A utilização de perfis formados a frio na construção metálica no Brasil vem crescendo de forma significativa. Dentro deste mesmo contexto, atenções especiais estão sendo direcionadas às ligações utilizadas neste tipo de perfil, pelo fato de as chapas que as constituem resultarem cada vez mais esbeltas em função da significativa redução na sua espessura (elevada relação largura/espessura). Por esta razão, as ligações em perfis formados a frio têm sido estudadas por pesquisadores, tanto no contexto mundial como no Brasil. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo realizar estudos relacionados às ligações parafusadas em perfis formados a frio, com vistas a avaliar a resistência e o comportamento destas ligações por meio de modelagem numérica, simulando o comportamento estrutural com a utilização do código de cálculo ANSYS v.6.0, elaborado com base nos Métodos dos Elementos Finitos (MEF). No sentido de avaliar a eficiência e a confiabilidade dos modelos elaborados, os resultados numéricos obtidos foram comparados com resultados experimentais obtidos em ensaios, bem como, comparados com resultados numéricos obtidos utilizando-se outros padrões de modelagem. / The use of cold-formed steel members in the steel building in Brazil comes growing of significant form. Inside of the same context, special attentions are being directed to the connections used in the cold-formed steel members, or the fact of the sheets used to this kind of steel members result each time more thin. For this reason the connections in cold-formed steel members have been studied for researchers, as much in the worldwide context as in Brazil. The objective of this work is studies the bolted connections in cold-formed steel member to evaluate the resistance and the behavior of these connections by means of numerical modeling, simulating the structural behavior with the use of the code of calculation ANSYS v.6.0, elaborated based on Finite Element Methods. With the objective to evaluate the efficiency and the trustworthiness of the elaborated model, the numerical results where compare with experimental results gotten in assays, as well as, compared with numerical results gotten using other standards of modeling.

Este trabalho apresenta a proposta de recuperação estrutural de uma edificação histórica no município de Uberaba por meio de perfis formados a frio. Para o dimensionamento e cálculo dos elementos estruturais foi utilizado o projeto de norma brasileira de dimensionamento de estruturas de aço constituídas por perfis formados a frio. São apresentados os critérios e procedimentos para a recuperação de estruturas em geral e especificamente para as edificações antigas ou históricas. É feita uma análise da viabilidade técnica, da utilização de perfis formados a frio na recuperação estrutural de obras históricas. / This work presents the proposal of structural recovery of a historical construction in Uberaba city, by means of cold-formed sections. It was used the steel structures increasing brazilian norm project, composed of cold-formed sections. It is presented the criteria and procedures for the general structural recovery to the old or historical constructions. It is also made an analysis of technical viability of cold-formed sections utilization in structural recovery of historical works.

Master of Engineering (Research) / This report investigates the down-aisle buckling load capacity of steel storage rack uprights. The effects of discrete torsional restraints provided by the frame bracing in the cross-aisle direction is considered in this report. Since current theoretical methods used to predict the buckling capacity of rack uprights appear to be over-conservative and complex, this research may provide engineers an alternative method of design using detailed finite element analysis. In this study, the results from experimental testing of upright frames with K-bracing are compared to finite element predictions of displacements and maximum axial loads. The finite element analysis is then used to determine the buckling loads on braced and un-braced uprights of various lengths. The upright capacities can then be compared with standard design methods which generally do not accurately take into account the torsional resistance that the cross-aisle frame bracing provides to the upright. The information contained in this report would be beneficial to engineers or manufacturers who are involved in the design of rack uprights or other discretely braced complex light gauge steel members subject to axial loads.

