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This paper reports laboratory testing and numerical modelling on the cross-sectional behaviour and resistances of press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section stub columns under combined compression and minor-axis bending. A testing programme, including initial geometric imperfection measurements and ten minor-axis eccentric compression tests, was firstly conducted. This was accompanied by a numerical modelling programme, including a validation study, where finite element models were developed and validated against test results, and a series of parametric studies, where the validated finite element models were used to generate further numerical data. The obtained test and numerical data were then adopted to evaluate the current codified design interaction curves for press-braked S690 high strength steel slender channel section stub columns under combined compression and minor-axis bending, as provided in the European code, North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard. The evaluation results revealed that the codified design interaction curves led to conservative and scattered resistance predictions, mainly due to the conservative end points (i.e. the cross-section compression and bending resistances). Finally, a new design interaction curve, anchored to more accurate end points, was proposed and shown to result in a higher level of design accuracy and consistency than the codified design interaction curves. • The behaviour of S690 high strength steel slender channel sections under minor-axis combined loading was studied. • Minor-axis eccentric compression tests were carried out. • FE models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies. • The codified design interaction curves were evaluated, revealing a high level of conservatism. • A new interaction curve, anchored to the CSM end points, was proposed and shown to yield higher design accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Built-up box sections are becoming increasingly popular for column members in cold-formed steel (CFS) construction; uses of such sections include CFS trusses, space frames, and portal frames. In this article, the built-up box sections are formed through two identical lipped channels connected at their flanges with self-drilling screws. In such an arrangement, independent buckling of the individual channels is prevented by the screws. This paper presents an experimental investigation on axial capacity of built-up CFS box sections. Tests were conducted for different values of slenderness from short to slender columns. In total, the results from 16 experimental tests are reported. Of these, 8 tests were conducted on built-up CFS box sections and the remaining 8 tests were conducted on single channel sections. Load-axial shortening relationship, and failure modes are discussed for built-up columns. Nonlinear finite element (FE) models were developed for built-up CFS box sections and single channels. FE models considered material nonlinearities, initial imperfections and modeling of intermediate fasteners. FE results showed good agreement against the test results. A parametric study was conducted which comprises 148 models to investigate the effect of fastener spacing on axial capacity of built-up CFS box sections. Both FE and test results were compared against the design strengths calculated in accordance with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS). From the comparison, it was observed that the AISI & AS/NZS are conservative by around 17% while determining the axial capacity of such built-up CFS box columns. • Experimental tests were conducted on CFS built-up box sections under axial compression. • Results from an experimental regime and elasto-plastic finite element are reported. • Local and overall imperfections are considered in FE models • The validated FE model was used for a parametric study to investigate the effect of screw spacing. • The design strengths in accordance with the AISI & AS/NZS are conservative by around 17% for CFS built-up box columns [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is a popular form of construction in New Zealand and the developed world because it can be cost-effective, durable, sustainable, resilient to extreme environmental and seismic loads and easy to install. When used in domestic and medium-rise buildings, T-Stub connection between CFS channel sections is formed by using self-drilling screws which connect the flanges. In the literature, no prior investigation on the tension capacity of such connection has been reported. Therefore, this paper describes a novel test procedure for determining the tension capacity of such CFS T-Stub connection and the associated mechanism of failure. An experimental test program that comprises thirty experimental tests is reported in this paper. Three channel section thicknesses were examined: 0.55 mm, 0.75 mm, and 0.95 mm. All specimens failed as a result of tilting of the screws and bearing failure. Non-linear elasto-plastic finite element (FE) models were developed, and the predictions were validated against the experimental test results. It was adjudged that there was reasonable agreement in terms of connection strength and failure mode prediction. Finally, the design strengths derived from current design standards were compared with the experimental failure loads. It was found that the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI 2016) and Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 2018) are conservative by 6% and unconservative by 10% for the initial and final failure loads of T-Stub CFS connections, respectively. • A