ABSTRACT
Buckling of columns: When a slender structural member is loaded with an increasing axial compression force, the member deflects laterally and fails by combined bending and compression rather than by direct compression alone. This phenomenon is called buckling. Critical load: The critical load of a structure is the load which creates the borderline between the stable and unstable equilibrium of the structure or it is the load that causes buckling of the structure. Lateral torsional buckling of beams: Lateral torsional buckling is a phenomenon that occurs in beams which are subjected to vertical loading but suddenly deflect and fail in the lateral and rotational directions.
