated for various column sections and experimental conditions.