Buckling behaviour of cold-formed steel channel section, sigma section, and built-up sigma section: Experimental and numerical study

Abstract

In the construction industry, cold-formed steel sections (CFS) are highly preferred in purlins, girts, studs in walls, and shear wall chords. Based on its strength requirements, CFS can be produced in the desired cross-sectional dimensions and shapes. The majority of wall studs are made of cold-formed steel, which is typically channel section. Hence, this study aims to compare the buckling behavior of cold-formed steel channel sections, sigma sections, and built-up sigma sections. Experimental and numerical analyses were conducted to determine the buckling capacity of the cold-formed steel section subjected to axial compression. The load-deflection and failure modes are discussed in this study. Additionally, the strength-to-weight ratio of channel sections, sigma sections, and built-up sigma sections was compared. The built-up sigma section has superior performance relative to the single section. Furthermore, finding indicates that the sigma section surpasses the C-section.