Buckling behaviour of partially restrained cold-formed steel zed purlins subjected to transverse distributed uplift loading

Abstract This paper presents a numerical investigation into the buckling behaviour of cold-formed steel zed purlins when subjected to transverse distributed uplift loading. The study uses both linear and non-linear finite element methods (ABAQUS shell Finite Element analyses) to investigate the pre-buckling, buckling and post-buckling behaviour of zed-section purlins in purlin-sheeting systems. The numerical modelling strategy is carefully validated using the results of available experimental data. Influences of boundary conditions and restraints from sheeting on web shear buckling, local, distortional and lateral-torsional buckling behaviour, and the buckling interactions of the purlins are discussed. Furthermore, the strengths and failure modes of the purlins obtained from numerical results are compared with the design strengths predicted using the direct strength method (DSM) specified in the ‘North American Specification’ (AISI S100). The comparisons show that the ultimate strengths of buckling interactions are generally underestimated. Hence, the DSM is modified to cover the partially restrained zed-sections in purlin-sheeting systems.