The use of cold-formed steel as a framework for floor systems in multi-story buildings and single occupancy residences is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional materials and techniques. Builders and designers have recognized that the high strength-to-weight ratio provided by the cross-section of cold-formed steel members permits lighter structures and longer spans. The longer spans and lighter structures associated with cold-formed steel floor systems can result in vibration serviceability issues if proper design considerations are not made. Providing sufficient damping within the structure is the most effective way to ensure that occupants are comfortable under typical residential and office service loads. The modern, open-concept interior has open floor plans with few partitions and long spans, which result in inherently low structural damping. Cold-formed steel floor systems also have less mass than traditional floor systems, which will increase the amplitude of acceleration response. The vibration problems that may be present in cold-formed steel floor systems, like any other floor system, can be addressed if proper consideration is given by designers. Traditional design approaches for vibration serviceability have proven inadequate, and there are no current methods available to designers for calculating the response of cold-formed steel floor systems. In order to design a floor system to properly address occupant comfort, consideration must be given for the type of dynamic loading, resonance, dynamic response, and stiffness of the floor system. The objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding of the dynamic characteristics of cold-formed steel floor systems, and recommend an adequate model for predicting the dynamic response and modal properties of floor systems, in order to aid the design process. This thesis presents the results of an extensive laboratory and field study on the vibration of cold-formed steel floor systems. Floor systems built with cold-formed steel TreadyReady® joists and subfloor assemblies containing OSB, FORTACRETE®, sound reduction board, cold-formed steel deck, and LEVELROCK® topping were examined. Previous research has presented the observed influence of construction details on the modal properties of the laboratory floor systems tested. This thesis discusses the influence of different details on the transverse stiffness of the floor systems. It was found that effectively restrained strongbacks, and cold-formed steel deck subfloor assemblies provided significant increases in transverse stiffness. Based on the analysis of the field testing data, recommended design damping ratios are provided for floor systems constructed with the materials investigated in this study. Floor response that can be compared to serviceability criteria is presented. The peak RMS acceleration from walking excitation was found to be within the acceptable range for the ISO criterion based on residential occupancy, and the static deflection from a 1 kN point load was found to be within the acceptable range of Onysko’s criterion. An adequate design criterion for vibration requires a limiting value, and a means of estimating floor response for comparison. The AISC, ATC, and Smith, Chui, and Hu Orthotropic Plate design methods were evaluated by comparing predicted frequency against measured frequency for the test floors. The ATC and Smith, Chui, and Hu Orthotropic Plate methods were evaluated by comparing predicted deflection against measured deflection for the test floors. The ATC method is recommended as the best method for calculating floor response based on current publications. A design procedure is recommended for cold-formed steel floor systems, using the ATC design guide. The ATC acceleration criterion for walking excitation must be met for floors with fundamental frequencies of less than 15 Hz, and the ATC static deflection criterion must be met for all floors. Proposed modifications to the ATC method to improve the design of cold-formed steel floors include: adopting the recommended design damping ratios from this thesis; adopting the frequency-weighted ISO limiting acceleration and, obtaining several coefficients and empirical expressions that are relevant to cold-formed steel floors from further testing. Recommendations for improving the floor testing procedures at the University of Waterloo are given.

