Influence of Support Conditions on Single-Span Profiled Sheet Metal Strength Through Nonlinear FEM Analysis

Abstract

Profiled sheets are widely used in modern steel structures, either as cladding or as casing in composite structures. Strength calculation of such structures is a crucial design issue, and it represents a complex task because one must deal with thin-walled structures that have complicated cross-section shape. Manufacturers of these structural elements provide data about its strength, mostly based on experimental testing. However, catalogues provide little data about the supporting conditions at the ends that may have influence on structural strength. In this research, the finite element method analysis with geometrical and material nonlinearity and contact analysis in the support zones was applied for the strength calculation of a profiled steel sheet with very high depth. The analysis encompassed determination of the ultimate limit strength and serviceability limit strength with limited deflection. All analyses were conducted for surface load applied over the area of one sheet. Thereat, influence of several factors related to support conditions was considered: friction on the supports, support width, and number of fasteners. Failure mechanisms were also analysed. Obtained results were compared with other sources and methods, like analytical solution, manufacturer’s software, and catalogue data. Results of the research showed that behaviour and strength of those elements depend to the great extent on end support detailing, which cannot be encompassed by classical calculation methods and linear analysis. Significance of the support conditions was proven, and attention was paid on absence of such data in published catalogues.