novel cold-formed steel T-stub connection was studied experimentally and numerically. • The results of a total of 30 new experimental tests were reported. • Finite element analysis was conducted and validated against the test results. • The prediction accuracy of current design standards was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns are adopted in many structural applications, especially for tall buildings, bridges and large infrastructure due to their substantial structural and economic benefits. However, the design guidelines for CFST columns with high strength materials and slender sections are still limited. In acknowledging these limitations, a large number of tests on high strength CFST columns have been conducted. In this paper, the most recent experimental data on CFST columns with high strength materials and slender sections are collected and merged with existing databases to establish a comprehensive database with over 3100 tests. The test results are then compared with those predicted from existing design codes, including Eurocode 4, Australian/New Zealand code AS/NZS 2327 and American code AISC 360-16 to calibrate their accuracy in strength prediction of CFST columns. In general, all codes give conservative predictions for CFST columns. Eurocode 4 and AS/NZS 2327 give the best predictions, whilst AISC 360-16 gives conservative predictions. The effects of material strengths and section slenderness on the code predictions are also investigated to evaluate the applicability of the codes beyond their material strength and section slenderness limits. • A comprehensive database of 3103 tests on CFST columns was collected. • Test results were compared with the predictions from three modern design codes. • The effects of material strengths and section slenderness on the code predictions were examined. • The applicability of the design codes beyond their material strength and section slenderness limits was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an application of the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) based technique to investigate the block shear failure mode of bolted connections made of high strength cold-reduced G450 sheet steel. In conjunction with the conventional testing approach, the DIC provides detailed failure information on connection behaviour and its correlation with macroscopic material tests. A total number of 12 tests of 3 mm thickness specimens were tested at the University of Sydney. The experimental results provide a better understanding on how the failure of the bolted connections progress. The features of the new block shear equations recently adopted in the North American Specification for Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (AISI S100:2016) and the Australian/New Zealand Standards 4600:2018 Cold-Formed Steel Structures have been clarified. • A block shear failure experimental program of bolted connections using high strength G450 sheet steel is performed. • The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is used to observe the failure of the bolted connections. • Test results are compared with the predictions in AISI S100:2016 and AS/NZS 4600:2018. • The average shear area used in the block shear equation in the latest AISI S100:2016 and AS/NZS 4600:2018 has been confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of seismically low-damage structures was introduced by researchers to decrease the likelihood of irreparable damage as well improving the response of the structure. The need to shift from conventional ductile design to a less ductility (damage) oriented design was emphasised by different researchers in New Zealand and across the world back in the 1990s and 2000s. Damage Avoidance Design (DAD) philosophy introduced in the early 2000s took the idea of low-damage design to another level. Self-centring is the main aspect of a DAD designed. However, the need to change the seismic design philosophy was mostly felt by the community and decisions makers after the considerable financial and social loss resulted from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Several damage-avoidance concepts and solutions have been introduced and developed in the past. However, most of these solutions haven't been widely implemented in practice because of the complexity and extra construction costs. This research aims to overcome this gap by introducing a new solution that can be easily adopted by the construction industry without imposing extra complexity and construction costs. This paper presents the development of a new innovative seismic device named as Self-Centring Structural Connector (SSC) as a new self-centring friction damping device. The main purpose of this device is to provide a cost-efficient yet flexible solution to achieve a range of efficient DAD structures in practice. In this paper, the principles of the force-deflection relationship for the SSC is analytically developed and validated through experimental investigation. In addition, the influence of various parameters affecting joint performance are studied through an analytical model. Finally, some possible applications of this device are introduced. As per the findings based on the analytical modelling and experimental investigation, it can be observed that the joint performs well to achieve the design and construction objectives making it a suitable solution for DAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation of the circular recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tubes (RACFST) stub columns under to axial compression to assess their cross-section behaviour. Recycled aggregate concrete is a sustainable concrete produced