EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN THE TESTING OF THIN-WALLED STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

摘要

The paper summarises the principles underpinning good experimentation of thin-walled structural members. The key features include the selection of appropriate gain control strategy and control loop variable, as well as careful end bearing design and techniques for measuring buckling displacements at advanced stages of loading. The paper focuses on the testing of thin-walled columns as this type of test presents one of the most demanding problems in terms of securing a stable control loop for capturing post-ultimate response. The principles are described with reference to the test rigs developed at the University of Sydney over the past 15 years.