The use of cold-formed steel as a framework for floor systems in multi-story buildings and single occupancy residences is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional materials and techniques. Builders and designers have recognized that the high strength-to-weight ratio provided by the cross-section of cold-formed steel members permits lighter structures and longer spans. The longer spans and lighter structures associated with cold-formed steel floor systems can result in vibration serviceability issues if proper design considerations are not made. Providing sufficient damping within the structure is the most effective way to ensure that occupants are comfortable under typical residential and office service loads. The modern, open-concept interior has open floor plans with few partitions and long spans, which result in inherently low structural damping. Cold-formed steel floor systems also have less mass than traditional floor systems, which will increase the amplitude of acceleration response. The vibration problems that may be present in cold-formed steel floor systems, like any other floor system, can be addressed if proper consideration is given by designers. Traditional design approaches for vibration serviceability have proven inadequate, and there are no current methods available to designers for calculating the response of cold-formed steel floor systems. In order to design a floor system to properly address occupant comfort, consideration must be given for the type of dynamic loading, resonance, dynamic response, and stiffness of the floor system. The objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding of the dynamic characteristics of cold-formed steel floor systems, and recommend an adequate model for predicting the dynamic response and modal properties of floor systems, in order to aid the design process. This thesis presents the results of an extensive laboratory and field study on the vibration of cold-formed steel floor systems. Floor systems built with cold-formed steel TreadyReady® joists and subfloor assemblies containing OSB, FORTACRETE®, sound reduction board, cold-formed steel deck, and LEVELROCK® topping were examined. Previous research has presented the observed influence of construction details on the modal properties of the laboratory floor systems tested. This thesis discusses the influence of different details on the transverse stiffness of the floor systems. It was found that effectively restrained strongbacks, and cold-formed steel deck subfloor assemblies provided significant increases in transverse stiffness. Based on the analysis of the field testing data, recommended design damping ratios are provided for floor systems constructed with the materials investigated in this study. Floor response that can be compared to serviceability criteria is presented. The peak RMS acceleration from walking excitation was found to be within the acceptable range for the ISO criterion based on residential occupancy, and the static deflection from a 1 kN point load was found to be within the acceptable range of Onysko’s criterion. An adequate design criterion for vibration requires a limiting value, and a means of estimating floor response for comparison. The AISC, ATC, and Smith, Chui, and Hu Orthotropic Plate design methods were evaluated by comparing predicted frequency against measured frequency for the test floors. The ATC and Smith, Chui, and Hu Orthotropic Plate methods were evaluated by comparing predicted deflection against measured deflection for the test floors. The ATC method is recommended as the best method for calculating floor response based on current publications. A design procedure is recommended for cold-formed steel floor systems, using the ATC design guide. The ATC acceleration criterion for walking excitation must be met for floors with fundamental frequencies of less than 15 Hz, and the ATC static deflection criterion must be met for all floors. Proposed modifications to the ATC method to improve the design of cold-formed steel floors include: adopting the recommended design damping ratios from this thesis; adopting the frequency-weighted ISO limiting acceleration and, obtaining several coefficients and empirical expressions that are relevant to cold-formed steel floors from further testing. Recommendations for improving the floor testing procedures at the University of Waterloo are given.

This research investigates prefabricated light-gauge steel and concrete panels using reliable and commercially viable shear connectors. An analytical and experimental investigation was undertaken to study the flexural behaviour of light-gauge steel and concrete composite panels under uniform pressure. Normalweight and lightweight concrete panels were fabricated by embedding 16-gauge 41 mm x 203 mm steel channel sections (running parallel to each other) to a depth of 38 mm into a 64 mm thick concrete slab. Push-out tests were also conducted to evaluate the efficiency of three types of shear connection mechanism; natural surface bonding, predrilled holes, and punched holes. Only two types of shear connectors (predrilled holes and punched holes) were used in the full-scale panel specimens. Results show that the predrilled holes and punched holes provide full shear transfer between the steel and concrete. The ultimate load carrying capacity of the lightweight concrete panels exhibited similar behaviour to the normalweight concrete panels. All the panels exhibited good load carrying capacity and ductility, and satisfied the serviceability limit state of deflection. Thus, the proposed panels present a potential for a commercially viable composite floor system for building construction utilizing a maximum span of 2330 mm.

Master of Engineering (Research) / This report investigates the down-aisle buckling load capacity of steel storage rack uprights. The effects of discrete torsional restraints provided by the frame bracing in the cross-aisle direction is considered in this report. Since current theoretical methods used to predict the buckling capacity of rack uprights appear to be over-conservative and complex, this research may provide engineers an alternative method of design using detailed finite element analysis. In this study, the results from experimental testing of upright frames with K-bracing are compared to finite element predictions of displacements and maximum axial loads. The finite element analysis is then used to determine the buckling loads on braced and un-braced uprights of various lengths. The upright capacities can then be compared with standard design methods which generally do not accurately take into account the torsional resistance that the cross-aisle frame bracing provides to the upright. The information contained in this report would be beneficial to engineers or manufacturers who are involved in the design of rack uprights or other discretely braced complex light gauge steel members subject to axial loads.