with recycled coarse aggregate (RAC) from demolition wastes generally used to fabricate non-structural elements. When compared with natural coarse aggregate (NCA), the recycled coarse aggregate presents lower mechanical properties due to physical and chemical changes that occurred during the recycling process, and thus the resulting RAC possess lower strength than the conventional natural aggregate concrete. However, the confinement provided by the circular steel tube can increase the strength and ductility of RAC in recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tubes (RACFST) columns. The test programme presented in this paper comprised twenty-three composite columns with replacement ratios (the mass percentages of the NCA replaced by RCA in concrete) corresponding to 0% (nature coarse aggregate), 30 and 50% (recycled aggregate concrete), plus four steel columns used for comparison. The experiments have shown that, as anticipated, the concrete core enhances the composite section load-carrying capacity. However, the control over the contents of this concrete core influences the composite section's ductility. If the fill material presents a brittle behaviour, stress redistributions occur in both steel and concrete to compensate for this effect. Since the behaviour of natural aggregate concrete filled steel tubes (NACFST) and RACFST columns are similar, the present paper starts from a study based on a comparative assessment of the recommendations presented in ABNT NBR 8800, ABNT NBR 16239, AISC 360–16, Eurocode 4 and Australian/New Zealand AS/NZS 2327 design standards. These design recommendations proved to be consistent and in line with the performed experiments. Additionally, the results indicated that the cross-section slenderness ratio (D/t) and the confinement ratio directly influence the composite section response. [Display omitted] • An experimental programme was carried out comprising recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tubular (RACFST) columns. • Different replacement ratios of the nature coarse aggregate replaced by recycled aggregate concrete were assessed. • The steel tubes were produced using a high-frequency induction welding process minimizing the residual stress effects. • The RACFST stub columns presented similar resistances with NACFST stub columns due to confinement contribution. • EC4 and AS/NZS 2327 predictions provide a good approach to be used to RACFST stub columns' design. • NBR 8800 and AISC 360-16 presented very conservative predictions for the columns' strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study of eccentrically loaded circular recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube (RACFSST) stub columns. The testing programme was conducted on twelve specimens designed with different stainless steel tube section sizes and recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios, and included tensile coupon tests, concrete cylinder tests and eccentric compression tests. The test results, including the failure loads and modes, load–mid-height lateral deflection curves and evolution of neutral axis, were reported and discussed. Following the testing programme, a numerical modelling programme was conducted, with finite element models developed and validated against the test results and then employed to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data. The confinement effects were analysed based on the numerical data. The relevant design interaction curves, as set out in the European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, were assessed for their applicability to circular RACFSST stub columns under combined compression and bending. On the basis of the quantitative and graphical assessments, it has been found that (i) each set of codified design interaction curve leads to similar assessment results for eccentrically loaded circular RACFSST stub columns with different recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios and (ii) the failure load predictions from the codified design interaction curves are conservative. • The structural behaviour and resistance of circular RACFSST stub columns under combined loading are investigated. • Twelve eccentric compression tests are conducted. • FE models are developed to validate against the test results and then used to conduct parametric studies. • The confinement effects of different types of RACFSST composite sections are discussed. • The applicability of the relevant codified N–M interaction curves is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cold-formed steel (CFS) channels with web holes are becoming increasingly popular. Such holes, however, result in sections becoming more susceptible to lower axial compressive resistance. Traditional holes are normally punched at the web and un-stiffened. Recently, a new generation of CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes has been developed by the CFS industry but no information is available in the literature to accurately predict the axial capacity of such sections. The current design guidelines in accordance with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI 2016) and Australia New Zealand standards (AS/NZ 4600:2018) do not provide any design rules for CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes. In this paper, a numerical model that accurately simulated results from the experimental testing of CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes under axial compression as published in a previous paper by the authors was employed to carry out a parametric study which involved 348 finite element (FE) models. Variables which were examined included column slenderness, stiffener