An experimental study of centrally loaded X-shaped columns

The column strengths of the X-shaped cross section are analyzed theoretically and experimentally. In theoretical analyses, the Euler load in the elastic range and Bleich's modification in the inelastic range are considered for the upper limit and the AISC column formulas are taken as the lower limit of the column strength. The column strengths in between the upper and lower bounds are calculated and drawn in on the curves. The calculations take into consideration the accidental end eccentricities and the shape factors as suggested by F. Bleich. The experimental data obtained from the four primary tests are shown as verification of the theoretical calculations and the X-shaped columns are considered to be strong enough to serve as structural members.Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department o