Some experimental aspects of the compression behaviour of boxes made up of G-flute corrugated boards

The load‐bearing capacity of boxes made up of thin‐walled G‐flute corrugated boards was investigated by performing monotonic and cyclic compression tests on boxes of various geometries. Results provided a large experimental database on the influence of the box dimensions and compression velocities on buckling parameters such as critical load and the corresponding critical axial deformation. Cyclic loading tests permitted the detection of the onset of an irreversible strain state, which could be related to damage initiation and propagation in the microstructure of the panels of boxes. Moreover, main differences, which could be observed between G‐flute corrugated boards and folding boards, were emphasized. Finally, the ability of some usual modelling approaches to predict the critical load of boxes was discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Monotonic and cyclic compression tests were performed on boxes made of G‐flute corrugated board. The influence of the box dimensions and compression velocities on buckling parameters (critical load and axial deformation, buckling modes) was investigated and the ability of some modeling approaches to predict the critical load was discussed. Moreover, main differences between corrugated and folding boards during compression tests were studied.