Buckling analysis of Euler columns embedded in an elastic medium with general elastic boundary conditions

In this article, an efficient analytical method for elastically restrained Euler columns embedded in an elastic medium has been proposed to calculate buckling loads. The lateral deflection function under compression is represented by a Fourier sine series. Stokes’ transformation is employed to develop the legitimized stability equations. Explicit analytical expressions are derived, which can be used for any type of boundary conditions. The efficiency of present formulation is demonstrated by comparing the results to those obtained by imposing three well-known boundary conditions available in the literature. A very good agreement has been obtained. The present formulation permits to have more efficient coefficient matrix for calculating the buckling loads of Euler columns with any desired boundary conditions.