Postbuckling Behavior of Flat Plates

The essential features of postbuckling behavior of flat plates are described briefly, and concepts such as “effective width” and “crippling strength” are illustrated by data from a representative test of a thin-walled compression member. Some of the principal results obtained by various investigators of postbuckling behavior are summarized. Particular attention is given to the effect of postbuckling behavior of plates on the overall buckling strength of columns and beams, and it is concluded that there is a need for design rules to take account of this effect. Comparisons are made between the methods of treating postbuckling strength of flat plates in various specification for structures.