length, fillet radius, hole size, hole location and hole spacing. A comparison of the numerical results with current design rules for CFS channels with un-stiffened holes revealed that the design equations were not accurate for such sections; design equations are therefore proposed in which an enhancement factor is applied to the original equations. The enhancement factor was obtained using bivariate linear regression analysis. The proposed design equations closely predict the enhanced axial capacity of CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes. • A new generation of CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes was studied through finite element analysis • The FE model was validated against the previously published data for CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes • A parametric study which involved 348 FE models was conducted. • Variables are slenderness, stiffener length, fillet radius, hole size, hole location and hole spacing. • The developed design equations could predict the capacity of CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports the numerical parametric study on the structural behaviour of battened cold-formed steel built-up box columns composed of four lipped angles. The validated numerical model with the experimental results reported by the author in the comparison paper was employed to carry out parametric studies to produce numerical data over a wider range of global column slenderness by varying the sectional compactness of the lipped angle section, batten spacing, and global column slenderness. The numerically derived results were employed to check the accuracy of the current design rules. The results of the assessment revealed the limitation of the current design rules in the prediction of the capacity of the CFS built-up battened box columns, which was mainly associated with the influence of unbraced chord slenderness and interconnector stiffness on the buckling behaviour. Therefore, improved design procedure was proposed in the framework of AS/NZS specifications (AS/NZ 4600:2018) and European standards (EN1993-1-3:2006) for the safe, less scattered and reliable design strength predictions of battened CFS built-up columns composed of four lipped angles. • The CFS built-up battened column composed of four lipped angles were investigated. • Lower unbraced chord slenderness can improve the axial strength by up-to 28%. • Also, it is more dominant in intermediate columns with lower sectional compactness. • AS/NZ-4600's upper limit for the relative unbraced chord slenderness is recommended. • Reliable design equations are proposed for CFS battened columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an experimental and numerical investigation into the cross-section behaviour and resistances of press-braked stainless steel channel sections under combined compression and major-axis bending moment. A testing programme was firstly conducted, including initial local geometric imperfection measurements and major-axis eccentric compression tests on ten press-braked stainless steel channel section stub column specimens. Following the testing programme, a numerical modelling programme was performed, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then adopted to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and initial loading eccentricities. Based on the obtained test and numerical data, the existing design interaction curves, as given in the European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, were assessed and shown to result in conservative cross-section resistance predictions for press-braked stainless steel channel sections under major-axis combined loading. The conservatism of the codified design interaction curves stems from the conservative end points (i.e. cross-section resistances under pure compression and pure bending), which are determined without considering the effect of material strain hardening, and the inefficient linear shape, which ignores the effect of stress redistribution. Improved design interaction curves were proposed through the adoption of (i) more accurate end points, which are calculated with a rational exploitation of material strain hardening by continuous strength method and (ii) more efficient nonlinear shape, which allows for the stress redistribution. The proposed design interaction curves were shown to result in substantially more accurate resistance predictions for press-braked stainless steel channel sections under major-axis combined loading than their codified counterparts. The reliability of the proposed design interaction curves was confirmed by means of statistical analyses. [Display omitted] • Press-braked stainless steel channel sections under combined loading were studied. • Ten major-axis eccentric compression tests were conducted. • FE models were developed and validated and then used to perform parametric studies. • The codified design interaction curves were assessed, revealing conservatism. • New design interaction curves were proposed and shown to yield higher accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-formed steel (CFS) Tab connections are popular due to their rapid fastening and ease of installation, and their applications have increased recently in Pacific countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This type of connection consists of a Tab plate formed from the web of the supporting beam and is screwed to the joist web, providing a dependable load path from the joist to the galvanized C-section supporting beam. However, no studies have been reported in the literature for the shear capacity of such connections. This paper presents a shear test program