* Corresponding author. Marine Structures 11 (1998) 347 — 371 Experimental response of glass-reinforced plastic cylinders under axial compression A.Y. Elghazouli*, M.K. Chryssanthopoulos, A. Spagnoli Department of Civil Engineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BU, UK Received 27 July 1998; received in revised form 16 October 1998; accepted 19 October 1998 Abstract This paper presents the results of buckling tests on laminated composite cylinders made from glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP). The laminates used are of type ‘DF1400’ consisting of woven glass fibre roving within a polyester resin matrix. In total, six cylinders constructed from two-ply laminates, in which the main variable is the laminate orientation, were tested under axial compression. The specimen details, experimental set-up and loading arrangements are described, and a detailed account of the test results is given. The results include thickness and imperfection mapping, and displacement, load and strain measurements. Use was made of an automated laser scanning system, which was developed for measuring the initial geometric imperfections as well as buckling deformations during various stages of loading. The results of this experimental study demonstrate the influence of laminate orientation on the buckling strength of composite cylinders, and provide detailed information necessary for analytical and design investigations. ( 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Buckling; Composites; Axial compression; Cylinders; GRP structures; Shells 1. Introduction The use of composite materials in the marine and offshore industries has been gaining ground in recent years. However, the limited availability of design criteria for composite structures has generally restricted the efficient use of many forms of composite materials. In particular, the lack of buckling strength design criteria is deemed to be a prohibitive factor in a more widespread use of monolithic laminated composite shells in marine construction. 0951—8339/98/$ — see front matter ( 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. PII: S0951 — 8339(98)00017 — 3