On the strength of cast iron columns

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show that modern methods of verification of steel structures can be used for the structural appraisal of existing cast-iron columns. The proposed method of verification takes account of the geometrical imperfections which are typical for cast-iron columns and of the particular behaviour of the material which is distinct from modern structural steels in that the tensile strength is significantly lower than the compressive strength, the stress–strain curve is non-linear rather than bi-linear and the Young’s modulus is about 2/5 the value for modern steels. The paper proposes equations for calculating the strength of cast iron columns by checking failure by yielding in compression and fracture in tension. The proposed strength equations are compared with experimental results obtained by Hodgkinson [Phil Trans Roy Soc 2 (1840) 385] and Tetmayer [Die gesetze der knickungs- und der zusammengesetzen druckfestigkeit der technisch wichtigsten baustoffe].