Basic material properties and cross-sectional data (stress–strain curves and load–end
shortening curves) are presented for square, rectangular and circular hollow section specimens
in Grade 1.4301 stainless steel. The material tests cover flat material in tension and in
compression as well as corner material in tension. Modifications to the Ramberg–Osgood
representation are suggested to ensure a close fit to both tensile and compressive behaviour
over the full range of strains of interest. Results, including full load–end shortening curves,
for a total of 37 stub column tests have been presented. The results have been used to
develop an explicit relationship between cross-sectional slenderness and cross-sectional
deformation capacity, which forms the basis for a proposed new design approach for stainless
steel structures.