Investigation on cold-formed steel lipped channel built-up I beam with intermediate web stiffener

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to examine the behaviour of cold-formed steel (CFS) lipped channel built-up I-section with edge and intermediate web stiffeners under bending. Initially, the section dimension of length, width of the flange and depth of the sections are optimized numerically and finally, it is validated with the test results. All the select cross-section dimensions have satisfied the pre-qualified beam dimensions. Numerical analysis is carried out using the software ABAQUS. Totally, four section geometries are tested experimentally. After validation, a total of 75 parametric studies are carried out using the verified finite element model. All the results are compared with the direct strength method specifications for CFS structures and the suitable design modifications are detailed.