The development and accuracy of an appropriate analytical model to predict the behavior of cold-formed steel (CFS) structural members necessitate a correct representation of the corresponding material characteristics. The results of two series of experimental investigations to evaluate the mechanical properties and the built-in residual stresses of CFS sections are reported in this paper. These investigations were performed on channel-shaped CFS sections manufactured using the cold-roll forming technique. Tensile coupon tests were used to evaluate the mechanical properties at different locations such as flat area, and the corner areas, of the channel sections. Electrical resistance strain gauges with an “electrical discharge machining” cutting technique were used to establish the magnitudes and the distributions of residual stresses within the channel sections. Based on the experimental results, appropriate analysis models for the stress-strain relationship, the variation of the yield strength, and the re...