Finite-Element Analysis of the Flexural Buckling of Columns with Oblique Restraints

This paper is concerned with the elastic flexural buckling of doubly symmetric columns with oblique restraints under concentric loading. Oblique restraints cause coupling between the principal axis deflections and rotations, and the flexural buckling mode involves simultaneous bending about both principal axes. Oblique restraints may resist deflections as well as rotations, and may be rigid or elastic. They may be concentrated at points along a column, or distributed along portions of its length. This paper discusses the nature of oblique end restraints, summarizes their finite element analysis, presents examples of their effects on the elastic buckling of columns, and demonstrates the design of columns with oblique restraints.