DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL

ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

BEC303 / CIVE3807
STRUCTURE, HYDRAULIC AND
TRAFFIC LABORATORY

GROUP REPORT - STRUCTURE

REPORT TITLE
STRUT BUCKLING

GIVEN DATE

SUBMISSION
DATE
LECTURERS Haslina Mohamed
NAME
1. Noor Affendi Bin Dikkir 152015122

2. Muhamed Hafiz Bin Ibrahim 151014220

3. Nabil Zaed Bin Shaiful Nizam 153015510

NAME & MATRIC
4. Muhamad Haziq Harahap B Mohd Azili 153015818

5. Hidayat Ahmad Faiz 151914674

Marks
Table of Contents

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Theory ............................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Purpose of Work............................................................................................ 3
1.4 Objective ........................................................................................................ 3
1.5 Apparatus....................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Procedure ....................................................................................................... 3
1.7 Data Collection and Recording .................................................................... 4
1.8 Data Analysis ................................................................................................. 5
1.9 Discussion ....................................................................................................... 5
1.10 Conclusion .................................................................................................. 5
1.11 References................................................................................................... 5
1.12 Appendices ................................................................................................. 6

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1.1 Introduction

A column is a structural member experiencing compressive loading at

the either end, given however, that the cross sectional dimensions are
considerably smaller than the length which will be the direction in which
a load is applied. The cross-sectional area is to be kept constant in order
to analyse the possible deflection.

Buckling is the phenomenon that happens when a column is

experiencing an axial load and deflects due to the loading being big
enough. Buckling can lead to failure if the compressive loading is big
enough. It is important to note that buckling failure is not as a result of
the material since after applying the loads the material retains its original
shape hence the elastic limits will not have been reached. So buckling
failure occurs mainly to loads that are smaller than the elastic yield
strengths.

To engineers it is important to be able to predict buckling levels

due to how destructive, dangerous and sudden it can occur.

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1.2 Theory

The theory of buckling of columns under a compressive axial

load was discovered by Leonard Euler (1707-1783). Columns are to
remain long, straight and slender with specific supports at the ends. A
compressive load P is applied and has to pass through the centre of the
cross-sectional area. If a column is pinned the pins are assumed
frictionless. Ideal beams are assumed meaning that these columns have
no defects.

1.3 Purpose of Work

In this experiment, we are trying to find the buckling load for pinned
ended strut by applying load at acceptable interval within range. After
results are recorded, we produce a graph to show relationship between
Deflection, mm versus Deflection/Load (mm/N).

1.4 Objective
To determine the buckling load for a pinned ended strut
To find the relationship between Deflection, mm versus
Deflection/Load (mm/N)

1.5 Apparatus
Specimen holder
Deformation measurement
Lateral load device with weight

1.6 Procedure
1. The digital indicator is switched on and warmed up for 10 minutes
2. The specimen is chose and the length is measured. The width and thickness
are 3mm and 25mm.

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 3. The theoretical buckling load is calculated for a strut with pinned end
condition
4. The grooved support is placed into the slot of the attachment for the end
conditions and the side screws is tightened.
5. The top platen upwards and downwards is moved to bring the distance
between the supports closer to the length of the strut.
6. The tare button on the digital indicator is pressed to set the reading to zero.
7. The specimen is placed in the groove of the top support.
8. The specimen is hold, the jack is adjusted so that the lower end of the
specimen just rest in the groove of the bottom support. (If the distance
between the two support is slightly less than the length of the strut, turn the
screw jack handle counter clockwise. If the distance between the two
support is slightly greater than the length of the strut, turn the screw jack
handle counter anti-clockwise)
9. The reading on the digital indicator is noted. If the load is greater than 10 N
turn the jack handle counter clockwise to bring it to less than 10 N.
10. The position of the dial gauge is checked to ensure that it is at the mid-
length of the specimen. The dial gauge reading is set to zero.
11. The tare button is pressed to set the load indicator to zero.
12. The specimen in small increments is loaded by turning the screw jack
handle slowly in the clockwise direction.
13. The increment load for each load is recorded and the corresponding mid-
span deflection.
14. The specimen is unload by turning the jack handle in the counter clockwise
direction.

1.7 Data Collection and Recording

Results
Length of member = 710mm
Width of member = 33mm
Thickness of member =25mm
Moment of inertia member =
Dial gauge reading, 1div = 0.01mm

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Table 1
Load , P Mid- Span Deflection, d d/p
N div mm mm/N
9 9 0.09 0.01
18 18 0.18 0.01
41 23 0.23 0.01
58 28 0.28 0.01
67 31 0.31 0.01
80 36 0.36 0.01
108 53 0.53 0.01

1.8 Data Analysis

1.9 Discussion
1.10 Conclusion
To prevent buckling of column there can be many ways:
1. You tie the columns at half their length and so you will increase their
strength 4 times.
2. You reduce their tributary areas or increase the number of columns.
3. You can vary the profile of the column with least area at ends and
maximum at center. Like a bulged column.
4. You can use the concept of BRBF frames which totally prevents
buckling but it would be a costly idea.
5. You can change the type of end connection that a particular column has.
As the buckling of column depends on the type of end connections.

1.11 References
1. https://mutsimba.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/euler-buckling-lab-2.pdf
2. https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-systems-used-to-prevent-buckling-of-
columns-of-heights-over-15m
3. http://www.academia.edu/18641591/Buckling_test_report

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1.12 Appendices