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The use of cold-formed steel structures is increasing rapidly around the world due to the many advances in construction and manufacturing technologies and relevant standards. However, the structural behaviour of these thin-walled steel structures is characterised by a range of buckling modes such as local buckling, distortional buckling or flexural torsional buckling. These buckling problems generally lead to severe reduction and complicated calculations of their member strengths. Therefore it is important to eliminate or delay these buckling problems and simplify the strength calculations of cold-formed steel members. The Hollow Flange Beam with two triangular hollow flanges, developed by Palmer Tube Mills Pty Ltd in the mid-1990s, has an innovative section that can delay the above buckling problems efficiently. This structural member is considered to combine the advantages of hot-rolled I-sections and conventional cold-formed sections such as C- and Z-sections (Dempsey, 1990). However, this structural product was discontinued in 1997 due to the complicated manufacturing process and the expensive electric resistance welding method associated with severe residual stresses (Doan and Mahendran, 1996). In this thesis, new fastening methods using spot-weld, screw fastener and self-pierced rivet were considered for the triangular Hollow Flange Beams (HFBs) and the new rectangular hollow flange beams (RHFBs). The structural behaviour of these types of members in axial compression was focused in this research project. The objective of this research was to develop suitable design models for the members with triangular and rectangular hollow flanges using new fastening methods so that their behaviour and ultimate strength can be predicted accurately under axial compression. In the first stage of this research a large number of finite element analyses (FEA) was conducted to study the behaviour of the electric resistance welded, triangular HFBs (ERW-HFBs) under axial compression. Experimental results from previous researchers were used to verify the finite element model and its results. Appropriate design rules based on the current design codes were recommended. Further, a series of finite element models was developed to simulate the corresponding HFBs fastened using lap-welds (called LW-HFBs) and screw fasteners or spot-welds or self-piercing rivets (called S-HFBs). Since the test specimens of LW-HFBs and S-HFBs were unavailable, the finite element results were verified by comparison with the experimental results of ERW-HFB with reasonable agreement. In the second stage of this research, a total of 51 members with rectangular hollow flanges including the RHFBs made from a single plate and 3PRHFBs made from three plates fastened with spot-welds and screws was tested under axial compression. The finite element models based on the tests were then developed that included the new fasteners, contact simulations, geometric imperfections and residual stresses. The improved finite element models were able to simulate local buckling, yielding, global buckling and local/global buckling interaction failure associated with gap opening as agreed well with the corresponding full-scale experimental results. Extensive parametric studies for the RHFBs made from a single plate and the 3PRHFBs made from three plates were undertaken using finite element analyses. The analytical results were compared with the predictions using the current design rules based on AS 4100, AS/NZS 4600 and the new direct strength method. Appropriate design formulae based on the direct strength method for RHFBs and 3PRHFBs were developed. This thesis has thus enabled the accurate prediction of the behaviour and strength of the new compression members with hollow flanges and paved the way for economical and efficient use of these members in the industry.

