Prediction of Buckling-Mode Interaction in Composite Columns

Pultruded structural shapes are often used as columns of intermediate length, for which the global and local buckling loads are close. Interaction between the two buckling modes is accounted for in design by an empirical interaction constant. Theoretical/numerical prediction of such a constant is presented in this article. Stability theory is used to demonstrate the existence of buckling-mode interaction. The continuation method is used to study the imperfection sensitivity of the columns. A relationship between column imperfection and the interaction constant is established. Experimental results are presented to support the analysis.