Abstract
This study compares the mechanical behaviour of square hollow sections (SHS) made of three different types of S355: cold-formed, hot-rolled and offshore steel. A material model and failure criterion for each steel type were calibrated based on quasi-static uniaxial tensile tests. The failure criterion applies a recently proposed through-thickness damage regularisation model with the purpose of accurately describing the load-bearing capacity using shell elements. Experimental three-point bending tests were conducted at both quasi-static and dynamic conditions. Notches were used to trigger failure in the tests. The cold-formed steel exhibited the highest yield stress of the three steel types, while the offshore steel displayed better ductility than the other two. The numerical simulations showed that a shell element model of the SHS incorporating the regularisation scheme was able to describe the material behaviour and predict failure.
Highlights
Today, several types of S355 steels are available
The results suggested that the corner regions of the cold-formed sections exhibited increased yield stress and ultimate strength, which were mainly attributed to cold working during production
Engineering strains were obtained by digital image correlation, placing a virtual extensometer with an initial length of 15 mm on the pictures of the test specimens
Summary
Several types of S355 steels are available. They differ in material properties, such as ductility and fracture toughness, and price. More ductile materials are typically more expensive, and the question arises as to whether it is cost-effective to use a more expensive steel or not. Like offshore installations, it may be necessary to demand great ductility from the material. There is a choice between cold-formed and hot-rolled sections. Choosing the optimal steel type needed for a specific structure can have significant economic advantages
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