Finite Element Analysis of the Screw Arrangement Effects on the Connection Behaviour for Cold Formed Steel Truss Systems

Abstract

Due to advantages of lightweight section with high strength to weight ratio, easy for transportation, can be manufactured in different configurations and shapes, the demand for cold formed steel (CFS) has rapidly increased. There were several types of connections such as bolt, welded, rivet and screw. Recently, limited researches were noticed especially when it was used on steel trusses. Rectangular hollow section (RHS) and lipped channel (LCS) were selected as material of cold formed steel (CFS) truss where consist of interconnected small elements such as web, top and bottom chord and other components. In this research, the screw connections of Fink and Howe truss at the side and peak location were being modelled using LUSAS. The behaviors in different cases through modification of screws arrangement were being compared. The identification of connection strength based on the results such as displacement, shear, stress and moment were discussed through finite element analysis. Thereafter, according to procedures prescribed in Eurocode 3 design checking on the shear and tension resistance of screw connection were carried out as a validation of design procedure for connection of cold formed steel (CFS). From the outcomes results, it was observed that both types of cross sections gave different performances. In general, when the arrangement of screws was emphasized the function of screw connection necessarily improved but was not crucially affected. However, such arrangement of screws was appropriate to use in truss system design.