The influence of base connectivity on the ultimate load of columns

The carrying capacity of a column with one end pinned and the other end flat subjected to a combined axial load and a side load applied at the middle of the column has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The flat end is treated as fixed when in contact with the ground or as an eccentrically loaded, pinned connection rotating about one edge. The results show that columns with slenderness ratios in excess of 100 which have flat ends can carry loads in excess of the Euler pinned buckling loads if the side loads are kept below transition values.