International Journal of Mechanical Civil and Control Engineering

Vol. 1, Issue. 2, April, 2015

ISSN (Online): 2394-8868

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON HOT ROLLED SQUARE HOLLOW SECTIONS UNDER BUCKLING

BEHAVIOUR
Experimental Study on Hot
Rolled Square Hollow Sections
Karthick raja.sa, Sundararooban.S.Rb, Rangaraj.Sc
a,b,c
- Final year student, Department of Civil Engineering, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-15.

under Buckling Behavior

1,2,3

S.Karthick Raja, 2S.R.Sundararooban, 3S.Rangaraj

UG Students, Department of Civil Engineering, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, INDIA

ABSTRACT

1. Introduction
This paper investigates the performance of Hot
The application of the hollow sections has been
widely used in building structures worldwide. In
open sections the outstanding flanges tend to buckle
before the webs which are supported along all edges.
On the other hand, in closed sections such as the
hollow rectangular section, both flanges and webs
behave as internal elements, as each element is
connected to the adjacent element at the longitudinal
edges. This offers more strength and stability to the
Hollow sections. The hollow sections are known for
their increased compressive strength because of
excellent distribution of area around the axis. They
possess full strength under bending moment due to
enhanced torsional rigidity, since Hollow section
only allow uniform torsion and which is distributed
evenly through the entire area. The versatility of
these sections allows for a wide range of applications
as industrial sheds and exhibition stalls to space
frames and sign supporting structures. Large span
portal frames, amusement parks and playground
equipment.

rolled Square hollow sections (HSS) made of 210 Fy steel.

24 Axial compression column tests on specimens with
varying length and cross section were conducted. Initial
geometric imperfection in the form of initial out of
straightness were measured using Total station and verified
to be within limits according to IS 4923. Experimental
results in terms of load carrying capacity, buckling modes
and buckling factor ().The experimental results were
compared with the existing column design curves in IS
800:2007, EN-1993-1-1, AISC 13th edition and AS
4100:1998. Numerical models of SHS are created in FEM
and Eigen value analysis were carried out which
satisfactorily fits the equivalent Euler column curve
analysis. The model are modified for Non-linear Buckling
analysis which captured the Buckling modes of the column
satisfactorily. The models are to be further studied and
analyzed for ultimate carrying capacity. Experimental
showed that the design resistance calculated based on the
internal codes were conservative in case of SHS sections.
In addition to improve the design efficiency the post
buckling strength of the column must also be considered
and incorporated in the design buckling curve.
Keywords: Buckling curves, IS 800:2007, Hollow
sections, Column compression, Design methods.

From the literature survey we made, it was

clear that there were several investigations done in
the
columns. Though the development of Multiple
Column Curve has been providing us with
satisfactory and safe results, there is a need for study
on the strength developed by the Practical columns

1. Introduction
use of hollow sections as compression members. The
initial out-of- straightness, Eccentricity of applied
load, effect of residual stresses and Effect of strain
hardening and the absence of well-defined yield point
affects the compressive strength of the practical
i.e., Intermediate columns. Since design strength of
these columns are found to vary in higher degree than
short columns and Long columns.

2. Experimental approach
2.1 Test specimen

This paper presents an experimental

investigation which includes 24 hollow square
columns of yield strength 210 MPa to clarify the
flexural buckling behaviour. Parametric analysis are
conducted for columns of varying cross section and
length. The experimental results are compared with
the European, Indian, Australian and American
standards. The design method to be adopted for such
hollow sections are proposed.

The specimen were made from hot rolled

raw material. The sheet of raw material were cold
worked to form hollow section through the process of
high induction wielding. The specimen were
fabricated in top and bottom with steel plate of yield
stress Fy 210 grade. Table 1 summarizes the
geometric properties of the test specimen whilst Fig.1
shows the symbols of the c/s and length as listed in

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International Journal of Mechanical Civil and Control Engineering

Vol. 1, Issue. 2, April, 2015

ISSN (Online): 2394-8868

Table 1. The cross section is classified as class 1

cross section in Euro code 3. The 24 specimen fall on
the slenderness ratio (Kl/r ratio) of range 70 to 180
i.e. intermediate columns. The standard tension

coupons were taken from the face of the specimen

and the test results are tabulated in Table.2, the
results will be discussed further.