Aborda-se os principais aspectos da fundamentação teórica relativos ao dimensionamento de elementos em aço, constituídos por perfis de chapa dobrada, baseados nas prescrições das normas Americana e Canadense. A fundamentação teórica destina-se a justificar os procedimentos referentes ao dimensionamento de perfis de aço conformados a frio, em particular os elementos comprimidos e fletidos, além dos aspectos da flambagem local destes perfis. Aborda-se também uma análise dos métodos de projeto das estruturas metálicas formadas por estes perfis, apresentando-se algumas disposições e alguns aspectos interessantes e essenciais no desenvolvimento de um edifício industrial leve. Tendo em vista a grande utilização dos perfis conformados a frios em terças, desenvolveu-se uma sistemática de cálculo fornecendo os valores dos momentos admissíveis que poderão ser aplicados para um pré-dimensionamento. / An analysis of the theoretical basis for the design of cold-formed steel structural members, according to the American and Canadian Standards, is made. The theoretical background is used to justify the procedure to obtain the required geometry of the cold-formed steel structural members particularly the compression and flexural members, also to explain some aspects of the local buckling. Furthermore, an analysis of the design method of steel structures with these profiles is made. Some interesting and essential aspects are presented in what concerns to the development of a light industrial building. Having in mind the intensive use of cold-formed members in purlin structures, a procedure for systematic calculation was developed to determine the allowable bending moment values that can be used on a preliminary design.

Com a publicação das normas NBR 14323:1999 Dimensionamento de estruturas de aço de edifícios em situação de incêndio e NBR 14432:2000 Exigências de resistência ao fogo de elementos construtivos de edificações, despertou-se, ainda mais, a preocupação com o dimensionamento das estruturas em caso de incêndio. Quando o aço é exposto a altas temperaturas apresenta reduções na resistência ao escoamento e no módulo de elasticidade. Em função dessas reduções, a NBR 14432:2000 apresenta tempos requeridos de resistência ao fogo, com os quais, pode-se optar pelo dimensionamento da estrutura, apresentado na NBR 14323:1999, ou pelo revestimento térmico. No entanto, essa última norma não permite a utilização do método simplificado de dimensionamento para perfis formados a frio. Quanto aos revestimentos térmicos, o mais utilizado no Brasil é a argamassa projetada, não adequada aos perfis formados a frio. O presente trabalho faz um breve histórico sobre estruturas de aço em situação de incêndio, sobre perfis formados a frio em temperatura ambiente e em situação de incêndio, além de apresentar tipos de revestimentos térmicos e suas aplicações. Finalmente sugere uma possível maneira de dimensionamento por meio da NBR 14762:2001 Dimensionamento de estruturas de aço constituídas por perfis formados a frio com adaptações para situação de incêndio e de proteção desses perfis em situação de incêndio. / The interest in design of steel structures in fire situation carried out in consequence of publication of Brazilians codes ABNT/NBR 14323:1999 named \"Steel structures fire design - Procedure\" and ABNT/NBR 14432:2000 \"Fire-resistance requirements for building construction elements - Procedure\". When the steel is exposed to elevated temperatures (for example, fire situation) reductions in the strength and deformation properties must be considered. In this sense, the code ABNT/NBR 14432:2000 prescribes values of parameter TRRF (Fire strength required time), with are used for design of steel structures using a simplified method prescribed in ABNT/NBR 14323:1999, or specifying fireproofing. However, this last code doesn\'t prescribe a simplified method for cold-formed steel in fire condition, and the fireproofing materials largely used in Brazil are the sprays, which are not appropriate to cold-formed profiles. In this sense, the main goal of the present work is show a brief context about steel structures in fire conditions, in special cold-formed profiles in room temperature and fire situation, and many types of fire protection materials used in steel structures and its applications. Finally, is suggested a design method to cold-formed profiles in fire, adopting the code ABNT/NBR 14762:2001 \"Design of cold-formed steel structures\", in which appropriate adaptations are considered, as well as a protection procedure to this profiles in fire conditions.

