Section capacity of very high strength (VHS) circular tubes under compression

This paper investigates the section capacity of very high strength (VHS(R)) circular tubes under compression. Full-section tensile tests were performed to determine the Young's modulus of elasticity, tensile yield stress and u ltimate tensile strength. The modulus of elasticity was found around 200,00 0 MPa, the tensile yield stress (0.2% proof stress) was around 1350 MPa and the ultimate tensile strength was around 1500 MPa. Twelve stub column test s were carried out. The plate element slenderness varies from 86 to 130. It has been demonstrated that the limits on local buckling in most existing d esign standards are conservative when applied to VHS circular tubes. The re liability of section capacity based on the full effective section model has been verified using a FOSM (first order second moment) approach. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.