Post-buckling of composite I-sections. Part 2: Experimental validation

An experimental investigation was conducted in order to verify the theoreti cal model described in Part 1 as well as to obtain experimental insight and to generate a database for the post-buckling behavior of composite I-secti ons. The experiments were performed using a combination of the shadow moire technique, strain gages, LVDTs (linear variable differential transformer), and dial gages. A total of twenty carbon-fiber/epoxy I-section columns wer e manufactured and tested with seven specimens from woven fabric and thirte en from unidirectional (UD) tape. The initial buckling load, lateral deflec tion of the web and flange as well as the crippling load were measured. The experimental results were compared with those of the theoretical model des cribed in Part 1. A good agreement was observed.