Experimental investigations of buckling behaviour of steel scaffolds

The analysis and design of structures sensitive to second order effects require the consideration initial imperfections. Scaffold structures, due their low stiffness, are very effects. accuracy these relies in part on estimation imperfections affecting structure. In 1960s, C.E.C.M., European Convention Steel Construction, carried out a series experimental tests determine degree each type cross-section. Five buckling curves were established. code for steel Eurocode 3 Part 1-1, classifies hot-rolled hollow tubular sections as profiles with few imperfections, i.e. curve ‘a’, cold-formed many ‘c’. A test campaign was conducted analyse behaviour scaffold structures. Twenty-nine simply supported members nine scaffolding ladders, from various suppliers, out. Statistical studies results point that estimate imperfection currently defined is far too penalizing used scaffolding.