On the buckling of symmetric structural systems with first and second order imperfections

Abstract

The stability of symmetric structural systems with first order and second order imperfections is investigated. The analysis concerns a discrete system with n degrees of freedom. Resulting expressions relating reduction in critical load to the magnitudes of the imperfections indicate that a complex interaction exists between these quantities. Second order imperfections have a relatively minor effect on the critical load. Experiments on a rigidly jointed roof truss are discussed. The experimental results show good qualitative agreement with theory.