Design of Cold-formed High Strength Steel Tubular Stub Columns and Beams

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical investigation to examine the structural behaviour of coldformed high strength steel (CFHSS) tubular stub columns and beams. The nominal 0.2% proof stresses of the high strength steel sections were 700 MPa, 900 MPa and 1100 MPa. The sections consisted of square hollow sections (SHS), rectangular hollow sections (RHS) and circular hollow sections (CHS). The numerical models were developed using the finite element (FE) package ABAQUS and were validated against experimental observations. Results showed that the FE models were capable of replicating the test strengths, full load-deformation histories and failure modes. Based on the validated FE models, a comprehensive parametric study was conducted. Complementary numerical data were generated to evaluate the structural performance of stub columns and beams. The experimental and numerical results were then collated and compared with the strengths predicted from design guidelines, including ANSI/AISC 360-10, AISI S100,EN 1993-1-1 and AS 4100. The codified slenderness limits and design rules were examined. Modifications to the cross-sectional design rules for SHS, RHS and CHS were proposed.