The behavior and design of longitudinally stiffened thin-walled compression elements

Abstract The behavior and design of cold-formed steel sections with single and multiple intermediate stiffeners in the compression, flange is investigated. Existing experimental data are used to evaluate critically the AISI specification and Eurocode. For bending strength prediction of sections with multiple intermediate stiffeners, the AISI specification can be quite unconservative and Eurocode often Yields overly conservative results. Existing experimental data are used to calibrate a finite element model. An extensive parametric study is conducted using the finite element model. The results of the study are used to gain a better understanding of the behavior of these elements, and to help evaluate alternatives to the existing design procedures. Based on the existing data and the finite element stud two alternatives to the existing strength prediction procedures are advanced.