designed to determine the shear capacity of CFS Tab connections and to identify their failure mechanism. The experimental program included three different beam sizes, C-150, C-190 and C-240. Each test was repeated three times, resulting in nine tests in total. All the specimens failed in plate yielding and plate tearing, which occurred on the tension side of the plate (top region). Nonlinear finite element (FE) models were then developed and verified against the test results. The FE results showed good agreement with the test results in terms of connection stiffness, connection strength and failure modes. Finally, it was shown that the design equations given in the Australia/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 4600) and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI S100) for predicting the combined bending and shear capacity could predict the ultimate shear capacity of CFS Tab connections investigated in this study. • The results of monotonic shear tests of a novel CFS Tab connection are reported. • CFS Tab connections failed in plate yeailding and tearing. • A nonlinear FE model is developed. Results showed good agreement with the test results. • A design procedure is proposed for predicting the shear capacity of CFS Tab connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a comprehensive experimental and numerical study of the flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of circular recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube columns. The experimental programme, adopting four series of column specimens designed with various stainless steel tube sizes, recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratios and member lengths, included material tests on both recycled aggregate concretes and stainless steel tubes, initial global geometric imperfection measurements and pin-ended column tests. The obtained experimental results, including the failure loads, load–mid-height lateral deflection curves and flexural buckling failure modes, were reported in detail. The effects of the stainless steel tube size, recycled coarse aggregate replacement ratio and member length on the flexural buckling resistances of the column specimens were examined. The lateral deflection distributions along the column specimen lengths and the development of the longitudinal strains of the outer stainless steel tubes were discussed. The experimental programme was supplemented by a numerical modelling programme, in which finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then used for conducting parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions and member lengths. Given that there have been no existing design codes for recycled aggregate concrete–stainless steel composite structures, the relevant codified design rules for circular natural aggregate concrete-filled carbon steel tube columns failing by flexural buckling, as used in Europe, Australia/New Zealand and America, were assessed for their applicability to circular recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube columns, based on the test and numerical data. The assessment results revealed that the design rules, as given in the Australian/New Zealand standard and American specification, result in unsafe flexural buckling resistance predictions when used for circular recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube columns, while the Eurocode design rules lead to more safe and accurate flexural buckling resistance predictions. Unlabelled Image • Recycled aggregate concrete-filled stainless steel tube (RACFSST) column system has been proposed. • Tests on circular RACFSST columns susceptible to flexural buckling have been conducted. • The flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of circular RACFSST columns have been studied. • FE models have been developed to validate against the test results and then used to conduct parametric studies. • The applicability of the existing design codes to circular RACFSST columns has been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) columns have been increasingly used in tall buildings and bridges due to offering excellent structural and economic benefits. Current design codes for such columns exhibit certain limits in terms of material strengths and section slenderness. This paper aims to evaluate the reliability and the applicability of the current design equations in American code AISC 360–16, European code EC 4 and Australian/New Zealand code ASNZS 2327 for the design of the columns beyond their material and slenderness limits. A comprehensive database with over 3200 tests was collected to develop the statistics of the model errors for different types of columns. Monte Carlo and subset simulation techniques were developed based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms, to accurately and efficiently predict the reliability index of structures with small failure probability because they account for all uncertainties in material and geometric properties, loads and model errors. The results from the reliability analysis indicate that the reliability index of the concentric column designed by three considered codes is much higher than that of the eccentric column (i.e. beam-column). The results from a parametric study suggest that all three codes can be safely extended to the design of columns beyond the current material and section slenderness code limits. • Monte Carlo and subset simulations were developed for reliability analysis of CFST columns. • An up-to-date database with over 3200 tests on CFST columns was collected. • Statistical properties of design models were developed for different types of CFST columns. • The safety