Numerical Simulation of Cold–Formed Steel Top–Seat Flange Cleat Connection

Abstract

This paper presents the numerical simulation of cold–formed steel top–seat flange cleat connection in light steel framing. The cold–formed steel channel sections are assembled back–to–back to form I–shaped beam and column members. Angle sections are used to connect the beam to column with the profile of top–seat flange cleat connection. Numerical models are developed to predict the moment–rotation behaviour of such joint profile. Verification of numerical model with Eurocode 3 is carried out for solving mathematical problems, whereas validation with experimental results is done to investigate the physical uncertainties such as errors removal and uncertainties evaluation. Convergence study is carried out from the perspectives of geometry and meshing in order to optimise the developed finite element models. The result indicated that finite element analysis is suitable for the structural analysis on cold–formed steel top-seat flange cleat connection.