Table 1
Nominal and measured dimension of specimens.
length

Section

Member spec

Area

Thickness

Radius of gyration

Slenderness

1000

38X38

A1

351

2.6

14.3

69.93

32X32

A2

230

12.1

82.64

25X25

A4

174

9.2

108.70

32X32

B1

230

12.1

99.17

32X32

B2

230

12.1

99.17

25X25

B3

216

2.6

8.9

134.83

25X25

B5

253

3.2

8.6

139.53

32X32

B6

288

2.6

11.8

101.69

38X38

B7

351

2.6

14.3

83.92

25X25

B8

174

9.2

130.43

25X25

C1

174

9.2

152.17

32X32

C2

230

12.1

115.70

32X32

C3

288

2.6

11.8

118.64

38X38

C4

351

2.6

14.3

97.90

25X25

C6

216

2.6

8.9

157.30

25X25

C8

216

2.6

8.9

157.30

32X32

C9

230

12.1

115.70

25X25

C10

174

9.2

152.17

32X32

D1

230

12.1

132.23

32X32

D2

288

2.6

11.8

135.59

25X25

D3

174

9.2

173.91

25X25

D4

216

2.6

8.9

179.78

38X38

D5

351

2.6

14.3

111.89

1200

1400

1600

2.2 Test Procedure:

The tests were conducted by using a column
tester of capacity 200 tonnes. The load is applied
through hydraulic loading system. The test
arrangement is shown in figure no Pinned end
conditions were achieved by means of ball and
sockets at the top and bottom. The lateral
deformations are measured at the midpoint of the
length of the member using linear variable
differential transformer. The verticality of the whole

arrangement is ensured using plumb bob. The loading

is applied from the bottom through load cell. A data
acquisition system is used to record the applied load
and deformations at regular intervals. The specimens
were loaded until the significant buckling is visible
and also the column must reach its ultimate load.
The ultimate load is the load at which the reading
gets reversed.

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International Journal of Mechanical Civil and Control Engineering

Vol. 1, Issue. 2, April, 2015

ISSN (Online): 2394-8868

2.3 Initial imperfections:

Initial imperfection were measured with the
help of total station. The imperfection were measured
at an interval of 0.2 m in the specimen. The
imperfection in the specimen are later validated with
the help of south-well plot. The initial crookedness of
members are within tolerance limits as specified in IS
4923:1997. Maximum allowable out of straightness
as per IS 4923 is length/600.

Some specimen show inconspicuous instability.

3.2 Buckling capacity
The maximum experimental test load for
each column is summarized in table. The
experimental buckling factor (i.e. non-dimensional
buckling strength) was calculated by using the Equ
(1) and the results are tabulated in the table.

3. Test results and Analysis

3.1 Buckling Deformation
Majority of the columns fail by flexural
buckling, while others failed by interactive local and
global buckling. A typical load-displacement curve of
specimen is shown in fig.2 in which the ordinate is
the load applied and the abscissa is the displacement
in the horizontal direction. The 24 specimen were
within the limit of 70 to 180. The following modes of
buckling were obtained under axial compression.

straight parts of the column with a hinge at

the centre.
Column with slenderness more than 140
exhibits overall flexural buckling of the
specimen. We also could notice significant
rotation of the ball and socket.

(1)
Where Fy is the yield strength and A is the measured
cross sectional area.
Column curve A is adopted for the hot
formed SHS specimen according to the IS 800. There
are 4 column curves in Indian code based on the
cross section ( = 0.21). The SHS specimen falls
under the curve A. In a similar manner Euro code has
5 different column curves. A single column curve is
adopted in American code. The code follows
bifurcated curve based on the tangent modulus
theory.

Column with slenderness 70 to 90 exhibited

a local bulging and insignificant global
buckling
Column with slenderness 90 to 140
exhibited inelastic behaviour, we could
clearly see the bifurcation point of the two

Table 2: Comparison between Test results and code estimate

Member Spec
A1
A2
A4
B1
B2
B3
B5
B6
B7
B8
C1
C2
C3
C4
C6

equi
0.72
0.85
1.12
1.02
1.02
1.39
1.44
1.05
0.87
1.35
1.57
1.19
1.22
1.01
1.62

88.6
65.7
35.4
52.7
54.2
55.9
46.8
89.3
76.5
37.5
49
56
97
81
69

1.20
1.36
0.97
1.09
1.12
1.23
0.88
1.48
1.04
1.03
1.34
1.16
1.60
1.10
1.52

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- Indian
0.84
0.76
0.58
0.65
0.65
0.42
0.40
0.63
0.76
0.45
0.34
0.53
0.52
0.66
0.33