of current design codes within and beyond their material and section slenderness limits was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-formed steel (CFS) back-to-back channels are becoming a popular choice for use in load-carrying members in building structures. These built-up channels often include web holes for installation of services. Traditional web holes are un-stiffened, which can restrict the size and spacing of holes. Recently, a new generation of CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes has been developed and used widely in New Zealand. No research has been reported in the literature to investigate the axial strength of back-to-back channels with edge-stiffened holes. Experiments are required on back-to-back channels with edge-stiffened holes so to understand the effects of composite actions between the back-to-back channels on the axial strength of such channels. This paper presents a total of 162 new results comprising 27 axial compression tests and 135 finite element analysis (FEA) results on the axial strength of back-to-back channels with edge-stiffened holes, un-stiffened holes and plain webs. Prior to compression tests, initial geometric imperfections were measured using a laser scanner. Tensile coupon tests were also conducted to determine the material properties of both the flat and corner portions of the channels. The test results show that for the case of back-to-back channels with edge-stiffened holes, the axial strength increased by 6.6% on average, compared to a back-to-back plain channel. For comparison, the same section with un-stiffened holes had a 12.4% reduction on average in axial strength, compared to a back-to-back plain channel. A nonlinear elasto-plastic finite element (FE) model was then developed, and the results showed good agreement with the test results. The validated FE model was used to conduct a parametric study involving 135 FE models to investigate the effects of column slenderness, diameter of hole, screw spacing, stiffener lengths and stiffener fillet radius on the axial strength of such channels. Finally, the tests and parametric study results were compared against the design strengths calculated in accordance with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) (2016) and Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) (2018) for back-to-back plain channels and against the design equations of Moen and Schafer (2011) for back-to-back channels with un-stiffened holes. It was found that the AISI (2016) and AS/NZS (2018) are only 3% conservative to the test results. The Moen and Schafer equations (2008, 2009, 2011) are conservative by 21% on average for back-to-back channels with un-stiffened holes. Deformed shapes at failure from experiments and FEA. Unlabelled Image • A new generation of back-to-back CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes is examined. • Results from an experimental regime and elasto-plastic finite element are reported. • A parametric study involving 135 FE models was conducted. • Variables included column slenderness, hole size, screw spacing, stiffener lengths and stiffener fillet radius. • Edge stiffened hole-channels can outperform plain channels in terms of axial strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an experimental and numerical investigation to study the flexural capacity of back-to-back gapped built-up cold-formed steel (CFS) channel sections under four-point bending. The gap between the back-to-back channels was formed through intermediate link-channels which were screwed to the webs of the back-to-back channels. A total of 90 results comprising 18 laboratory tests and 72 finite element (FE) analysis results are reported on the flexural capacity of back-to-back gapped built-up CFS channel sections under four-point bending. Three different types of channels were considered to form the built-up channels: plain channels, channels with one web stiffener and channels with two web stiffeners. Two different beam spans as 1000 mm and 2000 mm were tested. Initial geometric imperfections were also measured prior to bending tests for all test specimens. A nonlinear FE model was then developed, the results of which showed good agreement against the laboratory test results. Using the validated FE model, an extensive parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of web stiffeners and link-channel spacing on the flexural capacity of such gapped built-up beams. It is shown that design in accordance with the American Iron and Steel Institute, AISI (2016) and Australia/New-Zealand standards, AS/NZS (2018) can be conservative by as much as 27%. The flexural capacity of back-to-back gapped built-up sections with two web stiffeners was increased by 10% on average, when compared to the capacity of gapped built-up beams with plain channel sections. • Eighteen laboratory tests are reported on the flexural capacity of back-to-back gapped built-up CFS channel sections under four-point bending. • Three different types of channels: plain channels, channels with one web stiffener and channels with two web stiffeners were used to for the gapped built-up beams. • A nonlinear FE model was then developed, which included initial imperfections and modeling of link-channels and fasteners. • An extensive parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of web stiffeners and link-channel spacing on the flexural capacity of such gapped built-up beams. • It is shown that design in accordance with the AISI & AS/NZS can be conservative by as much as 27%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) members with slotted perforations in webs are used in civil construction to amplify the thermal