Columns are defined as relatively long, slender member subjected to compressive stresses. The
most common example of a column is the vertical supporting member of a building. This brings
into account why the study of columns is so critical: there is a large human safety factor
involved. The objective of this laboratory exercise is to verify Euler's formula for the critical
load, Pcr, for different end conditions, and to investigate the load-displacement behavior. The
columns will be tested within their elastic ranges. The material tested will be steel (E = 28,000
ksi). Three similar columns will be tested, all with different end conditions.