Section Moment Capacity of Cold-Formed Unlipped Channels

Publisher Summary This chapter investigates the use of hot-rolled steel structures standards in the design of thicker cold-formed members. A series of tests were conduced on cold-formed unlipped channels subjected to major axis bending. The material properties of all specimens were determined by tensile coupon tests. The coupons were taken from the center of the web plate of the finished specimens belonging to the same batches as the bending tests. The moments were obtained using a quarter of the ultimate static applied load from the actuator, multiplied by the lever arm (the distance from the support to the loading point) of the specimens. The test results are compared with the design strengths predicted using the Australian Standard for hot-rolled steel structures. The chapter also examines the appropriateness of the section moment capacity design equations specified in the current cold-formed steel structures standards and specifications for thicker cold-formed members. The test strengths are compared with the design strengths predicted using the Australian/New Zealand Standard and the American Iron and Steel Institute Specification for cold-formed steel structures.