Envolto ao já conhecido comportamento de cantoneiras esbeltas de abas iguais, questões aparentemente contraditórias tem sido reportadas em estudos experimentais de diversos autores, entre elas a ocorrência de modos de instabilidade em desacordo com aqueles obtidos via análise de estabilidade elástica, e forças axiais resistentes muito diferentes dos resultados teóricos (em geral, conservadoramente). Nestas condições, este trabalho procura analisar a fundo o comportamento das cantoneiras esbeltas de abas iguais, de modo a contribuir com o entendimento dos fenômenos que dificultam a interpretação dos resultados experimentais, dentre os quais, o afastamento longitudinal entre a rótula e a extremidade das barras (no caso de barras com extremidades rotuladas), e o sentido da imperfeição global de flexão em torno do eixo de menor inércia, o qual mostrou-se um fator chave na determinação do comportamento das cantoneiras, especialmente para comprimentos próximos da transição entre os dois modos globais de instabilidade elástica. Para esta faixa de comprimentos, diferentes níveis de interação entre os dois modos globais podem ser obtidos. Ademais, estudos experimentais realizados por diversos autores, aqui complementados por uma série de ensaios realizados em cantoneiras com extremidades engastadas, formam um vasto banco de resultados, que é utilizado para (além de comparações nos estudos teóricos) avaliar diversos procedimentos de previsão teórica sugeridos por diferentes autores, ou advindos de interpretações a partir do procedimento normativo, à luz do comportamento teórico estudado na primeira etapa do trabalho. Assim, destes procedimentos, apenas um baseado no Método da Resistência Direta, e dois baseados no Método das Larguras Efetivas demonstraram bons resultados, sendo que todos eles, desconsiderando o modo de flexo-torção como um modo global de instabilidade. Ao fim, comenta-se da necessidade de se expandir alguns estudos específicos, pois ao adotar-se um procedimento baseado somente no modo global de flexão, apesar de se mostrar estatisticamente mais eficiente, verifica-se a possível ocorrência de resultados demasiadamente contra a segurança. / On the well known behavior of equal-leg angle columns, some questions apparently paradoxical have been reported in experimental results from several authors, including the occurrence of different instability modes from the expected by the elastic stability analysis, and maximum axial compressive load expressly different (generally conservative) from theoretical previsions. Therefore, the aim of this work is to improve the knowledge about the equal-leg angle columns behavior, contributing to the understanding of the features that complicate the interpretation of experimental results, among which, the longitudinal distance between the end sections and the center of hinges (pin-ended columns), and also the direction of the minor-axis flexural initial imperfection, which proved to play a key role in the post-critical column behavior, specially for column lengths near of the transition between global buckling modes (major-axis flexural-torsional and minor-axis flexural modes). On this range of lengths, different modal interaction amplitudes can be obtained, only with the direction of the minor-axis flexural initial imperfection (i.e., the amplitude of this imperfection plays a negligible influence on the column behavior). Furthermore, putting together a fairly large column ultimate strength data bank comprising experimental test results performed by several authors, collected from the available literature, and new experimental results on fixed-ended angle columns performed in this work, important comparisons with theoretical studies can be showed as well as evaluation of several ultimate strength theoretical prevision procedures, either those suggested by another authors as those arising from interpretations of normative procedures in the light of theoretical behavior verified in the first stage of labor. In conclusion, only one procedure based on Direct Strength Method and two procedures based on Effective Width Method exhibited accurate results, all of which neglecting the flexural-torsional mode as a global mode. Thus, it is important to mention that some additional studies are needed, because if adopted a procedure based only in the minor-axis flexural mode, despite being statistically advantageous, it is verified the possibility to occurs quite unconservative results.