and energy performance of structures. However, the slotted webs reduce the structural performance of the element, prominently their shear, bending and combined bending and shear strengths. Many research studies have been undertaken to examine the behaviour of CFS channel sections subject to bending. Yet, no research has been performed to investigate the distortional buckling behaviour of slotted perforated CFS flexural members. Finite Element (FE) models of CFS channels with staggered slotted perforations were developed herein to investigate their distortional buckling under bending stress. A parametric study was conducted in detail by developing 432 slotted perforated CFS FE models based on the validation process with available experimental results. In particular, this paper presents the FE analysis details of CFS flexural members with slotted perforations subject to distortional buckling and results. The reliability of the current Direct Strength Method (DSM) for CFS flexural members with web holes subject to distortional buckling in accordance with the North American Specification (AISI S100) (2016) and the Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ 4600) (2018) was investigated. Modified DSM formulae for slotted perforated CFS flexural members subject to distortional buckling were also proposed. • Distortional buckling behavior of CFS beams with staggered slotted perforations have been investigated. • Finite element models showed good agreement with available test data. • All influencing parameters were considered in the parametric studies. • Staggered slotted perforations reduced the distortional buckling flexural capacity up to 23%. • New direct strength method based design equations were proposed for distortional buckling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors have recently described the experimental in-plane shear tests of three composite slabs under monotonic loading to failure, focusing on the interaction between the slabs acting as diaphragms and the lateral load resisting system. The tests considered rib orientations both parallel and perpendicular to the supporting beam, as well as the end-anchorage details used in New Zealand and those used in Europe. A novel pure shear test rig was developed for this purpose. It was found that all specimens exhibited similar ultimate shear strength, and that the Eurocode overestimated the design strength for the European end-anchorage detail by almost a factor of two. An improved equation for the ultimate in-plane shear strength was proposed by the authors, modifying the Easterling and Porter equation to take into account the influence of the edge rebar, showing good agreement with the experimental test results. In this paper, reversed cyclic in-plane shear tests of the same three slabs are now reported. Each test was repeated twice, resulting in six test results. The same novel pure shear test rig was adopted. In the elastic range, the reversed cyclic loading results were found to be similar to those of the monotonic tests, with the spine curve being very similar. The ultimate in-plane shear strength of all three was lower than that of the monotonic test by around 15%. Slippage of specimens was found to be insignificant in the elastic range. • The in-plane shear behaviour of composite slabs was studied through cyclic tests. • Three different end anchorage details were investigated. • The ultimate shear strength of all three was lower than that of the monotonic test by around 15%. • Slippage of specimens was found to be insignificant in the elastic range. • Stiffness degradation of all specimens was slight right up to the peak load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different failure modes of composite floors subjected to in-plane shear forces have been determined by a number of researchers using pseudo-static testing. However, all previous experimental tests subjected the floors to a combination of shear and moment and did not represent the boundary conditions applying at the diaphragm interfaces with the seismic resisting system. This paper proposes a new experimental test setup in which the slabs being tested are subjected to near pure shear at the slab to supporting beam interface. Using the new experimental test setup, three composite floor slabs have been tested. In the first floor slab, the deck rib orientation is parallel to the supporting beam. For the second and third floor slab configurations, the deck rib orientation is perpendicular to the supporting beam. The second floor slab uses the standard end anchorage details adopted in New Zealand, involving a solid rib of concrete surrounding the shear studs along the secondary beam. The third floor slab uses the standard end anchorage detail adopted in Europe, in which the decking continues over the secondary beam and the shear studs are welded through the decking. It was found that all three slabs had similar strength and stiffness, albeit with different failure modes. The first slab exhibited the most brittle behaviour, whereas the second specimen exhibited a smoother post-peak behaviour and was the most ductile among these three details. A comparison between the test results and existing design equations has been made and a new equation is developed. • The in-plane shear behaviour of composite slabs was investigated through monotonic tests. • Although they had different end anchorage details, they showed similar strength and stiffness. • The contribution of steel deck and shear studs in shear strength of composite diaphragm was negligible. • The reduction of stiffness in all specimens up to peak load was slight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]