The work aims to study the mechanical properties and failure modes of corrugated cardboard square tubular columns with different structures under quasi-static axial loads, and to obtain an optimal structural scheme for comprehensive performance. By changing the structural direction and the number of layers of corrugated cardboard square tubular columns, four structural forms of corrugated cardboard square tubular columns were designed and manufactured. By carrying out an experimental study of static load under axial load, the deformation and failure modes of corrugated cardboard square tubular columns of typical structures were systematically studied. The load-displacement curves, staged deformation and failure modes and key parameters of the four structural forms of corrugated cardboard square tubular columns were obtained. There were two buckling modes of the vertical corrugated square tubular columns. The small deformation plastic collapse progressive buckling mode was consistent with the corrugated cardboard buckling mode in the plateau phase, and the large deformation plastic collapse progressive buckling mode was consistent with the thin-walled tube buckling mode in the crushing phase. Obvious brittle characteristics were showed in the failure stage. The transverse corrugated columns exhibited stable accordion-like deformation and plastic collapse progressive buckling patterns. The double-layer corrugated columns interacted during compression, and the brittle failure characteristics were weakened. The overall collapse mode of the components was stable in the outer-horizontal and inner-vertical columns, and the characteristics of plastic failure were showed. The mechanical properties and failure modes of corrugated cardboard square columns are related to the structural form. The outer-horizontal and inner-vertical columns are integrated with the constraint design and guiding design concepts, and have superior mechanical properties.