Inelastic Cycles of Axially Loaded Steel Members

Sixteen fixed-ended steel bars of rectangular cross section 1/2 in. x 1 (12.7 x 25.4-mm) and (12.7-mmand of various lengths were tested under 25.4-mm) nder static and dynamic loads to determine the cyclic hysteretic response of steel columns. The specimens were subjected to tensile yielding, post-buckling deflection cycles. Column slenderness ratios ranged from 85 to 210. This research complemented a corresponding elasto-plastic theoretical development; the experimental results generally agreed with theoretical predictions, yet significant deviations were noted. Principal findings were that the buckling load decreased with number of cycles, the columns exhibited net tensile or compressive plastic deformation in a cycle depending on deflection level, and the static and dynamic responses were similar.