Experiments on H-Columns Under Biaxial Bending

Twelve isolated steel H-columns were tested under loading eccentric with respect to both principal axes of the end-cross sections. The eccentricities of loading were substantially alike at both ends of the specimens. The columns were manufactured from various alloys. Both stress-relieved and as-rolled specimens were tested. In each experiment the load was applied to the column in increments until the ultimate carrying capacity of the column was reached, and then the specimen was unloaded incrementally so that unloading was accompanied by increasing lateral displacements and twist. Conclusions: (1) Dominant influence on ultimate load was bending about the minor principal axis of the cross section; (2) CRC interaction equation underestimates strength by a variable amount; and (3) adequate correspondence between observed deformational response and that predicted by indirect incremental computer solution.