Behaviour and design of cold-formed CHS under static pure bending through finite element analysis.

The current slenderness limits are significantly different in international design codes for cold-formed Circular Hollow Sections (CHS) under pure bending. This paper aims to use the Finite Element (FE) method to understand the behaviour of cold-formed CHS under pure bending and to propose new design rules. The model is calibrated by comparing its predicted load-deflection curves with previously published experimental data. In total, 21 specimens were modelled with diameter-to-thickness ratios ranging from 13 to 122. The current slenderness limits in the present international steel specifications were examined using the FE model and their suitability for cold-formed CHS is discussed. The effect of section slenderness on rotation capacity has been examined where the predicted variation of rotation capacity against section slenderness has been compared to the experimental results. A new equation for the amount of initial geometrical imperfection as a function of section slenderness has been developed and proposed for design purposes. The ovalisation deformation ratio and the critical strain at local buckling were determined and compared for compact, non-compact and slender sections. The progressive bending deformations of CHS at 10 critical steps have been presented and compared for the three cross sectional types, in particular at the maximum moment and bending rotation. In general, a good agreement has been obtained between the predicted strengths and ductilities using the current FE models and those of the experimental data of cold-formed CHS. • Using finite element method to determine the slenderness limit of cold-formed steel tubes and compared to the previous experimental results. • The effect of geometrical imperfections on the deformation cold-formed CHS has been examined. • The rotation capacity has been presented for CHS. • The ovalisation of compact, non-compact and slender section has been analysed. • The buckling mechanism has been analysed by using strain analysis, the critical strain at maximum moment has been determined and compared to the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]