This thesis is focused on quantifying the dynamic performance of lightweight metal sandwich systems under confined explosions, where this effort represents the first of a multi-phase comprehensive research program that is focused on developing blast damage mitigation techniques in submerged structures. A confined explosion occurrence inside such facilities may lead to paralyzing all operations depending on the functions of the affected sections. Subsequently, using sacrificial cladding placed as a physical barrier over critical components that might be vulnerable to a potential explosion is considered to be an effective blast damage mitigation technique. Furthermore, sandwich panels can be an ideal system to be used as sacrificial cladding, as it can be manufactured to possess high stiffness-to-weight ratio and superior energy absorption capabilities. Consequently, an experimental program was performed to investigate the performance of lightweight cold-formed steel sandwich panels under both quasi-static loads and confined explosions, where a total of fifty-seven sandwich panels were tested, considering various core configurations, different core sheet thickness, and different blast load intensity levels. The American ASCE/SEI 59-11 and The Canadian CSA/ S850-12 blast design standards predict the dynamic response of a structure component based on the static resistance function by applying dynamic increase factors. Subsequently, the static resistance functions for the proposed panel configurations were investigated experimentally and compared with the introduced analytical model, in order to quantify accurately the inelastic panel response. The quasi-static test program was performed in two stages, where the first included eighteen single layer core sandwich panels, which represented longitudinal and transverse corrugated core configurations. The results of the first stage configurations demonstrated an efficient strength and stiffness, but showed a lack in energy absorption capabilities and ductility capacity. Therefore, in the second stage, different core configurations were developed, including twenty-one panels representing Bi-directional and X-core double layered core configurations and its counterpart Uni-directional single layer core configuration. The results of the second stage demonstrated an enhancement in the ductility and energy absorption capabilities compared to the configurations tested in the first stage. The residual deformations and failure modes demonstrated were assessed and discussed in details, where web crippling, local buckling and global buckling induced by shear or flexurewere determined. In general the static resistance functions for each tested panel were used to quantify the panels’ yield loads, ultimate capacities, and corresponding displacement levels. Moreover, the influences of both the core configuration and the core sheet thickness on the panels’ stiffness, ductility levels and energy absorption were quantified. Based on the conclusions of the static testing and considering the ductility, capability of energy absorption, and the behavior beyond the elastic zone, two different core configurations were chosen to be tested under confined explosions. Eighteen panels were tested in a cylindrical shape blast chamber representing a typical submerged structure under different scaled distances ranged from 2.82 to 1.09 m/kg1/3, in order to demonstrate different damage state levels in accordance with the blast design standards (ASCE/SEI 59-11, CSA/ S850-12). In the blast testing results, the incident and reflected pressure time histories of the blast wave were measured, while the modified Friedlander equation was used to fit the first positive phase of the reflected pressure histories. In addition, the displacement response histories of the back face of the tested panels were recorded. The measured values of peak incident pressure, peak reflected pressure, incident impulse and the reflected impulse were compared to the predicted values using ConWep (Hyde 1990) considering the spherical explosion, and have shown a good agreement. Furthermore, the failure modes and the post blast damage were determined and compared to the static observations. In order to complement the experimental program, a nonlinear inelastic single degree of freedom model was developed in order to predict the dynamic response of the sandwich panels. The model used the recorded blast load and the static resistance while applying the dynamic increase factors recommended by the standards (ASCE/SEI 59-11, CSA/ S850-12). The model results were in a good agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, the different ductility and support rotation values obtained experimentally and predicted analytically were related to the different damage levels specified by blast standards. Finally, the influence of sandwich panel core configuration on the dynamic blast response of the tested sandwich panels was discussed. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This research introduces a proposed model for predicting tilting angle and limit states of single-fastened cold-formed steel-to-steel shear connections. Predictions are validated through an experimental study considering ply configuration and a single Hex #10 -washer head fastener, centered in a 102 mm by 102 mm three boundary window. The fastener tilting angle is captured using an automated, optical non-contact measurement procedure. The results are used to identify cold-formed steel shear connection deformation as load progresses, including tilting, bearing, and combined tilting bearing at the plies and thread tension, shear and bearing fastener failure. Results shows that fastener tilting plays a kinematic affect for the connection. Fastener tilting is predicted in function of ply thickness and fastener pitch. Local ply bending deformation is reported to be the main deformation of the connection during fastener tilting. While fastener bending and shear failure occurred if the fastener does not tilt. / Master of Science

The current specification provisions for the prediction of lateral restraint forces in Z-purlin supported roof systems under gravity loads are in Section D3.1 of the 1996 AISI Cold-Formed Specification. The design equations contained in these provisions are empirical and based on statistical analysis. They were developed using elastic stiffness models of flat roofs and were verified by experimental testing. The provisions need refinement, because the treatment of roof slope and system effects is incorrect. Also, the current design provisions are based upon an assumed panel stiffness value, ignoring the significant difference in required restraint force that occurs when panel stiffness is varied. Therefore, a new restraint force design procedure, having a stronger reliance on engineering principles, is proposed. This new treatment of the static forces in Z-purlin roofs led to a more accurate method of addressing roof slope. Elastic stiffness models, with varying roof slope, panel stiffness, and cross-sectional properties, were used to develop the proposed procedure. The basis of the procedure is to determine the lateral restraint force required for a single purlin system and then extend this result to systems with multiple restrained purlin lines. Roof slope is incorporated into the calculation of the single purlin restraint force, which includes eccentric gravity loads and forces induced by Z-purlin asymmetry. The procedure includes a system effect factor to account for the observed nonlinear increase in restraint force with the number of restrained purlins. An adjustment factor varies the predicted restraint force depending on the shear stiffness of the roof panel. The proposed procedure applies to five bracing configurations: support, third-point, midspan, quarter point, and third-point plus support restraints. / Master of Science

