Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation of C-Shape Thin-Walled Steel Profile Joints

Abstract

The versatility of steel, its high resistance in relation to its low mass, as well as the easily accessible technology in the context of using recyclable materials and the low negative impact on the environment represent important arguments in using thin-walled steel profiles to make structures for buildings with a low height regime. This paper presents the results of an experimental program that investigated the behavior of three types of joints in a T-shape form made of thin-walled steel profiles to make shear wall panels or truss beam floors. Due to the small dimensions of the C-profiles of 89 × 41 × 12 × 1 mm, and of the technology of their joining, manufacturers prefer the hinged connections of elements with self-drilling screws. The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to assess the maximum capacity of the joints, the elastic and post-elastic behavior until failure, and also the mechanisms failure. The types of joints analyzed are commonly used in the production of structural systems for houses. The experimental program, which consisted of testing 5 specimens for each type of joint in tension (shear on screws), showed different behavior in terms of load-displacement. The experimental, tested models were analyzed by finite element simulations in an ANSYS nonlinear static structure with 3D solid models. The materials were defined by a bilinear true stress–strain curve obtained after some experimental tensile tests of the steel. The results of the experimental tests showed that the main failure mechanism is a yielding of the holes where the screws were mounted and a shearing of the profile walls. Adding an additional screw on each side increases the capacity of the joints, but not until a yield loss is obtained. In conclusion, it is shown that the solution is suitable for a low level of loading in a static manner; however, additional studies are necessary in order to develop and verify other solutions, thus improving the strength of the connection.

Time history comparative analyses of a thin-walled cold-formed steel structure considering P-D effect

“…Based on previous work [14][15][16] the research presented in this paper focus on the structural response of a structural skeleton made of C shape thin-walled steel profile. The structural system depicted in Figure 1 utilizes a framing approach with truss-like diagonal elements situated in the peripheral panels.…”

Effective Stiffness of Thin-Walled Beams with Local Imperfections

“…The sheets are cold-bended to obtain the desired cross-section; therefore, due to production methods, there are obvious limitations on the shape of thin-walled cross-sections. The most popular in structural engineering are Z or C profiles [ 4 , 5 ]; however, Sigma profiles [ 6 , 7 ] have also recently been used. Structural members with thin-walled cross-sections are used in light structures as one of the first load-bearing elements; for instance in roof purlins, but also as secondary load-bearing elements in steel sheds, or supporting structures in photovoltaic installations, such as rafters or columns.…”

Sustainable Design for CFS Structures: Experimental Data and Numerical Models of Hinged Connections

“…Some of that research focused on profile section or structural systems and others on the connection types between profiles under different type of loadings. The use of CFS structures has seen an increasing interest all over the world from Europe in Italy [9][10][11], Romania [12][13][14][15], Turkey [16], UK [17][18][19], USA [20][21][22] or Asia [23][24][25][26][27][28]. CFS structures may tick some of the requirements in terms of sustainability, such as efficiency ratio (strength vs. consumed material quantity, which allows for an assessment by the proportion between the strength of a structural element and the mass).…”