This two–volume book covers a wide range of experimental methods for testing and assessing buckling behavior for a variety of structures. It summarizes the state of the art of buckling theory and computations, and then investigates systematically the parameters that influence test results such as imperfections, boundary conditions, loading conditions, and residual stresses. Many typical tests are discussed and evaluated in detail in both volumes.This first volume addresses basic concepts, columns, beams, arches, and plates. The second volume covers shells, stiffened plates and composite structures, plastic buckling, cutout and damage effects, buckling under dynamic loads, thermal buckling and nondestructive tests.