This thesis introduces an approach for modeling the monotonic and cyclic response of cold-formed steel framing screw-fastened connections in commercial finite element programs. The model proposed and verified herein lays the groundwork for seismic modeling of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing including shear walls, gravity walls, floor and roof diaphragms, and eventually whole building seismic analysis considering individual fastener behavior and CFS structural components modeled with thin-shell elements. An ABAQUS user element (UEL) is written and verified for a nonlinear hysteretic model that can simulate pinching and strength and stiffness degradation consistent with CFS screw-fastened connections. The user element is verified at the connection level, including complex cyclic deformation paths, by comparing to OpenSees connection simulation results. The connection model is employed in ABAQUS shear wall simulations of recent monotonic and cyclic experiments where each screw-fastened connection is represented as a UEL. The experimental and simulation results are consistent for shear wall load-deformation response and cyclic strength and stiffness degradation, confirming the validity of the UEL element and demonstrating that light steel framing performance can be directly studied with simulations as an alternative to experiments. / Master of Science

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Sutton F. Stephens / Cold‐formed steel has become a preferred building material for wall framing in many different types of structures. One of its main uses has been as non‐structural members in curtain wall assemblies of structural steel framed buildings. In an exterior wall application, the main purpose of the curtain wall is to transfer out of plane loads to the steel frame while not supporting any superimposed gravity loads. Therefore, when the curtain wall is in the plane of the structural steel frame, the vertical deflection of the spandrel beam directly above the wall must be known to provide the appropriate deflection gap between the beam and the curtain wall so that gravity loads are not transferred to the wall. Common practice is to size the gap for the deflection from 100% of the live load. In some cases, the deflection gap may be significant, and since this gap must also be provided in the exterior cladding of the wall, it creates a design issue for the architect. This report presents the results of an investigation into the feasibility of reducing the size of the deflection gap when the wall is located directly under the spandrel beam. In this study, analytical models were developed for common design situations of curtain walls constructed of cold‐formed steel studs in structural steel framed buildings. This study investigates two common stud heights combined with different floor live loads. Taking into account that wall studs have some available axial compressive strength, a procedure was developed to determine an appropriate reduction for the gap. Using an iterative process a relationship is made between the axial compressive strength of the stud and the amount of axial load the stud can support to establish a factor which gives the percentage the live load gap for 100% live load can be safely reduced by.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Sutton F. Stephens / Cold-formed steel has become a preferred building material for structural farming in many different types of structures, commonly for repetitive members such as floor joists, roof rafters, roof trusses and wall studs. For wood framed structures with repetitive members, a repetitive member factor increases the allowable bending stress from 1.00 to 1.50 times the reference design value, depending on both the type of material and the type of load. Currently, however, the bending strength of cold-formed steel repetitive members is not permitted to be increased, even though the method of framing is quite similar to that of wood except for the material properties. Typical light-frame wood construction consists of floor, roof, and wall systems, each with repetitive members connected by sheathing. A repetitive system is one of at least three members that are spaced not farther apart than 24-inches. These members must also be joined by a load distributing element adequate to support the design load. The behavior of the individual members, then, is affected by inclusion into this system. Additionally, the connected sheathing increases the bending capacity of bending members due to both composite action and load sharing. Composite action is a result of T-beam-like action between the repetitive member and connected sheathing, but is limited by nail slippage in the connection. Secondly, due to differential deflection between the members, sheathing is also able to distribute loads from weaker, more flexible members to the more rigid and stronger members. This effect is known as load-sharing. The same general principles of repetitive use should apply to cold-formed steel due to its similarity to wood construction. Accordingly, this paper conducts a preliminary study of the effects of both composite action and load-sharing in cold-formed steel assemblies and subsequently recommends using a repetitive member factor for cold-formed steel members.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Kimberly Waggle Kramer / Cold-formed steel framing sheathed with wood structural panels is a common method of construction for wall, roof and floor systems in cold-formed steel structures. Since wood structural panels are attached with screws at relatively close spacing, a certain amount of composite behavior will be present. However, the benefit of composite behavior of this system is currently not being taken advantage of in the design of these structural systems. While composite effects are present, they are not yet being accounted for in design due to a lack of statistical data. To determine the amount of composite action taking place in these systems, the slip modulus between steel and wood is required. The slip modulus reflects the amount of shear force able to be transferred through the screw connection, to either member of the composite system. This thesis presents the results of a study conducted to determine values of the slip modulus for varying thicknesses of cold-formed steel and plywood sheathing. Push tests were conducted and the slip moduli were determined based on ISO 6891 and ASTM D1761. Compared with data from a previous preliminary study performed by others, the values determined from these tests for the slip modulus were deemed reasonable. The determination of the slip modulus will lead to the ability to calculate a composite factor. Determination of a composite factor will allow cold-formed steel wood structural panel construction to become more economical due to the available increase in bending strength.

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.