Numerical analysis of behaviour of compressed thin-walled Z-profiles weakened by holes

Katarzyna Falkowicz,M. Kulisz,J. Kujawska,T. Tulwin,K. Falkowicz,W. Cel,M. Badurowicz,M. Szala,Z. Czyż,M. Chmielewska

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201925207010

Abstract

This paper presents the results of numerical analysis conducted to investigate compressed thin-walled Z-profile weakened by holes with variable geometrical parameters. The specimens made of constructional steel were articulately supported on the edges of the cross-section in the upper and lower parts. The FEM analysis examined the nonlinear stability of these structures in the post-buckling state, where the mode of buckling was forced to ensure their stable behaviour. The numerical computations were performed within the geometrically nonlinear range until the yield point was reached. The investigation involved determining the effect of holes sizes on allowable operational loads. Numerical analysis was conducted with the Abaqus commercial FEM software package.

Highlights

Thin-walled constructions belong to the category of loadbearing structures characterised by high strength and stiffness with a simultaneously low own weight, allow constructors to a great freedom to shape a construction form [1]
The first stage was an analysis of the critical state of the structure by using a linear stability analysis – “buckling analysis”, which allowed to determine the critical loads of the compressed element and the corresponding buckling forms
The profile with 5 mm diameter holes has a critical load of 147 955 N, while for the profile with hole diameter of 15 mm the load decreases to 75 776 N, which is by about 48%

Summary

Introduction

Thin-walled constructions belong to the category of loadbearing structures characterised by high strength and stiffness with a simultaneously low own weight, allow constructors to a great freedom to shape a construction form [1]. A disadvantage of thin-walled steel or composite structures is that they are prone to loss of stability under compressive or shearing loads. This issue was described in numerous research publications [27]. Thin-walled Z-section profiles are currently quite widely used and quite often weakened by holes to reduce their volume. An example of such elements are perforated profiles used, among others for shelves, balustrades etc. The issues of stability, post-critical behaviour and load-bearing capacity of profiles with holes have been described, i.a. in the works [12,13,14,15]. The numerical computations are performed within the geometrically nonlinear range until the yield point is reached

Research subject and methodology

Numerical analysis

Results

Conclusions