FEM analyses on beam-to-column connection for a thin-walled cold-formed steel frame

Abstract

The advantage of fast construction for thin-walled cold-formed steel ground floor structures is somehow lessened by the challenges the engineers encounter when designing the connections. The horizontal forces induced by the seismic motions and not only, represent a serious threat to flexible structures. The paper presents the results obtained from comparative FEM analyses of different types and layouts of beam-to-column connection in case of a thin-walled cold-formed steel frame. The obtained results were analysed and compared from the point of view of maximum vertical displacements of the beam free end, the load-displacement diagrams as well as the principal stresses. The objective was to obtain the most efficient type of connection that ensures the safe transfer of internal forces from the beam to the column.