-AISI

-AUS
0.80
0.74
0.59
0.65
0.65
0.45
0.42
0.63
0.73
0.47
0.36
0.55
0.53
0.65
0.33

0.89
0.83
0.66
0.73
0.73
0.49
0.46
0.71
0.82
0.51
0.39
0.61
0.59
0.74
0.37

-Perry
0.76
0.66
0.47
0.53
0.53
0.33
0.31
0.51
0.65
0.35
0.27
0.42
0.41
0.54
0.25

International Journal of Mechanical Civil and Control Engineering

Vol. 1, Issue. 2, April, 2015
C8
C9
C10
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5

1.62
1.19
1.57
1.36
1.40
1.79
1.85
1.15

ISSN (Online): 2394-8868

64
71
41
38
53
13
19
59

1.41
1.47
1.12
0.79
0.88
0.36
0.42
0.80

0.33
0.53
0.34
0.44
0.42
0.27
0.26
0.56

0.33
0.55
0.36
0.46
0.44
0.27
0.26
0.57

0.37
0.61
0.39
0.50
0.48
0.30
0.28
0.64

0.25
0.42
0.27
0.34
0.33
0.21
0.20
0.45

3.3 Column buckling factor

Buckling Factor

The slenderness ratio is the ratio between o is the

ratio between the pin ended column lengths (L) and the radius
of gyration R, and its non-dimensional slenderness ratio value
n is equal to

Stress reduction factor / buckling factor

1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0

0.5

1.5

Equivalent slenderness ratio

3.4.2 Comparison of test results with AISC LRFD 13th

EDITION

Where, is the imperfection factor, equal to 0.21 for hot

formed tubes. A similar form is adopted in Eurocode with the
same imperfection factor =0.21.

1.8
1.6
1.4

, n
, n

Buckling factor

A single column curve is currently adopted in

American code and the equivalent form of AISC column curve
is shown below
1.5

1.2
1
0.8
0.6

1.5

0.4

where n is the non-dimensional slenderness ratio.

0.2
0.10
0.40
0.70
0.85
1.00
1.02
1.12
1.19
1.30
1.39
1.44
1.57
1.62
1.80

3.4 Comparison of test results with analytical results

3.4.1 Comparison of test results with IS 800:2007

Equivalent slenderness ratio

3.4.3 Comparison of test results with AS 4100:1998

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International Journal of Mechanical Civil and Control Engineering

Vol. 1, Issue. 2, April, 2015

ISSN (Online): 2394-8868

[3] Buckling of stainless steel square hollow section
compression members Y. Liu, B. Young.
[4] BS EN 1993-1-1, Eurocode 3: design of steel structures:
Part 1-1: general rules and rules for buildings. London: BSI;
2005.
[5] ANSI/AISC 360-10, Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings. Chicago: AISC; 2010
[6] INSDAG teaching material authored by Rangachari
Narayanan,V.
[7] IS 4923:1997 Specification for hollow section.
[8] IS 800:2007 General construction in steel code of
practice.
[9] AS 4100:1998 Australian standard- Design of steel
structures.

1.80
1.60
Buckling factor

1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
0.00

0.50
1.00
1.50
Equivalent slenderness ratio

1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
0.10
0.40
0.70
0.87
1.02
1.15
1.22
1.39
1.57
1.62
1.90
2.20
2.50
2.80

Buckling factor

3.4.1 Comparison of test results with Perry Robertson curve

Equivalent slenderness ratio

4. Conclusion
The comparison of test results with analytical results
shows that the international standards are very conservative
while calculating the strength of hollow square sections under
axial compression. The experimental behaviour is due to the
high torsional rigidity of SHS and the post buckling strength
due to the low thickness. International codes must also
consider these in to account in design of SHS. The entire area
is considered to effective due to the low b/t ratio causing high
strength behaviour.
5. Reference
[1] Experimental study on column buckling of 420 MPa high
strength steel welded circular tubes Gang Shi, Xue Jiang,
Wenjing Zhou, Tak-Ming Chan, Yong Zhang
[2] Buckling of elliptical hollow section members under
combined compression and uniaxial bending K.H. Law, L.
Gardner.

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