Buckling of multiple braced columns

Abstract

Experimental research has been conduced on an interbraced-column system to investigate that the load carrying capacity of a series of straight columns would be increased effectively by bracing them with very light braces. It is difficult to predict reliably the strength of any column by theoreical methods, where the strength of an actual steel column is impaired by the presence of residual stresses and initial imperfections (crookedness). In addition, however, a very limited theoretical study without experimental investigation has been carried out.

Therefore, experimental work is needed to provide satisfactory evidence of the predicted buckling loads of an interbraced-column system and the corresponding brace forces. The results of the study indicate that very large gains in the column carrying capacity can be achieved by using a light bracing system of small strength and rigidity. Also, these results agreed to a large extent with the theoretical studies.