Column strength of an aluminum alloy section.

This thesis is written to show that within the elastic limit of the material, the behavior of columns can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by means of the well-known Secant Formula or a combination of the Secant Formula and the Initial Curvature Formula. Nine aluminum alloy columns (Alcan 26S-T) in lengths ranging from 7’-0” to l’-6” have been tested with both central and eccentric loads, and measurements of stresses and deflections taken at intervals during the tests. These results are compared with the theoretical values to show the accuracy of the formulas. The application of these results to the establishment of design formulas is also discussed, and future lines of investigation are suggested