Numerical simulations on cold-formed steel channels with longitudinally stiffened slotted webs in shear.

This paper presents results of a numerical finite element parametric study on elastic shear buckling and ultimate shear strength of cold-formed steel channels with longitudinally stiffened slotted webs. The following parameters were varied: channel height, thickness, flange width, flange lip length, longitudinal stiffener size, perforation pattern, aspect ratio, steel yield stress and boundary conditions. Channels with longitudinally stiffened solid webs subjected to shear load were also studied to provide reference data for comparison with the slotted channels. The parametric study described in this paper allowed us to develop equations for predicting the shear buckling coefficient of longitudinally web stiffened solid channels, as well as equations for predicting the elastic shear buckling load and the ultimate shear strength of channels with longitudinally stiffened slotted webs. The developed shear strength equations without and with tension field action are presented in the paper in the traditional and direct strength method formulations. The developed equations account for the studied parameters and showed good agreements with the finite element simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]