Optimal design on the web stiffening and lip angle of cold-formed channel steel members

Abstract

Based on the same steel consumption, the effects of the different stiffening types such as rectangular, V-shaped, arc-shaped and extended V-shaped stiffening on the critical stresses of local buckling or distortional buckling and the ultimate bearing ability of the cold-formed channel steel members are investigated. For two optimal stiffening types, V-shaped and extended V-shaped stiffening, the influences of the lip angles on the critical stresses and ultimate bearing ability are also considered. The axial compression and pure bending are employed as two working conditions in the optimisation analysis. The critical stresses of local buckling and distortional buckling are analysed by using a finite strip program CUFSM. The ultimate bearing ability of cold-formed members is calculated by using the direct strength method of North American specification. Optimal stiffening type, intersection angle between web and flange and lip angles are commended.